1. Have a Plan B.
You can't predict or control the weather and a torrential downpour or freak snowstorm can put a serious crimp in your outdoor wedding plans. So remove the stress and pry yourself away from the Weather Channel by arranging for a Plan B location, another site to which you can move the entirety of your wedding in case of unwelcome party crashers like rain, lightning, ice or heavy winds. An ideal situation is booking a site that offers both outdoor and indoor banquet areas reserved in your name on the wedding day, but if that's not possible, then walk through the steps needed to bring your party indoors at your home or other gathering place.
2. Know the weather.
Plan your outdoor wedding day for a time when more moderate weather is expected. Stay away from the rainy season, hurricane season and months when you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. For any location you're considering, check the area's average temperature and rainfall amounts on weather Web sites or through a destination site's board of tourism and travel.
3. Use your location's natural décor.
So many wonderful outdoor wedding sites feature lovely floral gardens, ponds, wishing wells, waterfalls, and perhaps a gorgeous view of the setting sun. When searching for your ideal location, look for natural or built-in points of beauty for great backdrops and photo opportunities. (As an added bonus, you'll spend far less at the florist or event designer's when you don't need to decorate the landscape yourself!)
4. Use the most beautiful light show possible.
Plan your outdoor wedding to make the most of a spectacular sunset, whether over a mountain range or over the ocean. Those majestic pinks and purples that fill the sky when the sun retires for the day make for incredible backdrops for your ceremony, and unforgettable wedding photos as well.
5. Dress for the elements.
Choose wedding gown and tuxedo fabrics and styles to ensure your comfort on the big day. Your wedding-day fashion experts can help you choose the perfect silk dress and the most dashing men's jackets for those outdoor weddings out in the sun. And don't forget about night-time! Plan now for the later hours of your affair, and select a stylish wrap or jacket for your beachside, boat, or backyard event as the sun sets down and the breezes whirl through your party.
6. Alert your vendors!
All of your vendors need to know that you're planning an outdoor wedding. Every detail from your menu to your beverages, to the décor and the entertainment, is affected by outdoor weather and temperature conditions, power usage, and other in-the-wild factors, so use full disclosure for your vendors' best preparation.
7. Keep your guests' comfort in mind.
Let them know that the wedding will be outdoors as well, and prepare them for the expected weather so that they may dress appropriately and bring along their sun block. Provide fans or air conditioners for those steamy days, and plan to heat your tent for the cooler night hours.
8. Research your rental agents.
Outdoor weddings can require a significant amount of rentals. You may need to rent tables, chairs, lights, and everything from the silverware to the cake table to create a beautiful ballroom in what was recently a bare outdoor expanse. Finding a quality rental agency is of the utmost importance for the seamless flow and appearance of your day.
9. Invest in a good tent.
Take no shortcuts here, since a stiff wind can blow your wedding site away like tumbleweed. A cheap tent makes an entire wedding look cheap, and a bad choice can cause any number of wedding-day nightmares. So learn all you can about the best models, colors and styles of tents and rent the best choice possible. (Also, ask your caterer if they need a separate tent for their food preparation area, and think about setting portable toilets inside more attractive, draped smaller tents as well).
10. Get it in writing.
An outdoor wedding may be one of the most beautiful styles out there, but it does add a few dozen extra steps to your Things to Do list. Since you'll be out in the open, you'll need to acquire the appropriate permits and permissions needed for an outdoor celebration with all the trimmings. Call your local city hall or police department to inquire about permits for the following: parking, overnight parking in a residential area, public gathering during certain times of the day, exemptions from sound ordinances and curfews, on-site alcohol consumption, on-site food preparation and serving, open flames such as torches, candles and even fireworks, and any other ordinances that need to be covered. Handle these legalities right away, to avoid being fined (or even jailed) by the authorities, and to avoid any other unwelcome surprises on your wedding day.
written by: weddings for her online magazine.
Idea's and Inspiration,
Kate
Kate
Wednesday, April 29
Monday, April 13
Spring Flowers
When choosing flowers for you wedding day it is always a money saver to go with what is in season. Sure, growers are now able to fly almost anything in from the other side of the world, but you'll pay a premium for that. Talk specifically to your florist or grower about what is available.
Spring Wedding Flowers in Season
Anemone * Blue, red, pink, white * Jan-May and Aug-Dec.
Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October
Boronia * Pink * April-May
Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October
Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May
Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October
Hyacinth * Purple, Pink or White
Lilacs * Violet or White
Narcissus * White
Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring – Early Summer
Ranunculus * white, pink, red, orange and yellow * February-May
Star Gazer Lily * Pink and White * January-October
Sweetpea * white, pink, red/coral, and lavender/purple * December-May
Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April
Waxflower * pinky purple and white
Here are some great spring bouquets:
Idea's and Inspiration,
Kate
(images not taken by visual roots)
Spring Wedding Flowers in Season
Anemone * Blue, red, pink, white * Jan-May and Aug-Dec.
Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October
Boronia * Pink * April-May
Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October
Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May
Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October
Hyacinth * Purple, Pink or White
Lilacs * Violet or White
Narcissus * White
Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring – Early Summer
Ranunculus * white, pink, red, orange and yellow * February-May
Star Gazer Lily * Pink and White * January-October
Sweetpea * white, pink, red/coral, and lavender/purple * December-May
Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April
Waxflower * pinky purple and white
Here are some great spring bouquets:
Idea's and Inspiration,
Kate
(images not taken by visual roots)
Monday, April 6
April Showers Bring May Flowers
I stumbled upon this great company out of Winnipeg called Botanical Paperworks. They have all types of cards and stationary that is all plantable.
Here's an excerpt from their website:
Why Use Plantable Paper?
For so many reasons! Because Botanical PaperWorks' plantable paper (called Garden Greetings™) is "tree-free", so that no trees were cut down to make this plantable paper. The base fiber is cotton or 100% post-consumer waste. And the paper is made with pure North American wildflower seeds by skilled papermakers paid a living wage in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When you choose Garden Greetings plantable seed paper for a special invitation, favor or card, you're giving the lucky recipient a lasting memento of the event. As the flowers bloom in their garden, they'll remember you and the special day of which they were a part. You're spreading the gift of the garden to friends and family, thereby greening up our country, providing habitats for butterflies and planting seeds of beauty. It's wonderful!
Such a great idea! Here's one of their wedding invitations
Check out their website for many more great wedding idea's.
Idea's and Inspiration,
Kate
Here's an excerpt from their website:
Why Use Plantable Paper?
For so many reasons! Because Botanical PaperWorks' plantable paper (called Garden Greetings™) is "tree-free", so that no trees were cut down to make this plantable paper. The base fiber is cotton or 100% post-consumer waste. And the paper is made with pure North American wildflower seeds by skilled papermakers paid a living wage in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When you choose Garden Greetings plantable seed paper for a special invitation, favor or card, you're giving the lucky recipient a lasting memento of the event. As the flowers bloom in their garden, they'll remember you and the special day of which they were a part. You're spreading the gift of the garden to friends and family, thereby greening up our country, providing habitats for butterflies and planting seeds of beauty. It's wonderful!
Such a great idea! Here's one of their wedding invitations
Check out their website for many more great wedding idea's.
Idea's and Inspiration,
Kate
Tuesday, March 31
Looking for a wedding planner? Look no further.
Weddings Inc. is a boutique planning firm that specializes in providing customized and personalized wedding experiences, completely tailored to meet our clients' needs and budgets. Always Unique. Always Original. Social Responsibility
Weddings Inc. believes in the importance of giving back to the community and helping others in need. As a result, we are committed to donating 10% of our revenue from each wedding to a charity of the couple's choice.
They also can help for those worried about our planet and sustainability.
Are you wondering how to have the wedding of your dreams, that still reflects your values, without compromising quality or beauty? Weddings Inc. would be honoured to help you Go Green by sourcing the most eco-friendly suppliers and socially conscious vendors. One by one we can make a difference.
For more information about our wedding planning services, please contact:
P: 416-573-3806
E: info@weddingsinc.ca
Tuesday, April 10
O'Kane's Wedding Services
The O'kanes are based out of Hillsdale, Ontario. They provide non-denominational and civil services that are customized to meet your specific needs, respecting the spiritual and faith background of each person. They are two both very caring people who very much enjoy what they do. If you are looking for some one to preform your ceremony give them a call to make your day memorable.
Monday, April 9
Organizing and Planning Your Wedding
WEDDING PLANNING SO SIMPLE! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF IT?
Contributed by Nily Glaser
Many brides and grooms write to A-wedding Day requesting information about planning their weddings. The typical inquiry is as follows. " We just got engaged. What do we do now? Where do we begin?"
We are up to the challenge and are working new series;
"How to choose and work with wedding vendors, Professionals and service providers."
The series includes information and tips about how to best work with each of them, by category, as well as a comprehensive list of questions you need to ask before deciding on the wedding vendors, Professionals and service providers you feel most comfortable working with.
When you go to
http://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddings/weddingplanningorganizer.html
You'll find links to the articles and questions geared for each different category.
