Upcoming Wedding Fairs & Shows

It's that time of year again!  The wedding season has all but wrapped up, but that doesn't mean we slow down even for a second! 2012 is just around the corner, and wedding show season has begun!  Which is equally as exciting for people such as myself.  Below are only a few of the dozens of upcoming wedding shows... I'll post more dates & locations next week as well so check back!



Urban Wedding Show - I'll be there with the Dirty Apron Cooking School!

"Showcasing top couture, decadent samples and entertainment, all from Vancouver’s finest in the business! Sample delectable food and cocktails while visiting some of the most lavish floral designs, elegant decor, entertaining performances and many more elite vendors. Arrive on your own or with friends and watch the latest trends strut down the runway to show off spectacular fashions. If you are getting married this is the can’t miss show of the year."

Date: November 6th,2011

Location:Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel
1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Time:10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Fashion Shows at 12:35, 2:35 and 5:35 PM

Price: $20 in advance | $30 at the door

Website: weddingshowvancouver.com

Dream Group Presents The Original Bridal Swap

"Her something old is your something new"

Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011

Time:11:00am - 3:00pm**

**GET EARLY BIRD ACCESS AT 10:30am BY PURCHASING ADVANCE TICKETS!

Location: VILLA AMATO
88 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Website: www.bridalswap.ca



33rd Annual Wedding Fair

"With over 150 exhibitors and over 170 booths, Brides and Grooms-to-be, along with their family and friends, can find inspiration, fresh ideas and reputable industry professionals to help them plan the wedding of their dreams.
Featured exhibitors include everything from invitation vendors, gown shops, cake-makers, favors, lingerie, shoes, chocolate fountains, jewelry designers, photographers, decorators, musicians, wedding planners, honeymoon destinations and representatives from some of Vancouvers finest venues.
To compliment the fun and excitement, there is the annual Fashion Show Extravaganza featuring gorgeous gowns, beautiful bridesmaids dresses and honeymoon lingerie.
With over 1000 unique prizes and gifts valued at over $250,000 including the Dream Wedding, this show promises to be a highlight in the planning process for any newly-engaged couple."

Date: January 7 & 8, 2012

Location: Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina
1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver

Time:follow the link for information regarding show times http://www.weddingfair.ca/showtimes.php

Price: $20 + HST

Website: www.weddingfair.ca

How to have some FUN at your wedding!

Comfort Food!

Loved going for ice cream as a kid? Was your first date at the fair or do you love going for movie dates and sharing popcorn? Some treats and goodies bring back good memories, not just for the couple but for your guests too! If you want your cocktail hour to be care-free, relaxed and fun... then give them food they can relate to! If fancy hors d'oeuvres aren't your style, don't change that for your wedding.
All the photos below were found at www.theknot.com (my favourite website for inspiration)

Vancouver Flipbook! 
Great in place of a photobooth or amenities
http://vancouverflipbook.com/

Guests will feel like kids again when they dance around in costume for a few seconds - all while being photographed.  These photographs are then printed and put into a flipbook right infront of you in a matter of seconds.  This is an amenity that your guests will actually keep, and offers a few giggles and memories. 









DANCING!
Check out Clear the Floor : http://www.clearthefloor.com/

Lots of couples are incorporating fun choreography into their wedding dancing - and it doesn't just have to be the couple!  Get your whole bridal party into it!  Have stage fright?  MOB dancing is perfectly acceptable at your wedding, I happen to know people who have attended entire weddings because they're on the job - shock your guests by having a group of professional dancers get up on the dance floor out of the crowd and get the party started!  Check out this Youtube Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/ClearTheFloor (The photo below is not from Clear the Floor)

Wedding Planning

Have you started your wedding binder yet?  Have you set deadlines and goals for confirming suppliers, completing your decor plan, sending your invitations and much much more?

Below is a general timeline that should prove very useful for bride and grooms to-be!

Planning Calendar

Right away...

r Book a Venue

r Establish a Budget

r Decide on theme & concept

r Determine your wedding party

r Begin a wedding binder

8 - 12 months prior

Contract/hire suppliers:

r Caterer (if not provided by venue) r Photographer / Videographer

r Entertainment & DJ

r Graphic Designer

r Officiant

r Purchase wedding gown

6 months prior

r Send Save the Dates (optional)

r Create and order invitations

r Create wedding website

r Register

r Shop for Bridesmaid dresses

r Shop for grooms/men attire

r Reserve structural rentals (portable toilets, chairs, tables, electrical requirements, tent)

r Book Florist

2 - 4 Months prior

r Book guest accommodations

r Book transportation

r Meet with Officiant

r Select Menu

r Design & order cake

r Design decor plan

r Order rentals and decor items (Meet with florist)

r Order amenities, guest giveaways and any personalized items

r Send Invitations (2 months prior - set RSVP date at 3 - 4 weeks prior to wedding day)

r Book Hair stylist & Make-up artist – have “experimental” appointments or consultations (Bring photos!)

1 month prior

r Confirm with all suppliers

r Create DJ/MC scripts and playlists

r Finalize readings

r Finalize Day-of schedule

r Onsite walk through

r Obtain wedding license

r Obtain insurance & licenses

The last weeks prior

r Confirm final numbers with venue

r Finalize seating plan

r Double check arrival times of all vendors, update schedule

r Print escort/place cards

r Purchase Alcohol (if applicable)

r Confirm rehearsal with wedding party and necessary suppliers

r Prep Thank-you cards

r Prep/make/set-aside final payments

r Delegate tasks with wedding party

r Distribute detailed schedule to wedding party, MC & suppliers