If your thinking of visiting a wedding show in the near future there are a few things that you should plan for. Depending on where you live and the size of the wedding show, being prepared will help you enjoy your experience. Larger shows will attract a lot of brides, which means possible crowding and excessive heat. Make sure to leave your coat at the coat check to avoid overheating and getting cranky. Most shows will provide you with a nice bag to carry with you as you collect business cards and brochures. Bring bottled water with you to keep hydrated and for all that tasting you maybe doing from caterers and cake designers.
Have a list of services that you haven’t booked and still need to investigate such as photographers, musicians, florists etc. This will help you stay on track and not get distracted by all the glam and glitter around you. It’s always nice to have the support of your fiancé or maid of honour as you work your way through all the many vendors. It is also helpful to create a list of important questions or concerns you have and ask the vendor what their policies are. This will give you an idea of their style and business practices. When looking for a vendor for your wedding day, it’s important that you find a professional who not only has an impressive body of work but also is personable and easy to communicate with. You will be placing your trust in that person to impact the most important day of your life. At some point during the show you may feel overwhelmed by other brides or vendors if you don’t have an idea of what you want to achieve. Don’t be intimidated by everything you see. If you need a break, get some air and clear your head.
After you meet all the vendors on your list, then you can browse through and be inspired by all that eye candy. Bring your camera or ipad to take pictures, so that way you won’t forget what you may see that inspires you. Bring a small note pad with you to take notes. You may want to enter draws that will require your e-mail address. Create an account specifically for the show, that way you minimize the flow of traffic to your personal account. Pre-print your name, address, phone number, wedding date and e-mail on small pieces of paper for the draws you may enter with vendors. This will keep you moving and out of a line-up for a pen. Last but not least… remember to have fun! Don't forget to visit The Ottawa Wedding show this weekend!
Till Next Time
Tracey
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Wedding Décor & Floral Class
November was a very busy month of activities, events, and courses for Coordination Wedrose. I had always wanted to learn more about flower design and décor. I love everything about the creative process, the centrepieces, bouquets, and decorations. When the opportunity presented itself I jumped right in. We drove to Toronto to attend the Wedding Décor & Floral Course offered by Sherisse & Ali Bhimani of the Wedding Decorators Inc.
The class was held on Sunday, starting in the morning with a session in floral design. The floral designer, Shelley Da Silva (WPICC) was very informative, showing us all of the possibilities and techniques that can be used while arranging a centrepiece, bridal bouquet, and boutonnière. She brought all of her flowers, accessories, and tools with her, showing us how to use them properly, and how to create a beautiful bouquet. I was happy to learn I was on the right track. So many possibilities and ideas, I was in creative heaven! Barbara (At The School House) and I were trying to guess what Shelley was going to work with next. She had roses, carnations, calla lilies, and other really pretty flowers. Her combinations were beautiful. Names were picked from a bowl and I got to take one of Shelley’s designs home. This bouquet was one of my favourites of the day.
These are some of Shelley's designs.
This bouquet reminds me of a raspberry. I love raspberries!
We learned tips and tricks of the floral trade and what is involved in the creative design process, the time involved, the costs of materials, flowers, and pricing. Shelley was a wonderful teacher. I have to say…There is a lot of work that goes into your bridal bouquet ladies! It is a work of art.
Shelley's cake topper. This idea is simple and elegant.
The afternoon was spent with Sherisse, who showed us how to decorate a head table, cake table, and work with a backdrop. We learned about suitable materials and what works best in wedding decor. We were shown various ways to drape and fold the decorative fabric for different effects. The end result was a complete transformation of elegance. The tips and tricks will definitely come in handy. I can’t wait to start practicing. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice to get the fabric to flow just right. I have a new respect for wedding decorators.
We love our bling!
Thank you Shelley & Sherisse for a wonderful class. I can't wait to try out the new techniques.
Till Next Time
Tracey
The class was held on Sunday, starting in the morning with a session in floral design. The floral designer, Shelley Da Silva (WPICC) was very informative, showing us all of the possibilities and techniques that can be used while arranging a centrepiece, bridal bouquet, and boutonnière. She brought all of her flowers, accessories, and tools with her, showing us how to use them properly, and how to create a beautiful bouquet. I was happy to learn I was on the right track. So many possibilities and ideas, I was in creative heaven! Barbara (At The School House) and I were trying to guess what Shelley was going to work with next. She had roses, carnations, calla lilies, and other really pretty flowers. Her combinations were beautiful. Names were picked from a bowl and I got to take one of Shelley’s designs home. This bouquet was one of my favourites of the day.
