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Make Your Wedding Stand Out With These Unique Ottawa Vendors

August 24th, 2018

The city of Ottawa may have a reputation for being ‘vanilla’ but our wedding industry is anything but that. Every year we’re seeing vendors bring fresh, fun ideas to couples that want to add unique touches to their big day. As planners, there’s nothing better than hearing a wedding guest say “That’s SO them!” when they pick up on a personalized detail. Here’s a list of our favorite local vendors that will make your wedding day one of a kind.

Bring in a fun bar

As elaborate photobooths slip out of style, couples are on the prowl for alternative ways to keep their guests entertained. Cellar 82 is a mobile bar and lounge set inside a stylishly renovated 1967 Airstream trailer. They offer a variety of creative cocktails, boozy snow cones, and alcoholic freezie pops. Not to mention, the beautifully designed trailer provides the perfect backdrop for your guest’s selfies. Rental of the Airstream is $1,500 and an open bar starts at $55 per person.

Bring in a fun bar…on a bike!

If there are two things that Ottawans love in the summertime it’s bikes and booze. Sip Beverage Bike has combined these local favourites in an adorable (and safe) way. Sip will come to your venue on a super cute custom bike equipped with an ice bucket and large cooler box stuffed to the brim with beverages of your choosing. Drinks are served by a friendly driver decked out in either a tuxedo or an “I make pour decisions” t-shirt. Their standard event package is $500 for 4 hours of service.

Involve your pooch in the festivities, risk free

Have you thought about including your pup in your wedding but are worried they may do something unpredictable like say, pee on a guest? Worry not, Dayna’s Pet Sitting is here to be your dog’s personal Day Of Coordinator. Dayna’s will manage your dog’s needs throughout the rehearsal, ceremony, photos, and any other moment you want them there for. Afterwards, they’ll transport Fido to a caretakers or kennel so you can enjoy your reception and honeymoon. There packages are 100% customizable and quotes are given on a individual basis.

Make your own wedding bands

Jewelry workshops that let you design and create your own wedding bands are sentimental and make for a truly unique date night. Cynosure Jewelry Design has a private, two-session class that walks you through the ring-making process from start to finish. Dates and times are flexible according to your schedule and no experience is required. The workshop is $360 per couple plus material fees depending on what type of metal and design you choose.

Incorporate non-traditional desserts

Unique wedding desserts can be a great way to show off your personality as a couple. They also tend to be a big hit with guests. Popafella Paleta Bar offers a delicious line of vegan, all-natural popsicles perfect for cooling down guests at outdoor wedding. Their gourmet popsicles start at $4 a piece with lots of different catering options available.

Xoxo, KEP

Photo credit

Cellar 82: Photography by Emma

Sip Beverage Bike: Kamara Morozuk Photography

Popafella Paleta Bar: MDRN Photobooth Company

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Alex & Tyler (video)

August 18th, 2018

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Alex & Tyler

August 18th, 2018

See Alex & Tyler’s wedding video below:

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Commonly Overlooked Costs To Add To Your Wedding Budget

August 8th, 2018

Your wedding day is fast approaching and you’ve got all the big items checked off your budget: the venue, the dress, the food. But have you included the smaller charges that often creep up unnoticed? These can quickly balloon your budget if you’re not careful. As planners, we work closely with couples and their money concerns on a daily basis. Here are the areas people tend to forget about when making their wedding budget.

Postage

The cost of postage can add up quickly, especially if you’re sending save-the-dates, invites, and thank you cards. Stamps start at $1 and can go up to several dollars per piece depending on weight. If your budget is tight, make sure to discuss approximate postage costs with your stationary provider before committing to that luxury boxed invitation suite.

Taxes and tips

Have you received a too good too be true quote from a vendor only to realize later that it didn’t include the 13% sales tax and 18% gratuity? You’re not alone. While these costs shouldn’t be hidden, many couples don’t take them into account on their original budgets. Keep in mind that a service charge is not the same as a tip and does not go directly to the staff. If a vendor has provided great service and doesn’t automatically add gratuity, it’s customary to tip them on the wedding day or soon after.

Marriage license

The legal paperwork for you marriage is an unavoidable and important cost. In Ontario, the fee for a marriage license ranges from $75 to $166. Looking to cut costs where you can? Grab your partner and go on a little road trip. Rural licensing offices tend to charge significantly less than ones located in larger cities.

Vendor meals

Vendors who are on-site the day of your wedding often state in their contracts that they must be provided with a meal. Some couples may raise an eyebrow at this, but it’s for good reason. Day of vendors typically work 12-14 hours on your wedding day with little downtime. If they’re sneaking off to eat their own meals or to take breaks they risk missing important moments. Vendors should always be provided with a meal and a chair, but feel free to skip the stationary and centerpieces.

Alterations, undergarments and accessories

Remember that the price of the wedding dress is not just the number on the tag. Bridal gowns typically require alterations, specialty bras and shapeware, shoes, and jewelry. Alterations can range from $75 to $250 and up depending on the intricacy of the dress and amount of work needed. Play it safe and add a cushion of at least $500 on top of your dress budget.

Planner or Day Of Coordinator

Even if you choose to do most of the wedding planning yourself, you’re going to want someone on the ground overseeing your big day. Many couples are disappointed when they assume they can rely on a friend, family member, or their venue coordinator to fill that roll. The cost of a coordinator may seem like a lot upfront, but it allows you and your guests to relax and fully enjoy the day knowing it’s safe in the hands of a professional. Check out KEP’s Services page for more details on how to pick the perfect coordination package for your needs and budget.

