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planning

5 Things Every Wedding MC Should Already Know

Posted February 10th, 2012 | 10:27 am | By Laura Downs | No Comments

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.

planning

5 Tips for Picking Your Dream Venue

Posted February 8th, 2012 | 10:00 am | By Savannah Demeter | No Comments

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.

planning

15 Elegant Toile-Inspired Accents for Your Wedding

Posted January 30th, 2012 | 12:00 pm | By Nicole Keen | No Comments

Are you looking to add some European elegance to your celebration? You should definitely consider incorporating toile accents into your decor. Toile refers to a French fabric or pattern (dating back to the 16th century!) that depicts flowers and idyllic scenes of country living. We love the idea of giving this old-fashioned fabric a modern twist on everything from gowns to favours and more.

planning

10 Ways To Work “Mini” Elements Into Your Wedding

Posted January 27th, 2012 | 10:16 am | By Laura Downs | No Comments

When it comes to weddings, some brides go for a “bigger is better” mentality, but with the popularity of French macarons, cake pops and bite-sized snacks, it seems “mini”, or even “micro,” is in right now. Adding tiny elements to your wedding definitely adds a cute factor and could also potentially be beneficial for miniature budgets.

planning

8 Special Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Memories (Other Than Photography)

Posted January 26th, 2012 | 12:00 pm | By Laura Downs | No Comments

Photography Photobolic (photobolic.com).

Your wedding day is a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Most likely it will be captured on film, and in your memory, but there are other ways to have creative keepsakes of your day. Here are a few neat ways to cherish your spectacular celebration:

1. Time capsule
Have a keepsake box at your reception for guests to add mementos, letters or photos, then promise to open it on your first, fifth or tenth wedding anniversary. You could even have guests fill out a questionnaire with predictions of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing during that time. Just don’t be tempted to peek early on!

2. Framing
You’ll probably pick out your favourite wedding photo to hang over your mantel, but why stop there? Frame the lyrics or music of your first dance song, your written vows, a poem from the ceremony or the love notes you gave each other as you were getting ready.

3. Wine bottles
Pick your favourite bottle of wine or champagne and have guests sign it or keep a bottle of table wine to enjoy on your anniversary. You could even have personalized labels or etchings on the bottle, so you remember which one to store (and not drink right away). Ports and vintage wines last 10-20 years, so pick something that will age well and make sure to store it on its side in a dark, cool place.

4. Preserving your dress
Your dress is probably one of the most important things you’ll want to keep, so don’t leave it in a crumpled heap in your closet. Have your dress cleaned right away, so stains don’t set, and take it to a professional gown preserver within a few weeks of the wedding. A preserver will make sure the dress doesn’t yellow or decay by cleaning it properly and placing it in an acid-free box.

5. Drying flowers
Drying your bouquet goes beyond the days of pressing petals into a journal. A professional flower preserver can press or quick-dry flowers using silica gel to store in a frame or dome, or freeze-dry your blooms to keep the whole bouquet in tact. You can also preserve the flowers yourself by hanging them to dry, then make an arrangement with the dry flowers and leaves.

6. Freezing wedding cake
Many couples have adopted the tradition of saving a piece of wedding cake for their first anniversary. Some cakes don’t freeze well, so make sure it will stay tasty by wrapping it properly. Remove any decorations or flowers, then let the cake sit in the fridge for a few hours to chill. Wrap the cake up with plastic wrap so air can’t get in, then place it in a freezer bag or box. If you aren’t keen on frozen cake, consider ordering a replica tier in the same flavour as your cake for your anniversary.

7. Custom wedding art
Hire an artist to paint a custom wedding portrait to hang on your wall. It’s not just limited to a portrait of you and your groom; some artists specialize in bridal bouquet or wedding dress portraits where they create a fine art rendition of your bouquet or dress from a photo you send them.

8. Something blue
Catherine Middleton had a small piece of blue ribbon sewn into her gown for her “something blue.” Embroider your wedding date, initials or monogram into your dress or sew custom labels inside your groom’s tie or your bridal party accessories. You could even get your wedding party to sign the bottom of your shoes in blue. According to some cultural traditions, the bridesmaids are supposed to sign the bottom of the bride’s shoes and after the night is over, the person whose name has faded most will be the next to marry.

planning

8 Fun Ways To Get Techie For Your Wedding Day

Posted January 20th, 2012 | 10:00 am | By Laura Downs | No Comments

Technology has made wedding planning even easier with online apps, tools and websites. But, it’s not just limited to the planning stage. Many couples are using technology to share their wedding moments as they happen with their guests and the online world. Devices like iPads, smart phones and digital cameras are also adding an interactive touch. We’ve compiled 10 of the neatest ways to add technology to your wedding:

1. Stream your wedding live
Skype is a great way to connect with people across the world for cheap. If a loved one can’t make it to the wedding, video call them or have them watch the proceedings online. Many destination-wedding venues also have streaming video capabilities, so you can broadcast your wedding online.

2. Planning apps and websites
Forget excel spreadsheets. There are hundreds of apps out there for download that will let you organize, plan and gather inspiration. From budget tools to music playlist creators to seating charts, you can keep all of your wedding info at your fingertips. One of our favourite online inspiration sites, pinterest.com, lets you “pin” ideas and add them to themed “boards.”

3. QR code invitations
Instead of waiting weeks for an R.S.V.P, let your guests respond instantly with a QR code invitation. QR codes–short for “quick response”–are barcodes that store data and can be read by cell phones. Having one on your invitation can instantly direct guests to your wedding website, maps, directions and even add the date to their calendar. Add a QR code to table number cards and let guests browse online photo albums or videos.

4. Posting your wedding in real time
Instead of turning off their phones during the proceedings, many couples are choosing to keep them on and sometimes use them during the wedding. Some couples have even changed their facebook statuses right at the altar. Others update throughout the day with Twitter or let guests update using a wedding day “hashtag.” A new trend in weddings is designating someone a “tweet of honour” who can post in real time throughout the day.

5. Using iPads
In Denver, Colorado, a bridesmaid couldn’t make it to her best friend’s wedding, so a groomsmen “carried” her down the aisle via an iPad. She got to be a part of the ceremony and even mingle with guests 1,600 miles away. Consider having a “social media” station set up with multiple devices, so guests can update and connect online or use an iPad to display photos or videos at your guest book table. One couple used iPads at the altar to read off their wedding vows.

6. Instant photos with Photobooths
The newest trend in photo booths is instant photos. Vancouver-based Flipbooks offers each guest a photo flipbook of their photo booth pictures, which are printed out in less than a minute. Many other photo booth services offer instant Polaroids or printouts as a keepsake for your guests.

7. Digital guest books
One digital service, Thrilled for You, lets you download a kiosk software program on your computer to let guests record personal wishes. You can also rent a video booth, similar to a photo booth, so guests can record personal messages. Some companies will even compile the raw videos into a montage DVD. Camerarenter.comsends you a box of digital cameras, then compiles all of the photos and videos onto a sharing website.

8. Digital frames
Digital frames are a neat way to display photos at your guestbook table. Companies like 3D Wedding.org can can even create a digital 3D album of your wedding.

planning

19 Unique Chair Signs For Every Wedding Theme

Posted January 18th, 2012 | 2:07 pm | By Bailey Spagat | No Comments

Adorn the chairs at your reception venue with unique signs that show your guests where you and your new hubby will be seated. Instead of choosing a traditional design, go for something that matches your wedding theme. Choose rustic signs made from natural materials for your country wedding or pay tribute to your hobbies by including dye cut signs shaped like items that signify your favourite pasttimes. These fun decor items also make for great keepsakes and perfect photo props.

planning

The Top Wedding Colour Trend For 2012 (And How To Work It Into Your Celebration)

Posted January 10th, 2012 | 10:15 am | By Roseanne Dela Rosa | No Comments

Image via 100 Layer Cake.

If there’s one trend that’s really on our radar this year, it’s definitely ombre. Pronounced ohm-bray–this pretty trend is basically a gradient palette consisting of both light and dark tones. And, when done right, can transform weddings into beautiful eye-catching celebrations. Can’t quite picture the idea? Here are 10 to incorporate this fun theme into your affair.