Planning an outdoor event allows for flexibility and creativity. No matter what your theme is, the nature around you makes your special day aesthetically more appealing. However, there are plenty of things to consider when opting for an outdoor event. As your event planner, we have compiled a list of tips to help your outdoor event planning process go as smoothly as possible. So here are 7 things you need to know when planning an outdoor event.

1. Do You Really Need an Outdoor Event? 

When considering choosing an outdoor venue for an event, the first step is to determine if your event will work in an outdoor setting. You want to pay attention to the type of event you’re hosting. If you want to have a wedding, birthday, engagement party, then you can definitely go for an outdoor venue. It will allow room to play with a variety of themes. Fresh air and natural sunlight will complement the event ambience. 

On the contrary many events are not suitable for being organized outside. For instance, if you have a conference related to technology or electronics, then keeping the event indoors is better. For such events, you have to manage all the electronics, and have specific set ups which may be difficult to host outdoors. Therefore booking a conference room or a party room may be a better option in this case.

2. Choose a Suitable Venue

Once you are certain that your event can be outside, the next step is to choose a suitable venue that fits your event theme. There are plenty of parks and outdoor halls that you can opt for. You may need to research first before finalizing a venue. Make sure to also keep some alternative options in case. There are plenty of things to consider about the venue when planning an outdoor event.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Event Venue Choose a venue that is comfortable for your guests and does not have traffic noise. The location is important as you do want your event to be at a reasonable distance so that your guests have no problem attending the event. Look for a venue that has a parking area of its own.I f there’s no reserved parking for guests, consider having parking areas in close vicinity to your venue so your guests do not have difficulty finding parking. See the size of the venue and its capacity. Is the space offered enough for your guests? Check out the services being offered at the venue like the seating arrangement and catering services. Make sure the venue has an arrangement of portable toilets. Do not forget to check the online reviews about the venue before booking it.

3. Weather

This is the most important thing to consider before planning an outdoor event. Plan your event keeping the forecast in mind and choose a sunny day that has lots of sunshine and fresh air without any chance of rain. However, since weather can be unpredictable at times, make sure to have a backup plan. This may include portable decor, or choosing a venue that has both indoor and outdoor space. This way, as a backup, you can move your event indoors. Check out our video from one of our outdoor events last summer.

4. Outdoor Tent and Lighting

Tent your event. Consider canopies over tables or a marquee. It is highly recommended especially on a bright hot summer day, or when it gets too windy. It will minimize the exposure to sunlight. In case of a breeze, tenting will provide a shelter to protect your guests, delicate decorations and props.

Lighting is the most important factor to consider when planning an outdoor event. Not only is it important for the safety of your guests, but it is also a fantastic way to illuminate your summer soirees.  You can create a stunning ambience with lighting.  It is an excellent way to bring attention to certain features. Use coloured lights that match your theme the best. You can consider under-bench trim light, ceramic lanterns, metal candle holders, outdoor pendant fixtures, paper lantern string lights, glass lanterns, and globe string lights. You can also add fairy lights to the greenery for garlands or create a waterfall with delicate strings of lights. The possibilities are endless.

5. Mix Elegance and Minimalism

There are a lot of ways to make a bold and elegant statement. When planning an outdoor event, there are a number of versatile themes you can consider. One of the hottest design trends we see for outdoor event spaces right now include a monochromatic colour palette. Create a variety with textures and textiles. Add textures into your event design to give the decor additional depth. Choose one color and refine it into different hues, tints and shades to elevate and give your event an aesthetic look. There are many other color themes to consider like analogous, complimentary, triadic and rectangular. 

6. Equipment Arrangements

Planning an outdoor event can be more challenging than an indoor event when you have to set up all your electronic equipment outside. You need lights, generators, Wi-Fi access, speakers, heating, and cooling systems. You may need to hire vendors to set things up which may result in additional cost for the event that you initially anticipated. Creating a list of all the equipment that you may need in your event will make sure you do not miss anything. Make sure that your venue has enough outlets for your electrical devices in an outdoor event.

Create a list of all the equipment that you may need in your event. List the items that you may have to rent like generators and speakers much before the event day to make sure that everything is ready on time. Make sure that your venue has enough outlets for your electrical devices in an outdoor event.

5. Take Care of Safety Protocols

This is a new addition to event management since the pandemic, and probably the most important factor to consider. How can you make your outdoor event safer?

A good way is to avoid larger gatherings and choose a bigger venue to ensure social distancing. The venue should be open and big but with few people so that everyone can have a 5 to 6 feet distance. Also make sure to provide masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to your guests.

Another Good Tip: Instead of appointing a person to provide sanitizer to the guests, install a sanitizer station which is very popular these days in many public settings. It automatically pumps out an anti-bacterial gel and your guests can easily sanitize their hands when they enter or leave.

Regardless of the event being hosted indoors and outdoors, the level of elegance and sophistication of an event can be maintained with good management and creativity. Plan your event well in advance so you do not experience any difficulty on the event day. Make sure to also add health and safety protocols while planning the event. Keep your guests comfortable with proper seating arrangement and fresh food. Outdoor events are a great way to take advantage of nature and do something a little different. So make sure you take advantage of it this summer. If you have a date in mind, we have a plan for you. Give us a call and we can help you plan a fun, summerlicious event that you truly desire.

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Being in the wedding planning profession for a few years, we’ve honed the perfect list of advice for couples looking for tips on how to prepare for their Wedding Photography. It is our goal to make sure our couples have the most exciting, fun and stress-free experience. When it comes to planning and designing the whole wedding experience, we have you covered. That includes capturing the beautiful moments you share with your family and friends. So read on to get the best tips and tricks that you can use when preparing for your wedding photography.

