Sinfully Sweet by Sonia J – Vendor Spotlight
Meet Sinfully Sweet by Sonia J
Today on the blog we are featuring one of our favourite cake vendors – Sinfully Sweet by Sonia J. Sonia makes the most delectable cakes, and they are a treat for the eyes, too! We’ve used her services for our clients and even for our own personal use, too :). We’re sure you’d love to get to know her and her lovely designs better, so read through our interview, and check out her social media links below. Enjoy!
www.purplecanvasphotography.com by Alishba | – Sinfully Sweet by Sonia @ OHM Wedding Show 2015
2. Tell us about your very first wedding gig?
www.purplecanvasphotography.com by Alishba | – Sinfully Sweet by Sonia @ OHM Wedding Show 2015
www.purplecanvasphotography.com by Alishba | – Sinfully Sweet by Sonia @ OHM Wedding Show 2015
6. What’s something you don’t think many people know about doing what you do?
Gorgeous pink cake designed by Sonia!
- Published in 2015, Vendor spotlight, Vendors, Wedding, Wedding TIps
2015 Wedding Statistics
2015 Wedding Statistics
Weddingbells recently released the results of their 2015 wedding statistics in their reader’s survey report. They found out some pretty interesting stuff, like the most popular month for weddings, and even about the burgeoning role of social media and technology in wedding planning! We’ve summarized their 2015 wedding staticstics for you below:
Age:
Couples are engaged for an average 1 year and 10 months.
The average bride was 30 years old.
Weddingbells 2015 Wedding Statistics
Size & Location:
Number of projected weddings is up from 157,125 in 2014 to 160,324 in 2015- 22,445 of those wedding will be destination weddings.
The average wedding consisted of 129 guests.
1 in 4 Canadian couples have a destination wedding.
23% of weddings happen in August- we’re guessing this is because our post that explains why winter weddings are awesome wasn’t published until a few months ago 🙂 2015 wedding statistics
Wedding Planning:
Only 18% of Canadian couples hired a wedding planner in 2014, but those who did were 16% more likely to be “ecstatic” with the results of their wedding.
Weddingbells 2015 Wedding Statistics
Average cost of a wedding planner was $3,535- which isn’t a bad price for ecstaticism on your wedding day!
Wedding planners worked with an average budget of $37,948 in 2014
36% of brides find wedding planning to be more stressful than enjoyable- as wedding planners, it’s our job to make sure that our brides (and grooms) don’t become this statistic!
2015 wedding statistics
Weddingbells 2015 Wedding Statistics
The Role of Digital and Online Media in Wedding Planning:
Brides spend an average of 4.3 hours per week consuming wedding-related media
92% of couples feel it is important that a wedding website be Canadian when they are browsing for information online
80% of brides use Pinterest for wedding planning
42% of brides use a wedding app every day.
Pretty interesting stuff, huh? We were surprised to find that so many couples are opting to tie the knot abroad, when there are so many beautiful venues right here in Toronto! Look out for our Wedding Venues in the GTA post coming soon, that’ll feature some picturesque options for your big day.
Leave us a comment below and let us know which stat was most surprising or interesting to you!
To set up a no-obligation initial consultation, please click here to get in touch with us!
Statistics courtesy of:
Weddingbells/Marriage Quebec 2015 Reader Survey Report
- Published in 2015, Wedding, Wedding TIps
Toronto Wedding Band Spotlight: Ascension Groove Band
Toronto Wedding Band
Toronto Wedding Band Ascension Groove Band
Ascension Groove Band is made up professional musicians. We have been together for more than twenty years. The band has played various venues locally and internationally. We primarily worked overseas a lot. It just takes one client to see you at a club and book you for a wedding and that’s what happened. We still perform at clubs and casinos and also do corporate/private events. It is always a thrill to be part of someone’s special day and provide lasting memories.
Our first wedding gig was more than 10 years.
Toronto Wedding Band Ascension Groove Band
We can’t imagine doing anything else but we all would still be involved in music. We have all harnessed our craft through school and performing over the years. Once in your system, you never leave music.
We are always making sure everyone is having a good time and things are running smoothly. So when we are not on stage entertaining we are perhaps on a short break, having dinner while speeches taking place but we are constantly keeping track and in close contact with the planner if the client has one. My job primarily during breaks is to connect with the planner or if there is no planner I help with coordinating between the client and venue.
