Wedding Coordination Services Explained and Why it Might be Important to You!

Here is another edition in our Ask an Expert Series. Sarah Hawley is a longtime personal friend of mine. We have recently reconnected at Bridal Shows and I asked her to explain some of the services that are offered by a Professional Wedding Planner. She is based in the London Area and her portfolio is steadily growing. The photos featured in this blog were taken by Ben Benvie Photography and are from one of her weddings.

Ben Benvie Photography

Consultation Services:

What are Consultation Services? ~Consultation Services should consist of a complimentary phone “interview” to assist the coordinator plan for your initial appointment. Since consultation services are charged on an hourly basis a pre appointment interview can help direct what your needs are more specifically and is a more efficient use of everyone’s time.

With one session, or multiple sessions throughout your planning, consultations can cover any wedding related topic you may wish to discuss from budgeting to guest list management or seating plan assistance.

Ben Benvie Photography

Who Benefits?
~Consultation services can benefit couples who want to plan their own big day but are unsure of where to begin, or get overwhelmed at some point throughout the planning and need a little outside assistance.

Weddings come with a lot of opinions and emotions. Diplomacy isn’t always easily achieved. Seeking outside, professional advice can help navigate these situations and help to find solutions and compromises that sometimes are overlooked in an emotional situation.

“Day of” Services:

What are Day of Coordination Services?~Day of, or Month of, Coordination Services include a meeting with the coordinator in the weeks leading up to the Wedding. The intention of this appointment is to give the coordinator a picture of your plans, vision, details of the day so that on the day of your wedding the planner is ready to be your eyes and ears when it comes to the details so that you can enjoy your day. The coordinator is then available at the ceremony rehearsal, for set up on the wedding day, ceremony and reception.

Ben Benvie Photography

Who Benefits?
~EVERYONE. A day of coordinator should be considered an essential service. It is an “insurance” policy of sorts. Armed with necessary paperwork, contact information, décor details, and an emergency kit, your coordinator is ready to advocate for you should anything go amiss.

Having family on hand to help out is great, but it is unfair to rely on them when they are in attendance to celebrate with you, not to work for you. They aren’t generally trained to notice little things amiss, or how to amend an issue quickly and quietly without troubling the bride and groom.

Ben Benvie Photography

My personal wedding regret is not having someone in this role for me – and partially why I became an Event Planner. Nothing went tragically wrong by any means, but there were questions that I would have much rather had someone else on deck to handle so that I could just relax and enjoy the day – and my new husband!
Full Coordination Services

What is Full Coordination Service?
~This is sort of a combination of Consultation Services and Day of Planning and can involve arranging and attending vendor appointments as well. Your coordinator is on deck to help you every step of the way.

Who Benefits?
~People are busy, engaged people are spectacularly busy. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties…work, and family. Having full wedding coordination minimizes the amount of legwork and research that a couple has to do. While some find this part of the fun – others may not enjoy it as much. It means help with the things you need, when you need them and advice throughout the entire process. It also means that your coordinator on the day of has had a hand in your day from the beginning.

The important thing to consider is your needs. How much assistance do you want? How much help do you need? Any package should be customizable to suit your needs, so talk to planners, ask questions, and find a good fit for you and for your day.

For more information on packages and what can be included take a look at my website www.sarahhawley.ca.

Ben Benvie Photography

Sarah Hawley, WPICC
Sarah Hawley Events
sarah@sarahhawley.ca
519-520-2255
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What should I know before choosing a wedding photographer?

This interview was conducted in 2009 and is reprinted from the Weddingfavours.ca Website.

Trish Roberts Wedding Photography

Melanie from Weddingfavours.ca (WF) met with Trish and Trevor Roberts of Custom Concept Photography (CC) in Ingersoll Ontario to get some answers.

WF: How should a couple begin their search for the right wedding photographer?
CC: Couples should begin narrowing the field for photographers by asking friends and family members for referrals. Look through their wedding collections and family portraits and ask them about their experiences.

Other wedding professionals including caterers, venue operators, florists, officiants, videographers and DJs are also invaluable sources as they have worked with photographers and heard feedback from clients and seen them in action. Talk to the experts you already trust.

Search the internet for possibilities, you can view their work online without any pressure. You should also plan to visit them at their studio. If their workplace is professional and organized- they will likely work this way on your wedding day. It is not a good idea to choose a photographer simply from an internet search- do some homework and ask for references.

Hiring a professional is always a wise decision. A professional Photographer is constantly upgrading skills, education and equipment to keep pace with market trends and technology. This is the sort of person you can trust to capture your precious wedding memories. A professional will always insist on a contract. This will lay out all the details and is designed to protect both parties.

