USEFUL INFO

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Frequently Asked Questions

Invitations:
Traditionally, guests received wedding invitations in a double envelope, with an engraved, stiff and folded invite inside. Now, anything goes. It can be a fun, lightly worded invitation, or even something self-deprecating! There should still be an outer envelope for mailing purposes and an inner envelope. The inner envelope should simply have the guest's name. Wedding invitations can be any size, but you should remember you need envelopes which fit. The usual wedding invitation sizes are 4 ½ inches by 6 ¼ inches for embassy style or 5 ½ by 7 ½ inches for classic style.

Photography:
To ensure your wedding photos are keepsakes you'll cherish forever start by hiring an experienced, professional wedding photographer. The key word here is experienced - you'll want a photographer who can easily handle any unexpected incidents during the wedding. Do they depend on existing lighting, or did they come prepared with their own? Is the garden where you wanted the photos taken under renovations? They can suggest another beautiful location. Is your flower girl acting less than charming? They can coax a smile from her. It is important to hire someone you're comfortable working with. They should be open to your suggestions and should offer guidance in return. If you're happy with your photographer it shows in the photos. However, if you're unhappy with your photographer your unhappiness will show. While hiring a wedding photographer is not cheap, there are ways to reduce the cost. Get packages, don't purchase the "extras" and have family and friends help out. Do not hire a first-timer. Your wedding photos shouldn't be entrusted to incapable hands. Store your wedding photos and other wedding memorabilia in a quality wedding album. These can be purchased from the photographer or purchased elsewhere. The benefit of purchasing it separately from the photographer is cost (custom wedding albums tend to cost more) and there may be a greater selection of colors and styles elsewhere.

Church:
It is best to book your ceremony at your normal place of worship. Priests tend to give priority to people who actually worship at their church. The best time to book it is at least a year, and up to two years in advance! There tend to be longer planning times now than in years past. If you are having your wedding someplace else, there are many priests available who will perform a wedding in a location of your choice. The cost is usually similar to, or lower than the normal fee at a church.

Park/Gardens:
Most cities do not allow the park/garden/greenhouse to be booked more than a year in advance. If they do, great, and go for it! What you should do is research your preferred location early (more than one year in advance). Then, go to the appropriate office to book the space one day less than a year in advance of your wedding date. This is your best chance to get the place you want for your photos. It's competitive, so don't be afraid to be aggressive in your tactics!

Banquet Hall:
Your reception location should be booked as early as possible. Competition is always fierce, so book as soon as you've narrowed your choices down. Don't worry if the price list is not current. Try to get a contract based on the prices at the time of booking, or negotiate a limited increase over current prices for your future wedding. Below is a list of items which should be covered by the rental contract:


Gowns:
If you can afford it please consult a professional for assistance in choosing your gown. Do not go for the 'cheap' look just to save a few dollars. Having said that, many good deals can be found in stores which specialize in re-selling gowns. This is useful if you're on a strict budget. For the bridesmaids, you need to choose a design and colour which pleases the most people. If you have your heart set on a single dress style for all, try to steer towards an A-Line gown which is the most flattering silhouette for every figure. If you don't mind slight differences in dress styles, choose a line of bridal separates in the same color and fabric so each girl can choose the combination of top and skirt that flatters her most. If you're brave, you can choose a color and allow everyone to choose her own dress; black is pretty safe, but for anything else, give the girls a shade range and a preferred skirt length. However, you are the bride, and only you have the final decision on what the bridesmaids will wear. Plan well, be sensitive, but make firm decisions once you're sure what you want them to wear.

Tuxedos:
As the bride will do, you should consult a professional. If your lifestyle justifies it, you may purchase a tuxedo you're happy with. However, if it's a one-time deal, a rental is the way to go. The groomsmen do not need to match the groom exactly; however, it is a good idea for them to wear something complementary. The look should be coordinated, and similar silhouettes are ideal.

Limousine:
A white limousine is always appropriate; you will always look elegant. You want your transportation to be in good condition, shiny paint, no damage, scratches, etc. If you prefer something a little unusual, you may try a horse-drawn carriage, or trolley. If you drop by one of the local favourite parks used for wedding photography, you may find the perfect carriage waiting for you! Request a card from the driver/livery person. It's not the right time to discuss pricing. Rather give them a call on the following Monday to discuss options.

Cake:
You should choose your cake at least two months early. Four months is the best bet for surety. Rectangular or oval cakes are easier to cut for serving. If you are having an outdoor wedding, it's better to avoid ice cream cakes and mousse, etc to avoid melting. The colour of icing can be anything you like. It is a good idea to match your place setting colours, or the embroidery pattern on the bridal gown, for fun. Don't forget, also, it is not just the look that is important. Do the taste test!

Florist:
It's a good idea to visit several floral shops until you find one that you like. Be sure to ask if they do their own creations, or whether they use contract floral arrangers. If you want your decorations to be all about the flowers, why not make it a garden wedding at a local botanical, public, or hotel garden? Go for sophisticated, unique arrangements such as elegant calla lilies in glass vases or bowls containing floating candles and gardenias. These arrangements are elegant, understated, and relatively inexpensive. Consider using flowering plants like African violets or daffodils in terra cotta pots tied with a chartreuse ribbon. Have each bridesmaid carry a single stem tied with a beautiful ribbon instead of a full bouquet. For your décor, fill a pitcher with daisies for a fresh, simple arrangement.

Giveaways:
While the traditional slice of cake is still most popular as a favour, there are too many ideas available to list here. At least, we can give you an idea of unique packaging ideas to work with. Here we go:
Timetable:

12 or More Months Before wedding:
9-12 Months Before:
6-9 Months Before:
3-6 Months Before:
2 Months Before:
1 Month Before:
2 Weeks Before:
1 Week Before:
On D-Day:
After the Wedding: