At a recent wedding, we were captivated by a marvelous idea, just after the ceremony and prior to the wedding meal. The main foyer of the reception venue, which was adjacent to the room where the ceremony took place, was set up with a marvelous array of aromatic flat breads, tapas, artisian breads, big challahs, fresh hard Italian rolls, olives, roasted red peppers and assorted condiments, and, all varieties of delectable paté and cold meats. Coupled with copious quantities of selected, premium bottles of vodka , this was the perfect hors d’ouevres to keep hunger at bay for the guests, while the bride, groom and the wedding party were off taking pictures with their photographer. It was also an ice breaker for all the guests who had not yet met. Standing around this mouth- watering array of appetizers, people had an opportunity to mingle and meet around the wonderful, wicker baskets and ceramic pottery bowls of dips that made this presentation so very innovative and beautiful to both smell as well as look at. There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh-baked bread.
It was a perfect preamble to the reception; an opportunity to break bread togehter as invited guests and, it served as a natural break between the upcoming events- a great way to reconnect with the people we knew, before venturing to our assigned seating.
When you are planning your wedding, your guests comfort is primary as you follow your schedule as the bride and groom, picture -taking, freshening up and catching your breath with your wedding party.
By providing a talking-piece for food and drink, you are both feeding and entertaining your family and friends in a unique way and offering them some sustenance at the same time.
Consider this emerging trend and I’ll guaranteeyou that it will be a veritable hit with everyone.Once everyone was ready to assemble in the main dining room, friendships had been struck and the feeling of not knowing anyone was completely forgotten. Everyone came together in a natural and not awkward way as they moved into the main hall for the wedding meal.
It set the tone for a very comfortable and happy reception, filled with the upbeat energy of the invited guests; all ready to celebrate the continuation of the evening.
Your engagement has been announced and there’s wedding planning ahead of you. Your excitement is in high gear and it’s your day! Make it truly special.
An elegant and lively evening is how most newlyweds hope their reception is remembered. With a team of quality professionals; from planner to photographer, baker to florist- you’ll enjoy the stress-free, fantastic event you always hoped for.
The most vital thing for the “team” is to treat your wedding as a one-of-a-kind. Once they understand what you’re visualizing and with your direction and trust in them, they are certain to deliver ideas you never dreamed of. The devil’s in the details so make sure you don’t overlook things that take your wedding day from standard to savvy!
Once you sit down and have a clear understanding of your budget and your expectations; the party details of your reception are in full swing.

Decorating your wedding reception site will clearly reflect your taste and theme for your special day. Start with a blank canvas and you will be able to translate any idea that you may want to use, into reality. Talk together, at length about the interests you and your fiancé have in common, or theme it to where you met or were engaged.

There are many excellent design companies in Windsor and area that can make your dream come true. Speaking with a professional and relating your ideas will guarantee a day like you have dreamed about.

