#WeddingStress – AVPEvents Blog

Top 10 Must See Wedding Movies

Published on November 24, 2016November 24, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Nothing beats a romantic-comedy about a wedding, a wedding disaster you name it. We’ve listed our top 10 wedding movies of all time. See how many you’ve yet to see and have the girls over and break out the wine!

My Best Friend’s Wedding

As children, Julianne and Michael made a vow to marry one another if they were still single at 28. Four days before her birthday, Michael announces he’s getting married to 20 year old Kimberly. Suddenly realizing she’s in love with Michael, Julianne vows to halt the wedding no matter the cost- that is until she’s asked to be Maid of Honor…awkward much?

The Best Man

Committed bachelor Harper, just wrote a soon to be best selling novel that is for the most part based on the lives and loves of his group of tight-knit friends. With his entire crew to be present, Harper is to be the best man in his friend Lance’s wedding. To his dismay, an advance copy of the book ends up in the hands of an ex flame and he struggles to keep it under wraps- til he can’t.

Runaway Bride

Maggie Carpenter is no stranger to a wedding day since she’s left 3 men at the altar thus far. Ike Graham a reporter from the big city branded her “the runaway bride” and after his facts are questioned, he heads to her hometown to report on her upcoming fourth wedding- and to save his rep; til he falls for her.

The Wedding Planner

The wedding of Internet tycoon Fran Donelly is the biggest and most ostentatious of Mary’s wedding planning career. After being rescued from a near-fatal collision with a runaway dumpster by Steve Edison and spending the most enchanting evening of their lives together, Mary thinks she’s finally found a reason to believe in love. Until she realizes that cupid and her career are about to collide head-on.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

The entire Portokalos family worries about Toula who’s still unmarried at 30 years old. she works at the Greek family restaurant Dancing Zorba’s, owned by her parents, Gus and Maria. After taking a job at her aunt’s travel agency, she falls in love with Ian Miller, a handsome teacher who is tall, and definitely not Greek. Toula isn’t sure which will be more upsetting to her father, that Ian is a foreigner or that he’s a vegetarian.

Wedding Crashers

Jeremy and John are divorce mediators who spend their free time crashing wedding receptions. So when Secretary of the Treasury William Cleary announces the wedding of his eldest daughter, they make it their mission to crash the high-profile event. But their game hits a bump in the road when John locks eyes with bridesmaid Claire taking them on a hilarious journey with a family that’s less than functional.

Monster In Law

Charlotte meets and falls for Dr. Kevin Fields, it’s a whirlwind romance. When Kevin pops the question so soon after they start dating, Charlotte happily accepts. She soon realizes that Kevin’s mom, Viola is anything but thrilled to have a new family member. Viola, a newscaster, has just lost her job and is feeling rather possessive of Kevin, so Charlotte is sheer competition.

27 Dresses

Forever bridesmaid Jane is the go-to gal whenever someone needs help with wedding plans since she can’t say no. So when Jane’s younger sister Tess hooks the man Jane is secretly in love with, Jane finds herself questioning her role as a wedding junkie for the first time. Meanwhile, a handsome reporter is on Jane’s unusual story.

Bride Wars

As little girls, best friends Liv and Emma started planning every detail of their future weddings, including choosing the same venue: New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. But when a clerical error causes a dilemma in wedding dates, a war begins that reveals and unravels Liv and Kate discover their inner demons which may end their lifelong friendship.

Bridesmaids

Annie is a single woman whose life is a hot mess, but when her lifelong best friend, Lillian, gets engaged, she has no choice but to serve as the maid of honor. Though loveless and almost broke, Annie, nevertheless, fights her way through the awkward and expensive rituals associated with her job as the bride’s go-to gal. That is, until things start to unravel and Annie takes everyone down with her.

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.

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!

AVPEvents on the worst marriage advice we’ve ever heard from real couples

Published on July 5, 2016 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

I thought this would be an interesting blog post because most of us would expect our friends and loved ones to give us some helpful marriage counsel. Recently I asked a handful of my married friends, what was the absolute worst marriage advice they ever got.

At first I was shocked at some of it but then I realized it shouldn’t be so surprising since we live in a society that hardly values the sanctity of marriage. Here is what some of them said:

“To walk away when things get tough…but we made vows for a reason!”– Mariah & LeRon

“I’ve had some rough go’s and hard times but have also had some great times, worst thing I was ever told was to suck it up for the kids.” Jake & Ashley

“My husband got the advice: Tell your wife her cooking is good, even when it isn’t! I don’t know how many stir fry and quiches my husband choked down before he told me he didn’t like them. So frustrating, I want to make meals we like and improve on them!”– Jennifer & Andrew

Poor guy!

“Have babies, they will solve your problems and make your marriage happier…shouldn’t the marriage be happy first?” Leigha & Greg

“Happy wife, happy life. What about my husbands needs?! I want him to talk to me and tell me what makes him happy or what bothers him.”– Megan & Dustin

“Don’t get fat…”– Sarah & Zach

Hopefully that person got a big 2000 piece of cake in the face!

“Everything is 50/50…no its 100/100! If you are only putting in half the work then expect a half-assed marriage.”– Erica & Scott

Here is our personal favorite:

“Don’t compromise most marriages end in divorce anyway.”– Pamela & Adam

Moral of the story: marriage is what you decide to make it, good or bad advice no one is in the relationship but you. It’s a good idea to keep as much of your marriage between just the two of you to ensure less people are involved in giving their opinion. While we appreciate our friends and family, we also want to remain keenly aware that their own experiences can bias the advice they give. Keep those who support your marriage close to you and remember to consider one another always.

