Meet Alison McGill Editor-in-Chief, Weddingbells and Editorial Director, Mariage Québec on Saturday, February 2 at 2:00 pm, as she discusses how to navigate social media leading up to your big day. 

Here are a few tips and ways you can lower your cost without lowering your vision value.

1. Invitations

Even though your invitations set the mood for your wedding there are many ways to lower the cost. Choosing a different paper, design, and/or opting out envelope linings can help tremendously, and even focusing on the weight or size of your invitation can lower costs of shipping.

2. Guest List

Trimming your guest list is the biggest way of lowering your budget costs as if affects more than one category of the budget. I suggest making two different guests lists. List A can be every one that just has to be there for you, and list B can be those you would love to be there but doesn’t absolutely have to be. I know this can be hard to do, but lowering your guest count can also lower catering, décor (chair covers, tables, centrepieces etc.), Stationary (invitations, menus, place cards etc.), and favour costs. This can save your thousands on its own.

3. Hiring a Wedding Planner

Sounds crazy right?! Hiring the right wedding planner to help you with research and contract negotiations, which can result in you saving equivalent to their cost or more. Let’s not forget getting their network discounts right off the bat. Also, the added peace of mind day of your wedding. Wedding planners can help you with not needed hidden costs you didn’t know to ask about or noticed, suggest more ways to lower your costs to stick with your budget, and those negotiation skills I spoke about above.

4. Having your Ceremony at the same location as your Reception

On-site ceremonies seem to be all the rave now, with a reason of course. Your reception location might have a beautiful gazebo or gardens that would eliminate ceremony décor costs. Let’s also look at the transportation factor between both venues for not only you and your bridal party but your vendors also that you pay by the hour.

5. Catering

So, you’ve cut your guest lists as much as you could but want to save more?

Lowering the number of courses, you have can take a huge chunk out of your venue/catering bill. Eliminating expensive alcohol types in your bar also helps, and choosing budget-friendly types of food (Chicken or beef cutlets/steak vs. Lamb or Filet Mignon)

The best way to start trimming your budget is sitting down and listing out categories starting with the most to least important to you and going from there. Also, remember that you’re marrying the love of your life and will have a blast on your wedding day, with or without a four-string quartet during your cocktail hour.

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We live in a digital world where we upload our photos on our computers or they are left on a usb then placed in a drawer and forgotten. Your guests can take away a photo postcard or strip away in hand that they can look back on for years to come. You will always get to keep that silly picture of aunt Janice letting loose and enjoying your booth service with timeless keepsakes. A lot of guests will appreciate having a photo of them selves with their friends, their kids, or family. But even if they don’t care about that, you will love having fun pictures of your guests.

Did we say FUN?

Photo booths and props go hand in hand. We believe that great props are a must at your event so look for the ones that stand out, we have a special antique store where you can rent or buy anything from that old baseball helmet, old dial telephones, picture frames, suitcases and mink stoles. We have six fabulous booths to choose from to help suit your needs, 3 vintage VW buses with a photo booths inside, a spiral LED inflatable booth and vintage custom standing booths that are professionally designed and hand made.

Share the Love

Not only will your guests receive a copy of the fun photographs on the night, we will also upload all your ‘clean’ pictures to your very own Facebook album! This helps carry on the fun for weeks afer the big day as friends and family tag, comment and copy their pictures.

High-quality Results

Today’s photo booths boast the highest quality pictures and technology and ours is no exception. All our booths are packed with the latest professional equipment. We make sure your prints are of the highest quality, so much so we are often asked to make our pictures into large prints so guests can display them in their homes.

You Can Customize Photos to Match Your Event.

Want your photo strips or postcards to match your event theme? The templates for your photos are totally customizable, your photo booth company should be able to create a template that matches your theme or vision. We work with a company that has over a 1000 and counting to choose from or we hire a designer to create one that just right. We can place a custom logo on the photo strip/postcard to make it more memorable for guests. Get creative and carry your party theme through in little details like these.

Ultimately, it’s Your Day!

Just because a wedding trend is popular doesn’t mean it has to be abandoned. If you think your photo booth is going to be the coolest thing ever and that none of your guests have ever seen before, you may need a reality check. But if it’s just a new wedding tradition that you happen to like, who cares if it’s been done before! Some elements of your wedding will be personalized and unique, but many others will be part of bigger traditions. I have to admit that our buses do stand out!

