5 Modern Wedding Favours

Photo by Menezes Captures Photography

Guest wedding favours have really changed since I was a kid. I remember my mom and dad coming home from weddings and bringing back squares of fruitcake with white icing wrapped in plastic. I always thought to myself, "who would actually eat that?" But I suppose back then, that was what you would give your guests as a thank-you for attending. Thankfully alot has changed since then as far as wedding favours are concerned. People are coming up with fantastic ideas for favours that guests actually like. Depending on how much time you have and how much you want to spend I´ve compiled a list that are in my opinion some of the best and most modern guest wedding favours.

Cake Pops - these little guys are very popular and if you have lots of time you can easily make them yourself. You can buy the cake pop machines whip up the batter and dip them in melted chocolate. Have some stickers made up for the clear baggies and then tie with ribbon that matches your wedding colour scheme. Or you an reach out to great companies such as KCNY Treats

Shots or little bottles of booze or champagne are a good idea. I especially like the little tag that´s attached. You can make these tags on your computer yourself and have these favours done very quickly. As long as you don´t indulge while you´re putting them together.

I absolutely love this idea. Give your guests seed packets so they can grow their own flowers. Everytime they look at them they´ll think of you with fond memories of your awesome wedding. What´s also great about this is that there is virtually no work involved. Get yourself a wheelbarrow or something similar buy the seed packets and place them in with a nice little sign. Finished.

Who doesn´t like sweet honey? I especially like the burlap cover on the tiny bottles and matching honey stick. The accompanying tag is simple and clever. These really suit a rustic wedding. And if you happen to be a bee keeper, even better. Or speak to The Honey Bee Store

Many fall weddings are loving candy apples and who doesn’t love that! It gives the feeling of fall and Halloween. There are some great companies out there such as The Golden Apple Confectionary Inc. or if you’re feeling brave, you could make them yourselves!

Photo by F29 Studio

Happy Planning!

For help with planning checkout the WeddingWire planner or checkout our services. Perfect Planners is a full service planning company located in Oakville, Ontario. Our mission is to ensure that every wedding is exactly how the couple envisioned their special day to be. We are focused on giving couples an unforgettable and stress-free experience in planning and on their wedding day by creating new and lasting memories.

For any assistance with your wedding please click here to contact us

Why hiring a wedding planner could save you money

In the 7 years of being a wedding planner (and over 20 in the industry), I have learnt so much. The comments I get when I tell people that I am a wedding planner are, “oooo I’d love that job”, followed by “do you get a lot of bridezillas?” and “what do you do exactly?”

People think that being a wedding planner is very glamourous! The reality is that it is a great job, but long hours and you are on your feet for the whole time. Is it fun? Absolutely! I love my job. Is it a bit like JLo in The Wedding Planner? In some ways yes. I have to have the answers to every challenge on a wedding day. Wedding planners are conductors of the wedding day. 

Photo by Avenue Photography

There are definitely misconceptions about our work and what it entails. As planners, we plan to execute the wedding as smoothly as possible. There are no second chances with a wedding, so we have to get it right first time!

If you are a current bride thank you for trusting us with your wedding day. If you are not, but are considering hiring a planner please continue reading as I share my most frequently asked questions from couples. 

Professional vs. Hobby?

Why do I need a professional wedding planner? First off, wedding planning is a full time job, if it wasn't all us planners would be out of work. It is common for bride-to-be’s to assign tasks to their bridal party or family members but there are many reasons why this is not a good idea.

• keep in mind they probably want to enjoy the wedding rather than be working it.

• they have a few too many drinks and get distracted (the most common).

• They are not insured - This is a major one! 100% of the time those assigned to help are doing it for free which means they don't owe you anything. Because of this they are most likely not insured so if an accident happens they aren't liable, not to mention how awkward it would be for you to blame them.

• They don't know industry standards and laws - There are certain laws and permits required if you want to host a wedding in the GTA. Because we do this on a daily basis you are rest assured that we are kept up to date with the ever changing rules.

• They don’t have the insider knowledge - What makes professional planners creditable is that we’ve worked with vendors in the industry and know the good vs. the bad. We build quality relationships with reliable vendors.

Wedding planners are not a luxury service for the rich and famous. In fact we are accessible, affordable and probably the most valuable investment you’ll make for your wedding day.

The venue provides a wedding coordinator, why do I need a wedding planner?

Photo by Redwood Studio

A lot of the times couples tell me that their venue package includes a venue coordinator and that they don't need a planner. The venue coordinator does exactly what their title states - coordinate the events at the venue. Their main focus is that dinner is served and the wedding happening at the venue runs smoothly. They will answer your questions about the venue and assist with any tasks related to the venue but not the other items related to planning the wedding. What happens if your cake doesn't show up? Who will set up the receiving table exactly the way your pictured it? These are tasks that are not the responsibility of a venue coordinator. 

How will a wedding planner benefit me?

Speaking specifically about the day of coordination, wouldn’t it be great to know that there is someone overseeing all the logistics. We coordinate with all your vendors, making sure items are set up as planned, place cards are at each correct seat, cake knife and server at the cake table, your dress splits and we sew it up with our on site emergency kit etc. You’ve put so much time, effort and not to mention money into planning your perfect day so why jeopardize it.

Happy planning!

Perfect Planners is an award winning Wedding Planning company.

"Our passion is to ensure that every wedding is exactly how the couple envisioned their special day to be. We are focused on giving couples an unforgettable and stress-free experience in planning and on their wedding day by creating new and lasting memories."

Contact Us

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

5 Reasons to hire a wedding planner

1 in 5 couples are hiring a wedding planner as more couples realize the benefits we offer (Weddingbells 2011).  Wedding Planners can do as much or as little as you wish. Some couples plan their own weddings and just hire a planner to coordinate their special day. Couples spend months or longer planning their day, but they want someone oversee all their details whilst they and their family and friends enjoy their day. Here are 5 good reasons to hire a planner :-

1) Off loading the stress of the wedding day onto a professional planner means you are free to enjoy your day.

2) The knowledge and expertise of a wedding planner can often save you valuable time.

3) Wedding planners often have preferred rates with other wedding vendors.

4) Wedding planners often think of things you may have forgotten.

5)  Your family/friends are able to enjoy the single most important day in your life.

If you need any assistance www.perfectplanners.ca