Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that can be a little stressful if you don’t know where to begin. In this article, we will share ten must-know tips for happy couples to help keep your wedding cost in Toronto low and guest spirits high, filled with wonderful memories.
1. Opt for a short and sweet ceremony
Although family traditions might call for a longer religious ceremony, if you have the luxury of having more input in your wedding ceremony, opt for something short and sweet.
Writing your own vows is a good place to start. It replaces unnecessary, tedious readings while also personalizing the ceremony to better reflect your relationship. This helps you get through the most stressful part of your wedding day quickly while ensuring guests remember the loving words you exchange with each other.
2. Go with what you know
It’s hard not to get carried away with plans, whether you’re overwhelmed by exciting wedding trends, family “being helpful” with advice based on what they want, or pushy wedding planners trying to get you to do things outside your comfort zone.
However, if you go with what you know, then everything will come together much easier. For example, what are your shared interests? What’s your sense of style? What are your favourite colours? What would you like to say to each other in your vows? If you use these personal insights in hand with your own ideals and beliefs as your guide, you will be sure to create a wedding your guests will remember!
3. Leverage technology
This definitely isn’t your grandma’s wedding, with technology offering interesting ways to both plan and participate in your wedding. For example, you can use scheduling apps to keep planning on track, social media and hashtags to share stories about the wedding plans with family and friends, and fun backdrops to create guest selfie opportunities at the ceremony.
You can even create a wedding blog or wedding website with everything guests need to know. Technology also makes it easier for people to capture and share memorable moments you can all cherish for years to come.
4. Welcome out-of-town guests with a unique gift bag
If your budget allows, consider creating fun welcome gift bags for out-of-town guests. They’ve invested a lot of expense to attend, and thus deserve a little extra something to thank them for being there on your special day.
Arrange to have them delivered either to the homes where they’re staying or hotel rooms with some local snacks, a map of sights they might enjoy during their stay, some restaurants you love they might want to try, etc. This will make a lasting impression.
5. Include every single guest in your plans
Often, wedding guests feel a little left out when you’re too focused on close family and friends. This includes everything from the way you greet people to your speeches.
Think of ways to include every single guest in your plans, whether it’s a personalized message at each place setting, noting the seating arrangement so you can stop in at each table at the reception, or inviting people to join you for a dance. That special hug, handshake, mention, or dance will create a very special moment each guest will treasure.
6. Be careful with seating plans
While you might decide to leave your parents out of the planning to reduce stress, one place they might come in handy is with the seating plans. They tend to know guest backstories and can arrange seating to avoid discomfort and conflict that creates the wrong kinds of memories!
You can also consider friends and family who don’t know each other but share common interests and seat them at the same table. You might even do something unexpected, like placing little notes on guest plates that point out those shared interests.
7. Avoid cash bars
Although the wedding costs that Toronto couples fork out are high, it’s best to avoid cash bars at the reception. Keep in mind that weddings cost guests money as well due to travel expenses, the gift, buying a new outfit, and attending other wedding-related events like showers and bachelorette/bachelor parties.
Of course, your costs are much higher, but you’re the ones calling the shots, and you shouldn’t be putting any of those costs back on your guests. It’s better to cut down on your expenses elsewhere, so guests can enjoy free wine with dinner, a sparkling wine toast, and an open bar limited to wine and beer. Otherwise, the only thing guests will remember is that your wedding cost them a fortune!
8. Be smart about wedding favours
Wedding favours are a nice tradition you don’t want to skip. However, they can also add to the wedding cost Toronto couples have to cover. Be smart about wedding favours, and choose something that is both affordable and usable.
Some ideas include yummy cookies, bags of gourmet popcorn mixes, and mini maple syrups. These items are edible, affordable, and memorable in a delicious way.
9. Consider going minimalist
With the average wedding cost in Toronto skyrocketing, it makes sense to consider jumping on the minimalist trend. This includes downplaying things like the extravagant details of your wedding dress, the menu, the cake design, and the floral displays and decor.
You can also pare down the guest list, invite your closest friends and family, and go to a mini wedding party with just a maid of honour and best man. An intimate wedding is always memorable, with everyone sharing quality time with the bride and groom.
10. Choose a venue with it all
One of the hardest parts of wedding planning is juggling all the vendors involved. If you choose a venue that assists with everything, you can reduce stress and have expert guidance that makes it easy.
In-house caterers, A/V equipment, lighting, event planners, entertainment referrals, florists, the ceremony, and more all come together much easier when you choose an experienced venue with a network of wedding service connections. The right venue can bring everything together seamlessly and beautifully, so all you remember is how lovely the day was.
Contact the Wedding Venue Experts
Planning a memorable wedding is all about making meaningful choices that reflect who you are as a couple and include guests in a loving way. These 10 tips will help you create a flawless wedding day that you and your guests will remember fondly.
Are you planning a wedding? Click here to learn more about the average wedding cost Toronto couples budget for at Château Le Jardin. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573, or book a consultation online.
