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What To Do When You’re Stuck In A Wedding Planning Rut
May 10th, 2017We get it – planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things, like, ever. On top of all that pressure to plan the perfect day (and to make your mother happy), sometimes the creative well dries up and original ideas become seemingly impossible. Being creative is difficult for a lot of people, but don’t worry – we are here to let you in on a little secret… it’s all going to be okay! Here are some of our hints on what to do when you get stuck in a wedding planning rut.
Courtesy of Fleischer Photography.
We Know It’s Hard, But Don’t Freak Out!
Obviously, we all can’t be creative and original ALL the time – it’s draining! Inspiration and ideas come in bursts, and that’s okay! Take advantage of your productive periods and don’t stress out when you’ve gone a few weeks stalking Pinterest with no new inspiration.
Courtesy of Michael Beaulieu Photography.
Ground Yourself!
Do things that you enjoy! Go for a walk, get out in nature, hit the gym, paint, play video games – whatever puts you in your element. When you’re feeling like your best self, you will come up with more ideas that reflect who you and your fiancé are as a couple.
Courtesy of Fleischer Photography.
Plan It Out!
Take all your existing ideas and lay them out. It helps to organize your thoughts and clear your mind when you have everything in front of you! Create a moodboard, write down your wedding essentials and plans already in motion – you’ll feel way more accomplished and advanced in your planning to give you fuel to keep going!
Courtesy of Michael Beaulieu Photography.
Step Back and Look at the Big Picture!
Ultimately, remember what your wedding day is about – it’s a big party to celebrate the love that you have for your partner, surrounded by friends, family and good food. It’s easy to get sucked into the vacuum of planning, but if you break out of the details, even just for a few moments, you’ll be able to have a new perspective!
Wedding Traditions Debunked: Part II
May 3rd, 2017You asked and we brought it back – why do we stick to wedding traditions that have been around since the beginning of time?! Time to shed some light!
Bride’s White Dress
Even if we aren’t certain about any other of our wedding plans, we know that we will strut down the aisle wearing a stunning, white dress. Why is this? Back in 1840, when Queen Victoria of England was marrying Prince Albert, she chose to wear a white and lace gown. This sparked a style trend and we’ve been being married in white ever since! Today, wearing colours such as red, off-white, peach or pink are becoming more widely accepted in the wedding world! Ultimately, you just want to feel happy in your dress, whatever colour!
Wedding Ring Placement
For many, the large tell-tale sign of a marriage or engagement is the ring on their left hand and third finger. It’s even adopted the name ‘ring finger.’ This tradition derives from a myth from the Romans believed, stating that there is a vein that leads from this finger straight to your heart, demonstrating that you heart belongs to someone.
The Phrase “Tying The Knot”
In ancient folklore and many tales, knot tying was a symbol of an unbreakable bond. During a traditional Celtic handfasting ceremony, the couple’s hands are literally tied together while they recited their vows to represent their eternal and everlasting bond to one another.
Now you know! To debunk more wedding traditions, click here!
Happy Planning!
**Photos courtesy of:
Dress & Ring: Tumblr
Knot: Love My Dress
Wedding Traditions Debunked: Part I
April 19th, 2017Let’s get real… if you’re like us, you’ve been dreaming about your dream wedding since you were at least 12 years old. That’s a lot of time to think about all the magical possibilities that your wedding day could be filled with! When people picture their dream proposal or wedding, there are certain elements that ALWAYS come up. Why is this?! Many wedding practices and rituals are based on ancient folklore or tall tales! Ever curious as to why some elements have stood the test of time?
Get Down On One Knee To Propose
The fairytale dream moment of having the love of your life kneel in front of you and ask you to be theirs forever has been around for a looong time! It is a very simple gesture with an important significance. Kneeling before you, asking for your eternal love, is a chivalrous sign of respect. It symbolizes honour, humility, love and respect for the one you are devoting your life to!
Bouquet Toss
Back in the day, getting married was one of the biggest and best accomplishments that a woman could have. Today, it is still a celebration, nonetheless, but to a much lesser extent. Since brides were held on a pedestal, everyone wanted the good luck that supposedly came along with grabbing a piece of the bridal dress or veil. To avoid any damage to the bride or her dress, pieces of the veil were cut up and put in her bouquet, which would then be tossed into the crowd. The woman who managed to catch the bouquet was said to be #blessed with good luck! Today, we even go as far as saying that the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next one to get married!
