Bridesmaid Gift: Fragrance Sampler.

This past weekend I received such a fantastic Christmas present and I immediately thought what a great present this would make as a bridesmaids gift. A perfume is such a great gesture, but it is near to impossible to find the fragrance that will please someone as much as it does you. Perfumes smell so different as they blend with each person's natural scent and when trying them in the store, you end up with a mesh of scents that aren't even true! Enter the Fragrance Sampler Kit. 

*image sourced from Shoppers Drug Mart

*image sourced from Sephora

These fragrance sampler kits come with a selection of the most fabulous sample size perfumes of the most popular perfumes right now and includes a certificate that can be turned in towards the purchase of their favourite. Such a fun way to give your best gals the chance to pick a fragrance that is just right for them. 

Both Shoppers Drug Mart (CAD70.00) and Sephora (CAD50.00) have options here in Canada, each with a different selection of scents.

Why not help your bridesmaids out with making the discovery of their signature scent with a great gift like this as a thank you for all the support and help they've been to you throughout the planning process!

Glamorous Wedding Accessories.

If you’ve been following my posts, you know that I am obsessed with everything ‘old Hollywood’.  There is just something so romantic about the 30s Art Deco and Monderne eras. Body skimming fashions of gorgeous silks with clean lines are so timeless and flatter almost every body type. With a simple yet elegant base, there is so much opportunity to play with glamorous wedding accessories. 

When I look at designers like Sarah Houston and Johanna Johnson, (below) who do such gorgeous wedding gowns and accessories, I get weak in the knees. The styling of these two designers is classic when it comes to these wedding accessories and it’s easy to see why they are so successful.

*image sourced from Sarah Houston

*images sourced from Johanna Johnson

Taking inspiration from these designers, I wanted to check out the web for more economical versions of these glamorous wedding accessories that are available to brides on a budget, and who should still be able to have the high-fashion look on their wedding day! Here are some of my favourite finds: 

GARTERS BY KIRSTI (ETSY) - Has a fantastic understanding of just how intricate these accessories need to be and does a great job of it, with a variety of prices to meet any bride's budget.

Rhinestone and Ribbon Wedding Headband 103 - USD120.00

Rhinestone and Ribbon Sash 105 - USD125.00

 *images sourced from Garters by Kirsti

CLUB MONACO - Their accessories are always well done and aren't often too highly priced that they are unattainable; a nice medium price point to the costume jewellery and they always have plenty left over when sales roll around.

*images sourced from ClubMonaco

LUCIABELLA (ETSY) -  With a family passion for making gorgeous accessories, at very reasonable prices, you know that LuciaBella is making something beautiful.

Satine Feather Hair Clip - USD48.00

London Headband Rhinestone - USD29.00

Spellbound Rhinestone Headband - USD24.00

*images sourced from LuciaBella

KIRSTEN KUEHN DESIGNS (ETSY) - A stunning collection of accessories including bouquet wraps, bracelets, garters and pillows all at a ranging prices.

Bali Crystal Bouquet Wrap - USD25.00

Brigitte Crystal Headband - USD75.00

*images sourced from Kirsten Kuehn Designs

And there you have it - so many fabulous ideas are out there and for very reasonable prices! Who said you can't be just as gorgeous, but for a fraction of the cost?

What To Ask Your Wedding Photographer.

So it seems the theme of the week has been wedding photography! I promised the other day I would put together  list of questions to ask of your potential wedding photographer and I live up to that promise! 

Booking your photographer is one of the largest purchases and subsequently most important decisions you can make during the wedding planning process. These pictures are one of the only lasting visual memories of your wedding day, so it is important to make sure you feel 100% confident in your photographer and his or her capability to provide you with the perfect end product. 

Being a DIY bride, I knew there were a few areas in which I wouldn't be able to cut back on my costs considering how picky and precise I can be, so asking all of the right questions to prove the photographer was capable of handling (and up to!) the challenge was imperative.  

So! What to ask your wedding photographer? Download a copy of this list, or scroll to view more below.

To view other helpful forms and lists for diy wedding planning, click here.

WHAT TO ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

• Will you be taking our photos on the actual wedding day? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
• Talk about your primary style.

tip! An experienced photographer will have a really good sense of what they do well, as well as a portfolio to back it up.

