Have an Unforgettable Wedding

“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.

 

 

August 21st, 2011

Wedding Planning Something Old Something New

On the day of your wedding, someone is going to ask you if you have remembered :

” Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

It’s an easy tradition to fulfill,  so why not? Some brides take care of the entire situation by tucking two hankies into their small clutch bags; a blue one borrowed from grandmother or mother and another one borrowed white.

Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

However, if the tradition interests you, take time to coordinate some  meaningful items on this special day! Look closely at your grandparents’ or your parents’ wedding photographs. Chances are your mother and grandmothers were wearing jewellery  such as a pin, cameo, pendant, earrings, pearls or a vintage veil. These keepsakes may be tucked away in a special place (perhaps even wrapped in that blue lace-trimmed handkerchief); what an honour to have them included in your wedding finery!

Perhaps you’ll be carrying on a family tradition that started generations ago and it will provide a sweet touch to your day.

If carrying family keepsakes is not your style, consider a contemporary solution. Choose something old, perhaps from your childhood, or a memento from your first date. Borrow the jewellery or other sentimental items from your best friend. A blue ribbon can always be part of your garter, if you choose to uphold that tradition.  It’s pretty simple- and you will be creating your own special sentiments.

One bride I recently read about, asked all her special “guests”  to all wear blue to her wedding. At the reception, they all were introduced as valued “old” friends and were easily distinguishable from everyone else!

 

July 21st, 2011

Wedding Planning, Windsor Ontario How to Choose a Florist

 

Flowers will play an important role in making your wedding day an event to remember. You will visit more than one bridal salon and certainly try on more than one style of dress while looking for your wedding gown. Selecting your florist and flowers deserves the same attention.

When choosing a florist, look for a wedding specialist. Your florist should insist on a picture (or description) of your gown, your attendants’ dresses, as well as a fabric swatch of your colour theme. The florist, having seen the picture or sketches of the gowns, hould be able to recommend a suitable size and shape of bouquet that will not interfere with the detailing of the gowns. Remember; a bouquet should enhance the gowns, not overpower them.

Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

If a florist “pushes” a particular style on you, ask yourself  if that florist really has your best interests in mind. All too often, such bouquets are common, easily duplicated, and highly profitable for the vendor. At this point, you may wish to consider another florist. The florist who seems to best understand your wishes and with whom you feel the most comfortable, should be the one to win your business.

Also, be aware of the “invisible flower syndrome”; traditionally the bride’s bouquet was composed of white flowers. Unfortunately, a bride carrying a white bouquet and wearing a white gown has paid for an invisible floral accessory. This becomes particularly apparent in wedding photographs. To avoid this, add coloured flowers and/or assorted greens to create a contrast.

July 21st, 2011