Event Planning 101 – AVPEvents Blog

6 Perfect Proposal Ideas

Published on March 2, 2017 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Not every guy out there has a creative mind so the act of proposing ends up being that much more petrifying! The good news is, whatever you decide to do, she will love it because she loves you so have confidence. In the meantime, we found 6 proposals that any girl would remember forever!

Create a custom jigsaw puzzle (or have one made) with a picture of you and the words “Marry me?” on quiet night when you’re spending time together, suggest the puzzle. Once you’ve both put it together, you can propose!

While your soon-to-be-fiance is asleep, slip the ring on her finger and finish with breakfast in bed.

In true Canadian fashion, before your lady leave for work, offer to heat up her car and scratch your proposal in the ice on the windshield and the ring on the dash board.

Pick a spot that is sentimental to you both (where you went on your first date) and have a hired photographer hiding somewhere close but discreetly taking pictures of your proposal as she says “yes!”.

Tie a ribbon from one spot in your home to another with notes of inside jokes or your relationship milestones. As she follows them, you will be at the end of the ribbon with the ring to put on her hand!

The night before a beach day, write a poem or your proposal on a piece of parchment paper. Roll it into a bottle with a cork and bury it in a well-marked spot in the sand where you will remember. Make sure she finds the bottle and be ready with the ring!

Wedding Budget: The essential differences between deposits vs final payments

Published on September 7, 2016September 7, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

If you are planning your wedding yourself, it’s crucial that you know a few very important things when it comes to your budget and how it will be broken down. This information isn’t common knowledge so if you find yourself struggling or are weary of making a mistake, hire a planner! Deposits and final payments for your vendors are very important and the key to ensuring how much is for what and when is to read the post I wrote last week about reading your vendor contract!

Deposits

Deposits are what you and your partner put down to essentially “reserve” the vendor, all of your vendors will require a deposit. (Side note: Some planners require a retainer; it’s a fancier word for an advance.) It will be written in the contract exactly how much of a deposit is required to secure their services for your wedding. Most wedding bands require up to 20%, some photographers require half up front, it really depends so again to reiterate, read your contract!

If you don’t quite understand the contract, set up a meeting with them and have them thoroughly explain so there are absolutely no miscommunications. Once you sign that contract, you agree to everything in it whether you read it or not! In most cases, deposits and retainers are non-refundable. Once you put down your deposit, your vendor has then reserved their services for your wedding date.

One other important thing to keep in mind is when you are meeting your vendors to discuss their services and whether or not you will hire them, be in a position to put down a deposit at the meeting. You have no idea what their booking schedule is like and if they are photographer, some are booked up to a year and a half in advance!

Final Payments

Similarly, the contract should stipulate when your vendor expects their final payment. The amounts will vary and the due dates can be anywhere from two weeks before the wedding day up to the day of the wedding. Discussing this and making changes before you sign the contract is essential. Most vendors can be flexible; others not as much so it’s important that you keep track on a calendar the date final payments are due. For example, most venues will request a deposit up to 20% and then final payment will be the entire lump sum of what is left over due roughly a week before the wedding. You can arrange to make payments so it’s not one large chunk gone at once so be sure to inquire about that.

If any payments are due on the day of the wedding, have someone like a planner, parent or another relative who will ensure the payments are to given to the vendors. You will be busy getting married and celebrating and it’s easy to become distracted since it’s your big day.

In both cases whether it’s a deposit or a final payment, request an invoice or a receipt that stipulates the date you paid and the amount. It’s good to keep a record of these payments for your own security.

AVP Blog Series-Wedding Venues in The 6ix: The Burroughes Building

Published on August 10, 2016August 10, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

I am so excited to spill the details of this particular venue, I will admit I am a little biased since my couple who got married there on a New Year’s Eve a few years back fell in love with the space. Located at 639 Queen St. West and Bathurst St, this location is eclectic and has quite the history!

The F.C. Burroughes Furniture Company erected the building in 1907 as its flagship retail department store. King Sol, a well known sporting and camping gear retailer called it home for 53 years, ending in 2002. Finally, the Queen Street Partners redeveloped the building. It’s beautiful exposed brick, hardwood floors and rustic essence minimizes the need for excessive décor. Another feature worth highlighting are the two 100 plus year old restored elevators which brings to life the historical relevance to the venue.

