Luxury Wedding Venues in Toronto
8 Luxury Wedding Venues in Toronto that Will Make Your Special Day Unforgettable
Are you looking for an unforgettably luxurious wedding experience in Toronto? Look no further than our favourite 8 luxury wedding venues in Toronto that are sure to make your guests swoon, whether they are local or travelling in from afar!
1. The Carlu – an Art Deco venue with a stunning view, suitable for intimate and large events alike.
2. Casa Loma – a castle-like venue with beautiful gardens and a tragic history
Casa Loma by Luminous Weddings
3. The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto – a modern and elegant hotel venue
4. Graydon Hall Manor – an historic mansion with picturesque surroundings
Graydon Hall Manor in Toronto – Photo by Mango Studios
5. The Royal Conservatory of Music – a contemporary venue with classic touches
6. The Omni King Edward Hotel – a grand hotel with stunning ballrooms, once the hangout spot of kings and queens!
Omni King Edward Hotel by Rosetta Li Photography
7. The Aga Khan Museum – a glamorous cultural venue with modern architecture and beautiful exhibits
Aga Khan Museum by Mango Studios
8. The Royal Ontario Museum – a stunning venue with a blend of history and contemporary design.
These venues will provide an unforgettably luxurious wedding experience for the couple and their guests. From timeless elegance to contemporary glamour, Toronto has many options for those seeking a dream wedding venue. Each of these venues offers delectable culinary options, beautiful photography spaces and exemplary service. Get in touch with us today and we can tell you all about each of these spaces and if it will be a good fit for your celebration.
Are you looking to plan a luxurious wedding or event at one of these venues? Contact our team of wedding and event planners in Toronto to get started on your happily ever after!
- Published in Uncategorized
Romantic Restaurants in Toronto
Wedding planning can become an all-encompassing task that seeps into every part of your life. While we personally think and breathe weddings, we strongly encourage our couples to take a break from time to time so you don’t fall out of love with the wedding planning process! With that said, here are a few of our favourite restaurants for a date night with your sweetheart! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand as these spots book up quickly and for good reason!
Romantic Restaurants in Toronto Perfect for Your Next Date Night
1. Alo – A French-inspired restaurant with a stunning rooftop patio and delicious tasting menus.
2. Canoe – Offers stunning views of the city skyline and serves contemporary Canadian cuisine.
3. Bar Isabel – A cozy Spanish-inspired restaurant with shareable plates and an intimate atmosphere.
4. Piano Piano – A vibrant Italian restaurant with delicious handmade pastas and a charming patio.
5. Grey Gardens – A quaint wine bar with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list.
6. Actinolite – A farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on local and organic ingredients.
7. Kasa Moto – A modern Japanese restaurant with beautiful decor and delicious sushi rolls.
8. Auberge du Pommier – A rustic French restaurant with a cozy fireplace and an extensive wine list.
9. Buca Yorkville – A lively Italian spot with creative dishes and a buzzing atmosphere.
10. Sotto Sotto – A classic Italian restaurant with a romantic ambiance and a menu full of traditional dishes.
These romantic restaurants in Toronto are sure to impress your senses and palette, and create a memorable date night experience in Toronto. Remember to take a break while planning your wedding so you can remember all of the reasons you fell in love in the first place! Have you checked out any of these restaurants? Which one is your favourite?
Events by Whim is a team of Toronto Wedding Planners who specialize in modern romantic weddings full of authenticity and heart. Contact us today to get started on planning the first day of the rest of your lives!
- Published in Uncategorized
Planning a Spectacular Fusion Indian Wedding in Toronto
If you’re planning a lavish fusion Indian wedding in Toronto, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. After all, with so many details to consider, it can be difficult to stay on top of every aspect of the ceremony. From finding the perfect venue to selecting the best catering, there’s a lot to consider. Never fear! With some thoughtful planning and research, you can make sure your fusion Indian wedding turns out to be a spectacular success. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to plan a seamless fusion Indian wedding in Toronto.
