We are so honoured to have been asked to share this table with Weddings in Alberta, the first of a few features coming up in Weddings in Alberta!
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
Archive: ‘edmonton wedding photographers’
Featured: Weddings in Alberta, February!
Saturday, February 4th, 2012Bridal Show Tips
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
They can be very exciting and extremely overwhelming. Bridal shows come to Edmonton in September and then again in January.
Here are some tips on how to survive bridal shows if you choose to attend:
1. Go early. Earlier you go the less line ups and there will still be ‘freebies’ and fliers, also vendors have more time to talk to you. Also if you plan on booking a vendor at the show (not recommended) then your date may still be available.
2. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; it’s not a fashion show.
3. Pre plan. Pre plan your route through the halls, and your transportation to the event. They tend to hike up parking prices and parking can be very limited.
3. Bring a bag. Not only a bag but a bag with bottles of water, and some snacks. The food at these events is usually price, not healthy and poorly cooked.
4. Create a free email account prior to going to the event, and use that email address to enter into draws. You will be spammed by vendors, sometimes even two years after you attended.
5. Pre-do little labels with your name and email address (refer to point #4), and mailing address. If you put your phone number, they will call you.
6. Bring a camera or iPhone to take photos, but remember to ask the vendor if it is okay for you to take pictures, that way if you see something you like you won’t have a hard time explaining it.
Finally only take fliers from companies you are truly interested in because it will only cause a headache for you to sort through at the end.
Upcoming Shows:
Spring
Bridal Fair: January 15, 2012; Shaw Conference Centre
Bridal Fantasy: January 22, 2012; Edmonton Expo Centre
You’re Engaged Now What?
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
Most brides take the first opportunity to go to the dress store and forget the basics. When planning such an important event there are a few things you need to look at before ever stepping in a dress store.
First think of the kind of wedding the two of you want. Is it local, destination, large, small etc. (you don’t need to determine colors or theme but a general idea of your wedding).
Second set your priorities for the wedding – is it the budget, venue, dress, photos, food, number of guests?
The third thing you need to sit down and look at before hiring anyone or even looking at those dresses, is BUDGET. The first two steps coincide with the budget. Unfortunately you cannot have a princess wedding, with 300 guests on a $10,000 budget. You also need to discuss upfront with the parents or anyone else involved if they will be contributing.
Once the budget, priorities, and vision have been discussed you can go dress, venue, photographer, etc. shopping. If you don’t do these steps first you will only cause yourself frustration, and possibly hurt your budget.
Happy Planning!
Alex + Frank: December 31
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012Alex + Frank were married at the Country Lodge (in the loft) in the afternoon of December 31. They originally wanted to be married in a log cabin in the mountains but this was this was a better choice being closer to family. Alex was so relaxed and absolutely stunning. For centre pieces lanterns from ikea war enlaced upon black and silver stars cut from paper and three tea light holders that were modified (mode podgy + marth stewart glitter) surrounded the lantern. Simple, yet very pretty!
Just before midnight champagne and new year’s party items were placed out and a count down started. It was a fabulous party and a great way to start the new year!
Please keep in mind these are my photos, and they really don’t do anyone justice, I’ll post the professional ones from DB Photographics when available.
Venue: Country Lodge
Photographer: DB Photographics (not the photos above)
Florals: Akiko Floral Artistry
Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
Cutting Down the Guest List
Monday, November 28th, 2011Cutting down the number of guests you invite to your wedding or event will cut down your costs immensely. Not only will you need less food, but there’s less alcohol, chairs, chair covers, table linens, favors, invites, table numbers, etc. But, lets face it, it’s probably the second hardest task (other than the seating chart) to do. It doesn’t matter who you do or don’t invite you will always hurt someone’s feelings, its just an unfortunate part of life. You are just going to have to face that reality, and stick to your plan. Whether you need to cut the guest list because of the venue size or your budget, you need to be firm and be reasonable. For example you cannot invite one cousin from a family and not the other just because you don’t like them. If you invite one cousin, you invite them all. Same goes for children (this is the one people catch the most flack for) if you let a few people bring children (OTHER than bridal party of your own) then you have to let everyone bring children.
This cute little chart was posted on The Wedding Bee to help you with narrowing down the list. When people ask why they weren’t invited, you can always say “We had limited space at the reception site we choose and had to cut the guest list to only immediate family”.
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
Brittany + Michael
Monday, November 28th, 2011
Photo: Mike Van Essen
One of our fabulous brides this year blogged about her wedding day and we thought we’d share her experience. We quote a few of her words, but you can read her whole post right here.
