Web Site: http://www.kennedyevents.ca
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- a bride
- a groom
- a witness
- an ordained minister
- date, time, rendez-vous point
- venue of your choice (public or private)
- at the base of a historical landmark
- museum grounds
- public park
- sea-side or on the beach
- public courtyards
- greeting guests upon arrival
- making sure guests are seated prior to bridal party entrance
- introducing bridal party (pronouncing all names correctly)
- introducing bride and groom
- facilitating entertaining activities (speeches, couple’s first dance, cake cutting etc.)
- ensuring the reception runs smoothly by keeping track of time and schedule
- Select a venue that has a lot of character and offers inclusions such as linens, ceremony on-site, and simple decor elements; you won’t need as much decor, saving you money.
- Have your cake and eat it too! Consider cutting dessert from your menu and serve wedding cake or have a sweets table instead.
- Simplify invitations and save on postage by using email or a wedding website to collect RSVPs and provide guests with hotel and map information.
- Repurpose your ceremony florals and decor: use the alter arrangements at the reception and place the wedding party’s bouquets on head table.
- Offer a reduced bar (wine, beer, signature drink) instead of full open bar, guests will be able to enjoy themselves but won’t stick you with the premium liquor bill!
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Guerrilla Weddings
May 21st, 2013Do you consider yourself adventurous? Do you think outside of the box? Do you want to have a truly unique wedding? Are you willing to be a little risky (not to the point of completely defying the law, but enough to give you an adrenaline rush that you’ll remember forever)? If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you are the perfect candidate for a Guerrilla Wedding. Guerrilla weddings are nearly free, completely spontaneous, require very little planning, and no bride will suffer from Bridezlla Syndrome when opting for this type of impromptu ceremony.
Here is all you need:
It is as simple as that! Remember to only invite no more than twenty of your family and friends otherwise you will need a permit and that is not very “guerrilla-like”. Make sure to tell your guests what your plans are, spontaneous weddings are hard to handle as is, so if it is a complete surprise it might just give them a heart attack.
If you’re planning a guerrilla wedding here are a few location ideas to get you started:
Your options are endless and the world is truly your oyster! Just don’t be silly and invite a huge entourage because you will get caught, also make sure to be respectful, clean, and quiet. Guerrilla weddings allow the couple to be right in the moment with each other. The excitement and spontaneity of the moment, the rush, and the romance all come together to make it a truly special couple of minutes that will never be forgotten – not only by you or your guests, or the on-lookers, or even the security that you might be running away from (like in the movie scene, Screen Gems & Spyglass Entreatment’s 2012 film, The Vow).
Weddings are about you joining together and celebrating what you share as a couple. You don’t need a fancy venue, five-piece band, or an open bar to share the day with your nearest and dearest. Do what will mean the most to you, and if it’s free – hey! all the better! The only formal planning that you might need to do would be to select your reception venue. Your favourite restaurant perhaps? Maybe somewhere special, where you went on your first date? Or where you got engaged? This would require some planning, but it’s as easy as it gets because all you’d have to do is call and make a reservation. And that’s it!
Happy Planning!
*photos courtesy of Carmen Santorelli Photography, “Andrea & Scott”, New York City, NY.
** video courtesy of Screen Gems & Spyglass Entertainment, “The Vow”, 2012. All copyrights reserved.
Picking the Perfect MC
May 17th, 2013Picking the perfect Master of Ceremonies (MC) for your reception is crucial to ensuring your wedding’s success. No one wants to reenact or relive James Franco’s hosting duties at the 2011 Oscars (awkward)!
Choosing the right person is almost as important as selecting your venue; the MC is the one who keeps your guests engaged, provide vital information to your guests, and works with your wedding planner to control the scheduled events for the evening. As the person whom guests have to listen to the most, you absolutely do not want them to bore your party to death. Couples typically select a close friend or relative who is both entertaining and comfortable with public speaking.