WF: How important is chemistry between the couple and the photographer?
CC: Chemistry is extremely important. You are going to spend more time with the photographer than anyone else on the day of the wedding so you want to have a good rapport. Engagement photos are a great way to get used to the photographer and to receive basic posing instructions. This practice will make your wedding day photos more relaxed and natural. By the time you have had a consultation, engagement photos, wedding day and chosen your finished collection- the relationship should feel like a friendship. You trust your photographer to capture your precious memories and it is important that you feel comfortable and confident with one another.

WF: How do you choose the location for a wedding shoot?
CC: It is wise to choose a location that is conveniently located near the ceremony and reception venues. Sometimes there is a place of sentimental value to the couple- the spot they became engaged or a family farm. It is important that you choose a location that is not going to be too busy at that time. You may not want an audience of onlookers and you may not want to have to wait your turn with other bridal parties for a popular site.

It is not necessary that you find THE most beautiful location as the background is not as important as the people. A nice tree, garden or park bench as a background can result in gorgeous images. You do not need to travel miles for a manicured garden or mountaintop view. A professional photographer will be able to help you find a beautiful backdrop in a public park or backyard.

It is a becoming more common that wedding shots are taken in unconventional locations. Train tracks, urban architecture, industrial and rustic backdrops are being used as a background with stunning results. What was formerly viewed as “ugly” can be beautiful when handled with skill and shot with artistic vision.

Trish Roberts Wedding Photography

WF: How much time should be scheduled for bridal party and family pictures?
CC: You should schedule 2-3 hours for the wedding pictures. The length of time required depends on the family size and dynamics. It is becoming more common that pictures are taken prior to the ceremony. It is a more relaxed time of day and you do not have a hall full of guests waiting for you to finish. Makeup and hairstyles are fresher and there is less chance of spills and wrinkles on the formal wear. This will not appeal to a couple who wish to follow the tradition of not seeing one another prior to the vows but it is a good option logistically for those trying to streamline the wedding day.

WF: What can a couple do to prepare for wedding pictures? Is there anything that makes it run more smoothly?
CC: The photographer needs to understand the family dynamics before the event. If we know about “sticky” family situations we can help alleviate the tension by not placing certain people in the same picture or positioning them far apart for group shots.

Also the photographer should know of any physical limitations that exist. If there is someone who has difficulty walking on rough ground or cannot stand for an extended period of time, we can make sure there is a assistance for them or modify the poses. Family shots involving children or elderly relatives can be taken first.

In some cases, there are restrictions imposed by a profession- we work in Ingersoll which has a large agricultural community and sometimes family members need to go home to milk cows between the photos and the reception. We can work around all these situations if we know of them in advance.

WF: How much can a couple expect to spend on wedding photos?
CC: Wedding photos are an investment and roughly 10-15% of the wedding budget should be allocated to photography. The post-wedding service is an essential part of the photographer’s job. After the images are captured- the photographer heads back to the studio to craft the images using colour correction, editing techniques, artistic enhancement and image selection. This is an area where you get what you pay for and hiring a professional will ensure that the finished wedding collection is something to be treasured for years to come.

WF: How can a couple prepare for bad weather on an outdoor wedding shoot?
CC: This is a situation that we had to deal with many times in 2009 since it was such a wet summer in Ontario. We always bring backup studio lighting and equipment in case we need to set up to shoot inside the reception hall or church.

Some gardens have sheltered areas that can be used if the weather is uncooperative. We often shoot at the Elm Hurst here in Ingersoll and there are several interesting and beautiful locations that can be used in the rain.

We also enjoy the challenge of using the rain for inspiration. What a great opportunity to get creative with funky rubber boots and umbrellas. Some of our favourite wedding shots were captured because we were working around the weather.

This is another reason to hire a professional, an amateur will have difficulty handling rainy day conditions.

WF: How soon should a couple book their photographer?
CC: As soon as possible! Do NOT wait to book the photographer if you know who one you want. Weddings are sometimes planned several years in advance so you need to act fast to reserve the services you want. This should be one of the top priority decisions along with booking the venues, officiant and caterer.

WF: What questions should a couple ask before contracting a wedding photographer?
CC:Are you available to shoot on my wedding date?
To what professional associations do you belong?
How would you describe your style?
Have you shot a wedding at this location before? (look at samples)
Do you bring an assistant?
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
When will the images be ready?
Do you offer a copyright released image disc?
How do you archive your digital files?
How do you accommodate working with a videographer?
What information do you need to create a photo checklist?
Do you think you are a good fit for our event?

WF: Trish and Trevor, Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

For more information or to view more of Trish’s photography, visit her online at: Trish Roberts Wedding Photography.

Trish Roberts Wedding Photography

Tips for Wedding Car Decorating

Car Pom Poms

Decorating the “getaway” car of the newlyweds is a fun tradition. This is done to draw attention to the fact that the couple was just married and the task often falls to the male members of the bridal party. Decorating the married couple’s car should be done with taste and common sense to avoid damaging their car and avoid putting their safety at risk when driving home from the wedding reception.

Do not decorate the car’s window so heavily that the driver’s view out of the window is obstructed, as this is an obvious safety hazard. Decorating a car with items such as confetti or glitter inside the car might seem to be funny, but it can take weeks or more to get all of those little pieces out of a car. The newlyweds will not appreciate this!

Also avoid tying cans or boots to the back of a car as they can come loose and harm other people, vehicles or cause an accident.

Focus on cheerful and non-invasive decorations that will be easily removed and will not cause harm should they come off in transit. You never want to damage the finish on a car and especially on one that is special enough to have been selected as the vehicle for the bride and groom.

Products that are designed to safely decorate a car include:

Liquid Chalk
Plastic Pom Poms
Cardboard Cutouts
Just Married Window Clings
Car Decorating Kit
Personalized Window Clings


Items such as Window Clings can be safely applied to a clean car. Either on the windows or on the body of the car. They can be removed and re-used and are a quick way to decorate. You want to avoid using tape of any kind so any add-on items such as pompoms and Cardboard Forms sould be affixed with twine using natural secure-holds such as the trunk, tailgate or spoiler. Pompoms can be attached safely to windsheild wipersm antennas, door handles and around the window frames.

If the couple is going to be driving on a highway to their hotel or off to the airport it is recommended that you limit the decorations to Liquid Chalk, Clings and maybe a few pompoms. Cardboard forms, balloons, and streamers will not survive highway speeds and will immediately become more hazardous than humourous!

Visit our Showroom in Ingersoll for you last minute card decorating needs. We generally stock the Just Married Clings, Car Decorating Kits, liquid Chalk and Coloured Poms.]

Personalized Just Married Cling

Frequently Asked Wedding Questions

Our Customer Services Reps spend their days answering Brides’ Questions over the phone, via Email and Facebook as well as at our Wedding Showroom in Ingersoll Ontario. Here are some common Questions:

Do I need to have Wedding Favours?
~No- of course not! The point of a favour is to say Thank You to your guests. If it is not something that you want for your wedding- you can skip it. Nobody is going to leave your wedding saying “Nice day but it would have been better if I received a bag of almonds.” There are many ways to thank your guests for coming and you can add your personal touch to the wedding without giving favours.

Why are some Bridal Garters sold as a set of two?
~Many of our Bridal Garters are solet insets of two.  One is more elaborate and then there is a matching one that is plainer.  This is for the bride who likes to keep mementos.  The simple garter is used for the garter toss and will likely end up on the rearview mirror of a teenage boy!  The fancier garter is a keepsake for the bride.  She can wear the toss garter lower on her leg so that this is the one that the groom reaches first.  After the wedding the garter can be stored with the drycleaned gown or kept with other keepsakes such as the dried bouquet, notes from loved ones and a copy fo the invitation.  A crafty bride may choose to make a wedding day shadow box and the garter is a nice addition.  For brides who are not sentimental and do not wish to hang on to a garter can choose a single one.

What is the purpose of Reception Card Holders?
~A Gift Card Holder is a decorative box that is designed for guests to deposit the gift cards for the newly married couple. They can be made from a hatbox, a real or cardboard mailbox, a birdcage or a giftbox. This box is placed on the gift table and is meant to safeguard the potentially valuable gift cards from theft. They are not locked but they do eliminate the possibility that some will fall off the table and be lost or easily pocketed by a thief. Nobody wants to be suspicious of their guests but the reality is that there will be strangers in and out of your banquet hall and you do not know if they are staff, guests at another event or someone looking to steal from you. We recommend that you select a trusted person to monitor the gift table by keeping an eye on it and emptying it discreetly should it become full. It is also a good idea that all envelop gifts be removed to a safe place before the dance begins and the lights go down. There can be thousands of dollars worth of cash and gift certificates in these envelopes and you want to minimize risk of loss. Appoint someone to do this- the bride and groom does not need to deal with this on their big day.

Silver Gift Box Reception Card Holder

White Fairy Tale Coach Reception Card Holder

Metal Cream Flower Reception Card Holder

Classic Round Birdcage Card Holder

More FAQ’s to come!