So, you got engaged and are looking forward with anticipation, to your dream wedding but do not know where to start and what to do. You are not alone! This article is dedicated to the many engaged couples facing this dilemma and those who want to be focused.
To be focused, you must be organized. That is, you must have the things you need when you need them. As you plan your wedding you will accumulate among other items, brochures, phone numbers, vendor estimates and bids, song sheets, contracts, receipts, pictures, contracts and receipts. You'll surely collect pictures of wedding gowns, bridesmaids' gowns, flower arrangements, centerpieces and bridal bouquets, jewelry, photo samples given you by photographers, wedding accessories and other pictures that will help you plan your dream wedding. You'll also need to schedule appointments with different wedding vendors, professionals and service providers.
To be organized you need tools. All are easily accessible and inexpensive. You'll need:
A large wall calendar and attached pen and - or
a computer or other device that is easy for you to enter detailed information in
To do lists (add the information to your calendar).
A 3 ring binder with dividers and sheet protectors inserted in it.
THE CALENDAR
Actually your calendar and to do lists go hand in hand. Not only your appointments but your to do lists are time sensitive and should always be available to you. Whether you need to make a phone contact, set an appointment or go to interview a potential vendor, professional or service provider you need the information at your finger tips. It is better to enter too much information than not enough. If you contacted a vendor, write down your FIRST impression. This will help you later with your selection. If you received recommendations enter them too and so on. Do not forget to mark the calendar with the dates and times of special celebrations honoring you and your upcoming wedding.
THE TO DO LISTS
Planning a wedding is laden with details large and small. You will need to check out many magazines and catalogues, visit wedding related web sites, purchase items, contact a myriad of professionals, set up meetings with your wedding attendants, just to name a few. Always keep your to-do lists with you. Be ready to add your ideas for tasks you need to accomplish and to mark the ones you completed.
THE 3 RING WEDDING BINDER
Using a 3 ring binder for your wedding planning, affords you an easy way to be organized keeping all your wedding information in one place. It also saves you money, time and aggravation. 3 ring binders come with various spine widths from ½ an inch to 3 inches. Choose the one that is right for you.
Since it will eventually become a keepsake, you may wish to purchase a 3 ring binder that has a top window so you'll be able to enter a pretty cover or your wedding picture. In the folder, place top insert plastic sheet protectors to serve as pockets for all the wedding-related papers you've accumulated.
Additionally, insert dividers and a 3 hole zippered pocket for pen, pencils, paper clips, etc...
Mark the dividers tabs with the wedding related category such as: Bridal Gown, Ceremony Site, Reception Site, Catering, Photography etc… with the most active or most current in front, so that each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing you quick referencing and retrieval.
In addition to sections dedicated to vendors, professionals and service providers, you need to allocate sections to important aspects such as:
Wedding planning time table,
Favorite wedding web sites,
Do it yourself - make your own....,
Tips and ideas,
Recipes,
Crafts and decorations,
Guest lists,
Guest replies,
gift lists for pre wedding gifts and for wedding gifts,
E-mail address and phone numbers of all your bridal attendants,
Seating charts,
A print-out of your registry,
Lists of thank you notes you need to send - sent,
Lists if gifts you want to give family, attendants and other important people,
And even fabric swatches for wedding attire and or decorations.
To benefit from your 3 ring binder be sure to:
label each category and each section
Place new papers or new information in the correct pocket of the correct section of your binder as soon as you receive them.
Clean your binder once a month. Toss any information that is no longer relevant. Keeping it will clutter your binder and cause unnecessary confusion.
Do not take your main binder with you to interviews. Use a separate binder divided into categories, in which you place all the information, including our articles and most importantly the questions to pose to each vendor, professional and service provider. Keep all the information you collected in any category, so you can make educated decisions based on a comparison of the available packages, prices and services.
What to carry to the Interview
Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview. Have your list of questions to pose to the wedding vendor, professional or service provider with whom you meet.
In order to comparison shop and select wisely, interview at least 3 wedding vendors, professionals or service providers in each category before you choose the one you feel will accommodate you best.
After each interview, insert your notes and answer sheets in your 3 ring binder so they are available to you when you need them. Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved A-wedding Day
Set By Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day to credit the authors right under the title of the article, as a hyperlink.
Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved A-wedding Day
http://www.a-weddingday.com/
Contributed by Nily Glaser
Many brides and grooms write to A-wedding Day requesting information about planning their weddings. The typical inquiry is as follows. " We just got engaged. What do we do now? Where do we begin?"
We are up to the challenge and are working new series;
"How to choose and work with wedding vendors, Professionals and service providers."