The main responsibilities of a MC include:
There is nothing worse than a boring MC. A good MC must be able to capture a large audience and grasp their attention quickly and effectively, enjoy public speaking, be easy-going, and comfortable with a microphone. They should also know what to talk about, know how to stall, and how to engage the audience.
Your MC must also be responsible and able to take control of any situation. You do not want them to be intoxicated before dinner or be taking a smoke break at the wrong time, and especially not one who will change the schedule of the evening without consulting the bride, groom, or wedding planner in advance!
Select someone who is funny and can think fast on their feet. There is no better situation to have these two qualities than when hosting a wedding reception, particularly if they have to stall and entertain your audience because there has been a wardrobe malfunction or the best man is missing right before his speech.
When in doubt, ask a professional. If there isn’t anyone in your life that you feel is qualified for this position, professional MC services are available for hire in most major cities, however, their services can be expensive. Another other option is to ask your officiant or DJ do all the talking – but proceed with caution, as they might be boring or cheesy. Make sure that you get to know their personalities and how they react under pressure with a large audience in front of them.
A good MC, whether a personal connection or a professional, ensures that the evening is seamless and will know what they are talking about in advance. In order to make sure you and your MC have the same vision of your big day make sure to go over the entire wedding ceremony and reception with your wedding planner so they are comfortable and can make sure that your day pans out exactly as planned.
*photos courtesy of Orange Girl Photographs, “Jenna & Ross“, Field, British Columbia.
Planning with Pinterest
May 4th, 2013Planning a wedding can be quite an overwhelming task, from picking out the colour pallet, dress, venue, décor and food, the list of details can grow pretty quick! If having an ultra-stylish wedding is your goal, it’s important to stay organized and be open to new ideas. The perfect way to balance both organization and creativity has been introduced to us by the wonderful world of Pinterest!
This pinboard-style, photo-sharing, social media site allows you to manage photos in groups based on specific themes created by the user. Now considered the fasting growing and most popular social platform for wedding planning, Pinterest is used by 1 in 3 brides to plan their wedding. In fact, “Pinterest is now more popular for wedding planning than Facebook, Twitter, and other forms” (such as The Knot) combined, according to Splendid Insights.
Get started:
Creating a Pinterest profile is very easy! Simply start by going to Pinterest.com, create a log in and profile using your email, Facebook, or Twitter accounts, and follow the instructions.
Create boards:
Once you have opened your profile, start thinking about themes that you would like to explore and separate them into categories/boards. For example, separate wedding gowns, venues, reception décor, bridesmaid dresses, food, groom’s tux, and wedding photo ideas onto separate boards rather than one board labeled “wedding”. By doing so, it will be less overwhelming for yourself and anyone you share your profile with and much easier to view and sort.
Start pinning!
Start looking through the “wedding” category or specific try searches to find things that you find inspiring. Pin them to the according board and see your dream wedding come to life! Some of our favourite inspiration boards include: Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, and The Perfect Pallet.
Share:
Two heads are better than one! Consider making your wedding boards viewable (ie: not Pinterest secret) for bridesmaids, your groom, family and friends; allowing them to see what you have envisioned for the wedding and add their own suggestions. Pinterest also makes it easier for your wedding planner to see the ideas you have started putting together, and in turn, allows them to collaborate on the design with you to bring your dream to life. You can allow others to pin to your board by adding their profile under the “edit board” option.
Proceed with caution:
The dark side Pinterest is that it can set unrealistic expectations for the wedding and your budget (in addition to being completely addictive)! Always keep in mind that a budget has been set for the wedding and should be adhered to at all costs. It’s called a budget for a reason: you set it and don’t “budge”-it! We recommend asking your vendors for realistic estimates and breakdowns of how much your desired ‘pinned’ design would cost and then ask yourself, is it reasonable for the wedding budget?
Check out our Pinterest account for amazing, organized wedding inspirations. If there is a board you’d like us to add, let us know and we’d be happy to oblige! Happy Pinning!
