I cannot reiterate often enough, that in this economy, you need to know who the real wedding professionals are. In this day of ”wannabe” vendors in this industry, there are less than desirable businesses out there that you don’t want to deal with. There are inexperienced and unreliable people and how is the bride supposed to know what is truth and what is fiction?
Ask for references and ask to see a wedding in progress, if that is applicable to the service in question. Ask questions and compare apples to apples. Know what you are contracting for and be confident in your decision, before you commit to a service.
Whenever I hear about or see a bride who has been disappointed, I cringe at the lack of integrity from people who are spoiling the bride’s experience. My advice is that your wedding day is far too important to have it spoiled. Hire people you can trust because you don’t want to risk having your day ruined by someone who is not qualified. Seeing finished pictures, tasting the food, knowing where the flowers originated from, all help you to know who you are dealing with.
The only fireworks you want to have during your wedding are the ones you pay for and enjoy. If a service provider clearly is a hobbyist or you feel any doubt in your mind about them delivering your services- don’t contract them to do any work for you.
Qualified experienced professionals are not hard to find, and at The Wedding Guide, we only deal with reputable businesses, which eliminates those worries for you. But the above advice is still the same, as we all have different expectations.
 Chalet Studio Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel JUST AS YOU WOULD any other legal documents for large items you purchase- such as a car or home- be sure to have a written contract and/or a letter of commitment from each of your wedding services. This is the only way to assure that you and the service provider agree on all details. Include a departure, goods that will be delivered and time of delivery, contracted costs, overtime costs, deposits required, balance due and due date.
If you have a list of details (such as types of flowers in each bouquet or arrangements) or items to be included (like the total number of tuxedos and their sizes that you are renting) amend the contract to include that information. Both you and the service provider should sign and you should both have a copy. The contract should clarify any price increases and clearly state that you will pay the original quoted price.
Since your reception will likely be the most costly item in your wedding budget, that contract should contain the most details. If you are purchasing a wedding “package”, make sure that all those items are specifically listed in the contract, from the exact food items and courses that will be served that evening to the brands of liquor poured at the bar to the style of the service (white-glove, full tuxedo) that will be attending to your guests that evening.
If your reception facility is undergoing a renovation, that should be noted in your contract along with the completion date, as well as any provisions they will make should the renovation not be completed for your day. Any special considerations for your event that are being made by your facility should be noted in your contract. For example, if they are providing table arrangements for you or they are providing an extra bar during the cocktail hour, make sure the contract states that clearly.
Other services such as disc jockey and limousine services should provide times when all events are happening and when and where they will be to service you.
Have someone bring your contracts to the wedding to answer any last minute questions or concerns.
Discuss what beverages you want served at your reception with both families, no matter who will be paying the bill. Ask a liquor store/winery or reception consultant to help you with choices and options. Consider both cost and the number of guests.
You may also want to create a signature cocktail that is unique to your wedding theme. It adds a special touch to your reception, as well as being memorable.
 Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel If your reception facility is furnishing beverages, ask how you will be charged- by the glass, by the bottle or per person.
While champagne is traditionally the festive drink used to toast the bride and groom, wine often serves to complement the wedding meal. Good tasting wines and champagnes come in all price ranges. Buy the best selection that your budget allows.
Hosting a wine tasting party for your attendants is a fun way to choose wedding wines.
Recent surveys indicate that a lot of guests don’t drink alcohol, so offer a selection of non-alcoholic wines, soft drinks and espresso or coffee drinks.
Should you decide to serve your guests cocktails, you can include an open bar before and after dinner. Offer guests their choice of beverages, including local and imported beer and wine.
If you are hosting your party in a private home or space, hire experienced bartenders. You can depend on them to pour standard drinks. Have them track liquor use so that you can account for your bar expense. And, of course, ensure that they are Smart-Serve according to the laws of the province.
If you decide to keep the bar open after dinner, close it at least one hour before guests prepare to leave. Serve coffee and non-alcoholic beverages after that time to ensure everyone goes home safely. Alcohol liability is an important issue, and one way to protect yourself and your guests is to hire a licensed company to provide security. They will oversee any potential problems with alcohol as well as protecting your gifts, including cash from being stolen.
The Groom’s Cake is special way of honouring the groom. It is usually a gift from the bride to the groom, and, traditionally it is a dark cake of both fruits and nuts or soaked in liquor.
The groom’s cake may be presented any time during the wedding celebration, and it is also nice served as a toast to the groom at the rehearsal dinner to be enjoyed and shared in an intimate tribute to the wedding attendants and special guests. Or, serve it at the reception as a second flavour choice of cake for your guests.