Wedding Reception Songs playlist

Ultimate Wedding Reception Songs Playlist (list taken from Knowledgeguide4u.com


Struggling to compile a list of songs for your wedding reception? Here are some good options that cross genres and generations- you want to mix things up and play something for everyone.
Thе ultimate Playlist of Wedding Reception Songs:
1,2,3,4 – Plain White T’s
A Moment Lіkе Thіѕ – Kelly Clarkson
A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
Aftеr AƖƖ is Sаіԁ and Done – Beyonce
Aftеr AƖƖ – Peter Cetera & Cher
AƖƖ for Lονе – Bryan Adams
AƖƖ Mу Life – KC and JoJo
AƖƖ Mу Life – Linda Ronstadt
AƖƖ Of Mе – Harry Connick Jr
AƖƖ Thе Way – Frank Sinatra / Celine Dion
AƖmοѕt Paradise – Mike Reno & Ann Wilson
Always – Atlantic Starr
Always On Mу Mind – Willie Nelson
Amazed – Lonestar
At Last – Etta James
Bесаυѕе Of Yου – Tony Bennett / Connie Francis
Bесаυѕе Yου Loved Mе – Celine Dion
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Breathe – Faith Hill
Cаn Yου Feel Thе Lονе Tonight – Elton John
Cаn’t HеƖр Falling In Lονе – Elvis Presley
Collide – Howie Day
Colour Mу World – Chicago
Come Away Wіth Mе – Norah Jones
CουƖԁ I Hаνе Thіѕ Dance – Anne Murray
Crazy Lονе – Van Morrison
Cruisin – Huey Lewis & Gwyneth Paltrow / Smokey Robinson
Don’t Change – Musiq Soulchild
Drift Away – Uncle Cracker
Earth Angel – Penguins
Ebb Tide – Frank Sinatra / Righteous Brothers / Platters
Eternal Flame – Thе Bangles
Everything – Lifehouse
Everything – Michael Buble
Everything I Dο (I Dο It Fοr Yου) – Brian Adams
Everything Yου Dο – Marc Anthony
Faithfully – Journey
Feels Lіkе Home – Chantel Kreviazuk
FƖу Mе Tο Thе Moon – Frank Sinatra
Fooled Around & Fell In Lονе – Elvin Bishop
Forever & Fοr Always – Shania Twain
Frοm Thіѕ Moment – Shania Twain
Glory of Lονе – Peter Cetera
Greatest Lονе Of AƖƖ, Thе – Whitney Houston
Grow OƖԁ Wіth Mе – John Lennon / Mary Chapin Carpenter
Hаνе I TοƖԁ Yου Lately – Van Morrison / Rod Stewart
Hаνе Yου Eνеr Really Loved A Woman – Brian Adams
Hello Again – Neil Diamond (Frοm Jazz Singer)
Here and Now – Luther Vandross
Hero – Mariah Carey
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
Hοw Dο I Live – Leanne Rimes
Hοw Sweet It Iѕ – James Taylor
I CουƖԁ Nοt Aѕk Fοr More – Sarah Evans
I Dο It Fοr Yου (Everything I Dο) – Bryan Adams
I Hаνе and I Always WіƖƖ – Dave Barnes
I Hope Yου Dance – Lee Ann Womack
I Loved Hеr First – Heartland
I Melt – Rascal Flats
I’ll Bе – Edwin McCain
I’ll Bе Thеrе – Michael Jackson
I WіƖƖ Nοt Take Mу Lονе Away – Matt Wertz
In Mу Life – Bette Midler
It Hаԁ Tο Bе Yου – Artie Shaw / Harry Connick Jr
It’s Yουr Lονе – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Jυѕt Yου Anԁ I – Eddie Rabbitt
Keeper Of Thе Stars – Tracy Byrd
Lady – Kenny Rogers
Lady In Red – Chris DeBurgh
Lean On Mе – Bill Withers
Lеt It Bе – Beatles
Lеt It Bе Mе – Everly Brothers
Lеt Mе Call Yου Sweetheart / Bing Crosby / Bette Midler
Lеt’s Stay Together – Al Green
Looking Through the Eyes of Lονе – Melissa Manchester
Lost In Thе Fifties Tonight – Ronnie Milsap
L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
Lονе Iѕ In Thе Air – John Paul Young
Mаkіnɡ Memories of Uѕ – Keith Urban
Mе and Yου – Kenny Chesney
Mυѕt Bе Doin Somethin Rіɡht – Billy Currington
Mу Heart WіƖƖ Gο On – Celine Dion
Mу Special Angel – Bobby Helms
Nothings Gonna Stοр Uѕ Now – Starship
On a Night Lіkе Thіѕ – Dave Barnes
One – U2
Power Of Lονе, Thе – Celine Dion
Rose, Thе – Bette Midler
Saving AƖƖ Mу Lονе Fοr Yου – Whitney Houston
Sea of Lονе – Honey Drippers
Someone Lіkе Yου – Van Morrison
Something Abουt Thе Way Yου Look Tonight – Elton John
Somewhere Out Thеrе – Linda Ronstadt
Spanish Eyes – Engelbert Humperdink
Stand Bу Mе – Ben E King
Stay Wіth Yουr – John Legend
Taking Yου Home – Don Henley
Thе Luckiest – Ben Folds
Thеrе Yου’ll Bе – Faith Hill (Frοm Pearl Harbor)
Thеrе’s a Kind of Hush (AƖƖ Over Thе World) – Herman’s Hermits
Through Thе Years – Kenny Rogers
Top Of Thе World – Thе Carpenters
Trυе Lονе Ways – Buddy Holly
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
Twilight Time – Thе Platters
Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
Until Yου – Dave Barnes
Up Whеrе Wе Belong – Joe Cocker
Valentine – Martina McBride & Jim Brickman
Way Yου Dο Thе Things Yου Dο – Thе Temptations
Way Yου Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Wе’ve Gοt Tonight – Kenny Rogers
Wе’ve OnƖу Jυѕt Begun – Carpenters
Whаt a Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong
Whеn A Man Lονеѕ A Woman – Percy Sledge
Whеn I Sаіԁ I Dο – Clint Black
Whеn Yου Sау Nothing At AƖƖ – Allison Krauss
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Yου Arе Sο BеаυtіfυƖ – Joe Cocker
Yου Raise Mе Up – Josh Groban
Yου Send Mе – Sam Cooke
Yου’re Still Thе One – Shania Twain
Yου’ve Gοt A Friend – James Taylor
Yουr Smiling Face – James Taylor