About Fusion Indian Weddings
Fusion Indian weddings are popular in Toronto due to the diversity of the populace. Combining elements of both traditional Indian and western weddings, they offer a unique way to celebrate your special day. A fusion Indian wedding is an especially great choice if you’re looking to introduce a modern twist to a classic ceremony. When it comes to planning a fusion Indian wedding, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to combine as many or as few traditions as you like. This allows you to create a unique ceremony that’s perfect for you and your partner.
Choosing the Right Venue for Your Fusion Indian Wedding
Choosing the right venue for your fusion Indian wedding is an important part of the planning process. When selecting a venue, consider both the indoor and outdoor space available. If you plan to host a Hindu wedding, you will need to consult with the venue on their open flame policies for the havan. When deciding on a venue, also consider the amenities offered. Some venues may provide tables and chairs, while others may require you to rent them separately. In addition, some venues may offer catering but you will want to double check that the catering team can provide an appropriate array of items if you plan to offer foods from both cultures. Finally, make sure the venue is conveniently located and is easily accessible by all guests, both those local and those who may be travelling in from out of town or country.
Photography and Videography
When it comes to documenting your special day, it’s important to choose the right photographer and videographer. This will help ensure you get timeless photos and videos that capture the emotions of the day. Once the wedding is over, apart from the marriage itself, your wedding photos and videos are the most lasting part of the day. When selecting a photographer or videographer, be sure to look at their portfolio. This will give you an idea of their style and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your wedding. It will also give you a sense of whether they can capture the specific details of your fusion event elegantly.
Catering Considerations
When it comes to catering, you’ll want to make sure the food is both delicious and representative of your culture. Many couples opt for a combination of traditional Indian and western dishes. This allows you to create a unique menu that reflects your families and culture. When selecting a caterer, be sure to do a tasting of the specific items you’re wanting to serve. This will give you an idea of their style and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your wedding. When it comes to getting the most out of your caterer, be sure to provide them with a detailed list of the dishes you want. This will help them create a unique menu that’s perfect for your fusion Indian wedding.
Decor & Design
When it comes to decorating your fusion Indian wedding, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to combine traditional Indian and western elements to create a unique and beautiful atmosphere. When selecting decorations, consider both the indoor and outdoor space. This will help you determine the type of decorations you should use. For example, if your venue has a large outdoor space, consider decorating it with tents and outdoor furniture. When deciding on decorations, also consider the colour scheme. Many couples opt for a combination of traditional Indian and western colors. This will help create a unique and beautiful atmosphere. When it comes to getting the most out of your decorations, consider if any of your items can be repurposed across different events.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Attire
When selecting wedding attire, many couples opt for a combination of traditional Indian and western garments. This allows you to create a unique and personalized look that reflects your cultures. Plus who doesn’t love an outfit change?
Entertainment for a Fusion Indian Wedding
When it comes to entertainment, there are many options for your fusion Indian wedding. Consider hiring a DJ to provide music throughout the ceremony. You can also opt for live traditional singers or shehnai players to add to the ambiance of the ceremony. This will help create an exciting and lively atmosphere. In addition to music, consider adding other forms of entertainment, especially for the reception. This could include dancers, magicians, jugglers, or even a fire show. This will help keep your guests entertained and make your wedding a truly memorable experience.
Final Notes
Planning a fusion Indian wedding in Toronto can be a daunting task. Between finding the perfect venue and selecting the best catering, there are many details to consider. However, with some thoughtful planning and research, you can make sure your special day is a spectacular success. Toronto is an incredible city for multicultural experiences, and tons of vendors that represent every culture are available for weddings. We are confident that with a little guidance, you can have the most spectacular fusion wedding!
We hope this article has provided you with some helpful tips and tricks for planning a seamless fusion Indian wedding in Toronto. Contact us today to get started!
- Published in Uncategorized
One King West Wedding Magic!
