#WeddingGuestlist – AVPEvents Blog

10 awful mistakes brides make

Published on September 1, 2016May 3, 2018 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

No wedding day is completely perfect (unless it is) and there are bound to be some flubs or forgotten details. Here are 10 common mistakes brides make leading up to and on their wedding day:

Don’t carve out enough time for hair and makeup

It is imperative that you consider how large your bridal party is, this should include your mother and mother in law and any flower girls you may have. If you have more than 4 ladies to do hair and makeup for, you should consider hiring two makeup artists and two hair stylists. Make sure they have both met, have pictures of the makeup and hair looks so they can get everyone done on time!

Drink the night before

Try to refrain from excessive drinking the night before the wedding. Alcohol can make you puffy the next day, if you are sensitive you may even get a mild headache. Trade in a cocktail or glass of wine with some sparkling water and lemon, you’ll thank us.

Rule out a wedding planner

Even if you have managed to plan everything yourself, the week before your wedding is the most stressful. If you had hired a planner for the week of you could have been spending time with your family and friends. Instead, you are left running around keeping track of final payments to vendors, confirming floral deliveries, giving directions…need I continue? Hire a planner.

Don’t account for hidden costs

This is a big one that gets overlooked far too often. Tipping your vendors is a must unless it’s already included in their contract. Also ensuring they are fed at dinner time if they are present is also important. Marriage license is another hidden cost, postage for “Thank you” cards, meals on wedding day and then there is the “other” category. This is for when the power goes out and you have to buy 200 candles, or the groom forgets to pack his shoes and needs to hail a cab!

Take time with parents

The day of your wedding you are the center of attention and everyone wants to say a word or give a hug. Don’t forget to take a few quiet moments with your parents outside of pictures. It will be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle and it will give you some one on one time with them, they will appreciate it.

6. You forget to eat

Yes, we know you need to fit into your wedding dress as snug as a bug the day of, however, we don’t need a dramatic Scarlett O’Hara fainting moment because you didn’t eat anything. A light breakfast with a few carbs for energy is suffice, lots of water and some snacks while getting ready and during pictures.

Sunless tanning

Have some practice sessions please! I can’t stress this enough. Sunless tanning can work if you find the right place to go. Be sure to go for a shade that isn’t so far off your natural skin tone, aim for a pre- wedding glow. If you overdo it or go too dark…you will be in your bathroom 2 days before your wedding with half a cup of lemon juice, a quarter cup of sugar…and a loofah sponge.

Don’t feed vendors

Your vendors work hard and rightly so; this is what they do! However, if you have hired a band to entertain your guests, a planner running around behind the scenes, a photographer or videographer- they need to eat. This is customary and likely in the contract you signed when you hired them. Perhaps not what the guests are eating but feed them with something!

Skimp on bridal party gifts

Take into consideration your bridal party (guys too) have spend a ton of money over the past year or so helping you plan your wedding. From wedding gifts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, outfits, dinners, to helping you solve problems, they’ve done so much. Be sure to budget a decent amount (consider how large your bridal party is) so they can feel the love and appreciation you have for all they have done.

Mistreat Single friends

I’ve been one of the single gals at a table, where I don’t know anyone and most of the people I am sitting with are couples. Thankfully I have an outgoing personality and I can talk to anyone but not all your guests are going to find this situation ideal. To ease the pressure or even nerves, try to put them with at least one person at the same table that they know. Please, please have mercy!

Wedding Venues in the 6ix: An Introduction

Published on January 28, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

In light of the new year, I thought we would start off with a blog series surrounding wedding venues in the 6ix a.k.a Toronto, Ontario.

One of the things I personally love about this city is the undeniable degree of diversity in everything. From food, fashion, music and language, Toronto has so much to offer to those who want to experience life to the fullest. This is also true when it comes to wedding venues in the city. To put it bluntly, to get married in Toronto on a budget can be a challenge since it’s an expensive city to live in altogether. However, with constant changing trends with regard to the size of weddings, destination weddings etc, smaller venues are now emerging to cater to those couples who have a modest budget or prefer a more intimate wedding.

This series will take a look at several different wedding venues located in the 6ix for different budgets, couple styles and wedding size. It’s important to note that before you even start to look for a venue that you have a number of guests you plan to attend. Venue coordinators will need to know how many people you are planning to have attend for several reasons:

The size of the guest list may determine whether or not you can fit that many sitting down and or standing up. If there are too many people then you may have to search for another venue that can hold the amount of guests you want.
There is most likely a minimum spend of food and drink plus the rental fee and if you have a smaller guest list you may not meet the minimum requirements.
The number of guests you want to have at your wedding has a direct affect on your budget since in most cases the couples covers the cost of dinner and the bar. Generally, the more guests, the more money you spend.

As we examine each venue, we will highlight the benefits of each venue and what makes them unique and a few other things. I hope you enjoy this upcoming series and that it helps you on your search to find your dream wedding venue here in the 6ix!

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

Feature Article in The Wedding Planner Magazine- Summer 2015 issue

Published on June 24, 2015June 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

I was so happy when I was asked to write an article for the magazine I currently work for. I really enjoyed writing this and am thankful for the opportunity! I’d like to applaud all of my amazingly talented and hard working colleagues who put so much time and dedication into this publication. Please go to our website and see all of their incredible work. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I hope you enjoy! AV.

Click article to read.

