Consider the Guest List When Booking a Venue
When planning a wedding, do your best to reserve a location that can accommodate your full guest list. Far too often couples book their wedding venue based on what they guess their RSVP number will be. This can cause significant problems if more people RSVP than what the venue can comfortably handle.
Contributed by Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa
of Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6 — 250-495-5445
Plan the Wedding Day Details!
Take time to talk through your whole wedding day with your fiance. Ensure the timing will work and make a checklist of jobs/projects/errands. If you cannot personally address these errands, then be sure to delegate to other willing parties. Consider a day-of wedding planner if friends and family cannot be available.
Contributed by Leave the Details to Me...
of Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H6 — 905-220-9239
Wedding Favor Tips
Before purchasing any favors, please take into consideration, your location, style and theme of your event. A formal affair at an exquisite hall may require a more elegant favor, where as wedding fans are a great idea for that outdoor wedding.
Contributed by The Favour Shoppe
of Newmarket, Ontario L3X 2A7 — 416-554-5257
Avoid Bridal Burnout
You wake up in a sweat, thinking about all those envelopes you have to stuff. Your head starts pounding when your mother-in-law-to-be asks if she can invite three more guests. The news that the bridesmaid gowns still aren't ready. and this is the fourth time you've called. brings on tears. Are you
Contributed by
of Sudbury, Canada — (705)920-1618
Don't Forget to Eat!
Often, the bride and groom are so focused on taking care of their guests and all of the wedding details, they forget to eat. It's not uncommon for 4 hours to pass quickly when you're busy! Be sure to plan on eating a light, but healthy, breakfast and to have a snack and beverage available for you and your wedding party if there will be many hours before the reception meal is served.
Contributed by Don Epp Photography
of Coquitlam, British Columbia V3B 4H4 — 778-999-2243
Beautiful Flowers on a Budget
Check your local hospitals for floral design. Most of them have qualified florists and you will save loads while the money goes towards something good, like patient care.
Contributed by Jolie Papeterie Boutique
of Burlington, Canada — 905-220-0979
Winter Wedding Tip!
Planning a winter Wedding? Real flowers die in sub zero temeperatures and must be wrapped - even in the jaunt from the car. Fake flowers are a tried and true, but why not try this growing trend? Origami boquets. Unique, made to order, you can have custom-made origami table center pieces to match!
Contributed by City Lights Photography
of Kitchener, Canada n3s 4g8 — 226-929-7518
Gorgeous Glow for Your Special Day
Spray Tanning is a healthy alternative to UV Beds and can give you that desired glow for your wedding day in one application. Save time and your skin by choosing spray tanning over sunning yourself on the beach or in tanning beds. be sure to try this option well ahead - no surprises!
Contributed by Tan Envy Canada
of Beaumont, Alberta T0B3M0 — 780-951-1526
Worried About Buying Wedding Gowns Online?
Stress during wedding planning could cause weight loss or gain. Consider the advantage of buying a gown from a local bridal shop which offers alterations for brides who may change sizes during the time after the dress is ordered until the wedding day.
Contributed by Absolute Whites
of Ancaster, Ontario L9G 0A5 — 905.308.5641
Love Your Wedding Photographer!
Meeting with your potential wedding photographer is a must. You and the photographer should be interviewing each other to make sure you're a good fit. Comfort and mutual cooperation is key. Don't get all stressed out just relax and make it fun! You should really love your wedding photographer.
Linda
Contributed by Kap-chers Photography
of Calgary, Canada T3A 1A3 — 403-613-0979
Wedding Day Family Portraits
Be sure to send your wedding photographer a list of expected family group shots to be taken so that no one is missing from the wedding portraits. Have an attendant or close relative carry the list to the wedding.
Contributed by Captured Soul Photography
of Kitchener, Ontario N2A 0A1 — 519-578-8222
Put Your Best (Wedding Dance) Foot Forward!
Choose a first dance song and start learning the wedding dance choreography as soon as possible for the most polished first dance as husband and wife. Allow 3-4 months when signing up for wedding dance lessons.
Contributed by Dance Art Studio
of Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1G9 — 416-878-4443
Improve your look!
Digital photography is not very forgiving (unless you use PhotoShop), so any kind of shine on your face will show. Make sure that you (or someone in your wedding party) brings face powder to touch up your face throughout the day, so that you will look stunning all day in your photos.
Contributed by Black Lamb Photography
of Ottawa, Canada K1Z 1A7 — 613-695-4675
Fresh Baked Wedding Cakes
It is very common for bakeries to use frozen cakes they buy from a supplier. Ask if your cake will be baked fresh and how many days prior to your wedding day. The Difference is night and day for the taste of your cake. Don't be afraid to ask the questions, it's a big purchase!
Contributed by
of St. Catharines, Ontario —
Help Your Florist
When meeting with a potential wedding florist, bring any colour swatches or clips from magazines to show the types of flowers, colours or styles you like. This will help your florist to create bouquets that are perfect for you and better understand your vision!
Contributed by Trillium Floral Designs
of Kanata, Canada K2K2E1 — 613-599-6849
Your First Dance - Make it Your Moment
Some couples are anxious to get the party started. We suggest having you first dance immediately following your Grand Entrance. You already have the attention of your wedding guests. They are standing, clapping and welcoming you as husband and wife. What better time to share your first dance?
Contributed by Party Productions DJ Service
of Waterford, Ontario N0E 1YO — 519-909-9145
Saving money
You can talk to a wedding planner that offers free consultations to discuss how to save money and how to find the right vendors and venues that are perfect for your dream wedding and very affordable!
Contributed by P2 Weddings Planning
of Parry Sound, Canada P0C 1K0 —
Avoid Wedding Favor Shortage Disappointments
Hot and popular wedding favors sell out fast. The best time to order your wedding favors is 8-12 months before your wedding date to ensure you're not disappointed.
Contributed by All Occasions Giftware
of Tottenham, Toronto Canada — 1-866-694-0609
Dated Wedding Makeup
You should be able to enjoy your wedding photo forever, so make sure you only use colours that flatter your skin tone for a timelss look. Forget fads during this time. Think fresh colours of spring or muted colours of autumn for warm skin and faded summer flowers or frosted icy tones for cool skin. And, of course, be sure to hire a professional makeup artist in Canada!
Contributed by The Colours & Esthetics Studio
of Hamilton, Canada L8S1L8 — 905-529-0996
Saving Money on Wedding Photographers
You want someone reliable to take your photos, but you can't pay thousands of dollars? Look for photographers who are just starting out - they tend to have lower prices. If you want to hear from other people they have worked with to make sure they will be reliable, ask for references.
Contributed by Ashlee Butler Photography
of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5N8 — 519-878-6628
