Underrated, But Awesome First Dance Songs
As you know, we’ve been around the wedding block a few times, and one of our favourite moments during the reception is watching you and your sweetie sway to your romantic and perfectly-you first dance song.
Over the years we’ve compiled our favourites, and we’ve decided to share that with you today! Without further adieu, I give you..
The Whimlet’s Guide to Underrated but Awesome First Dance Songs!
Stay With You – John Legend
First up on the list is a beautiful John Legend song. No, not that one, though we do really like All Of Me. This one is called ‘Stay With You’ and is all about the commitment between a couple and that the road to happily-ever-after is often fraught with ups and downs, but through it all they stay together.
We’ll also accept the Tarrus Riley version!
No One – Alicia Keys
There’s no denying it – this song is bomb-diggity and we love us some Alicia Keys! This song is about the deepening of love within a relationship, and that at the end of the day, all you need is each other. How can we not love this sugary sweet ballad?
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
We love the sugary sweet lyrics affirming that you’ve loved each other forever, and will continue to love each other for a thousand years more. What more needs to be said?
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Lauryn Hill
Bow down for Queen Lauryn! We love this modern ballad as an awesome first dance song! This song is perfect for any couple hoping to inject an upbeat vibe into their first dance!
Your Song – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s lovely voice lends itself to a remake of the classic Elton John hit, Your Song, and we’re obsessed! It has the perfect vibe for a modern, romantic first dance, or even has the thematic music to any wedding video.
We have tons and tons of awesome first dance songs that we love, and we’re sure that you do, too! Drop us a line and let us know what you think of our list, and tell us your favourite awesome first dance songs, too!
Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
- Published in 2017
Rustic Wedding Venues In the GTA
And we’re back with another edition of Wedding Venues in the GTA! This time we’ll be tackling rustic wedding venues in the GTA, for all of you who are aiming for that shabby-chic vibe on your big day. These venues aren’t just suited for casual affairs (although they’re perfect for those, too), they can also be glammed up for for a glitzy event with an added rustic edge. Rustic glam weddings have been on the rise in popularity, and we aren’t mad it it. From naked cakes, lace dresses, to venues strewn with fairy lights, we can’t get enough of this trend. Living in the big city can make it tough to find the perfect venue that’s a mixture between rustic and chic, but you don’t have to worry since the Whimlets are here to help. We’re super excited to share some of our favorite rustic wedding venues around the city with you, so let’s jump right into it!
RUSTIC WEDDING VENUES IN THE GTA
Ward’s Island Clubhouse
Steps from the Ward’s Island Ferry docks, you can find this adorable clubhouse on the Toronto Island. It may be a bit of a treck, but it’s totally worth it— you can get that beach house vibe without venturing too far from the city. In addition to its charming aesthetic, the location of this rustic wedding venue offers a great opportunity for stunning photos against Toronto’s skyline. Whether you choose string fairy lights from the stunning cathedral ceiling and go all out with decor or leave the setting in its natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with Ward’s Island Clubhouse.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
This name might ring a bell— and yes, it’s the place you went on your seventh grade field trip to. But we promise we aren’t insane to suggest you have your wedding here! You might be surprised at how adorable the facilities are. With different options, both indoor and outdoor, of where to have your ceremony and reception, Blackcreek Pioneer Village gives you a ton a freedom when deciding what your big day will look like. Whether you choose to get married at Town Hall and celebrate in the Grand Pavilion, this village offers its 19th century charm wherever you go. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Cambium Farms
There’s no better way to achieve that rustic vibe than getting married in a barn. You may question how you’ll prepare a barn for a chic wedding, but it’s simple when you choose Cambium Farms. An architectural masterpiece with exposed beams, braces, posts, and rafters, the intricate craftsmanship on display here doesn’t require draping or sheaths to be covered up. You can use the barn’s original form along with a few delicate embellishments to create a perfect setting for your big day. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Located just 45 minutes outside Toronto, this is the perfect rustic wedding venue for couples who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy their day in a tranquil location. Described as a “hidden gem” on their website, Pathways on Pleasure Valley is just that. You can choose to hold your event at their picnic area underneath a heavenly canopy, or inside their quaint lodge. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing venue to get married, then look no further. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Artscape Wychwood Barns
A wonderfully unique venue in midtown Toronto, this is another option that offers the charm of a rustic barn without leaving the city. With soaring ceilings, a full-length skylight, and incredibly detailed architecture, it’ll be tough to find a more stunning rustic wedding venue in Toronto. The Covered Street Barn can accommodate up to 450 guests in the theatre, and up to 600 in the reception area. However, if you’re planning on a slightly small affair, the barn can be partitioned into smaller spaces for a more intimate feel. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
These are just a few of our favorite rustic wedding venues around the GTA, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more. Toronto is crawling with rustic-chic venues that might be perfect for your big day, so if you didn’t fall in love with any of the ones on our list, don’t get discouraged! Have we left out any rustic wedding venues you think should have an honourable mention? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
XOXO,
The Whimlets
Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
2017 Wedding Dresses
The 2017 Spring and Fall bridal runways were full of plunging necklines, ruffled skirts, and stylish toppers to help brides beat the cold in a fabulous way. Designers didn’t hold back when it came to creating some of the most jaw dropping 2017 wedding dresses for the season, and we loved every moment of it. Although not all of the avant-garde runways styles will be popular with 2017 brides, there were definitely some wearable styles that we’re sure will make their way into bridal shops near you.
