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.
Wedding RSVPs are very important to the bride and groom! Accurate numbers drive every part of the final wedding planning details! Be kind and send yours in on time! Huge thanks to ChriLee Photography for the lovely capture of our stationery suite!
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.
Bride’s grand entrance.. be punctual or you’ll miss it and interrupt important moments for the bride and groom! Photo by In Your Prime Photography
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.
See, these guests get it! Take photos, but let the professional (paid) photographer do their job so the bride and groom get the best possible wedding photos! Many thanks to Ian Liwanag Photography for this sweet shot!
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
Cute Wedding Day Manicures
It’s all about the details for us here at Whim, which is why we felt the need dedicate an entire post to cute wedding day manicures. As we’ve mentioned before, it’s super important to pamper yourself in the days leading up to your wedding; you’ve spent a ton of time, money, and effort planning your big day, so we’re strong believers that you should look and feel your best! We are definitely fans of a little nail art, and have seen some super cute wedding day manicures that we’d thought we’d share with you guys. Keep on reading if you’d like to see some of our favorite wedding day manicures!
CUTE WEDDING DAY MANICURES
You can never go wrong with a classic nude pink manicure for your wedding day. The long, rounded shape gives this option a more mature, classic feel. Via aufeminin.com
You can easily spice up a nude mani with some cute metallic stripes and sparkles. Via mywedding.com
Another spin on the classic nude pink, the jewels near the base of the nail and the long coffin shape give this bride a vampy yet classic mani. Via stayglam.com
Amp up your basic French manicure with some glitzy 3D bows! Via nailartpatterns.com
Can’t decide between a French manicure, or a nude pink? Get the best of both worlds with this gradient French mani! Via brides.com
This short manicure with a sparkle gradient is a sweet option for any bride.
Add an accent nail with some nail caviar for a textured twist.
Nail art isn’t reserved for those with long nails- it looks stunning on short nails, too!
The glamorous nail art of gems upon gems definitely adds an extra oomph to this manicure!
We’re obsessed with these classy, almond shaped pale-pink nails!
Don’t be afraid to spirce it up with some color! Match your mani with your theme, or make your nails your something blue. Via nailartstyle.com
Have we left out any super cute wedding day manicures that you’ve seen recently? Leave us a comment 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!
Cute Wedding Signs you Need
By Tarisha Beniprashad
A ton of couples are opting to add cutesy personal touches to their wedding decor by adding handwritten (or not) signs around their ceremony and reception venues, and we are absolutely obsessed with this trend. Whether it’s a quote that near and dear to your heart, some fun dance floor rules for your guests, or a luxe welcome sign, you can’t go wrong with making the addition of a few signs to your decor. If you’d like to see some incredibly cute wedding signs that you never knew you needed, just keep on reading!
CUTE WEDDING SIGNS YOU NEED IN YOUR DECOR
Welcome guests to your ceremony or reception (or both) with this casual and fun design from Style Me Pretty!
We love this lighthearted “dancefloor rules” sign that was featured on Perfect Wedding for a reception where the couple wants to inspire a real dance party!
Writing a little thank you note on an elegant mirror is a super cute and personal way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. We love this idea from Wedding Party!
A perfect rhyme to add to any candy buffet or sweet table, featured by MODWEDDING!
We’re not surprised that Buzzfeed included this idea on their list of fun ways to entertain kids at your wedding. Make your reception rave-inspired with this fun option!
Encourage guests to amp up their cocktails with fruit & syrup stations, with their own signage. Another awesome idea from Perfect Wedding!
Wedding Chicks came up with this simple way to let your guests know your wedding weekend has its own hashtag.
A witty Pinterest sign to accompany a brilliant idea- stock your venue’s washrooms with emergency must-haves to keep your guests ready for anything!
This sign a charming way to let your guests know that there’s no assigned seating plan. This can be found for purchase on Etsy.
We’re obsessed incredibly cute way that we found on Pinterest, to offer bug repellent to guests at your outdoor ceremony!
The Knot recently featured this fun and lighthearted way to direct guests to your reception area.
Photographer Audrey Rose captured this beautiful luxe welcome sign option for your ceremony.
A simple and elegant, yet touching quote to accent your existing decor. We found this design on Tidewater and Tulle, a unique wedding inspiration site from Southeastern Virginia!