(List reprinted from http://www.knowledgeguide4u.com)

Wedding Tuxedo t-shirts for All Ages

Tuxedo t-shirts, a standard in a 1970 teen boy’s wardrobe, are staging a comeback. They are ironic with just enough cheek. What a fun idea for a beach wedding or for the pre-wedding events such as a Stag and Doe or Engagement party. Perfect for the groom, groomsmen and even the tiniest ringbearer.

We recruited the Roberts Boys (all three of them) as models and Trish Roberts of Trish Roberts Wedding Photography was kind enough to photograph her boys wearing these Tuxedo t-Shirts. Check out her website to see her beautiful wedding photography. She really is sharing stories of life and love. Thanks to the entire Roberts family for their help!

Consider purchasing a Tuxedo t-Shirt for your ringbearer. He will be tearing off his bowtie and vest as soon as he can and this allows him to celebrate without getting stains on his rented formalware.

Children's Tuxedo t-shirts

Boy's Tuxedo t-shirts

Groom and groomsmen in khaki shorts and a tuxedo shirt are a fun idea for casual beach wedding attire.

Even the youngest guest can arrive in comfort and style with these Tuxedo Onesies.

Baby "Formal" Wear

Perfect choice for a Prom, Semi-Formal or everyday wear. We stock these in our Ingersoll location and ship from within Canada. Drop by to try one on or purchase online at Weddingfavours.ca

If you are looking for a skillful wedding photographer in Southern Ontario- be sure to check out Trish Roberts Wedding Photography.

Check out our website http://www.weddingfavours.ca

Wedding Sand Ceremony Supplies available in Canada

Weddingfavours.ca is pleased to announce 10 NEW colours of Wedding Sand. We now carry a huge selection of 80 different colours!

Designed to match David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo colours, you can design a sand ceremony that is a perfect fit for your colour scheme and family situations.

We stock all colours and can usually ship them out the next day. Contact us at (519) 485-4222 to confirm stock or visit us at our Ingersoll Showroom to see samples in person.

Key Lime

Lapis

Ruby

Jade

Guava

Saffron

Sangria

Iris

Malibu

Golden

New colours for 2011 include:
Key Lime, Lapis, Ruby, Jade, Guava, Iris, Sangria, Saffron, Malibu and Golden. Visit our website www.weddingfavours.ca for more information and to see all 80 of our spectacular Sand Colours.

Bridal Shower Games and Activities

Fun Bridal Shower Games

The party held before a wedding for the bride-to-be is called the bridal shower. They are usually organized by the bridesmaids who will invite guests to bring presents for the future bride. The groom is usually not invited, and there will be mostly women at this party. Mixed Showers are growing in popularity in Canada and are more common as people are marrying later in life or for the second time.

