Weddings on Lake Ontario

Photo credit : Avenue Photography

If you are on a limited budget, but are still wanting a 'wow' factor for your wedding, then why not consider having your ceremony and reception on a boat! I have been lucky enough to plan a couple of boat weddings on the Mariposa cruises and a fashion party on the Yankee Lady in the last couple of years. The amazing Toronto skyline certainly gives your photo's the 'wow' factor. 

The ceremony and reception take place on the boat so everything is there. If you decide to have a lunchtime wedding the boats board at 11.30am and sail at 12pm. They get back to the dock at 4pm. This gives 4 hours for everything to happen, so you can imagine it is like a well oiled machine. However I would recommend a great wedding décor company who are experienced at boat weddings and a wedding coordinator if you want decor as it is such a small amount of time.

The advantage of having a lunch time wedding, you can do your photo's after the boat trip. The Toronto Music Gardens are a beautiful setting.

Photo Credit : Avenue Photography

Photo Credit : Avenue Photography

Cruising is not for everyone. If you have guests who are elderly or disabled, it is very challenging for them. But it is a very unique experience and one of my favourites.

Wedding Coordinator versus Venue Coordinator

When I chat to brides about their wedding and I ask if they are looking for a wedding coordinator  and I sometimes get the reply "no my venue has a coordinator." At this point I cringe internally.

Photo by Phat Dog Visuals Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing venue coordinators out there, but that is not the norm. Venue coordinators look at everything from the venues point of view. They will not be chasing if the cake does not show up, they will not be sewing the grooms button on because it fell off before the ceremony. They will not be checking that the dress/hair/makeup looks ok whilst you're having your photo's taken. 

Wedding coordinators are independent from everyone and are solely working for YOU and in YOUR best interests. They will create a timeline of events for your day and communicate it to all of your vendors, they will cue music, speeches, first dance etc. When something doesn't go to plan which happens at most weddings, wedding coordinators are skilled to find solutions or work around the issue to ensure that the day is kept on time. The couple often has no idea until after the day that anything has happened. And that is the job of the wedding coordinator, to ensure this day runs smoothly and you get to enjoy a stress free day! 

Photo by Sawyer Photography If you are starting to plan your wedding, do not assume that every service that your venue suggests is the best thing for you. Just because they are on the venues preferred vendor list, does not mean that they are the right fit for you. Ask questions to your venue coordinator regarding the timeline, cueing music, working with other vendors, managing the vendors, how often can you contact them, will they attend/supervise the rehearsal? All these things are included in a wedding coordinator's package. So do your research and ask the questions.

You are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on your special day, therefore it is so important to find vendors who you are comfortable with and who you feel you can trust to do a great job and take the stress away. 

This is what is included in our standard wedding day coordination package:

• One Wedding Planners certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada

• At least one assistant coordinator

• An initial meeting at no cost to you, at a mutually convenient location

• One planning meeting prior to the rehearsal, normally at the venue of the reception 4 weeks before the wedding (usually 2 hrs duration)

• Design an itinerary which once the couple has signed off it is distributed to all vendors involved in the day

• Reviewing all vendor contracts

• Unlimited communication from when you contract our services until your wedding day

• Contacting all vendors to co-ordinate arrivals/set up/take down etc

• Supervision and Direction of Wedding Rehearsal

• Supervision and Execution of Ceremony and reception set up

• On site direction of the Wedding Ceremony and Reception

• Supervision of Photo session

• We will arrive when needed and leave after the last major event (usually after the night table has been laid out)

• Access for you and your guests to our emergency bag, because we are prepared for most situations

DIY Rustic Wedding Signs

DIY sign 1

Rustic signs at weddings are very trendy right now and they don't look like they are going anywhere. Made out of barn board, stenciling and white paint not only do they add a romantic touch to weddings but they are also simple, quick and inexpensive to make. These quirky signs suit easy going outdoor weddings but can also look quite elegant placed inside with just the right cursive.

DIY 2

Photo credit Caroline Frost

These signs can be placed to welcome your guests and also to direct your guests where they need to be in an organized fashion. For example use them to direct guests where the ceremony and reception will be taking place, where the bar is or where the washrooms are. They can also be used to state the menu at the buffet table. Not only are these signs functional but they may also be used as decor displaying your favourite beautiful quote.

Wedding-in-the-woods-17

Photo Credit : Paige Jones

 Or to catch the cute moments!

The materials needed to make these signs are barn board, stenciling and white paint. You can find barn board at most DIY stores but also check out any antique shops where you may find something interesting made of barn wood that can be recycled. Or if you´re lucky you may be able to score some wood from someone´s old barn - make sure you ask permission first of course. And unless you are very talented and can write or print beautifully freehand then I suggest you use stenciling. White paint shows up the best on the dark wood. If you´re really crafty jazz up your signs with flowers.

 Unknown Photographer

If you´re placing your signs outside you´ll need to attach them to pickets so that they can be hammered into the ground. If you´re displaying them inside, setting them on easels is a good idea. You can find ideas and tutorials on how to make them on internet sites such as Pinterest.

The best part about these signs is getting together with your girlfriends, getting a bottle of wine and creating them together. Not only will they look amazing at your wedding but after your wedding is over and beautiful memories have been made, you can take them home and hang them on your walls as a reminder of the best day of your life.

For all your wedding planning needs contact Perfect Planners - Your Wedding Specialist