from across Canada to inspire you.
All posts under ‘reception’
Whether you’re opting for a signature cocktail or a selection of favourite drinks, straws and stir sticks add a twirly twist to your wedding decor. Customize individual sticks so guests can keep track of their drinks or accessorize with a sparkly touch to your glassware. Here are a few of our favourite sweet drink accessories.
Let your cocktails sparkle with custom stir sticks made from cupcake liners. The foil liners we used come in a variety of colours so you can match your drink decorations to your wedding palette.
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.
Having an overall theme for your wedding can help all the other small details take shape, but it’s a big decision—one that’s not always easy to make. Are you struggling with the notion of a dream scheme? Read on for some inspiring ideas that will put you on the path to party planning success!
1. Choose a favourite place.
A location that’s dear to your heart is a wonderful starting point. Did he propose on the beach in Mexico? Why not throw a fabulous fiesta complete with a tequila bar, tasty Mexican feast and colourful, kitschy decor? (See above for an example!) Have you always wanted to visit Morocco? Consider throwing a party dedicated to your dream destination. Transform an outdoor space with tents draped in luxurious fabric and adorned with ornate lanterns.
2. Pick a book you love.
Have you read Gone with the Wind more times than you can count? Get inspired by this iconic novel and host a wedding reception with an emphasis on Southern elegance. Wear a voluminous ballgown (it doesn’t have to be made of curtains!), and give your bridesmaids delicate parasols to carry. Are you obsessed with The Great Gatsby? An ornate Art Deco theme can inspire everything from your invitations to your cake to your bridal party’s ensembles.
3. Choose your favourite era.
Plan a party with retro flair—your guests will love playing dressup and feeling as though they’ve been transported to a bygone era. Do you adore the 1950s? Consider renting a jukebox and hosting a good old-fashioned sock hop! Do you love the 1960s? Let Mad Men inspire your big day. Serve some classy cocktails, wear an adorable minidress and ride off into the sunset on a scooter!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spring & More dream dresses, real weddings, beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas from our Spring & Summer 2012 issue.
Photos From Bridal Fashion Week: Anoushka G Spring 2013 Posted 05.25.12
Photos From Bridal Fashion Week: Alan Hannah Spring 2013 Posted 05.25.12
15 Cool Invitations You Need to See Posted 05.25.12
15 Stunning Bouquets from Bridal Fashion Week Posted 05.25.12
A Modern Black And White Wedding In Ottawa Posted 05.25.12