Are you looking for an unforgettable wedding venue? Look no further than One King West. Located in downtown Toronto, this luxurious, historic venue is the perfect place to host your special day. One King West offers a variety of services to make your wedding day dreams come true. From exquisite décor to delicious catering options and top-notch photography locations onsite, One King West is sure to be the highlight of your big day.
One King West Weddings – A Brief Overview
One King West is the perfect place for couples who want a romantic and luxurious wedding experience. This historic building, once the home of Toronto-Dominion Bank, has been transformed into a stunning wedding venue with a modern twist. With 13 event spaces, One King West is equipped to handle anything from an intimate wedding to a grand celebration. The experienced wedding team will take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Photo by Northern Wildflower
Venue Features
One King West features a variety of wedding venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a grand ballroom or an intimate space, there’s something for everyone. The Grand Banking Hall is the largest venue, perfect for those looking for a grand affair. The spacious room features tall ceilings, unique chandeliers, marble floors, and a gorgeous fireplace. For more intimate weddings, the Gallery Suite is a great option. This cozy space has a fireplace and beautiful views of the city. Suite 1500 is a wonderful option for couples getting ready onsite, or for hosting a pre-wedding event like a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
Photo by Northern Wildflower
Décor and Design
Our experienced team of designers has worked with One King West to help you create the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a modern or traditional style, our team can help you create the perfect atmosphere. When considering One King West as your venue, we love to work with the charm of the building’s historic architecture to create a timeless wedding design that leans into the natural beauty of each event space.
Photo by Northern Wildflower
Catering Options
One King West has a team of talented chefs who can create a delicious menu for your special day. The chefs can work with you to create a custom menu that will impress your guests and please every palette. Whether you’re looking for a formal sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet, the chefs will make sure your guests have an unforgettable meal. One King West also offers a variety of bar packages to keep your guests happy (and well-lubricated) throughout the night.
Photography Locations
One King West boasts beautiful and chic photo locations onsite and directly outside of the hotel. The vault, the Grand Banking Hall and Suite 1500 are only a few of the many incredible spaces that you can use all year round! We love that couples planning a One King West wedding have so many photo options without having to leave the venue.
FAQs
Q: What services does One King West provide for weddings?
A: One King West offers a variety of services for weddings, including full-service wedding ceremonies and receptions, wedding day photo locations, and pre-wedding events.
Q: Are outside vendors allowed?
A: Yes, certain outside vendors are allowed at One King West. The team is happy to work with outside vendors to make sure your wedding is exactly the way you envisioned it.
Q: What is the cost of a wedding at One King West?
A: The cost of a wedding at One King West varies based on the services you choose. Their team is happy to work with you to create a package that fits your budget.
All photos in this article were captured by Northern Wildflower Photography.
One King West is the perfect place to host your special day. With their experienced team and luxurious amenities, you’ll have the wedding of your dreams. From exquisitely appointed rooms to delicious catering options and top-notch photography locations, One King West is sure to be the highlight of your big day. Reach out to the Events by Whim team to experience the magic of a One King West wedding today!
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Booking Toronto Wedding Photography
When it comes to planning a wedding in Toronto, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a wedding photographer. Your wedding photos will capture the memories of your special day, so it’s important to find a photographer who will make sure you have beautiful, timeless photographs that you’ll cherish for years to come. Before you hire a Toronto wedding photographer, there are some important questions you need to ask.
First, ask your potential photographer to show you examples of their Toronto wedding photography work. Seeing samples of previous weddings will give you a good indication of their style and vibe. You should also ask about their experience and what type of equipment they use. Make sure the photographer is familiar with the venue where your wedding will be held as well; this will help them capture the best photos possible. They may also have suggestions for best time of day and best locations onsite for portraits, first looks and family photos.
