Rebecca and Philip’s wedding

Rebecca and Philip, truly one of the sweetest couples we have had the pleasure of working with. They got married on July 20th 2019, one of the nicest days of the summer.

We want to start at the very beginning with this one because at the meeting 10 weeks out from the wedding we got the sweetest news. Rebecca and Philip told us that they were expecting! Fast forward to the wedding day, we made sure we were stocked up with water to keep Rebecca hydrated and had her taking breaks from the summer heat.

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Rebecca and the girls had an early start to the day, getting their hair and makeup done and we can’t forget some time for those stunning robe shots. Of course the men also had to get ready, however their day didn’t have to start as early.

At noon, one of our favourite things to witness, the first look. We absolutely love being apart of these, and getting a chance to see the look on their faces as they see each other all done up for their special day. How cute are these photos!?

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After Rebecca and Philip had done the first look, the couple and bridal party headed to Rhododendron Gardens to get their group photos done before the ceremony. Such a good-looking bunch!

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Before they knew it, it was time to load up into the limos and head to the church, it was show time! The ceremony was held at the beautiful St. Mary Star of the Sea. Philip and his groomsmen walked down the aisle together, and the bridesmaids followed one-by-one. Everyone in the church then rose to their feet as Rebecca, with her parents on either side, began the walk down the aisle. The ceremony was full of love and so beautiful.

After the Ceremony had ended, everyone made their way to the final stop, The Arlington Estate, where the rest of the festivities would be held. Rebecca and Philip, upon arriving, went outside to get more photos done with their bridal party and their family. While they were getting their photos taken, we were busy inside placing name cards, table numbers, lighting candles, and all the other stunning little details.

Before cocktail hour began, Rebecca and Philip were able to sneak into the reception area to have a first look. They were amazed at how everything came together and how beautiful everything looked. The colours they chose were simple, elegant and everything was beyond stunning.

Guests arrived at the venue and cocktail hour got started. There was a huge antipasto station set up in the middle of the room, with fresh meat being sliced right on the spot. As pictured here, there was also countless of beautfiul, and tasty, passed Hors d'oeuvres brought around to the guests.

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Once cocktail hour had come to an end, we had all the guests take their seat to get ready for the grand entrances to begin! Starting with the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom, and then followed by the bridesmaids paried up with the groomsmen. Once the DJ had got the room filled with cheering, Rebecca and Philip came into the room to Beyonce’s Crazy In Love! While out in the middle of the dancefloor, the music changed, and they went into their first dance as husband and wife!

The rest of the night consisted of delicious food, heartfelt speeches, parent dances, good music, a beautiful and delicious cake and a great time had by all!

The Vendors

Venue : The Arlington Estate
Florals & Decor : DT Florals and Decor
Photography : Purple Tree Photography
DJ/MC/AV & Lighting : BB Blanc
Transportation : Majestic Limo Services
Hair : Brittany Forgione
Makeup : Shade Makeup Studio - Samantha
Cake : Nadia and Co
Stationary : Stylish Moments
Coordination : Perfect Planners

Beyond Stunning, Arabic Wedding!

Beyond Stunning, Arabic Wedding!

Stephanie and Mike got married with their closest family and friends (400 guests!!!) on a beautiful, sunny day in August 2019 and to say this was one of our favourite weddings we’ve worked on, would be an understatement! It was stunning, perfect and everyone had a blast!

40 items that are in our wedding planner's emergency kit

 
 

A professional wedding planner will have an emergency kit which will help to fix most wedding day emergencies that arise. We use our kit at every single wedding, whether it is sewing a button, a dress, providing tylenol or securing a seating chart with velcro strips. We try to anticipate every situation.

 

Here is what we carry in our kit

A Travel Steamer

Zipties of varying colours and sizes

Fishing wire

Flashlight

Microfibre cleaning cloth

Goo Gone

Food Service Plastic Gloves (powder and latex free)

Cake Cutting set

Envelopes for vendor payments

Fake gold wedding bands

Ceremony Signing Pens (silver & gold)

Fake wedding rings

 

Emergency Floral arrangement kit

Floral Clippers

Sewing kit

Variety of safety pins

Candle lighters (x4)

Scissors (many pairs)

Tape : Duct, painters, double sided, regular scotch tape

Sharpies : Black, gold, silver

Pens : for the guest book

Chalk : White to mask dress mishaps

Medicine : Tylenol, Advil, Tums, Gravol, Immodium.

 

Emergency Stain removers : Tide stick, Shout Wipes

Shoe laces – Black for men’s shoes

Dress socks for men

Small Packs of Kleenex

Tools : Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, staple remover

 

Static Guard

Sunscreen

Fake Rose Petals (for the flower girls)

Bobby Pins

Hairspray

Air freshener

Feminine Hygiene Products

Batteries

LED Candles

Chewing gum/tic tacs

Windex

Paper Towel

Clear Umbrellas

 

We carry many more items than this, but this gives you an idea of how prepared we are. If you are looking for a coordinator, please reach out and tell us a little about your wedding.

Happy Planning

Perfect Planners are a full service wedding and event planning company, located in Oakville, Ontario.

info@perfectplannersweddings.com

5 Tips to Managing Your Wedding During the Coronavirus

Wow this is a crazy time right now!