A extremely cute little sign from a wedding at Boar’s Head Inn that tells your guests all they need to know about your signature drinks!
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cute signs that you can include in your wedding decor. We hope that our little selection gives you a little inspiration for your own signage! Have you seen any super cute wedding signs lately? Leave us a comment below and let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
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!
Bridal Party Gift Ideas
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Your bridal party has (hopefully) been at your beck and call throughout the planning of your wedding, and it’s customary to reward their efforts with a token of your appreciation upon the arrival of your big day. We know that it can be pretty tough to choose one item that you think all of your bridesmaids or groomsmen would appreciate, so we’ve come up with a list of a couple different options for bridal party gifts that we think anyone would be happy to receive!. Keep on reading if you’d like to find out about some awesome bridal party favors.
BRIDAL PARTY GIFT IDEAS
Here are some gifts we think your bridesmaids would swoon over:
Foldable Flats
These babies will be the superheroes of the day for your bridesmaids, and probably for you, too. Easy to fold up and stuff into your clutch, your bridesmaids will be forever thankful when they realize can pull these comfy flats out and finally take off the heels that they’ve been teetering in all day. This is a great option, especially if you’re on budget; we’ve found these Sidekicks Foldable Ballet Flats on Amazon for less than $20!
Compact
If your bridesmaids are into makeup, and even if they’re not, there’s no doubt they could use a cute little compact to throw in their purse. Useful when touching up your lipstick on the way to work or taming those frizzies once you get to the office, we’re positive your bridesmaids would appreciate this present. You can find reasonably priced engraveable compacts at Things Remembered.
Best Friend Bangle
Jewelry can be a risky choice, since not everyone has the same taste. However, if you choose something that’s simple and very basic, all of your maids will be able to work it into their everyday accessories. That’s why we love the idea of matching bangles- simple, and easy to wear! Kate Spade has some gorgeous Bridesmaid Idiom Bracelets that come in both gold and silver.
Keepsake/ Jewelry Box
You can’ go wrong with a jewelry box. We’re sure most of your bridesmaids could probably use a place to keep their more precious jewelry. You can’t go wrong with this adorable little box from Things Engraved.
PRO TIP: IF YOU CAN GET IT ENGRAVED OR MONOGRAMMED, DO IT. PERSONALIZING YOUR BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS IS A LITTLE STEP THAT’LL SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEM.
We’re sure the men in your party would appreciate these ideas:
Cufflinks
This is one of the most universal presents you can choose for your groomsmen; at some point or another, we’re sure they’ll need a nice pair of cufflinks. Easy to choose, easy to please. Find different styles of cufflinks to suit your men at Brookstone.
Pocket Watch
Every groomsmen should have a classic timepiece in their collection. Not to mention, this would be a very dapper accessory for them on your big day! Spruce up the accessory wardrobe of your groomsmen with a classy pocket watch from Things Engraved.
Money Clip or Card Case
Save your groomsmen from those dreaded bulky wallet bulges by gifting them a trendy money clip or card case. Easy to keep cash or cards handy without having to carry around a full-sized wallet, this would be a phenomenal present that would come in handy during those special occasions. You can find sleek, engravable money clips and card cases at stores like Things Remembered.
Valet Box
Pretty much a jewelry box for boys, we’re positive your groomsmen would find themselves storing their most valuable items in a spiffy valet box from The Wedding Shoppe.
Here are a few more things we think everyone would love:
Passport Cover
This option (and the next) are fantastic ideas, especially if you’re having a destination wedding. Passport covers are a small way to make your travels feel a little more luxe. We’ve seen some adorable covers on Etsy!
Luggage Tag
A personalized leather luggage tag would be the perfect way for your bridal party to easily identify their bags. Getting tags monogrammed with each person’s initials in gold or silver is a cute way to spruce this option up! Check out the options on Shutterfly; you could even add photos to the tags that they offer!
Robe
Your hardworking bridal party will definitely deserve a little R&R after your big day, and a fluffy robe would be the perfect relaxation accessory. The Bay has some luxurious robes that you could also get monogrammed.
Flask
A classy little flask would be a great gift for your entire bridal party- who doesn’t like to keep a good swig of vodka handy? Things Remembered has some classy designs to choose from.
