If you read our Pinterest wedding primer but are still waiting for an invite to register for the site or if you just plain don’t have time to scroll through endless rows of images these roundups are for you. Each week we’ll show you our top 10 Pinterest picks, from the most popular wedding photo posts to the most unique and quirky finds — basically all the best stuff you may have missed. Consider this the busy bride’s Coles Notes for navigating the world’s biggest online inspiration board.

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.

If you’re looking to add an element of whimsy to your wedding forgo traditional floral arrangements and centrepieces and opt for balloon bouquets in your wedding colours. Use coloured balloons in place of bridal party bouquets and adorn each table with a unique bunch of balloons for a budget-friendly floral alternative. For playful photo-ops, include balloons in your engagement and post-ceremony photo shoots or have guests release balloons as you come out of your ceremony venue. If your reception venue lacks ceiling decor, let elegant balloons float up and have the strings hang down for a light and airy environment.

Scrapbooking is so 2009. This year it’s all about Pinterest. What is Pinterest? Just the hottest website of 2012, according to CNN. This virtual bulletin board lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web and for that reason it’s an absolutely invaluable tool for wedding-planning. Get ready to toss all those tear-outs cluttering up your apartment and that bulky binder you’ve been stashing ideas in since before he proposed. We’re going to show you how to get completely organized (and inspired!) using this amazing website.

Photo courtesy of The Loft Hotel

After selecting a date, one of the first steps you’ll take in the planning of your wedding is choosing a venue. We asked Laura Atendido and Kelly Spinelli of Laura Kelly Wedding Designs and Rich Bride, Poor Bride about the details brides often overlook when selecting a venue and they helped us come up with the following five tips for securing your ideal location.

Uncover Hidden Expenses
Gratuities, lighting, audio and sometimes even cake cutting are all costs that can often be left out of a venue’s standard fee. For a more realistic price, Atendido and Spinelli say brides should ask for a quote that includes all possible add-ons. That way, hidden expenses won’t mess with your wedding budget later on in the planning process.

Cut Costs Creatively
Chances are a venue will probably be one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding. And if you’re on a tight budget, you might be wondering how you can lessen the blow. Atendido and Spinelli  say there are ways of saving without sacrificing the quality of your venue, like asking if the venue can provide a consumption bar during dinner hours instead of an open bar. “This means the bar will be kept open during dinner but you are only paying for the drinks ordered,” says Atendido. Another sneaky way to cut costs is to omit a late night snack by choosing to serve your wedding cake instead.

Do Your Homework
Just like writing a test, the entire location selection process will be easier if you know your stuff. It might seem obvious, but before even visiting a venue you should read reviews, visit the website of each site you’re considering and request a wedding package with rates specific to your big day. And even if you have your heart set on a certain spot, Atendido and Spinelli suggest visiting at least five or six venues before making your final selection.

Ask And You Shall Receive
Though the base price of a site will usually have very little wiggle room, it’s advisable to at least try to negotiate your way into a deal that works for you and your budget. Food and beverage upgrades and a better payment plan are all options that can be negotiated. Atendido and Spinelli say brides would be surprised by the amount of positive responses they can get just by asking. But the pair also says you should always remember to “do your negotiations before you sign on the dotted line.” After the contract is signed, you’ll have significantly less leverage.

Details, Details, Details
When you fall in love with a space, it’s easy to overlook details and forget to pin down the specifics. While base fees and capacity are something you’ll initially inquire about, there are also a lot of intricate details that come along with choosing a venue. Atendido and Spinelli say brides should absolutely ask about server to guest ratios, handicap accessibility, whether or not there will be complimentary tastings and when you will be able to set up for your big day. As well, you should be clear about the rules. Some venues might require you to use in-house rental companies, follow a certain payment plan or have a minimum amount for revenue or number of guests.

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:

We’ve seen tiny cakes of every description captured in the real weddings that we feature each day, so we thought it only fitting to show you some of the most outstanding sweet creations from across the country. From colourful cakes atop vintage plates to all-white motifs adorned with flowers, we’re sure this selection of cupcake displays from some of Canada’s top confectioners will help you decide on the perfect dessert for your celebration.

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: