Engagement ring. ✔ Fiancé. ✔ Venue ????

You have found “the one” that you want to spend Happily Ever After with … now what?

It’s time to decide what kind of wedding you want. Breakfast or Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Champagne & Cake, Sips & Bites or a dinner reception.

Champagne & Cakes is probably the least expensive type of reception, and is what was once the norm for most weddings. Everyone gathering post vows for a bit of cake and a few toasts. If you go this route we suggest that you put on your invitation "Champagne & Cake to follow" so that guests will know there isn't a meal - always best to manage expectations.

If you are opting for more of an affair; here are some things to consider when selecting your perfect wedding venue.

Weddings/Events InStyle

Venue

If the ceremony and reception are in two different locations:

• What is the distance?
• Will there be traffic?

• Transportation: how will people be arriving? How will you get there? Will you keep your guests waiting and if so what is your plan so to entertain your guests and start the party off right?
• For out of town guests, are there hotels nearby?
• What are the refund policies if any?
• Parking
• Restroom accessibility
• Gratitude’s and taxes
• Is there Bride/Groom Room so you can escape if you need to?
• Do they offer Turn Key Services – They will decorate for you?
• Is there an on site Wedding Planner & Day of Coordinator?
• Do you see yourself planning the wedding day of your dreams with this person, as you will be tightly connected until the day after your wedding.
• What near by locations are there for pictures?
• Does the venue allow candles? 
• Does your venue have a variety of reputable vendors that they work with and can recommend to you? Are you allowed to bring your own vendors?

Inside

• Does the venue come with a sound system? 
• How is the lighting? A crucial question as no one wants to celebrate in a dark room. 
• Is the room beautiful or do you need to spend extra money covering up the walls?

Outside

• Is there a back up plan in case of rain?
• Do you need a permit?
• How is the sound system? Will everyone be able to hear the ceremony/speeches?

Food and Drink

• Do they offer a variety of Caters?
• Can they accommodate special meals? Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian? All your favourites like midnight Poutine Bars and Sushi?
• Can you do your own signature drinks?
• Are there minimums you need to reach for food/drink?
• Does the wedding venue allow you to supply your own cake/desserts?
• Is there a Cake Cutting fee?

Just a few things to consider as you set out on your hunt for the perfect venue. 

We at Weddings InStyle wish you best of luck with your search, and with all the planning for your upcoming wedding.

Until next time!

The Hangover ...

We all know what happens on New Years, so here are some tips to help you prepare for the morning after.

The reason why one gets a hangover is that your body - your liver in particular - is not able to process and metabolize the break down products from the alcohol quickly enough. In addition to needing enough enzymes, the liver also needs water to process and get rid of the toxins. When supplies run low, it takes water from other organs, including the brain. This is why alcohol is so dehydrating, and why you can wake up with a throbbing headache (and a dry mouth) from drinking too much." 



"It is thus essential to drink a lot of water while drinking and before you go to bed... it can prevent a hangover or at least lessen one." according to Dr.Frank Lipman

Tips for the day of the big party:

1.  Feed your body some healthy proteins and good carbohydrates (like quinoa, fish, chicken breast, vegetables) as your body will need these for fuel the next morning.

2.  Drink 4-6 extra glasses of water to be sure you are well-hydrated.

3.  Take Vitamin B complex.

Tips for the day after the big party:

1.  Avoid getting over-heated which will cause further dehydration. Avoid heavy exercise as well as too much sun exposure.

2.  Drink plenty of cool fluids including electrolytes if possible to rehydrate and cool the body down (ex. Gatorade, coconut water).

3. Regular ginger ale can help because people often have low blood sugar with a hangover and ginger also helps with nausea. Low blood sugar is what sometimes causes the shakes.

4. Alka-Seltzer can help settle the stomach while also providing aspirin for pain relief.

5. Go to bed early so that your body can replenish the hormones produced during sleep that you probably missed out on the night before.

B Vitamins that can help you recover from or even avoid hangovers.

Drinking depletes the body of essential vitamins and nutrients. When your system is overtaxed with too much alcohol, it can leave you feeling extremely run down. The high potency B- can help restore energy levels after a night of alcohol indulgence. The body utilizes B vitamins when under stress. Replenishing with a potent B Complex can help you shorten the duration of your hangover and significantly reduce symptoms. :)

If you find yourself having had a little too much to drink here are a few tips to help you avoid getting that nasty hangover:

1.            Don't mix your drinks: Try to stick to wine or champagne as these will tend to make you feel less bloated and tired the next day. 


2.            On the rocks: If you are going to have something harder, fill your glass with ice first as this will dilute the alcohol content of your drink. Mixers and fruit juices are also a good way to boost the body's sugar levels, which get depleted with alcohol. 


3.            Rebalance your system: Take Vitamin B complex and an 1,000 mg Vitamin C tablet with a big glass of water before going to bed. If you can try to have a little snack before heading off to bed - Bananas are a good source of sugar and potassium; they are also a natural antacid as they are high in magnesium, which can help relax those pounding blood vessels causing that nasty headache. Try a pure almond butter, and banana sandwich on toasted 100% sprouted bread.

Perhaps the least healthy choice, but sometimes unavoidable - at times, just a little of last night's poison does the trick.

Hair of the Dog Remedy

1 oz. vodka

2 oz. Clamato Juice

1 dash lemon juice

2 dashes salt - 2 dashes black pepper

2 dashes cayenne pepper

3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce

Stir all ingredients together in a tall glass

Happy New Year - May 2012 be your best year yet!

xo

Last Minute Ideas for New Years Eve Wedding

Getting Married this New Year's Eve? To help those clever couples put the finishing touches on their NYE weddings here are a few little ideas to help you celebrate InStyle! 