If you’re looking for a little 2017 wedding dress inspo for your upcoming nuptials, then look no further. We’ve covered all the highlights and included all the styles you’ll be likely to see in bridal boutiques this year!
2017 WEDDING DRESS TRENDS
Plunging Necklines
Surprised by this trend? We aren’t. Modern and sexy brides looking to bare a little skin won’t have to look too hard to find their perfect gown this year. Many 2017 wedding gowns feature a decolletage-baring neckline, and we aren’t mad at it! Showing a little cleavage as you walk down the aisle is anything but taboo nowadays- and it looks uber fab, if we do say so ourselves.
Off-The-Shoulder
This trend was so popular on the runway, you’ll be able to to find almost any silhouette in an off-the-shoulder style. This is a great option if you’re looking for a dress that’ll allow you to show off a little skin, without the revealing cleavage of a plunging neckline. Display your bare decolletage with an off-the-shoulder-gown, or choose to accessorize with an eye-catching statement necklace!
Ruffled Skirts
Ruffled skirts have been quite popular with brides the past few years, but tiered skirts are reaching an entirely new level on 2017 wedding dresses. Cascading ruffles can be seen on boho chic gowns to the most formal of ball gowns. No matter what look you’re going for, you can be sure that there’s a ruffled dress for you!
Sleeves
Let’s be real- long sleeved wedding gowns have been in style since Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in 2011. Whether you’re a conservative bride who would rather cover up, or just someone who likes the look of a sleeved gown, you’ll be glad to know that long sleeved wedding dresses won’t be going out of style anytime soon. However, the sleeves you’ll be seeing on 2017 wedding gowns are a little different. Designers like Isabella Armstrong and Rita Vinieris have taken inspiration from boho-chic trends off the ready-to-wear runway, and opted for billowy bishop sleeves on their gowns. Mildly reminiscent of the sleeves you probably saw on your mother’s gown, this is a modern take on the dated trend.
3D Details
3D floral details and large oversized bows were prevalent on this year’s runway. We anticipate that 2017 wedding dresses will be all about the details! Whether you’re searching for a gown with small floral embellishments or a large oversized bow on the back of your dress for an added surprise, you’ll be ecstatic to hear that designers like Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta have got you covered!
Crop Tops
Drawing inspiration from the music festival style that’s ravaged teens and young adults, we’ve seen a few delicate crop top 2017 wedding dress designs. You might be surprised to see how classy some of these pieces are, although some of them are suited for a younger, more playful bride.
Warm Toppers
Good news for brides who are planning a winter wedding! We know exactly why winter wedding are awesome, but there’s one reason why they aren’t- brides are often left out in the cold if they aren’t fans of the limited options they have to choose from for stylish coverups. Luckily, more toppers were a big hit this year with designers creating fab bomber jackets, capelets, boleros and ponchos to compliment your gown perfectly.
Color
Pantone couldn’t choose just one color of the year for 2017, and designers didn’t either. Taking full advantage of the Pantone’s choices of Rose Quartz and Serenity, there were more hints of color on the bridal runway than we’re used to seeing. Both of these colors are extremely wearable for brides, and perfect for those who want to veer off the path of tradition just a little. Rose Quartz is a light blush tone, while Serenity if more of a cool baby blue. You can find dresses in these shades from major designers like Romona Keveza, Monique Lhuillier, and Hayley Paige, to name a few.
Accessories
Large statement earrings are bound to be one of the most trendy accessories for 2017 bridal looks. A ton of models have been spotted on the runway wearing oversized earrings to compliment their ravishing gowns, and we are absolutely obsessed with this trend. If you’re a super glam bride looking to amp up the glitz factor of your bridal look, then look no further!
