Category Archives: Wedding Trends 2016

Wedding Trends for 2016

Brides 2016, Events 2016, Floral Designs Toronto, Unique Ideas, Wedding Decorators Toronto, Wedding Trends 2016, Wedding Trends 2016, Weddings 2016, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Decor Toronto Beautiful table settingWhile walking down the aisle is itself a timeless action, wedding trends change every year, affecting the choices of even the most traditional bride. If we had to pick one underlying theme for 2016, it would be DIY: whether you really do it yourself or hire an event design company like GPS Decors to pull off your theme, this year is characterized by personal touches throughout, from the invitations to the attire and flowers. These little details make the wedding unique and showcase the couple’s personality.

Here we touch on what you can expect to see this year everywhere from the bridal shoppe to the salon, courtesy of our own observations and YourWeddingCompany.com.

Wedding Dresses

wedding dress trends feature short sleeves — sheer to embellished giving a romantic feel. You can also expect to see layers of tiers, a spin on the traditional layered effect. These tiered layers are going on everything from ball gowns to trumpets. When it comes to necklines expect to see plunging V necks. Lace sleeves are still en vogue (thanks, Kate!) and crystal-studded bodices remain popular.

Accessories

Designers can’t stop talking about the resurgence of the bird cage veil, as well as wraps: fur, velvet or pashmina for winter weddings, organza and lace for warm weather to cover those bare shoulders. Wearing flower crowns or crystal brooches in the hair is popular this year; brides are also accenting their shoes with crystal clips.

Floral Trends

There are always a variety of floral designs that it might be hard to choose with so many options.  Here are just a few floral wedding trends that will be very popular this year to help you with your decision!

  • Wild Local Organic Flowers, brides are requesting more of a natural garden design in their bouquets and floral arrangements which could include a mix of size, color, as well as an assortment of different flowers
  • Greenery can help create a romantic setting throughout a wedding and really bring in the popular natural trend for this year
  • Hanging chandeliers of florals and foliage, this trend is another creative way to use flowers to decorate your venue in an unexpected stylish way
  • Rose Quartz and Serenity as the Pantone colors of the year, we may start to see a trend of this color being used in wedding floral designs

Wedding Décor

This year’s banquet hall is decorated in a non-traditional fashion that blends round and square tables and centrepieces of different sizes for a less coordinated feel. Popular vase fillers include artificial pearls, fake snow and ice, shells, sea glass, and fresh citrus fruits. In terms of fabric, rustic burlap and vintage lace are big for table runners, while traditional table confetti like silk rose petals and miniature shells work well with this year’s hot beaches wedding theme.

Popular wedding décor trends for 2016 include:

  • Themed Wedding Stages –  A wedding stage setup must be spectacular, where the bride and groom can bask in royal splendor.
  • Oversize Statement Bouquets – For brides-to-be looking for a real WOW factor for their big day, oversized bouquets are a sure way to impress!
  • Hanging Centrepieces – IN LOVE with this new concept! They are unique, exciting and on the practical side by saving space on your tables.
  • Textured Tables – Think raw wooden table tops
  • Lush Greenery – Think crazy lush green walls, ferns, tropical palm fronds, succulents and more
  • The new theme is no theme – Couples are increasingly focusing on small details—not big themes—to set their wedding apart.
  • Laser-cut details are everywhere – Featured on invitations, place-cards, and even place mats, laser-cutting will be especially popular.

Wedding Colors

Picking your color palette is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. It will show in your entire theme, from your save the dates to your wedding information to bridal party attire, and more. We recommend selecting some favorite colors that will work well with your season and venue. Then, start exploring different hues to make sure everything stays uniform on the color front. Our favorite place to look is at Pantone. Each year they designate a color or the year and they create a list of wedding colors. Most of the Pantone 2016 wedding colors are new to their color palette. The shades work well for fashion, interiors, and more making them versatile for all wedding needs. And, many can be used in any season.

Signage

If last year was all about the chalkboard sign, 2016 reveals an elegant alternative, with gilt-framed mirrors taking centre stage. Expect to see menus, seating charts and ceremony signs hand calligraphed on the reflective surface; the trend can be easily adapted to suit a relaxed theme by swapping an ornate frame for one made from recycled wood.