Choosing a Photographer

Just as we suggest doing some research before choosing a wedding planner, we recommend you check out some photographers online. A lot of wedding photographers have their own facebook and instagram pages. So be sure to pay attention to their photography style, work and the price packages. Additionally, we recommend reaching out to couples who’ve hired a certain photographer for their wedding pictures to get an idea of how their experience has been. This will give you an insight into the kind of service a photographer provides, and if they’re willing to go above and beyond to make sure your special moments are captured accurately.

Choosing a Venue for Photoshoot

Some couples choose an outdoor venue for their wedding photography. Other couples choose to get ready in their homes. Discuss a location with your photographer that you will feel comfortable in. Whether it’s your house or a favourite spot at the beach, the location should be familiar to you so you can feel relaxed to take pictures.

No matter what option you choose, make sure it’s something that is meaningful to you as a couple. The location should tell your story. Pay attention to the angles, the field of view, focus, and timing. If you have a venue with big windows, pay attention to how the light falls on the windows at different times of the day. These tips will help you pay attention to thee little details matter in photography.

For couples choosing to stay overnight at a hotel, we suggest booking a room with a high-style, glamorous appeal. Choose a room that has luxe textures, dramatic lighting or a beautiful view, something that has an interior fit for a love story. This is something you definitely want to invest in. Conventional hotel rooms are generally set up to appeal to the majority of the guests. However, when it comes to booking a room for your wedding day to get ready in and to spend the night, you want to make sure you’re choosing a room that’s unique. A room with features that appear appealing when you take your wedding photos in there. Talk to the concierge about a few hidden gems inside or around the hotel are that may be a good spot to take your wedding pictures at.

Choosing Outfits

When choosing outfits for a wedding, make sure to choose a dress and tuxedo that brings out the best in you. You’ll be taking pictures in these outfits that will last you a lifetime. Therefore, you want to choose the wedding outfits that not only accentuate your body, but also go with the overall theme of the wedding. Feel free to check out our tips here on how to find the wedding dress of your dreams.

Getting Ready Photos

Get your wedding photography to capture you getting ready, getting your make up done and preparing for the event. This also involves photographs of items that you’re using to get ready. Beautiful jewellery, floral bouquets, shoes, dress belts, texture of the outfits, head pieces are some of the key items that will later remind you of your special day.

In addition, there are a lot of touching and emotional events that happen while you’re getting ready. Getting your makeup and hair done are the most intimate moments where it finally settles in that you’re getting married. So, make sure your photographer captures these moments with your friends and family members on both the bride side and the groom side. Moreover, having extra space in the rooms you’re getting ready in will also give your photographer the creative freedom to choose a variety of angles.

Planned and Candid Photos

In addition to having candid pictures, make sure you add time for posed photographs with family, friends and other relatives. Planned pictures can sometimes feel unnatural, so it is important to act as natural as you can. Provide a detailed shot list for family portraits to your photographer. For further help, assign a dedicated person on the day of the event to keep everyone organized and ready. 

When it comes to wedding photography, don’t be shy to get creative.  No two couples are alike, and what works for one couple may not necessarily work for the other. Embrace the loving bond that you two share and let these moments be captured so you can relish it later. The purpose of a wedding photoshoot is to save the memories of your special day with your loved ones in the form of snapshots. Converse with your wedding photographer for a better understanding of the outcomes of creative wedding photography. If you’re looking for the right photographer for yourself, and would like a second opinion, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to provide you with everything you need for a successful wedding.

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Planning a wedding budget is a huge undertaking and can be very stressful. Oftentimes, things are overlooked or underestimated. Ultimately, it’s hard to determine how to save money on your wedding. Since a lot of 2020 weddings got postponed to 2021, then rescheduled to 2022 and 2023, couples are now choosing to not delay their wedding anymore. “Love is not cancelled” and couples are opting to have smaller, more intimate ceremonies, known as Micro Weddings. So let’s get into what exactly can you save on, what costs remain the same, and what to invest in for a Micro Wedding.

BUDGET ALLOCATION

In Ontario, traditional weddings usually range between an average of $45,000 to $60,000 CAD. Micro Weddings may cut down that number to anywhere between $30,000-$50,000 CAD. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the wedding cost is cut in half. It’s just allocated differently.

Every couple apportions their budget based on what is really important to them. For some couples, honouring their family traditions are really important. They allocate more money towards food and entertainment. For others, having a beautiful venue and decor is at the top of their list. Therefore they invite less guests, but go all out on decor and other details. 

GENERAL WEDDING BUDGET ALLOCATION Transportation: 2-3% Transportation for the wedding party, guest shuttles or parking attendant. Ceremony 2-3% Marriage license, officiant fee, church, musicians. Stationery 2-5% Save the date invites, wedding invitations, RSVP cards, wedding programs, menus, place cards etc. Gifts 2-3% Gifts given to the bridal party, groomsmen, bridesmaids, ring bearer, flower girls.  Flowers and Decor 7-15% All flowers and decoration for the wedding. Music and Entertainment 8-12%  Dj, band, performers and dancers. Attire 10-15%  Wedding dress alterations, wedding day hair, make up , and gowns. Photography & Videography 10-15%  The cost of services as well as any required photography location permits. Reception 45-50%: Cost of food , cake, alcohol, venue rental fees, chairs (as many venue chairs are really dated), taxes and gratuity.

WHAT YOU CAN SAVE ON

1. Wedding Venue, Catering and Party Favours

When making a budget, cutting the guest list in half can save you some money on catering, favours and wedding venues. An A and B list is a good start at cutting down the guest list. This will help you to have only close family and friends included in the ceremony.

A decrease in the number of guests will allow you to book smaller venues. Therefore, you will be spending less on the venue cost, catering and party favours. Another way of saving is by reusing some of the ceremony decor for reception or other wedding events.For catering options, you could ask for a passed Hors d’oeuvres menu with 4 appetizers and a cocktail. Alternately, having a “cocktail hour” instead of an open bar is also a rising trend that you can adopt.