Have we left out any of your favorite 2017 wedding dresses or trends? Leave us a comment below and let us know which ones are your fave!
xoxo,
The Whimlets
Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
Wedding Guest Etiquette
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Everyone knows the unspoken wedding guest etiquette that should be followed, but do you actually know all of the rules? There are the old favorites, like not wearing white to upstage the bride, but there are definitely a few more that you should abide by as a wedding guest. If you’re unfamiliar with the proper wedding guest etiquette, don’t you worry- you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of a 5 key rules that we feel are the most important. Follow these tips, and we guarantee you’ll be the best wedding guest ever!
WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE
Remember to RSVP… on time
Most couples pay their venues by the head, so the RSVP date isn’t just a suggestion. The bride and groom need an accurate headcount in advance, so that they can make arrangements with their venue, as well as other vendors accordingly. On this note, remember to RSVP for the right amount of people! If your invitation is addressed to three people and you RSVP for two, make sure no more than two people show up.
What happens if you have a last minute emergency and can’t make it? Sometimes these situations can’t be avoided, so let your soon-to-be newlyweds know ASAP, and apologize for the short notice.
Don’t bring uninvited guests
Unless your invitation specifically elicits that you’re invited to bring a plus one, don’t assume that it’s okay to bring a date. Since couples are typically charged on a per guest basis by their venue, they’ve budgeted and made arrangements for the exact amount of guests they’ve invited. Bringing an uninvited guest can cause tension and create an awkward situation, especially if there’s assigned seating.
Be punctual
Some individuals enjoy arriving fashionably late to events and making an entrance, but a wedding ceremony isn’t a situation where that’s appropriate. The couple invited you to share in the joining of their lives, and you should show your respect by arriving on time, and not making a disruptive entrance.
Choose a gift from their registry
Couples spend a ton of time carefully curating their registry, and they pick items that they actually want. It’s a good idea to stick to their registry or even a monetary gift, since you know it’ll be something they’ll actually use. This way, the couple isn’t left with 15 different photo albums, and won’t receive any duplicate presents.
Take your own pictures non-disruptively
The bride and groom pay a professional photographer to capture every important moment on their wedding day, and the last thing they need is for a guest to get in the way of them doing just that. We know it’s tempting for guests to want to get some shots for their Instagram collage, and maybe a snap here and there for their Snapchat story, but let the photographer get their shots first. Trust us, you’ll cause the photographer a lot less stress by waiting the few extra minutes, and the couple will be grateful for the beautiful shots they’ll receive.
These are just a few simple guidelines that you may not have thought about as a wedding attendee, but trust us; follow them and you’ll be everyone’s favorite wedding guest! Do you have any pet peeves, or things you think guests should take into consideration when attending a wedding? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
XOXO,
The Whimlets
Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
- Published in 2017, Wedding TIps
2017 Wedding Cake Trends
by Alisha Chadee
As wedding season 2016 is drawing to a close, the planning for 2017 is ramping up! We’re elbows-deep into the planning for our winter, spring and summer weddings, and the fun never stops! We’ve seen a lot of lovely trends emerge (and continue) in 2016, but now it’s time to focus on 2017! We love cake, and we know you do, too!
Here are our picks for 2017 Wedding Cake Trends!
Some of these styles started to peek out in 2016 and we’re hoping they’ll continue in a big way for 2017!
Water Colour Cakes
We are in love with this stunning wedding cake by Sinfully Sweet Co, a dear friendor of ours based here in Toronto. This lovely hand-painted water colour cake boasts incredible elegance and natural charm. This style allows for a broad range of customization, and can work with virtually any theme. We particularly love the gold metallic detailing on the middle tier, and the delicate painting along the base tier. Sinfully Sweet Co is ahead of the 2017 wedding cake trends with this beauty!
Geode Cakes
Geode cakes are incredibly beautiful, and deserve top billing for 2017 wedding cake trends! We love the combination of rock candy and smooth fondant cake tiers. Geode wedding cakes act as an extension of your wedding decor and theme, as the colour combinations are custom to each design. We particularly love the beauty depicted below, by Toronto’s own For the Love of Cake. The intricate design, paired with beautiful metallic detailing makes for a stunning, show-stopper cake that guests will rave over for years!
Partial Naked Cake
Over the past few years, naked wedding cakes have made a big splash at rustic celebrations. We’ve heard the range of opinions from loving to hating this trend. Recently we’ve noticed the rise of the partial-naked cake, and we’re loving it! This beautiful design has a great mix of rustic chic charm and elegant craftsmanship. We particularly love this beauty, by Patricia’s Cake Creations in Toronto, for combining a partially naked cake with beautiful gum-paste flowers! This cake is more glam than rustic, and we’re digging it!
We hope you loved checking out some of our favourite 2017 wedding cake trends, and even more, we hope you’ll consider one of these beautiful styles for your big day! Let us know which one is your favourite, or tell us about another cake trend you’re digging for 2017!
xoxo,
The Whimlets
Events by Whim is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
- Published in 2017, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
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