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- Food: serve warm treats like: fries and sliders, mini soft pretzels, s’mores, or even mini sugar-coated donuts!
- Hot Cocoa: always a crowd pleaser, especially as a “build-your-own” station
- Warm Apple Cider or Mulled Wine: a classic autumn drink and so yummy!
- Coffee: consider offering decaf too unless you want your guests to stay awake to help tidy up afterwards!
What We Look For From A Client
January 25th, 2017Meeting new people, embracing new learning opportunities and working together to create your dream wedding are just a few of our favourite things! We work with so many amazing people in order to construct your perfect day filled with unforgettable memories! At Kennedy Event Planning, we attract fun, stylish, romantic modern couples. They are seeking a professional that will guide and assist them throughout the planning process, helping to reflect their elegant and glamorous personal style for their wedding and that is exactly what we do!
As much as we seek out our clients, it is important for you to reach out to a wedding planner that seems the most suitable for you. All wedding planners have their own style and attitude that are reflected through their work and we aspire to attract people who share our visions while expanding our creativity and our minds. When you consider a planner, it is necessary for you to take some preliminary steps to start the planning process. Here is what we look for from an ideal couple looking for some support on their special day!
Courtesy of Photo Van Bleek.
Do your research!
Read various wedding blogs. Attending wedding shows. Cut and paste from magazines. Browse the Internet for inspiration. Educate yourself on terminology, themes, potential ideas, venue options and really decide what you want your special day to look like. The more details that you can be sure of, the simpler the process!
Courtesy of Bernie Aho Photography.
Get organized!
Make your self a binder listing the different categories of planning (cake, dress, dinner, venue, décor, colour scheme, etc). Create a spreadsheet to keep track of all your expenses as well as your guest list and RSVPs. Start a Pinterest board to collect your inspiration that you can share with your friends, family and planner.
Courtesy of Fifteen:Fifty-One Photography.
Define your budget!
Money is a taboo subject sometimes, but when it comes to being realistic about your wedding dreams, it is necessary to define this number. It will help your planner sift out potential vendor options. Being realistic and understanding of the amount that you want to spend will help to make easier decisions and will set the tone in order for everything to move forward.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Begin looking at ceremony and reception locations!
Booking your venue will provide you with a fixed wedding date that will allow you to move onto booking your other big vendors such as your officiant, caterer, and photographer.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Keep an open mind!
Wedding planning is no simple feat! That’s exactly why we are here to help. Be patient with the lengthy process and be aware that there is the potential for things to not go the way that you imagined. We are here to ensure very few bumps in the road, but working with an open-minded couple and planner will lead to new ideas, creative solutions and a great relationship!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Enjoy the process!
With our help, you will be able to construct the wedding of your dreams. ENJOY IT! Let us take on the stress. Planning your special day with your fiancé is something very special, so try to relax and enjoy all the details of your wedding day!
Happy Planning!
The 4 Most Important Questions To Start Your Wedding Planning
January 18th, 2017Congratulations newly engaged couples! Your wedding planning is about to start, but where should you begin? Although the wedding planning process can be tedious and stressful, we are here with a few helpful tips about where to begin your planning! Start by cracking a bottle of wine and answering these 4 really important questions to get a basic idea of your and your fiancé’s dream wedding.
WHO is contributing to this wedding and how much?
Money talk is never easy, but it is crucial in order to build your special day. Establishing a realistic budget will allow you to make smart decisions when booking vendors. It is really important here to be honest with yourself and with your partner about how much you can afford to spend. Realistic budgets with set expectations and also help in determining how many guests you can afford to invite. Another tricky money situation: who is paying? If you parents are contributing to your day, it is important that their opinion counts, in part, when you are making decisions about spending.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
WHAT kind of wedding do you want to have?
Here is where you and your partner address stylistic elements and questions to dictate how your budge will be used and how many guests can be invited. Do you want a small ceremony or do you have a large family? Do you want the attire to be formal or more casual? This will help to narrow down a perfect venue or location. Do you want a scenic, outdoor ceremony or an indoor wedding? A backyard wedding may be charming, but it can be logistically more challenging than an indoor wedding at an established venue. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of these basic wedding details before diving into more!