It is a good idea to have an activity or two planned for a bridal shower. In many cases- the guests will not know one another and the games can function as ice-breakers. They should be accessible for everyone and clean- this is not the bachelorette party!

Bride’s Trivia
Be careful to select games that are inclusive and not embarrassing. There will be guests there who have just recently met the bride and will not be able to answer trivia questions about her life. If you wish to do a Bride’s Trivia game, be sure to put guests in teams to that there is a mix of the bride’s and groom’s relatives and new and old friends on each team.
Sample Questions:
What is the Bride’s Middle Name?
Where did the Bride and Groom meet?
What is the name of the Bride’s high school?
Where did the groom propose?

Ask all the teams to write down their answers and then let the bride be the one to answer the questions. Allow time for her to embellish the stories and then the game can become a “getting acquainted” opportunity for guests that are not long-time friends.

Handbag Scavenger Hunt
This is a fun (and potentially funny) game that can be used while guests are arriving. Those who are interested can work at it and those who just want to chat can do that instead. Have a list of items that may or may not be in the standard purse. Items such as tissues, a pen, painkillers, breath mints, nail-file, lip-balm are obvious and would be in most ladies’ bags. Less common items include a sewing kit, camera and a notepad or shipping bag. Add in some fun items that are more obscure such as a hammer, scissors and socks. Award 1 point for basic items, 2 points for less obvious items and 5 points for a few wacky items. Award special prizes for the oddest things that your guests can produce.

“What the Bride Says”
This activity takes place while the bride is opening her gifts. Ask someone to discreetly report all the phrases that the bride uses while opening gifts. “Oh wow- it is awesome” “I love the colour” or “I have always wanted one.” After the gifts have all been opened, the reporter will explain that the following words will be used by the bride on her wedding night and then read out all the comments.

Best and Worst Advice
Ask guests to write down the best and worst advice they ever received from their mother or grandmother. Read out the answers and award a prize for the best and worst bits of advice.

Prizes:
Have a selection of small items available for prizes. Items such as compact mirrors, lip balms, hand sanitizers, candy bars and candles make great little gifts. Visit our Clearance Section for some inexpensive items.

Bridal Shower Themes

Innovative and interesting themes can help guests choose gifts for the happy couple

One of our most Frequently Asked Questions is about Bridal Shower Ideas. 30 years ago it was common for a bride and groom to be moving out of their parents’ homes and setting up a house for the first time as a couple. Today couples are waiting longer to get married and often have a home together or even two households to merge. This means that the traditional shower gifts and themes just won’t cut it. You do not need to resort to toilet paper bridal gowns or a pie plate hat covered in bows- unless, of course, that is how you roll!

The following ideas are just a jumping-off point for you. You will have to factor in the couple, the guests, the circumstances and the wedding style when you are making your choices. The traditional bridal shower is still popular and it is a great way to honour the bride and may be the most comfortable style especially for older shower guests.

Common-law relationships are on the rise as well as second marriages and in these cases you may want to think “outside the box”. Many couples are very well established and do not need their loved ones to help them equip the home. Consider these fun ideas!

Here are some modern shower themes, many of them are great for a mixed shower:

Entertainment Shower
Description: Great shower theme for couples who love to entertain guests
Gift Ideas: Gift ideas can include lawn chairs, barbeque utensils, puzzles and games, playing cards, fun serving dishes, wine glasses, etc.
Food Ideas: Hors D’oevres, cocktails

Patio Party Shower
Description: Perfect for couples who would like to decorate their patio or who just purchased a new home. This theme works well in a backyard setting. Great for blended families and events that include children.
Gift Ideas: Patio lights, lawn chairs, portable gas grill, barbecue tools, beverage sets, tablecloths, napkins, and cookbooks.
Food Ideas: Picnic fare such as barbequed chicken, potato salad and ice cream

Naughty and Nice Shower or Lingerie Shower
Description: In the Naughty and Nice shower guests bring something ‘Nice’ for the bride and something ‘Naughty’ for the honeymoon. In the lingerie shower, guests only bring something for the honeymoon.
Gift Ideas: Fuzzy hand cuffs, Personal Lubricant, gift certificate to Lingerie Stores, books, and candles
Food Ideas: Chocolate fondue, cocktails, fresh fruit and pastries

Gift Certificate Theme
Description: This is a great shower theme for couples who are planning to move before or after the wedding or for couples who are difficult to shop for.
Gift Ideas: Gift Certificates from local shops in the bride and grooms hometown that they can use throughout their first year of marriage (i.e. certificates from the grocery store, department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants).

