“As women we tend to focus on our physical flaws,” says Vancouver boudoir photographer Kelsey Goodwin. “A photographer sees you differently and puts you in a light and angle that highlights your assets and gives you a chance to appreciate yourself.” Goodwin says the biggest reason women hesitate before doing a boudoir shoot is that they think they won’t know how to pose or look sexy in front of the camera. “It’s natural to feel anxious when you’ve never modeled before, but the truth is, as long as you’re relaxed and having fun, you’re going to look great,” she explains. “Some women are concerned because they’re older or heavier, but honestly, everyone feels sexy after a shoot like this. You’ll be surprised how comfortable you’ll feel and how much fun it actually is.”

Vancouver newlywed Tracy Smith had a recent boudoir shoot, and says the hardest part of the experience was picking her top 10 images for printing. “It was so much fun to have your hair and makeup done, get dressed up in something intimate and have some photos taken,” she enthuses. “It really is a liberating feeling to have so much attention focused on you, and I admit I loved being in the spot light.”

Nadine Trinh also booked a boudoir photo shoot before her recent wedding, prompted by its promise of empowerment. “To me it was a way to celebrate being a girl, to be portrayed as ultra-feminine yet bold, confident and alluring,” she says. “It gave me a moment to enjoy myself. And who doesn’t want their grandchildren to one day realize that their granny was one hot gal?”

Trinh googled random boudoir images online and selected Goodwin for her edgy style and tasteful, creative photographs. “My criteria were that the photographer should have an impressive portfolio and a creative eye, as well as the ability to capture candid, natural expressions,” she says. “When I happened upon Kelsey’s website, I couldn’t wait to get in touch with her.”

The Internet is an excellent tool to familiarize yourself with the particular style of a boudoir photographer. “Select a shooter with the amount of experience that you are comfortable with,” says Gina Chong from Butter Studios. “Also, ensure you are familiar with their work and style so that when you receive your photos, there are no surprises in terms of the posingand the lighting that the photographer favours.”

Word of mouth is another powerful tool when it comes to sourcing a good shooter, adds Ellen Ho from Hong Photography Studio. “Ask around for recommendations from people you know and trust, because it’s important that you feel comfortable with the photographer doing the shoot,” she says. Ho sends boudoir subjects an email to help them prepare for the shoot, with a message encouraging clients to get pampered beforehand and purchase some new lingerie. “That way, when they come into the shoot they feel good about themselves,” she explains.

For Trinh, the shoot was even more fun than she had anticipated. “Kelsey provided excellent direction and I didn’t really have to think too hard,” she says. “I felt relaxed and confident throughout the session, and even though I felt a bit silly at times, Kelsey reassured me that I actually looked great and she was right!”

Making the experience fun and relaxed is part of the shooter’s job, says Gina Chong. Butter Studios has a special section designed specifically for boudoir photography and it helps to set the mood. “They may be a bit shy at first but after the first couple of poses, my clients start feeling comfortable and begin striking poses automatically,” she says.

Newlywed Tracy Smith’s shoot was done in her home, something that certainly made her more relaxed and comfortable, she concedes. A glass of wine ahead of time didn’t hurt either, she says. “My photographer made me feel like I was a brilliant, sexy, flirtatious model—and it shows in the shots. The photos turned out amazing; I may even frame a couple for our bedroom.”

Her fiancé was “blown away” when she presented the images to him, Smith says. “He loved them, and said they look like photos right out of a magazine. I took a couple of me in Canucks jersey and he thought those were the hottest ones. think what he likes most about them is how much I opened up in the shots.”

Trinh says other brides considering a boudoir shoot should go ahead and do it. “Not only is the experience memorable but it makes a great, personal wedding gift to your fiancé. The photos are a keepsake and a constant reminder of your inner foxy self,” she says. “Don’t think too hard about it and don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process and just laugh at yourself when you need to ease your nerves. I learnt that I enjoyed my images as much as my now-husband!”