Cool Guest-book

This may be the biggest reason of all to book a photo booth for your big day, though you might not even realize we’re doing this, you will be happy that we took the time to make sure everyone adds a snap to your guest book while leaving a message around the photographs. Time and time again we are told how happy brides and grooms are with this part of our service. It’s a new twist on the traditional guest books and one that you will want to look at again and again.

This blog was brought to you by Toronto Photo Booth Company.

This post was originally published on DA Photography blog. For more images, click here.

As a bride to be, it’s one of the most exciting times of your life, but truth be told, it can be super overwhelming.  Once Google has a whiff of the keyword ‘wedding’ in your search engine, you’ll be flooded with every kind of must-have for the season. To help weed out the must-haves from the fads, I have compiled a simple list of the top 5 factors to focus on for a foolproof wedding of your dreams.

1. Venue

When narrowing down your venue, you have to think about your needs.  Are you planning on having an on-site ceremony and reception in the same location?  Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding and if outdoor, what is their contingency plan for bad weather? Are there varied backdrops for wedding photography and do you have full access to shoot anywhere (this is particularly pertinent for golf course weddings)? You want to pick something unique, that symbolizes you and the start of your new life together, so decide on a budget and what’s important to you.

2. Photographer

It might seem a little biased; a photographer telling you photography is in the top 5 most important services, but if you are investing time, money and effort into planning the perfect day, you want to make sure it is properly documented. A professional photographer will capture the details that Aunt Lucy might overlook, and they’ll take care of the logistics of planning a timeline for group sessions and individual portraits.  They will know how to frame up their compositions so when you look back at your images in years to come, it will instantly transport you back to that moment.  Decide what style of photography coverage you like i.e photojournalistic or more classic portrait style and start saving images that catch your eye to convey to your chosen photographer.

3. Décor

Every bride wants their décor to be unique, and it can really define your space. Once you have your venue in place, have a walk around and see what’s missing from the blank canvas.  You might want to consider bringing the outdoors in for a rustic touch, or maybe opulent bedazzled centrepieces are more your thing. Decide on your colour scheme and see if that’s something you want to tie in to bring everything together.

4. Flowers

Flowers are one of those things that people don’t realize can eat up a chunk of the budget, so make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute.  Whether you are using hand-picked flowers from your garden, foliage from the forest or a professionally put together floral arrangement, flowers will enhance your décor and add a pop of colour to your photography.

5. Cake/Dessert

Your chosen cake or dessert should be like your signature piece of the day. This is your chance to think outside the box and have a bit of fun. Couples are now looking beyond your traditional multi-tiered, heavily iced wedding cakes and we are seeing personalized cake toppers, stacked cheese wheels, because after all who doesn’t love an excuse for cheese, and elaborate chocolate art sculptured pieces. Whatever your taste (pun totally intended), make sure it’s representative of you and your day.

Once Hunter and James had narrowed down their options, they decided upon a Whistle Bear wedding and the results were a stunningly beautiful and well-executed day.

They knew they wanted something with natural beauty to celebrate their unity with their little boy Turner and their guests. Whistle Bear ticked all of those boxes and offered a refreshingly bright and airy, unique space that was a dream to photograph.

We started our day at their house where Hunter and her bridal party began their preparations.  I wanted to make sure that I documented all of the little extra details so chose a flat lay style, which was a big hit. Not only did it look stylish and elegant, but it was a way to incorporate all of the important elements into one picture.

Once the respective parties were ready and we arrived on location, I decided to make the most of the abundance of natural light the interior of Whistle Bear offered.  It was way too hot to be outside with Hunter, so instead we focused on shooting inside and the décor complimented the girls beautifully. No one wants to be squinting in the sun or sweating profusely, so being able to take these photos in an air-conditioned environment, yielded relaxed and stunning compositions.

As the ceremony started, I chose to switch to a more photojournalistic style of coverage to simulate snapshots of the moment. Being able to capture Turner’s reactions to watching his parents saying their vows was priceless. The ceremony area offered such stunning interiors such as the chandeliers and symmetrical wood and glass walls, so it allowed me to get creative with my shots.