Dad Walking Bride Down The Aisle
This important ritual became so long lasting as a symbol of a father “giving away” his daughter to the care and protection of a new man. Today, it is similar, but we also interpret this tradition as more of an indicator of the relationship between the father and the bride. It signifies the blessing and support that a father gives his daughter for her marriage. For this reason, it is also more and more common to have both parents, a grandparent or another very close relative walk down the aisle with the bride. There’s more than enough love and support to go around!
Hopefully we have revealed some truths behind these traditions and you remember these stories when you are choosing the traditional (or non-traditional!) elements of your wedding!
Check back next week for Part Two of our Wedding Traditions Debunked series! Happy Planning!
*Photos Courtesy of:
Proposals: How He Asked
Bouquet: Getty Images; Sweetgrass Social Event & Design
Aisle: Pinterest, Bridal Guide
Unique Wedding Favour Ideas!
April 12th, 2017As you most definitely already know, your wedding day is all about YOU! However, your guests did come from near & close and far & wide to watch you celebrate your love.. so they are pretty important, too. It’s a generous host/hostess gesture to show your guests just how much you appreciate them attending your wedding and bearing witness to your happily-ever-after. Take some inspiration from some of these unique ideas for wedding favours!
Succulents
They don’t have to be succulents; they can also be little pine trees or orchids, or anything your heart desires! The point is for guests to nurture, plant and care for a plant that was given as a gift of love and life at your wedding! Everytime they tend to it, they will think of you and your continuously blossiming love. Bonus: make their gift part of the wedding decor by adding them as your name card holder!
Candy Apples
You can’t go wrong with this sweet treat! We’ve seen this numerous times as an element of the table setting during the reception and it’s absolutely one of the best ideas! You know what they say about an apple a day…
Sunglasses
This is a very sweet gesture if your wedding is going to take place outside! Make sure your guests catch a glimpse of everything without the added leaning, moving around in your seat, the hands held above your eyes
Popcorn
Gourmet popcorn is always a crowd-pleaser. With different flavour combinations and toppings, the possibilities are endless and there is something for everyone to enjoy! Bonus: your guests can take it home to enjoy and reminisce about your super fun wedding party!
Wedding Playlist CD
I know, I know… everyone can be a DJ these days. However, nothing beats a good wedding playlist. Add a few of your favourite tracks that you think will get all of your guests groovin on the dance-floor and make sure your guests remember what a great time they had on your special day!
However you choose to thank your guests for coming to your wedding, just remember that they love you enough to want to take part in your special day! Don’t take your guests for granted and remember to be grateful for all the love and support that you have in your life. Happy #WeddingWednesday!
**Photo Credits
Succulents: Simply Bloom Photography; Magnolia Rouge
Candy Apples: Pink Frosting UK; Weddings & Wedding Flowers UK
Sunglasses: Recipe Box EtsyStore; Happy Wedd
Popcorn: Evermine Weddings; Wedding Chicks
CD: Brideside; Evermine Weddings
Creative Ways To Pop The Question To Your Bridesmaids
March 29th, 2017Your bridesmaids (aka besties and lifesavers) are going to be there to witness and experience a great deal of your wedding journey. Likely, they have seen your relationship flourish, been by your side during your successes and helped you through your failures. Your Bride Tribe is a key component of your wedding and asking them to take part in your special day is also an important question to ask! He’s popped the question to you, now it’s your turn! Take some inspiration from these adorable ways to ask your closest friends to be part of your bridal party!
Say It With A Gift To Look Forward To The Wedding!
Give them a little somthin’ somethin’ to show them how appreciated they are and how much you need them by your side on your wedding day! Matching necklaces or bathrobes are a super adorable idea, and with the intention of them wearing them as you get ready on your wedding day, it’ll make for great photos!
Say It With Drinks!
Anyone who ever said that diamonds are a girls best friend may have been mistaken. Champagne is a girl’s best friend! Also, things in smaller bottles are proven to be about 20x cuter than regular sized, so give a little bubbly and have no fear when asking the question!
