May 8, 2025
Choosing whether to hire a wedding planner is a personal decision—but if you decide to go that route, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. They offer different levels of service and specialize in different types of weddings. It may seem like there are endless choices and possibilities. So, what should you be looking for in a potential wedding planner? Let’s break down our top tips for picking the right planner.
Ask those around you first, then expand your search
Ask recently married friends and family who they went with. Accessing the hive mind is a great place to start your search! If this doesn’t turn up anything, start expanding your search online. Check local listings (especially social media!) for planners nearby and read lots of reviews. Check out some top planners here:
The top 10 wedding planners in Toronto
3 Best Wedding Planners in Vancouver, BC – Expert Recommendations
Wedding & Event Planners in Montreal, QC | 78 Planners
Best Wedding Planners in Calgary – Avenue Calgary
Have a list of questions and set up a meeting
This meeting can be in-person or over the phone, either way it’s a good idea to have a set of questions to ask your planner. This is the best way to get a feel for their professionalism, communication, expertise and general vibe. Some questions to consider asking are:
- How many weddings have you planned?
- Have you worked at [your venue] before?
- Can you accommodate our cultural/traditional preferences (if relevant)?
- What services are included in your packages?
- How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies?
- What is your payment structure?
Communication is key
Clear and timely communication is essential during wedding planning. Ask how they prefer to communicate—email, phone, text—and how quickly they typically respond. Setting expectations early can save stress later on.
If their communication preferences clash with yours (e.g., you prefer emails, but they only want phone calls), think about whether that will be a deal-breaker for you. You’re going to be in touch with this person a lot—make sure it feels easy and natural.
Vibes
Sometimes the best way to tell if a wedding planner is the right choice, is simply by how well you vibe and mesh with them! Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with them. You’ll be collaborating and sharing your wedding dreams with them. Having someone who listens, is trustworthy, and truly works with you is the most important thing when choosing a potential planner.
Cost
Now that you know what to look for and have some tips on choosing the best planner, it’s important to consider the potential cost of this service. In Canada, the average cost of a wedding planner typically ranges between $3,500 and $10,000, depending on the scope of services provided, the planner’s experience level, and the complexity of your wedding.
- Full-service planners, who manage everything from start to finish, will generally be at the higher end of that range (or even more, especially in major cities).
- Partial planning or month-of coordination is usually more budget-friendly, offering support with final logistics and vendor coordination leading up to the wedding day.
- Some planners also offer à la carte services, which allow you to hire them for specific tasks—like vendor sourcing, timeline creation, day-of coordination, or décor setup.
Ottawa Wedding Chapel Planners
The chapel provides an on-site coordinator, so our smaller weddings do not generally involve planners, but sometime larger ones are supported by a planner. Here is a list of local favourites:
Peak Planning
Kennedy Event Planning
Fiona Lau Events
In conclusion, some couples find wedding planners are indispensable, and actually save them money by avoiding mistakes or finding the best deals and quality for catering, bouquet/floral arrangements, or venues. Some find the stress reduction of having a planner in charge of pulling together all the details allows them to be more well-rested and fully be present to enjoy their wedding. At the end of the day, your wedding should be a joyful, memorable experience—and the right planner can make that happen.
April 2, 2025
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel has a lovely back yard, with flowers and shrubs. The yellow door at the rear of the building really pops with a white dress. The brick walls of the building make a nice backdrop and there is a rustic photo prop wall with a window to provide some extra photo options.
Many people also plan to take photos off-site, somewhere like the Arboretum or the Rockcliffe Rockeries. There are also some sweet photo spots much closer to the chapel. Here are a few to consider:
Victoria Park in Metcalfe
Victoria Park is right in the heart of Metcalfe. It has some lovely green space, a gazebo, and a small bridge.
Tweed Conservation Area in Russell
This conservation area is a great forested spot with a couple of wooden bridges. Bring some comfy shoes, as there is a bit of walking.
MacDougall Park in Russell
This little park has a dry stone bridge and some wonderful tall trees.
Burton Conservation Area in Russell
This conservation area has wide paths for easy walking and takes you to the edge of the Castor River. If the water isn’t too high and you’re feeling adventurous, there are flat rocks stretching out into the water.
The local area has a surprising number of photogenic spots to offer. You just have to know where to look!
