Taming Wedding Inspiration Overload

Looking at wedding eye candy is a great and fun way to explore the possibilities and become inspired when planning your wedding.  I fully support (and participate) in a good daily dose of wedding eye candy with my morning coffee!  The possibilities really do seem endless!  The internet is FULL of sites that allow you to "like","pin","fave it","+Pin","love","bundle"  and more.  With all of the emerging ways (and new ones that seem to pop up every day) to view and store the wedding inspiration, it is easy to lose site of your own wedding amongst the chaos.  Is scanning through thousands of gorgeous wedding photos online starting to make you feel overwhelmed? Unfocused? Confused? Well, let's try tame that inner inspiration junkie!

1. Focus your searches

Before you start furiously "pinning" and collecting photos and ideas for your wedding take a few minutes to give yourself a road map to follow during your searches.  Write down your top 5 "must haves" for your wedding and focus your searches on what really matters to you.   Let this list of 5 things bring you back to centre when you start to lose sight of the event that YOU are planning.

3.  Pick your theme and don’t collect images that don’t fit.

Picking a theme can help you search strategically using key words that apply to your wedding.  Ask yourself, does the really awesome picture of the “hanging lanterns in the forest” REALLY go with your theme?  If not… let it go!  You will find plenty of great ideas that DO work with your theme and budget!

2. Keep your inspiration organized.  

Picking just one platform in which you store all of your wedding stuff can help keep you organized when planning your wedding.  Having everything stored in ONE place allows you to focus in on your ideas and see them all together and see what works and what does not.  Whether you choose an online site inspiration site like pinterest, a wedding planning site, a folder on your desktop or a simple binder… just keep it ALL in one easy to access location.

4. Know your own DIY limits.

Yes, there are some AMAZING DYI projects out there that can really give your wedding great personal touches… but before you hit the craft store, consider the amount of time, energy and creativity that you have to bring to the project.  If the project doesn't mesh with what you have to give, choose to either hire someone who can do it for you, or pass on the project and choose something that better suits your needs and ability.

**bonus tip:  before buying all of your supplies in bulk for your wedding DIY project, buy just enough to try a prototype and make sure that it comes together the way you want it to!

5.  Keep your budget in mind:

If your budget is unlimited, then by all means, let’s pull out all the stops!  If not though, remember that you don't have to have EVERYTHING to have an awesome and memorable wedding!  Refer back to your list of must haves often and focus perfecting them first.  If you still have room in your budget after all of the must haves have been taken care of… let’s bring in the extras!

Happy planning!

Wedding Eye Candy: Soft Candle Lit Ceremony and Reception!

Photo by: Cara Cassidy

Happy Friday Everyone!

Just thought I would send you into the weekend with a little eye-candy from a wedding that I worked on recently along side the fabulous Stacey-Star.

This beautiful candle-lit ceremony and reception, at the Capital Event Theatre downtown, was so soft and stunning... Check out the awesome pro photos by JB Smith Photography HERE.
Congratulations to Sarah and Andrew... I had a great time working on their wedding!

Have a great Weekend Everyone!

Why do YOU need a wedding coordinator?

Photo Credit: Courtney Dirks

One of the questions that I frequently get asked is:  Why do I need to hire a Wedding Coordinator? 

I have considered writing a blog post about this for a quite a long time now, but as a wedding coordinator myself, it always felt just a little too self-serving.  That being said, it is an honest question and it deserves and honest answer!  So, without getting all “sales pitchy” on you, I am going to try to answer this question today.

What are the benefits of hiring a wedding coordinator?

1.     A professional wedding coordinator is educated and certified in the field.  We are constantly networking and keeping an eye on the industry for the latest trends, new and specialized vendors, budget saving ideas, and more.  So, how does this help you?  Simply put: we keep ourselves up to date, so that you don’t have to be an expert in the industry to have a great wedding.   It also means that you do not have to do all of the research and leg-work that is necessary to connect with the right people to work on your day.  

2.     A professional wedding coordinator will be able to provide you with trusted vendor selections that meet YOUR specific needs and budget.  And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours and hours narrowing down potential candidates.

(Ethics reminder: WPIC Certified wedding planners (like Cara Mia Events) are bound by a strict code of ethics that forbids the practice of accepting kickbacks – we choose our vendors on merit and do not accept any payment from vendors for referring our clients)

3.     Let’s talk budget:  One of the things that brides and grooms often struggle with, is picking a total wedding budget and then allocating the funds efficiently to make sure that you have everything covered while staying within your original budget.  Wedding coordinators already have an existing knowledge of the cost and the different price ranges of services within the industry.  With this knowledge we are able to help you breakdown your budget in a realistic way that can get you the most “bang-for-your-buck”.  You want to make sure that you don’t run out of money before you have all of the elements covered.

Once the wedding is already planned, what are the benefits of hiring a day/month-of Coordinator?  