• Are you familiar with our venue(s) and have you done shoots there before? 
• How many weddings have you photographed? Are you comfortable with the size and formality of our wedding? 

tip! Timing and quick thinking during weddings are important. And if they haven't covered a wedding before they may miss a key moment - the kiss for instance. 

• Will any assistants be working with you? If so, will they be acting as a second photographer?
• If you are bringing lighting, tripods or other equipment, how intrusive might they be?
• What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
• What do you ask of the couples you work with?
• Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
• What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
• When will the proofs be ready, do you mark them, and do we get to keep them?
• Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
• What packages do you have available and what is included in them?
• After booking, what is the typical communication process up until the big day?
• Are you able to provide me with references? 

 THINGS TO CONSIDER.

Once you have had the opportunity to ask your photographer all of the questions you feel appropriate, there are a number of things you will want to think about before making your final decision: 

• Review the available packages.

tip! Do they include everything you need? Are you comfortable with his amount in your budget? It is important to remember that these are one of the lasting physical things from your wedding day, so considering them an investment is important, however it shouldn’t break the bank.

• Review their portfolio again. Does the quality of their work meet your standards?

tip! Options and quantity of prints are important, but if you don't like the quality of the pictures, what good are all of the bonuses the package offers?

• Is their work consistent?

tip! Any photographer can have a number of great shots after shooting for a couple of years, but seeing a few entire weddings can help you to determine if they are capable of doing exactly what you want. The last thing you want is to be worried about whether or not you’ll be getting what you had anticipated! Any doubts – move on to the next photographer.

• Is this someone you would be comfortable around for a long period of time? 

  tip! You’ll be spending a huge portion of your day and both positive and negative feelings towards them will come across in your pictures. Like I always say, trust your gut. If there is anything about them that rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.

• Two photographers are usually better than one. 

  tip! Those little things going on behind the one photographer might be a perfect opportunity for the other photographer to capture. You won’t want anything missed! Especially if you’d like both you and your groom photographed getting ready in the morning!

• Contact their references.

tip! While it may feel a bit awkward to call a stranger, it can be invaluable to have an outside opinion on a potential wedding photographer. Remember, your photographs will be one of the most lasting aspects of your wedding – you’ll want to make sure you find the right wedding photographer for you.

THE FINE PRINT.

• The name of your photographer and whether a second photographer is included.
• The time that he/she arrives and leaves.
• The number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements keep.
• The description of the package you ordered.
• A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If they have a brochure with prices then get these prices in writing.
• All additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc... get the exact cost on the contract.
• An explanation of what happens if your photographer doesn't show up.
• The date and deposit amount and how much remains owing.
• Your name, address and phone.
• The names and addresses of the ceremony and reception locations.
• Limitations to other vendors (videographers) or snap-happy guests.

 

Investing in Wedding Photography.

This week we booked our wedding photographer! I say this with such joy because it was such a lengthy process. With the choices of wedding photographers seeming endless, the decision to settle on one that is right for you can be quite daunting, but there are a few things you can do to make both the search and selection process easier.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

BUDGET. As a DIY bride, I am very sensitive about my budget and spending too much money. But when thinking about it, I knew I had to flexible with my photography budget  in order to get what I wanted. You must think of your wedding photography as an investment as these are one of the only things (besides your live for each other and your rings!) that will be a physical reminder of one of the biggest days in your life! 

PACKAGES. Wedding packages vary by photographer, but you always want to make sure that you're getting a huge bang for your buck. For example, I saw a photographer in the city I liked but the package I was interested in didn't offer an engagement shoot or coffee-table book, was limited to 6 hours, and 250 retouched photos. Her fee was $2600 - just slightly over my budget. I found another photographer whose work I liked more that included a coffee table book, 2-3 hour engagement (or boudoir!) shoot, 250+ retouched photos, 8 hours of service and travel within 200km of their studio. This was all for $2995, plus tax. So all in all, I was slightly over budget, but knew I would have complete faith that my pictures will be exactly the way I want them and that all of the additional items are worth it in the end, making the whole experience that much more fun.

REFERRALS. First off, ask friends and family who have recently been married. These couples have been through the process already and may be able to recommend either the wedding photographer they hired, or another they came across during their search. If you do find a photographer on your own be sure to ask the photographer if he can provide you with references. Ask these people to be brutally honest.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

ADVERTISEMENTS. Click on the ads you see on the Facebook sidebar. Seriously. I know they are annoying, but sometimes this is the best way to see agencies you may not otherwise have found through search engines. We may not have ever found our photographer had I not clicked on these links! 