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!

How to find the perfect bridal gown to fit your body type

Published on December 1, 2015December 1, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Every soon-to-be bride wants to look like a princess on the big day so knowing your body type is crucial. It’s important to keep in mind that you want a dress that will accentuate or conceal certain areas so that not only do you look great but you feel just as great. Here are some tips on how to find a dress that flatters your figure, no matter your shape!

Body Types

The Hourglass

If you have the hourglass shape that means your shoulder and hips are relatively the same size and you have a defined waist. The best bridal gown silhouettes for this body type would be:

Ball Gown- The structured bodice will accentuate your waist and create an ultra feminine look.
Mermaid/ Trumpet- Fitted more so from the top to upper or mid thigh will highlight your jaw dropping curves.
Sheath-With a streamlined shape, this style will be sure to emphasize everything equally and in a modest way.

The Triangle

If your hips are wider than your shoulders, these are the go to dress shapes for you:

A-Line- As implied in the name, the “A” aspect of the dress angles gently away from the body to hide your hips slightly.
Ball Gown- Similar to the A-Line, you want to choose a ball gown that has a natural waist and a skirt that flow away from the hips so as not to draw undue attention to your hips.
Short Dresses- You have some flexibility here since it can either be a flowing sheath or a fitted bodice, a shorter hemline can help show off all the right areas.

The Inverted Triangle

This body type as suggested is when your shoulders are wider than you hips; the following are best suited for this figure:

Mermaid/Trumpet- will help to give you a little more in the hip area to balance out those strong and shapely shoulders.
Short Dresses- Paired with some fabulous heels, a shorter hemline will draw attention to your lower half (and legs) which will in turn level out your top half.
Ball Gown- Essentially this dress type seems to work for every figure thus far, but the ball gown here in this instance again can help you “fake” what you don’t have on the bottom.

The Rectangle

Women with shoulders, waist and hips being equal can choose from these options of dresses that will help to “create”:

Short Dresses- You can basically “create” curves with a fitted bodice or flowing sheath paired with the shorter hemline.
A-Line- Again, can “create” that hourglass waistline if it cinches slightly and then flows outward.
Sheath- If you aim for a more bias-cut in a very soft fabric that flows, it will also “create” curves in the right areas.

The Round and Curvy

Women who have a fuller, rounder figure do best to focus on the fit of the dress:

Ball gown- Although, avoid this if you are bit on the shorter side, you don’t want to appear as a cream puff!
Empire waist- Quite fitted in the bust area then flares out beautifully
Goddess/One shoulder- Another option that stay snug under the bust and flows out skimming the body nicely.

Tip: Asymmetrical ruching in the right areas can help give the appearance of a narrower waist if that is your goal.

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.

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!

3 Ways to keep your groom happy

Published on April 15, 2015April 29, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

So often the groom gets “left behind” so to speak during the process of wedding planning, but let’s face it, most men are NIDS (Not Into Details). They just want to get married to you and celebrate with friends and family all night and wake up in a familiar place! They aren’t into the color of the edible pearls on the cupcakes that must match the rest of the color scheme for the whole wedding. However, it would be nice to stop once in awhile and look up from underneath the 12 layers of tulle and make sure he is happy too, here are some suggestions.

Keep it drama free

Okay, we all know that planning a wedding is the essence of drama in itself, there will always be drama but keep it away from him! Nothing annoys a man more than for his woman to come to him with a problem where we hope he will just listen to us vent. Then he offers a solution (because that is what men do) and then we freak out! Example: Your sister is being the bridesmaid from the underworld and is preventing the bridal party from choosing their dresses because she doesn’t want to go over a certain price. You come home all upset, frustrated and annoyed and start on a rant and he patiently listens. After you are done, he says “Well tell her she either deals with it or she’s kicked out of the bridal party” sips his beer and puts his feet up on the couch. You go berserk…you can’t kick her out! There’s no way your mother will allow that to happen, your other siblings will get involved…why would you say that!? With that being said, keep it simple; focus on the things that are progressing and getting accomplished, save the rantfest for your maid of honor!

Make time for him

Yes planning your wedding is time consuming…unless you have a planner of course! Set aside some time weekly to spend with him; maybe even doing something that he wants to do. This will show him that as important as planning is right now, he is important as well. Sure he knows you have been obsessing over whether a rose sauce would go better with the pasta option on the menu rather than an Alfredo sauce, but you both need time together minus wedding related discussion. Take him out for brunch or go hit a sports bar to see his favorite team play, stay at home and bond, go away for a weekend and shut off your cell phones. No matter what you do, making time for him shows him that you appreciate him and his support.

Include him in the planning

You aren’t the only person getting married, so often I have had to remind brides that it’s your groom’s day as well! Even though most men are NID’s, it doesn’t mean you can’t include them in the planning at all. When you schedule appointments to see venues, bring him along! Chances are he will have some great questions for the coordinator. Menu tastings are another great way to include your groom…what man doesn’t love food?! You can both have fun trying samples from menu’s the catering company has created and you can both make the final choice. How about your music list for the DJ? Okay so Green Day might not be ideal for dancing but asking for his input will emphasize that his opinions and thoughts are taken into account.

This isn’t to say you can’t tell him about some problems you’re working on, or spend 6 days chasing your florist down. Wedding planning is a tough job and you both need to support each other, I just don’t want you to get lost in the details and forget about what is really important…both of you being happy!