This hidden gem has actually hosted some of the city’s high profile events such as TIFF events, Holt Renfrew and Phillip Sparks fashion shows. It has also been chosen for fashion designer and bridal magazine photo shoots.

Since we are discussing venues in the 6ix, it makes sense that I highlight that the 6^th floor is the most popular location to hold a wedding or event. This floor give you access to the rooftop terrace, I might add that this “View from the 6ix” is unobstructed and absolutely gorgeous and has a bar and heaters (for those planning winter weddings!).

For those attending you wedding or event who are from out of town, this venue is located close to six (notice a theme here?) beautiful 4-5 star hotels including the Fairmont Royal York, The Thompson Hotel and the Shangri-La. Parking won’t be an issue either as there are several lots in the area that can be utilized.

Something to take note of is that The Burroughes requires outside catering but to make life easy, their venue coordinators (not to be confused with wedding planners) have preferred vendor lists that you can use to contact.

All in all this is a terrific and very unique space to host your event or wedding and is absolutely worth a tour!

Photo credits: www.derekcampbell.net; www.ashleyvictoriaproductions.com; www.theburroughes.com

Wedding Venues in The 6ix: National Event Venue

Published on April 29, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

During some intense outsourcing I was conducting for some clients, I came across this intriguing and equally beautiful venue located at 1000 Finch Ave West (Finch and Dufferin) in the northwest area of the city- National Event Venue. When you first walk in, all I can say is – black and gold. Accents of gorgeous Baroque style furniture, dramatic velvet curtains held together by thick ropes, chandeliers…have I sold you yet? I’m not finished though!

There are so many eloquent features of this diamond in the rough that as a planner, get you so excited for your clients. The lobby/cocktail area has a stylish bar where you can order your Cosmopolitan or scotch and has plenty of space for mingling. The European reception room is open concept with two stunning chandeliers at each end, a visible dance floor in the center and then a stage at the front. Mind you this isn’t just any stage, if the bride and groom so choose they can stand on a platform that is below the stage that will rise to the top of the stage for a surprise entrance!

In addition to all of this, there are massive LED TV screens with 360 projection mapping that allows you to share videos and photos with all of your guests. As of recently they provide limousine services for pick up and drop offs as well. They have an incredible team that boasts stunning entertainment, whether it is professional dancers, live musicians, acrobatics or eek…snakes and fire!

Shall we talk gourmet cuisine? They have 3 menus or you can choose essentially any national cuisine you like, from Russian, Portuguese, Italian and more. Their chefs create beautiful and artistic presentations with each dish and will not disappoint your palate by any means. I accompanied my clients to a Saturday night tasting and they left full and completely impressed.

Alex and his staff are truly lovely people, so easy and kind to work with and are ready to cater to whatever your needs are. I am grateful to have such a fantastic working relationship with them and would recommend National Event Venue to everyone who is looking for a superior, first class experience for their wedding day! If you are a couple would like to book a viewing please contact me at Ashley@ashleyvictoriaproductions.com and I will be happy to take you or contact the venue directly at 416-650-0019

Photos taken from: http://www.nationaleventvenue.com; IsaacImage.com

Wedding Venues in The 6ix: The Avenue Banquet Hall

Published on February 25, 2016April 29, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

The Avenue is a fantastic little spot in Vaughan Ontario and one of the not so obvious but convenient aspects of it is that it’s close to all major highways (401, 407 and the Allen). We love the fact that parking is free, and if you have out of town guests, the hotels close by have reduced rates for those who choose to have their event at The Avenue.

One thing that I can say I absolutely appreciated about this venue is that it’s literally one venue, so you don’t have to worry about multiple events taking place simultaneously to yours! This is a great selling point for brides who want to ensure there are no mix-ups or distractions on their big day. As a planner, even though we are used to it, it’s a relief to know there are no “hidden fees” that you will have to dig to find and explain to your clients. Many venues have so many additional fees and truthfully it can add up quickly. The Avenue is an exception, everything is up front and visible so there are absolutely no surprises!

Another convenient aspect of this little gem is it has the main hall that it has lovely high ceilings and can hold up to 400 guests. There is also separate ceremony room and a private bridal suite and a variety of catering menus to choose from including Mediterranean, Portuguese, West Indian, Italian and more!