This list definitely isn’t exhaustive, but we’ve outlined some pretty cute options that we hope will help you on the quest of searching for your perfect bridal party presents. Have you been a part of a bridal party and received an awesome token of appreciation? Think we left out any cool options? 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 2016, Uncategorized, Wedding, Wedding TIps
Summer Bridal Shower Inspiration
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Centerpieces are can be a point of contention when planning a wedding: Big or small? Flowers or none? Artificial or real? The burden of having to come up with a magnificent centerpiece for your wedding day is heavy enough, without having to think about table decor at your bridal shower. Although we prefer to work with professional florists for flawless results on your big day, you can totally DIY your way to some cute centerpieces for your bridal shower. For those of you that that would rather take a simpler route for your bridal shower, we’ve got a few options that don’t take much prep work.
We’ve found some adorable centerpiece ideas that are fast and easy to put together- and don’t worry, not ALL of them are floral. Keep on reading if you’d like some inspiration for quick and easy bridal shower centerpieces!
DIY Bridal Shower Centerpieces
Floral
Hydrangeas are a great option if you want to incorporate fresh flowers into your decor, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Sticking one or two stems in a vase or mason jar can make a small yet full arrangement. You can’t go wrong sticking with a classic white, or you can opt for blue, pink, green, or even purple hydrangeas. Wrap a ribbon around your vase, and you’ve got an adorable centerpiece that took no more than 10 minutes to put together!
Tulips can be found in an array of colors, and are one of those flowers that don’t have to be in abundance to look pretty. Having a few tulips in a small vase, and using the blossom’s natural foliage to fill in the sparse areas can create a tall, elegant centerpiece!
Roses are another great option. Some people automatically think a rose-themed centerpiece would be insanely expensive, but they don’t have to be. Roses are so exquisitely beautiful on their own, and don’t necessarily need to be presented in bouquets to be stunning. Having one short rose placed in a quaint little drinking glass or mason jar can make for a small, very cute centerpiece. This option would be better suited for a more casual event, like a backyard shower. We love this idea- it is the definition of cute and quaint!
PRO DIY TIP: Tying a piece of ribbon or twine around the outside of your vases/jars would be a super cute addition to any of these options!
Non-Floral
Depending on how casual your shower is, you could opt for some fruit on your tables. It’s a fun way to keep the ambiance light and fresh, especially for a summertime wedding. Brightly colored produce like green apples, lemons, oranges, and lime are all fantastic options. By filling a decent sized vase with your desired fruit, you can create a fun and interesting centerpiece. You could even stick a few seasonal flowers in between, as an added embellishment.
Candles are another great option, especially if you aren’t a fan of fresh flowers. Filling either a tall or short vase with colored gravel or beads that match your theme, and adding a candle on top is a simple way to DIY your way to an elegant centerpiece.
Another idea that might suit you if you want to avoid the floral route, is branches. Sounds a little weird and cryptic, we know. But if you go to an art supply store like Michael’s, you can find some artsy faux branches that you can coat with some white spray paint, and turn into a unique centerpiece. This option would be ideal for those of you looking for a taller arrangement for your tables. After sticking your freshly painted (or bare, for a more rustic feel) branches in a vase, you can choose to hang some bling or tea lights from them to amp it up a little.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to options for DIY centerpieces for your bridal shower. Have you seen any awesome DIY centerpieces lately, or created one yourself? Leave us a comment down below and let us know your thoughts on these quick and easy centerpieces!
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 2016, Trends, Uncategorized, Wedding, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
Wedding Invitations: Why so Pricey!?
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Your wedding invitations are the first glance that your guests have of your wedding, and you obviously want to set a tone that screams nothing but fab for your big day. Leaving a good first impression is important, but at what cost?
We’ve given you the inside scoop on why wedding photography and bridal hair and makeup seems so costly, and guess what! We’re keeping up the momentum, and now we’re to tell you a little bit about why wedding stationery can seem so costly. I spoke to our very own wedding stationery genius Michelle, and she’s told me all about why wedding invitations can seem so costly.
Here are some of the stunning stationery suites Michelle has created for previous clients!
Why are wedding invitations so expensive!?
Truth is, there are a bunch of factors that come into play when considering the price of your invites. These factors can include whether or not you opt for a custom design, different print processes, and the quality of the papered goods that you choose.