It’s also important to ask about the different services the photographer offers and how they will handle the photography process. Do they provide an online gallery of your photos? Will they do an engagement shoot prior to the wedding? Do they offer albums or prints? Do they host your gallery online? If so, for how long? What type of editing do they provide? Do they have a wedding day assistant that comes to the wedding with them? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right Toronto wedding photographer.
Additionally, ask your photographer if they have any special packages or discounts available. Many Toronto wedding photography studios offer packages when booking multiple services, such as an engagement shoot, pre-wedding events and wedding day photography. You should also inquire about the photographer’s payment terms and when they expect payment, and when you can expect to receive sneak peeks and your full wedding album.
Finally, ask your photographer if they have any references you can contact. Talking to recent clients can give you a better understanding of the photographer’s style and the quality of their work. Asking the right questions before hiring a Toronto wedding photographer will ensure that you have the best wedding photos possible.
Events by Whim is a sassy group of Toronto Wedding Planners, focusing on designing beautiful celebrations for couples wanting to celebrate with authenticity. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream event!
- Published in Uncategorized
Toronto Minimalist Wedding Venues
Toronto Minimalist Wedding Venues
The Greater Toronto Area is well known in the wedding industry for having a wide variety of venues and vendors. It can be overwhelming, but it is also nice to know that no matter your wedding style, there is a venue to suit you. If your style veers toward modern and luxurious, there are plenty of blank-slate venues that can be completely transformed to suit your vision. What I particularly love about Toronto minimalist wedding venues is that these spaces are exquisitely simple without too much decor but can be turned utterly changed depending on your vision. Here are a few of my favourite Toronto minimalist wedding venues and some of their best features
District 28
Olive Photography
District 28 is a fan favourite because of its blank slate and clean appeal. If you want the opposite of a traditional ballroom, this is it! The blank canvas is entirely customizable – we have seen large and hanging floral installations, large-scale vinyl applications, intentionally minimalist designs and everything in between in this beautiful and striking space. District 28 has a list of preferred caterers and vendors for you to choose from, ensuring that your experience will be positive in the hands of Toronto’s best vendors. Photos by Olive Photography.
Olive Photography
Royal Conservatory of Music
Bright, open spaces meet enchanting views of the City of Toronto at the Royal Conservatory of Music. This elegant venue boasts glass walls for tons of natural light, marble floors and a gorgeous floating staircase. We love how dramatic the space can look depending on the backdrop chosen for the wedding ceremony and reception. This beautiful space is a hidden gem that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger events alike.
Globe and Mail Centre
Located in the design district near the downtown core of Toronto, the Globe and Mail Centre is a sky-high venue with incredible views of the city and both indoor and outdoor spaces to host your wedding. This versatile space has high ceilings and can be configured in a multitude of ways, making it ideal for virtually any type of event. We particularly love the chic bar and cocktail spaces as well as the abundance of lounge furniture included in the rental. The Globe and Mail Centre has partnered with quite a few of the top caterers in the city for a reduced landmark fee, and also have flexibility in allowing in other vendors based on the specific needs of the wedding.
Olive Photography
Events by Whim is a premiere group of Toronto Wedding Planners, focusing on designing authentic celebrations for discerning couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream event!
- Published in Venues, Wedding Planner Tips, Wedding TIps
Minimalist Wedding at Berkeley Fieldhouse
Berkeley Fieldhouse Minimalist Dream Wedding
Jaimie’s mom reached out to me way back in early 2020 to help Jaimie and Matt with their wedding planning goals and I was thrilled when I met them in person. We met one wet Saturday morning at the cafe owned by Patricia’s Cake Creations in Toronto and had a warm drink and got to know each other. Their style, and especially their personalities really drew me in. Jaimie and Matt are fun and a little sarcastic, really warm, and overall, just such genuine souls. What I really liked best about working with them was that they were really interested in hosting a wedding that was genuine to who they are as a couple and individually. That is a whole different topic for another blog post, but I will say that authenticity in your wedding planning is critically important and a key factor to enjoying the process and your wedding day. No one wants to feel like they are stepping into an artificial role on their wedding day. After so many years of planning, I’ll say that the best weddings we plan are the ones where your guests are overheard saying, “Wow this is SO them!” Anyway, onto the recap! All of these beautiful photos were captured by the talented Kat from Boakview Photography!