SCOUR LOCAL WEDDING BLOGS. This can be really useful as they often feature local weddings and subsequently links to the photographers!

BE PERSISTENT ON CONSISTENCY. Have a clear idea of what type of photos you want. Do you want photos with a crisp black and white shot, or something more vintage? Photo retouching is a huge part of the process, so make sure the photographer's way of finishing a photo is consistent with what you want. Most photographers try to show just how flexible they are with their work and styles. To some this can be exactly what they are looking for, but for me, I found it just plain confusing - could they guarantee they could do what I wanted or not? I found that during the search, finding a wedding photographer who could consistently show me they could give me the product I wanted was exhausting, however by being persistent, I finally found the right photographer for us.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't ask questions, your photographer won't get a sense of who you are or be able to prove to you that they can or cannot do what you want. I'll be putting up a list of questions to as potential wedding photographers, so check back for that!

We decided to go with Renaissance Studios, located in Milton. The package was filled with all of the essentials and their level of customer service has been fantastic both leading up to and after the booking. Their work is incredibly consistent and they offer you the ability to select from a grouping of photographers. Renaissance Studios even provides you with articles and information, and ask you to fill out a lengthy questionnaire in order for the relationship between them and you to be strengthened. The reviews I've read have been outstanding so there was no question in hiring this studio. Their uniqueness in style, approach to customer service and overall love for bringing great photography services available to everyone makes them an obvious choice.

If you're a recent bride, who did YOU hire for your wedding and why?

Tea-Length Wedding Dresses.

A month or so ago I received fantastic news that one of my favourite people was engaged to her boyfriend of ten years! This is such an exciting time in their lives and I am glad that I am privileged enough to know both of them. Like us, they are doing a cocktail reception as opposed to a full formal dinner and I couldn't be more excited about all of the details she has planned so far.

She has such high style and I knew her dress wouldn't be like any other. Opting for a tea-length dress, she immediately inspired me to put together a post about some fabulous option of tea-length wedding dresses. I think the most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a tea-length wedding dress, is to remember that a dress can always be shortened or altered through the skirt base. If you find a dress that is absolutely perfect, but the skirt is too long or has a bit too much body through the hips, it's easy enough to have these minor changes made.

And finally, the best part about a tea-length wedding dress is that you can really have fun with the colour. Don't be afraid to pick a vintage dress in a pretty blue, green or pink!

*images sourced from amykuschel.com

How gorgeous would this be if it was shorted to knee length in a straight pencil skirt?

And then, of course, the classic vintage inspirations, which are so perfect for weddings in any season, but especially so for a wedding during the Christmas season. With the right accessories, they can be so incredibly classy.

With a little applique belt, this dress would be faboosh!

*images sourced from cabaretvintage.com

Happy shopping!

Chocolate and Tea: A Classy Party.

Well hello there! It's been a while. I'm not sure where August, September, October and November of 2010 went and it's hard to believe it's already December. The past few months are mostly a blur all except for Thursday, November 25th. This date represents the first time I experienced the glory that is found at MoRoCo in Yorkville. One of my good friends and bridesmaid, Ashley and I went for dinner and tea - dinner being dessert!

*image sourced from morocochocolat.com

Aside from its famously fine chocolate (including sipping chocolate and fondue!) this divine chocolate bar also serves a mean pot of tea and offers Afternoon Tea as well as a regular dinner service. Reservations for Afternoon Tea are a must, and the experience costs around $55, but on certain days of the week, a glass of champagne is included as well.

While I didn't quite find the chocolate rich and dark enough for my tastebuds, the quality and presentation was definitely there. Its rich, dark salon decor gives you the feeling that you are only waiting for royalty to walk in.

Imagine gathering all of your girlfriends and having a bachelorette party at MoRoCo! Whether it's the start of an evening or simply the place you stay all night for loads of fancy desserts and gossiping about the upcoming wedding, it's a must to include in your festivities. 

T'aime Toujours.

I know it's October, and weather is getting chilly, but I couldn't help and put together one last summery collection. Lately I've been loving pretty floral patterns mixed with something very raw or vintage. I love how the cake featured in this inspiration board is so natural with a simple butter cream in between the layers but has been decorated with an overload of roses. There's something so nice about seeing what's actually in side the cake as opposed to it being smothered layers of icing. Mix that look with pretty silvers, soft creams, delicate china plates, and oodles of oh so gorgeous accents of pearls and glass and you have something very special! 

 

To learn more about the artists featured in this board, click here. 

Wedding Vendors: Blair Gable Photography.

While I have never actually met Ottawa photographer Blair Gable face to face, I already know he is the kind of guy who will make you feel comfortable from the moment you meet. His easy-going, natural approach helps him to not take himself too seriously, but still reinforces that fact that you are in good hands. I met Blair through a friend who got married this past July and to say the least was incredibly amazed by his work. The bride and groom, Malinda and Matt, were always the focus of each picture regardless of their proximity to the camera. Blair’s documentary approach to photography allows his work to be extremely sincere and evokes more emotions just when you’ve been left breathless from the previous shot.

I recently took the opportunity to interview Blair and learn more about what drives his passion for photography. With so many different experiences under his belt, it’s no wonder he has developed a style that is so uniquely his own.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your business and what drove you to become a photographer.

• I have been a professional photographer for about 10 years and am a full time news photographer. I worked for six different newspapers around Ontario before landing in Ottawa as a staff photographer at the Ottawa Sun. In 2008 I decided to go my own way and quit my nice stable job to run my own business. Now I work for Reuters News Service, Macleans Magazine, the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star - to name a few. I book a limited number of wedding each year that I shoot my way.

Are you self taught or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

• I went to Loyalist College to study photojournalism and was mentored by Jason Ransom, who is currently the official photographer for the Prime Minister's Office.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

• "Look behind you." – Andy Clark, Reuters staff photographer. Let's say you are shooting the bride and groom during the speeches and someone is telling a funny/touching anecdote that has everyone reacting. If you only focus on the bride and groom, or if you yourself are reacting to the speech instead of focusing on your job, you will not see that dad is crying or mom is laughing, etc and you are only telling one side of the story.

Do you rely on lighting (natural or artificial, or do you use some dark-room/computer manipulation?

• I work with ambient light as much as possible - but have no problem breaking out the strobes when the lights go down. Being able to work with the ambient light makes it easier to move around quickly and not have to juggle cameras and light stands. I use special lenses and cameras that allow me to work in very low light situations. I will break out the lights if the church is too dark and during indoor receptions. When I use my strobes I like to create depth by using multiple lights from different angles to separate the subject from the background. I almost never use direct on-camera flash - every other option would have fail before I resort to that. I do not manipulate my images after they are shot - that is one of the main things that separates photojournalists from other wedding photographers.

What is the one lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?

• Truth. I do not setup anything other than the family group shots. Even when I shoot the bride and groom portraits I will find the spot I want to shoot them in and let them be with each other naturally.

Apart from sheer hard work, what would you say has been the main key to the success of your business?

• Other than working my ass off 24/7, constantly being able to refine and improve my technique has been key. Doing the same stuff over and over because it is easy does not my fly with me. I try to give my clients a truly unique product every time.

Can you describe your natural style?

• I try not define how I shoot as a style. I am not trying to replicate or duplicate anything – I shoot the way I see and feel things naturally.

There is quite a variety of styles in your work. How do you work with a couple to determine their style without compromising your own style?

• I am not the easiest wedding photographer to track down, so when a client contacts me I know it is because they have been looking for something specific and kept looking until they found what they wanted. I am always very flattered when I hear couples talk about the dozens of wedding photographers they looked through before they found something they liked. In the initial meeting I make the way I work very clear. If a client is looking for a more traditional style of wedding photographer then we finish our coffees and part ways. If a client is looking for a unique approach and are able to put their trust fully in me to produce images they will love then we move forward with our relationship. I ask for a lot of trust from my clients.

What can a couple expect when working with you?

• Couples can expect a very right-brained Blair leading up to the wedding and a very left-brained Blair the day of. Because I do not work with a shot list the day of the wedding, I talk with my clients about who they are, what they love, what to expect the day of the wedding, the dynamics of their guest list, etc. I do this so that I feel like I know these people - I want to know what they want, what they like and I then figure out how to shoot it all my way. "Chance favours the prepared mind" is one of my favourite quotes and describes my approach perfectly. I want to know all about your wedding in advance so that I can be ready for everything and anything.