Price & Time: Boudoir shoots typically take an hour and start around $250, going up to $500 and even $900 depending on the package selected. Some packages include options like hair and makeup styling, a hotel room or loft setting and photograph albums.

Banish the Bulge: It’s important to have a conversation with your shooter about how much editing you want, says Chong. “If you prefer a more natural approach then it is important to set that expectation earlier than later.” Goodwin uses Photoshop to edit the images of other women as she would edit her own. “I’m conscious of small bulges and skin retouching but I don’t edit anything major because I like to preserve your natural beauty,” she says.

What to Wear: Wear anything that makes you feel sexy or confident. Corsets, garters, swimsuits, funky lingerie, pearls and heels are popular. If your significant other is a chef, consider donning an apron. If he’s musical, bring along his guitar as a potential prop. Some studios offer clients a variety of props and jewelry such as hats, veils, headbands, gloves, boas, shoes and lollipops.

Don’t Judge: yourself, that is. Poses that might seem silly, exaggerated or outlandish at the time of the shoot may well surprise you when you see the photographs. Trust your photographer, relax and have fun with the experience. “My boudoir shoot helped remind me that I am beautiful and that I need to give myself a break on the little insecurities I have about my body,” Smith says. “It can be a real confidence boost, so if you’re going to do it, have fun with it and treasure just how beautiful you really are!”

Gina Chong Vancouver based Gina brings over 10 years of professional experience to her boudoir photography.

Kelsey Goodwin Influenced by fashion and fine art, Kelsey specializes in boudoir and is based out of Victoria, BC.

Ellen Ho Ellen hosts boudoir sessions from her French Couture loft or from the comfort of your home.

You dream of gliding towards your betrothed down a petal strewn aisle. You imagine your first dance happening in a ballroom filled with twinkling candlelight. But in order for these dreams to come true, you have to throw in a hefty dose of reality, because weddings take immense planning and decision-making. Continuing in our series of Wedding Planning primers we have created this quick list to help you get on track with the ceremony and reception details—it’s never too soon to get started!

The Ceremony: Places, Places

Where will you exchange your heartfelt vows—indoors or out? Near or far? How many people do you expect? Tip: Ask your potential venues if they provide extra seating for additional guests.

Expression of You

Traditionally, a wedding ceremony occurs in a place of worship, but couples are increasingly open to venues that reflect their personalities and tastes more than their beliefs. Faith, if applicable, is then woven throughout the program instead of dictating the setting.

I Now Pronounce You

Marriage Officiant or Commissioner? Both are licensed by Vital Statistics to marry you. A Marriage Officiant generally performs a more personal, and if desired, faith-integrated ceremony, while a Marriage Commissioner conducts civil ceremonies. Some non-denominational venues offer their own officiants or you can search for one on your own, by area, at www.vs.gov.bc.ca. The fee is $75 plus tax, rehearsal fees and mileage. It’s important to meet your officiant well before the big day. “If you like your officiant and connect on a personal level, that is a good indicator that they are the one for you,” say Shawn and Erica Miller of Young, Hip, & Married, a company that offers pre-marital counseling and the services of wedding officiants. Book your officiant as soon as you’ve secured your ceremony venue. This allows adequate time for your officiant to get to know you and prepare a ceremony that is meaningful and personal.

Make It Legal

Remember to pick up and apply for your marriage license one-to-two months prior to your wedding. These are available in-person at most independent insurance outlets and at London Drugs’ insurance counters for $100. Bring it to your ceremony rehearsal for your officiant to complete.

Aisle Style

Ideally, the same decor should run through your ceremony and reception. Confirm what time you can begin decorating the ceremony venue and make sure your decorating team has enough time to get the job done. To reduce costs, ask your decorator if you can move and reuse elements from the ceremony for the reception.

Big, Shiny Tunes

Music plays a prominent role in the feel of your day. Live music runs the gamut from string ensembles to Jamaican steel drum bands to DJ/Musician collaborations. Book your musicians as early as possible as you will need time for consultations. Ask your venue about its sound system. Whether live or recorded music, you may need amplification and you, your officiant, and those doing readings may need microphones. If these are not available through your venue, you can rent them from an audio/video supply company like ProVision Rentals in Vancouver.

Chance of Rain

If you’re getting married outdoors, have a Plan B in case of inclement weather. Some venues have options ready while at other locations—such as public parks—it’s up to you to have a contingency plan.

The Reception

Throwing the biggest party of your lives takes a lot of work and even more decision-making. Make your reception venue the first thing you book— ideally eight-to-10 months in advance. And nail down your guest count. This helps direct your venue choices and informs your catering and beverage options and costs.

Eat, Drink, Be Merry

In former times, your guests’ RSVP cards would ask “chicken, beef or fish” but now, diets such as vegan and gluten-free are prevalent. Be sure to communicate your guests’ dietary restrictions to the venue and/or caterer so they can be accommodated in the meal. Buffet and plated service are the most common, although food stations and family-style meals are emerging trends. Late-night snacks and dessert buffets are added treats. Whichever you choose, a balance of quality and quantity make for a successful dining experience.

Libations can flow quite freely at receptions but a never-ending stream of liquid-let-loose can end up costing more than you bargained for, both in dollars and memories. Make sure to discuss the details with your venue’s representative and clearly outline your expectations. Decide if you want a modest consumption of wine pairings or a celebration that turns into an all-out party.

Décor Do’s

Enchanted forest or Parisienne chic? No matter the style, your reception décor takes organization. If you desire something lavish, opt for a decorator whose creativity, experience and industry discounts are well worth the hours and stress you would otherwise experience if you were doing it yourself. Book your decorator after establishing your venue and guest count.

Hey Mr DJ

Cover bands, musicians or a DJ are your professional options, while creating your own digital playlist is a budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind that if you want to encourage guests to dance the night away, you’ll need a dynamic flow of music, a diverse range of genres, and songs that are familiar with the majority of guests.

That’s Entertainment

The ubiquitous photo booth is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reception fun. Michael Buble’s Vancouver reception featured mobile dessert tables complete with roving hosts from Paintertainment. Musical impersonators like Nearly Neil and ABBA Again inspire sing-alongs. Cost-friendly outdoor entertainment could include games like croquet and bocce. Seem daunting? Take it one step at a time and then remember, after all the to-do lists, the countless decisions and the meetings will come the reward—a beautiful and perfect celebration of your nuptials. Happy planning!

Hire for the right reasons. Wondering what the ‘right’ reasons are? Ask yourself if you’re looking for expert advice, direction and assistance in cultivating a memorable and efficient wedding experience. “Hire a planner you trust so that you can hand over details like vendor research and behind the scenes work and allow yourself to enjoy the more fun aspects of planning the wedding,” she says.

Do your homework before you hire. The longer someone has been in the industry, the more experience they will have in being able to maximize your wedding vision, style, and budget. Obtain references from past brides and at least one reputable vendor and make sure, when comparing planners’ fees, that you’re comparing apples to apples.

Trust Your Planner. “A planner’s power in the industry comes from their relationships and connections,” McNally says. “This means that when working with a planner’s preferred vendor you can expect to receive an above-and beyond level of service, as these vendors want to maintain a positive relationship with the planner and do so by taking extra special care of their clients.”

Don’t Micromanage. Make your vision known to your planner through discussion and a sharing of ideas, and be honest with the planner about what you like and what you don’t. “Wedding planners are not mind readers,” McNally cautions. “The time to ‘get it right’ is in the present, not after the fact when it’s too late.”

DreamGroup Productions is an independent and well respected planning company that strives to maintain their goal of bringing stylish, well executed weddings to the Vancouver scene. DreamGroup planned Erin & Burke‘s soiree at The Terminal City Club.

Of all the things to worry about in the days leading up to your wedding, the weather shouldn’t be one of them. And, despite what Alanis Morissette has to say on the matter, the good news is that rain on your wedding day is traditionally considered a good omen, and can actually be great for your wedding photos.

Imagine walking through the street surrounded by a light drizzle. Your groom has you snuggled tight under the protection of an umbrella. You share a laugh and a kiss and then you realize this is one of the most wonderful moments of your lives. This scene is the foundation for incredibly romantic imagery. As a professional photographer, I love rainy day weddings. Sunbeams breaking through the clouds, asphalt that turns into paths of silver and misty air hanging in the distance. These make for incredible backdrops, scenery you can’t get with a clear blue sky. Some of the most beautiful images of my career have been created on wet, cloudy days. There can be challenges when dealing with precipitation, but with some simple preparations, a bit of rain won’t dampen your big day. Here’s what you need to know to embrace the drizzle and love your rainy day wedding.

Outdoor Ceremony
Unless the weather report is calling for a torrential downpour, a bit of rain doesn’t have to chase you inside. Let your guests know about your rain-orshine plans well in advance and ask them to come prepared for the elements. A ceremony in the rain with your guests under umbrellas can be incredibly beautiful and it’s something that people will talk about for years.

Photo Locations
There are many covered outdoor locations that will keep you dry while allowing you to get thoseoutdoor backgrounds that you want for your photographs. Covered porches, courtyards and gazebos may work well, depending on the number of people in your pictures. Talk to your photographer about locations near your ceremony and reception that you can use for the family, wedding party and couple formals.

Towels
Have a selection of towels handy for your groomsmen towipe down chairs for guests before the ceremony or foryour wedding party to sit on during photos.

Shower Curtain
A clear shower curtain makes for a perfect ground cover for photos during or after rainfall. You can let your dress down over the top of it and not have to worry about it getting dirty. Just remember to give your shoes a wipe before you step onto it. Look for clear shower curtains at a Dollar store.

Rubber Boots
Wet feet and heels are a bad combination. Since you rarely see your shoes in photos during the formals, come prepared with a pair of rubber boots that will allow you to move easily from location to location without getting your feet wet. Remind your photographer to get a few shoe shots if they’re important to you and remember, cute rubber boots also make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Umbrellas
Look for a classic style umbrella with a U handle, as these look best in photos. Black umbrellas work well for landscape images because they don’t draw attention away from your dress. White umbrellas are great for the close-ups, because they diffuse the light instead of casting shadows on you and your groom. Pick up a few of each, enough for you and your wedding party. Or, ask your photographer if they have umbrellas you can borrow.

Melissa Welsh has been photographing weddings, families & outdoor pursuits for 16 years. Her work can be found in private collections around the world as well as in regional, national & international publications. She has a National Accreditation in Couples Portraiture from the Professional Photographers of Canada.  www.amethystweddings.ca

As couples become more conscious than ever about food quality, supporting local producers and eating sustainably, they are looking for wedding options that reflect their values. The Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is happy to launch their new wedding menus, featuring dishes that would be right at home at the hotel’s Diva at the Met restaurant.

“If a couple usually cares about food, they’re not going to want to compromise the quality and creativity of the dishes served on the most important day of their life,” said Chef Romeo Bartyuk, who is responsible for banqueting events at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver. “Our new wedding menus carry the same food philosophy as Diva at the Met: we use the best seasonal ingredients sustainably sourced through our relationships with local farmers, fishers and artisan producers to create contemporary cuisine with a real sense of place.”

Dishes on the new menus include rare-seared albacore tuna with pea shoots, shiitake mushrooms, sweet onion and soy dressing; milk poached smoked black cod with charred lemon pomme puree and celery nage; and overnight braised beef shortribs with creamy spaetzle and sage brown butter. The new wedding menus include coordinated options for a high tea, brunch and a rehearsal reception, as well as plated and buffet-style wedding reception choices. To see the new menus, please click here.

The Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is a favourite with those couples looking for a boutique-style space for intimate gatherings of up to 110 people. “Typically, when we have a wedding in-house, they’re the only wedding in the hotel,” says Winnie Chan, Catering Sales manager for the hotel. “Brides have the luxury of knowing that they’re not going to run into another bridal party right around the corner. It’s special, it’s exclusive and it’s all about the happy couple.”

Unique event spaces within the hotel include the 1,900 sq.ft. Cristal Ballroom on the lower lobby level with its warm wood and silk paneling, offering a private entrance off the street and direct elevator access from the hotel. The Vancouver Room on the second floor opens with an elegant marble foyer area, while behind the glass doors lies a romantic room rich with mahogany wood and an old world feeling. The neighbouring Connaught Room is perfect for a pre-reception, giving guests the freedom to move between two rooms as they dance the night away. To see floor plans of function space, please click here.

For weddings of 75 guests or more, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver offers a complimentary tasting panel for up to four people, as well as complimentary suite accommodation for the bride and groom for the evening of their wedding including turndown service, sparkle cookies and sparkling wine in the suite, continental breakfast in bed, late check-out and valet parking. For more information on planning a wedding at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, please click here, or call 604-602-7760.

About Metropolitan Hotels

Metropolitan Hotels operates three luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 750 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan Hotels strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

For the Processional and Registry Signing:

Canon in D
Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)
Air on a G String
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Ave Maria
Gabriel’s Oboe
Flower Song
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
What a Wonderful World
The Prayer and Con Te Partiro

For the Recessional:

The Wedding March
Trumpet Voluntary
La Rejouissance
Spring from the Four Seasons
Ode To Joy
“When I’m 64″ by the Beatles

The resonant strains of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” accompany you down the aisle towards your beloved. Miles Davis’ “Milestones” puts guests in a relaxed party mood as they sip cocktails and nibble canapes in the warm afternoon sunshine. And at the reception, guests shimmy to Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold” as confetti-like flecks of light bedazzle and entrance on the dance floor. The flower girl is spinning in circles. Great-Aunt Lydia’s showing off moves you never thought possible of an 82-year-old. Your wedding day soundtrack plays a key role in setting the mood for every part of your wedding day.

Press Play: Ceremony Music

Your ceremony is the first event on the wedding day where music plays a prominent role. Popular choices for ceremony music include string ensembles, jazz combos, pianists and harpists. The ceremony is the most solemn part of the day so create a formal mood with live musicians playing classical pieces. Vancouver’s Musical Occasions has provided musical services for thousands of wedding in their 20 years. “In all that time, the string trio or quartet have remained the most popular choice for weddings . . . . pedal harp with violin and/or cello has also become popular in recent years,” says the company’s owner Jan Trerise.

If classical music isn’t your forte, your musicians can suggest songs that suit your wedding ambience. According to Trerise, most couples opt for either classical only or a mix of classical and popular music—the latter works well for outdoor celebrations.

For a twist, many live musicians offer contemporary pieces in addition to traditional ones. The string ensembles from Musical Occasions for example, are known for their arrangements of songs by Coldplay, The Beatles, Adele, and Guns N Roses to name a few. There are also steel drum and mariachi bands for hire if you’re looking for an exotic flair.

Swing Into Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour is a time of transition between gravitas and celeberation;  a jazz combo provides is an easygoing, elegant soundscape. Leanne Bitner, aka DJ Leanne of IDoLuv Weddings DJs & Videography, offers a fusion of live and DJ’ed music, “For cocktail hour, we’ll have a DJ playing jazz, electroswing (remixes of old standards) and have a sax player and purccussionist play along.” Another popular choice is hiring duos or trio of vocalists and instrumentalists to perform during and after the ceremony for a seamless progression into the reception.