Before we headed over to the reception area, we bundled into the golf carts as I snuck the wedding party off to the forest. The green foliage, wooden swing, waterfall and bridge all offered gorgeous and whimsical backdrops as something to offset the interiors of Whistle Bear.  Some of my favourite shots were the candid ones that offered a more realistic portrayal of the day. Being able to see people’s reactions and characters brings a realness to the photography.

Speeches are generally one of the most emotional times of the evening, which is why I chose to present these images in black and white.  The lack of colour tends to highlight the emotions and adds a dramatic effect that replicates the feel of being there in person. These offer a huge contrast in tone to that of the dance floor once the party is underway.  I loved Hunter’s dress and the open back, and as this was such a statement piece, I made sure to feature it in various shots.

The end of the night wouldn’t have been complete without my signature outdoor images. Being able to take my couple away from the noise and into the still of the night and offer what is often their first alone time together as husband and wife is my gift to them! I love being able to tweak the perfect lighting to capture the sharp, symmetrical lines of the exterior of the venue with their silhouettes as they gaze into each other’s eyes and allow the gravity of the day to sink in.

Photos: © DA Photography by Dragi Andovski

Originally publish © 2019 at DA Photography Blog

2^nd Photographer and Lighting Assistant: Jacquie Dudley

Wedding Reception & Ceremony and Photo Location: Whistle Bear Golf Club, Cambridge 

Wedding Floral + Flowers: Jodi-Leigh Designs

Wedding Cake:  The Dessert Room 

1. Mason Jar Cocktails

Mason jars are extremely trendy right now. Why not mix your own cocktails and serve them to your guests before the ceremony? You can make a variety of different drinks, so your guests are bound to find something they like. Here are just some ideas to get you started but you can always change it up depending on you and your guests’ preferences. You could also use mason jars for flower vases or centrepieces too!

2. Chalkboard signs

This idea is especially easy, all you need is a chalkboard or easel, chalk, and a decorative frame. You can also use chalkboard paint on a piece of wood or a mirror. You can use these signs for whatever it is that needs a sign – directions to the ceremony and the reception, the wedding program, or even just space for guests to sign in and write their best wishes for the happy couple. Another fun alternative to this is hand-painted wooden signs.

3. Chair Decorations

Chairs are so easy to decorate. All you need is some tulle, ribbon, or fabric of your choice and the ability to tie knots. Just tie the fabric around the back of the chair however you want. It can be simple, it can be fancy, all the chairs can be different, all the chairs can be the same, it’s completely up to you.

4. Handwritten Seating Placecards

What better way to personalize your wedding than to use your own personal handwriting for seating place cards? This is more personal than mass printing cards with the same generic font and background image. And if your handwriting isn’t the best or the fanciest, you can use cute letter stamps or stencils.

5. Baking

Baking is lots of fun for you and your partner to do. If you’re having desserts at your wedding, why not bake something yourself? You don’t have to bake everything (maybe leave the cake to the professionals) but this could be the perfect opportunity to share your grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookie recipe or your favourite, fudgiest brownies with your friends and family. Just make sure you make enough for all your guests to enjoy!

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This article was written by Delaney Rombough.

The weather is perfect.

In terms of weather, September and October are the best months of the year. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold and there’s generally still more sunshine than rain so you can still enjoy an outdoor wedding (but make sure your venue has an indoor or sheltered area, just in case). You don’t have to worry about looking shiny in your photos because you’re sweating so much and because it tends to be less humid, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good hair day. When the weather is on your side, it can help you look and feel the best you can on your special day (no running makeup and no frizzy hair!). After all, you don’t want you or your guests passing out from the heat or saying, “I do” through chattering teeth!

Take advantage of the natural beauty of the season.

If you plan for a fall wedding, you’ll find that Mother Nature has taken care of the decorations. When choosing the colour palette for your wedding, take advantage of the natural reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. The fall foliage provides a perfect backdrop for your photos and fall flowers with rich hues like Asiatic Lilies, Chrysanthemums, and classic red roses make for beautiful flower arrangements. By incorporating the unique, rich, jewel tone colours of autumn, your wedding will definitely stand out from all the traditional summer pastel colours.

Fall food is amazing.

