Planning Your Wedding

Getting married may be one of the most exciting and important days of your life. The wedding day itself will be remembered for years to come – and we have some ideas to help you plan the perfect day!

Venue
When picking the right venue for the event you first need a good idea of how many people will be attending. Once you have decided on a larger crowd or a smaller, more intimate affair, then the search for the perfect locale can begin. You will need to know if the venue is simply offering the space and if you are expected to organize your own caterers, chairs, linens, etc. Once you know these details you can start to think about things like a colour scheme; pick something that suits the surroundings of the venue you have chosen – it will make your decorating much easier. Visit the venue and explore, look at locations suitable for wedding photos, bearing in mind the time of day the photos will be taken. If some of your guests are from out of town, do the research to find out if there is suitable accommodation for them at the venue, or nearby.

Dressing the Bridal Party
Naturally you will want to choose a wedding dress that makes you feel like the bride you have dreamed of being, and don’t forget about comfort along with style. Keep in mind the venue, and colours of the venue when dressing the bridal party.

Proper fit is important so be sure to trust someone well qualified with your alterations. IF you are looking to shed pounds before the wedding, there are any great programs available. Set yourself up for success by starting early and sticking to a plan.

Food and Catering
Once you know what your venue offers as far as facilities, you can begin planning the food you will serve your guests. Some questions to consider are: What style of service do you want (buffet, family style or served)? Do you need us to provide dessert? Late night snack food? Are you planning a meal – or perhaps just pass hors d’oeuvres. Caterers have access to fresh ingredients and often come prepared with all the equipment and staff they need, taking the headache of rentals out of your day.

Another option is choosing a personal Chef to handle your catering needs for you. This allows you to have a skilled Chef create a menu based on your desires and give advice on your catering needs.

Flowers
Choosing flowers does depend on personal taste, but consider what is in season at the time of your wedding. Many florals can be sourced locally if in season, and are easier on the pocketbook if they are not special order. It is helpful to have an experienced florist help you make this decision. Don’t forget the throwaway bouquet if you are planning on a bouquet toss, and a garter for the garter toss as well!

Professional Planning
It might be less stressful to hire a professional planner to organize your day for you. If you choose someone with years of experience they will think of every potential hiccup

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that could take place and help avoid those pitfalls. A wedding planner can help with every aspect of the event, from invitations, to advising on colour schemes, co-ordinating rehearsals, advice on which cake to choose and which style and decor you are going to go with. It is also invaluable to have someone to deal with ‘the day-of’ last-minute details so you as the bride can relax, knowing that everything is looked after.

How to Hire the Perfect Wedding Celebrant
Celebrants come with set ceremonies or ideas to create one that is unique. It is lovely when you can add segments that reflect your values and joy. Some parts of the service are required to make it legal and you must use a legally registered celebrant with the Province of Ontario. You want professionalism and you want friendliness. Check what is covered in the price of the celebrant.  Do they meet up with you beforehand? Are they available for questions? Are they happy to conduct an outside ceremony? How much time is available on the wedding day? By: Hermione Rivision, www.hermionerivison.ca 705 742 0367 or 705 750 8429

Limos & Cars
Do you need transportation? Hiring a service to look after getting everyone from point A to point B is important. Read reviews – you want to be there on time. You should have a handle on numbers in advance – do you need to transport just the wedding party, or are you looking for a guest shuttle service, too?  You can rent various sizes of vehicle, anything from a 6-seater sedan, formal limo or classic car, all the way up to a coach limo bus or school bus, depending on what your guests and your needs are.

Disc Jockey Services
Choosing the right DJ is important – it really sets the tone for the event. Pick someone who will play music that suits you as a couple. Ask if the DJ is willing to work with you – allowing you to add your own songs, and assisting with lighting and audio. Remember to ask if they are willing to cover your ceremony as well as your reception – if you need them for both; this is also a great way to make use of AV equipment if you are having an outdoor ceremony with no access to equipment of your own.

Photography
This is such an important part of the day! These are the moments you will be reflecting on for the rest of your life; you definitely want the photos to capture and reflect the feelings you had on your special day and you need someone who will take the time to listen to your wishes. Pick someone by researching their portfolios, with so many different styles you want someone who is willing to take the photos you want. Always take the time to meet the photographer beforehand and plan photos by showing samples of shots you have seen and like.