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!

Great SUMMER special for Couples!

We just read a survey performed by the Wedding Channel that stated that 42% of couples went over budget for their wedding. This obviously can cause serious problems and undue stress. We find it interesting that about 70% of couples don't know what their wedding budget even is. Tip #1 decide on a budget for your wedding. One that you BOTH can be comfortable with and won't put you in debt for your first few years of marriage. 

We at Weddings InStyle want to help you get married InStyle and stay within budget. If you book your wedding with us from Monday to Thursday, we will discount selected wedding packages by 15%. This promotion is only in effect for the summer, expires August 31st so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 


In addition to booking your wedding with us at Weddings InStyle from Monday to Thursday, we’ve got some other cost saving tips for you:

•   Use our chic free custom invitation to send electronically and    save on invitations, RSVP cards, and postage

•    Share your wedding details online thru social media - set up a custom FB Wedding Page

•    Save on décor – Weddings InStyle is already beautifully pre-decorated

•    Get married in the morning or early afternoon – that way your food/beverage bill will be considerably less expensive.

•    Have a cocktail reception 

•    Serve a signature drink only and have a cash bar

•    Use flowers that are in season

•    Choose larger blooms – you’ll need less of them 

•    Buy shoes that you can wear again

•    Have a mini dessert stations with a variety of treats 

•    Bring your ipod loaded with all your favourites in place of hiring a DJ.

Have a look at some of wedding packages online or call us for a custom quote and we can take 15% off the price of selected wedding package from Monday to Thursday. Our packages our flexible and totally customizable.

Looking forward to marrying you InStyle.

The Perfect Wedding Speech

If you're lucky you'll have the honor at least once in your life of being the maid of honour or best man in a wedding. This honour comes with a variety of responsibilities, not least of which is the duty of giving a tribute toast during the reception.

Do you ever notice, that for some people the words just flow and the humour is appropriate, and the speech is really amazing? and then ... there are those who are a little more on the awkward side with public speaking and you just sit and cringe in embarrassment for them.

The good news is that if you have the esteemed honour of standing up at delivering a speech anytime soon,  you are not the first person to do this and this wonderful thing called GOOGLE that can help your research words of wisdom.

Here are some tips we thought we worth mentioning.

1. Don't wing it

If you think that you're just going to stand up and magic is going to pour out of you in the moment, you are sadly mistaken. As John Wooden used to say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Don't be that person. Put some thought and heart into what you are going to say. Let it be a reflection of the relationship you share with that person you are honour to stand up for.

2. Be respectful

Contrary to what you might see in the movies, being "that person" doesn't go over well at weddings in real life. Trust me! You want to be remembered for the right reasons. Take time to consider not just how you will look, but how your speech might reflect on the bride, groom and their family.  I have seen one too many brides just sink into their chairs as the best man tries to be "funny". Be respectful - if all else fails, give your wedding planner a sign to plug the power on the mic - yes, it can be done!

3. Don't give a drunk speech

Yes, it's tempting to head straight for the open bar after the ceremony and picture sessions, but if you want to give a great speech you need to be on your A-game. That means being soberish ...

4. Know your audience

Consider your audience as you write your speech. Incorporating tasteful jokes into your speech is always fun, but careful not to turn it into a roast. Is this a gathering of frat buddies or a five star affair? Also be mindful of the bride and groom. Noone wants to hear about past relationships at their wedding. REALLY! This is truth and I have seen it so many times and it is just tacky and people do remember.

5. Thank all the right people and speak from your heartThis is speech giving 101. Thank the people who made it their mission to make this day happen flawlessly. Thank the bride and groom, the parents, the officiant, the wedding party, the venue and their staff and anyone else who deserves your gratitude. In this way the speech is sort of like winning an Academy Award. Just try not to ramble too much cause there is no music to cue you off the mic.

At the end of the day you need to keep in mind that you are merely a supporting player. It's nice to give a speech that has some sass and humour, but mostly your job is to wish the bride and groom all the best as they start their new life together.

Example of fun & sassy that will surely get a laugh for all the right reasons:

(Groom), take (Bride)'s hand and place your hand over hers. 

I want you to remember this moment and cherish it... because this will be the last time you'll ever have the upper hand!

Happy toasting - until next time! xx

Dream Wedding Dresses

On one of the most memorable days of a woman's life is her wedding day.  Any bride who is lucky enough to dawn a McCaffrey creation will always remember how exquisite she felt in her gown. And for that, the label continues to strive and inspire moments that will be remembered forever. 

Meet the man behind McCaffey's Haute Couture, David McCaffrey.

  

                         

First and foremost he is a father, a partner, a friend, a brother and a son. He is a creator, a designer, a visionary, your BEST friend when you are shopping for your wedding gown. He is an inspiration to the bridal world.

I have had the pleasure of working with and watching David in action many many times. My best friend of 20 plus years Jill, got married this past summer. Given that Jill is in the industry,  she wanted nothing to do with planning her own wedding as that is what she does all day long here at Weddings InStyle. This time SHE wanted a wedding planner/fairy god-mother to make all HER dreams come true. 

We started talking dresses ... she wanted the best of course, so we called David and Christina and up the street to McCaffrey's we went. David and Christina greeted us warmly and in anticipation and with some feedback from Jill, had already pulled a bunch of dresses for her to try.

Unbeknownst to us, the dresses that David has selected were strategically choosen and were strategically given to try on. Jill started with what she thought was "THE" dress. David just smiled. This went on for about 4-5 dresses. Then David said, "try this" at first sight it wasn't Jill's first choice, mine neither, but when she put it on and stepped out of the dressing room we knew THIS WAS IT! She said YES to the dress that day.

From selection, to the fittings, to the added  touches our experience was sheer perfection.

This is WHO he is, this is what he does. EVERYONE, I mean everyone that walks thru those doors on Sussex is made to feel like the most beautiful women alive! It doesn't matter if you are short, tall, thin or carrying a few extra pounds once David starts working his magic you  on you ... look out! It's almost like self esteem classes and wedding dress shopping all rolled into one!

Each of David's Haute Couture wedding dresses is precisely crafted and in the Haute Couture tradition and made in Canada. The dress components are delicate and luxurious  silk satins, taffetas, and organza's, often paired with Swarovski crystal beading, delicate feathers and the finest French laces. The incorporation of built-in corsets completes the workmanship and finishing's within the wedding dress, making it truly couture.

The fashions of the McCaffrey Haute Couture label reflect an innate sense of grace, romanticism, and refinement. The wedding dresses are not specifically trend-oriented; instead the McCaffrey Haute Couture label stands for something timeless with a hint of nostalgia to the classics. This mastery of elegance is incorporated into luxurious gowns - satin draping, bias-cuts, sweeping ball skirts; each with intricate detailing and tasteful body conscious silhouettes. The wedding dresses capture elements that flatter every woman, making her feel beautiful and elegant on her most special day.

Now available to all women, David is now creating evening and cocktail wear, custom-made, perfectly crafted for the occasion. 

For more information on David and his creations. Pop over to their website or better yet, pick up the phone, make an appointment and go experience first hand what we are talking about.

CAUTION: Prepare to drink bubbles and be treated like a princess!

McCaffrey Haute Couture

465 Sussex Drive  Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z4

(613) 789-4336

If you are feeling inspired and are ready to slip into luxury, they are having a trunk show THIS weekend Friday, January 27, until Sunday, January 29, 2012 * Receive a 10% discount on the purchase of a new custom-made Wedding Dress when you make your purchase this trunk show weekend.

Until next time ... Have a very InStyle weekend!

xx

You Voted ... We Won The 2012 Bride's Choice Award

We got some great news today ... we've won the Bride's Choice Award for 2012.

A special Thank You to all our couples who took the time to provide feedback on our services and your overall experience at Weddings InStyle.

This prestigious award is determined by reviews from our past clients and recognizes the top 5 percent of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network.  

2011 was very busy year for us and it was tremendously rewarding to host you and serve  you InStyle. Looking forward to creating more lasting memories and sharing more rewarding moments in 2012.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards ™recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ are awarded solely based on the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds.

Some feedback from our couples:

Having the ladies at Weddings InStyle take care of your wedding plans/dreams (because they actually make dreams come true) is like having your very own best friends planning your wedding for you.

They get close and personal and give you the care, love and support that your own family would give you. They don't do this because it's their "job", they do it because it's their passion. And their passion isn't to only make weddings happen, their passion is making dreams and magic happen.

And let me tell you from personal experience here, there isn't a disaster or road block that will stop them from giving you your dream wedding, whether it's a big or small thing you're looking for.

Tatiana Hedley - Toronto/Ottawa

To read additional comments and see what others had to say about our services and what afforded us the opportunity of such an award, please click here .

Grateful!

xo

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

Get married in Ottawa for only $199!

Out with the OLD NAME and IN WITH THE NEW just in time for Christmas! 8 days left to get married InStyle for only $199!

The concept of eloping has changed drastically over time. Nowadays eloping includes destination weddings, city hall ceremonies or intimate gatherings—basically anything outside of your "traditional" wedding. One benefit of having a celebration such as this is that it doesn't necessarily have to take as long to plan or cost as much to put together. Right now we at Weddings InStyle are offering the deal of a lifetime! For only one hundred and 99 dollars on weekdays, a Bride and Groom can say their vows in a romantic and intimate setting located in the heart of the historic Byward Market. That's less then a cost of a new pair of Uggs.