Special boxed miniature groom’s cakes are also a nice touch, and make a sweet gift for your attendants. This follows the superstition that a maiden who sleeps with a slice of groom’s cake under her pillow will dream of her future partner.
Tradition also dictates that a bride who keeps a piece of her wedding cake will have a faithful and loving husband.
One of the nicest traditions of all is that of saving part of the wedding cake to share on your first anniversary. Before the advent of the freezer, the groom’s cake was always the cake reserved for this occasion, as the heavy fruit and liquor soaked cakes are preserved and carry a very long shelf life.
Many traditions are focused on the bride. By including a groom’s cake as part of your wedding is a nice way to honour your groom. The cake can be modeled after a hobby, sports, or something that is important to the groom.
The groom’s cake is making a comeback after being popular about 25 years ago. It faded into the background as new customs overtook it, but we’re glad to see it back; stronger than it has been in many decades.
Brides today want their wedding day to be as unique as they are. And this outside the box thinking is setting new trends for savvy brides in 2012. Designers are artfully combining bright colours with staple neutrals: much like an artist would paint a beautiful work of art.
Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top shades for the upcoming season.
Wedding dresses have a lot of lace; a trend we forecasted six months ago. There are ruffles, beading and coloured sashes that are sexy and white is not as popular as soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines.
Styles for gowns are sleek with brides not seeking out the traditional ball gown. Vintage is still strong and there’s no chance of finding their dress duplicated. They make a statement and are stunning in their design.
The venue is still a hot location, with couples seeking old buildings that have been re-purposed such as old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces. Local farms and vineyards provide a rustic charm and the outdoor photo opportunities provide endless opportunities. Wedding environments will be more laid back; bookings with nature settings are popular locations. Beaches, parks, homes and other outdoor settings are also being utilized.
Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and the Royal Wedding provided the fascinator, an edgy, over the top headpiece. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare‐headed in 2012 with everything from glittering tiaras to extra large flowers in contrasting tones.
Shoes, once dyed satin white can now be bold red, purple or blue, peeking out from under that dream dress. Add a feather clip for a touch of fun.
Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centrepieces, catering carts, such as martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands are vying for the bride’s attention. Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests.
Social media is centre stage with computer stations being set‐up for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.
Venues should expect to receive requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Ceremonies will have a steady increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an Officiant.
Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50‐70’s and eco‐friendly are huge. Cakes are bold this year and 2 layered cakes are back with tiers of different heights. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavours and colours.
Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day; it’s a new culture in the industry‐ one that until recently has been entirely female.
The 2012 wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.
Wedding Guide Preferred Vendors are dream‐makers; the go‐to service providers with big shoulders and creative thinking. They can make a wedding come to life with all of the above ideas. This area is cosmopolitan irrespective of its size and anything and everything is possible for the next season bride!
“Joy is not in things; it is in us.” Richard Wagner
I have been to many weddings and receptions. There have ranged from down-home to deluxe, from country to urban. I’ve eaten sandwiches in church basements, and attended receptions where the flowers, champagne and white glove service cost more than my son’s university tuition fees!
 Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel Creating an unforgettable wedding day is possible, regardless of your budget. In Windsor|Essex County, there is an enviable list of vendors; florists, caterers, rentals, musicians, photographers, bakers and more to make your reception as warm and wonderful as you are as a couple. Wedding Guide Vendors love brides and it shows in every thing that they do!
The Wedding Guide is the perfect way to get started on your wedding planning. Your first priority is setting a budget and sticking to it. Once you know how much latitude you have in spending, the rest of the planning will roll out accordingly.
Our wish for you is that you have as much fun planning your celebration as you do on the actual day. The Wedding Guide makes it easy for you to stay organized with a realistic time line for scheduling.
In this, the 21st century, there are many options for you to choose, when you embark on your wedding planning. Be who you are and put your fingerprint on your special day.
So how do you make your reception one your guests won’t forget? It’s all in the details.
Get a feel for your reception site by visiting it during another wedding reception.
Serve food that is appropriate for the time of day and the season.
Mail your invitations early so you know who is attending, 2 weeks before the day.
Have an open bar for your guests and leave out that tip jar.
Have a great Master of Ceremonies who keeps the party moving along well.
Assigned seating is more work for you, but your guests will be more comfortable and appreciate being seated in a grouping of people that they know.
Mix up your music so there is something for all age groups, that are attending.
Keep your gifts locked up in a secure room to avoid theft.
When taking photos after your ceremony, keep the session short. Your guests are eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Your reception will pass by quickly so remember to stop and smell the roses and be in the moment. It is a magical time for you and you don’t want to remember it as a blur.
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