Music | Choosing the right type for your event

When it comes to entertainment, I have learned from experience that there are a few things you need to consider:

– know your guests
– know your atmosphere
– create a good flow

While working in retail, I learned that sometimes it is not about buying what you like but what your customers like and want. The same theory applies to an event. You and your fiance may be into salsa or hip hop but consider your guests – do they like that style of music? Will they appreciate a mariachi band and flamenco dancers?

Ask yourselves the following questions prior to booking your musical entertainment:

– what is the average age of guests at the wedding?
– do our guests enjoy new things? or are they a traditional bunch?
– do our guests like to dance? or is music simply background for a more lounge-oriented crowd?
– are we planning a themed event?

Your answers to these questions will help you determine the right type of entertainment for your event. Remember that if guests don’t like the style of music you have selected – it may be an issue to get them on the dance floor.

Here are a few options to consider:

DJ | the popular and most versatile choice for a wedding. Having a great DJ that can read the crowd and play music to get people our of their seats and on the dance floor is a must-have for a great party. A few local DJ heroes: Prodigy Entertainment, Hello DJ, Sounds of Distinction, Enjoi DJ Outfit, Third From The Sun

Live Band | (one of my favourite choices) – if you like live music, nothing beats this choice for entertainment. A great alternative to a DJ – when selecting a band be sure they have some versatility and can play a range of musical styles. Single-genre bands are great for themed events but it might be hard to get grandma dancing to an only-80s style band. A few local crews that will get your crowd dancing: Graham Howes Band, Shugga, Grooveyard, Snooky Tynes Family Band

Harpist/Mariachi Band/Jazz Pianist | a great choice for cocktail hour. Want to offer guests a variety of musical styles, choose a classic mood or liven-it up with some Latin music while guests mingle and enjoy cocktails prior to the reception. Local good guys and gals: Sandra Fann, Carlo Coppola, Sara Dell

Closing Tip | If you want your guests dancing…you have to get on the dance floor! After all, the wedding celebration is all about the couple so if you are dancing then your guests will be too!

Photography courtesy of | Segerius-Bruce Photography, Amelia Lyon & Jen Arron Photography

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Shirt, Tie, Jacket…oh my!

Summer weddings are upon us and so is the heat! A great tip to help keep the men in your wedding party cool and comfortable – order or purchase an extra shirt. It is a little detail but it will go a long way to make the guys feel good and keep them smiling (and dry!) throughout the day…

Photography by Louisa Bailey

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Show Time: Be Prepared

January is definitely wedding month! In Toronto, there have been wedding shows and expos every weekend so far and they continue until the end of the month. I will be at The Wedding Show at The Carlu this weekend working with The Wedding Co. team.

Whether you are newly engaged, just started your planning or only have a few small details to go – this show is for you! Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your experience at a wedding show.

• Be prepared – grab a notepad and pen so you can jot down ideas or thoughts as you see them
• Plan ahead – make a list of vendors you expect to meet
• Keep it simple – like shopping it’s a great experience on your own or with a trusted partner whose opinion you value
• Chat it up – start a dialogue with vendors, ask questions and get a sense of their personality to see if this is someone you can work with throughout the next few months of planning
• Keepsake pouch – grab a 5 x 7 envelope to place the business cards of vendors you had a great experience with and want to follow up with after the show

Here is a sample of what Scott and I are taking on our walk through The Wedding Show:

Wedding Show images courtesy of The Wedding Co.

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The Wedding Show: Endless Possibilities

Over the past year, I have had the great pleasure of being part of The Wedding Co. team. I have personally been working on the 2010 Wedding Show – an exquisite wedding show like no other in Toronto. And, I am immensely excited to see it unfold and come to life over the next couple of days.

The boutique-inspired show begins on Friday at 5 PM at The Carlu where 115 hand-selected wedding professionals inspire ideas to help you create your ideal celebration.

I am looking forward to catching up with this wonderful community of vendors as well as gathering ideas with Scott for our wedding celebration.

Tickets are $20.00 at the door or you can subscribe to The Daily News and receive a $3.00 off voucher. Details at The Wedding Co.

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Congratulations! You’re Engaged!

Did you know that almost 40% of all engagements occur between December and February? It’s a magical time of the year. If you are recently engaged, congratulations!

Whether you want to bask in this moment privately for a few days or shout it from the rooftop, here are a few tips to start spreading the great news:

1. Tell your parents first

2. Make calls to close family and friends – they will love to hear the excitement in your voice!

3. Create an announcement – in the newspaper, by letter, via email or go eco-friendly with services like Paperless Post or Pingg to share the news

4. Go traditional – keep it quiet if you can and host an intimate gathering with your family and friends to announce your engagement

However you decide to spread your news – enjoy this moment! It’s a wonderful and natural high!

Here is a little inspiration board on new love…enjoy!

Proposal illustration by Guy Shield. Engagement Photos by Simply Bloom Photography, Tinywater Photography, Tim Melideo and Max Wanger

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Tiffany Blue Holiday Magic

Being budget-conscious about an event doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury or style. At last week’s holiday event at The Fermenting Cellar in The Distillery District, I worked hard with lighting and some simple DIY paper decor items to create a tiffany blue, snowflake-filled, winter wonderland.

I received 4 boxes filled with these beautiful paper snowflakes that were created by a very talented employee from the hosting company. I recycled a chandelier used in a previous event and strung the paper pieces throughout the crystal structure to create this magical, revamped art piece for the entrance way.

To fill the east wall, Q Ideas provided me with snowflake gobo lighting to compliment our paper creations. I adorned the bar and reception table with more beautifully crafted snowflakes. The menu was created by Encore Food with Elegance and enjoyed be all who attended – especially the mushroom ravioli!

Guests danced the night away to the smooth, cool and funky sounds of the Graham Howes Band. It was a great party with wonderful guests. ‘Tis the season to celebrate and be thankful…happy holidays!

Decor & Furniture Rentals provided by:

Chair-Man Mills

Contemporary Furniture Rentals

To Suit Your Fancy

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Groomstyle

It’s “Groomed” week is at The Wedding Co. check out my post about sock fashion for grooms (click on the image for the full story):

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Do you need a wedding planner?

 

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The importance of sole…

Avoid accidents, blisters and bruised toes. Plan ahead to ensure you, your wedding party and immediate family are comfortable and ready for a full day on your feet. Splurge on a pair of customized Converse kicks, personalize flip-flops for all the ladies in your wedding party or visit the nearest Dollar Store for some cheap & cheerful sole solutions. Keep in mind, pantyhose and polished wood dance floors do not mix well and there is always someone who breaks a glass while dancing! It’s a little extra detail that your feet will thank you for.

Images courtesy of Photography by Thomasina + One Love Photo + A Hot Pink Petticoat

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