2014 Weddings Trends to say I DO to!

While we love looking at trends like everyone else - trends are just trends in our opinion and just like fads they come and go. These are just a few that we thought you might consider saying "I do" to if you are looking for something whimsical and fun for your upcoming wedding!

Radiant Orchid

A colour and a name we will be hearing and seeing alot in 2014 as it has been named Pantone 2014 colour of the year. This blush shade of purple and pinkish hues is bound to create a dramatic impact in weddings this year. From flowers to dresses to lights and linens this is a colour we will surely be seeing alot of this coming year.

Monochrome & Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

Monochrome and mismatched bridesmaids dresses have been making their mark on the weddings scene for quite some time now.  We LOVE this trend because it adds more color and versatility to your entourage if you have one. Maybe pepto bismol pink isn't everyone's thing, but various shades of blush might work.  Check out some other styles here. 

Low Back Wedding Gowns

The Wedding Dress industry is bringing "Sexy Back" this year with the dramatic backless wedding gown. 

Unplugged Weddings
We think that this is a trend that should stay around long after 2014 is done with. The main reason we love this idea is that you avoid your guests being captured in the background of your photographers shots during the ceremony, first dance, cake cutting and other photo worthy moments. We've seen it SO many times and this idea takes care of it! It also allows your guests to be fully present and enjoy all the hard work that you've put into your special day. 

Pinterest
Pinterest is really changing the game for the wedding industry. Couples in 2014 are really strong about bringing their style into the wedding so people recognize whose wedding they're at.

We love it because we know what people want. It's how they live, how they decorate their home. They want their wedding to be a reflection of their lives. If you don't have a Pinterest account get one! It will make your planning process alot easier and will keep things organized for all to see. Happy Pinning!

As always - daily excitement happens over on Facebook. Join us there! 

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

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

CIty Hall Wedding vs Weddings InStyle

• Weddings InStyle is nestled in the historic Byward Market in downtown Ottawa. Old-world charm meets modern amenities. Your guests will be surrounded with natural sunlight, exposed brick, hardwood floors, and a very New York Loft feel.  City Hall – well its City Hall.

Wedding Decor - Flags

• Our Wedding Chapel is pre-decorated, private and intimate. We are the opposite of City Hall, so imagine, chic, elegance, style and exchanging vows by candlelight. City Hall does not permit wedding décor or candles and let’s face it – everyone looks better by candlelit!

InStyle!

• We are available to perform private ceremonies onsite 7 days week by appointment. City Hall only offers Monday to Friday, between 9-4 Friday evenings, between 5-7 and Saturday afternoons between 1-3. It works on a first come first serve basis and you must wait in the common area where people come to apply for permits and pay parking tickets.
• We offer the ability write your own vows or choose from a variety of traditional vows you feel best reflects you as a couple and this is something that we would be honored to help you with. City Hall does not offer custom vows and uses clinical words such as “The province of Ontario” in your vows.
• We can accommodate 100 people comfortably. Where City Hall has a 7 person maximum restriction.
• We can provide two witnesses if you want to truly elope and surprise your friends and family. City Hall do not provide witnesses.
• We offer multi-lingual ceremonies where as City Hall only offers English and French
• We offer full service weddings including food, bar, wedding planning and coordination services. City Hall does not permit food and alcohol onsite and are not allowed to make recommendations to other local businesses – I know! Strange?!
• Weddings InStyle can be booked for as long as you wish if you would like to have a cocktail reception or formal dinner following your ceremony. City Hall has a maximum time allowance of 30 minutes. 

• …. And the number one reason why Weddings InStyle is better than City Hall is that we have a beautiful brides room onsite where our couples can get ready and make their grand entrance to their music of choice. Your only option at City Hall is the public bathroom and you have to forgo the grand entrance as you must wait together on the main level and music is not an option.

Let City Hall take care of your taxes, NOT your weddings! Pass it on!