Toronto Wedding Blog

1/21/2016 Comments

Ask The Right Questions Before Booking Your Wedding Reception

Think saying “I do” is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding?
Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.

Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $ 18,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s sure to affect how much you spend to “cover up” its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing cpuoples to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.

For that reason, the savvy venue-hunters want to know what questions to ask before they walk in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:

Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?

Some venues — high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition — require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of “approved” vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you’re stuck with such a list, search high and low for couples who have “been there, done that” and can give you their honest opinions.

Any restrictions on decorations?

Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no smoke machines, no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centrepiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.

Can we bring our own liquor, is there a “corkage” fee, and do we need a license?

If the liquor is to flow freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense amount of money by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says “yes” to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” to serve it — which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.

As for licensing, many places consider wedding receptions to be an “unlicensed social function,” meaning you don’t need one as long as you’re not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your local regulations before moving ahead — and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements(ie SOCAN)

Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don’t. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up — often at $1 per slice!

DIY Detective Work

These, of course, are only a few of the questions you’ll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you’re checking out the place:

– Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?

– Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?

– Check the hall itself. Where will you put the DJ , the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available? Is there an “tie-in” fee to bring your own entertainment ?

– Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there access for anyone with a disability?

One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue’s cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you’ll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you’ve signed, take some time to sit back and relax … before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!

We would love to hear your thoughts.
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8/19/2015 Comments

Your Wedding Theme

Whether it’s a traditional, formal or off-the-beaten-track wedding, you’re putting the whole event together yourself by planning its every phase. These days, with so much available on the Internet, it’s easy! All you need is some time and a clear idea of the feeling you want to get across.

Start with a theme and you’ll have a coherent image you can use throughout the entire wedding. You may be surprised, in fact, how potent just a word or concept can be, once applied as your marriage theme.

Love angels, for example? What could be more perfect than finding ways to incorporate angels in every phase of your wedding?

From the flowers to the guest favours to the vows, you can find a way to carry out the theme through the entire event. Is it to be a casual wedding of two Renaissance types? The Renaissance theme is compatible with the wedding ritual, and makes for an unforgettable event.

Getting married on February the fourteenth? Hearts and flowers are perhaps the most traditional and best beloved of all wedding themes!

When you’re planning your wedding, save time to choose the music with care. Get together with whoever is providing the music and talk about the right pieces for the two of you. There is nothing that sets the tone like music, and your wedding music will live in your memories for the rest of your lives.

The rings, the vows, the wardrobe all the choices you must make to create an intimately personal expression of your love, are made so much easier by following a theme. But the idea behind it all is what counts.

You can choose one word to describe the spirit you wish to be your wedding, as if the coming together of two hearts creates a separate entity with one quality.

Is it joy? Is it contentment? Is it a giddy, bubbly, mirthful adoration? Pick a word or a phrase and keep it in mind. It’ll tie everything together and make the experience more perfect. And your wedding theme can become a foundation throughout your marriage.

For your wedding.

For each other.

For your life.

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4/11/2015 Comments

Benefits Of Buying Blank Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the most important decisions that the bride and groom need to make. Without wedding invitations, then there can be no guests. The bride and groom will have literally thousands of potential invitations to choose from. There are retailers everywhere and each offers different options. One of the most unique options however, is to purchase blank invitations. This offers the bride and groom many benefits that the preprinted invitations do not.

Blank wedding invitations are perfect for the bride and groom that have a tight budget. These invitations will be much less expensive than those that are preprinted. The bride and groom can then shop around and find the least expensive place to have the invitations printed or they may choose to print the wedding invitations on their own printer. These blank invitations can be printed in either an inkjet or laser printer, which offers the bride and groom endless possibilities while maintaining their budget.

Another benefit to purchasing blank wedding invitations is time. This is an excellent option for the bride and groom who are planning far ahead and want to have everything purchased and planned early. This will allow them to purchase the wedding invitations without having to have chosen the wording for the invitations yet. This is also an excellent option for the bride and groom who are on a tight timeline. Shipping for blank wedding invitations will be much quicker and the bride and groom can have them printed out quickly and send them out to guests sooner than preprinted invitations.

Blank wedding invitations also give the bride and groom the opportunity to decide on their wedding invitation wording and make sure it is exactly how they want it. Once they have finalized the wording, they can have the invitations printed. In addition, the bride and groom may choose to personalize their wedding invitations to suit different guests. Every invitation does not need to be the same. This allows the bride and groom to be truly creative with their wedding invitations.

The designs of blank invitations are just as diverse as those that are preprinted. This is perfect for the bride and groom who are using their invitations to set the tone of their wedding. An elegant invitation conveys to guests that the event will be formal. Since many couples are choosing special themes for their weddings, this is a great way to incorporate that theme into the wedding.

Wedding invitations are not only an important purchase, but it is fun for the bride and groom as well. The couple can hold the wedding invitations in their hands and it makes the entire event seem more real and that is exciting. It does not need to be a stressful decision. Blank wedding invitations offer the bride and groom endless possibilities and benefits. Time and money are both precious commodities that a couple can use elsewhere.