*Photos courtesy of bobbi+mike photography, “Dawn & Anthony”, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Trim Your Wedding Budget
April 29th, 2013
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, however, with the average wedding in Canada costing between $25,000 to $35,000 according to Weddingbells Magazine, it will also be one of the most expensive! Whether you are hosting a wedding celebration that’s simple but elegant or an over-the-top blowout, every couple has a budget and every element of the wedding comes with a price tag.
Here are six ways to save on your wedding day, regardless if you have champagne taste and caviar dreams or a ramen noodle and soda budget:
Create a guest list, but be ruthless!
When creating a guest list consider omitting children and co-workers, they are easily the two social groups that are least likely to be offended if they are not included in your festivities. Plus-ones can be tricky so consider only including significant others (defined as relationships that are over 6 months, live-in partners, and spouses) but exclude casual dates. It may be difficult, but try to keep your wedding party small, this will instantly save you from extra expenses on gifts, bouquets, hair and make up, and accessories.
Establish what you can actually afford:
Never – and we mean never – go into debt to pay for a wedding! When setting your budget be honest and realistic with your fiancé, it might be tough but it is important to host an event that is within your means. Another tip, don’t charge your wedding bills to a credit card unless you’re able to pay off the balance as soon as the statement comes in. Interest rates and charges can seriously add to the over expense of the wedding. If you have to carry a balance, try to do so for only a month or two.
Manage your expectations:
Do your research and educate yourself! In the early stages of setting your budget it will be very useful to price shop and do some fact-finding on your local vendors. Not only will this make you a savvy bride but it will also give you a more accurate estimate of costs of your “dream” wedding. Once you have a better idea of what things actually cost, sit down with your fiancé and identify your “must haves” & “nice to haves”. Be prepared for your priorities to be different from your fiancé’s but know that a successful wedding should include: good food, fun entertainment, and professional photography.
Be flexible and make compromises:
Huge savings can be had by hosting your wedding during the “off” season (in Ontario: November through April) or on an alternative day of the week (Sundays thru Thursdays). Many venues will offer discounts to couples who are flexible to alternative dates, in many cases offering savings of 10-25%! If you must host your wedding on a Saturday, consider having a morning ceremony followed by brunch. Not only will you save on overall food costs, think of how much you will save on the bar bill!
Maximize your registry:
With more and more modern couples choosing to live with one another for a period of time before getting married the need for toasters, towels, and tea sets is becoming less and less. Forgoing a traditional registry, couples are choosing to sign up for honeymoon, photography, or cash registries, allowing their guests and family members to contribute to their lives in new, more useful ways.
Find ways to be creative with your budget:
Setting a realistic budget, making smart choices, managing your expectations, and keeping track of your purchases will ensure that you have a beautiful and memorable wedding, without breaking the bank!
*Photos courtesy of Polly Alexandre Photography, “Julie & Zac”, Paris, France.
Trend Setting: Modern Grooms
April 26th, 2013The dated idea of a wedding being the “bride’s day” is a thing of the past. Modern grooms are doing what brides have wished of them for years: they are getting involved with all elements of the wedding planning and loving it!
Modern grooms have realized that they, too, wish to make their wedding day special, tailoring to both their and their wife-to-be’s needs. By paying close attention to the details and attending meetings and appointments, these grooms are creating trends that we expect will continue past 2013 for years to come.
Here are five trends that modern grooms are setting (and the girls are loving them for it):
1. Male Engagement Rings: No, we don’t mean that after the groom gets down on one knee, the bride has to as well. However, grooms wanting a ring on their hand as well, to show their dedication and commitment to their future wives. This is not a money grab created by jewelers, it is the grooms themselves who are asking for them. How sweet! If the bride’s get one then why shouldn’t the groom?