February 13, 2025
While some couples have their dream venue chosen before they’ve even started their guest list, it often takes a bit of research and planning to find the perfect location.
Here are six things to consider when selecting the best venue for your nuptials.
Be mindful of your guest count!
The worst-case scenario is booking a venue that can’t accommodate your guests! Guest count is the best place to start when considering your venue. Most venues will have their maximum capacity listed on their websites, and if that information isn’t easily accessible online, be sure to call or email the venue directly. If you’re unsure of your exact number of guests, estimate the maximum number that would attend, and plan accordingly.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel can seat up to 150 for a ceremony and host a max of 65 for a cocktail reception.
Budget
It’s easy to search online for the most beautiful venues and fall in love, but what are you reasonably willing to spend on the location? Is location the most important aspect of your wedding? Do you want to go all out? Or are you looking to save on location to allocate more money to food or your dress/suit? Knowing this beforehand can definitely help you narrow down the most appropriate venue for you and your needs.
The chapel is budget-friendly, with even Saturday ceremonies being affordable in comparison to other area venues.
Consider the vibe (backup plan?)
Are you more of a nature lover, or do you dream of a Cinderella fairytale wedding? Indoor or outdoor? These are important questions to answer, and if you haven’t already, take the time to figure them out! If you already have a vision in mind, this can really help when deciding on a venue. It’s also good to know whether you want to have your ceremony indoors or outdoors. Outdoor venues are often stunning but can pose some challenges when it comes to weather! Check to see if the venue has a covered area in case of rain. If it doesn’t, and you want to take a chance regardless, make sure you have a backup plan.
The chapel checks boxes for people who love historical elegance, warm wood, stained glass, and a sense of sacred space without overwhelming religious imagery. We’ve also hosted weddings in our back yard.
Full service or bring-your-own supplies and vendors?
This can help narrow down your search even further! Are you looking for an all-inclusive venue that provides catering, tables, waitstaff, decor, and more? Or would you prefer a venue where you can manage all the details yourself? This choice will also affect the cost of the venue, which ties into your budget. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would find a full-service venue helpful, it might be worth the extra cost for the peace of mind and ease of having everything streamlined. Always check what’s included in the cost and make sure it aligns with your needs.
The chapel includes a wedding officiant from All Seasons Weddings with every booking, saving you a step. We can also manage a cocktail reception with our in-house catering and staff.
Book a tour!
Most venues offer tours of the grounds, allowing you to see the space in person. This is great to do with family present, or with other people whose opinion you value. Photos are great, but actually seeing a venue in person can really help you make that final decision. Perhaps the photos or website didn’t show a certain aspect that may ultimately be a dealbreaker for you. It’s also good to get a sense of where things will be set up and where you’ll be saying your vows. You could very well fall in love right away and your search might end there!
The chapel staff is happy to provide you with a tour and talk you through how a typical ceremony unfolds.
Follow your dream
In the end, one of the most important things to consider is what you truly want for your wedding. If you’ve always wanted to say ‘I do’ under a willow tree overlooking a river, do that! Especially for small weddings, you can use an unconventional (and maybe free space) for your ceremony. Sometimes we get caught up with what parents or friends think, but you and your partner are the ones who matter most. This is a day to celebrate your love. What does that day look like for you?
December 9, 2024
A photographer is one of your key wedding vendors and can also be a significant cost. How do you go about finding one who is a good fit for you?
Get ready to do some legwork! Look at a lot of photos. Not just wedding magazines or stylized shoots with models. Look at real weddings until you start to see what type of imagery you are drawn to. Is it more candid or formal? Moody or bright?
Here are the next steps.
Decide what you want out of your wedding photos:
Are you only looking for 10-15 great edited shots? Are you planning a moment-by-moment wedding album? Prints? Are you considering an engagement shoot? Videography? Sky-high shots from a drone? What are you hoping the end result will be?
Set your budget:
Find out what the prices are like. Do a quick survey of wedding photographers in your area and see if they have package prices listed on their website.
Then determine what you can afford. Are you willing to give up something else in order to put more money into photos?
What parts of the day are most important to you for professional photos? Maybe a couple hours of coverage during the ceremony and right afterward will be enough and you will have friends take reception photos. Or maybe you also want professional photos of getting ready and the reception.
