Wedding Professionals

Real Weddings is happy to introduce our first Industry Contributor to our blog, DreamGroup Productions, Wedding and Event Planners. We recently asked principal planners Geneve McNally and Sarah Shore to share their expert insight on planning a wedding. Check back often for more tips from this dynamic duo!

RW: What is the first thing a couple should think about and establish when planning their wedding?
DG: The best way to begin is to think about your guest list.  From there, you can then short-list an appropriate sized wedding venue and come up with a realistic wedding budget. To estimate an average urban Vancouver budget, take your expected number of guests and multiply by $140.00 to cover all food and beverage related costs then multiply by two to get your total amount. Of course, this final total will vary depending on calibre expectations and products and services desired. Once you have the date, the venue, and a budget from which to work you are ready to acquire your Vendor Team, your photographer, florist, caterer, stationer.

RW: Any tools or references that a bride shouldn’t be without?
DG: Organization is key to staying on top of any planning process and maintaining a sense of control, especially in the months nearer to the wedding date. Whether you are a DIY bride or have accepted a little help from a reputable local planner, find yourself a 1-2″ binder and fill with some clear sheet protectors to hold contracts and other documents, a clear plastic 3-ring envelope to hold receipts, and some 3-ring business card holder pages.  Anytime you see something you like in a magazine, tear out the page and keep it in the binder. Also, it’s always a good idea to ask for fabric samples and invitation paper samples to keep in your binder for quick reference.  You might just be wandering by a store window and see a pair of shoes that would be perfect for your bridesmaids, but may wonder if it’s the right shade of purple. If you have the fabric sample with you, no need to guess!

RW: And how about online planning resources?
There are many great wedding planning resources out there on the internet, but some of our faves include www.theknot.com and www.brides.com for inspiration and helpful interactive planning tools.

RW: Once a budget is established, the visual planning can begin! How would you advise a couple as they start envisioning their design and decor?
DG: Trends are always changing and reinventing themselves but at the same time, we encourage our clients to stay true to themselves and maintain a classic edge, perhaps incorporating a few personal touches rather than creating a complete trend-saturated affair that they may later regret!  We have found that by keeping the fundamentals of any wedding thoughtful and unassuming, clients receiving a better return on investment, especially in the years to come.

RW: What are some colour and theme trends that have emerged over this past year?
We have seen an enhanced interest in incorporating bold, sexy colours such as eggplant purple, black, pewter, as well as vintage elements.

RW: And how about new trends in reception entertainment?
Probably the most popular trend noticed this past year, and continuing in popularity, has been the use of photobooths at receptions; they are a fun and interactive form of entertainment as well as a terrific guest book concept for both the couple and their guests. [Ed.note: check out PhotoBooth Vancouver!]

RW: Looking into 2010, do you see these trends continuing and/or new ones emerging?
If the desire to host a “fun and personalized” wedding event can be called a trend, than this is without exception, one of the most popular requests we are receiving these days.  More and more couples are asking us to help them host an event that leaves both guests, family and the couple with a feeling of care and purpose. Such things as light-hearted or thematic invitations, for example, Show Ticket, Save-the-Date, or a Playbill type WedBill invitations are popular as well as incorporating unique forms of entertainment and thoughtfully chosen menus and wine pairings.

RW: And colour palettes?
DG: Colour trends seen across the internet, magazines, and runways inspiring 2010 wedding style continue to incorporate the bold, rich colours of 2009, but now with an emphasis on jewel tones. Deep amethyst purples, emerald greens, and sapphire blues are being seen in everything from bridal shoes to wedding gown sashes to invitation papers, to jewel encrusted floral arrangements. Overall, we see people really coming out of their shells and having fun with what they love and truly allowing their wedding to be a reflection of themselves.

About DreamGroup Vancouver’s DreamGroup Productions was first conceptualized in the summer of 2004. The company’s two principal planners combine their years of hospitality experience to create a truly unique offering in wedding planning services. Their reputation, style, industry expertise and proven planning methods make them a leading planning company in Vancouver. Visit them online for more information.