 

Make a coffee station a highlight. This is useful for guests who are not used to staying up late. Consider having an espresso or cappuccino machine set up as well. Include candy sticks to stir the coffee, whip cream and chocolate shavings. Having a dedicated barista is a nice touch for a New Year's Eve wedding. 

Set up a party supply table. Pile on noise blowers, party hats, confetti, streamers and even feather boas and funky glasses to use by the guests. The reception hall can be decorated with these colorful party items as well, or can be kept to a classic black and silver theme. As the night wears on the hall will become more and more festive as guests take it upon themselves to play with the party supplies. 

Set the stage for a midnight surprise. Have balloons and confetti placed in netting over the dance floor to drop at midnight. Set up a large clock or your fashion your own ball drop to mimic the events playing on a wide screen TV. Mute the TV and allow the DJ to count the seconds with your guests to keep it more personal. 

Make sure "Old Lang Syne" is in your DJ's collection and when the stroke of midnight hits, crank up the music and dance the rest of the night away. This will surely be a New Year's Eve that no-one will forget. 

From our family to your - Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

xoxo

Where has the time gone ....

I got a call today from my insurance company congratulating me on 2 successful years of business at my location in on Murray Street. I stopped and thought to myself - my gosh -  has it been 2 years already? and because we like to celebrate EVERYTHING InStyle did we really just miss an opportunity to drink champagne? Okay, well that in itself is just wrong, but where has the time gone? seriously?!


I had a specific vision in mind for InStyle and all the related companies that fall under the InStyle brand. Balance InStyle, Weddings InStyle, Events InStyle & new birthed I Do InStyle. Nothing like Weddings InStyle & Events InStyle existed in Ottawa at the time. I saw precisely what I wanted it to look like in my mind.


I called up my friend Fried Kemper who is a broker, and told him the crazy idea I had dreamt up and told him to take me building shopping.  He kept trying to convince me on other spaces that were off the beaten path and of course in a more appealing square footage bracket ... but I knew EXACTLY what I wanted, and the blank canvas that I needed to work with. He showed me MANY before I fell in love.


The minute I walked in ...  I just knew. This was it!! This is where I would create MAGIC.

Most of the people that walk into 107 Murray think that I clicked my ruby red heels and volia! Instant chic venue! Not the case. I took possession in June and I opened the doors on September 5th, 2009.  Let's take a little trip back in history shall we?

Main room a few weeks into construction

Main Room After Construction

My Office Before/During Construction

My Office Today :)

Framing In Kitchen

Kitchen After

InStyle As You Know It Today!

It's hard to believe that we have hosted over 100 Weddings & Events in the past 2 years. Weddings and Events are our expertise, this is what we do. We have done the homework so our client's don’t have to.  The caterer’s food is tasted, the baker’s treats are savored, the florist’s creativity is inspected, the photographer’s images are gushed over and the DJ’s vibe is heard. We have had the privilege to meet and forge relationships with some of the BEST vendors that Ottawa has to offer. You need a recommendation - we have a long list of amazing vendors from dresses to transportation. Don't be shy, ask. 

If we haven't had the opportunity to meet, please feel free to drop by. ( Call first so you aren't walking in in the middle of a ceremony) :)

September 5th, 2011 marked our 2nd year anniversary. Happy Anniversary to us and THANK you all who have supported us, promoted us, visited us, live and on Facebook, gotten married with us and allowed us to host you InStyle! We appreciate each and every one of you & we couldn't do what we do without you!

Amanda xx

Chic Event Venue

You already that Weddings InStyle is the intimate alternative to weddings in the capital, but did you know that we have another company called Events InStyle where we host a variety of events and functions?

We are experts at organizing and executing all types of events. We plan events that are a reflection of your personal style and we customize them to meet individual your needs. Whether you are hosting an intimate cocktail reception or a gala, you want a unique and unforgettable (for the right reasons) experience. No matter the theme we create flawless events that are representative of the hosts. Hosting your event at Events InStyle means your special function is guaranteed to be unique, chic and memorable. 

We have coordinated distinctive functions for organizations of all sizes; from small VIP dinners to large-scale corporate events. Our experience with top vendors enables us to recommend venues and service providers that will meet your specific needs. From invitations to decor, catering, performing artists, lighting and audio-visual equipment, we will orchestrate a seamless event at which you will surely feel like an honored guest.

Events InStyle’s setting offers a blank canvas upon which we work with you to create whatever look and feel you desire – modern, urban, romantic or elegant. Our 2000 square foot open concept event space features exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, granite bar, attractive lighting, state-of-the-art audio and stylish decor to suit any event.

Whether you’re looking for a simple cocktail party with a few close friends and family, a reception for 120 or a private dinner to impress your most important client, we can do it all… InStyle. Our event space has professional state of the art surround sound to add that little extra hint of you to your event. You can bring your own ipod with your music of choice or use ours. Let us help you take your next Event to another level… InStyle.

At Events InStyle we customize each affair and provide you with a chic and upscale palette, so you can create the look and feel that will make your event stand out. We are fully turnkey

and have all the support, resources, vendors and staff available, so that your event runs smoothly and is remembered by all.


• 2,000 square ft
• Accommodates 100 for cocktails
• 60 seated and served
• Central air conditioning
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Conveniently located in the heart of the Byward Market
• Warm brick walls
• Polished hardwood oak floors
• Adjustable spot lighting
• High loft-style ceilings
• State of the art multi-zoned Paradigm
• Audio Technologies sound system compatible with iPod
• 32” flat screen compatible with computer/CD/DVD for presentations/slideshows
• Wireless microphone available
• T1 internet access
• Conveniently located, easy access to mass transit
• Hotels within walking distance