Shot list:
Consider your shot list before you book. This is a list of all the photos you would like to have (for example: couple with partner’s parents, couple with all the parents, full wedding party, each partner with their honour attendant, a big friends pic, couple with grandparents, etc.) There are lots of sample shots lists online to give you ideas. Once you have a list, a photographer will be able to provide an estimate of how long it will take to shoot all those groupings.
Research:
Contact some photographers whose work you love to check their rates and availability. This step may shorten your list. Of those left, ask to see some wedding galleries, rather than just the highlight shots on their website.
One tip is to check the social media posts where your venue is tagged and see which photographers are familiar with your venue and what sort of shots they took there.
Interview:
Make sure to speak to your chosen photographer before booking. You want to make sure that your personalities click since you will be spending a big part of your day with them. You also want them to get a sense of who you are.
Review the contract:
Have a look at the paperwork. What deliverables are included? How much for extras? Is there back-up? Refund policy?
Timeline:
Work out the basic timeline of your day including: getting ready shots, first look, ceremony venue (entrance, ceremony, document signing, kiss, exit), photo locations (back-up location in case of poor weather), reception venue (first dance , cake cutting, etc). Your photographer will be able to let you know if you have incorporated enough time for photos.
Be careful out there:
Wedding photography is a competitive business. Some people steal images from other photographers and pass them off as their own to get gigs. Do your best to interact with both the photographer and other couples who have booked the photographer (perhaps on social media) before committing. Or ask your planner, venue, other vendors, friends, and family for recommendations.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel’s Top Picks
Choosing the right photographer can make all the difference in capturing the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. Here are some talented photographers who have experience at our venue:
1. Jessica Reardon Photography
Style: Intimate and heartfelt storytelling. Jessica specializes in capturing candid moments and genuine connections, often featuring rustic outdoor settings with natural lighting for a warm, personal touch.
Explore Jessica’s work
2. Hello Lovely Ottawa
Style: Bright, timeless, and joy-filled. This team creates clean, modern images with natural colors, focusing on vibrant celebrations and the unique personalities of each couple.
Discover Hello Lovely Ottawa
3. Lexine Photographie
Style: Romantic and refined. Lexine blends dreamy tones with documentary-style storytelling, using light and natural backdrops to create intimate and evocative wedding images.
See Lexine’s photography
4. Joey Rudd Photography
Style: Creative and emotive storytelling. Joey is known for capturing “perfectly imperfect” moments with artistic techniques like double exposures and dynamic compositions. His style emphasizes authentic emotion and unique perspectives, making every image deeply personal and memorable.
Explore Joey’s portfolio
5. Tim Gowling Photography
Style: Creating timeless, authentic images that tell the story of your special day—from the quiet, heartfelt moments to the big celebrations. Tim’s known for attention to detail, and a fun, easygoing vibe.
View Tim Gowling Photography
6. Palm Tree Studio
Style: Offering both photography and videography, Palm Tree Studio is the invisible thread binding your memories, delivering a bespoke collection that captures your love story. They specialize in capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments in the most natural, beautiful, and emotional way possible and with a very personalized approach, Palm Tree Studio’s photos will be sure to reflect your personalities and the vibe of the day.
Check out Palm Tree Studio
Each of these photographers brings a unique perspective and expertise to capturing your special day. Consider their styles to find the perfect match for your vision!
September 11, 2024
As we move into the end of summer and beginning of fall, with pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decor in every store, what better time to talk about fall weddings? Fall is now the most popular time to get married, followed by more traditional summer weddings. Here we’ll list some great fall wedding ideas, themes and more!
When in doubt, go for burnt orange
Fall weddings are cozy and colourful! The popular and huge burnt orange and sage green trend can really be showcased this time of year. Burnt orange bridesmaid dresses, bouquets and decor really add to the coziness of the season and, let’s be honest, it looks amazing!
Photo by **Lynne** … Pin it here!
Many people also like going for a fresher look for fall weddings. You don’t have to be limited to the different oranges and yellows usually associated with autumn weddings. Trying different greens, light blues, reds, and purples also looks stunning.
The weather is just right for outdoor venues
Some people just aren’t fans of the heat, and others love the changing colours of the leaves. Fall really has something for everyone! Check out some local venues in your area that may have rustic outdoor settings for weddings. You can also use nature’s best season to be your decor and keep it simple, using your backyard or a local park. Make sure to have a backup in case it rains! Cooler evenings mean you can incorporate blankets and a bonfire.