Whether you are hosting an event or a wedding, the most comforting aspect of this venue for some will be the many 5 star reviews it has received from clients. There are rave reviews about the food, the service as well as working with Marla Kay and her pleasant and valuable experience. As I have met with Marla myself, it’s refreshing to say that she is one of the most open and candid venue coordinators I’ve met thus far and she loves what she does.

All in all, The Avenue is a venue to consider for any event or wedding so please contact them and book a time to view this banquet hall, you won’t have any regrets!

Contact Info:

1600 Steeles Ave, Vaughan ON 905 669 0777 info@theavenuebanquethall.com

Festive Fall Cocktails for your wedding (part 1)

Published on October 21, 2015October 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Nothing gets us into the festive fall season like these delicious fall cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot. These are perfect for a fall themed engagement party or wedding and will be sure to impress your guests and get them into the spirit!

Fall Manhattan- Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2007

Photography: Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces applejack
1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
A few dashes orange bitters
About 2 ounces Champagne
Blood-orange rind cut into strips for garnish

Directions:

Combine applejack, whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker, and shake over ice. Strain into a 6-ounce martini glass, and top with Champagne. Garnish with orange rind, and serve.

Orange Maple Whiskey Cocktail- The Knot

Photography: Sarah Love Photography

Ingredients:

Maple syrup
Orange bitters
Orange wedge
Ice
Whiskey
Splash of club soda

Directions:

Step 1: Measure out 2 tablespoons of syrup and add it to a lowball glass along with 2 dashes of orange bitters. Squeeze an orange wedge to the mix and muddle slightly before adding a handful of ice.

Step 2: Add 2 ounces of whiskey to the cocktail and top with a splash of club soda before stirring.

Step 3: Top with fresh orange zest and serve.

Rob Rose-Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2015

Photography: Bryan Gardner

Ingredients

Rose water (Fee Brothers Rose Water, $7, kegworks.com)
1⁄2 ounce Amaro CioCiaro liqueur
2 ounces Compass Box Spice Tree malt scotch whiskey
Rose petal, for garnish

Directions:

Fill an atomizer with rose water and spray an old-fashioned glass with four sprays.
Add liqueur, scotch, and ice. Stir and garnish with rose petal.

Sidenote: (Rose water is the scented secret to this wedding-worthy scotch concoction by New York City mixologist Tom Richter.)

Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas

Published on September 15, 2015October 24, 2015 by AVPEvents1 Comment

Every couple wants to have as many memories of their wedding day as they can. Everything from the vows to photos taken and speeches- sentimental or funny! One really great way to create a long lasting memory is to get innovative with your guest book! Here are a few ideas to help you get inspired!

This is a great idea my girlfriend came up with. We grew up in the same town, went to high school and university together but her wedding took place back home in the beautiful countryside. The bought paddles and asked their guests to sign them and later mounted them!

Another nice idea that I came across in my research works for those who are having a destination or beach wedding! Purchase some smooth stones from a craft store, or scope out the beach ahead of time if you can. Make sure you have enough for all your guests, have them sign it and display at home.

Couples who love pictures, here’s a great 2 in 1 guest book idea. Have a makeshift clothes line with the names and tables numbers for each guest to sit at but there’s a catch! They have to replace their seating card with a Polaroid selfie!

For those wine lovers out there…myself included, you will love this! Start saving your wine corks and accumulate the number you need to reach the number of your guests. As they arrive, have them sign a cork and take it home and put it up for all to see!

Photo credits: Little Tree Photography’ designedbybh.com; stylecaster.com; emmaline-bride.com

Questions to ask your wedding photographer before you hire them (Part 1)

Published on August 28, 2015August 28, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

How many weddings have you shot in your career? Always good to know
Are you shooting more than one wedding on my wedding day? If yes, ensure there is significant time in between both
What is your preferred style of photography? There are several: Photo journalism, Artistic, Natural Light, Traditional and Illustrative
Have you shot at my venue before? If they have then they will be familiar with sight lines etc, if not, it might be a good idea to invite them to go to the site with you.
Do you work from a “shot list”? If yes then ask to see it and if not, a great follow up would be to ask if you are to provide one for them
Can I request certain images are taken at the wedding? Be sure to ask how they will ensure they get these shots if the answer is yes.
Do you bring your own lighting? This should almost always be a yes…if not, there should be a long, detailed answer as to why not!
How many hours are included in your wedding package? It’s customary for photography to start at least 2 hours before the ceremony itself.
How much is an additional hour(s) of your time? Always good to be clear on exactly how long you will require them to be there and how much overtime may cost.
Will you use any images for advertising? This may not always be mentioned up front or stated in the contract so it’s good to know and this way if you aren’t comfortable with you, you can come to an agreement.

