Friday, 20 September 2013

The Truth about Cash Bars


The first wedding consultants were upper-class women who informed the family on how to host an appropriate society event. Therefore, I feel that it is my job as a Wedding Planner to tell you the proper etiquette for hosting your wedding. According to the rules of etiquette cash bars are tacky and not suggested. Inviting guests to your wedding is the same as inviting guests to your house. You would never host a dinner and charge guests for their glass of wine or a can of beer. The same principals apply to hosting your wedding. If you are having liquor at your wedding it is not polite to ask your guests to pay for part of the wedding. That being said it is also my job to help the bride and groom stay within budget. There are many alternatives to having a cash bar that will decrease costs.

Below are a few suggestions:

1.       Consider having your wedding during the day. Guests are far less likely to drink in the morning or afternoon.

2.       You could have a signature drink. A signature drink can be pre-made with a combination of juice, soda and liquor. This keeps guests drinking, but at a fraction of the cost

3.       You can always choose not to serve alcohol. If you have great music, entertainment and good food your guests will still have a great time

4.       You can also have a beer and wine bar. This decreases the cost as the expensive spirits are not available

5.       The location of your wedding can decrease costs too. If you have a backyard wedding you can purchase your own liquor license and have your provincial liquor commission sell you the liquor. The liquor purchased will be cheaper than the charge per drink or bottle that a hotel, golf & country club or any other wedding venue would charge.

Cash bars or toonie bars have become increasingly popular as a way to decrease the cost of the wedding; however, they really are not appropriate according to the etiquette rules. If you really want to have a cash bar remember to mention it on your invitations so guests can remember to bring cash!

 

Tuesday, 3 September 2013

The Perfect Engagement Shoot


I really love engagement shoots. An engagement shoot is a completely personalized experience that allows a couple to really capture their love on a day to day basis. It also is a much less stressful and chaotic experience for the couple compared to photos on their wedding day. The location a couple chooses for their engagement photo shoot and the clothing they choose to wear expresses the life they live together. When I am planning a wedding and the couple chooses to do an engagement shoot I love to be involved. The engagement shoot is always a fun experience and I get to know the bride and groom that much better!

I wanted to create what I envisioned to be the perfect engagement shoot. I contacted Will from WJB Photography and explained to him my vision. I wanted to really show off Winnipeg’s amazing fields, as well as, the couple just being naturally happy spending time together. Will was on board right away! I then called Lindenwood Stylists Salon who did the brides beautiful hair. With the tight braid along the front and the loose curls she has a beautiful, yet relaxed look.

After much coordination and me making a few cute signs I managed to make this perfect engagement shoot come to fruition. Enjoy!
"Just Chatting"

"Cuddles"

"Engaged!"

"All you need is love"

"Dancing in the field"

"Amazing background"

"So Happy"

"Just Gorgeous"

"Relaxing and taking in the moment"