xo, Alli
Thoughts, Tips and Feature Weddings
FAVORITE WINNIPEG VENUES {over 200 people}
Searching for the perfect venue is hard. It’s the foundation, (literally) for your wedding and one of the biggest decisions you will make during your wedding planning journey. Many historic homes, garden sanctuaries and smaller museum sites have capacities limited to 150 or fewer persons and in mid-size markets like Winnipeg, finding a venue can be particularly difficult if your wedding guest list exceeds 200 people.
WE’VE BEEN FEATURED!
Excellent news on a Monday - Our February styled shoot has been picked up for a feature c/o Love Inc. Magazine . Read all about it below:
https://loveincmag.com/heart-eyes-red-wedding-inspo-two-brides/
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING PLANNER
In the wedding industry (particularly in the Manitoba market), the period of October to March corresponding with the Christmas/Valentine’s holidays are BIG for bookings. I’ve gone into many reasons WHY to hire a wedding planner but in the early stages of your search, it’s important to have a list of what to look for in the same way you’d have checklists for your DJ, a photographer or a florist. Here is my recommended list of considerations as you search for your wedding planner.
CONSIDERING LITTLE ONES IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY
To include children or not to include children in your wedding party? Your wedding day is full of memorable and exciting moments and the result of hours and hours of careful planning and no one wants it ruined by a screaming toddler. This doesn’t mean you have to rule out having children in your wedding party entirely but I have some recommendations to make children more comfortable at your wedding and avoid any melt downs as much as possible.
WE’VE BEEN FEATURED!
We are thrilled to share that our spring wedding at the Art Gallery has been featured on Bespoke Bride, a wedding inspiration and DIY blog based out of the UK! Click here to see the full post!
LOOK GOOD DANCING AT YOUR WEDDING
For many couples, the thought of dancing in front of 100+ of your nearest and dearest can cause minor heart palpitations leading up to the big day. Have no fear, I have some quick tips to look good dancing at your wedding!
5 WAYS TO ADD PERSONAL TOUCHES TO YOUR WEDDING
Social media feeds are overrun with wedding inspiration and it almost seems as if there is nothing original when it comes to weddings. Every couple wants to give their guests a unique experience but it can seem like quite a challenge in the beginning. I always tell my clients the strategy to make your wedding stand out is to make it meaningful by considering all your favourite things as a couple in the early stages of planning.
WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT MUST-HAVES
My couples always get a kick out of my massive emergency kit bag, and I am continually adding to it. Nothing says ‘prepared’ more than a suitcase filled with medical kits, apparel and beauty must-haves. Below, I assembled a handy check list of items (and corresponding categories) you should consider packing on your wedding day.
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DATES
I am a big fan of mixing it up when it comes to days of the week and seasons of the year to host a wedding. With Manitoba’s short summer, the wedding season rush down the aisle historically starts the first weekend of May and quiets down by Thanksgiving. Of course, July is the most popular along with those very-special-never-happening-again novelty dates, (think 12.12.12), but what about the other four thousand couples who didn’t manage to snag a ‘prime’ date? Lately, I am seeing a spike in ‘off-season’ wedding inquiries and I have to say, I applaud my couples who are open to different options. There are many reasons for a not so ‘off’ season anymore, including limited venue availability, special rates for ‘off-season’ bookings and importantly, a couple’s personal availability depending on lifestyle and profession. If you are struggling around booking a wedding date, consider these alternative options.
DO WE HAVE TO HAVE A WEDDING REHEARSAL?
The short answer is YES! Without a rehearsal you run the risk of a very disorganized wedding ceremony.
LET’S TALK ABOUT SPEECHES
I find speeches can make or break any party atmosphere. How many times have you cringed during a best man’s speech or on the contrary - roared with laughter and clapped for an encore? A well delivered speech should accomplish two things – it should make all guests feel welcome and included and recognize the celebration or purpose of the party. I always try to work hard with wedding emcees to make them feel prepared and confident and deliver a great program to compliment a beautiful celebration. Here are some other tips for everyone planning a wedding (or any speech) in the future.
THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING
Remember back in university when getting ready to go out was almost just as good as the night out itself? A lot of Brides and Grooms tell me that the morning of their wedding, sipping on mamosas with their nearest and dearest can be an unexpected highlight of the day. Here are some tips to keep the morning of your wedding as enjoyable as possible.
TIPS FOR GUESTS PREPARING FOR WEDDING SEASON
Attending more weddings than you can count this summer? Start preparing now for the 2017 wedding season and follow these tips.
WHAT GUESTS REMEMBER
Okay, I admit it – when I plan an event I always stress over every décor detail but the truth is, your guests probably won’t remember the sprig of thyme on each place setting or the gold foil trim on the program. When planning any party you should always have your guests comfort in mind and here are the items that really count towards the overall guest experience…
SELECTING YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Statistically speaking, December through to January is the busiest time of the year for engagements so congratulations to everyone who recently got a shiny new piece of jewelry! Many couples in the early stages of planning prioritize their wedding date and budget followed closely by confirming their wedding party. This can cause a lot of anxiety and it might seem like a daunting task but keep the following tips in mind when thinking about who to include in your wedding day crew:
FINDING THE RIGHT WEDDING OFFICIANT
Were you one of the lucky couples who got engaged over Christmas and Valentine’s Day? You have likely already started the wedding planning process but I think the most overlooked vendor in any stage of planning is often your officiant, also known as your wedding commissioner. Along with other vendors like florists, photographers and musicians, it is very important to consider WHO is going to marry you. Last year I was so excited to officially become registered with vital statistics Manitoba and now I am proud to say I am legally able to perform marriages in Manitoba. When couples inquire about my wedding commissioner, (‘Yes We Do’) service I always look for a personality fit since I will be involved in the most detailed parts of planning a couple’s special day. When you are shopping around for a wedding commissioner, it is important to consider the following…..
GUEST ETIQUETTE
I often spend time advising couples what and what not to do at their weddings but I wanted to change it up this week and focus on how to be a thoughtful attendee. Whether you are attending a wedding or an upcoming holiday party, read up on these general rules of guest etiquette.
GOWN SHOPPING: DO’S AND DON’T’S
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when you start thinking about shopping for your dream dress…
PULLING OFF AN OUTDOOR WEDDING
Blue skies and fresh air - celebrating outside can be beautiful but as I’ve learned there are an awful lot of things to consider. For everyone planning an outdoor summer wedding, keep the following items in mind.
WEDDING TRANSPORTATION
A lot of couples don’t think about transportation until a few weeks before their wedding but booking transportation and mapping out your itinerary early will help you stay on budget and get your guests from point A to point B. Consider these important items before you book transportation on your big day.