Design
If you choose to opt for a custom design as many couples do, there’s a design fee charged to cover the amount of time and love that your designer has to put in, in order to create your dream invitation. This process generally takes anywhere from three days to two weeks, depending on the number of revisions requested by the couple. Michelle takes great care with all of her designs, and makes a conscious effort to get to know each client so that she can create something that’s “unique to their own style and love story.”
Quality & Print Processes
Our simple, single sided invitations and plain white envelopes here at Whim start at $3 an invite, with a minimum quantity of 50. If you’re someone who wants a thicker and heavier cardstock, or even a shimmer cardstock, that would be an additional charge added onto the cost per invite. Color upgrades to your envelopes can also add on to these costs. Upgraded print processes like foil, thermography, and letterpress can also get pretty pricey. If you have no idea what those words even mean, here’s a quick breakdown:
FOIL: THIS METHOD INCLUDES THE APPLICATION OF METALLIC OR PIGMENTED FOIL ONTO YOUR INVITATION. THIS ACHIEVES A BEAUTIFUL METALLIC FINISH ON YOUR FONT OR ACCENTS!
THERMOGRAPHY: WITH THIS TECHNIQUE, HEAT IS USED TO CREATE IMAGES ON PAPER. THIS TYPE OF PRINTING IS IDEAL IF YOU’D LIKE RAISED LETTERING.
LETTERPRESS: A TYPE OF RELIEF PRINTING, INVITATIONS ARE PRODUCED BY THE REPEATED IMPRESSION OF AN INKED, RAISED SURFACE AGAINST CARDSTOCK. THIS LEAVES AN IMPRESSION OF THE WORDS ON YOUR INVITATION.
Assembly
Adding little embellishments to each of your invitations are another additional charge that you need to consider when thinking about your design and cost of your invitations. Add-ons like ribbons, belly bands, jewels, rhinestones, and buckles can give your invite that extra oomph, but come at a cost. Purchasing these embellishments is only a part of the extra cost- those ribbons don’t tie themselves! Each of our custom invitations here at Whim are handmade; even though this process can be time consuming, it helps us make sure that our couples are receiving the highest quality possible.
Just to give you an approximate estimate of the total amount of time that it takes to design, print, and assemble your invitations, here are some general timeframes: A more simple invitation design takes about 1 month, and more complex designs take around 1.5 months.
We hope that we’ve helped to highlight some reasons surrounding the cost of wedding invitations- like most other things in the event planning industry, there are valid reasons as to why invitations can seem so costly, but actually aren’t. When you consider the time and effort it takes to design, print, and assemble each invitation, the cost of wedding invites seem less and less outrageous.
Huge thank you to Michelle for taking the time out to educate me on cost of wedding invitations! Check out more of her fabulous designs on the official Whim Instagram and Facebook pages.
What’s your take on the cost of wedding invitations? Drop us a line, we want to hear what you think!
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 2016, Budget, GTA, Wedding, Wedding Planning
Bridal Hair and Makeup- Why so Pricey!?
By Tarisha Beniprashad
If you’re a bride planning your wedding, we’re sure you’ve been surprised by some of the quotes you received for bridal hair and makeup. And if you’re not a bride currently planning her wedding… well, we’re sure you’ve heard about the ‘outrageous’ prices. Surprise, surprise, just like most other things in the wedding industry, there are some not-so-obvious reasons behind these ‘pricey’ prices.
But worry not, The Whimlets were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to speak with Toronto makeup artist Beauty by Sacha, and got the inside scoop on why bridal hair and makeup can seem so costly. If you’d like to find out why bridal hair and makeup is so expensive, just keep on reading!
Here is a small sample of some of Beauty by Sacha’s work!
Why is bridal hair and makeup so expensive?
Education
Getting certified to be a professional makeup artist is no simple feat. It means making sure you’re able to work with different skin tones and types, as well as with a variety of features. Learning which looks and methods work with different faces takes an incredible about of time and experience. However, these skills comes as a perk to clients! By hiring a certified MUA, you can be sure that they’ll only use techniques and products to flatter and enhance your natural beauty. Dedicated artists are also always perfecting their craft, and keeping up with the latest trends. Sacha, like many other MUA’s, stays educated in her field by attending a number of seminars and workshops yearly to learn about new techniques.
Supplies
If you’re a Sephora enthusiast like we are, you definitely know that a slayed face does NOT come cheap! Maintaining a professional hair and makeup kit that’s suitable for a diverse collection of clients can get extremely pricey. Sacha values her personal kit at over $2500, and we’re sure other MUA’s can relate. Splurging on high-end products helps produce flawless looks, and ensures that the bride will stand out amongst everyone. You’ll definitely want to be glowing, with all eyes on you!
Transportation
Most professional makeup artists provide an in-home service to their brides, and bridesmaids. However, like most things, this convenience comes at a cost. Travelling to client’s homes contributes to the price that your MUA charges you, as they have to take into account the wear and tear of their vehicle, as well as the cost of gas.
Advertising
As an independent artist, it’s important to stand out among the competition- it’s up to them to attract new clients, and build their own client base. Maintaining a website and being able to network with other professionals and vendors in the industry can also be an added expense.
Is it really worth it to hire a professional artist?
What do we think? Yes! Of course! Nothing compares to the flawless work of a professional artist… have you seen the pictures of Sacha’s clients!? If you need some more convincing, check out the testimonials on her website- her professionalism and incredible customer service have her clients raving! You definitely can’t go wrong with hiring a professional MUA for your big day.
But I’ve found someone who can do it for cheaper than a professional artist…
This can be a tricky subject. It’s important to hire somebody that you trust, and that whose skills you’re confident in. As MUA Sacha pointed out to us, some artists are not certified, which can be a little problematic. Although there are many amazing self-taught artists out there, you want to make sure that your MUA is able to work with your skin tone and type, as well as with your unique features. Just because someone can apply makeup beautifully on themselves, doesn’t mean they can do it on others. Another issue that you may run into with a more inexpensive, un-certified artist is the quality of their products. All in all, make sure that you’re hiring someone that you can trust.
Tips when looking for a reputable MUA: Do they have any testimonials? Make sure to read them! Check out their portfolio of recent work, and ask for a trial- Sacha also recommends that you pay attention to their sanitary precautions!
As a bride, you’ve probably spent a ton of money, time, and effort planning your big day, and should look your best. You should be able to sit back, relax, and let your professional makeup artist enhance your natural beauty. After splurging on the flowers, decor, and your gown, it’s hard to justify pinching pennies when it comes to hair and makeup. Considering that you’ll be looking back at your pictures for the rest of your life, you’ll want to hire an artist that’ll help you look your absolute best!
We’d like to send a huge thank you to Beauty by Sacha for taking the time to speak with us about her industry. We are amazed by her talent, and encourage you to visit her website and Instagram to check out some of the amazing looks she’s done!
Think we left out any important details? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think about the price of bridal hair and makeup!
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 Vendor spotlight, Wedding Planning
Live Music Options for your Wedding Ceremony
By Tarisha Beniprashad
For some, the wedding reception is the main event of all their wedding festivities, but we’re strong believers that your ceremony should be the highlight. Vowing your love and life to your SO in front of your friends and family is a significant and beautiful affair, and should be decorated as such! Hiring a live musician or vocalist is a fantastic way to accentuate the elegance of your ceremony. We’ve compiled a list (you know us Whimlets love lists) of some live music options that we think would give your ceremony an extra flair! Keep on reading if you’d like some…
Live music options for your wedding ceremony!
Pianist
As long as there’s a piano at your venue, it’s tough to compete with this classic sound. There are
some incredible pianists in the GTA like Liz Craig who can play practically anything, making this a versatile option for any ceremony.
Harpist
If your venue’s got the space to accommodate the instrument and you really want to up the elegance factor, a harpist is the way to go. Whether your harpist is an angel or not, we guarantee a harp will sound angelic at your ceremony! Joanna Jordan is a fantastic harpist based in Toronto, and would definitely emphasize the grandeur of your vows.
Violinist
A violinist is an ideal option for almost any wedding. Your violinist can play songs and adjust their sound to suit the tone of your ceremony, whether its a backyard affair, or a black tie event. We’re big fans of Jill Daley’s versatile sound.