Weddings that last long

Forget limiting the festivities to just one night! While extensive itineraries for guests were once reserved for destination weddings, more couples will be making the most of the whole weekend no matter where they’re tying the knot this year.

For more 2016 wedding trends including trending photography, wedding stationery and more, check out GPS decors Blog. Congratulation

Winter weddings: best venues for Canadians

Brides 2016, Events 2016, Floral Designs Toronto, Unique Ideas, Wedding Decorators Toronto, Wedding Trends 2016, Wedding Trends 2016, Weddings 2016, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Winter venuesWinter VenueCanadian brides have an interesting dilemma: with the weather only really being warm enough to wear a sleeveless dress in the gazebo from May to September – peak wedding season – what can you do if you want to get married sometime during the other seven months of the year? If you long for a unique winter wedding, be it a Christmas extravaganza or a romantic Valentine’s Day to remember, rest assured that you have plenty of options. From snowy mountains to beautiful woodland settings, Canada has much to offer for couples looking to make the most of winter.

Go West

PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com lists not one but two of the top five winter wedding destinations in Canada as being in Alberta. First it names the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park (which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s the best of Banff – breathtaking mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests – but rather than taking it all in from a rugged campsite, the hotel features luxurious guest rooms and beautiful facilities for your ceremony, reception and dinner. There is even wedding planning assistance, making the Fairmont Chateau a true one-stop shop.

The Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre is another option for nature-loving couples. Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, you can say ‘I do’ at the foot of the Rockies or beside a clear blue lake, then retire with your guests to one of the Sawridge’s several luxury themed ballrooms for an evening of fantastic food, dancing and celebration.

Keep going west…a little further

If the thought of reciting your vows in temperatures that turn your heartfelt words into frosty clouds leaves you, well, a little cold, why not consider BC: with a relatively warm winter climate and gorgeous natural beauty, the province has something for everyone. There’s more to a winter wedding in B.C. than hitting the slopes at Whistler-Blackcomb; the iconic Waterfall Building in Vancouver is guaranteed to provide a breathtaking backdrop to your wedding photos, while the Cecil Green Park House on the UBC campus offers incredible scenic views, stunning architecture, and was a 2013 finalist in the BC Wedding Awards.

Or just stay indoors.

On the other hand…getting married in winter need not incorporate nature and snow. After all, isn’t cozying up indoors what winter is all about? Canada’s cities are consistently featured on cultural ‘best-of’ lists, so there is certainly no shame in making for Toronto or Montreal and choosing a classy hotel rich in amenities, or a charming bed-and-breakfast for a small, intimate winter wedding.

To make your event interesting for guests who won’t be leaving their home city, include a ‘staycation’ calendar in your wedding invitations, featuring local events and attractions your friends and family might not have visited – giving them a chance to be tourists in their own backyard. Not sure where to hold the big event? Check out the Toronto Life style guide to top Toronto wedding venues. It’s sure to provide some inspiration for your indoor winter wedding.

 

How to Address Wedding Invitations

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Wedding Planning Guide 2015 – Article No. 5

Once upon a time, everyone wrote everything by hand – whether it was a love note, an important message, or just saying hello, you had to take pen (or quill) in hand and fire off a missive. Today, snail mail is so rare that most people don’t have a lot of experience writing out cards of any kind; why bother, when you can create a Facebook event or send an e-vite?