Are there any specific requests you like to ask of your clients?

• Trust me. Some people love the idea of documentary style wedding photography, but when it comes down to go-time they panic and revert to the same old mindset that they have to have all of these very boring photos taken in order for it to feel like wedding photography. Just let me do my thing and we will be all right.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

• I think there are two very challenging things. The first is keeping your mind alive and kicking when you are shooting all day and night. Red Bull comes in very handy. I don't take smoke breaks, I take Red Bull breaks. The second is dealing with a generation of people that were told to "smile at the camera" their entire lives. I really wish I were invisible and could capture people’s true emotions without effecting the moment.

What kind of direction do you give to the couple during the shoot?

• Hug it out. Don't look at the camera. Just ignore me.

How do you think the best, classic photographs are captured?

• The best wedding photographs are captured by very talented photographers. When you hire Uncle Jim's Discount Wedding's you are going to get shit. I think there is a big difference between classic and traditional wedding photographer. Classic is timeless - I hope that my images turn out this way in 50 years. Think about your parents wedding pictures - the cake cutting, the veil, the on camera flash, the dark churches - those are traditional and have aged horribly.

 

What is it like to capture such special moments for others?

• Sometimes when I am shooting pictures I get goose bumps and I know that there is something very special being recorded. Other times the couple is able to so completely shut me out that I feel like I am intruding on a very private moment. I get very excited when these feelings come over me because I know we are going to get something very special.

What do you think of the wedding photography industry today and where do you see it in 5 years from now?

• I see the wedding industry filling up with people who are not properly trained and do not have the experience nor the professionalism to give the clients the best product they possibly can. There is far more involved than just pushing a button. I see a lot of people who only shoot on the weekends, or decided to stay home with the kids instead of going back to work, or simply have a camera that are pumping out a terrible product and screwing clients out of their money. You simply cannot excel as a photographer if you are not shooting all the time for a very long time. Part of the reason I expanded the wedding portion of my business was because when I got married I saw all of the terrible photographers who were out there charging more than I was for a inferior product. I doubled the number of weddings I did per season that year and again the next year.

What's the biggest challenge when it comes to taking wedding photos?

• One of the biggest challenges is getting the clients comfortable enough to act 100% normal with a camera in their face. When it happens it is magic, when it doesn't the product is still very good, but will probably not be a portfolio piece or a feature on the website.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it?

• I have had cameras break and people knock over and lights and stands, things like that, but luckily I am a very prepared person and I bring a lot of gear with me to a wedding. I was able to swap out one camera with another and replace the broken flash and components in order to continue shooting the dance floor mayhem that was going on at the time. I have never had files go corrupt or mistakenly deleted - I have a certain workflow and safeguards that I use that helps protect against these instances.

What words of advice can you offer to couples when searching for a photographer?

• Couples looking for a photographer should really follow their hearts. If you see work that you like you need to contact that photographer, but if they give you a bad vibe you need to back away. You have to trust them and have faith in their abilities. Look at the fine details. If similar photos from multiple weddings look the same it means the photographer is shooting with a formula and not really putting any effort into making your photos unique. Fancy effects, glows, fades, strange colours are just smoke screen covering up poor quality photos. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be uncomfortable with or be second guessing the one service provider who is with you all day!

To see more of Blair’s exceptional work, visit his website.

*All photos courtesy of Blair Gable Photography

DIY Bouquet with a High-End Look

There's something so incredibly beautiful about a tight grouping of a single type of flower. This weekend I got inspired to try to make a diy bouquet using faux flowers that would give a high-end fresh flower bouquet a run for its money. While I'm not completely convinced that faux flowers are the best idea for a daytime wedding, I do think that it is incredibly difficult to tell the difference in more intimate lighting without physically touching the flower.

I started my trip at the dollar store where they had these fabulous creamy full bloom roses that were better than those I could find at Michael's and for a  fraction of the price. A few of them came with rosebuds which I initially didn't think would be useful for this particular bouquet, but the variety in blooms actually worked quite nicely. The addition of lace, guinea feathers, a glass brooch and ribbon really finish this diy bouquet off and give it that high-end look we're all after for such a great price.