As you probably guessed, the Covid19 pandemic ended up derailing our collective plans for the wedding and we ended up postponing their big day twice to September 2022. Their original venue was Airship 37, but Berkeley Events ended up undergoing a restructuring and that venue is no longer in operation so we moved to Berkeley Fieldhouse and moved the date a third time. Our amazing troop of vendors diligently stuck with us and moved the date and venue location and we continued on with our plans. Berkeley Fieldhouse wasn’t a huge pivot for us in terms of location and style, as it is nestled in the heart of Toronto and also has a blank-slate feel. The space itself is open concept with lots of neutral colour and tons of natural light. Jaimie and Matt envisioned sustainable local wild flowers, fresh and in season, alongside touches of romantic candle light and dainty watercolour stationery pieces to complete the look.
Our team works with a lot of couples and bridal parties on the wedding day, but Jaimie and Matt’s squad stood out to us because everyone was so friendly and lively, and genuinely excited to be apart of the festivities. From the early start to the trek on foot over to Berkeley Fieldhouse for photos, these guys and girls were up for anything. We felt the love from their families throughout the day. We loved that this couple opted to buck a traditional ballroom style wedding that would have been expected given their cultural backgrounds and went for a celebration more in tune with their hearts. We also especially loved that they weren’t afraid of a little colour in their wedding palette! They opted for a neutral base for the larger elements, romantic candle glow and so much colour in the wild flower arrangements, artfully designed by our friend Lisa at Whiskey Jack Flowers. Everyone had a wonderful time, including all of our vendors. Thank you again to Jaimie and Matt for choosing us to be your wedding planners!
Vendor love:
Venue & Catering: Berkeley Fieldhouse
Photography: Boakview Photography
DJ: Alley Entertainment
Hair: Shannon Petrolito
Makeup: Rebecca Kupferstein
Florals: Whiskey Jack Florals
Officiant: My Wedding Officiant
Events by Whim is a Toronto-based wedding planning company that travels across Canada to create modern, romantic and timeless celebrations. Our Toronto Wedding Planners work with you every step of the way to plan weddings that celebrate your unique love story and capture the elements of your lives that matter most to you. Get in touch with us today to start planning!
- Published in Real Wedding, Uncategorized
All About Rehearsal Dinners
What are wedding rehearsals vs rehearsal dinners? What do we do at a rehearsal dinner?
The wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinners are two separate items, though the guest list can have some overlap.
The wedding rehearsal is a practice run of the wedding ceremony, and features the full bridal party, parents and any additional attendants (like readers, singers, etc) who have a stake in the program. These typically happen for officiant-led ceremonies and church ceremonies, though any type of wedding can benefit from a run through before the big day. The rehearsal is a great opportunity to practice where all key players will be during all parts of the ceremony, and can help settle frazzled nerves leading up to the big day.
Rehearsal dinners are traditionally held after the wedding rehearsal and is held the night before or two nights before the wedding. This is a kick off to the wedding festivities and an opportunity for the couple, bridal party and families to relax before the big day. The wedding day can be very busy, with lots of guests vying for attention from the couple, so the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to spend time together in an intimate setting. This is also a wonderful way to alleviate any pre-wedding jitters by spending time in a warm environment with your nearest and dearest.
Who should I invite?
The Must Haves:
The rehearsal dinner guest list should include your immediate families, all wedding party members and their significant others, and the immediate families of any children in the bridal party. It is also a great idea to invite your officiant and their spouse, though this is optional.