Courtesy of Kennedy Event Planning.
WHEN: do you want your wedding to be?
Deciding on the season of your wedding will help to determine the style and theme of your wedding as well, for example, summer fun VS winter wonderland. Sit down and really figure out what year, month and day of the week that is perfect for you to host your wedding. Time of the wedding is important too! Hosting a daytime wedding instead of an evening wedding is a way to save on overall costs, like dinner.
Expert tip: some venues and vendors offer discounted pricing to couples looking to book off-season months or alternative week days!
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
WHERE: do you want your wedding to be?
In the same way that you decide the ‘what’ of your wedding, the ‘where’ is important in making future decisions. Would you like to stay local in your current town? Maybe travel to your hometown? A romantic destination? On the water? A church? Your parents’ backyard? A destination wedding? Are your ceremony and reception going to be held in the same place? Depending on the location of your ceremony, different marriage laws may apply, so don’t forget to look into those. It is important to educate yourself on the requirements for a marriage license based on your province or country of choice.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Most importantly, have fun with your planning! This is going to be a very exciting time for you and your fiancé, so ENJOY the process together!
Happy Planning!
You’ve Got The Ring, Now Get The Wedding Planner!
January 10th, 2017If you’re reading this post, it might be safe to assume that you are newly engaged, thinking about marriage or settling down with that special someone. This is a very new and exciting experience and we are here to help! Many people may question the importance of the role of a wedding planner or are unsure of the qualities that a planner can contribute to your special day. On this #WeddingWednesday, we are going to talk about why a wedding planner is just as necessary as your bridal bouquet!
What is a Wedding Planner?
We have an advanced knowledge of the wedding industry and the skills to handle any details on your big day. We are resourceful, creative, detail-oriented, full of information and are always thinking one step ahead. It is also a huge relief for the couple to know that professionals are handling all the fine details. We are here to help you take care of everything that you desire for your wedding day.
Florals courtesy of Flowers Talk Tivoli. Photo courtesy of KIM ING Photography.
What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a coordinator?
A coordinator works specifically for the venue. Their job is to answer your questions and assist you with all elements that are venue-related. Their true loyalty is to the venue, not necessarily to you. As a wedding planner, we assist you with every single element of your wedding, from start to finish, in addition to being there on your wedding day. You can enjoy your wedding knowing that the entire process is being overseen and you can have complete confidence that all the details are taken care of!
Florals courtesy of Full Bloom Floral Design. Photo Courtesy of G.R. Martin Photography.
Why should you hire a planner?
Did you know that, on average, it can take over 250 hours to plan a wedding?! What do we spend all our time doing? For some, details are easy to handle and arrange. For others, the sum of the day including: cake, dress, invitations, table settings, favours, and many more, is difficult to handle.
The best decision that you can make as a newly engaged couple would be to make a consultation appointment with a professional wedding planning service as soon as possible. It is your job to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends, celebrating in love. It is our job to ensure that your special day runs smoothly, providing convenience and peace of mind and also saving you money and unnecessary stress. When you hire a wedding planner, you are able to celebrate your special day knowing that any emergencies or problems that may arise are in the capable hands of a seasoned professional!
Photo courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Why can’t I/my bestie/my mom do the planning?
We are trained to handle stress, emergency situations, and unpredictable issues. We are also completely objective and want everything to be perfect for you, and sometimes, what your family and friends think is perfect for you could lead to conflicts and hurt feelings. Let us handle the stress and the details and let your closest friends, family, and especially yourself, enjoy your special day!
As you can see, a wedding planner is a must! We are here to simplify the process for you; from providing you with information to make the best decisions, guiding your choices, listening to your desires, accommodating your ideas and dreams, dealing with conflicts or being a moral support as needed.