You can consider off-season low pricing options for different venues as well. However, it is important to note that the cost per head (~ $110-$160 CAD per person) remains the same or may increase in some cases. So the only reduction is in the overall cost (50 people compared to 150 for example). Ultimately, allowing you to save or re-allocate it towards a different wedding budget category that you may be more passionate about. 

2. Digital Invites

Wedding invitations generally cost a few hundred dollars even for a small wedding. So creating digital invites is a good way to cut down on the cost associated with creating, printing and mailing out the invitation cards. Instead you can use an online wedding invitation cards service or create your own based on your wedding theme. You can also contact us and we can offer you different digital solutions for invitation cards and the RSVP process.

3. Delay Honeymoon

Instead of having your honeymoon scheduled shortly after the wedding ceremony, couples can save the cost of their trip by delaying their honeymoon by a year or two. This will save you a lot of stress and allow more room for worry-free wedding planning so you can focus on the wedding first and budget for your honeymoon later.

4. Transportation Cost

When it comes to transportation, you can rent a Limo for only the couple to save cost. You providing alternative transportation options for your bridal party, but you do not have to book it all. Alternately, providing the wedding party with some ride sharing options is also a great way to cut down on the cost of transportation.

WHAT EXPENSES REMAIN THE SAME

1. Videographer and Photographer

No matter how big or small a wedding is, hiring a photographer is always included in the budget. You want to make sure your special day is documented with all the special memories that you share with your loved ones. Videography, alongside photography, is becoming a rising trend as a lot of guests are unable to attend weddings due to social distancing and travel restrictions at the moment. So the cost of hiring a photographer and/or videographer remains the same. 

What you could save on however, is the amount of time you hire the photographer/videographer for. For instance, plan your wedding in a way where you can have the major events of the day in the first 5 hours of the ceremony. As a result, you can hire a professional for only those few hours instead of a full day.

2. Wedding Ceremony and Officiant

The cost of ceremony and wedding officiant remains the same, whether it’s an intimate event or a large event. On average, the standard fee for a wedding officiant usually ranges from $500 to $800. The ceremony is the central part of your wedding. Therefore, this is something you do not want to compromise quality on.

3. Vendors Hired

As many weddings were postponed from 2020 to 2021 and 2022, a lot of vendors have full calendars booked. They need to increase their resources and hire employees to meet the increased demands of the industry. Therefore, the cost of hiring vendors remains the same, if not increased, in 2021 and 2022. 

OPTIONAL SAVINGS

1. Makeup/Hair For The Bridal Party/Bridesmaids

You can always choose to pay only part of the cost for the bridesmaids/bridal party make up. This will save you tons while setting up a budget for your wedding. You can choose to provide them with gift cards so they can use it towards their makeup and hair instead of paying the full cost. A lot of couples also get creative by providing drinks or snacks for their family and friends while they get their makeup or hair done.

2. Hotel Room Reservations

Just like hair and makeup, you can choose to provide the venue location to your guests and they can book a hotel room in the area based on their own budget. Alternatively, you can check with different hotels on what deals they have available at the moment and provide a list of coupons/deals to your guests.

3. Rehearsal Dinners

For rehearsal dinners, you can choose to only have Hors d’ oeuvres, pizza and drinks or even snacks/sandwiches from a local bakery. Alternatively you can also opt for only desserts instead of having a full course meal. For smaller weddings, you can also choose to skip the Rehearsal dinner, and if absolutely necessary, practice the entrance and exits at home. There are always other creative ways to thank the wedding party, so you can definitely consider other options. 

WHERE TO INVEST / SPEND ON

If you’re not planning to celebrate again after the pandemic, but rather want to put your entire budget towards your micro wedding, there are many different, creative ways  to reallocate those funds on a smaller guest list.

SOME OF THE THINGS TO INVEST IN Live Feed in addition to photography and videography Floral Bouquet Certain wedding elements that are important to you as a couple Head Table Personalized Venue Decor

In the end, there are no set rules for how much you should spend on your wedding. It is, however, recommended that you work with a wedding planner. Hiring a wedding planner can make all the difference when it comes to planning your special day. Firstly, as professionals in the industry with extensive knowledge and network, they can save you on the vendor cost. Secondly, they can help you lower the cost of other things on your budget list. Lastly If you plan your budget with an event planner, or give them a budget estimate, they’re more likely to stick to your budget than if you were to do it alone.  So, decide what’s important to you as a couple, make a budget and stick to it! 

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Planning a wedding, as exciting and magical as it sounds, comes with a lot of organization and delegation of tasks. While the couple spearheads the main events, the bridal party can get involved in a lot of ways. Your wedding party can ensure a smooth sailing at the event. Ultimately helping the couple have a stress free wedding of their dreams. Here are some ideas on how to get your wedding party involved in the event planning process.

Notify Wedding Party In Advance

Ideally you should notify your immediate family and friends within a couple of months of getting engaged. This could be anyone you’d like to be involved in your wedding planning processes. Notifying them in advance will give them enough time to adjust their daily schedules to accommodate for the planning process. Hence allowing them to make important introductions, making it easier for your party to communicate and coordinate with each other.

Choose Your Wedding Party

Your wedding party includes not only the people who will help you plan your wedding day, but also the people who will be by your side as you walk down the aisle and say the vows. These could be your parents, your friends, your most trusted coworkers, or your neighbours. These are people who know you well and understand what your wishes are for your special day. There are no set rules but keep in mind that your bridal party will be dedicating a notable amount of time and resources for your special day.