Hit the Dance Floor: Reception Music

Afternoon gives way to evening and with that comes the revelry of your wedding reception. If you opt for a DJ take into account that your guests come from diverse ages and backgrounds so it’s important to play songs from a variety of genres, then everyone has a chance to have fun. “The number one trend for dancing is remixes,” shares Bitner. Remixes create a smooth transition between songs of differing genres.“Then you can go from ACDC to Katy Perry!”

A live band is a great choice if you prefer a specific musical genre to encompass the entire evening. Don’t worry, the cover bands of today are nothing like those in “The Wedding Singer.” Musical Occasions has a wide range of options— bands that cover the hits from the past six decades, to cover bands that play the latest pop music. There are swing era bands, classic rock bands, R&B/Funk bands—a band for every taste. A good band will interact with guests and keep the energy up at the right times. SideOne Players and Famous Players Band are two more live bands in Vancouver.

You Are the DJ

Many couples opt to create their own playlist to play over their venue’s sound system. Bitner advises those going this route to consider their guests’ experience as well as their own, “When it comes to dancing, you have to get people going. You have to have a good kick off song and think about what would make people dance . . .  playing all your favourite songs won’t necessarily be the best for the dance floor.”

Bitner and her DJs keep grooving with consecutive three-song medleys. They’ll play a motown medley of  Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” into Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” into Aretha Franklin’s “RESPECT” then switch to a classic rock medley with ACDC, Journey and Bon Jovi. That grouping is then followed by a Top 40 medley of artists.

Break It Down

Here are some tips on wedding music selection for the ceremony and reception:

Ceremony
Processional: Usually a classical instrumental. ““Pachelbel’s Canon in D” still remains the most popular selection for the bride’s processional,” observes Trerise.

Registry Signing: Also often accompanied by a classical piece as it is easy to fade out or conclude at the end of the signing.

Recessional: A more jubilant sounding classical piece is often used to play the newlyweds and their wedding party up the aisle although you can break from tradition and use any upbeat song you like. “The Wedding March” is a traditional favourite whereas a pop song like the Beatles’ “When I’m 64” is a more contemporary, cheeky alternative.

Cocktail: Think “transition” Timeless jazzy music that’s uptempo — Miles Davis or John Coltrane works. For standards, think Frank Sinatra, Billie Holliday or contemporaries like Norah Jones, Micheal Buble or Harry Connick Jr.

Reception

Entrance of the Newlyweds: An energetic song sets a party mood, though it really is up to you. Bitner has had requests for “Welcome to the Jungle,” “All You Need is Love,” and for more conservative folk, “The Wedding March.”

Entrance of the Wedding Party: The wedding party could either walk in on the latter half of the newlyweds’ song or have their own song.

Dinner: Food service usually takes about three hours. Keep the music unobtrusive—the focus is socializing and, of course, eating. Instrumental music is a safe bet, think elevator but with more, um, class.

Wedding Dances
First Dance: Your first dance as husband and wife is a tradition you can infuse with deep personal meaning. If you have ‘a song’ use that one. If not, consider romantic, mid-tempo contemporary ballads or standards with lyrics that resonate with your relationship. You could also break with tradition and do a 1st dance with some edge. Choreographers Amy Alto and Moe Brody of Clear the Floor work with couples (and their wedding parties) to create 1st dances with a hip hop edge.

Second Dance: The 2nd dance is usually the father-daughter dance. Some dads may feel uncomfortable with the attention so if this is the case, approach this with his comfort in mind. Perhaps allow him to select a song he likes and remember to practice before the big day. Alternately, you can dance for only part of the song for a short dance and ask the DJ to fade out the music at a certain point.

Your wedding day soundtrack helps create an unforgettable nuptial celebration. Whether your hire professionals or select the songs yourselves, your music will forever be a part of your wedding day memories.

With Father’s Day a few days away, we’ve got “dad” on the brain. Traditionally, the father-of-the-bride plays a prominent role in his daughter’s wedding. It is on his arm that the bride makes her grand entrance; he is the one that escorts her down the aisle in all her bridal radiance. It is he who makes a touching speech and toast to the newlyweds at the reception. And perhaps he is also the one who has paid for the wedding and in doing so, is considered host of the nuptial celebrations. Consider these wedding tips for dad (or the equivalent father figure) to honour his place on your big day.