Have fun with your decor
While summer weddings are often adorned with large floral arrangements and flowing fabrics, fall weddings are more earthy in nature. Bouquets can be paired with pinecones and pumpkins, tables can feel homey with many kinds of candles, and of course, lots of rustic wood pieces like barrels, crates, and wagons. Check out these rustic altar decor ideas below:
Photo by Renata… Pin it!
Halloween… Enough said.
Other than pumpkins and crisp air, fall brings Halloween! It’s probably one of the most fun wedding themes! This is also a great time for people who want a darker wedding. Want an excuse to wear that gorgeous black wedding gown? This is the ultimate season for it. Not to mention darker dresses really contrast well with traditional autumn colours.
Photo by Marie-brbymarie.com… Pin it!
Food
The options are nearly limitless for a fall wedding. Think Thanksgiving. Appetizers can include hearty butternut squash soup or bisque. Mains/entrees that do well are rosemary-seasoned meats like pork or chicken. The best part of a fall wedding meal is the desserts! Pumpkin pies, fall-themed cupcakes, spiced cookies, caramelized apples, s’more-themed confections, and so much more! It’s a dessert lover’s dream.
These great ideas are just a starting point. You could incorporate all or none. It’s a magical time of year; enjoy the warm days and cool nights and put the finishing touches on your fall wedding plans!
May 3, 2024
As we move closer to peak wedding season, many new trends (and some throwbacks!) are taking shape already. Pinterest’s 2024 wedding report has revealed some interesting wedding trends, and as Gen Z starts taking over the marriage scene, they’re also changing some of the rules. From mythical to vintage, burnt orange to purple, this year’s trends are fun, sustainable, and more relaxed than previous years.
Let’s dive into the top Pinterest and TikTok trends of 2024!
Attire/Dresses
We start this list off with some of the outfit trends we’re seeing this year. It seems retro-inspired outfits are making a comeback, specifically 70s jumpsuits, baby-doll dresses, and bright floral patterns. Pinterest saw a 1000% increase in searches related to wedding dress jumpsuits alone! And we can see why. Check this out.
While Gen Z more specifically seems to be really into natural, magical, and earthy-inspired dresses, as well as beautifully embroidered veils:
Photos: Jazmine & odetsauc (ruedeseinebridal)
Decor
Following the retro-themed dresses and attire, 70s and kitsch wedding themes are soaring on Pinterest analytics. This includes disco balls, burnt orange, and retro cakes. We’re also seeing a lot of vintage or antique items being reused and repurposed into sustainable decor, as well as brides opting for vintage jewelry.
Gen Z and TikTok have been showing a lot of love for custom welcome signs, vintage items, and floor/reusable flower arrangements. The emphasis on repurposing decor is a welcome trend in our books.
Vibes
2024 is a bit contradictory. Couples want wedding content creators to capture all the best and behind-the-scenes moments of their big day; however, unplugged weddings are also trending right now, with couples opting for no cellphones at the ceremony at all.
People want a more laid-back ceremony to relieve some of the stress that often accompanies getting married. I think this highlights the newer generation’s commitment to better mental health and lower stress. Smaller weddings are much more popular now for this very reason.
Entertainment
Live bands aren’t at the top of the list for entertainment anymore! Candid camera and Polaroid shots of guests are super-hot right now. Couples provide disposable or Polaroid cameras for guests to snap more personal and raw images throughout the event.
Couples are also choosing some unconventional entertainment options, like tarot or palm reading stations. This goes especially well with celestial theme weddings or the currently popular fairy and mystical themes. Many people are also including live entertainment like magicians, live wedding painters, and mixologists (entertainment and drinks!).
While trends come and go, 2024 has shown that couples want stress free, personalized, unique, and just super fun weddings! Incorporating old traditions with new ideas is truly a breath of fresh air. If you’re interested in any of these trendy ideas, check out our ‘Trending Wedding Aesthetics’ Pinterest board here.
February 29, 2024
Wedding favours are a time-honoured tradition; they have been a way to express gratitude to wedding guests for hundreds of years. They are also a slightly divisive topic; some couples want to honour old traditions, some want to put a spin on them, while others have no interest in giving out gifts at their wedding at all.