Choosing Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

Feel confident about asking your friends to take charge of certain events. They can assign tasks to the rest of the team. There are a lot of ways your party can get involved in the planning process. This can involve helping you decide your budget, choose a wedding planner, help you make appointments etc. Some of the bridesmaids can plan the Bridal Shower, while others can plan the Wedding Day Breakfast. Similarly, you can get their help with choosing a wedding dress, makeup necessities, party attires for family members, distributing party favours, and planning entertainment for guests. They can also coordinate with your event planner to carry out some essential tasks. The important thing to keep in mind is trust, reliability and flexibility.

Getting Your Event Planner Involved

Discuss all the wedding details with your event planner well in advance. Consult with them on how to distribute responsibilities. They can also give you advice on who to put in charge of certain things and who to choose as your advisory board. Event planners have tons of experience. So don’t hesitate to consult them on how to get your wedding party involved in the wedding process. See our service packages here to get an idea of how we, as your event planner, can help get your wedding party involved.

Moreover, a lot of couples choose to have their wedding planner assign tasks to the bridal party. Your event planner is your main point of contact during the whole process. Therefore, having your wedding planner distribute certain responsibilities removes the hesitation on the couple’s behalf. This becomes of high value for couples who may not feel comfortable assigning tasks to family members and friends. Needless to say, it reduces a lot of stress, leaving more room for the couple to enjoy every moment at their wedding.

Delegating Tasks

Assign roles to a particular person or a group of people. For example you can appoint three people to research different catering options. One person can compile a list of vendors. Another person can check for reviews and quality assurance. The third person can call these vendors to book appointments and check pricing. Have them greet and receive guests at the wedding reception, while you get ready. They can help your guests find their seating and offer complimentary drinks. This is a great way to make everyone feel included in the planning process.

Beyond Wedding Party

A lot of couples are afraid of leaving out a few friends/ family members from making the cut for the Bridesmaids or Groomsmen list. I’d like to emphasize that there are still a lot of ways you can get your beloved friends and family members involved at your wedding. Program distribution, ushering, train bearing, party favour distribution, checking up on guests, monitoring gifts table etc are to name a few. These may seem small tasks but they make a big difference in carrying out your ideal wedding. 

Setting Limits

Getting your family and friends involved in the wedding planning can be a huge stress reliever. It is crucial to choose a close group of people that not only know you well, but also respect you enough to help you make your own decisions. All this while giving you a healthy space to be yourself and make your own calls in the planning process.

Despite this, the wedding planning process comes with a lot of responsibility. In such situations, complications can happen. Sometimes, disagreements between party members may arise. These may vary from budget pricing to resource allocation to overwhelming involvement in the wedding planning. Be sympathetic, understanding and compassionate. Have an honest conversation about the clear expectations and responsibilities at hand. Assure them that you love them but also set limits to allow yourself enough space to make wise decisions. This will help address issues clearly to ensure amendments are made and things are up to par with your plan.

In the end, your bridal party is your wedding squad. They’ll be with you throughout the whole process to make sure everything works out as planned. So make sure to thank everyone involved in making your wedding special. Show them your love and appreciation, whether it’s by giving them a call or sending a Thank You note. A little goes a long way!

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You’ve been together for a while. Shared the laughters, the tears and the smiles. Been through the highs and lows of life. Came out strong after months of isolation and physical distancing. And now, you’re sure this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. So you decide to propose, and it’s gotta be special!!

Planning a proposal can be fun and nerve-racking at the same time. In the past, marriage proposals have ranged from grand spectacular public displays, flash mobs or sports event proposals to faraway intimate destination events. With the Covid-19 pandemic altering our lives, we’re seeing a change in the way marriage proposals are being carried out. 

This means couples are resorting to more intimate, and private proposals. Destination proposals and elaborate public event proposals are declining in trend. Ultimately, it translates to having more elaborate decor, floral arrangements at scenic locations, and more grand, luxurious displays. With the help of professionals, you can add unique elements to the venue and also make sure that each and every special moment is professionally captured by a photographer. Moreover, incorporating videography is also a growing trend as couples want to share this special moment with family and friends who would otherwise have been a part of this occasion, if social distancing and safety measures were not in place.

So if you’re ready to pop the question this year, here’re some of our creative picks to make sure you’re expressing your love the way it deserves to be expressed.

1. At Home Proposals

With tighter social distancing and travel restrictions in place, it’s no surprise that a lot of couples are  preferring stay-at-home proposals. These proposals can be simple, super-sweet and romantic. If you can’t go out, bring the celebration home!

You can do a breakfast in bed proposal or use your backyard / front yard space to add unique decorations. Hang up a sign (indoors or outdoors) to pop the question using a letter board, neon letters, balloons or paper lanterns. This is where you can get more creative with the decor.

Alternately, you can transform your apartment or house into an exotic destination that you and your partner have been wanting to travel to, giving the feel of a destination proposal.

A lot of couples are choosing to make their proposal more special with grand floral decorations and elaborate chandeliers. This is where attention to details matter a lot. You can make your personal space filled with floral decor and fairy lights to make your partner feel like they’re part of a fairytale. This is usually where a little help from an event planner can help you go that extra mile for your partner. 

2. Book a private venue (hotel/rooftop/party room)

Booking a private venue could vary from a hotel room to a rooftop to booking a patio or even a party room in a condo building. Add some candles, floral arrangements, small crystal decorations and you have yourself a pretty romantic ambiance. Ultimately bringing together all the little details that have made your relationship special. Show her why she’s the one, and give her that moment she’ll remember forever.

Feel free to check out our Instagram gallery here for some inspirational pictures from one of the intimate hotel room events we planned for our clients during the pandemic.

3. Scenic Outdoor Proposal

We saw a lot of these last summer and since then, this trend has been the most popular choice for couples. You can choose ANY outdoor space. From a simple regular stroll in the neighbourhood to recreational parks to beaches! Some couples choose to do it during their summer mountain top hiking adventures to get that extra adrenaline pumping. The possibilities are endless! 