Say It With Customized Tees!
From mani-pedis to the bachelorette party, you’re going to get extremely close (closer that you already are – if that’s even possible) with this group of people! Show the world that you’re all in it together by giving them matching Bride Tribe shirts!
Say It With A Much Needed Outing!
We get it, after a long week at work, you’re all tired and sometimes, hanging out falls to the wayside. Plan a day to hang-out and do something fun like going to a concert, the spa, shopping or even a yummy brunch. As your girls start to relax, bestow upon them your highest wedding honour… their answer will always be yes!
Cheers to creating your Bride Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of:
Gifts: For The Maids; Michelle March Photography
Drinks: Paper + Lace, Joie Labels; LetsTieTheKnot Etsy Shop
Tees: TrexAndUnicorn Etsy Shop; Pinterest
Outing: Omni Hotels; Google
How To: Keep Calm When Things Go Awry
March 22nd, 2017Your wedding day (aka the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were twelve years old) is coming up – hooray! Just like anything in life, things don’t always go exactly as planned, and unfortunately, we can tell you from first hand experience, that your wedding day is no exception. However, your day should be all about the love that you and your significant other have for each other… not about stressing to try to keep everything picture perfect or the painful anticipation of a problem. Here’s some advice that we have come to gather over the years and a little insight into how we problem solve!
Courtesy of Van Beek Photography.
Make sure to hire a planner to minimize the risk of errors!
Binder in hand and wit at the ready, we are professionals and are here for many reasons. This is a HUGE one! It is our job to solve your problems and make sure that you are happy. Hiring a wedding planner ensures that the little tasks and responsibilities will automatically be taken care of without a second thought! We take the guess-work out of your day and turn your dreams into concrete plans.
Courtesy of Michael Beaulieu Photography.
Try to keep cool and composed… No one knows the problem except you!
If your maid of honour is no where to be found 5 minutes before her speech or your adorable blue heels are killing your feet or your husband hasn’t found time to sit down and eat, please try to keep calm! Someone is working quickly to solve the problem and until that happens, it is the most beneficial thing to all parties involved for you to keep your cool. Most often, your guests will not recognize these little things as problems, so overall, it won’t even seem like a bump in the road at all!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Communicate your needs!
Remember when we told you that someone is working quickly to solve your problem? This can only be done if you tell someone what you need! It’s your day so be clear and specific about what exactly needs to be done.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Be hard on the problem, but soft on the people!
Weddings are a sweet, emotional, loving, sensitive and fun experience that doesn’t deserve to be tarnished by ANYONE! When you encounter a problem, seek to solve it, but also remember that those around you, who are trying to help, love you. Work with them to solve the problem, not against them!
2017 Wedding Trends
March 15th, 2017As we kick off any new year, we are guaranteed to see so many new trends and style elements that contribute to our weddings! 2017 has crept up on us so quickly, but we are utterly in love with the fun style that it brings! We really hope to see these wedding trends around for a loooong time!
Extravagant Invites
Let your guests get a feel for your style with wedding invites that really reflect you and your fiancé! Invitations are an underrated part of the wedding process, so don’t let them slip through the cracks.
Sophisticated Naked Cakes
Traditionally, a quirky, naked wedding cake may not suit everyone’s wedding style. However, a sophisticated and more polished naked cake can add whimsy and charm to any wedding!
Lace Dresses
More and more, lace detailing on wedding dresses is emerging as a 2017 super trend! Whether you choose the perfect dress with lace sleeves, a lace bodice or even a full-lace frock, there is no denying that you will be on trend and on point.
Luscious Greenery
No matter your style, one thing is for sure: your floral arrangements will include lots of greenery! The versatility of greenery, vines and leaves in any space will bring a soft and natural vibe to your wedding.
Pick Your Own Munchies
Where’s the fun in being served your wedding meal?! Give your guests some selection and freedom with the opportunity to choose their own appy, dinner or dessert! You’ll be forever remembered as the fun wedding with great food, trust us!
Outdoor Archways
If you’re not having your ceremony outdoors this year, then you may want to reconsider! Extravagant or simple, your archway can be personalized with your colour scheme and style! A breathtaking over-arching structure helps to establish the tone and vibe of your wedding. Bonus points: it is also a great photo opportunity!