Here are some common classic wedding favours, as well as some new ones you may want to incorporate into your own wedding day:
Photo: MadeforShare
Jordan almonds
A traditional Greek and Italian wedding favour, often given out in small bags of only 5 almonds. Each almond signifies a different wish for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. Similar to another traditional favour we’ll cover below, it was believed that if a single woman slept with the Jordan almonds under her pillow, she would dream of her future husband!
Fruit cake
While usually associated with Christmas, this cake has been used for British royal weddings for thousands of years. Fruit cake also started becoming a popular cake option for many non-royal couples alike. A small piece of the fruit cake was given out as a wedding favour so their guests could place a piece of cake under their pillow. This was believed to bring good luck and bring the person closer to their true love. Since modern wedding cakes are much softer and messier, this is not as popular a wedding tradition anymore.
Small wedding bells
An old Irish belief is that bells ward off evil spirits and conflict from a marriage. This is one of the reasons why church bells ring after a couple is married. Another way this tradition is often incorporated is by giving all the guests a small bell to ring after the ceremony. The bells are typically rung when the couple is walking back down the isle together as official spouses (out of the church or wherever they choose to get married). Guests are given these bells to take home as wedding favors. The bells can even be customized.
Now for some more modern ideas!
Custom seed packets
This is a great favour to give guests, especially if you have a more natural theme for your wedding. Eco-friendly is the way of the future, so what better way to encourage environmental stewardship than by giving out seeds for people to plant? Try choosing native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants while you’re at it. These seed packs can be customized with a favourite saying, you and your partner’s names, or anything you want.
Photo: BlossomPaperieShop
Wedding coffee blend
Most people love a good coffee blend, and if they don’t, they know someone who does! This gift option is super fun and consumable. Customize the small bag with a name for your signature brew, a fun saying, or your own names. All you have to do is fill the bags with your favourite blend, and you’ve got a delicious wedding favour.
Bottled maple syrup, jam, soaps, and tea bags
People love food and useful gifts. When thinking about what to give as wedding favours, try thinking about what people would use, enjoy, and not want to toss as soon as they receive it. A small bottle of maple syrup or jar of jam with a customized label is cute, and most people will actually use it. Fun-shaped tea bags with custom tags and unique soap blends that showcase your favourite scents may also be a great choice.
Just remember, wedding favours are absolutely not necessary! Don’t feel like you must give your guests anything. Being there can be gift enough. If you do decide to go the wedding favour route, be creative and have fun with it. This is your day. Traditional, modern, or food—do whatever you feel is most authentic to you and your partner. Take a look at our Pinterest board for more favour ideas here!
Photos from Etsy shops MadeforShare and BlossomPaperieShop
January 31, 2024
Are you very shy or are you anxious about the ceremony part of your wedding day? If the answer is yes, try to pin down exactly what has you tied up in knots. Is it being the centre of attention or is the thought of speaking in front of everyone? Maybe it’s the kiss? There are ways to structure your ceremony so that it’s easier on your anxiety. You might even enjoy yourself.
Image by cookie_studioa on Freepik
Small ceremony
There is no reason to have a huge ceremony if you will hate every moment of it. Have a tiny and intimate one and invite everyone else to the reception for food and dancing. For a legal ceremony, you only need two witnesses. Or you could make it immediate family only. Stick with a guest count that makes you feel comfortable.
Keep it casual
Don’t have a big entrance with music and all eyes on the wedding couple. Mingle with the guests as they arrive and then at the appointed time just have the officiant start the ceremony. You can also wear more casual clothes if it will make you comfortable – sneakers are allowed!
You can set up your ceremony so your backs are to the guests and you are looking at your officiant. That might make it easier to focus on your partner and the words being said. You can also consider sitting instead of standing if that appeals to you.
Work with your officiant
If you don’t want to speak in front of everyone, your officiant can present your vows in question format, so all you have to say is “I will” or “I do.” If you would like to say more, they can use a “repeat after me” style so they feed you your vows a few words at a time.
Skip the kiss
Kissing is not a ceremony requirement. If you are opposed to too much PDA, you can hug it out instead, or even just hold hands and then raise them up in celebration after you are pronounced.
Get rid of other moments of focus or intensity
There is no need for a cake-cutting photo-op or a first dance if you are worried about having all eyes on you. You don’t need to sit apart from your guests at a head table or sweetheart table for dinner either. It’s your day, you should feel empowered to set yourself up for success by eliminating stressors.
