Endless Bridal Shows

by EnvisionElegance Posted on March 22, 2013
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Forget Me Not Flowers – WedLuxe Show 2013

The beginning of each year brings a whole new round of bridal shows. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, bridal shows, open houses, bridal trunk shows, or wedding showcases are in abundance and everyone seems to be getting on the bandwagon to showcase to the newly engaged brides and grooms the potential for their dream weddings to come to life.

Connie Cupcake Booth – WedLuxe Show 2013

I can’t even tell you how many bridal shows I’ve been to, even before I was engaged, and even before I became a planner. Weddings are an obsession. I love all the details, the colours, and the romance it brings.

However, there are definitely cons. Some bridal shows are so hectic because it’s only on one day, only a few hours, and vendors and potential clients are crammed in to maximize exposure. You don’t have the one-on-one conversation with vendors to ask them questions, you hoarde all the information in a bag (if you’re even given one) and barely look at them afterwards, and you sample macarons, cupcakes, and all the goodies!

Rundown for Toronto Bridal Shows (excluding GTA)

MOST GLAM BRIDAL SHOW: WedLuxe takes the cake (venue changes annually)

MOST INTERACTION WITH VENDORS: The Wedding Co. Show (The Carlu)

INFORMATION OVERLOAD: Canada’s Bridal Show (Metro Toronto Convention Centre)

This past Sunday on St. Patrick’s Day I was at the Intercontinental Yorkville Hotel on Bloor to attend The Original Wedding Soiree Bridal Show. It was a one day event with all the vendors crammed into the rooms and high-tea with a first come, first serve seating arrangement. Lots of unique vendors and I finally got to meet the wondeful Angelique from Rich Bride, Poor Bride (I was in awe! Love her!).

Marie Antoinette inspired cake – Couture Events – Original Wedding Soiree
Oh So Chic Celebrations – Original Wedding Soiree

Definitely do your research on which vendors are showcasing, a list of WHO you want/MUST speak to, keep it to a small entourage (MOH & MOB – maid of honour, mother of the bride) and be efficient, but also enjoy the experience!

Welcome to Oz – Weddings Jubilee & vendors booth – Original Wedding Soiree

Photo credits (and more photos): Envision Elegance

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White Toronto – Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show!

by EnvisionElegance Posted on March 6, 2013
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Monique Lhuillier – White Toronto

Monique Lhuillier creates one of a kind, classic and elegant wedding gowns for your wedding day. If your wallet is big enough, then why not? Even Heidi Montag, formerly of The Hills, wore a $20,000 Monique Lhuillier wedding gown when she got married to Spencer Pratt.

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The Hunt for the Perfect Venue

by EnvisionElegance Posted on February 25, 2013
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ArcTriomphe
Arc de Triomphe, Paris

 So it begins.

Immediately after getting engaged in Paris and our return to Toronto, my hunt began. I spent the better part of January of this year searching EVERY possible wedding venue in Toronto and surrounding areas. I also attended numerous bridal shows and open houses to seek the perfect place to get married. Not only am I a wedding planner and trying to plan my own wedding… but now I have to look at it from BRIDE’S EYE VIEW – if you will. Seeing venues from a planner’s eye is so much more different. Looking at all the wedding packages, bar packages, custom menus, terms & conditions, policies, applicable historical landmark fees, and the list goes on, and on, and on. It’s not easy to find the perfect venue – trust me. Oh, don’t forget the 13% HST (thank you, Ontario) and 15-20% gratuities on top of your venue fees (oh yeah, the gratuities are taxable too! FYI!).

Timeline

  • December 2012 – engaged
  • February 2013 – first venue site visits
  • Deadline to find venue – March 2013
  • Wedding Date – March 2014
ThompsonLobby
Thompson Hotel Lobby

I’m a meticulous person and details matter (that is also probably why I’m a planner). What my fiance & I mainly want in our venue:

Venue Criteria

  • Toronto location – not GTA
  • High ceilings
  • Gorgeous lighting/chandeliers
  • Modern, yet classic and elegant
  • Fully accessible
  • Large enough space to hold 100 guests, plus a dance floor
  • On-site ceremony + cocktails + reception dinner & dancing *saving our guests time, gas, money, and a headache
  • Exceptional food and service
  • Must fit within our budget

Thus far, we have seen 5 venues, and have 3 more to go — because after this, I’m so done. Scheduling site vists while juggling work and school can give anyone the urge to give up, pack up, and elope in Vegas. We’ve also considered destination weddings, eloping, and a Justice of the Peace signing. We have yet to find the one venue that fits 80-90% of our criteria. We love bits and pieces of each place so far, like the Mezzanine and chandeliers at the Park Hyatt Toronto, pictured below.

Hyatt-Mezzanine

Hyatt-Chandeliers

After we find the perfect venue, then we have to find the perfect photographer, the perfect “Say Yes to the Dress” dress, perfect shoes & accessories, and the list will go on, and on, and on. Come back and make sure to follow up! Search for tagline: M&C wedding.

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This Planner is Engaged!

by EnvisionElegance Posted on January 1, 2013
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Happy New Year!!!

I am so extremely excited and happy that 2013 is here… and all that it has in store for each and everyone of us!! 2012 was really rough for me. Lots of important decisions were made, loss, heartbreak, and finally acceptance.

Source: Perfect Bucket List

To end the year, my most amazing boyfriend (now fiancé) took me to Paris, France for Christmas 🙂 There he proposed on top of the Eiffel Tower on Christmas Eve. Ours is a rough fairytale romance, but true love nonetheless.

Source: Perfect Bucket List

 

Paris is where we locked up our love forever. Hopefully we will be able to bring our kids there and see this once again.

Love locked. Forever.

My most favourite thing:

Source: Perfect Bucket List

It’s one thing to give advice to the newly engaged and those planning their wedding, it’s another when it’s my own, especially when it comes down to who’s paying for what. Openly discuss all the options available… yes, it’s your wedding day, but you don’t want to break the bank. There are other important things that your money can go towards (e.g. down payment for a house, new car, vacation, school, etc.).

Remember, it’s about love, not who can throw the best party. I will gradually keep you all posted about my plans. Please visit my Pinterest page for wed-spiration!

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Shine this Holiday!

by EnvisionElegance Posted on December 11, 2012
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Source: White Toronto

Don’t forget to add a little sparkle to your holiday season, whether on your Christmas tree, or on yourself! I am completely in love with the Carole Tenenbaum collar above, and it is definitely on my wish list! All items above are available at White Toronto and would complete any outfit or bridal attire. I believe every bride should be glamourous on her wedding day! Enjoy the holiday festivities!

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