Try local destinations or drive down to a vineyard a serene lake a bit outside of the city. This will give a feeling of getting away while still being within the proximity of your local residence. To take it up a notch, plan it ahead. Have your event planner decorate that scenic location with flowers, lighting and perhaps an intimate dinner set up for two. Not your regular scenic outing after all! Not only will this add a personal touch to the venue but will also make this special moment memorable for both of you. 

4. Zoom Proposals

A virtual celebration is one of the best ways to celebrate special occasions while keeping your friends and family included and safe. Generally, there are surprise post-proposal parties where friends and families get together to congratulate the couple and share in their happiness. With safety measures in place, a lot of couples are choosing to propose one-on-one, followed by a zoom meeting with family and friends to include a virtual celebration.

Zoom proposals are also popular among couples that are in a long distance relationship or have been quarantining separately. In a normal situation partners would travel to see each other and propose. As the travel restrictions continue, couples are choosing to no longer put a hold on important milestones and celebrations. Instead they are using technology to facilitate these special moments and propose online.

5. Movie Night/ Activity Based Proposal

With a lot of us staying home during the pandemic, a great way to take a break is by engaging in hobbies or activities together. From painting together to movie nights to home gymming we see a lot of variety in the activities that couples are engaging in. No matter what you do together, use this as a creative inspiration to propose to your loved one.  Nothing beats the importance of sharing a moment that’s special and unique to both of you. Pop the question when you’re doing your favourite activity together and surprise your partner in a unique yet unexpected way.

Since the lock down, a lot of couples feel limited in their options. We’re here to tell you that no matter what the situation is, if you decide it’s the right time for you to “put a ring on it”, we’re here to help you hit that milestone. You can plan the perfect proposal for your loved one, despite all the uncertainty created by the global pandemic. The kind of proposal she will see and instantly know that you really have been paying attention. That you really do know her like nobody else does, and that you’re the one she’s waited her whole life for. This is your chance to make a big impression and create something she’ll never forget!

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Looking for safe and socially distanced birthday party ideas in 2021? Want to plan something magical with your kids but don’t know what’s trending? Wondering how other families are organizing social distance-friendly events for their kids?

Kids parties are fun, magical, beautiful, and full of entertainment for everyone. An event that is full of unique details, and tons of activities is guaranteed to make your little ones happy. After our recent hit “2021 Popular Wedding Trends” (something you should definitely checkout if your kids are of age!), we’ve compiled a list of 2021 Top 10 Kids Party Trends for you, to ensure your celebration is a memorable one, while keeping your loved ones safe and healthy. So let’s dive right in!

1. Superhero

Superhero parties are always a big hit with the kids. With the rise of DC and Marvel movies in the entertainment industry, the little ones want to feel like a superhero themselves. Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, Shuri, Supergirl, Spiderman, Ironman, you name it! Bright colours and comic book decor makes it very exciting for kids. A few of my clients have repeated this theme, always with new, fresh elements. Some of these ideas include inviting their favourite super hero for live action and entertainment, incorporating figurines, or doing fun superhero obstacle challenges to keep all their little guests engaged. This is increasingly a popular theme for both boys and girls.

2. Star Wars

After Disney announced nine new Star Wars series at Investor Day 2020, we’re expecting to see a lot of events with the Star Wars theme in 2021. Who isn’t a fan of lightsabers, spaceships, and Yoda ( or…Baby Yoda!)? From cake toppers to Jedi Training Camp activities, you can get a lot more creative with this theme. You can customize the cake, cupcakes or macaroons, and create DIY lightsabers. In addition, you can have an activity to create party favours that guests can later take with them. For entertainment, play trivia games, and have battleships made out of cardboard to ensure your guests are engaged throughout the event. 

3. Boho Picnic Party

With a lot of emphasis on events being held outdoors, like in backyard or local parks, you can add a twist of fun to your regular outdoor picnic party by theming it as “Boho Picnic Party”. All you need is a scenic location, a comfortable set of rugs (or blankets/sheets), some cushions and delicious food. You can also have a low table with patterned plates atop wooden chargers and oversized pillows to compliment the look. Dream catchers, small floral decor, and succulent plant decor are also a great trending addition to the overall boho theme. 

4. Woodland Animal Party

A woodland animal party theme is sure to turn your space into a storybook adventure. From sneaky raccoon, to cuddly bear to giant moose, kids can dress up as their favourite animal. You can hold this event indoors or outdoors. The fun part is that you can even have a face painting booth and/or a s’mores bar at your event. We’re seeing more creativity around decorating the front lawn with woodland animals and planning fun activities and games that are not only educational but also fun. You can also modify this theme to look more like a Farm Animal Party, Goats & Llama Party or a Harvest Party. The options are endless! 

5. Chic Safari

This is the Animal Party taken to a whole new level! Decorated with lots of beautiful and oversized jungle animals and very sophisticated kids friendly table scapes. You can have giraffe slides, play monkey tags, or hold mini competitions catching the snake’s tail. Whether it’s a kids birthday or celebration of one of the major milestones, this theme is loads of fun for both adults and kids.

6. Frozen

After the release of Frozen 2 in 2019, we’ve seen another spike in Frozen themed parties. Go on a snowy adventure with Elsa, Anna and Olaf and throw the best birthday party ever your kids (and their friends) could ask for. This time, try to incorporate some of the cool elements that the new movie has to offer. Look for more leafy details, horses, crystals and a misty forest feel.

7. Mermaids

The all time favourite Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, King Triton and all their under the sea friends. From DIY jewellery kits for girls to making slime to decorating hair, your kids are going to love this Disney themed party. Feel free to add some inflatable pools to make it a pool party! Make sure to add some fun games like treasure hunt, crab walk race, and sand castle building.

