Make the most of wedding show season

 

If you’re planning a wedding, you probably already know that wedding show season is in full swing. And with so many vendors under one roof, attending a bridal show can be a great place to look for new ideas, scout out the latest trends, and meet local wedding professionals. But it can also be a bit overwhelming.

Inn Manager, Effie, representing Idlewyld Inn & Spa and Elm Hurst Inn & Spa  at Canada’s Bridal Show, with Ontario’s Finest Inns. 

So here are five tips to help you get the most out of the experience:

Do some homework
How many vendors will be in attendance? Some shows are held in large convention halls with hundreds of booths. Others are more exclusive ‘boutique’ affairs.

Most will have a website where vendors are listed. Take some time to check it out to get a sense of the size of the event, and to identify vendors – florists, photographers, deejays, venues – that you don’t want to miss.

Many events also allow you to register in advance, offering ticket discounts and other incentives.

You can even win some great prizes, like these from the 2016 London Fall Bridal Show!

Don’t be shy
After you’ve decided which vendors catch your eye, the best way to see if this is someone you’d really like to work with is to strike up a conversation. Bring a list of questions, but don’t be pushed into making an on-the-spot decision. Most vendors will be happy to set up an appointment at a later date to discuss details in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Bring business cards or labels with your contact information, wedding date, phone number and email address to leave behind. Many vendors offer draws for prizes. You may be the lucky one!

Don’t miss the fashion show
Everyone loves the glamour and excitement of a fashion show, and they are a big part of most bridal events. Check the times to make sure you get a front row seat!

The fashion show is a MUST! (Photo: London Fall Bridal Show, 2015)

Bring a tote bag
Most vendors have brochures or other information to take home with you. Some even offer swag! Come prepared – your arms will thank you.

Bring a friend
Bridal shows are supposed to be fun, so make it a social event and bring a friend, your mom, or even your fiancée. Give yourself plenty of time to visit each vendor, enjoy the free samples, have some refreshments, and socialize. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!

Bring a friend and double your enjoyment of all the latest wedding trends! (Photo: London Bridal Expo, 2015)

If you’re planning a wedding in southwestern Ontario, come and meet our Wedding Coordinator and her team at the London Fall Bridal Show (London Convention Centre, September 17 & 18) or the London Bridal Expo (Western Fairgrounds, September 24 & 25).

Or visit the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa online!

8 tips for a perfect outdoor wedding

Summer wedding season is almost here, which means many Brides are busy putting the final touches on their upcoming outdoor ceremony.

Keep cool with these summer wedding tips!

While blue skies and Mother Nature provide a magical backdrop for any wedding, we asked our Wedding Coordinator, Erin Lister, for some professional advice on how to ensure the day goes smoothly for you and your guests:

Let guests know they’ll be outside
Friends and family will appreciate being able to plan for the occasion with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, and even insect repellent.

Let guests know they’ll be outside, so they can plan for the occasion.

Power up
The great outdoors doesn’t always have the best acoustics. Rent audio equipment to ensure that your vows will be heard. Don’t forget to ask if your site has access to power!

Banish the bugs
Did you know that some flowers actually attract insects? Your florist should know which blooms won’t be a fragrant invitation for every bug in the area.

Consider an aisle runner
If you want to keep your dress absolutely pristine, consider using an aisle runner.

An aisle runner can be a beautiful way to keep your gown pristine.

Know the area
Is there an airport nearby? Or a busy soccer field? You don’t want your ceremony disturbed by surprise interruptions, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Keep them cool
It’s especially important to be on time for an outdoor ceremony, as nobody likes to be kept waiting in the hot summer sun.If your celebration is mid-summer, supply water, fans, and / or sun umbrellas. Get creative and use your fan as a program!

Keep your cool
Summer weddings call for summer wedding gowns. Think light and airy!  Your Bridesmaids will also appreciate dresses that are wind and weather appropriate.
Remember that stiletto heels can sink into the grass. And waterproof make-up should be a must.

Keep them smiling by choosing weather-appropriate gowns.

 

Have a Plan B
Mother Nature won’t always cooperate with your outdoor wedding dreams. Have a Plan B in place in case of bad weather, and decide in advance who will make the final decision about moving your ceremony indoors. Then relax, and enjoy your day regardless!

Learn more about the all-inclusive Wedding Packages at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa – designed to suit any wedding and any budget. 

Do you have any tips for an outdoor wedding? 

Wedding Day Showers – They’re nothing to cry about

As a Bride, you can plan everything down to the last detail – but the one thing you can’t control on your Wedding Day is the weather!  And as our snowy Ontario winter turns into a cool and rainy spring, it’s time to offer a few tips to make sure that a few rain drops don’t put a damper on your celebration.

This Idlewyld bride didn’t let a few showers put a damper on her celebration.

Always have a Plan B
Whether you’re getting married in June, December or April, you just never know what Mother Nature will have up her sleeve.  Don’t be shy about asking your venue about a back-up plan, especially if you are hoping to hold your ceremony outdoors.  Does the venue offer suitable inside alternatives? Or should you order a tent with sides, just in case?

Even if your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony, it’s always good to choose a venue with an indoor alternative – just in case!

Watch the weather channel
Check the weather forecast about a week before your wedding. While it’s not foolproof, it should eliminate any last minute surprises, and help you decide whether or not to put Plan B into action.

Designate a Point Person
Decide in advance who will make the final decision about any changes brought about by bad weather.  Don’t leave it until the last minute!

Venues will do their best to accommodate your request and keep your ceremony running on schedule, but it takes time to move an outdoor ceremony under cover, or to close the sides of an open tent.

Waterproof makeup is a must
You don’t want makeup dripping down your face if you’re caught in a downpour, so make sure your eyeliner and mascara are waterproof.

Embrace the Rain
Many cultures believe that Wedding Day rain brings good fortune, so if the skies open try to go with the flow and have some fun. Colourful rain boots can make cute accessories for any outdoor photos and will save your stilettos.   And don’t forget to bring plenty of umbrellas for your bridal party.  Clear umbrellas are always a good choice for photos, but colourful ones can also add a sense of play.

Don’t forget some umbrellas  – and your smile.

Stormy weather can make for some unforgettable wedding photos, but ask your photographer about alternate indoor locations if you’d rather not brave the elements.

Stormy weather can make for some dramatic photographs!

At Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa, our wedding coordinators will work with you to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch – regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way!