Simply put, there has never been a wedding (EVER) that went so seamlessly that no one had questions or concerns throughout the day.   Managing the day-of is a lot of answering questions, directing traffic, making sure that the transitions from one element to the next go seamlessly, and keeping a constant eye on timing.  It is a balancing act and even at the most organized event, there is potential that something could get off track.  When you have invested your money and at least 250 hrs (the time it takes to plan an average wedding) into organizing a great event, you want to be able to enjoy it.  You certainly don’t want to be working!  Hiring a day of coordinator to WORK your wedding day means that your only job is to enjoy!

Can’t I just get my friends and family to help out for the day-of?

 I think that it is WONDERFUL when a couple has supportive friends and family who are eager to lend a helping hand to make sure that you have the wedding of your dreams.  Without taking anything away from these great people in your life, putting a friend in charge of running your wedding day not only means that he or she won’t get the opportunity to celebrate along with you, there is also concern that they may not have the experience necessary to make decisions on your behalf and make changes to the schedule as needed and keep everyone informed.  It is a big job and should be taken on by someone who is working. 

In short, a wedding coordinator will make sure that you get the most out of the time and money that you invest in your day!  

Venue Visit: Terrace on the Green

Have you been to Terrace on the Green?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a WPIC networking night and experience first hand all that this great venue has to offer!  Terrace on the Green, located in Brampton on Mississauga Rd is a stunning venue with very impressive qualities!  This was my first time visiting this venue - and I will certainly be returning!

Check out these pictures that I took of their lush grounds…. can you imagine how beautiful your wedding photos would be? 

Not only were the facilities gorgeous and the grounds beautifully maintained, but what really impressed me was the level of customer service that they offer to their guests and their focus on the quality of their food!  The chef really went all out for us, preparing a four course meal that was absolutely delicious!  

In addition to experiencing this charming venue, we were also given the opportunity to get to know some great local vendors who came out to showcase their talents

Suzy Pardo from Flour Girls in Milton spoke to us about her bakery and the range of wedding services that they offer, including cookie favours/escort cards (super cute BTW), cupcakes and wedding cakes to name a few - delicious!

Julie Chivers – designer for JC kreative, spoke to us about her custom invitations and wedding stationary. 

And fellow WPIC alumni Wayne Alldrige was there (with yummy samples) to talk candy buffets. 

I want to thank all of the people that really went out of their way to organize such a valuable networking and learning experience for us all!

Thanks again to

 Jaquie Swadi - WPIC Halton Regional Representative 

Peter Trajkovski venue coordinator (and the rest of the Staff) @ Terrace on the Green

Wayne Alldridge - Marble Weddings 

Julie Chivers - JC Kreative

Suzy Pardo - Flour Girls

Do you Speak "Event"?: A Glossary of Common Industry Terms

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Unless you work in events, planning your wedding is likely your first introduction to the events industry and all the wacky words that come along with it.  If the terms Gobos, amuse-bouch, and B.E.O have you scratching your head, don't worry you are not alone!  Every industry seems to come with it's own language and the wedding/events industry is no exception.  I am often asked by clients to clarify some of the terms and phrases that come up while they are planning their day.  Below is a little "Cheat Sheet" of event terms that I have put together that may be useful to know while you plan your day! 

Amuse-bouche – Is a small one-bite appetizer; directly translated means “Mouth amuser”

B.E.O – Banquet Events Order – This is a document used by most venues that outlines the schedule and elements of your wedding.  It is given to all staff members who will be working on your wedding.

Bomboniere – another word for party favour- a small gift given to guests to thank them for attending.

Charger – A large plate that is placed at each table setting for decorative purposes.  Charger plates are not used to hold food, and are usually used as a base for service plates throughout the evening.  Chargers are always removed before serving dessert.

Escort Cards– Cards that are placed in the reception area and are used to tell guests which table they will be sitting at. 

Flow – This is the path that your guest will use to go from one area/element of your event to the next.  This smooth transition between elements is the “flow” of your wedding.

High top (also called ‘Highboy’)– Is a tall bar height cocktail table.

Initial meeting – Most Wedding Vendors (planners included) offer a FREE Initial Meeting – This meeting is a chance for you to meet with a potential vendor to get to know them, the services that the offers and decide how you can work together.   

LIGHTING TERMS:

Up lighting – lighting that is placed on the floor shining up, used to highlight structures- often used behind a head table backdrop and for interesting architectural elements around the perimeter of the room

            Pin spot – a focused beam of light to highlight a specific object – often used for centerpieces and Wedding Cakes.

Gobos – Metal stencils that are placed over lights to create a pattern or picture – used often in weddings for lit monograms and symbols on dance floors.

Officiant – The individual who will be leading your wedding ceremony and makes your marriage legally binding.

PAL Insurance –PAL (Party Alcohol Liability) Insurance protects you from lawsuits when hosting any function where alcohol will be served – See:  http://www.palcanada.com/  for more information.

Pipe & Drape – Metal pipes that fit together to form a stand for removable drapes.  Pipe and Drape is commonly used at events for temporary room dividers, decoration or to hide unsightly areas.