Destination Weddings- All the rave and why

Published on May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

For the last several years, destination weddings are increasing in popularity. It seems as though newly engaged couples are opting for this more often than not. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married on an island, the middle of paradise with sand and the ocean literally at your feet? It makes for gorgeous pictures, almost guaranteed great weather and a tan! Here are a few reasons why the destination “fad” has more couples considering it for their wedding day

Affordable

In most instances, a destination wedding is realistically much more affordable than the one you would pay for locally. Since most resorts have their own wedding packages you don’t have to fuss about expensive décor and are essentially paying for the package, travel and the stay at the resort. Unlike local weddings where you are paying for the guest’s food and alcohol, destination weddings only require you to pay for the two of you, so there is no paying a minimum for food or alcohol since the guests are paying for their own travel and accommodations.

Less is More

In terms of planning it’s much more simplistic than a local wedding as well. You won’t have to listen to family or friends bicker over what they think should be done with music or décor. As previously noted, the resort will have customized wedding packages for you to choose from. This minimizes stress for everyone since most resorts have their own or work with planners. Perhaps a few other decisions will need to be made during the planning but for the most part, the wedding package will cover everything!

Relaxed

Destination weddings are usually much smaller than your typical local wedding. Most resorts have wedding planners or coordinators that work with you the day before and of. This means you will be able to spend more one on one time with those who could make it and be able to really enjoy the moment. There is also less chaos with a smaller wedding, everyone is there to celebrate with you and be on vacation at the same time. The everyday anxieties and stresses of life get left behind and replaced with laughs and a memorable wedding day!

If you are considering a destination wedding, do some research and get some information that you are your partner can discuss. Have a number in mind for your guest count and then contact a travel agent when you have made some solid choices!

Brides on a Budget: 5 ways you can save on the big day!

Published on January 22, 2014January 22, 2014 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

I often find that couples confuse having what they consider to be a “good wedding” the same as an “expensive wedding”. Glamorous, glittering sparkles are great if you plan to impress…and wear sunglasses for the entire occasion; however, if finances are of concern then planning will need to be more diligent. Other couples may just choose to not spend copious amounts of money on their wedding, even if finances aren’t a problem. No fuss no muss right? My favorite example of this is when Miranda and Steve get married from SATC. He is a bartender and she is a lawyer- when they first started dating she offered to buy him a suit for a work dinner she invited him too and it cost $2200…she never lacked money! In the end (opposite to Carrie and Big’s first wedding) Miranda proposed to Steve over $3.00 beers and tells her besties casually over lunch. She didn’t want the big “circus wedding” no bridesmaids, crazy pictures, no white dress…she wants a simple “nothing thing” and only wanted to be with Steve. How sweet, and how very Miranda.

Now mind you, not all brides will take this extreme measure but there are definitely ways you can cut back if you are on a lower scale budget or just don’t want to make a fuss!

Budget

Determine exactly how much in total you are planning to spend. Discuss this in depth with your fiancée as you both need to be clear and on the same page. From there, you may find it beneficial to write out exactly what you CAN’T avoid paying for…things like marriage license for example. Knowing exactly what you will have to pay out for will give you a realistic idea of what area’s you can pinch a little in!

2. Venue

If you decide you still want to have your nuptials at a venue but are looking to save, your hole in the ace is what day of the week you set your date on. Most people get married on a Saturday afternoon; however it is not common knowledge that the cost of the venue (plus catering if they provide it) is significantly more expensive than if you were to opt for getting hitched on a Friday or Sunday. The cost of the venue decreases which can leave much more room to allot money to other areas. Or you can ditch the venue and if you have friends or family that have a great property (provided you are getting married in the warmer months) do a backyard wedding. In this instance you not only save money on the venue itself but all the other costs with it- AV, lighting, alcohol license (if the venue doesn’t have one) music equipment insurance since most venues are not insured for outside equipment.

3. Downsize your Guest List

Of course you want everyone to be there to witness your special day, but if you are trying to remain cost effective you may have to sit down and discuss who you both want to attend. Many couples opt for a ceremony with just close family and friends and have an intimate dinner, then open up the rest of the night to everyone. More guests can mean more catering and alcohol which can be costly depending on your tastes. If you do opt for a smaller wedding and outdoor venue, see if friends and family members can contribute dishes that appease all of your guest’s tastes, don’t forget in any case to inquire about food allergies.

4. The Dress

Most brides have had an idea of what sort of gown they have wanted since they were young (ok, so I designed my own at 13 in my sketch book don’t judge me). Brides on a budget or looking for affordable gowns should absolutely go to trunk/wedding shows. Do some research about bridal events and shows in your area and make plans with your bridesmaids to attend! You can find beautiful gowns, even designer ones for significantly less, from there, hit the seamstress and make your alterations. Better yet, if you had ideas on what you like to add you may end up with a partially custom made dress without paying thousands.

5. Décor

It can help to enhance the theme and mood of your wedding, sometimes less is more. It’s nice to go all out with the chandeliers, center pieces, flowers, chair covers, but it can cost a pretty penny depending on how elaborate you want things to be. As an alternative, consider just having a bouquet just for the bride and have the bridesmaid’s carry something else (clutch, same accessory). As well, you can stick to just having a nice centerpiece for each table that really relates to the theme. Check out pinterest boards online, you would be amazed at how many DIY (do it yourself) ideas you can get and for incredibly low costs!

All in all, it is your wedding day and you want to make the most out of it but not come out afterwards with debt and stress. If you have decided to stick to a lower budget, these suggestions will help you save and enjoy your big day overall!