These are some of Shelley's designs.
We learned tips and tricks of the floral trade and what is involved in the creative design process, the time involved, the costs of materials, flowers, and pricing. Shelley was a wonderful teacher. I have to say…There is a lot of work that goes into your bridal bouquet ladies! It is a work of art.
The afternoon was spent with Sherisse, who showed us how to decorate a head table, cake table, and work with a backdrop. We learned about suitable materials and what works best in wedding decor. We were shown various ways to drape and fold the decorative fabric for different effects. The end result was a complete transformation of elegance. The tips and tricks will definitely come in handy. I can’t wait to start practicing. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice to get the fabric to flow just right. I have a new respect for wedding decorators.
We love our bling!
Thank you Shelley & Sherisse for a wonderful class. I can't wait to try out the new techniques.
Till Next Time
Tracey
Friday, January 13, 2012
Union Eleven Photos of Samantha & Michael
Its been a productive year for Photographer Derrick Rice. His new business venture with partner and fellow photographer Andrew Geddes has kept him busy. Union Eleven, which is located on bank street and the heart of all that construction this past summer, celebrated its debut in August with a gathering of wedding professionals and friends.
I was fortunate to work with Derrick on Samantha & Michael's wedding. It was a pleasure to work with him and see him in action. His talent is evident in his work. At long last... Samantha & Michael's Photos from Union Eleven's Derrick Rice.
Cute & Playful!
I Can't decide which one is my favourite.
Thank you for the wonderful keepsake of a beautiful event.
Enjoy!
Till Next Time
Tracey
I was fortunate to work with Derrick on Samantha & Michael's wedding. It was a pleasure to work with him and see him in action. His talent is evident in his work. At long last... Samantha & Michael's Photos from Union Eleven's Derrick Rice.
Enjoy!
Till Next Time
Tracey
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
At The School House
While participating in Laura Kelly’s photo shoot this past November I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Peters from At The School House Venue. We had the chance to chat during the shoot and discovered a mutual interest in floral design. Coincidentally I was heading to Toronto the following weekend for a Wedding Décor & Floral Class. Barbara was intrigued and decided to join me for the course. We had a lovely time together and learned some valuable tips and tricks of the trade. I look forward to using my new skills this wedding season.
At The School House is a beautiful location for smaller more intimate weddings, which are becoming increasingly popular with many engaged couples. Whether you’re getting married for the first time or it’s your second marriage, the celebration is important.
At The School House caught my attention when I first began searching venues for a friend of mine who wanted a small intimate wedding. She wanted all the details but was not interested in managing it herself. This venue is perfect for a small budget wedding. Barbara and her staff provide a full service experience. From the flowers, officiant, food and décor, all you need to do is show up. Depending on your preference, you can get married and have your reception on the premises or have use of the church across the street, and then proceed to the School House for your reception. There are several packages to choose from so you are sure to find the right one for your celebration. Whether its a brunch, cocktail or sit down reception, At The School House can make your intimate wedding a beautiful celebration.
Photos by Laura Kelly Photography
Till Next Time
Tracey
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Laura Kelly Photography
November was a busy month! I’m just now catching up on my blog from all my adventures this past month. I had the pleasure of assisting wedding Photographer Laura Kelly with a floral arrangement and bridal bouquet for her photo shoot At The School House in Munster. This fresh summer theme had antique flair. So many wonderful vendors contributed to make this photo shoot the great success that it was, which reflects in the beautiful photos by Laura Kelly. I used the inspiration board that Laura created as a guide to design the bridal bouquet and centrepiece arrangement. The peony is a summer flower and also a favourite of mine so it wasn’t difficult to be inspired. I chose white peonies with shades of pink in the centre and ruby grapefruit coloured roses. The effect was perfect.
A special Thank-you to Photographer Laura Kelly for the use of her wonderful pictures. I got the chance to see you in action and it was amazing!
Till Next time
Tracey
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Perfect Bouquet For A Destination Wedding
This past week I was vacationing in Varadero, Cuba. The beach is absolutely breathtaking. I am not surprised couples from all over the world choose Varadero for their destination wedding. The price for an all inclusive package are quite reasonable depending on the time of year you plan your wedding. The people are friendly and accommodating. We always bring gifts with us for the Cubans to thank them for great service. Sometimes we are given hand made gifts as well.