The Nice To Haves:
It’s a lovely idea to invite any folks that are coming in from a long distance to attend the wedding, or may not have any other ties to the location of your wedding. Are you having a destination wedding? Consider opting for a welcome cocktail after the wedding rehearsal rather than a full dinner, to save some cost.
Where should it be held?
You have tons of options here! Rehearsal dinners can be held at home, in a restaurant, or even a more formal setting like a banquet hall. Typically the rehearsal dinner is less formal than the wedding itself, so consider that when planning. It wouldn’t make sense to have a super formal rehearsal dinner for a casual bbq wedding. Whatever you do, be sure to specify dress code to your guests so they are comfortable on arrival.
What should I serve?
Again, there are lots of options here! Traditionally rehearsal dinners were formal sit-down dinner affairs, but these days couples are planning backyard bbqs, cocktail receptions and potluck affairs as well. Your budget will ultimately guide you here!
Do I need physical invitations?
This will depend on the style of rehearsal you’re hosting. If you plan to have a formal sit-down affair, invitations with rsvps that indicate dietary restrictions will be required. Your catering team will need a final head count and meal selections in advance.
Alternatively, if you are hosting a more casual event, phone calls, word of mouth, email invites or wedding websites invitations are perfectly acceptable. You will still want some sort of headcount to ensure you have enough food and drink.
Invitations to the rehearsal should be sent out within 3 months of the wedding to ensure that guests coming from further can make necessary arrangements.
Are there any formalities to the itinerary of a rehearsal dinner?
These days rehearsals take so many shapes, but there are a few things that should happen:
- Take a few minutes to greet everyone and thank them for attending your wedding festivities and share any important information about the wedding that may be worth repeating, like transportation schedules and family photo shoots
- The host typically gives a speech. Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal, but more and more couples are hosting themselves.
- if the groom’s family is hosting, the groom’s parents would give the first speech, thanking guests and welcoming their new daughter in law
- The couple will then thank each other and their guests
- The couple may opt to hand out attendant gifts at this time
Most importantly, have fun! If the rehearsal dinner is the night before the wedding, remember to not make it a late night, or to imbibe too much – you’ll want to feel fresh for the wedding day!
Final Notes
I say this a lot, but there is not a right or wrong way to approach a wedding rehearsal dinner. The main item you’ll want to consider is the formality of the event and plan accordingly from there. You’ll want to ensure that you book a space that can comfortably accommodate your crowd, and plan for any dietary restrictions. Rehearsal dinners are a wonderful way to kick back with your wedding party prior to the wedding and enjoy some downtime before the hectic wedding day.
- Published in Uncategorized
5 Essentials for Perfect Wedding Day Detail Photos
5 Essentials for Perfect Wedding Day Detail Photos
Wedding day detail photos are an essential part of any complete wedding album. Achieving the perfect images may seem daunting but we have compiled a list of 5 essentials for the perfect wedding photos! Consider including these items in your suitcase on the way to the hotel, or on display at home. Having these items at your fingertips will make it easy for your talented photography team to design beautiful flat lays that you will cherish for years to come!
1. Wedding Dress, Veil & Gown Accessories
This one may seem obvious but so often the accompanying accoutrements of the dress are forgotten. Be sure to include your veil, garter, any head pieces or jewellery. This helps to create a complete picture of the wedding attire styling.
2. Perfume Bottles
Whether you have a signature scent that accompanies you wherever you go, or a special wedding day aroma that will become a new family favourite, a chic perfume bottle is perfect as a design item for wedding day detail photos.
Beautiful photos by Kendra Ruth Photography
3. Wedding Invitation & Stationery
Having a few copies of your wedding invitations allows us to take them apart and layer pieces with other design details to create a visually captivating flat lay. At least one copy is good, but two is even better! Be sure to also include smaller details like place cards, vow books, table numbers and the like if you have extra copies. Most stationers are happy to include an extra set for this purpose if you ask!