2. Co-ed Bachelor Parties: What a penny saver! Although it does sway away from traditional boys-only nights, bringing the entire bridal party together is an incredible bonding experience. The options are endless: take the group on a tour of the vineyards in Niagara, a trip to Wonderland and unleash the inner child, or head to Vegas! If you are still craving “boys’ time”, be sure to set aside time right before the big day for a guys-only poker night, host a groom’s roast, or a trip to the barber shop to get ready for the big day.
3. Different suits: The black tuxedo “James Bond” look is not for everyone, as modern grooms getting more trendy with their wedding wardrobe decisions. The groom’s party is changing up the colour of their suits to include various shades of grey and blue, and much like their bridal counterparts, celebrating varying styles of suits amongst the men; good bye uniformity! They are also more open-minded with their accessory decisions including: adding suspenders, custom ties, funky patterned socks, and other pops of colour to their wedding attire.
4. Scotch & Bourbon Bars: The latest modern groom trend that we love is including a special bar, separate from the main bar, featuring the groom’s favourite beverage. Thanks to Don Draper and the other Mad Men, scotch and bourbon have made a strong come-back with modern grooms, encouraging guests to grab a drink and mingle in the lounge area that surrounds this mini bar.
5. Groom Pinners: What’s more surprising to find than walking in on your husband-to-be surfing Pinterest? Well, get used to it, because it’s happening, and happening a lot. Although it is considered a “girls-only” page that is not stopping the men from getting some inspiration themselves. Visuals tend to help get the brain going, and what better than Pinterest where everything from engagement ideas, honeymoon destinations, and funky sock ideas can be found in one place?
Modern grooms are changing and setting wedding trends that are sure to stay, and their brides are embracing these ideas; letting the grooms have aspects of the wedding that they can call their own.
*Photos courtesy of Craig & Eva Saunders Photography, “Sarah & Pete”, Edinburgh, Scotland.
You’re Engaged, Now What?
January 28th, 2013Congratulations! You’ve found someone incredible to spend the rest of your life with now it’s time to start thinking about planning your wedding. While the task can be daunting for some, we’ve put together a list of the first steps you should take to make sure that your wedding planning adventure gets off on the right foot.
ENJOY IT!
Enjoy this time together! Spend a few weeks just enjoying being engaged, wrapped up in all the and joy that you are feeling, knowing what it means to be engaged and not stressing out about what needs to get done. Go on romantic dates, dream about the day you’ll say “I Do” and flash your ring finger whenever you have a chance. You’ll only be fiancés for so long, so say it often!
MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT
The first thing you’ll want to do is tell everyone you know. We recommend making personal announcements to your immediate family, send out a printed announcement to remaining family and friends, consider submitting an engagement announcement to your local newspaper or post the happy news online to Facebook and other social media outlets. Everyone will be so happy to hear the news straight from you, so choose whichever method best suits your style and budget.
CELEBRATE!
Before you start planning the wedding, plan an engagement party. Gather your friends at your favorite local bar, meet up with family for lunch at a fabulous restaurant or invite everyone to your apartment for hors d’oeuvres and plenty of Champagne. Be sure to have both families at the event if possible – you’re building a new life together and joining two families, so why not start it off with a fantastic celebration?
LOOK TO THE FUTURE
You don’t have to set a date just yet, but now is a great time to start thinking about the season you’d like to get married in, which will help determine how much time you have to plan. Knowing the season will start to guide your search for venues, conversations with vendors and your wedding dress hunt. And even if you don’t decide on the date for a few more months, your mom will be thrilled to tell her friends that you’ll be tying the knot in the fall of 2013 or spring of 2014!
CONSULT THE BANK ACCOUNT
Before you book vendors or buy a dress, you’ll need to know how much you’re planning on spending and how your budget will be broken down. Now’s the time to figure out if anyone will be contributing to your budget or if the two of you will be paying for the wedding yourselves. Though things will probably change as the months go by, having an idea of how the money will be used will keep you from using your entire budget for a photographer or venue deposit.