There are so many classic fall foods that everyone loves that would be perfect for a fall wedding. Consider this: roast beef, mashed potatoes, and soup for the main meal, and for dessert apple pie, pumpkin pie, candy apples, brownies, and doughnuts (maybe even a doughnut wall?). You could also have a hot beverage bar with coffee, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider. There’s no limit to what fall foods you put on your menu.

There are so many great things that happen in the Fall – Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin spiced lattes –  but you could make your wedding the event of the season!

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This article was written by Delaney Rombough.

As part of The Bahamas Out Islands, Great Exuma and its cays are the most exotic of the islands and has always been the best-kept secret of savvy tropical vacationers. As the jewel of this island paradise, Grand Isle Resort & Spa serves as the perfect honeymoon vacation – and it’s your gateway to exploring the destination. The resort sits on a mile-long stretch of ivory beach and sparkling clear waters, offering couples a stunning escape from the crowds of the main islands and Nassau.

The Exumas are all about life on and in the water. It’s where newlyweds can celebrate their unity by experiencing the true meaning of luxury, adventure and romance. You won’t want to miss out on these five ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Exuma Cays and the amazing creatures that call it home:

• Walk Along Sandbars – Enjoy a romantic stroll on sandbars at Mariah Harbour Land and Sea Park or Sandy Cay as you look out on the stunning turquoise waters. Who knows, you might even meet a sea turtle or two.
• Island Hop Around the Cays – Make treasured memories in well known, or even lesser known and untouched places such as swimming with pigs on Big Major Cay, petting nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and feeding wild rock iguanas on Allan’s Cay or stingrays at the nearby Stocking Island. For an underwater experience, couples can snorkel the Austin Smith Shipwreck in the Exuma Cay or visit the Thunderball Grotto near the Staniel Cay which received its name from the James Bond movie, Thunderball.
  
  
• Enjoy a Private Dinner – Dine at Grand Isle Resort on the Palapa terrace overlooking Emerald Bay which sets the stage for an intimate and romantic dining experience with authentic Caribbean cuisine. You can even hire a private chef to tailor your dining experience on the lower Palapa Terrace or in your private Villa
  
• Take Home Local Arts & Crafts – Shop generations of handmade pottery, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more at Sandpiper Arts & Crafts or the world-famous Straw Market.
• Enjoy Exumas Tranquil Beaches – Relish precious moments together in natural harmony at Emerald Bay Beach, Co Co Plum Beach, Tropic of Cancer Beach, Jolly Hall Beach, or Hooper’s Bay Beach.
  

The Exumas are simply the perfect place for couples to find themselves – and lose themselves – while in the heart of nature.

For more information about the resort or to book a stay at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa, visit www.grandisleresort.com.

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Get Inspired!

If you’re unsure of what you want your wedding to look like, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and get an idea for what your special day could be. Our exhibitors include gown shops, photographers, venues, cake shops, entertainment and anything else you could possibly need for your wedding. It’s a great way to see what’s out there and what’s currently trending and with so many options, it won’t be long before you know what you like (and don’t like) and have a spectacular vision for your day. And make sure to check out the fashion shows to get inspired for the wardrobe for everyone in your wedding party.

Meet the Vendors

The National Bridal Show is the perfect way to meet vendors who could help make your day special. At the National Bridal Show, you can check out their products and services in person and get an idea of how they can help you create your perfect wedding. Our vendors are here to provide all the information you need so that you can make the best, most informed decisions. Everyone wants to help make your wedding day the best it can be.

Everyone Can be Involved

It doesn’t matter whether you’re the bride, the groom, a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride, there’s something there for everyone. Mom and the bride can check out dresses, the groom can the best DJ is, and bridesmaids can check out decorations (or dresses for themselves). Everyone in your wedding party can be involved in helping make plans for the big day.

Freebies, Prizes, and Special Offers Galore!

Over the weekend, there will be lots of opportunities for freebies, prizes, and special offers. Don’t be afraid to put your name in draws because you never know what you could win. This is also a chance to save a lot of money if the vendors are offering discounts to those who come to their booth at the show. Weddings are expensive but simply exploring your options doesn’t have to be, so take advantage of the free samples!

Now that we’ve got you all excited about what’s happening at this year’s National Bridal Show, we hope you’ll come to check it out for yourself and get yourself in the mood to start planning the biggest day of your life.

Interested in joining us at the Show? Purchase your tickets here!

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This article was written by Delaney Rombough.