The series includes information and tips about how to best work with each of them, by category, as well as a comprehensive list of questions you need to ask before deciding on the wedding vendors, Professionals and service providers you feel most comfortable working with.
When you go to
http://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddings/weddingplanningorganizer.html
You'll find links to the articles and questions geared for each different category.
So, you got engaged and are looking forward with anticipation, to your dream wedding but do not know where to start and what to do. You are not alone! This article is dedicated to the many engaged couples facing this dilemma and those who want to be focused.
To be focused, you must be organized. That is, you must have the things you need when you need them. As you plan your wedding you will accumulate among other items, brochures, phone numbers, vendor estimates and bids, song sheets, contracts, receipts, pictures, contracts and receipts. You'll surely collect pictures of wedding gowns, bridesmaids' gowns, flower arrangements, centerpieces and bridal bouquets, jewelry, photo samples given you by photographers, wedding accessories and other pictures that will help you plan your dream wedding. You'll also need to schedule appointments with different wedding vendors, professionals and service providers.
To be organized you need tools. All are easily accessible and inexpensive. You'll need:
A large wall calendar and attached pen and - or
a computer or other device that is easy for you to enter detailed information in
To do lists (add the information to your calendar).
A 3 ring binder with dividers and sheet protectors inserted in it.
THE CALENDAR
Actually your calendar and to do lists go hand in hand. Not only your appointments but your to do lists are time sensitive and should always be available to you. Whether you need to make a phone contact, set an appointment or go to interview a potential vendor, professional or service provider you need the information at your finger tips. It is better to enter too much information than not enough. If you contacted a vendor, write down your FIRST impression. This will help you later with your selection. If you received recommendations enter them too and so on. Do not forget to mark the calendar with the dates and times of special celebrations honoring you and your upcoming wedding.
THE TO DO LISTS
Planning a wedding is laden with details large and small. You will need to check out many magazines and catalogues, visit wedding related web sites, purchase items, contact a myriad of professionals, set up meetings with your wedding attendants, just to name a few. Always keep your to-do lists with you. Be ready to add your ideas for tasks you need to accomplish and to mark the ones you completed.
THE 3 RING WEDDING BINDER
Using a 3 ring binder for your wedding planning, affords you an easy way to be organized keeping all your wedding information in one place. It also saves you money, time and aggravation. 3 ring binders come with various spine widths from ½ an inch to 3 inches. Choose the one that is right for you.
Since it will eventually become a keepsake, you may wish to purchase a 3 ring binder that has a top window so you'll be able to enter a pretty cover or your wedding picture. In the folder, place top insert plastic sheet protectors to serve as pockets for all the wedding-related papers you've accumulated.
Additionally, insert dividers and a 3 hole zippered pocket for pen, pencils, paper clips, etc...
Mark the dividers tabs with the wedding related category such as: Bridal Gown, Ceremony Site, Reception Site, Catering, Photography etc… with the most active or most current in front, so that each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing you quick referencing and retrieval.
In addition to sections dedicated to vendors, professionals and service providers, you need to allocate sections to important aspects such as:
Wedding planning time table,
Favorite wedding web sites,
Do it yourself - make your own....,
Tips and ideas,
Recipes,
Crafts and decorations,
Guest lists,
Guest replies,
gift lists for pre wedding gifts and for wedding gifts,
E-mail address and phone numbers of all your bridal attendants,
Seating charts,
A print-out of your registry,
Lists of thank you notes you need to send - sent,
Lists if gifts you want to give family, attendants and other important people,
And even fabric swatches for wedding attire and or decorations.
To benefit from your 3 ring binder be sure to:
label each category and each section
Place new papers or new information in the correct pocket of the correct section of your binder as soon as you receive them.
Clean your binder once a month. Toss any information that is no longer relevant. Keeping it will clutter your binder and cause unnecessary confusion.
Do not take your main binder with you to interviews. Use a separate binder divided into categories, in which you place all the information, including our articles and most importantly the questions to pose to each vendor, professional and service provider. Keep all the information you collected in any category, so you can make educated decisions based on a comparison of the available packages, prices and services.
What to carry to the Interview
Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview. Have your list of questions to pose to the wedding vendor, professional or service provider with whom you meet.
In order to comparison shop and select wisely, interview at least 3 wedding vendors, professionals or service providers in each category before you choose the one you feel will accommodate you best.
After each interview, insert your notes and answer sheets in your 3 ring binder so they are available to you when you need them. Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved A-wedding Day
Set By Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day to credit the authors right under the title of the article, as a hyperlink.
Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved A-wedding Day
http://www.a-weddingday.com/
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