Paige & Alex (video)
January 1st, 2017| Ceremony: St. John’s Roman Catholic Church | Reception: Stonefields Heritage Farm, | Caterer: Thyme & Again Catering | DJ: Oxygen Entertainment Group | Photographer: Union Eleven Photography | Videographer: Eric Yu Photo + Cinema | Florist: The Design Co. Florals | Linen: Mastermind Event Rentals | Cake: Sunflower Bake Shop | Stationary: Wishtree Invitations & Design Inc | Make-Up: Lindsay Welton | Hair : James Brett Coiffure | Planner: Kennedy Event Planning |
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How To: Stay Warm at Your Wedding
October 5th, 2016
It’s official – Autumn is setting in, we are very sorry to say, and the warm and magical nights of summer are quickly fading. Long gone are the nights where staying out late didn’t involve a costume change. But hey – we never shy away from a brand new outfit opportunity! Enjoy these tips on how to remain a blushing bride… not a freezing one!
3/4 Length Sleeve Dress: this is a different look, but such a pretty one. Be daring yet elegant with sleeves!
Shawl: simple elegance adds a sweet touch to your already stunning ensemble!
Denim jacket: denim and white is a dreamy combination for a down-to-earth wedding with rustic vibes.
Leather jacket: for the edgy and punk at heart, leather isn’t far from arms-reach anyway and it totally works on your special day!
Cardigan: cardi’s don’t have to be plain-Jane! Search out one with lace, a fun pattern or sparkle to enhance your style. Expert tip: match your cardigan colour to your wedding colours to make the whole picture come together.
Blazer: keep it formal and fancy with a blazer. This is a very powerful look!
Although the nights are colder, there is no denying the heat between you and your partner. Don’t be afraid of a fall wedding – there are plenty of ways for your guests to stay warm and for you to creatively keep your guests warm at your wedding!
*photos courtesy of Pinterest.
Picking the Perfect Venue
September 6th, 2016
Let’s face it, choosing a wedding venue or venues is definitely overwhelming! Without a venue, there is no wedding date. With no wedding date, you can’t hire your other vendors. So many questions! Are the ceremony and reception going to be in the same space or at two different locations? Standing cocktail reception or 5 course sit down dinner? There are many options these days and something to fit everyone’s fancy and budget. Here are some of our pro tips and suggestions on how to select a property that is perfect you and set the stage for your dream day:
Reflect Who You Are: Ultimately this is a celebration that should reflect who you both are. Couples can like different things but will have to come together to find a place that reflects both of you. Think of it like picking the perfect vacation spot. There will be things one person likes but another does not. Marriage is all about comprises so this is a good start.
Start Looking Early: It is never too early to start looking at venues, your wedding planner can attest to that. The earlier you are checking venues out the better chance they will be available on your preferred date. Whip out your calendars and start brainstorming. We find it helpful to look at possible venues with your wedding planner all in one day; while it may be overwhelming, you can easily compare each spot one by one.
Let’s Talk Numbers: The cost and the guest count are two numbers to keep in mind when selecting your perfect venue. These figures will help determine the rest of the details: some couples’ celebrations are dictated by the cost and others have open ended budgets. Sit down with your significant other before visiting venues as these numbers will help narrow down what is realistic and what is truly not.
All in the Details: They say the devil is in the details and they are right. Think what kind of style and vibe you want to have. Country chic or a classy urban affair? After a recent visit with a couple looking at venues here are some things to consider you might not have thought of. Are bathrooms easily accessible? Will anyone have mobility issues given the venue selected? Will you have enough seating for elderly guests during the dancing? Is there enough parking nearby for guests wanting to drive? Will the restaurant let you bring in specialty items not on the menu like Grandma’s world famous apple pie? The list goes on and on. This is just the tip of the iceberg but your planner will be there to help you navigate through them all.
Test Drive: Like a car or a new pair of shoes, give it a test drive or try them on for size. If you are considering a reception in a restaurant definitely hit up the restaurant on a busy night and go try the food. Wondering what the light inside a museum space might be like at a certain time for photos? Pay the museum a visit. Make these outings a fun date night; be playful!
At the end of the day your wedding planner can like a place but you have to love it. Go with your gut – it is your wedding and the final decision is always up to the couple. Happy planning!
*Photos courtesy of Sally Pinera, “Molly & Bobby” Newport Country Club, Newport Vermont.