HIRE A PLANNER
Planning a wedding isn’t all fun and games, there is a lot to do to prepare for your big day! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner is a professional consultant who will help you with most (if not all) of the tasks involved in planning your wedding. From vendors, accessories, etiquette and even the smallest of details, this expert has the skills and contacts necessary to make your day come together seamlessly. Not to mention that hiring a wedding planner will help you enjoy the planning process more by taking stress out of the equation!
*Photos courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography, “Lia & Rob”, New York City, New York.
Wedding Trends for 2013
January 20th, 2013Glamour, beauty, and sophistication will be the central trends for weddings in 2013. Nods to old-hollywood opulence, soft feminine pallets, and formal tradition will be seen from the runway, to the table scape, all the way to the sweets. 2013 promised to be the year of ultimate beauty and detail!
2013 Bridal Gown Trends:
Illusion Necklines – One of the hottest trends for bridal gowns in 2013 will be the illusion neckline. This silhouette has the feel of a strapless gown, but provides a bit more coverage for the bride; it will also help your dress stay in place while you dance the night away!
Sleeves – In a post-Kate Middleton wedding world, it’s unlikely that sleeves will be disappearing from the bridal shops any time soon. The wonderful thing about these new long sleeves is how cleverly designed they are. Most of the fabrics used are transparent so they don’t look or feel heavy and the brilliant touches of embellishment add a whole new twist of formality and design to your wedding-day look.
Tulle – Goodbye lace, hello tulle! Tulle has undergone a transformation this season showcasing new narrow shapes covered in layers of tulle or fully-fashioned in tulle.Three dimensional textured ruffles, swirls, free-form flowers and shredded layers appeared in tulle. Simple light tulle layers flowed over gowns and appeared as capes for big dramatic moments. We love tulle for its sheer beauty, its delicacy and for its mystery as it covers and uncovers all at once.
Bare Backs – Time to toss those brassieres out the window ladies! Designers took a backwards plunge this season with the most naked, open, draped, cutout backs we’ve ever seen in a single season. Whatever clever and sexy way designers manage to bare your back, just make sure it’s ready for all that exposure. Tone your back muscles with yoga and weights. And remember, if you’re going backless on the big day, lose the bra several hours prior to be sure no phantom straps ruin the view.
*Top Left: Marchesa, Fall 2013. Top Right: Monique Ihuillier, Fall 2013. Bottom Left: Alfred Angelo, Fall 2013. Bottom Right: Rivini, Fall 2013.
2013 Theme and Decor Trends: 
There is a strong movement towards sophistication and black-tie formality with bridal themes and decor. Although 2013 weddings promise to be ultra-elegant they won’t be too stuffy and serious. Look for the return of chandeliers, gold charger places, and lots of crystal; not to forget candles, candles, candles. Softer and more neutral colour pallets will take a strong hold in 2013. Think: taupe, ivory, blush with pops of grey, black, and metallics to compliment.
Floral trends will also be on the softer and fuller side of the garden. Gone are the days of single-stemmed wild flowers in bud vases and forget the over-the-top, mile high centerpieces. They have all been replaced with long and low garland-styled arrangements down the center of full length reception tables, heavy with ‘English Garden’ inspired opulence featuring soft, lush, and romantic peonies, hydrangeas, and garden roses.
Formality and sophistication will be most evident in the return of more formal invitations and wedding stationery. Watch for a heavy push into the use of letterpress, foil stamping, calligraphy, and laser cut invitations. Each option adds a very fun pop without being too glitzy and over the top.
2013 Food and Sweet Trends:
Gone are the days of the mini-simple-foods (ie: mini burgers, fries, and pogos) and food stations, 2013 is going to be all about returning to dining formaly with a major trend back to sophisticated plated dinners. Designer cocktail and artisanal drink stations are going to be a great addition to your 2013 wedding; think infused champagne cocktails and liquor bars.