Beautiful photos by Kendra Ruth Photography
4. Wedding Bouquets & Loose Flowers
Your wedding bouquet plays an integral role throughout your wedding photos, and that begins with your getting ready shots. Having loose flowers helps to fill in and add visual interest and dimension to your accessories as well. Most florists are happy to include a few loose blooms, but you do have to ask them to do this. Remember, your entire vendor squad wants to see your photos look their best so asking will take you a far way!
Beautiful photos by Kendra Ruth Photography
5. Rings
If possible, try to have all engagement and wedding rings together during detail shots. Your planning team can ensure the rings are in the right hands prior to the wedding ceremony.
Did we miss any details that you plan to include with your getting ready shots on your wedding day? If so, leave us a comment and let us know!
Essentials for Perfect Wedding Day Detail Photos
- Published in Uncategorized
Wedding Planning during Covid19 (Coronavirus)
Hey y’all, Alisha here, and I wanted to address the ever-changing coronavirus situation that is changing the landscape of wedding season for 2020. Wedding planning during Covid19 is a huge challenge for everyone right now, especially weddings that are coming up within the next few weeks. Due to the highly contagious nature of Coronavirus/Covid19, extra precautions need to be taken, and social distancing is critical.
If your wedding is happening within the next 30-90 days, I bet you’re feeling the stress, and believe me, your vendors are, too! First things first, take a deeeeeep breath. This too shall pass, and there are loads of professionals that want to help you, because we’re all in this together!
Here are a few steps to take to understand what your options are:
1. Review your contracts
Not just during a pandemic, but any time you are considering making a change to a service or product you’ve purchased for your wedding, review your contract to see what your options are. Many vendors already outline a clear cancellation policy or a postponement policy. Review your contracts to see what yours says, and if it isn’t clear, be sure to reach out to your vendors for clarification. Do note that the majority of vendors will gladly transfer your deposit to a new date, but an outright cancellation typically still follows the standard cancellation clause.
2. Contact your venue about contingency planning.
Many venues are operating business as usual until instructed by their local health authority and government to cease operations. In Toronto, all non-essential businesses are closed and all public gatherings over 50 are banned until March 31st 2020. However, this excludes banquet halls for wedding celebrations and funeral gatherings. Therefore, whether or not your event needs to be postponed will be at the discretion of the venue. Most venues that are offering postponements are doing so within 2020 dates with no penalty. Some venues are also allowing clients to lower their minimum guest count in case they have many guests that can no longer attend. That said, popular venues will run out of dates very quickly, so it is important to make the decision quickly and reach out as soon as you can.
3. Cancellation Insurance
If you purchased cancellation insurance, reach out to your provider immediately to understand what your options are and what is covered. However, if you are interested in purchasing it now, be clear about your questions regarding Covid 19 because many insurers are no longer issuing policies with coverage regarding coronavirus.
4. Destination Weddings
Due to the high number of travel restrictions in place around the world, it is very likely that you will need to cancel your destination wedding or postpone for a later date. Reach out to your planner or your destination contact and explore your options, and inform your guests ASAP so they can adjust their travel plans/cancel their reservations.
5. If your wedding is happening in a few months..
Take a step back and breathe. Don’t panic! You still have time, and continue to monitor official sources for information on how the pandemic is affecting your community. You can also follow the steps above in reaching out to your venues and vendors just to get an assessment of how they are planning to proceed in the coming months and how this may potentially affect your wedding date. That being said, you may want to continue locking down your favourite vendors sooner than later because everyone those who are rescheduling will now be looking at the same pool of vendors. Wedding planning during Covid19 and the immediate aftermath will be tricky, but there are lots of resources out there (like wedding planners) that can offer some strong guidance!
Some final thoughts
Stay safe and stay healthy. Practice social distancing and please, please stay calm. Like I said earlier, this too shall pass, and what a story for your grandkids! Please note that we will be updating this article as new information becomes available. Contact us today if you have any wedding planning questions or are ready to get started on your dream day!
- Published in Wedding Planner Tips