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, Canada — 778-999-2243
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, Canada — 403-680-2320
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
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, Canada — 1-866-727-8950
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
of Canada, Alberta —
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 — 519-578-8222
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. Think fresh colours of spring or muted colours of autumn for warm skin and faded summer flowers or frosted icey tones for cool skin.
Contributed by The Colours & Esthetics Studio
of Hamilton, Canada — 905-529-0996
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 pay off!
Contributed by Studio 1948
of Ottawa, Canada — 613-440-1948
Forget Wedding Planning Books?
Planning doesn't have to be expensive when you have modern technology. Many websites offer printable wedding checklists, timelines & count downs for FREE. Save your money and download the printable pages into a nice binder that you can decorate yourself.
Contributed by
of Langley, Canada V3A 9L4 —
When to mail your invitations
Wedding invitations should be mailed out 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. Be sure to order early.
Contributed by The Invitation Studio
of windsor, USA — 519-562-1944
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 —
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, NB, Canada E1N 3A8 — 506-778-8016
Wedding Hair Tip
Washing your hair the day before the wedding will make it easier for your hairstylist to control.
Contributed by Brides Etc.
of Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6C 3X5 —
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 www.lovelyweddingdetails.com
of Richmond Hill, Canada — 416-930-0921
Timing is (Almost) Everything!
I often get an email from couples about a month or so before the wedding, and it describes the timing of the day. By this time it is often too late, or at least a real bother, to change things. Why not use the experience of your vendors to assist you in all of the timing for the events of the day.
Contributed by David Briggs Photography
of Guelph, Canada N1K1W4 — 519-837-4804
Wedding Favor Presentation Tip
Wedding favor presentation, as well as the favor itself, should reflect you as a couple. Thoughtfulness and creativity can speak volumes. A fun idea for setting out your favors is to hang them from each guest's chair. This is a unique way of showcasing your favors and a great way to dress up those reception chairs.
Contributed by The Favour Shoppe
of Newmarket, Canada L3X 2A7 — 416-554-5257
Wedding Photographers with Personality!
On your wedding day, you should be surrounded by people you enjoy, including your photographer. It helps if you've already done an engagement session with the photographer and are comfortable with their style but, if not, make sure that their personality is a good match to yours!
Contributed by At The End Of My Lens
of Toronto, Canada — 416-333-2850
Prepare for Rainy Day Weddings
The weather is one of the few things you cannot arrange for your wedding. Make sure that you, your photographer or your wedding planner have some color coordinating umbrellas available. They'll make for extraordinary wedding photographs!
Contributed by
of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2Z 0R8 —
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 —
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.
Contributed by Tan Envy Canada
of New Sarepta, Canada T0B3M0 — 780-951-1526