tips & tricks: realistic planning help for local brides

 

6 Things That Can Go Wrong

:: How to avoid common wedding mishaps

by Shelley Da Silva of Wedding Wows in Toronto

 

Flower failure Event planner Shelley Da Silva of Wedding Wows says that all too often flowers get caught wilting on film. "And they appear in just about every photo taken of the couple and wedding party so you want your flowers to be at their best." That's why Shelley recommends that brides talk to their florist before making a final decision on anything flower-related. "Work with your florist to choose flowers that will last throughout the ceremony and photo session..." She also suggests looking for stronger flowers such as roses or any flowers that are in season. "I try to avoid tulips and hydrangeas in the summer months because they need lots of water and they don't like sunlight."

 

Limo overload When the wedding party members arrive at the bride or groom's house before they're in their wedding attire, it can result in too many bags and not enough space in the limo. "It's a small detail but it's extremely difficult to accommodate," says Shelley. "The limo is usually already stocked with stuff – and people! - for the couple's wedding day..." Shelley recommends asking the bridesmaids and groomsmen to arrive dressed in their wedding attire. "You don't want to be holding a heavy gown bag when you're all dressed up."

 

Time out Having children in your wedding party is common, however it can sometimes make things tricky if you're not prepared. Shelley suggests making sure that children are seated close to their parents at the reception, that they are transported in a separate vehicle (not the limousine), and that photos are taken of the little ones first so that they can take a time out to nap before the reception.

 

Meet before you sign Shelley says that you may be working with a complete stranger if you don't ask the right questions when you hire a wedding vendor. "For example, if you interview a photographer and choose them based on their personality and photos, but then end up getting someone completely different on your wedding day, you're not likely to be happy... Make sure you ask who will be working for you on your wedding day and get it on your contract." Shelley also recommends choosing vendors who "you click with".

 

Keep it close to home Shelley suggests picking your photography locations wisely. "You might not want to choose a location that's far away, because it could limit your opportunity to get all the photos you want." Shelley tries to help her brides find a great location between the ceremony and reception, to keep everything running smoothly. "Timing is everything."

 

Be prepared Shelley has seen brides avoid a number of mini disasters just by being prepared. She recommends always having a bridal emergency kit accessible (and well-stocked). "You can include things like stain removers, a sewing kit, headache medicine and even a spare pair of nylons or underwear... You just never know!" Another way to truly be prepared is to hire a wedding coordinator who will take care of these details for you.

 

Shelley Da Silva is the owner and principle Event Coordinator at her company, Wedding Wows. She is WPIC certified and says she's been planning events and weddings in the GTA for the past 8 years.

 

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