from across Canada to inspire you.
Archive for Laura Downs
A well-designed menu card can be a table showstopper, and is a great preview for your guests of the meal to come. After all, by the time the reception starts, they will be eager for some delicious food and drinks. Show off your wedding stationery theme or design and place a card at each setting or incorporate the menus into your centerpieces. These menu cards designs will have your mouth watering for more.
Remember those care-free days of weaving together friendship bracelets at summer camp? The friendship bracelet has made a recent comeback with designers like Marc Jacobs and Aurelie Bidermann incorporating the free-spirited, lanyard style into their jewellery collections. These bracelets would make a perfect gift to show your BFFs and bridesmaids how much you care.
There’s something about hearty comfort food that just makes people feel at ease. Perhaps it’s your mom’s cookies straight from the oven, your grandmother’s homemade pies or maybe it’s something familiar and nice, like donuts, ice cream or s’mores. A backyard wedding at home or an outdoor, relaxed reception would be the perfect place to treat your guests to some of these homespun desserts.
Spring is just around the corner (or so we hope) and so is the promise of warmth, light and flowers in bloom. Evoke spring colours into your wedding with soft pastels in pink, peach, lavender and light blue for a light, airy and romantic feel. Whether you’re going for classic elegance, vintage charm or tea-party regal, we have some pretty pastel inspiration that will leave you swooning.
Photo courtesy of Ikonica Photography
The Master of Ceremonies (MC or emcee) is the host of your wedding and should make sure everyone is having a good time. A good MC is more than someone who is good at public speaking or can tell a few jokes. They should make sure everything runs smoothly and introduce each person who is speaking, as well as important events. We asked Michael Coombs of Toronto-based Michael Coombs Entertainment for five things every MC should know:
1. Be organized
Have everything written down in advance and know exactly what you’re going to say. Make sure you have the correct names and information and a detailed timeline. The MC says opening remarks (not a long speech) and introduces all of the key players of the wedding. “A good MC is organized, responsible and can take instructions well,” says Coombs. “It’s about the bride and groom and not about the MC’s fifteen minutes of fame.”
2. Know what’s going on (and make sure everyone else knows too)
One of the essential roles of the MC is to work with the vendors so everyone knows what’s going on. “It’s very important to know the flow of the evening and make sure everyone is ready for his or her cues,” he says. “The MC is there to lead the audience and have them know what’s happening next.” They should make sure everything is running on time and that the DJ, photographer and vendors are cued to capture key moments.
3. Do your homework
Coombs suggests watching major award shows, like the Grammys, or looking to talk show hosts for ideas. “These people know what they’re doing. You can see everything is short, scripted and to the point,” he says. The most important thing is to be prepared. Meet with the bride and groom beforehand to discuss details and what kind of role they see the MC playing. “There will still be some surprises on the day, but there should be a program or itinerary in place to make sure everything runs smoothly,” he says.
4. Add some emotion and special touches
Interview each speaker beforehand. Ask them how they know the couple or for a special memory you can tell before you introduce them. “The wedding is about emotion and these special moments and this makes it so much more fun,” says Coombs. “It’s a celebration of two people coming together, so you should put emotion into introducing key people.” For example, the MC could ask the bride to write a special message or memory about her parents for the MC to read before they are introduced.
5. Be careful with humour
To tell jokes or not to tell jokes? That is the question. Tread lightly when it comes to humour. Make sure jokes are in good taste and do not offend anyone—especially the bride! “Someone with a great personality or a natural storyteller can make a great MC, but nine times out of 10 jokes will bomb,” says Coombs. The goal is to make everyone feel at ease and relaxed without stealing the spotlight.
There’s more to being a groom than showing up and wearing a nice suit. Your groom’s look is as important as yours on the big day, so have a theme in mind when accessorizing and styling the groom and groomsmen. Whether it’s a classic touch, like cufflinks and a silk tie, or something bolder, like suspenders and striped socks, we have a few ideas to have your husband-to-be looking his best.
A save-the-date card should reflect your personality and style. It’s also one way to get you inspired for your planning. Whether it has an artistic flair, a cute cartoon or a trendy design, pick a card as fun as you are with these cool and quirky creations:
Your wedding day is already a showcase of your love, but don’t forget about another romantic day on the horizon. There are many things to love about Valentine’s Day: pops of pink and red, candy, chocolates, flowers and of course, celebrating with your special someone. Take some cues from Cupid and add a touch of Valentine’s Day to your wedding with these ideas:
ATTENTION BRIDES! There's still time to lose weight before your special day! Find out more ...
Graydon Hall Manor: Toronto’s most exclusive reception facility – only 4 Saturday’s left in 2010.