STEP 1. Trim the stem of excess leaves and twigs and group all stems of roses together to create a nice round shape. You may need to bend some of the stems to get this perfectly round shape. Wrap the stems in wire in a couple of places to keep it al together.

STEP 2. Cut 6 - 8 pieces of lace drapery trim. Bunch each piece together so that you have a ruffled look. Position them evenly around the stem of the bouquet, as close to the bottom of the flowers as possible. Secure with wire.

STEP 3. Wrap the stem in ribbon and sew a brooch to to the ribbon handle. Sew 10 guinea feathers around the base of the bouquet.

SUMMARY OF COSTS

Flowers - $9

Drapery Lace - $1.67/m

Antique Brooch - $5

Ribbon $2

Total Spent CAD17.67

Whoever thinks that a high-end look can't be achieved with a low-end budget is sorely mistaken! I'm so pleased with how this diy bouquet turned out!

Summer of Love

It is Sunday morning and I'm lying in bed with Mr. Opie, one of my incredibly lovable cats, who's basking in the glorious fall sunshine. I can't help but reflect back on how fantastic this summer has been. We have attended 3 weddings so far this year, each of which have been so uniquely romantic and beautiful and diy wedding driven. There's nothing like seeing two people you love officially join their lives as one. Of course, times have changed and couples are sharing lives sooner than they used to whether it's from sharing an apartment, buying a house or having a child before marriage, but the profession of love seems to be even more beautiful now as we have the chance to see the couple grow together first.

lovebirds: Matt and Malinda

Here we have it - tweetcheeks' first pair of lovebirds!  

This past July a good, good childhood friend of mine wed the love of her life. If I thought she was incredible before, I am now thinking she is super woman. Malinda is probably the most motivated, all around talented, genuine and by far the busiest person I know. She claims she's a procrastinator, but she's really so on top of absolutely everything. She and her fiance Matt purchased a condo just months before their wedding and still managed to make their first home their own amidst the craziness of wedding planning. Just two days after their wedding she left for Venezuela to compete in the Pan American Indoor Field Hockey Championships and just another two days after her return she amazed me further with the finest detailed email with so many valuable tips for DIY weddings. She's such a great example of how a bride really can have her dream wedding even on a limited budget with 200 guests!

Oh! And did I mention she made her wedding cake the night before the wedding?! Talk about a real diy bride!

*for a more detailed look, at the story board, click here.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at The Marriott Ottawa, and guests were invited into a space filled with a gorgeous mixture of decorations inspired by the blend of the two families. For cocktail hour, guests headed upstairs to the mezzanine while the room was transformed for the evening reception. Once back downstairs, guests were greeted by another beautiful, intimate setting for the remainder of the reception including dinner and dancing.  

Wedding Dresses Under $1000.

Sometimes topics have a way of presenting themselves to me, but end up sitting for a while before they are really ready to be written about. Though this can be incredibly frustrating to someone like me because I am so impatient when I get excited about something, it often works out in my favour. Often the topic grows or in some cases is even more defined by chance.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to chat with Lori from the Toronto Wedding Society who also creates famously beautiful cakes (The Caketress - get ready to see jaw dropping, breathtaking creations if you haven't seen them before). We happened to get on the topic of wedding dresses under $1000, a topic I had already done some research on and had been meaning to write about for some time, yet it had slipped in priority.

While tweetcheeks is mainly about the diy bride, I am a huge believer in cutting costs in other places in order to afford the things that mean the most to a bride. Luckily for those budget conscious brides who want a fabulously beautiful dress on a limited budget so they can afford that incredible cake, like one of Lori's, she helped me bring this to live again!

My picks for some of the best places to check out:

SASH AND BUSTLE BOUTIQUE. Even with prices starting at just $500, lines like Saja will have any bride weak at the knees.

CABARET. The sweetest vintage dresses you'll ever find from a variety of eras. Prices are roughly $300 - $600.

THE DRESS ROOM. With the average dress price at just $750, this is the place to look. I've personally been in to try dresses on and can attest to the fact that they have styles for any bride. Just down the street is their higher end store, Becker's Bridal, and both are a must to check out.

Other great suggestions:

VINTAGE STORES. If you don't mind something used, stores like Value Village and the Goodwill stores often have a great selection of dresses. Even if you're just looking for fabric, there is so much good lace, silk, tulle and beading on the dresses for a fraction of the cost!