His Look
Dads should look distinct from the groom and the groomsmen. He could wear a different suit than the grooms/groomsmen and a coordinating but different boutonniere. Consider also gifting the father-of-the bride with classic cufflinks as a memento of his daughter’s big day. Don’t forget to sneak in a hanky or some tissue into his jacket pocket if he’s a big softie. It’s an emotional day!

Aisle Walk
The father-of-the bride usually walks on the bride’s right side down the aisle. When they reach the alter, he can disengage his daughter’s arm and formally convey his daughter to his son-in-law-to-be with a firm handshake or a hug.

Speech & Toast
It’s tradition that the bride’s father (and mother) give a speech and toast during the reception. Anecdotes from his daughter’s childhood, teen years, college years and his impressions on meeting his daughter’s beloved are a few standard topics. It’s often courteous to thank all the guests for attending as well. The toast could include a formal welcome of the groom into the family and an eloquent blessing to the newlyweds’ happiness. Some dads are funny, some are not, so allow the father-of-the bride to speak from his heart and personality. That is, unless he’s planning on sharing that story about when you laughed so hard that you peed your pants… in college.

Father-Daughter First Dance
Another wedding tradition is the father-daughter dance after the newlyweds’ first dance. Choose a standard or classic song to accompany or a song that holds personal meaning in your relationship if applicable. Do a practice run before the wedding day so you both feel comfortable dancing together to the song you’ve chosen.

Money Bags
Though many couples now opt to pay for their own wedding or split the bill amongst parents and themselves, it is tradition for the bride’s family to foot the bill for the occasion. If this is the case for you, respect and honour their lavish gift by refraining from going over budget or possibly worse, turning into a bridezilla. Just sayin’.

Happy Father’s Day to all our father-of-the-brides!

With a ring on your finger, a giddy smile on your face and a well-researched budget in hand, it’s time to book your wedding reception venue. You might want to run to the bridal boutique right away to find your dream wedding dress but it’s essential to look into your reception venue first—venue logistics can be complex and will take the greatest portion of your budget, from 40%-60% and up. In addition, the other decisions you will make in regards to catering, decor, and entertainment rely on what is viable at your reception venue. Do not leave this for the last minute!

The Wedding Date

If you have a specific date and time in mind, it’s imperative that you book your reception venue at the beginning of your planning. One year to eight months in advance should be ample time to secure a summer wedding date. If you are flexible with dates and times, you may not need to book so much in advance. Alternately, the spring and early fall months are becoming popular of late as well as non-traditional luncheons, Sundays, and weekday evenings.

The Style of Venue

Hotels, banquet halls, golf & country clubs and community/cultural centres are the more traditional and popular wedding reception choices and can accommodate medium to large parties (100 – 300+ people). Venues such as private clubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants and outdoor locales are options for smaller weddings. Whether large or small, think about the ambience you want for your wedding; do you envision formal or casual, traditional or unconventional, opulent or rustic. If you want the ceremony and reception at the same location, ask the venues if this is possible. Some locations can provide separate areas or rooms for these two purposes.

Guest Count

When approaching reception venues for that first point of contact, make sure you have a few key pieces of information decided upon. “Knowing your numbers is one of the key things to come to your venue with when making your first inquiries,” advises Jennifer Jones, Wedding, Proposal and Special Event Manager for the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Downtown Vancouver. “You may fall in love with a venue that can’t accommodate your guests and then have to cut back guests or look at another venue.”

Know Your Catering Needs

You will need to inform your venue about the type of food and beverage service you anticipate. Do you want a cocktail hour with canapes and signature drinks? Plated service, a buffet, or food stations for the main meal? A dessert table or late night snacks? And how about a hosted open bar? You should also know if you need special dietary options; the Fairmont Hotel group, for example, has a new program called Lifestyle Cuisine Plus that offers special menus for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and diabetic concerns.