Stationery Design by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com ) Photo by L' Atelier Lumiere
Stationery  by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com )
Photo by L’ Atelier Lumiere

Sadly, digital formats are not yet in vogue when it comes to wedding invitations. There is still an art to the wedding summons, one that you will need to learn if you intend to send out your own wedding invitations rather than engaging a service to handle this detail for you. Your wedding invitations may be handmade or store-bought, but even the most gorgeous stationery can fall flat if the envelopes are improperly addressed. Here is what you need to know about addressing wedding invitations:

Stationery by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com ) Photo by L' Atelier Lumiere
Stationery by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com )
Photo by L’ Atelier Lumiere

Salutations – They might not matter much anywhere else, but they matter here. Some of the common salutations to use when addressing wedding invitations include:

  • Miss/Ms. are the appropriate salutations for unmarried females
  • If guests are unmarried but living together, address the envelope alphabetically by last name, i.e. ‘Miss Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith’
  • If addressing to a single person who will nevertheless bring a guest of some kind, use the person’s name on the outer envelope (Mr. John Smith) and then on the inner envelope, put ‘Mr. Smith and Guest’
  • Married guests with different last names: put the male’s name first followed by the female (Mr. John Smith and Jane Doe)
  • For guests with children under 16, use the children’s names on the inner envelope only: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Tom, Dick, and Harry
Stationery by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com ) Photo by L' Atelier Lumiere
Stationery by So Pretty in Print ( www.soprettyinprint.com )
Photo by L’ Atelier Lumiere

Tips for Wedding Invitations

What if you have a lot of single friends – should you force them to scramble to find a guest who is willing to come to your wedding and share in the costs? Not necessarily. Your single guests should be free to bring someone only if they choose. They can definitely come solo.

It’s a faux pas to say ‘Adults Only’ – simply do not include the children’s names, and let your guests phone you for confirmation. You can tell them individually that you prefer a child-free affair. The same goes with including other information, like your wedding registry – DON’T! Let your guests ask you what an appropriate gift would be; you can direct them personally to your registry.

Stuffing the Envelope

Much like your wedding cake, your invitation has many layers. Start with the outer envelope. The next layer is the inner envelope, into which goes your invitation, followed by the reception card, the RSVP card with envelope, and finally map and directions on top.

Success! Your wedding invitations are both beautiful and in good taste.

 

 

Previous Article in this Series – How Dates and Times Impact Wedding Costs

Next Article in This Series – 12 Month Checklist for the Bride and Groom  (Stay Tuned)

For More ideas & inspirations – www.gpsdecors.com

 

 

Wedding Inspired from Udaipur’s Palace

Brides 2016, Events 2016, Wedding Decorators Toronto, Wedding Trends 2016, Weddings 2016, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rajasthan’s Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”. Here the theme is clearly one of ancient romance, but it’s the fruit of a contemporary vision. Opulent silks, richly coloured, and ornately carved wood furniture are just a few of the design elements that envelope guests in royal mystique.

Venue – Dreams Convention Centre

 27Event decorators MississaugaHindu Wedding TorontoWedding decor BramptonIndian wedding TorontoWedding decor TorontoWedding decor Mississauga

Photography by – Memories Media

For More ideas & inspirations – www.gpsdecors.com

How Dates and Times Impact Wedding Costs

Brides 2016, Event Planning, Events 2016, Wedding Decorators Toronto, Wedding Trends 2016, Weddings 2016, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

wedding-dateWedding Planning Guide 2015 – Article No. 4

Marriage, it seems, will never go out of fashion. Even with the rise in cohabitation, every year, over 150,000 Canadians still choose to formally tie the knot, with an average sticker price of just over $32K – a whopping investment to make for a one-day party. Yet this already high cost can become even higher depending on where, when, and how you get married. Time of year, and even time of day, can have a huge impact on your costs. Here’s what you need to know to control the final cost of your wedding.

Save the Date

If you’ve been a frequent wedding guest, you’re probably aware that the most popular months to get married are July and August. 49% of weddings will occur between July and September. The most popular month to marry in is August. September has edged out July for second most popular month for the second consecutive year. Because demand is so high, expect to pay a premium in these months. The least popular months are January, March and November, so you can expect to save money from venues and vendors eager to keep busy during this low season. If you are willing to take a risk on weather or have a partially indoor wedding, consider shoulder season months like May, June, September and October, where prices will also be lower than in peak season. Summer weddings run the risk of messing up your friends’ cottage plans, but it’s a sacrifice most people are willing to make, especially with 6-9 months’ notice.