Organist
Organs are usually hidden out of sight and most commonly found in churches, so you’ll probably have a more formal ceremony if you’re opting to have the sounds of the organ grace the ears of your guests before your ceremony. You can’t go wrong with this traditional sound!
Vocalist
What’s more romantic than walking towards your groom to the sweet lyrics of your special song? Nothing, that’s what. Susan Dunstan is an amazing singer, and we’re sure she’d moisten some eyes before you even walk down the aisle!
Do you really think we could’ve wrote this article without special mention of the greatest wedding singer of all time?
Ensemble
You probably won’t opt for a full out wedding band for your ceremony, but a small ensemble or even a quartet would be a lovely option to orchestrate your processional. We’re big fans of violin and cello duets; check out Walla Music for some heavenly ensembles, and samples of their work!
Band
Hiring a versatile band is another great option if you’d like to incorporate live music into your ceremony. From a graceful ceremony duo to a full dance band at your reception, groups like Brent Miller Live can entertain your guests throughout the days events! We had the privilege of hearing this band live at the 2016 WPIC kick off at The Forth, and we can personally assure you they’ve got an amazing sound!
This list ins’t exhaustive, but we hope that we’ve helped you out a little when contemplating your options when it come to live music at your wedding ceremony. You can’t go wrong with any of these sounds- any of them would be the perfect way to begin your happily ever after!
Leave us a comment and let us know what you think about live music at wedding ceremonies, and if you think we missed any interesting options!
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 2015, GTA, Trends, Uncategorized, Vendors, Wedding, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
Wedding Photography – Why so Pricey!?
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Wedding photography pricing is a hotly debated subject. If you’ve never planned an event before, hiring a professional photographer for your wedding day can be one of the most shockingly priced items that you encounter. It may seem like your photographer just has to collect some snaps on your big day, print them out, and slap them in an album but there’s a ton of work behind the scenes that needs to happen in order for your photos to come out as flawless as your wedding day. We’ve done some research and spoken to professional photographer Nirvanie Srikishun and got all the dirty details, so if you’re wondering why wedding photography is so expensive, just keep on reading.
Here’s a sampling of shots that Nirvanie has done with our team!
Why is Wedding Photography so Expensive?
Transportation
Typically, photographers need to travel to at least 3-4 different locations on your wedding day. From capturing the moments while you’re getting ready before you say you I dos, to snapping pictures of your first kiss and first dance, your photographer needs to make their way around in a timely manner on your big day. With public transportation being out of the question with all of the bulky equipment they’ve got to carry around, gas, insurance, and car payments need to be factored into their rate.
Advertising
Many photographers generate business by marketing themselves online. From purchasing advertisement space on a popular website to paying the monthly instalments to maintain their own website, marketing their services can get pricey. Professionals sometimes include their online portfolio and create galleries on their website of your photos so your guests have access as well. Because of all the traffic to their site, some opt to hire services to design the layout, which is another additional cost.
Equipment
Photographers are equipped with more than just one camera. Different lenses, batteries, memory cards, filters, lightboxes, light stands, and umbrellas all need to be used to get those perfect snapshots of your big day. Not to mention the backups of all of these items, just in case something breaks or malfunctions. As if buying all of this gear isn’t expensive enough, it also needs to be insured. Chances are, if a wedding photographer is charging too-good-to-be-true prices, they likely aren’t up to date with great equipment. Or even worse – what happens if their camera malfunctions at the wedding? A true professional has backups and extra equipment, and it costs money to maintain it all.
Staff
Unless your wedding is an intimate affair, you’ll probably see more than one photographer making their way around your event. An assistant and/or second shooter may be need to be hired by your primary photographer, in order for them to collect a wide variety of pictures, so that you can remember every last detail!
Labour
Your photographer will likely be with your from the time you get dressed until the population of the dance floor starts to thin out. Spending from 8-14 hours with you on your wedding day alone, (excluding the pre and post wedding festivities in the days before and following) your photographer will spend an additional 20-25 hours just editing your pictures afterwards. That $300/hour rate on the day of is starting to seem a little less outrageous, isn’t it? That rate also has to account for the time it takes to edit and compile your photos afterwards.
Printing
But the work isn’t over once your images are edited. Your photographer must design your wedding album and order any additional prints that you request. Paying for shipping and picking them up from the post office are a few more additional costs.