Make sure that all the elements are coordinated, from your invitations to your chair covers. by theme or just coordinate your colours or season of your wedding, to make the room come together in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
In this day of signature style wedding, remember to include lighting for a special blend of ambiance. It changes the mood in areas of your venue that make a more intimate setting. Lights are garnering more attention than ever before because of the mood modifications that they can make.
The Wedding Guide loves a great looking party and if you have done something unique and that speaks to being noticed, please contact us with a picture and we will share it with all of our brides.
Introducing Suite Sweets BY DESIGN
 Sweet Suites BY DESIGN
The reception is over; the day was beautiful and the open road to the future looms ahead for the newlywed couple. Where they chose to stay their first night of marriage is so very important. It will set the stage for life-long memories worth remembering and cherishing.
Décor ideas for this room, whether it be a hotel suite or their own home doesn’t matter if it is done elegantly and sensually. Connie Day, of Sweet Suites BY DESIGN has the winning formula for making memories and setting the stage for a beautiful wedding night. It is something that comes naturally to her and she loves the indulgence and the pampering her services provides to the bride and groom.
Day believes that the room is not complete without colour coordinating to the walls, with special linens, flowers and fragrance. Another important ingredient is the lighting, which should be warm and romantic. This can be done with lamps and candles. For safety concerns and the lateness of the hour, it is wise to use electric or battery-operated candles.
Connie loves flowers and her use of them is done impressively throughout the room right into the powder room where you’ll find rose petals in the bath and bouquets on the countertop. Adorned with candles for a romantic feel, this boudoir is a beautiful bridal room with loads of appeal.
Stocking the room with some nicely presented comestibles such as chocolate, the couple’s favourite beverages and some cookies and fruit will add to the focal point of all the lovely, staged touches.
Wedding room decorating is a wonderful gift for the newlyweds and something that can be done by someone familiar with their tastes.
Connie is also available to set the stage for an engagement or any of life’s perfect moments. She is a true memory-maker and loves her job of making venues feel comfortable and appealing.
If you are thinking about this service for yourself or as a beautiful gift, contact Connie Day for a consultation. She can be reached at info@sweetsuitesbydesign.com or 519-735-3963. suitesuitesbydesign.com
Brides are re-adjusting their expections, but not their total budget. This is the message that I keep reading about wedding trends. In spite of economics, couples are taking a hard look at the things that they want and the “frills”, and deciding on the style of their special day.
If the reception is the important hot button for them, they will reduce the guest list, but not the menu items. There is a refusal to compromise on what they feel is important. So bring on the bruschetta bar, the appetizers and a beautiful meal and hold on other items, sometimes viewed as superfluous, depending on the couple involved.
Some couple are so focused on a particular item, that they will forgo the favours, the fancy invitations and the bridal cake for an outdoor tented affair or a vineyard wedding. Conformity is out and individual style is definitely in.
What makes today’s weddings uniquely different is that they don’t follow the traditional template of their parents’ wedding day of year’s gone by.
Almost anything goes and each wedding is personalized with the bride and groom’s fingerprint.
You’ll find martini, dessert and sushi bars, ice cream and expresso carts, caricature artists and more at today’s celebrations. A wedding invitation is a glimpse into the beautiful day that they have so lovingly planned.
Big weddings, intimate weddings, beach weddings and unique weddings; whatever venue is chosen, speaks loudly to the couple and their lifestyle, and it’s adding flair and fun to a wedding invitation.
Bridal season is beginning now, and with it, an adventure in the extraordinary, as couples continue the tradition, but do it their unique way!
A Time to Celebrate
 Chalet Studio Photography, Windsor, ON.
When Mom and Dad got married in the ’50’s, it was likely in the front parlor of her home or the church or synagogue that the family worshiped in. While things have changed dramatically in how marriages occur, your selection of a location for your special day is still very personal and sets the tone for your entire wedding day.
Inside or outside, in the country or out of the country, or on a sandy beach; these considerations all contribute to the final outcome of the day.
Where your wedding will be is only second in importance only to your choice of spouse. The place or places you select will make all the difference. Your Wedding Day mood will be filtered through the ambiance of your locale. The backdrop for your photos and video are impacted by the surroundings you select. Choose wisely.
It is imperative that you are realistic with your budget and that you stick to it. Once you decide where your reception will be held, you’ll need to decide whether you want a special theme, or if you just want a classy, well- coordinated and elegant look.
The wedding reception will be the first time you receive your relatives and friends as a married couple. It will be one of the most joyous parties that you and your spouse will ever host.
The reception may be simple, or it can encompass a full-course dinner and dance. If the guest list is small, consider a sit-down meal, but larger parties are better-served buffet style or with food stations set-up throughout the room.
Because your reception can be held nearly anywhere, your first consideration in choosing a site is accommodating the number of people you are inviting. Your may want to rent a hall, a hotel ballroom, a country club, or even a yacht. Vineyards and old railroad stations are also becoming popular venues. Today’s couples are inventive and are thinking about their personalities when planning a venue. They are seeking uniqueness as well as a comfortable environment.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, ON
If you’re being married in a season and locale like southwestern Ontario, which is noted for good, reliable weather six months of the year, there may be a lovely garden, historical mansion, outdoor stadium or arboretum available.With some creativeness and innovation, your wedding will be a memorable and beautiful celebration; one that all your invited guests will long remember!
Once you have decided on the number of guests that you are inviting, you are ready to begin interviewing reception sites and caterers. Remember that the services of a professional banquet facility or caterer can enhance and expedite the planning of your reception. Reserve your spot well in advance and promptly pay any necessary deposit.
Visit the reception site and map out how you’d like it to be arranged. If you opt for a receiving line, plan where the guests will be entering the room and decide also whether the line will be formal or semi-formal.
At a sit-down dinner, the order of service should be; bride, groom, maid of honour, other attendants, parent, and guests. Once all have been served, the best man presents the traditional toast to the married couple.
If you are cutting a cake, it comes after dinner. The couple cuts the first slice and shares it. Then, the caterer finishes serving, while the newlyweds visit with their guests. Before the bride and groom leave, the bride may toss the bouquet, while the groom may fling his bride’s garter. It all depends all the couple and their wishes.
Finally, you and your groom leave the reception for your honeymoon or a few nights away from your normal routine. As you leave, your family and friends will send you off with their best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness in your new life together.
Remember that the most magnificent receptions are brought to life with the kind of creative planning afforded by an organized agenda, with the collaboration of bride, groom, and several key vendors. Set the stage for a successful celebration with a well-thought-out plan of action.
*For more bridal planning information: info@theweddingguide.ca
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