CAKE

SPEND!

The first place that I will ALWAYS tell a couple to splurge on is their photographer.  Be sure to find someone who does offer great deals, flexible packages and most importantly fits your style.  Ask to see portfolio work (or seach for their website before meeting) and ask the photographer what they would describe their style as.  Your pictures will be the most concrete memory you will have years down the road, so don’t be disappointed!

Another place that I advise to splurge a little for is the food.  Your guests will use the food as a conversation piece during dinner courses.  If your guests have to leave during the reception for a bite to eat, they will remember your wedding for the bad food!

Your DJ  will keep your guests entertained while you mingle amongst the crowd.  If the dancefloor is empty, your party will get boring quickly and people might start to leave early.

Flowers can also be a large topic of conversation over the day.  From the bouquets to the centrepeices, you do not want droopy roses before dinner even begins!  Be sure your florist understands what each type of flower can do under certain conditions (outdoor weddings, winter months etc.).

SAVE!

Invitations are something you can definately save money on if you understand the basics of computers.  Look for sales and coupons to help you save even more.  Be sure to use the included ‘test’ sheets before printing in large quantities or you might be left with a stack of mis printed invites!

Live Entertainment.  I know in some cultures it is traditional to have live dancing of some sort.  If you are including some sort of entertainment other then a DJ for your guests, remember this.  The day is long and your guests don’t want to be sitting around watching a show when they would rather be dancing off the meal you just fed them!

Placecards / seating chart / table numbers – This is another category that you can handle yourself.  There is no need to pay someone when you can task this task on a little at a time when your RSVPs start to arrive.

Videographer- I am speaking from experience here!  I hummed and hawed for quite a long time whether or not I wanted to put money into this category.  I am glad I went with my gut instinct and decided against having one.  A family member ended up videographing my wedding and I have watched the DVD once in 4 years. 

The ceremony was held on a private estate in the Southern Californian town of Montecito which started 37 minutes late (but who was counting really?).  Kim walked down the aisle with her step father but, she did take a moment to reflect on her dad wishing he was there to assist.   Kardashian wore a breathtaking gown by the one and only Vera Wang.

The bride and groom kicked off their recpetion with their first dance (Angel sung by Robin Thicke).  Guests were also treated to a performance by Earth, Wind and Fire as well as snacks that included $750,000 worth of caviar, kobe beef burgers and truffles.

Celeb guests that attended the event included Vera Wang, NBA star Carmelo Anothony, Scotty Pippen, Eva Longoria and Lindsay Lohen who conveniently sported the same gown that Pippa Middleton wore to her sisters wedding reception. 

Sources say the reception was shut down early due to noise complaints.  But although the guests were sent home early,

The day started with me picking up the breathtaking flowers from Floral Buds & Decor.  Erik did a fantastic job with all of the bouquets and arrangements for the day.  He even let me know to tell the bride these were the most amazing flowers he has put together in the past few weeks.  I arrived at the hotel to greet the bride, and to my surprise – hair and makeup were done (early) and she was as calm as could be!  She sorted through the boutonniere’s and off I went to see the guys.  Of course, they were ready and eager for the photographer to arrive!

I made my way to the reception site and I was shocked – there was NO POWER !  The manager explained to me this is common for the site because they are outside of town and not to worry becuase it was to be back on by 2pm (when the ceremony at the church was to begin).  The cook and his assistants were busy in the kitchen, preparing everything by candlelight!  I dropped my bags and immediately got to work.  Favor set up, centrepieces, placecards, table numbers, gift table, bathroom baskets, counting seats, checking placesettings.. I was exhausted!

Of course the bride and groom knew nothing of the stresses of the morning!  I returned to the Golf & Country Club following the ceremony and not only did the room look gorgeous, but the lights were on and most importantly so was the air conditioning. 

The day was fillied with smiles, laughs and some tears but everything in the end was pulled together. 

Congratulations again Monique & Paul !!!

Vendors Used for the day (Woodstock & surrounding area)

Wedding Planner – Mosaic Event Planning – Shalyn

Ceremony – Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Reception – Oxford Golf & Country Club (Craigowan) – Adam & Alicia

Photography – Novella Photography -Kate

Flowers – Floral Buds & Decor - Erik

Cake – Deelights Bakery - Dee

DJ – Sensational Sounds - Andre

 Unique touches for the day -

~ Bathroom baskets filled with the essentials including flip flops for the ladies

~ Bouquets & Bouts matching in vibrant colours and various flowers

~ Edible cake topper made to match bouquets

~ Basket filled with goodies for the younger guests

~ Favors personalized for the children

The Egyptians were the first to wear a ring on their fourth finger.  They believed the significance of this finger was that the vein of love was found inside, which ran directly to the heart.

The Romans also had a part in the wedding ring’s significance.  They believed the circle represented the cycle of life as well as eternity; hence why these exact words are used in numerous wedding vows even today.

A new trend in the Canadian diamond has showcased the Aurias stones, the only Canadian diamonds to be rated amongst the world’s top designated.  All these stones are mined, cut and polished in the Northwest Territories of Canada, and are sold with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the Government of the Northwest Territories to prove their origin. This statement is important because there is no technology commercially available that can test a polished diamond to prove where it was mined.

Vendors featured -
Photography: Kathy DeMerchant
Decor: Classic Creations & Simply Beautiful
Flowers: Flower House
Cake: Crivellier Cakes
DJ: Spirit of the Sound
Venue: Winona Vine Estates

Have your cake and eat it too !