SAMPLE SALES. Check with your favourite retailers to see if they have sample sales coming up soon. Gorgeous dresses at great prices? Worth a shot!

SHOP ONLINE. Websites like craigslist and oncewed.com are great resources for finding deals on anything wedding related. Keep your eyes open for great finds, but be careful if purchasing cross border because customs can be expensive!

PATTERN SALES. Fabric stores are known for having ridiculously amazing sales on fabrics and patterns. I generally make a rule not buy expensive fabrics at full price because they are always going on sale. Order simple patterns when you see them on sale (Vogue, McCaul's) and ask a local seamstress or friend to help you out!

Luxurious Letterpress

Last year, when attending a wedding show, I ran into the cutest couple (Joel and Chantal) who run their own letterpress business. I was immediately stunned by the beauty and intricacy of their designs and began chatting about possibilities. I was so wrapped up in the invitations that I didn't realize that Joel was the brother of one of my sister's good friends. He immediately recognized me and we began chatting about their business and life outside of Ottawa.

If you haven't already stumbled across Papillon Press, you must! They are located in Sudbury, but are constantly in Toronto for wedding shows and other business. Not only do they have their own gorgeous designs, but they offer a printing service if you provide your own design, for brides doing a diy wedding.

lovebirds: A New Addition

Of all the things I love about tweetcheeks, my favourite is that it has become an outlet for me to share oodles of DIY wedding gorgeousness with the world. My goal has always been to celebrate those who have fully embraced their own talents and used them to their advantage to either achieve something uniquely beautiful or to mimic a high end piece or idea at a fraction of the cost.

To help this dream come to life I am welcoming the launch of a new section called 'lovebirds' where real couples and their fabulous DIY weddings will be featured.

First up will be Matt and Malinda who got married just this past July 24th, so keep an eye out for that post and all the details of their gorgeous day!

If you know someone whose wedding was driven by DIY projects, please feel free to send your submission to laura (at) tweetcheeks (dot) ca.

Fabulous Poms

I just stumbled upon this precious gem and fell in love immediately! Poms are so big right now, but it is hard to justify making them out of paper when they look so gorgeous outdoors and there is always a risk of rain. I've been trying to come up a more durable way to making these poms, but those incredibly fantastically crafty folks over at OnceWed beat me to it! While I try not to recycle other people's imagination as much as possible, in hopes that I can offer new and unique suggestions, these were too fabulous not to share. They would be so great lining the aisles and hanging from trees and make an lasting impression while costing pennies to make! Check them out here.

tip! For an even more durable and cheaper option, try swapping the lanterns out for styrofoam balls.

Wedding Day Survival Kit

Next in the very long line of important to-do lists to share is the 'Wedding Day Survival Kit'. Containing all of the items to bring with you on your wedding day, this little list will help you be sure you have all the items available to tackle (and avoid!) many issues. 

Of course there are some obvious items, like the dress, suit and rings, but you would be surprised how many times these are left behind! Set aside a suitcase to take all of these items with you and begin adding to it over time so you're not panicking to prepare at the end. Hopefully none of the emergency items will be needed, but you can never be too prepared!

I have separated them by guys and gals and then into further categories, but feel free to add as many other things you need!

The image on the right is from Target, retailing for $50 (USD) and is a great starter kit, but you'll definitely need to add on.

To download the list, click here. 

To view other helpful forms for diy wedding planning, click here.

Wedding Venue Checklist

If you had been following the debacle we had with selecting a venue, you will appreciate the brand new checklist I have made on what to ask when interviewing a potential venue. It might sound a bit odd, but I decided to refer to it as 'interviewing' because when looking for a venue you are really trying to figure out if they are a the best candidate to take on the responsibility of hosting your ceremony and/or reception. When you are spending thousands (and in some cases tens of thousands) of dollars on your wedding, you only want the best, most capable people working for you.

I have covered everything from the accessibility to payment plans and hope the list comes in handy for those who need it! As usual, feedback is always appreciated if you see things that should be added or improved upon!

Download a copy of this list, or scroll to view more below.

To view other helpful forms and lists for diy wedding planning, click here.

WEDDING VENUE CHECKLIST.

Accessibility.