We also had Julianne. I can’t say enough nice things about this amazing woman. She was our fabulous wedding planner. I was the first to get married from my immediate family, and Michael was the same, so we really had no idea what we were doing. Julianne was an absolute genius when it came to things like timelines, costs, local vendors, and most importantly, coordinating the day-of. And ladies, if your groom is skeptical about this additional cost? Remind him that if something goes awry on your Big Day, his brand-new mother-in-law will bring it up with the planner instead of him. Hooray!
1 PM: One by one, the bridesmaids walked. And shit – there was a huge snag on the bottom of my dress. Trust Julianne to have a Bridal Emergency Kit that included a pair of fabric scissors. She took care of it in a second.
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
Wedding Planners + Prices
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Credit: Blake Loates Photography
Today, lets talk about differences between the “budget planner” and a professional wedding planner.
The job of a wedding planner, think anyone can do it? Well I’m here to tell you no, not everyone can do it. It’s not like JLo portrays it, or even close to how the shows on TLC or Slice illustrate it. Just because the person likes weddings and planned their own means absolutely nothing. It is a completely different pressure, a whole different set of circumstances and issues when it’s not your own wedding and your name is on the line. Someone who doesn’t have a business formally set up, may not care what you think;however, when a business and brand has been formed, their is reputation on the line.
We all know weddings are expensive and you’re going to have to trim somewhere, but you need to be aware of what kind of situation you are getting yourself into, a wedding is an investment of sorts. You see a Kijiji ad, a Facebook link, or even a Google ad, you spot a planner for $500 – seems like a fantastic deal, but think about it. How much money do you make an hour? The average wedding planner puts in 20-30 hours for “day of coordination”, didn’t know that did you? So lets calculate that, let’s say 30 hours, they are charging $16.60 per hour. But wait, that doesn’t include any of their overhead costs such as marketing, website, business supplies, education, taxes, etc. How much can that business be making, will it be around in a year or go out of business?
When you are comparing planners consider:
- How many years of experience?
- Education – Are they certified, how about Event Management, anything else that may be beneficial?
- Is this their full time job, or just a hobby? (would you hire a lawyer who, does it on the side?)
- How many weddings per year, and how many weddings they have done in total?
- Compare packages to packages – line by line.
- Do a references/testimonials search on the internet. (don’t just take a friends word that they are great, ensure you do your research. We all know ‘somebody’ doesn’t mean we’ve used their services and can provide an accurate testimony.)
- Are they licensed and insured to do business?
I have heard horror story after horror story of budget wedding planners losing items, making brides cry, missing entire ceremonies because they didn’t properly allot for the correct amount of time to set up the reception etc. I really want to prevent you from making the same mistakes other brides have made, by not fully doing their research before making a decision based on price alone.
I don’t recommend a typical “day of coordination” – there is no such thing as handing over an entire event in one meeting, not even a two hour meeting. Why? Because things come up, and things change. It’s easier to meet a few times, and ensure that the planner and the reception manager, and bride and groom are all on the same page. It’s impossible to do that in one two hour meeting.
If you’re paying more for a wedding planner, you’re usually receiving more experience and education.
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
“I have a venue coordinator I don’t need a wedding coordinator”
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
(Charlene from Sweet Chic Events)
“I don’t need a wedding coordinator my venue will do everything, they come with a coordinator” – This is one of the largest misconceptions when it comes to Venue Coordinator (the one that is at/comes with your venue) vs. an Event/Wedding Coordinator.
We are two very different kinds. Very simply put a wedding coordinator’s client is you; a venue coordinator’s client is their manager. A wedding planner’s interests lye with the client (YOU) while a venue coordinator’s interest lye with the venue.
A venue coordinator may assist with putting out linens or perhaps a room layout or even give you a list of the vendors that have been to those facilities before. However, most venues come with a coordinator. Most venues also have high turnover and multiple weddings in a day, which means you aren’t their only concern that day and you will potentially be working with a few ‘coordinators’. With multiple weddings, they aren’t in your room the whole time ensuring that guests aren’t raiding the sweet buffet before dinner! Once food is served they usually disappear. This doesn’t offer much support later on when you can’t find your toss bouquet or the Emcee goes missing.
A venue coordinator is there to coordinate anything that relates to the venue; where as a wedding planner is there to coordinate anything that relates to your wedding.
Both a wedding coordinator and venue coordinator are very important, but they also play very different roles, which may overlap in a few places concerning the reception décor or set up. But that’s usually where the similarities end.