 
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We have been watching the global impact of the COVID-19 outbreak & rapidly evolving events surrounding the pandemic COVID-19 (also called novel coronavirus) within Ontario. Click here for more information from the Government on COVID-19.

Firstly, don’t panic, we know that this is a challenging time for everyone. Please still try to enjoy the process of planning your wedding, but here are some hints and tips for you to consider for your wedding during this uncertain and ever changing situation.

1. Meetings

  • If you have upcoming meetings with your vendors/potential vendors, ask if you can do them via video link or phone.

  • If face to face, don’t shake hands/hug. Do elbow pumps instead.

2. Venue

  • Contact your venue to see what measures they have in place to protect you and your guests. Hand sanitizer/cleaning of the rooms/foyer etc

  • If you are having a buffet dinner, change it to a plated dinner

  • Use tongs for the antipasto bar/late night station

  • Extra hand sanitizers at all entrances/exits

  • Reach out to the venue to reduce your guest count if necessary

3. Church

  • If you are having a church ceremony and there are multiple ceremonies on your day, how are the pews being cleaned between the ceremonies?

  • Extra hand sanitizers at all entrances/exits

4. Vendors

  • Are you having a photo booth? Ask your vendor how they are cleaning the props in between each photo.

  • Ask your vendors what happens if they get sick

  • What measures do they have in place to keep them and your guests safe?

5. Guests

  • Don’t hug/kiss your guests

  • Consider your guestbook or equivalent, are guests signing using the same pen? You may need to revisit this by purchasing one pen for each guest and they throw it away after use. We know it’s wasteful, but maybe a necessary measure. If not, think of something else. Maybe guests could do a video message instead of a guest book

  • Use disposable tissues if you cry

  • Live stream your wedding for the guests that cannot travel using companies such as Scotia Events

  • Tell your guests that if they are unwell, please stay home

  • Tell your guests who are at risk (older in age, a compromised immune system etc) not to attend.

  • Wash your hands!

 Worst case scenario

Ask your vendors what their postponement policy is and if you were to postpone, what happens if they are not available on your new date.

We wish everyone who has their wedding coming up the best of luck and we hope your day is magical.

Stay safe and healthy!

 

5 Modern Wedding Favours

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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. 

 

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

Weddings on Lake Ontario 

Photo credit : Avenue Photography

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. 

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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

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 Insurance

Fire destroys century-old Saskatoon family homestead used as wedding venue

Fire destroys century-old Saskatoon family homestead used as wedding venue

I know weddings are expensive, but if something disastrous happens, such as the venue burning down 2 weeks before your wedding, wouldn't you want the peace of mind that you're not completely at a financial loss?

What is Wedding Insurance?

Wedding insurance will protect the couple against financial loss for things that are out of their control. For example, if your wedding venue has a fire the week before your wedding and cannot open as happened at Orsett Hall a popular wedding venue in the UK http://thurrock-history.org.uk/orsett.htm

Why pay for Wedding Insurance?

  • With the right policy, you could postpone your wedding and receive back all the money you have paid out (less a deductible) including deposits so you can rebook.

  • The wedding boutique where you bought your dress goes out of business, but you're paid for 50% of your dress! For example this store in BC https://bc.ctvnews.ca/bride-to-be-left-gownless-after-shop-suddenly-closes-1.1340395 You would be financially compensated to get a new dress.

  • Your mom has a car accident and cannot travel to your destination wedding. Your expenses would be covered to postpone.

When should you get Wedding Insurance?

ASAP!

What does Wedding Insurance cover?

1 - Commercial General Liability including Host Liquor Liability for three(3) 24 hour periods.  Includes coverage for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and gift opening. 

2 - Wedding cancellation: Reimbursement of deposits paid or contracted to be paid because of unexpected cancellation of the wedding.

3- Honeymoon cancellation: Will reimburse if Insured suffers a loss of pre-paid, non-refundable cost of travel due to the cancellation of the actual wedding.

4 - Loss deposit: Will pay for non-refundable deposits made to providers of any booked goods or services if they suffer financial failure.

5 - Wedding photos and video: Payment of the extra expenses necessary to retake the photos if they cannot be reproduced for any reason including non appearance of the photographer. 

6 - Bridal attire: Coverage for physical loss or damage to the bridal attire once the property is in the care of the Insured. 

7 - Wedding presents: Insurance for direct physical loss or damage to wedding presents (24 hours prior and after the wedding) while property is at the couples home or reception location or in transit between the two. 

8 - Rings: Covers physical loss or damage to wedding bands. Coverage starts 7 days prior to wedding.

9 - Wedding Cake and Flowers: Direct physical damage or loss to the wedding cake or flowers seven days prior to the wedding.

10 - Wedding Stationary: Physical damage or loss to the wedding stationary prior to the wedding. Includes invitations, RSVP cards, menus and name cards.

11- Rented Property: Reimbursement of direct and physical damage to rented property used during the wedding reception. It includes, but is not limited to, temporary outdoor shelters, such as tents or marquees, tables and chairs, stages, audio and visual equipment.

What insurance doesn't cover

  • Cold feet!

Here are some companies who provide wedding insurance

PAL - Insurance Brokers Canada Ltd

Mitchell & Whale Insurance Brokers Ltd

Easy Insure