Being in a wedding band is fun!!! You perform a variety of genres, you meet interesting people and at the end of the day you were part of a special moment and it’s quite an honour to be the entertainment that was chosen. It not only means something to the client but to us as well…you like what we do.
Toronto Wedding Band Ascension Groove Band
I don’t think people realize the work put into preparing for a wedding. A band learns new repertoire, perhaps performing their first dance, coordinating and booking of musicians whether it’s for the ceremony or the reception, organizing/arranging for sound and lighting etc.
Besides music we are family type individuals. Our downtime is spent with family, sports, travelling and photography.
Are you a Toronto-based wedding vendor? We’d love to get to know you and feature you on our blog! Contact us today at [email protected] or click here to contact us!
- Published in 2015, GTA, Vendor spotlight, Vendors, Wedding
Bridal Party Duties – Toronto Wedding Planner
Bridal Party Duties
What the heck is everyone supposed to do?!
You chose your bridesmaids and groomsmen because they’re the ones you love most, and you want to be surrounded by good vibes and positive people on your wedding day. Although they’ll help you have the most amazing wedding day full of memories you’ll never forget, they also have certain duties they need to fulfill. Here are a few key bridal party duties we think that they should handle:
Make sure the bride AND groom make it to the wedding in one piece.
There are a million and one things that can go wrong on the day of your wedding, but none of those things matter as long as both you and your significant other make it down the aisle and live out your happily ever after. Cold feet, flat tires, hysterical family members, and wardrobe malfunctions are all crises that can be diffused by your loving bridal party. You can choose to prep them before the big day with all of the emergency phone numbers and materials they may need, so that they can take care of all the minor calamities themselves.
Throw the bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Let’s be real, you and your spouse to be haven’t been ‘single’ since you met, but you can both still enjoy your respective parties. Take this chance to go out and really appreciate the friends who have been there for all the upsand downs, and who’ll continue to support you. Let your bridal party spoil you and take care of you on your bachelor or bachelorette party- let free, relax, and enjoy yourself before the big day!
Host the bridal shower.
This job is typically left up to the bridesmaids, but the groomsmen can definitely be enlisted to help with the bridal shower as well! There’s a lot that goes into planning a shower- decor, venue, food, favors, games, and more. This is an important event that requires a copious amount of care and attention to detail- it’s where you’ll get (almost) everything you need to start your new life with your husband or wife to be!
Go to dress fittings with the bride.
Bridesmaids, the most important thing you can do at your bride’s dress fitting is learn how to properly bustle her dress! You know what they say: a dress is only as beautiful as its bustle. Well, they don’t say that… but they should. Many brides will only let their train bask in its full glory during the ceremony, and will spend the majority of their reception with their dress bustled. Since you’ll be wearing your bustle for a while, it’ll likely be in pictures- and you don’t want to be looking at a lopsided bustle in your wedding pictures 30 years from now.
Help with the details.
Tying and curling ribbons on 250 wedding favours is a tedious task, but your bridal party should be prepared to do just that. It’s important that they lend a helping hand to you with all of the little details- you have a ton going on as it is, and we’re sure any help is appreciated. After all, they are your maids and men, they should be doing all they can to make your life easier!
These are just some general guidelines of what your bridal party should be handling throughout your wedding planning process. Don’t be afraid to enlist them to some heavy lifting- they’re honored enough to be an integral part of your big day, and they should help make it come to life!
Do you have any fun memories of your bridal party, or of being in one yourself? Leave us a comment and let us know about your bridal party experiences!
- Published in 2015, Trends, Uncategorized, Wedding, Wedding TIps
Rose Gold Themed Style Shoot at Ashbridges Bay
Rose Gold Style Shoot at Ashbridges Bay – Shot by Thomas Zitnansky
A warm sunny day at Ashbridges Bay
Last week we had the pleasure of working with a number of amazing vendors on a rose gold themed style shoot at Ashbridges Bay. We collaborated with makeup artist Sonia Kang, photographer Thomas Zitnansky, florist Therese Guidolin, and Sinfully Sweet by Sonia J. With the combined efforts of these vendors and the entire Whim Event Coordination and Design team, the outcome was nothing short of stunning. The day was sunny and beautiful, and Ashbridges Bay was packed with people, all enjoying the gorgeous weather. The team arrived in the afternoon and quickly put together a simple, but stunning sweet table.