** Photos: courtesy of Pinterest & Google
Invitations: Song + Pen, Anna Delores Photography; Minted, Michael and Carina Photography
Food: Cooper Carras Photography; Kara’s Party Ideas
Creative Ways To Announce Your Engagement
March 10th, 2017Congratulations – say it loud and say it proud! You’re engaged! Undoubtedly, you want to show off that brand new bling, but how do you go about it? Here are a few ideas!
Take advantage of your vacation setting!
You can take some dreamy pictures showing off how in looove you are while on a vacation! During a sunset at the beach, after a hike to a mountaintop, a beautiful forest, or even skating are just a few romantic settings to snap that priceless picture to announce the next stage of your life to your friends and family!
**Bonus points for getting engaged ON vacation!**
Use your pets!
We don’t care what anyone else thinks: fur babies count as family! As such, use their cuteness to your advantage and involve your little bundle of fur joy when making the announcement!
From-his-perspective shots!
Your reaction to the proposal is a priceless memory for your fiancé! Let your friends and family know how giddy and on-top-of-the-world you feel by sharing your fiancé’s view of the magical moment.
Personalize it with your hobbies!
Obviously, every couple is different and enjoys different hobbies/activities together! Whether it is sports or fitness, hunting, fishing, dancing, watching movies, drinking wine, going the beach or anything else, make sure to use your passions and originality to create a personalized touch to your photo announcement!
Use a significant location!
Whether it is where you first met, where you had your first date, or where you said ‘I love you’ for the first time, pay your dues to that underrated park bench by forever immortalizing it as part of your journey together!
Traditional Wedding Toasts
March 1st, 2017Speeches given at wedding receptions have become a standard facet of modern weddings. Whether you are the bride, groom, part of the wedding party, or honoured guest, if you find yourself tasked with giving a speech it is important to prepare well in advance.
Typically, the speeches take place during the dinner reception, scattered amongst the various courses of food. The timing and length of each speech will vary depending on what the couple requests of their speakers as well as the speakers’ own speaking style. The following are the typical speeches that a couple may want spoken at their own wedding:
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Best Man and Maid of Honour Speeches
Being asked to be the best man or the maid of honour is a special honour and it usually means that the bride and groom consider those two people especially significant in their lives. Thus, it’s no surprise that the best man and maid of honour speeches share commonalities. Often the first speeches of the evening, these words are both light hearted and sentimental. Tips on how to give good best man or maid of honour speeches include: staying sober enough to give a good speech, using humour, keeping the speech short, becoming a good story teller, leaving ex-partners out of the picture, and ending the speech with toasting the couple. These two speeches really give an opportunity to the couple’s nearest and dearest friends to share a bit of their history together, to engage the guests in some light-hearted stories, and to send the couple off on their new life together. For examples of best man and maid of honour speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Michael B Photography.
Parents of the Bride and Groom Speeches
The parents of the bride and groom speeches have in the past been scheduled for the beginning of the reception. Typically, the host of the wedding speaks first, as a way to welcome the guests and get the party started. Traditionally, when weddings have been paid for by the bride’s family, the father of the bride would represent the host and would be the first speaker of the evening. However with modern couples choosing to pay for their own weddings, or have other means to help with the wedding budget, the timing of the parents’ speeches are now slotted at different times during the reception – to the couple’s preference!
Each family now has the opportunity during their individual speeches to welcome guests, to thank people for attending and sharing in their child’s special day, and to welcome their new child-in-law into the family. It is during this particular speech that a bit of parting wisdom can be given to the happy couple; perhaps advice about a healthy marriage, or advice to the groom about how to please his new wife! For examples of parents’ speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Toast to the Bride and Groom
Often, the bride and groom will also make a speech to their new partner in life. These speeches give guests a glimpse into the relationship of the couple – the content and the way in which they give their speeches to each other can be very endearing and often a highlight of the reception! The couple might choose to talk about how they met, why they love their new partner, or about their future together. For examples of bride and groom speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
Couple’s Thank Yous
The couple’s thank yous are given by both the bride and the groom and is usually a chance for the couple to formally thank all the people in their lives: their bridal party, family, guests, and other important people that helped play a part in their special day. For an example of a wedding thank you speech, click here.