Education
Chances are, the person you hire to capture the magical moments of your wedding day didn’t just buy a camera one day and decide to be a photographer. Many are still paying off their student loans from when they were initially trained how to create the beautiful images you’ll be admiring for years to come. It’s also important for photographer to regularly attend different workshops and seminars to keep up with new techniques and trends, which can also cost a pretty penny! We swear by professional wedding photography companies who believe in continuous education and self-improvement.
We realize that dishing out thousands of dollars for a photographer can seem a little excessive at first, but we hope this post has helped you understand why their rates are anything but excessive. With all the work you’ve been putting in to plan every detail of your big day, you’ll want to remember it in all of its glory, for years to come! You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive and extravagant package, but don’t be afraid to drop some coin on a professional you believe will do a great job.
Another super, super important point to consider is, if the price is too low – how are they sustaining themselves? If equipment fails the week before your wedding, how will a very low budget photographer replace expensive pieces? Be real with yourself, and we promise, you won’t regret it!
A huge thank you to Nirvanie Srikishun Photography for speaking with us about her industry! Drop us a line and let us know what you think about wedding photography pricing.
xoxo,
The Whimlets
- Published in 2016, Budget, Uncategorized, Vendors, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
Toronto Wedding Entertainment
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Deciding on what type of entertainment to hire for your big day can be a tough decision- but worry not, Whim is here to help you with all of your entertainment woes! Most couples opt to hire vendors to charm their guests during cocktail hour and/or dinner, so you’ll find that many of our suggestions will fit flawlessly into your reception program. If you’re interested in learning about some wedding entertainment ideas that are sure to leave your guests in awe, keep on reading!
Toronto wedding entertainment sure to wow your guests
Popular Toronto violinist, G Pinto
Violinist or Pianist
Hiring a musician that’s open to taking song requests is a great option for both cocktail and dinner time entertainment. We recently attended the WPIC Kick-Off at The Forth, and G.Pinto did a fantastic job providing pre-dinner entertainment!
Wine/ Liquor Tasting
Setting up a wine a liquor tasting is perfect if you’ve got a few wine and liquor connoisseurs in your clan. Consider fun stationed ideas like a scotch or martini station.
Caricatures
We know caricatures are not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but they can actually be a fun addition for your guests. What better way than a larger-than-life portrait for your guests to take home with them, to commemorate your wedding? One of our favourites is Michael McDonnell – he has experience with large corporate events and intimate weddings alike! Toronto wedding entertainment.
Showgirls/ Dancers
Hiring a few showgirls to do a number on the dance floor during dinner can be an awesome way for your guests to cleanse their palate between the main course and dessert! You can also opt to go with some cultural dancers; this would be a great touch to incorporate some of your (or your SO’s) culture into your big day. A surefire way to please your guests! One of our favourites is RS Divas – ask for Jana and tell her Whim sent you :). Toronto wedding entertainment.
Singing Waiters
What’s more entertaining than being serenaded while snacking on shrimp toast? Nothing, that’s what. – just ask the talent from the Three Waiters! Toronto wedding entertainment.
Photo taken from The Three Waiters website
Flash Mob
You can either hire some faux wedding guests to burst into dance during cocktail hour, or you can enlist your bridal party to learn a routine to surprise the rest of your guests! This option is sure to shock everyone, and can be a great bonding experience for you and your bridal party. Toronto wedding entertainment.
Guest Video Box
Photo taken from the Living Tables website – Carmen Miranda.
We’ll be honest, this option is more for your entertainment than your guests. Instead of a guestbook, you can opt to rent a video booth for your guests to leave you a special message. You’ll probably find that the video messages get more entertaining as the night goes on!
Living Tables
A living table is a great way to wow your guests while serving hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. Your guests can be served a refreshment while taking in the sight of an expressively costumed performer. Check out Carmen Miranda from Living Tables!
We realize what a daunting task choosing entertainment for you big day can be, but remember: your guests are there to join in the celebration of your love, and will undoubtedly enjoy anything you choose!
Have you ever been to a wedding with any of these forms of Toronto wedding entertainment? Think we missed an exciting option? Leave us a comment below and let us know! Contact us today to get started on designing a wedding or event that will keep all of your guests entertained all night long!
- Published in 2016, GTA, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
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