Place cards  - Cards that are placed on the guest tables and are used to tell guests which specific seat they will be sitting in.

Room flip – A term used to describe the transformation of a room from one part of an event to the next – a room flip is commonly used to change your hall/space from ceremony to reception.

SOCAN fee – SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) fee is collected by your venue and allows you to have music played and/or performed at your event.  Fees are collected and distributed to pay royalties.

Vendors – These are all of the people/services that you hire and work with to create your wedding including your planner, florist, photographer, caterer, decorator etc

Do you have an event industry term you think should be added to the list?  Please leave it in the comments below.  Need clarification on a term?  Ask below and I will leave a response! 

Thanks for reading!

Beat the Heat - Part 2: Summer Wedding Beauty Tips

Photo by:Regis Andrade

One thing we know for sure is that you want to look HOT on your wedding day – as in sexy, beautiful, gorgeous etc… but a lot of you summer brides fear that the steamy weather could have you looking like a hot-mess instead.  For Part-2 of my ‘Beat the Heat – Summer Wedding Survival' series, I have written a few beauty tips to keep you looking (and feeling) your best even in the steamiest weather.

(Click HERE to read Part 1: Planning Tips for Summer Weddings)

Shine control.

Although first instinct may be to load on the pressed powder to eliminate that t-zone shine, it may actually work against you giving you a caked-on look!  Instead, keep your makeup looking light by turning to some blotting papers for shine control - they are quick, convenient and easy to carry with you! 

Staying power.

Invest in a solid makeup primer – it sets a foundation for your makeup and keeps it in place longer... especially in the heat!  Apply your primer after you moisturize your face (don’t forget to use a moisturizer that has a decent SPF) – than apply your makeup as usual. 

Avoid Raccoon Eyes
Cut down the appearance of “raccoon eyes” by staying away from cream based eye shadow – it tends to settle, smear and smudge more in the heat than a powder based shadow.  If you find creams easier to work with, find a powder shadow in the same tone and apply a light dusting overtop of your cream shadow… this will help seal everything in place.  

Don’t forget to finish the look with a good quality waterproof mascara.

Avoid a Sticky Situation

Ok… so, no one likes to talk about it but lets face it ladies: Under a hot dress, in the heat, a little thigh rubbing can cause serious chaffing and uncomfortable red marks! Ouch!  If you tend to have this problem (and don’t worry lots of people do), here is a nifty little trick to make sure that you can still dance the night away.  Just rub a little deodorant on your inner thighs before getting dressed.  This stops the potential sticking and rubbing that causes chaffed legs!  In a pinch, a little bit of baby powder can also do the trick, but won’t hold up all day.

Just a final note before I close, remember if you are purchasing new products for your wedding day, pick them up at least a few weeks in advance and try them all out to avoid any potential allergic reactions on the big day!

If you guys have any great summer beauty tips please leave them in the comments below!  

Summer Wedding Survival – Part 1

Happy belated Victoria Day Everyone!  I hope everyone had a chance to relax and get out and enjoy the great weather.  For most of us, the May 2-4 weekend marks the (un)official start of summer and all the sun and fun that comes with it!  With that in mind, I thought this an ideal time to start a blog mini series on summer wedding survival.  So, without further ado...

Part 1:  A few things to consider when planning your summer wedding...

Avoid Peak-Sun Hours (if possible)

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, consider planning the ceremony either before 10am or after 3pm to avoid the ‘peak’ sun hours - when the sun is at it’s fiercest.  If there is no avoiding a mid-day ceremony, be sure that you have some sort of shade for your guests! Even some cute wedding parasols can make a huge difference!

(*bonus: parasols look great in photos and make excellent favours for guests too!)

Stay Hydrated

Make sure that you plan to have plenty of water available for all of your guests and your wedding party! For a cute way to incorporate this into your wedding consider setting up a “water bar” with pitchers of water flavoured with different fruit combinations. I found some great recipe combinations for flavoured water from Jamie Oliver here! 

Keep your menu fresh and light

Let’s face it, no one wants to eat a big heavy meal when it’s hot out.  Luckily, summer is the perfect season to buy and eat local fruits and veggies – talk to your caterer about local summer options in your area.  

Protect your cake

Make sure when you order your cake for an outdoor wedding that you take the heat into consideration.  Although buttercream icing is delicious, it doesn’t fare well outside in the summer.  Even with the hardier fondant covered cakes, limit the amount of time it will need to be outside, and make sure to place it in a well-covered shaded area. 

Have a Back up Plan in place

Yes, I know, no one wants to believe that rain is possible on THEIR wedding day and I sincerely hope that you get the perfect weather that you have in mind.  Just in case though, it is SO important not only to have a back up plan in place but also a dependable team of people who are ready to make the switch to Plan B if necessary (yet another reason to hire a wedding coordinator...wink wink).  

Next week, for Part 2 of the summer survival guide I have some great bridal beauty tips to make sure that you are looking your best and that your bridal "glow” doesn’t turn into a “shine” in the heat!