• Is the venue easy to find? Is it easily accessible by transit and major routes?
• How easy is the commute between the wedding ceremony and the reception and how long is the drive?
• Is there ample parking for all attending?

  tip! It is usually safe to assume that parking is not included in your cost, especially in the downtown area. Do not assume that parking is included in your cost. Most venues charge a fee for their valet service as well as their parking garages. Alternatively, if they don’t own any parking space, city lots may be available for rent or parking vouchers available for purchase.

• Are there any events (i.e. festivals, parades, sporting events) that will make parking difficult?
• Are there provisions for elderly or physically challenged guests e.g. restrooms? Are there elevators to assist those who cannot climb stairs?
• Are there suggested hotels in the area for overnight accommodations for your out of town guests?
• Where will you take photographs? Can the coordinators at the venue recommended spots on the grounds or nearby parks?
• If having your ceremony and reception at a venue that is quite large (ie. resort) will a shuttle to and from the ceremony and reception be required? Making transportation a no-brainer for your guests will ensure that things run on time and help them to know they are taken care of.

Facilities.

• Is your venue available on the required date and are any other events or weddings booked for that day? If so, are they separated enough so as not to feel crowded?

  tip! If the venue does have space for more than one event, they often are unable to guarantee that you will be the only event there that night. However, if there is another event going on, it is important to know how that will affect your guests. For example, will your guests have their own restrooms or will they be shared with the guests attending the other event?

• Can you have your ceremony in the venue and how and where will it be?
• Does the venue suit your theme? Does it fit with your style and wedding colours?

tip! A great venue requires very little décor and will speak for itself with a wow factor. Sometimes investing in a slightly pricier venue can actually work in favour of your budget. A cheaper venue might not require spending a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful or fit in with your theme.

• How long does it typically take for the staff to change over the room? 
• How many people can the venue accommodate?
• Will it comfortably accommodate the maximum number of guests you are expecting?

  tip! It is important to remember that the number of tables you will require can impact how much additional space remains for a dance floor, photo booth, lounge area, dj, band, cake table, gift table, etc.

• If you haven’t seen it already, ask to see pictures of the venue as it would be set up for a wedding or to return on a date when a wedding it being set up. Are there different set up types?
• If there are certain decorations that you see now and like, will still be available on your wedding day? Are they an additional cost to incorporate?

tip! On the other side, some venues will not remove anything from their space for your event, so although the beer sign on the wall sets the mood for their everyday atmosphere, if you do not want it there the night of your celebration, you should ask if it can be removed.

• Does the venue have limitations on decorations that can be used? 
• Is any remodeling or redecorating planned between now and your wedding day?
•  Is the venue child friendly (ie. highchairs, space for diaper change)?
• Are the restrooms in good condition and stocked with essentials?
• What time will the venue open for outside vendors to come in for prep or drop off?
• What time can guests start coming in?
• What time must the party end? Does the venue allow enough time for your party to be set up/disassembled?

  tip! It is important to ask how long you have the venue. Most venues charge an overtime fee for extra hours past the required exit time which can start at 500 dollars.

• Does it have air conditioning?
• Is there a room available for the bride to use before and after the ceremony and during the reception to change clothes or freshen up?
• Are there any restrictions in regards to using the facility {ie. smoking, candles, alcohol, confetti, etc.}?
• Does the venue have preferred vendors? Is there a landmark fee to opt out and use your own?

  tip! Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors because they have strict contracts with them. The vendors often include cake, floral, entertainment, and photographer & videographer companies and opting out will often incur hefty costs in addition to paying your own vendor (sometimes as much as 15% of your total bill with the new vendor).

• How will the staff be dressed and how many will be required?
• Can you meet the manager beforehand to go over details?
• Is there a coat check or safe place for guests to store their coats and personal belongings?
• Is there a safe place for gifts?
• If it is an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather?
• Visit your venue at the time of day your wedding will take place. Is the lighting suitable?
• Does the wedding venue offer enough assistance to during the wedding planning process and are they easily available to meet or to discuss issues and concerns with you?
  

  tip! Many facilities will have a Wedding Day Coordinator on staff and at no extra charge. Check to see if the same person be available on your wedding day and if you can you meet them now. This is an important relationship to build and you must be able to find a good connection with this person since they will be a key partner in planning your wedding. Make sure it’s the right fit!