Watch the Time

If you absolutely must have a Valentine’s Day or Christmas wedding, or you really want to get married in June, there are still ways to save. Like most events, weddings are cheaper if held Sunday to Thursday; most venues won’t be packed, so you’ll have your pick of dates, and discounts should be offered. A Friday brunch reception in the winter can save you big bucks compared to a Saturday dinner reception on an August long weekend An even greater savings can come from having your ceremony and reception at an unconventional time – breakfast, say, or brunch. Holding a brunch reception means that your alcohol costs should be greatly reduced, allowing you to plow the savings back into a really spectacular meal; you can have chef stations where guests can order custom omelettes and waffles, or load up on seafood platters heavy on premium ingredients like raw oysters, shrimp and smoked salmon. You can also have an afternoon or evening wedding with a cake reception. If this is specified on the invitation, guests will know to go ahead and eat lunch or dinner first – you’re going to be providing not only delicious wedding cake, but lots of other sweet treats and beverages for them to enjoy.

 

Previous Article in this Series – Wedding Alcohol Calculator

Next Article in This Series – How to Address Wedding Invitations (Stay Tuned)

For More ideas & inspirations – www.gpsdecors.com

 

 

Hiring a Wedding Caterer

Brides 2016, Events 2016, Wedding Decorators Toronto, Wedding Trends 2016, Weddings 2016, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Planning Guide 2015 – Article No. 1

Whether you’re planning an extravagant gala or a simple luncheon, food will be an important part of your special day. Your guests will be gathered together in one place, enjoying a delicious meal against the backdrop of your stunning wedding décor, and you want this part of the experience to be at least as memorable as all the rest. Quality, freshness and presentation are essential elements of your wedding feast.

Food

Here are the steps to take to ensure you make the right choice when it comes to your wedding caterer:

Pricing & Costs

If your budget is unlimited, you have nothing to worry about! Most of us, however, have to consider working within some sort of a budget. The first thing about budgets is to determine how important the catering actually is to you, and to the theme you have chosen. For example, if you and your guests are not really interested in dancing the night away or drinking a lot, the focus might be more on the food. The reverse is true if you want the designer dress to take centre stage – this could detract from the catering budget.Many small desserts close together

Food Quality

Even if the bride and groom are fairly indifferent to food, the guests might not be…so it’s important to make sure the caterer has high standards for food quality. When discussing menus with a caterer, they should be able to tell you where their ingredients are sourced, how the food pairs with wine, and how the menu will match your theme (casual, elegant, vintage, etc.).  Ask these key questions:

  • Is your food fresh or frozen?
  • Will it be prepared same-day or the day before?
  • How will the food be presented?cocktails

Beverages/Corking

Many banquet halls and reception venues can handle the alcoholic beverages in-house, but if your caterer will be handling this aspect in addition to the food, it’s important to know if they charge corkage fees – as it can save you a lot of money to bring your own alcohol, if that’s allowed. You also want to know if your caterer can run a bar and provide staff, especially if you plan on having an open bar that will need to be continuously staffed for the duration of the festivities.

Catering Services

This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to find out what is actually included in your wedding caterer’s package. Will they do food only, or will they be arranging other elements of your wedding day, such as equipment and staff? Don’t forget to find out if the following things are included in your caterer’s fee:

  • Tables, chairs, cutlery, linens – what kind and what quality
  • Staff – what ratio of staff to guests? The ideal ratio will depend on whether you’re having a buffet or a plated meal
  • Post-event charges – will you incur additional costs for clean-up, breakages etc.?sweets strawberries fruit snacks at party

Professionalism

This is perhaps the hardest part to quantify – or maybe the easiest, depending on your EQ. The question is, how easy is your caterer to work with? How do they leave you feeling – excited and in control, or anxious and embarrassed by your lack of catering knowledge or your slender budget? Are they flexible and amenable to changes, and willing to work with your wedding planner? Do they respond quickly to your messages? Remember, there are lots of caterers out there. If the one you have met with doesn’t feel like a good fit, there are many other possibilities.

It’s your special day – take the time to find a caterer who gets what you’re aiming for and can make it happen!

Next Article – How to Define Your Wedding Vision ?

For more ideas & inspiration – www.gpsdecors.com

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