Venue Coordinator will:
- create a floor plan
- create a menu, and attend the tasting
- set out décor items you brought the night before (check with the venue some won’t even do this)
- ensure a grand entrance into the reception room
- ensure their staff are doing their jobs
Wedding Coordinator will*:
- assemble a master timeline and ensure it is carried out
- reviews contracts, ensure contracts are carried out
- have contracts on hand and previous emails to back up what vendors have said they will do for you
- ensure vendors/VIPs arrive and know what to do
- direct & assist guests at the ceremony and reception
- ensure that your best man has the rings that the marriage certificate is in place
- work with you to set up your rehearsal, direct if necessary
- create a seamless wedding by being the liaison between family/cake/dj/photographer/other vendors
- line up and cue the bridal party & musicians
- attend to any needs of the bride & bridal party
- set out any personal items (guestbook, flowers, escort cards, etc.) at the reception & ceremony and then collect any personal items
*(sample list, not even remotely complete)
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
Stephanie + Jordan
Thursday, October 27th, 2011A beautiful fall wedding from this past weekend, such a beautiful couple! The ceremony was held at the always beautiful Robertson-Westely United church in downtown Edmonton.
The colours were nice deep brown and a vibrant pop of red. The flowers were from flowers on 50th, with cute and short centrepieces that definitely caught your eye as you came in as they popped off the table. Around each centre piece were eight tea lights. Now a tip if you’re actually reading this – go to superstore and buy the eight hour tea lights. When I went back t 1 a.m. to help with take down they were still burning!
The reception was held at the Woodvale Facility in Millwoods, Edmonton.
The yummy cupcakes were from Cake Affair. There weren’t too many left at the end of the night!
And because a yummy dinner and cupcakes wouldn’t be enough, there was a candy bar filled with some of my favourites, love the super cute bags that
A few of the details that weren’t picture was the incredible, and I mean incredible video that two of the groomsmen put together asking the bride and groom questions. It was like a real movie, they had mad editing and video skills (though, they work for a company that does short films so one might expect it), it was a huge hit. Also one final detail, was midnight lunch – it was pizza, and oh so delicious! You can always make your wedding your own by tweaking the traditional to reflect the two of you!
Congratulations again Stephanie + Jordan, you two fabulous + gorgeous people and have a super cute puppy, all the best!
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
Wedding Guest Etiquette
Monday, October 24th, 2011
As I have attended many weddings over my lifetime, more in one year than most would in a lifetime, I see so many guests going against golden rules when attending a hosted party. Thus, today’s post.
1. Don’t wear white, I would highly suggest nothing a solid ivory as well. UNLESS the bride requests it on their invitations. It is tacky, and yes, everyone knows it is and if you do wear white people will be talking rudely about you all night.
2. If the invite didn’t invite a plus one, don’t bring one, especially if you already asked and the bride indicated there wasn’t enough room.
3. Don’t be early and don’t be late. Arriving 45 minutes early for reception or arriving 5 minutes late for a ceremony is equal in poor behaviour. The invite specified the time, a week out plan your day, use google maps to get an accurate time. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early for the ceremony to allow for extra traffic time, time to walk into the venue, time to find a seat and possibly time to go to the washroom. Arriving early doesn’t help anyone setting up. There won’t be music, food, alcohol or a place for you to sit, so don’t ask.
4. Be respectful during speeches. If you came to drink and be loud, go outside. It is completely disrespectful.
5. Don’t take the centrepieces unless you were told. Most of the time brides and grooms need to rent the vases or parts of the centrepieces and need to return them. The rental items are of higher quality than most would buy and thus cost the bride and groom even more.
6. Don’t get wasted. Open bar, toonie bar, cash bar, doesn’t matter. Don’t over indulge. You look disrespectful.
7. Don’t take apart the decor and use it as dance props. This includes and is not limited to chair ties and floral centre pieces.
8. Don’t hog the bride and groom. There are many more guests who would like to speak with the bride and groom, don’t take up too much of their time. They want to be respectful and talk to everyone but cutting you off early is also rude.
9. Don’t complain unless it’s warranted. For example, don’t complain that you don’t like the decor or the bar, or the bride’s dress, or how long speeches are. It isn’t your wedding, be happy you were invited. Warranted complaints include hair in food, or missing food.
10. Don’t hoard “freebies” – i.e. alcohol, candy bar items, cupcakes or favours – unless the bride and groom are trying to get rid of them. I have personally seen not ten minutes into a cocktail hour and someone have ten favours at their place setting. It’s tacky and rude.
Julianne Cragg | Edmonton Wedding Planner
A Modern Proposal Event Planning
c: 780.901.5630