‘Green Thumb Shower’ or ‘Garden Delight’
Description: This theme revolves around plants and gardens and is great for a bride-to-be who either loves gardening or would like to spruce up her current yard. This is a popular them for outdoor/backyard parties.
Gift Ideas: Real or fake plants, seeds, bulbs, garden tools, gloves, books about gardening, or gift certificates to plant nurseries or home reno store.
Favour Ideas: Love Grows Seeds, Tree Seedlings

‘Stock the Pantry’ Party
Description: Guests are mailed a blank recipe card and asked to bring their favorite recipe written on the card and a non-perishable ingredient for the recipe.
Gift Ideas: Pantry Staples such as olive oil, maple syrup, basmati rice, spices and baking ingredients
Favour Ideas: Measuring Spoons, Cookie Cutters, Maple Syrup

Shower of Firsts:
Description: Each guest is assigned to bring a gift for a specific “first’ the couple will have in their first year of marriage. Some ‘firsts’ include: first fix-it project (tool kit), first time the power goes out (candles and a flashlight) the first time they burn dinner (restaurant gift certificate), their first night apart (a cozy throw), first fight (get creative with this one!)

Fond Memories Shower
Description: The guests are asked to bring their most memorable photo taken with the bride-to-be. During the shower, guests insert the photos into an album with a note about why they chose that photo.
Favour Ideas: Photo Albums, Mini Photo Frame

Storage Theme
Description: This may sounds bit boring but anyone who is trying to downsize or get organized will appreciate this more than dozens of tea towels and cake plates! Guests bring gifts that are centered on storage solutions.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include items such as plastic food containers, closet storage, file racks, filing cabinets, decorated storage boxes and plastic bins, even flat-pack furniture solutions.

“Honey, do…”
Description: Guests bring gifts that would help ‘the Honey’ complete a task requested by their spouse.
Gift Ideas: Gift ideas include gardening tools for “Honey, please work on the yard” or mixing bowls for “Honey, please bake me a cake”. Guests can be sent a little card that they can attach to their gift which states their “Honey, do…” task.

The Italian Basket
Description: Guests are asked to bring a specific gift to fill a large basket that will be wrapped and given to the Bride-to-be.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include ceramic pasta bowls, wooden spoons, cheese graters, olive oil cans, containers filled with pasta, cans of tomatoes, red and white checkered place mats & napkins, and an Italian cookbook.
Variations of the Theme: Chinese Basket, Desert Basket, Cookie Basket, French Theme.

Travel Theme
Description: Guests bring gifts that the couple can use on their honeymoon.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include disposable cameras, toiletries, shaving kit, currency of the country, sunglasses, personalized towels, and sunscreen.
Variations of the Theme: Tailor the theme to the couple’s destination (i.e. European vacation, Australian Vacation, Mexican Vacation. Serve food that co-ordinates with the theme.
Favour Ideas: Personalized Travel Candles, Luggage Tags

Time of Day
Description: Guests are assigned a time of day and bring gifts that apply to their time of day.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include a His & Hers coffee mug set for 8am time or Dinner plate set for 5pm time.
Variations of the Theme: Season of the Year. Guests are assigned one of the four seasons and are asked to bring gifts that fit their season.

Linen Theme
Description: Guests bring items that are linen related. Great for a bride-to-be who has a furnished apartment or home but doesn’t have sheets or curtains.
Gift Ideas: Cloth napkins, table cloth, matching bed sets, curtains, and towels.

Home ImprovementDescription: This is a great couple’s shower. Guests bring items that will help to improve the couple’s home.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include gift certificates to local hardware and gardening stores, hand tools, gardening tools, home decorations, paintings, etc.
Variations of the Theme: Tool and Gadget Party – guests bring items such as a hammer, rake, shovel, flashlight, or clock.

Holiday Theme
Description: Assign a holiday to each guest and ask them to bring a gift appropriate for their theme.
Gift Ideas: Fake Christmas Tree, Halloween Decorations, Holiday Entertaining items such as punch bowl and platters or turkey roasting/carving tools

Alphabet Theme
Description: Guests are assigned a letter of the alphabet and are asked to bring a gift that starts with the letter they were assigned. E.g. M – Measuring cups. Difficult letters like Q, X, and Z can be skipped

Fitness ThemeDescription: This is a great theme for an athletic couple or a couple who would like to become more athletic.
Gift Ideas: Gifts can include medicine balls, yoga videos, hand weights, gym memberships, gift certificates for bikes or gym equipment, activities they can do outdoors etc.