With the initial theme development by Whim, event coordinators Alisha and Michelle decided to execute their vision in a park-like setting at Ashbridges Bay in Toronto. The table decor and beautiful mock invitation made by Michelle was meticulously set up underneath a large oak tree near the beach, with Thomas Zitnansky expertly using the natural light to complement his photographs. One of the table setups included a soft rose coloured satin tablecloth with a delicate pink lace overlay. The second table setup featured a white satin tablecloth with a rose-sequined tablerunner down the front and sides of the table.
Despite the number of passersby and disruptive wind, the team of vendors managed to pull off a phenomenal shoot. The shoot was a wonderful experience, with many spectators stopping to say hello and ask about our shoot. By the end of the day, we all enjoyed some of the yummy sweets, had fun taking many photos, and had tons of ideas for our next collaboration. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, and we have many great photos for the new version of our website (coming soon!). Stay tuned for more pictures from this lovely styled shoot, and please check out our awesome team of vendors!
- Published in 2015, Colours, Styled Shoot, Trends, Wedding, Wedding TIps
20 Questions to Ask Your Toronto Wedding Venue
Toronto Wedding Venues
Choosing a Toronto wedding venue is a crucial step when planning your wedding. The location and inner workings of the wedding venue that you pick are equally in importance, which is why it’s critical to ask all the right questions rather than selecting a site merely for its aesthetic value. Are you new to site visits and are unsure of what to inquire about? Don’t have a wedding planner to ask all the right questions on your behalf? Worry not; we’ll help you cover all the basics! Here are 20 questions that you need to ask your Toronto wedding venue!
- What is the maximum number of guests you can accommodate?
- Is this facility wheelchair accessible?
- Do you have an on-site coordinator or facility director? Who will be here to oversee the setup on the day of my event?
- Do you have a valid liquor license? Is it valid for your outdoor grounds?
- Am I allowed to bring in my own alcohol?
- Do you have in-house catering? Do I have the option of bringing in external caterers?
- What are your decoration guidelines & restrictions?
- Some venues don’t allow open flames, etc.
- Do you supply tables, chairs, linens, or place settings? Do I have the option to bring in my own?
- Is there a designated area for cocktail hour?
- You don’t want your guests crammed into a small lobby or left outside.
- Is there a private bridal suite?
- It’s nice to have a quiet place when you need a few moments alone. And no one wants to have to bustle their dress in the bathroom!
- Do you have on-site security? Am I permitted to employ my own security guards?
- Do you have a list of preferred vendors? Will I be allowed to employ vendors outside this list?
- If you haven’t started looking on your own, you can use their list get a kick-start with finding a DJ, caterer, photographer, etc.
- Who will be responsible for setting up and taking down the decor, tables and chairs? When will it be completed?
- Does the price per guest include liability insurance?
- If your venue doesn’t have liability insurance, you’ll want to get your own- you don’t want to be responsible if someone gets hurt at your event
- What are the taxes and service charges on the food and beverage cost per person?
- Is the SOCAN fee included in your price?
- SOCAN licenses allow you to play any music during your event. Visit their site for more information.
- Is there sufficient parking in accordance with the maximum capacity of this venue? Is there a fee associated with parking? Is valet parking available?
- Are there any additional service charges?
- Do you have an alternative plan for outdoor events, should they be disrupted?
- What time must the venue be empty by? Is there a fee if I exceed this time?
Pro Tip: Try to schedule your site visit during the time of day (and year) that your event will be happening. This way you can get a good idea of the natural lighting in and outside of the venue, so that you can coordinate your photos beforehand. And make sure to get any agreements you make in writing, so that you have something to refer back to should there be any discrepancies in the process.
Be as thorough as possible when touring possible Toronto wedding venues- don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you want. If you have a number of venues in mind, asking the same questions during every visit can help you create a comprehensive pro and con list in the end, to aid in your decision.
Do you think we missed some questions? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think the most important question to ask your venue is!
- Published in 2015, Trends, Wedding, Wedding TIps
BUDGET TIPS: Volume 2- Save on Wedding Invitations
Unless you opted to send out save the dates, your wedding invitations are the first look that your guests will get at your wedding, and they’ll likely set the tone for the entire event. With that being said don’t feel like you need to spend an arm and a leg on this portion of your wedding. They should fit the theme of your wedding, which means you can always go for little DIY details to give it that extra flair and cut down on costs at the same time. Regardless of whether you’re having an extravagant affair at the Liberty Grand or a simple gathering in your parents backyard, it’s never a bad idea to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations- a little goes a long way, and your guests will undoubtedly appreciate it! Here are a few tips to keep the costs of your invitations down, without compromising the aesthetics.
