Put Yourself in the Best Light
Avoid the "deer in the headlights" look in your wedding pictures by booking venues that let in lots of natural light. Help the photographer get the best reception shots by choosing a venue that also has light colored ceilings.
Contributed by Shutterbug Photography Vancouver
of Maple Ridge, BC V2W 0C8 — 604-782-0478
The Key To Finding A Great Wedding Officiant in Canada
Your wedding IS the ceremony, so be sure to get the perfect officiant. The number one way you will find a great wedding officiant is if they offer you a free - no strings attached - in person consultation. You need to meet your officiant, hear their voice, see if they are normal or "weird" (yes there are lots of weird ones), and just see if your personalities connect.
Contributed by John Gallo, Wedding Ceremony Officiant
of Toronto, Ontario M9W 3B4 — 416-897-1452
Wedding Dress Bustle Emergency Plan
Have a diaper pin in your emergency kit in case your bustle breaks. Anything smaller won't be strong enough.
Contributed by Absolute Weddings
of Sudbury, Ontario P3E 4G9 — 705-670-9301
Presentation is everything!
To save some money on food for your wedding reception, order the appetizers in platters. Use different sizes of empty cardboard boxes to create different levels on a table and loosely drape a matching table linen on top. This makes everything seem elegant and it looks fantastic!
Contributed by T.S. Weddings & Events
of Toronto, Ontario M3C 2Z3 — 416-939-7481
Wedding Invitation Order Must
Most printers will add a few extra envelopes to your invitation order free of charge but you should still order extras of everything in your suite because if you need more printed later the unit price will be way higher than what you originally paid.
Contributed by We Do Printing
of Cornwall, Ontario K6J 2Z4 — 613-933-7824
Wedding Decorations Made Easy
Cleaning candle wax out of votive holders at the end of the wedding reception is never fun - so when setting out your votive candles, put a teaspoon of water in each and wax will float on it through the night, so it is easy to dispose of the melted wax right out of your holder with no fuss!
Contributed by
of Edmonton, Canada —
Selecting Your Bridal Party
Having a hard time choosing your bridesmaids and groomsmen? Consider including family members (sisters, brothers, close cousins or even parents and stepparents) on both sides since friends can come and go.
Contributed by Blackwood Wedding Planning
of Calgary, Alberta T2X 1V1 — 403-680-2320
Best Wedding Videos
Book your videographer as soon as you get engaged. Waiting too long could diminish the number of good videographers from which to choose. Try not to book less than 2-3 months before the wedding.
Contributed by Video Service
of Brantford, Canada —
Get the Wedding Photography You Want
Want to maximize your photography coverage on your wedding day? Make a list of must have photography including wedding guests, pets, location and present to your photographer before the wedding. Also give the list to a close friend or relative and ask them to go over it with your photographer once in a while to be sure you're getting everyone and everything documented.
Contributed by Photography by Rodrigo
of Toronto, Ontario M6B 1B1 — 888-763-5170
Great Gift Idea for Bride, Groom and Bridal Party
A great gift idea for your Best Man and Maid of Honour is a small miniflip/HD video camera (Kodak, Sony, etc). Given prior to the wedding, it will ensure that great moments during the wedding planning and on the wedding day can be captured on video. You and your wedding videographer will love the extra footage.
Contributed by Pinto Pony Productions
of Toronto, Ontario M5B 2R3 — 416-877-3984
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 photogrpaher...
Linda
Contributed by Kap-chers Photography
of Calgary, Canada T3A 1A3 — 403-613-0979
Taste That Wedding Cake
Visit the bakery to taste the wedding cake - or the cupcake if that is the case. The cake may look fabulous but it should taste good too. If the baker doesn't offer cake tasting, move on. Don't get stuck with leftover wedding cake that nobody wants to eat.
Contributed by Skystone Weddings
of Surrey, British Columbia V3S 8Z8 — 604-617-948
The Best Wedding Speech
A speech or toast should be brief - from 3-5 minutes in length. Start with a personal reflection or anecdote. How the bride and groom met is always a favourite. You can also use humour or a quote to get the speech or toast started.
Contributed by Posh Productions
of Alberta, Canada —
Look Fantastic in your Wedding Photos!
The best thing you can do to look great in your wedding photos is to trust your wedding photographer! Be adventurous and go a little outside of your comfort zone. A professional will always have your best interest at heart and can play up your best features. A sense of fun will show up in the finished product giving you lasting, real memories of how you looked and felt on your wedding day.
Contributed by Studio 1948
of Ottawa, Ontario K2J 4L4 — 613-440-1948
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
Sopping for a Bridal Tiara? Consider This
Your tiara should be lightweight. You don't want to wear something on your head all day that is heavy, puts indentations in your hairstyle or makes you feel as though you can't move because it will shift. An ideal tiara is lightweight and stays put. Try it on well before the wedding to be sure it's comfy!
Contributed by Lovely Wedding Details
of Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 0E6 — 416-930-0921
Don't Forget the Bridal Party Gifts
Recognizing the people who have helped you through all the wedding planning is important and often left until the last minute. Personalized gifts add the extra touch the makes the recipient feel special and recognized. Be sure to plan and buy early.
Contributed by Creative Indulgence
of London, Canada N5W 0A2 —
Wedding Hair Tip
Washing your hair the day before the wedding, rather than day of, will make it easier for your hairstylist to control. Don't use styling products the day before.
Contributed by Brides Etc.
of Toronto, Ontario M6C 3X5 — 647-222-6427
Making a Statement with Colour
If you want to add interest and punch to your wedding decor, add a strong colour accent to your table settings. For recepotion decorations with sophistication and style, begin with plain white tablecloths and chair covers, adding a strong contrast of deep red or black in your chair sashes and napkins.
Contributed by The Perfect Day Miramichi
of Napan, New Brunswick E1N 3A8 — 506-778-8016
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