How To: Keep Guests Warm at a Fall Wedding
August 31st, 2016
Fall weddings are full of natural beauty, warm sunshine, beautiful colours and earthy vibes. Although we are sure that your love for your partner warms your guest’s hearts, they may still be a tad bit cold as the night falls! Don’t let your guests shiver… heat up the night with these awesome wedding ideas and tips.
Blankets: offering your guests blankets will make them feel cozy and comfortable, no matter what they’re doing! If they’re taking a break from the dance floor, eating some more cake or just sitting and chatting with friends and family, blankets are a considerate offer to save your guests!
Warm Midnight Snack: as the clock approaches midnight, it is also approaching food o’clock! Keep your guests warm (and energized) with selective food and drink choices!
Bonfire: You’ll get bonus points for this charming picture taking opportunity! As guests huddle around the warm fire, they’ll be thankful for the ignition of your love…and the flames.
Open Bar: no explanation necessary other than we guarantee warmth all night long! No good story starts with a salad, after all …
Of course nothing beats a killer playlist to get your guests to work up a sweat on the dance floor. Hiring a great DJ to spin a wicked playlist is the guaranteed way to keep them moving and having them talk about your amazing Fall wedding for weeks to come!
What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
August 24th, 2016Fall weddings are magical: the leaves are beautifully changing, the colours are stunning, the sun warms the day, and you just can’t beat autumn’s scents! As the transition to winter months is under way (sorry to bring it up), the nights can get a little bit chilly. This inevitably leads to the ultimate question: “What do I wear?!” Have no fear – there are plenty of ways to stay cozy at a wedding while celebrating in the warmth of love!
Cardigans: Although some would rather not cover up their dress, tossing on a cardigan can only add to your fancy frock, not take away from it!
Blazers: For a classier and fancier look, a blazer adds a stylish look that is never out of style.
Pashminas: For a simpler, boho vibe, adding a shawl creates a laid-back but lovely look. Expert tip: these make great gifts or favours for your guests too! Have them monogramed or leave them as is.
Jumpsuits: Two words – fashion and function. Accessorize one of these beauties with a killer pair of shoes and some fantastic jewelry and you’re ready to dance the night away. Best part: you can be covered and fashionable, believe us!
Maxi-Dresses: You may still want a cover up on top, but at least your legs will be protected from the cold night air! 
Long-Sleeve Dresses: These dresses can be so classy, yet so practical. You won’t be sacrificing warmth for fashion!
Tights: Tights are a really funky way to help accentuate your dress and make a bold fashion statement! Don’t be shy – go for bold colours, fun patterns, and exciting textures!
Closed-Toe Shoes: It’s no lie that the most of your body heat escapes from your head and your feet. Even though the days are warm, opt for cute closed-toe shoes so you can also wear a sneaky pair of socks that are made just for flats (or even pack them with you)!
The dog-days of summer might be coming to an end but with options like these we don’t mind at all!
Kaity & Corey
August 19th, 2016| Ceremony & Reception Site: Museum of Nature, 4th Floor Gallery | Caterer: Tulips & Maple | Officiant: Rev. Ernie Cox | DJ: Oxygen Entertainment | Photographer: Joel Bedford Photography | Florals & Decor: Sage Designs | Stationary: Lauren McMullan | Make-Up: Natalie Peachy | Hair : Studio Me Hair Design | Planner: Kennedy Event Planning |
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Amanda & Frankie
May 22nd, 2016| Ceremony: St. Anthony’s of Padua | Reception: Horticultural Building, Landsdowne Park | Caterer: Westin Hotel | Cocktail Band: Tim Bedner | DJ: Oxygen Entertainment Group | Photographer: Fleischer Photography | Videographer: Elle Be Films | Florist: The Design Co. Florals | Linen: Groovy Linen | Decor Rentals: Party Time Rentals, Joe’s Prop House | Cake: Denis “The Cake Guy” | Espresso Caterer: Concept Espresso | Gelato Caterer: Stella Luna | Stationary: Wishtree Invitations + Stationery | Make-Up: Lyz Plant | Hair: Jessica Awad | Planner: Kennedy Event Planning |
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