As City Hall Ottawa is posing to raise the cost of civil ceremonies, we are lowering our prices in time for the holidays.

Budgets are tight and the holidays are around the corner. Lately we have been hearing that alot people are living together as a married couple, sharing a mortgage, kids etc ... but just haven't made it "official" due to finances. 

Since starting this promotion we have been able to give the gift of love to so many couples who thought getting married was not affordable and they would need to keep on saving! Instead, they will be celebrating this holiday season as husband & wife!

We are taking appointments Monday-Friday 9-5. All you need to bring is your "significant other" and your marriage license. Leave the rest to us - candles, custom vows, an intimate setting ... and if you need we can even provide your witnesses!

For more information about our venue or this offer please visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/weddingsinstyle or our website Weddings InStyle or call us directly at 613-440-4446

Be sure to tune into Rogers Daytime tomorrow, December 15th at 11am as we Marry another AMAZING couple InStyle live on the air - It's an RSVP you will want to make ... oh ya and have your kleenex's handy!

Much Love, Health & Happiness This Holiday Season from our InStyle Family to Yours!

xo

Braids - Bridal Hair Trends for 2012

Whether you are planning on a laidback, bohemian bridal hairstyle, or you'd like to add a little something to a simple up do, the loose braid is worth considering. With so many styles of plaits and braids weaving their way through the hair of red carpet divas this trend simply cannot be ignored.

So Feminine 

Chic

Graceful

Simple yet Elegant

If you need some help with your wedding day hair, please make sure you ask ... as we have some of the BEST people at our finger tips. Those divas on the red carpet will pale in comparison to you on your wedding day - I DO promise this to you! :)


Amanda xx

Wedding Trends for 2012

So, if you're planning a wedding in 2012 here's what we discovered the top trends to be. 2012 is the year of Romance. From the dress to the decor, think - dreamy,  whimsical, soft, THINK love.

Bridal Gowns - What says romance more than Victorian-style. Expect Victorian flair with lots of corsets and soft layered ruffles. Colors are also expanding with this beautiful light sage green and with more muted earth tone colors below. Soft and flowing elegance with textures of colour palettes. Short is also making a come back! 

               Check out these two gowns from MoniqueL'Huillier's 2012 Collection  

             

Themes - More than a color palette  themes are carried through from the invitations to the flowers to the linens right over to the dessert table. Some popular themes include: Vintage, Rustic & Nautical. Creativity knows no bounds, so pick a theme that reflects you as a couple. Some of the hot colours for 2012 are red cherry and lime, coral and grey which is always beautifully subtle.  Hot pink, chocolate mocha browns with soft pinks, tiffany blue with pale aqua, different shades of orange and of course black is the new...black: You can NEVER go wrong with black ... sheer elegance and sophistication are always created with the use of black. 

Venues - Natural settings are hugely popular for the beauty and ambiance that they provide & the minimal decor that is required.  Also all in one venues are hugely popular. The convenience of having your guests in the same location for ceremony and reception is a hit for EVERYONE.

Pets - YUP! You read it right. Incorporating your family pet into the ceremony seems to be a trend right now and we see it carrying on well into 2012. There are lots of ways to involve furry (or feathered) friends in your celebration, whether in a formal role as the ring bearer or flower dog, or simply as an honoured guest. We have had 3 ceremonies in the last few weeks alone where their dogs have acted as ring bearer. It is fun, out of the ordinary and something that will leave your guests talking .. Especially if he/she performs on queue. Obviously, you need to find a pet friendly venue - of which Weddings InStyle is proud to say WE ARE!

Dessert Tables - Gone are the days of only having a wedding cake.Today, couples are offering up their favorite desserts and making them a focal point of the night. From pies to cupcakes to cookies, to candy bars it's a buffet of beautifully displayed flavors, colors and options that every guest will be sure to enjoy.

Good Night Station - Couples now are combining food and favor into a fun, interactive station for their guests.  Buffets of pastries, doughnuts and candy, AND providing guests with a goody bags & boxes to go.

Faux Flower Decor - Whether paper, fabric, tissue or feathers; Bouquets, centerpieces & pomander balls aren't just made from fresh flowers anymore and are used in non-traditional ways. They are fun, fresh AND inexpensive!

Personalized DIY decor - This is not a new trend but continues strong as many couples are getting crafty and showcasing their personalities. The creativity is in using 'found' and natural elements to create centerpieces, escort cards, guest book alternatives, photo booths, favors, table numbers & decor.- WE LOVE IT!


Happy Wedding Planning!!
For more inspiration, tips and free advice stop by our fan page on Facebook or visit us www.weddingsinstyle.ca.


Until next time ....