I went for a walk on the beach, one of my favourite things to do while in Cuba and came across newlyweds taking pictures. The bride was wearing a just married t-shirt and posing on the sand next to a Cuba sign spelled out in the sand with seashells. What caught my attention was her bridal bouquet. It was a beautiful creation of shells with a handle for the bride to hold. Creative and unique. I loved it on site! Unfortunately the bride didn't speak engish so I wasn't able to ask her more about her bouquet. I am grateful that she understood how beautiful I thought her bouquet was and didn't mind me taking pictures. I imagine that either a member of the hotel staff or a vendor from the market created this master piece. There is talent and beauty all around us, we just need to appreciate it. Enjoy the pictures!
Enjoy the little things in life
Till next Time
Tracey
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator
What many couples don’t realize is that there is a big difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. Many brides think that they don’t need a wedding planner because they have a wedding coordinator at their venue that will take care of things for them. Yes… details pertaining to the venue.
A wedding planner works for their client, you. They have your best interests at heart. They will be with you from the beginning of the planning process, up until the day of the wedding. They are in constant communication either by e-mail or phone. They will recommend the best vendors for your wedding. They are your designer, manager, financial advisor, and personal assistant among other things. Their loyalty is with you their client. They will be hands on to assist you in any capacity necessary.
Venue coordinators are employed by the venue. They are the experts on the services of that venue. Any concerns you may have regarding the venue should be directed to your venue coordinator. Employees sometimes move on to other positions. This is also true in the event industry. This happened to one of my brides this past summer. The coordinator who she had been working with at the venue moved on and was replaced by a very nice lady who then formed a relationship with my bride over the details of her wedding. I also met with the venue coordinator and my bride to discuss final details. Wonderful right…. Well about three weeks before the wedding I received an e-mail from my bride informing me that the venue coordinator would be away on vacation and that a new coordinator would be assigned for her wedding. My bride was disappointed because she was attached to the woman she had been dealing with for so long. However, she felt better knowing that I was there for her and would make sure everything went smoothly. We did meet with the replacement coordinator to make sure they were on top of everything regarding the venue.
A wedding planner is the conductor of your wedding day symphony. The vendors such as the DJ, Photographer, Floral Designer and Venue Coordinator are the instruments in your symphony. Wouldn’t you want to hire a professionally trained conductor to lead your symphony of instruments? Everyone has value for his or her talents and skills. Just as the venue coordinator is important to inform you about the services and functions of their facility. A wedding planner makes sure you, their client are well taken care of the day you are married.
Happy Planning!
Till Next Time
Tracey
A wedding planner works for their client, you. They have your best interests at heart. They will be with you from the beginning of the planning process, up until the day of the wedding. They are in constant communication either by e-mail or phone. They will recommend the best vendors for your wedding. They are your designer, manager, financial advisor, and personal assistant among other things. Their loyalty is with you their client. They will be hands on to assist you in any capacity necessary.
Venue coordinators are employed by the venue. They are the experts on the services of that venue. Any concerns you may have regarding the venue should be directed to your venue coordinator. Employees sometimes move on to other positions. This is also true in the event industry. This happened to one of my brides this past summer. The coordinator who she had been working with at the venue moved on and was replaced by a very nice lady who then formed a relationship with my bride over the details of her wedding. I also met with the venue coordinator and my bride to discuss final details. Wonderful right…. Well about three weeks before the wedding I received an e-mail from my bride informing me that the venue coordinator would be away on vacation and that a new coordinator would be assigned for her wedding. My bride was disappointed because she was attached to the woman she had been dealing with for so long. However, she felt better knowing that I was there for her and would make sure everything went smoothly. We did meet with the replacement coordinator to make sure they were on top of everything regarding the venue.
A wedding planner is the conductor of your wedding day symphony. The vendors such as the DJ, Photographer, Floral Designer and Venue Coordinator are the instruments in your symphony. Wouldn’t you want to hire a professionally trained conductor to lead your symphony of instruments? Everyone has value for his or her talents and skills. Just as the venue coordinator is important to inform you about the services and functions of their facility. A wedding planner makes sure you, their client are well taken care of the day you are married.
Happy Planning!
Till Next Time
Tracey
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