3 Important clues to help brides create a budget

Published on July 13, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

In order to get off on the right foot with your wedding planning you have begin with your budget. Everything stems from your budget! I hope to shed a bit of light on this subject so you those of you who are planning your own wedding create a budget that is realistic!

Make a Priority List

This is essentially a list of wedding elements that are most important to you and decide what percentage of your budget you will allot to those areas. So for example catering, entertainment and décor may be the segments you are willing spend 50% of your budget on and the other half of your budget goes towards everything else.

Start getting quotes

It will be difficult to create an honest budget if you don’t know exactly how much certain services cost in the area you are getting married. Do some research and compare pricing you get from different vendors based on what you are looking for and what they have to offer. Seeing numbers in front of you gives you a very realistic idea as to how your budget will look.

Have the budget “talk”

Once you have some numbers to look at, you and your fiancée should sit down and discuss it. Things like your current expenses will need to be reviewed so you can come up with a realistic budget. Here you will also be able to chat about whether or not parents will be giving a monetary contribution for the wedding as well. Once you have a better idea as to what your financial circumstances are, planning the budget becomes easier.

This is one of the most important first steps that engaged couples must take before they get into planning anything. It is crucial that you are both on the same page so you can support one another and help each other stay on track so as not to be tempted to overspend. No one needs to be starting off marriage in debt, so it may take a few weeks but it’s well worth the effort!

Images provided by: arkansasbride.com; weddingjournalonline.com

Wedding Planner vs Venue Coordinator: What you need to know!

Published on June 30, 2015April 24, 2019 by AVPEvents4 Comments

Brides this may be one of the most important blogs you ever read, I say this because if you are currently in the midst of planning your wedding and you have a venue coordinator- you need things to be clarified. There are some fundamental distinctions between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator and if you don’t know the differences, you won’t understand what their responsibilities are.

The Wedding Planner

As a wedding planner, our sole purpose is to make your entire wedding day runs as perfectly as you could ever dream of. Planners are also very flexible in terms of the services they provide and will happily customize a package that suits your needs. We do everything from helping you develop a theme and color scheme, to meetings vendors and keeping track of payments. Planners also walk you through creating your budget and timelines step by step if you require it. We have back up plans, lists of suppliers, we know to keep Uncle Sam away from your MOH, and will feed the best man his speech behind the scenes. On the day of, we are there before the first vendor arrives, oversee the complete set up, catering and we know the wedding day schedule backwards. We are there for the ceremony, pictures, has the emergency kit, arrange the dinner seating plan and leaves after the last vendor has tore down. Essentially planners will hold your hand from the moment you are engaged until we put you, your bridal party and the three empty tequila bottles in a limo and send you to the hotel. We might even express post the high heels you kicked off in the bathroom earlier that night because your feet hurt too much rocking out to Bruno Mars!

The Venue Coordinator

A venue coordinator is not, I repeat is NOT a wedding planner. Think of it this way, they are like any other vendor you have hired for that day. So if you have a florist that is scheduled to deliver the flowers for the tables at 2pm that afternoon, they deliver them, give you a receipt and leave. That’s it. The venue coordinator is your point of contact for anything to do with the venue, period. You want to add candles; you ask the coordinator if you are permitted to have open flame on your tables. If you need to have the venue re-swept because it wasn’t done properly, you page the venue coordinator. They will provide you with packages the venue offers with regards to renting it and have your payment receipts for the venue. They will have a list of the furniture you need, make sure the venue is ready for your set up team and help you find supplies for the washroom and other things like that. They do not plan your wedding; they don’t have your supplier lists, tide sticks, day of timeline or help you set up your centerpieces. A venue coordinator is specifically for the venue only!

It’s is crucial that brides understand and can distinguish between these two individuals. Without understanding those differences you might end up with misplaced expectations and in need of help. Many brides make the mistake of not hiring a planner because they think their venue coordinator is the same thing. If you decide not to hire a planner that is fine, just know that it means you will be planning your own wedding.