The Revelry Invitation Studio’s creation of a beautiful wedding invitation on Jacquard stationary.
If you want a more high end invitation design but don’t want to to spend high- end money, keep in mind that downgrading materials can help cut down costs. The type of paper you print your invitations on and even the envelopes you package them in can drastically affect the price of your invitations. If you’re focused on being cost effective, then your best bet is to choose something simple- instead of opting for Jacquard stationery paper (fancy paper that’s screen printed and gives the illusion of multiple layers of lace), you could go with a regular weighted cardstock in a neutral or common colored envelope. Specific colors like emerald green can be difficult to find and a little more costly than a white envelope, for example.
The bling inside of this envelope gives this otherwise simple invitation an extra edge.
There are also a number of ways that you can DIY your way to an expensive looking invitation without spending a bunch of cash. You can enhance your invites with a light sheen of glitter spray from the art store. You can glue little gems to accent your invitations. You can even add some bling to the inside of your envelopes to give them that extra oomph! Adding bows, charms, and small accessories to your invitations makes it more personal and will definitely enhance their overall appearance. You can even create your own crest to emboss on your invites and even make it a part of your entire theme. Some couples opt to simply intertwine their initials while others include images that hold sentimental value. Whatever you choose, your personality will shine through and make your invitations that much more stunning.
These are just a few tips to help you keep the cost of your invitations down. You can easily DIY your way to beautifully extravagant looking invitations without breaking the bank. If you have any pointers on how to save on invitations, leave a comment below and let us know!
- Published in 2015, Budget, Trends, Wedding, Wedding TIps
Napkin Folding Styles – Toronto Wedding Planner
Okay, let’s be real for a second. Who REALLY cares about napkin folding styles? Chances are that if you’re reading this blog, you probably should! It may sound like an insignificant and frivolous little detail that you don’t really need to give any thought, but it’s one of those quaint details that’ll let your guests know that you put a ton of effort into planning your event. Putting in a little extra thought to certain things like napkin folding styles will definitely tie the decor aspect of your event together, and be reflected in the overall ambiance. Want to know about how to add an extra flair to your table settings? Keep reading for some cool ideas on how to arrange the napkins at your next event.
These first three folds are pretty conservative, yet they still serve to spice up your place settings- they can all be prettily placed on top of your table settings.The single pocket fold can be made a little less simple by adding flowers that match your theme into the pocket:
These next two options are pretty simple and functional- they’ll hold your cutlery in a minimalist yet fashionable fold. You could even switch out the utensils for some fresh blossoms to liven up your tables!
These designs can either be placed inside a goblet-style glass, inside a napkin ring, or even just laid on top of your place settings:
These five types of napkin folds are a little more quirky and unique. They’ll add a very cute personal touch to your place settings, and can be used for themed events like Valentine’s day and Christmas
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the various types of napkin folds out there. You can actually have a lot of fun when deciding which design to go with- and feel free to get creative! You can find instructions on how to achieve these designs along with others on Buzzfeed, and the Napkin Folding Guide Website.
Leave us a comment below letting us know your favorite napkin folding concept!
Introducing Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year: Marsala
The Pantone Color Institute recently announced Marsala 18-1438 as their choice for 2015’s color of the year! Described as a “naturally robust and earthy wine red” on Pantone’s website, we are ecstatic about this color palette. 
We’ve seen variations this color show up in quite a few different areas this year already- in the dark, sultry makeup trend that’s so popular this season and even on the red carpet. With all of the hype around this vampy palette, we aren’t surprised Pantone chose to feature it this year.
Marsala is a pretty cool name for a color, right? We thought so too. Marsala is a town in Italy, quite famous for their wine- no wonder this hue made us crave a glass of red.
“Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness,” states the institute.
This color is a little more sultry and universally pleasing than past colors of the year, such as Tangerine Tango, Mimosa, and last year’s Radiant Orchid. The versatility of this shade was also a major selling point: “it translates beautifully to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings, and interiors.” Marsala is also unisex, flattering the stylish tastes of males and females alike.
The Pantone color institute also says that that this shade “enriches [the] mind, body, and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us into its embracing warmth.” Whoa. That’s a whole lot for a color to accomplish… but if anyone can do it, Marsala can.
We love this color and the palette it belongs to, and cannot wait to make use of it with some of our clients in the upcoming year!
Do you think Pantone made the right choice this year? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!