8. Unicorns

Unicorns, like mermaids, are a classic when it comes to kids parties. This is more of a growing trend for girls parties than for boys. We are seeing more creative styles with unique details that not only surprise kids but adults as well. The pastel colour palette gives it a more light, airy and surreal feel. From party plates to cupcakes to goodie bags, to having an actual unicorn (see our gallery here), your kids are going to love this magical theme.

9. Camp Out

I love the idea of holding an outdoor event. It provides a lot of room for social distancing, while allowing kids to have plenty of space to run around, play and have fun. Whether you choose to have a camp day in your backyard, or decide to do it in a recreational park and include some friends, this is an excellent choice for parents looking to spend some quality time outdoors with their kids. This trend is not only suitable for children, but also for adults who like to provide a more eclectic, out-in-the-nature experience for their guests.

10. Spa Day

With a lot of parents working from home, it’s nice to take a break and plan a spa day with your kids. This is an excellent choice for mommies looking to spend some time with their daughters. Cut some fresh cucumbers, make an avocado face mask, grab a couple essentials for manicure and pedicure, and take a day off from your busy schedule to plan this memorable day with your kids. To take things up a notch, add a tea party table for some special mommy and daughter bonding time.

No matter which trend you like to go with in 2021, get creative and have fun! If it’s just your family or a small gathering of 25, its all about taking the time to plan a fun and sophisticated event. An unforgettable event that kids and adults alike, can enjoy and leave with an everlasting impression. If you have an idea but need help bringing it to fruition, feel free to give us a call or leave us a message and we’ll be happy to help create a magical event for your child.

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2020 has certainly been a year full of changes and uncertainty. With our lives adjusting to the “new normal,” couples have been continuously trying to find unique and creative ways to celebrate their wedding day. You may wonder how other couples are planning their wedding, as our personal and family lives adjust to accommodate the new norms.

Whether your wedding was rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic, or you already had a date in 2021 all along, you’ll find that while the latest wedding trends change, so do styles and budget allocation when it comes to the big day. Wedding trends now reflect major changes in the industry as a whole. As a result, we are now combining a visually beautiful experience, along with the safety of guests. As this mindset continues through to 2021, here I mention some new and evolving wedding trends for the next year. So read on, if you’re planning to propose your special someone or wondering if you can still plan a beautiful wedding while keeping your near and dear ones safe.

More Intimate and Meaningful Celebrations

This is definitely at the top of our wedding trend list! Inviting everyone in the friends and family circle is no longer the trend. Couples are now choosing to go with a more intimate celebration with their closest friends and relatives. This means couples can spend their budget more lavishly on a smaller group, leaving a lasting impression on their guests.

“Micro Weddings” is a big wedding trend that calls for more intimate ceremonies. They can be formal or informal. You can choose to keep it with the tradition or take a more modern/hybrid approach. Since there is more budget per head, there is a greater focus on attention to details and personal touches throughout the event. But the most important aspect is that this event size allows the bride and groom to spend more quality time with each and every guest and really enjoy their special day.

Big and Bold Decor Elements

When it comes to 2021 wedding trends, the major headline is “Smaller but Bigger”. Cutting back on guest numbers is a new wedding trend, but that doesn’t mean cutting back on glamour and extravagance. It’s quite the opposite, as one of the latest wedding trends right now is oversized decor and bold statements. 

Think of oversized centrepieces, tons of crystal decor elements such as candelabras, chandeliers and beautiful design props to recreate the outdoor feel in an indoor setting.

Weddings are going big with visuals as well as the guest experience. Bolder colours, bigger arrangements, varied entertainment, and luxe food & beverages.

Softer Colors and Floral Arrangements

Floral decorations are a defining part of any big day. While bold statement colours with different textures and shapes have been in for a while, softer tones and gentle palettes seem to be trending in 2021. 

We are seeing more pastel colour schemes that range from light and airy blues and lavenders to 60’s inspired hues like chartreuse and peach. The focus has shifted to inclusion of luscious greens, and incorporating masses of leaves and greenery. The best thing about this nature inspired decor is that it fits perfectly well with any kind of wedding theme. You can add trees, small plants, ferns, succulents, garlands of eucalyptus or even a cactus or two.

When it comes to bridal bouquets, it’s all about understated tidy bouquets with plenty overflowing greenery for majestic look. This trend is also seen in oversized floral installations, like dramatic ceremony backdrops or floral chandeliers that make a major statement.

Beautiful Lighting

One of the top wedding trends of the year is the mood lighting. Expect to see lighting play a bigger role than ever before, whether it’s to make a large space seem cozier or to highlight some unique aspects of the decor even further.

Whether you are hosting an indoor or outdoor event, lights can set the tone and mood for your evening. When the sun sets, the lights automatically come on to provide a more romantic and warm feel. 

From exposed bulbs to lampshades, and vintage chandeliers to candles on a beach, we recommend finding creative ways to integrate lighting in a unique way this coming year.

Music and Entertainment Play an Even More Important Role in 2021 

Because dancing may be somewhat limited, couples are finding eccentric ways to entertain guests. Incorporating a live entertainment into the wedding reception to create a memorable experience for your guests goes beyond just having the standard reception elements.

A live band or DJ is a must. Not just to play music and facilitate special dances, but to serve as an emcee for the evening. From stand up comedians to celebrity impersonators, couples are thinking out of the box so their guests are entertained while seated at their tables.

Live Streaming Videography

2021 trends will also include a change to wedding photography. With a restricted number of social gatherings and rapid advancements in technology, couples are choosing to live stream and broadcasting their special day to share with their faraway family and friends. Wedding days are now being captured as a film, becoming a more popular option for couples, who want to relive their special day after the wedding event has ended.

With videography becoming more popular, we also see the rise of drones being used for photography and short videos. Drones are perfect for stunning group shots of you and your guests. You can also take stunning shots of the venue and the whole party by adjusting the height from which you want to take these stunning images.

