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! Niagara Wedding Planners Niagara winery wedding planners Mississauga wedding planner woodbridge wedding planner vaughan wedding planner
Venues in the GTA: Niagara Wineries
Tuesday, 06 June 2017
If you and your SO are fans of cozying up to a nice glass of red by the fire, then a winery wedding is the perfect choice for you. And, well, even if you don’t fancy a glass of chardonnay every now and then… it might still be your ideal venue. Wineries in Ontario are absolutely stunning in every way, and offer an exceptional backdrop for your nuptials. Whether it’s your dream to get married in a vineyard or in the quaint accommodations of a historic winery, there’s one place in Ontario that we can guarantee you’ll find it all: Niagara. Just outside of the GTA is brimming with stunning Niagara wineries with exquisite wines and more importantly, beautiful wedding venues. If you’re interested in tying the knot at one of the elegant wineries Niagara has to offer and aren’t quite sure where to begin, worry not. Take a look at some of our favorite Niagara wineries—we guarantee you’ll find something you love!
Beautiful Niagara Wineries for Your Wedding
Hernder Estate Wines
Located in St. Catherines, Hernder Estate Wines is the perfect option for any type of wedding. Their outdoor facilities are gorgeous, with a quaint little bridge for photos, and a gazebo just begging to be strewn with flowers. They have indoor facilities if you fancy a winter wedding, with two different rooms that seat from 140 to 300 guests. The barn-like structure of this venue gives us some serious rustic vibes, making it perfect for a rustic chic event.
Vineland Estates Winery
Just outside of St. Catherines is where you’ll find this stunning winery. Well-suited for a more intimate affair, this quaint venue is ideal for someone looking for a cozy place to say I do. The stunning view of their vineyard that seems to go on forever is incomparable, and makes for a gorgeous outdoor backdrop.
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
If you venture a little further out of St. Catherines towards Beamsville, you’ll stumble upon Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery. Since it sits right at the gateway to Niagara, you’ll find incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment, Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario when you visit this venue. What’s most unique about this location is their incredible charming coach house, where you can entertain just under 50 guests for a sit-down dinner. This makes it the perfect spot to have the intimate wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
Stratus Winery
This Niagara-on-the-lake winery’s ambiance is surprisingly modern, while still maintaining the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the surrounding area. They have a number of stylish rooms you can host you guests in, their most notable being the Press Alley Industrial Chic. Here, Stratus Winery can become the setting for your reception, with 50 to 100 of your closest loved ones seated at a harvest table among the oak fermenters and stainless steel tanks. Could your winery experience get any more authentic?
Reif Estate Winery
If you’re looking for a winery with a grand Victorian mansion, you’ve found the place. If you’re planning a winter wedding, you can take advantage of their stunning stained glass windows and cozy fireplaces in the Great Hall. In the summer, couples have a wrap-around verandah and an acre and a half of gardens to take gorgeous photos that’ll last a lifetime. With something to offer year-round, you’ll find that the Reif Estate Winery is the embodiment of the term ‘quaint.’
Chateau Des Charmes
An absolutely regal venue, Chateau Des Charmes is a stunning winery that absolutely begs to host the most luxurious of winery weddings. As is the Bosc Family Wines weren’t delicious enough, their grounds are swoon-worthy. With both indoor and outdoor accommodations, this is the ideal choice for those that want to forego the cozy and quaint vibe associated with most wineries, and opt for something a little more grand.
These are just a few of our favorite Niagara wineries, and we hope you found something you like too! Did we forget to mention your favorite Niagara winery? Leave us a comment and let us know!
- Published in 2017, Venues, Wedding, Wedding Planning
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Rustic Wedding Venues In the GTA
Thursday, 09 March 2017
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
Photo by Erica Hammer
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.
Photo by Chris Luk
Berkley Fieldhouse
You probably won’t believe us when we say you can have cocktails in a tree house and a stroll along a creek, followed by a gathering in a natural garden in the heart of downtown Toronto, but at Berkley Fieldhouse, you can have it all. Located in the centre of our bustling city, this venue is an ideal option for those that want the feel of a country carriage house, without having to actually go into the country. With quaint accents like antique chandeliers, wood walls, and french doors that lead to a garden patio, it’s tough to beat the charm of this rustic wedding venue. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Photo by Lushana Bale Photography
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
Photo via Tiffany’s Bridal Tips
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
Photo via Pleasurevalley.com
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
Photo via Artscapeeventvenues.ca
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!
Wedding Guest Etiquette
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
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 Signs you Need
Thursday, 04 August 2016
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
Monday, 18 July 2016
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
Wedding Planners: Necessity or Luxury?
Monday, 20 June 2016
By Tarisha Beniprashad
Not many couples realize how integral hiring a wedding planner can be, until they start trying to plan their big day on their own. Wedding planners are basically there to relieve some (all) of the stress from the soon-to-be newlyweds, and make their dreams come to life. Although many couples do manage to pull their wedding day off without the expertise of a certified wedding planner, there are definitely perks to hiring one. Keep on reading if you’d like to find out some of the merits of having a wedding planner!
What can a wedding planner offer you?
Stress Relief
If this is the first event you’ve planned on your known, chances are you haven’t worked with any of the vendors that you now have the option to hire. Shopping around to various vendors for food, decor, flowers, music, and cake, just to name a few, can take a while. With a wedding planner, they’ve already been around the block a few times, and likely know who would be your best bet, depending on your personal vision and budget. You can save a ton of time at this stage of planning, when you’ve got a wedding planner handy.
On the day of your wedding, we’re assuming that you probably won’t have time to be focused on whether the right chair covers were delivered to the venue, or if the flowers will arrive on time. Most wedding planners offer day-of coordination, which pretty much means they’ll take care of everything on the day of your wedding, so that you don’t have to deal with any mishaps (knock on wood) yourself. Even if you don’t want to spend the cash on a planner from start to beginning, it’s a good idea to think about day-of coordination, for the sake of your own sanity!
Getting what you want!
Wedding planner can come in especially handy if you’re working with a tight deadline. We’re all prone to procrastinating every now and then, but it can become pretty tough to secure a vendor or venue if you wait too long- especially if you’re planning your I do’s during wedding season, as many couples are! With a wedding planner at your side, you’ll likely have a better chance at nabbing some great vendors, even at short notice. Wedding planners usually have relationships with a number of vendors around their city, which can totally be of benefit to you- sometimes your planner can even call in a favor if they really need to!
You’ve probably been dreaming about this day for months, even years. But when it comes down to actually planning it, the harsh reality of real life can sometimes sweep away some of your fantastical ideas. Wedding planners are no stranger when it comes to working with a budget, and can be an amazing source for ideas that’ll make your dream wedding a reality, but won’t break the bank. From DIY’s to finding great deals, your wedding planner will do anything to make your vision come to life!
With all this being said, it’s totally possible to plan and execute your own wedding beautifully. However, wedding planners definitely make it easier on you during the planning process as well as on your big day. It really depends on your creative ability and patience for planning- deciding whether or not you need a wedding planner at your side is a personal decision. We’re sure your wedding will be a stunning affair either way!
Think we left out any important details? Drop us a line and let us know what you think about wedding planners!
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, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning, Wedding TIps
Wedding Invitations: Why so Pricey!?
Wednesday, 18 May 2016
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!?
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
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
Thursday, 07 April 2016
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!?
Monday, 28 March 2016
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
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