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4/3/2015 Comments

Spring Wedding Favours

Spring is a fabulous time of year for weddings. Many couples choose to have a wedding in the springtime because it is such a wonderful time of year when the plants start to flourish after a dormant winter. With the combination of a variety of flowers in bloom and the temperate weather, many couples feel as though spring is the ideal time for a wedding. These couples are also likely to want to give there guests wedding favours which are closely associated to the spring season. This article will offer a few ideas for wedding favours which would be appropriate for weddings in the springtime.

Flowers are one of the most obvious choices for wedding favours for a spring wedding. Spring is one of the best times of year for fresh flowers. There are a wide variety of bright and fragrant flowers which are available in the spring. Couples who get married at this time of year may have trouble choosing flowers for centrepieces and bouquets because there are so many options available to them. Because flowers are so plentiful this time of year, giving flowers as wedding favours is also a very common practice at spring weddings. The couple may choose to give fresh flowers because they are so bright and fragrant or artificial flowers because they will serve as a lasting memento of the wedding for the guests. With either option the couple may choose to give either a single flower or a bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon matching the other colours used at the wedding.

Knick knacks such as ceramic umbrellas or ceramic rain boots can also be very cute wedding favours for a springtime wedding. These favours can also often be personalized to include the name of the bride and the groom as well as the wedding date. By personalizing the favour the couple makes the gift more appropriate for the wedding but by keeping the favour related to the season the couple makes the favour a really fun gift for the guests.

Real umbrellas can also be used as favours for a springtime wedding. In many locations, spring is typically a rainy time of year. A favour of umbrellas is a really practical idea because the guests are likely to be able to use the favour for years to come. One way to personalize this type of favour is to include a small tag on the handle with the name of the bride and the groom as well as the wedding date. The umbrellas can also be made more appropriate for the season by seeking out umbrellas in bright pastel colours.

A final idea for springtime wedding favours is simply candy. There are candies available in a variety of vibrant colours. While chocolate bars with personalize wrappers may be popular wedding favours year round, couples having a spring wedding may wish to select more colourful candies such as jelly beans or hard candies which come in a variety of colours. These candies can be distributed in see through containers such as votive candle holders or clear bags so the colours will be prominently displayed at the place settings. This type of wedding favour is not only a great deal of fun but it also relates very well to the season of the wedding and it is a favour which is likely to be greatly appreciated by the guests. While it is not a favour which will serve as a lasting memento of the wedding, it is a favour your guests will enjoy while they are eating the favour.

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9/3/2014 Comments

4 Things to Prioritize When Planning Your Wedding on a Budget

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and planning it often comes with financial considerations. Many couples choose a budget wedding to save money, but remember—budget-friendly doesn’t mean cheap! With smart planning, you can have a stunning celebration without sacrificing quality.

Here are four key areas to focus on when planning your budget wedding to ensure it’s both cost-effective and unforgettable.

1. Wedding Photography and Videography

Capturing your wedding moments professionally is non-negotiable. While the cost of a wedding photographer can range from $1,000 to $3,000, relying on a friend or relative isn’t the solution. Wedding photos and videos are priceless keepsakes that allow you to relive your big day for years to come.

Budget Tip:
Reach out to local photography clubs or hobbyist photographers who might offer competitive rates. Book them for a pre-wedding session or engagement shoot first to ensure their style meets your expectations.

2. Wedding Venue

Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your celebration. While hosting your wedding at home may save money, it’s essential to consider your guests' comfort. A cramped space can cause guests to leave early, cutting the fun short.

Budget Tip:
Look for venues that offer discounts for off-season or weekday weddings. Select a location that complements your wedding theme, ensuring it’s memorable without breaking the bank.

3. Flowers

Wedding flowers can be surprisingly expensive, and it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Some vendors may use “less fresh” blooms on your wedding day, so choose your florist wisely.

Budget Tip:
Opt for flowers that are in season to reduce costs. Alternatively, consider a garden wedding where the natural surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop without the need for extra floral arrangements.

4. DJ and Entertainment

The two most common wedding complaints? Bad food and poor entertainment. Don’t let subpar entertainment ruin your day. Hiring a professional DJ or entertainer is crucial for creating an enjoyable and lively atmosphere.

Budget Tip:
Experienced part-time DJs and entertainers can deliver the same high-quality service as full-time professionals at a more affordable rate. Do your research to find someone who fits your vision and budget.

Plan Your Dream Budget Wedding
With proper planning, you can save up to 50% on your wedding costs without compromising on quality. The key is to focus on aspects that enhance the experience for you and your guests, ensuring your special day is as unforgettable as it is budget-friendly.

DJ XTC Entertainment is here to provide top-tier wedding DJ, MC, and lighting services in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and across the GTA. Our team of professionals will help make your wedding the celebration of a lifetime.

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Ask The Right Questions Before Booking Your Wedding Reception

Your Wedding Theme

Benefits Of Buying Blank Invitations

Spring Wedding Favours

4 Things to Prioritize When Planning Your Wedding on a Budget

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Benefits Of Buying Blank Invitations

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Spring Wedding Favours

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4 Things to Prioritize When Planning Your Wedding on a Budget

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