Giveaways Are Both Fun and Functional

We’re seeing a new twist in party favours in 2021. Couples are investing in customized masks and sanitizing stations that are aligned with the overall design of the wedding. The presentation of these giveaways is also important, as many couples are opting to have these favours presented in individual, customized boxes, rather than offering them in a communal basket or setting them out on a table.

Trends are a great way to get inspiration and integrate new ideas. They also tell you what others in the industry are doing. But that being said, whatever the trends are, it’s always important to follow your dreams and not compromise on the details you really want in your event. Remember – this is your day, so make it your own! And don’t forget, we’re here for a free consultation whenever you’re ready to start planning your event. For 2021 bookings, please visit our Contact Us page and let us know your wedding date and other details you have in mind. We’d love to work with you to make your wedding event as magical and special as you have imagined.

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Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate with your loved ones.  While this cheerful season is something that we look forward to, with the pandemic still lingering on, it may not be as thrilling in 2020 as it usually is.

Whether its a corporate Christmas party or a smaller, more sedate event with close family and friends, our regular parties could be under a threat unless the rules on gathering of more than six people are lifted. But this doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy one of the most wonderful times of the year, while following the current Covid guidelines set by the authorities. After all, it’s a time to share with our loved ones. A time where we have the opportunity to bless others in need. A time to celebrate the most precious gift give to humanity, a gift of love, grace and mercy. 

This only means that we will have to celebrate in a more low-key fashion this year.  Therefore, keeping that in mind, here are a few Christmas party ideas that you can use during the pandemic and celebrate yet another year of togetherness, even through these difficult times.

Traditional Holiday Parties For Smaller Groups

The annual Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be skipped this year.  To keep things as close to normal as possible, host a holiday party with your very favourite few people.  But if narrowing this list becomes challenging, then host an in-person holiday party in two or more groups. This will ensure you’re spending time together with your loved ones, while keeping the social distancing rules in place.

We also suggest being thoughtful about this year’s holiday menu.  Instead of buffets, offer individual meal boards.  Offer hand sanitizing wipes wrapped together with their silverware and napkins.  Find a creative and festive way to brand these items together.

You can also offer a luxury selection of prepackaged holiday dinners (with take out feeling). We suggest avoiding food serving handles that multiple guests touch at a time.

Consider Open Air Options

We saw this earlier this year with a lot of events being held outdoors in backyards, parks, beaches etc. Think about planning an early holiday event outdoors this year.  Install heaters and fire pits, where allowed, to warm up your guests.  To add a nice detail to your outdoor dinner, you can offer personalized blankets as a Christmas present for your guests.  This will make sure your guests are warm and cozy during the dinner, and it will ensure that each person is using their own blanket to keep the sanitary guidelines in place.

Have Fun Activities or Games

Regardless of whether the holiday event is indoors or outdoors, plan to have some fun with your guests.  Come up with some creative game ideas.  The sillier the games, the better!  Try some cookie decorating competitions, trivia games, pictionary, or charades.  People will love to play and laugh together, so be sure to add a big dosage of fun.

Gift a Toy

Spread the joy by giving unwrapped toys or used toys to charitable institutions. Nothing can be compared to the happiness you get doing a good deed. It is the reason for the season, and this year, it’s even more important to share the joy with those who may not be as fortunate as the rest of us.

Christmas Movie Night

Bring back the nostalgia with a dinner theatre show that follows mandatory safety protocols.  Make a list of movies that can be watched with some popcorn and delicious Christmas goodies.  You can alternate between different groups of friends or family and watch your favourite movies together.  Pour in some complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows and see your show sells out.

Virtual Game Night

Begin your Holiday season with a Holiday game night.  Line up a set of games that can be organized online and participants can easily take part in it.  Come up with some creative game ideas.  Try Christmas bingo, Christmas movie trivia, pictionary or charades.  You can download an app on your phone or use an online party pack from Jackbox, so your guests can use their phones to answer and virtually participate. 

From a traditional Christmas party to a movie night, whichever idea you  choose, ensure to make your party a memorable and safe one.  Have fun with your family and friends, and don’t forget to capture the memories you create this Christmas.

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Cake tasting is one of the most fun and delightful experiences of wedding planning. You get to spend a few hours savouring the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that you will potentially be offering to your guests on the day of your wedding. 

As exciting as it is, there are still some things that you absolutely do not want to overlook or forget while you enjoy your mouth-watering treats. Besides the presentation and taste, there are other factors, you want to keep in mind before you start booking your appointments with different bakers. So keep reading as I share some tips with you that can help you decide which cake you’d like to share with your family and friends on your special day.

Do some serious research

Look for different vendors, cake styles, flavours, decorations, fillings and textures. Once you have narrowed down your list, take the time to read reviews of your favourite baker. 

You can always call and have a preliminary consultation with different bakers. I would suggest being open to their suggestions, and suggestions from others (family/friends) who’ve ordered cakes from different vendors for different occasions. Have your list of questions ready so you don’t forget to ask important questions during your appointment.

Book your cake tasting 6 months in advance

Book your cake tasting appointments about 6 months in advance. This is something you don’t want to leave out for the very last minute. Having at least a  six month time period in advance will help you straighten out all the details of the event day, like theme, venue, event-day agenda, so that when you’re finalizing the cake you can give the exact location, presentation and timings of cake arrival to your vendor. 

Schedule appointments on different days

If you’re testing multiple bakers, do not make all your appointments the same day. Cake tasting usually takes about one to two hours, so schedule your days accordingly. You want to give yourself sufficient time to process different tastes, textures, flavours, aromas, decoration etc. And believe me, having cake after cake after cake, you don’t want to get sugar sick by the end of the day!