Wet Bar or Stock the Bar Theme
Description: This is a fun shower for couples who like to entertain or for a couples shower. Guests are asked to bring items to help stock the couples bar.
Gift Ideas: Barware such as martini shakers, bottle opener, corkscrew, glassware, liquor and bottles of wine
Favour Ideas: Bottle Stoppers, Cocktail Mixes, Mini Martini Shakers

Tea Party
Description: Guest are invited to a tea party (around 2pm normally). Serve different types of flavored tea and small finger food such as scones, finger sandwiches, and tarts. Decorate in spring colours and have tea or spring decorations.
Gift Ideas: Guests can bring gifts that are either tea related or can bring standard shower gifts.
Favour Ideas: Personalized Wedding Tea, Tea Time Infuser, Porcelain Tealight Holder, Mini Tea pot place holders

Room of the House
Description: Guests are assigned a room of the house and are asked to bring gifts that can be used in that room.
Gift Ideas: Gift ideas include mixing bowls for the kitchen, towels for the bathroom, sheets for the bedroom etc.

Visit our Bridal Shower Planning Guide for more ideas and great Bridal Shower Favours and other products.

How to Choose Colours for a Sand Ceremony

The Sand Ceremony is quickly overtaking the traditional Candle Unity Ceremony in popularity in Canada. We have been selling the Vase Sets and Sand for about 4 years now and have noticed that awareness has grown immensely.

Weddingfavours.ca Item #3853 Sand Ceremony Set

The symbolism of the Sand Ceremony, not unlike that Unity Candle, is that the two people are exchanging vows that make them inseparable as illustrated by the joined flame or the mingled grains of sand. Two lives are joining to become one.

How to Choose Sand Colours for a Wedding Sand Ceremony
There are several things to remember when you are selecting sand colours. One is that the vases will only be at your wedding for a few minutes but the finished product will be in your home for years. Some couples carefully choose the exact colours to match the bridesmaids dresses while others choose a neutral palette that will complement any décor.

Children love to choose their own colours. They love that there is a layer that represent them in the finished keepsake vase. We have helped families choose favourite team colours, birthstone colours or colours that represent individual personalities. We have small vials of sand on display so that customers can experiment with their own combinations. Here is a picture of my desk as I am typing this…

Consider choosing colour based on Birthstone colours.
January- Garnet Stone… Burgundy or Rose sand
February- Amethyst…… Lilac or Victorian Lilac sand
March- Aquamarine……. Cornflower or Ocean Blue sand
April- Diamond………. White or Champagne sand
May- Emerald………… Emerald or Clover sand
June- Pearl/Moonstone… Champagne or White sand
July- Ruby………….. Apple or Watermelon sand
August- Peridot……… Celadon or Honeydew sand
September- Sapphire….. Cobalt or Blue velvet sand
October- Opal/Tourmaline Azalea or Pink Blush sand
November- Topaz/Citrine. Natural or Hazelnut sand
December- Turquoise….. Capri or Tropic Blue sand

Blended families can be celebrated with sand colour choices. For example- maybe the bride is represented by red and her children are shades of red (pink, burgundy, fuchsia) and the groom chooses Black and his kids are different shades of black (Grey, Pewter).

Colour Schemes
PINKS- Azalea, Pink & Pink Blush
BLUES- Marine, Cobalt & Ocean Blue
GREENS- Fern, Sage/Peridot, Celadon
SOFT BROWNS- Dark Chocolate, Tan, Hazelnut, Natural & Champagne
PURPLES- Royal Purple, Victorian Lilac, Lilac
GRAYS- Black, Pewter, Gray
ORANGES-Pumpkin Spice, Burnt Orange, Tangerine, Mango
JEWEL TONES- Oasis, Rose, Azalea, Royal Purple, Cobalt, Emerald & Apple
PASTELS- Yellow Chiffon, Honeydew, Pink Chiffon, Ocean Blue, Lilac
EARTHY- Espresso, Fern, Mango, Natural, Light Chocloate, Champagne
HALLOWEEN- Orange, Black & White
TROPICAL- Teal, Azalea, White (& include actual beach sand)
BRIGHTS- Orange, Sunflower, Lime Green & Pink

Our top-selling sand ceremony set featuring the heart-shaped centre vase

Pictured here: Cobalt, Kiwi and White Sand
You have your pick from a rainbow of sand colours. As in most wedding decisions you should relax and have fun with them! If you love in the London/Woodstock area- drop by our showroom in Ingersoll to experiment with our colour samples. Bring in a swatch of your dresses to find the best match.

NOTE: Sand Colours are named and formulated to match the Alfred Angelo Colours. If your are ordering Alfred Angelo bridesmaid dresses and want the sand colours to match- order the sand colour with the same name! Alfred Angelo Pool dresses are a perfect match to our Pool coloured wedding sand.