Those with a sweet tooth, take heart. Signature dessert and sweets tables are here to stay, with a slight twist. Informal cupcakes will be replaced with handcrafted mini cakes and petit fours: meringues, French macarons, fudge, tarts, and pastries. Wedding cakes will remain oh-so-stylish in 2013, featuring clean and modern designs with tall and slender single and double tiers. Most will include one amazing pop colour and embellishment such as a bow, monogram or over-sized flower.
We continue to feel very excited by the old-world formality, glamour, and sophisticated trends in 2013 and look forward to working with clients interested in featuring black-tie inspiration to their wedding.
Wedluxe Wedding Show 2013
January 12th, 2013
The Kennedy Event Planning team attended the Wedluxe Wedding Show at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario on January 6th, 2013. Wedluxe is Canada’s luxury wedding magazine and features some of the top talent in the wedding industry in Toronto and surrounding areas.
From a wedding planning perspective, it was evident that clients are looking to their planners to bring together their wedding themes in the same way that people hire designers for their homes. The expectations are high for wedding planners to bring these styled elements nad inspiration together for couples to bring both the experience of the day and it’s style images together cohesively. As a member of the Wedluxe Glitterati, we at Kennedy Events offer both the planning and logistical support, but will also work with you to line up all the style elements and suppliers to create the wedding experience you envision.Enjoy the beautiful images from the show below, captured by the talented Melanie Rebane of Melanie Rebane Photography:
For the full gallery of images, click on the thumbnails below:
Cassandra & Matthew (video)
December 29th, 2012| Ceremony & Reception Site: Museum of Nature | All Seasons Officiants, Dr. Alan Viau | Photographer: Melissa Johnston Photography | Videographer: First Kiss Films | Caterer: Tulips & Maple | DJ: Professional Entertainment Group | Florist: The Design Co. Florals | Linen: Groovy Linen | Sweets Table: Annie Monzon | Stationary: Inky Design & Print | Make-Up: Ottawa Make-Up Artists | Hair : Vanity Hair | Planner: Kennedy Event Planning |
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Groom Roast
June 9th, 2012
Bridal showers, gift-giving parties held in the honour of a soon-to-be bride, have been an active tradition in Canada, United States, Australia and parts of western Europe since the early 19th century. Friends and family of soon-to-be brides gather together and “shower” her with gifts while, traditionally, men and would-be grooms stay away. In the age of equality, we have to ask, if brides have a bridal shower, should a groom have one too?
Enter the modern equivalent to a traditional bridal shower: the groom roast. As known as a man shower, bro bath, groom shower, or guy gathering; the groom roast is a “shower”-type event where the groom is surrounded by important men in his life, celebrating, and having a little fun. The traditional bachelor party may not always be appropriate for younger guys or older relatives to attend, so this is a great way to include them in a group ritual that can include sports, gaming, poker, plus comedic praise, outlandish true stories, and uplifting humour.
Planned by the groomsmen and/or father of the groom, the group can play poker, various sports, a team-building activity (think areal park), or video games. Ideally taking place on the same date as the bride is having her bridal shower, the event should take place in the afternoon or early evening. Much like a bridal shower, the groom can be “showered” in gifts from his guests that are practical, sporty, or home-improvement related. Light snacks and refreshments that reflect the groom’s tastes should be served; something grilled, deep fried, or roasted that are informal but tasty is always a good choice.
Hosted in the home of a groomsman or a third-party location, the program should include a “roast” of the groom. That is to say, the guests poke fun at the groom with true stories, tasteful jokes (suitable for all ages attending), and uplifting tributes. The true nature of a groom roast is to bring together the older and younger generations of both families and friends, so they can get to know each prior to the wedding and allow important family members like fathers, grandfathers and younger relatives to feel included, all while have a little fun at the groom’s expense!
To learn more about the groom roast and other groom-related resources, check out The Groom’s List.
*photos courtesy of various photographers found on Pinterest.