Know your budget and stick to it

Keeping a budget in mind will help you make a list of all the places that fall under your set budget. This way, you can discuss your budget expectations with your baker before you proceed with finalizing the details of the cake. A good way to keep track of things is by keeping a cake tasting sheet with you. This will help you keep track of different vendors, flavors, pricing, tastes, and other things you like/dislike about a particular vendor.

Have some ideas about flavour and style 

Once you research different bakers and their creations, you’ll get an idea of what flavour and style you want to have for your wedding cake. Have ideas about cake toppers and decoration and discuss these with your baker. If there are any dietary restrictions, make sure to mention them beforehand. 

Some people prefer having different flavours for different tiers. Ask your baker if they can accommodate that for you so you can maximize your options. You may also want to consider tasting the frosting and filling separately and see which combinations work best for you.

Eat before your appointment

Eat before your appointment, because being hungry might affect your taste buds. Everything….and I mean, everything tastes better when you’re hungry! Your sensitivity to sugar and salt increases and your perception of taste changes. So be sure to eat before your appointment so you can differentiate between different flavours and not get tricked by your brain, who is a lot less picky when you haven’t had a meal in a while.

Cleanse your palate between each sample

Cleanse your palate between each sample so your taste buds can enjoy the next slice without any lingering flavours from the last sample. Drink water between your tastings and remember to taste different elements of the cake separately. For example: sponginess, frosting, sweetness, moisture, decorations etc.

Connect with your baker

Once you’re done finalizing all the details, you want to make sure you take down the contact information of your baker. In months and weeks leading up to the wedding, sometimes you make some changes based on the new information you may get and you want to make sure you have your baker’s information handy so you can communicate these changes with them in a timely manner.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE  BOOKING A SPECIFIC BAKER Find out if your baker provides a cake stand or if you’ll need to provide one Learn how large they consider a slice .This may affect how much cake you need to order Be sure to get a sketch of the design before finalizing the order Find out what time the cake will be delivered

Now that you know how to plan your cake tasting and what to look for, explore different ideas for cake decorations, flavours, tablescapes, and find inspiration in our lookbook here. If you need suggestions on vendors or how to decorate your wedding table, feel free to talk to us. We have a variety of recommendations based on your preference, that you may find helpfully delicious.

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If you’ve watched “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC, you are already familiar with all the emotions, the indecisiveness, the struggle, the tears… and oh, the drama, that doesn’t necessarily happen in real life, but hey! Who doesn’t like some laughs and giggles, right?! 

Dress shopping is fun. Now I know, you may say “Not really Paulette…” but what if I told you, that you can make your dress shopping experience exciting, enjoyable, interesting and stress free by being mindful of a few simple things?

When getting ready to shop for your wedding dress, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. I’ve come up with The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping that will help you “Say Yes to the Dress!”  So ladies, leave you stress behind, your vision ahead, and read on!

1. Do you have a theme in mind?

Is it rustic, country, whimsical, garden or a holiday wedding? Considering this will help you decide on the dress style, fabric and silhouette. Whether you want delicate work on your wedding dress, bold colors, embroidery, or jewels, it all depends on what the overall wedding theme is. Remember, you’re the star of your own fairytale!

2. Do your research

Before you start shopping for your ideal wedding dress, do some research on what is out there in the market. Depending on the theme you’ve chosen, look up for some dress inspiration online and check which vendors carry the brands and styles of your preference. This will save you a tremendous amount of time when you start booking your appointments.

3. Book an appointment

Once you have done your due diligence of researching what bridal stores you want to book an appointment with, it’s time to start creating a schedule for yourself.  Set aside different days and times for different places you want to visit. Keep in mind the commute time and leave some room for traffic delays and/or appointments running longer than their set times. Making a list of all the stores in a particular area so you can target them all on a given day, also helps you organize appointment slots better and reduces stress of rushing back and forth across the city from one store to another.

4. Know your budget

Set yourself a budget and stick to it! I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to set a budget for your wedding gown and stick to that budget. 

Keep a set price in your mind before you start trying on different wedding gowns. Avoid trying gowns beyond your budget. Trust me, this will save you a lot of unnecessary stress, and will help you narrow down your options so you can focus on designing the best style within a given budget.

5. Decide on a silhouette

Based on your body shape, decide on a silhouette but be open to try out things outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re petite, tall, pear shaped or hourglass, do some research before you start looking for different gown styles and cuts. Consider a style that follows the natural and feminine contours of your chest, waist, hips and thighs. However, if you feel confident in a particular dress, chuck out any rules that hold you back from feeling yourself wonderful in that dress.

6. Focus on the fit not on the size

Keep in mind that sizes will vary, depending on the dress designer. If you must try on a size medium instead of a small, know that it’s due to the store or designer sizing, not a reflection of your own body size. Remember one glove doesn’t fit all, and not all five fingers are the same. 

7. Bring the right undergarments and shoes

Everything will look better with the right foundational pieces. A nude strapless bra and a no-show pair of panties is the safest choice. Wrong undergarments can completely alter the appearance of a dress.

8. Narrow down your entourage

Bring friends that are going to be honest but who also understand your ideals of a wedding dress, along with your style needs. Sometimes, having too many opinions from different friends and family members can sway you from deciding what you had originally envisioned for yourself.

And lastly 

9. Be true to yourself 

Choose a dress that makes you smile, feel special and enhances your beautiful assets. It’s your wedding, and you should feel like yourself! Choose something that brings out the best in you. If you want to add a pop of color to your dress, or try a floral skirt with a top, then go for it and see how it looks. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately, it’s what accentuates your inner and outer beauty and makes you say “Yes, this is definitely the one!”

While all these things are important, above all, be patient with yourself. You want to allow yourself time to decide what looks great on you. You want to choose something that makes your heart filled with joy. A dress that goes well with your overall wedding theme, makes you feel like your true self, and the dress that will make your husband’s eyes filled with love and appreciation for the real beauty that is You!

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