No matter how many speeches the bride and groom decide to include, it is the content and delivery of those speeches that add personality to the wedding reception. May your wedding receptions include many memorable moments including some unforgettable speeches!
How To: Avoid Wedding Party Drama
February 1st, 2017Congratulations! It’s your turn to get married and you find yourself newly engaged and begin to imagine who you would like to be standing next to you on the big day. One way to make your experience as enjoyable as possible is to surround yourself with a great wedding party – but how do you choose who will to be a part of the big day?
If you want to still be friends with your wedding party throughout the planning process and long after your wedding day, there are a few considerations you might want to take into account. Here are some helpful tips:
Choose Wisely
Those you choose to be a bridesmaid or groomsmen should be people who are in your life in more than one way. These are the people who know you well, have seen you through multiple situations and challenges, and will be able to unconditionally support you through your tough wedding planning days. These are people that would be included in an autobiography detailing the last 5 years of your life.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Be Aware of Group Dynamics
You should think about the way you interact with your different friends and think about how they might interact as a group. The individuals chosen to be part of your wedding party need to be as much a team player as someone who stands out to you as a significant friend. While you may get on splendidly with one person, if this person is unable to compromise or communicate effectively with others in a group setting, this dynamic will make it difficult for the group to make decisions. As the bride or groom, you should also be ready to intervene as a proactive ringleader, should the need arise. You want to be able to sort out any issues between your wedding party members before the big day.
Courtesy of Frances Morency Photography.
Clear Expectations
One thing that needs to be established with your wedding party are your expectations: what is expected of them on the wedding day and in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the day? It seems standard these days to assume that bridesmaids are responsible for helping the bride through various steps of the wedding planning process. Depending on the bride, the involvement of her bridesmaids may range from minimal or involved in every step of the way; but beware for one to perceive their involvement as minimal compared to another could cause confusion amongst the group. The same can be said for the groom and his groomsmen.
Courtesy of Blair Gable Photography.
Be Open and Communicate Clearly
As the bride or groom, it is important to be open and communicate effectively with your core group of friends. If you are experiencing challenges, being open to your wedding party may help you get the support you need to resolve and overcome those challenges. Communicating effectively, whether in person, over email, or by telephone will help you to stave off all kinds of misunderstandings.
Courtesy of Fifteen Fifty One Photography.
Stay Connected
As your day nears, you and your wedding party will get busy. Within this age of technology, it becomes increasingly easy to stay in contact with people over various mediums; however, because your bridal party are important people in your lives, you don’t want to lose touch – make sure to stay connected! Continue to see your bridal party together or individually – this will ensure that your ties stay strong even as you become progressively busy in your wedding prep.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Don’t Be Jealous
You find yourself being asked to be part of your close friend’s wedding – what an honour! – only to find that you have to share this honour with other people. It’s no wonder feelings of jealousy may arise – perhaps you thought you were your friend’s (bride or groom’s) closest confidante and the realization that there are other people in your friend’s life may be a challenging realization to swallow. Rather than to focus on the other relationships, focus on how you can best work together with everyone to make your close friend’s wedding day the best it can be!
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
Voice Opinions Early and Be an Active Member
As the planning of wedding activities begins, make sure that you voice your opinions early on in the process or as soon as you have concerns to share. You don’t want to wait until just before the bridal shower, bachelorette, or bachelor parties to provide your suggestions or feedback to the rest of the group. You agreed to be a member of the wedding party, and so with your membership comes certain responsibilities – one of which is to be an active and engaged party member!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Focus on the Positive: On the Bride and Groom
As the plans for pre-wedding and wedding activities begin to take form, you may find yourself disliking suggestions from other wedding party members. Rather than to try and steer the planning process in the direction that you see fit, try and come to a compromise and try to focus on the positive: your friend is getting married! It is their day to shine, and while you may not get along or agree with the others, you have the opportunity to play nice and show what a team player you are wanting nothing less than to help your friend have the most amazing wedding experience ever!
Whether you decide to have a small or large party it is valuable to seriously consider those important people that will make up your wedding party. At the end of the day, these are the people (along with your wedding planner of course!) who will help you on your most exceptional day!