Beverage Service

You may have heard horror stories of a newlywed couple receiving an unexpectedly gigantic bar tab at the end of the night, the consequence of fun-loving guests and an open bar. If you understand the cost calculations involved in bar services, you can better decide your options. Hopefully, your honeymoon budget doesn’t end up going to the bar tab.

“Usually we budget about three drinks per person plus wine with dinner. Depending on your group, you may get a credit at the end or a bit of an amount owing because your group drank a little more than expected,” explains Jones. “We also try to get a feel from the couple [at the beginning] because they know their guests but you want to add a little over that, just so there’s no surprises.”

Venues Without In-House Food & Beverage
Venues such as museums and art galleries, community and cultural centres, outdoor facilities, and smaller vineyards may not offer catering so you will have to book a caterer separately. Oftentimes, venues have preferred caterers they can suggest to you if you don’t already have one in mind.

Reception Entertainment

As wedding reception entertainment is becoming increasingly popular, special technical or spatial considerations may need addressing. Think about what kind of reception entertainment you want to incorporate into the reception. Inform your venues of these ideas (such as multimedia presentations, performers, kid-friendly activity areas) to make sure the venue is able to facilitate these.

Venue Wedding Packages and Customization

Most venues offer set packages with different price points. If a venue’s set packages don’t contain exactly what you want, most gladly customize their offerings to suit your vision, with price adjusted accordingly. Many also have a list of preferred vendors that they often work with and you may be able to save money on decor rentals or food and beverage by enlisting those vendors. Venues also may have linens or furniture as value-adds or for a discounted rental fee. “Check with your venue to see what things you can use without charge. Check the value-adds. If you are using their tableware and cutlery, maybe they’ll throw in chargers,” advises David Yanchuk, principal decorator with PartyArt Decor & Design. “It never hurts to ask.”

Go Forth and Conquer

Once you you are ready with information regarding your preferred wedding date, ambience, guest count, catering and beverage and entertainment, you’re ready to approach your prospective venues. If have concrete information for them at the outset, they are better equipped to provide a more accurate estimate of their services and costs. Just like establishing your wedding budget, the more decisions, thought and research you have done, the more realistic (and hopefully more smooth) your experience will be when looking for your perfect wedding reception venue.

Recap: Wedding Venue Do’s and Don’t's

Do

• Establish your guest list numbers first. There is a significant difference between 50 and 75 guests for a wedding reception.
• Budget 20% extra in case of emergencies
• Ask about value-adds and their preferred vendors
• Ask about catering and beverage options
• Ask about reduced room rates for you and your guests if you’re considering a hotel venue or reduced rates at nearby partnering hotels.

Do Not

• Book your venue at the last minute
• Book your venue too early (You never know, you may change your mind about decor and numbers if you book more than a year in advance.)
• Make your initial enquiries to venues without a budget

Elsa Corsi

Elsa Corsi Jewellery
Established: 2007

……………………………………………………………….Photographed by: Alastair Bird

Celebrating 10 years in jewellery design and boasting that her first clients were Tori Spelling and Fred Segal, Elsa Corsi can still be found creating high impact rhinestone jewellery and custom pieces at Jeweliette Jewellery and several select stores.

Inspired By: The brilliant sparkle and timeless appeal of vintage jewellery is infused into each new design. It’s not unusual for passersby to fondly recall that their grandmother had similar jewellery. They may add a piece crafted by Corsi to their family jewel box and this new ornament soon becomes part of the family legacy.

Highlights: A Red Carpet regular, Elsa Corsi jewellery has been spotted at the Oscars, on both big and small screens and in a multitude of fashion magazines.

604 687-5577
692 Seymour St., Vancouver
elsa@elsacorsi.com
www.elsacorsi.com

Find out more about Elsa Corsi

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