Xoxo, KEP

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James & Mark (video)

August 4th, 2018

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James & Mark

August 4th, 2018

See James & Mark’s wedding video below:

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Wedding Vendors

July 20th, 2018

Choosing the right vendors is the most important and challenging aspect of planning a wedding. Whether it’s florists, photographers, DJs, or caterers, there are some some standard tips for making good vendor decisions. Here are some of our do’s and don’ts for selecting the perfect people to make your dream wedding a reality.

Do: Start with a Wedding Planner

Okay, so we may be a little bit biased, but the absolute best way to ensure you’re getting quality vendors is to hire an experienced wedding planner. Wedding planners can end up saving you both time and money in the long run. At KEP we provide every couple with a list of well-respected, experienced vendors—tailored to your personality, style, and budget. Contact us today and we’ll set you up with the best vendors Ottawa has to offer.

Don’t: Keep looking once you’ve made a decision

This one’s for you, indecisive couples! Resist the temptation to price shop or keep looking around once you’ve committed to a vendor. Trust us, it will make the whole planning process a lot less overwhelming. The internet is constantly churning out new trends, decor ideas, dress styles, and color palettes. Be confident in your decisions and use your time to focus on other tasks.

Do: Your research

With the popularity of Instagram and Pinterest, it’s hard to resist the appeal of vendors with the prettiest online presence. While social media is a good place to start, don’t forget to do your due diligence. Always check out a vendor’s Google and Facebook reviews. Websites like WeddingWire and The Knot also have honest industry reviews. However, online reviews don’t always tell the whole story of a company. Ask newlywed friends or family members for recommendations.

Don’t: Always choose the cheapest option

It doesn’t matter if your budget is $1,000 or $100,000, every couple loves a good deal. However, —just like in any industry—you get what you pay for. Be wary of vendors offering too good to be true pricing or are seriously under-charging for services compared to their counterparts. Instead, choose someone that fits your style and ask if they can work within your budget. If not, you may need to consider adjusting your budget and/or expectations.

Do: Trust your gut

Always meet a vendor in person (or via video chat) before signing a contract with them. Don’t underestimate the power of your instinct. Do your personalities mesh well? Do they seem genuinely interested and excited about working with you? Can you speak with past clients they’ve worked with? These are things you should be asking yourself during the meeting.

Don’t: Forget that vendors are people too

This one may sound obvious, but it’s important to maintain perspective when working with vendors. A vendor that’s taking a little too long to respond to your emails can leave couples feeling frustrated and anxious. Remember that vendors are usually small business owners with families and responsibilities just like you. Be respectful when confronting someone who’s not meeting your expectations. A great vendor will be receptive of your concerns and work to rectify issues. After your wedding, don’t forget to thank vendors who helped make your big day amazing.

Xoxo, KEP

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How To: Incorporate Pride Into An LGBTQ Wedding

June 28th, 2018

Pride Month may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate it into your wedding all year round. Many lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) couples use their wedding to recognize and honour the fight for equality that is still ongoing today. If a full-on ROYGBIV themed bash isn’t your style, we’ve got some subtler suggestions that will be right up your alley.

Dessert

A dessert table is the perfect place to show off your individuality as a couple. If you’re looking for something subtle, opt for a rainbow layered surprise when you cut into the cake. For a bolder look, go all out with a statement piece that screams “Love is Love”, finished off with a cute custom topper.

Accessories

You and your wedding party’s wardrobe is a great place to add little nods to Pride. If you’re wearing suits, try rainbow cufflinks, socks, or pocket squares. If dresses are more your style, accessorize with rainbow heels, jewelry, or a colourful bouquet. With accessories the possibilities are endless.

Decor

Similar to accessories, decor is a great way to bring in small touches or big bold statements. Consider a tasteful ceremony arch that incorporates the colours of the rainbow or signage that celebrates LGBTQ love. Rainbow inspired florals or centerpieces can also give a pop of Pride fun.

Photography

If you’ve chosen a trendy dark, moody colour palette for your wedding you may struggle to fit rainbows into your decor. Why not take some creative Pride-filled photos instead? Do some scouting with your photographer to find a colourful graffiti wall. Take your engagement photos during Pride month when there are already a lot of great decorations around the city. This way you can share you pride without changing your overall vision for the wedding.

At the end of the day Pride is about a lot more than rainbow flags and glitter (although we’re big fans of both!). The best way to show your Pride is by ditching the wedding rule book and having a celebration that is uniquely you. In lieu of a gift registry, ask guests to donate to your favourite LGBTQ organizations. Use an inclusivity-focused reading in your ceremony like a passage from the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the United States. Skip a formal ceremony all together and have a Queer Eye cast member marry you on a Pride parade float!

xoxo, KEP

Photo Credits

Featured image: D.Lillian Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Dessert: Morgan Miller Photography via Equally Wed; Carla Penoncelli via Martha Stewart Weddings; Hi Volt Studios via Equally Wed

Accessories: I Heart My Groom via Bespoke Bride; Mak Rabbitt Photography via Equally Wed

Decor: D.Lillian Photography via Green Wedding Shoes; The Peculiar Pelican via Etsy; Alex Dugan Photography via Equally Wed

Photography: Misti Layne Photography via Equally Wed; Amy Gray Photography via Bespoke Bride, Clean Plate Pictures

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Kristina & Ante (video)

June 23rd, 2018