January 8, 2024
Sustainable, local, and beautiful: native plants are growing in popularity as people move towards an eco-friendly lifestyle. We’ll discuss why and how you can incorporate these plants in an elegant and unique way into your wedding, and perhaps in your garden!
photo credit: Renee Piatt
What are native plants?
Native plants can refer to many species of wildflowers, shrubs, and even weeds. They are, as their name implies, native to a particular region or ecosystem. They haven’t been introduced by humans and are very beneficial to their respective habitats.
Some examples of species native to the Ottawa region include Canadian columbine, common or swamp milkweed, Canada goldenrod, and New England asters.
How are they beneficial?
Native plants are beneficial to humans and wildlife in various ways. They provide nectar for pollinators, food for other insects and animals, and shelter for small creatures in the winter. Native plants also enrich the soil and prevent soil erosion, are often drought-resistant, and don’t require watering or unnatural fertilizers.
How can they be used in my wedding?
Native plants are increasingly being used for wedding bouquets and even as décor. Since they are locally grown, they are more eco-friendly and oftentimes less expensive than traditional flowers like roses. Some people enjoy collecting their own flowers for their weddings to make DIY bouquets or table arrangements. Try using flowers of differing heights and textures as well as filler plants like ferns to freshen up the arrangement. Don’t forget to choose a cute container to display them in!
Some florists offer native plants for wedding bouquets and flower arrangements You can check your florist’s website or ask what options they have available.
What are some good native flower options I should look for?
Some unique Ontario options to consider are:
Blazing stars: these flowers are unique with their long, spiked flower stalks and bright purple colour.
Obedience plant: also known as the false dragonhead for their flowers that resemble snapdragons, they come in white and pink varieties.
Wild bergamot: another unique-looking flower, these fragrant blooms come in red, purple, white, and pink. They have unique tubular petals that surround a daisy-like centre.
Canadian Columbine: This wild columbine has delicate red lantern-like flowers that droop in such a unique way. They can be long-lasting flowers, but they are not as commonly used in bouquets.
Goldenrod: goldenrod gets a bad rap for causing allergies, since they’re often confused with ragweed. These plants produce many yellow flowers, all arranged on fun, drooping stems.
What if I want to start gardening with native plants?
Adding native species to any garden is beneficial, and there are so many options to choose from! Before you go out and purchase your native plants, it’s always best to know what kind of sun your garden gets and the moisture level of the soil. There are native options for every garden, even full shade! Your local plant nursery or hardware store will usually carry natives, and their supply of these pollinator powerhouses is ever-growing to meet the needs of nature-loving gardeners. So go ahead and grab a pot of wild bergamot and have fun adding a pop of colour and biodiversity to your garden.
Whether you want to go full rustic chic or just want a pop of colour, look no further than your own backyard! Take inspiration from Mother Nature and get creative. These often-overlooked wildflowers are sure to wow.
November 3, 2023
Writing your own wedding vows is an ideal way to express your love and devotion to your partner. However, it can seem daunting trying to capture your romantic journey in a short speech while also making promises for your future together. Vows are also often said in front of your entire family. So where to begin?
Here are some tips that can help you write your own heartfelt vows and as stress-free as possible.
Consult with your partner
While many couples wish to keep their vows a surprise, it can be a good idea to ask your partner how you both want your vows to be structured, or even just the overall tone. Do you want more traditional vows? Maybe you want to tell a story with a bit of humour throughout. Knowing what you both want will allow your ceremony to flow perfectly. You can keep the content secret while making sure you’re both on the same page!
Start writing your rough draft in advance
Do not wait until the last minute. Start writing your vows a minimum of a month before your actual wedding day. Stressful writing can cause you to accidentally omit precious memories or leave you feeling unsatisfied with your result. Even if you start by jotting down a few ideas or sentences, starting early is always best. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member for ideas, input, or even to listen while you practice reading your vows aloud.
Vow format options
Not sure what format or tone you want to go with? Here are some popular formats:
Humorous vows: these often include funny stories you love telling, jokes, anecdotes, or movie quotes. Humorous vows can feel very lighthearted yet equally romantic. People listening can get a better sense of your relationship and can laugh along with you. This format is especially good if you’re nervous and want to lighten the mood.
Romantic vows: these are more traditional in nature and are a great way to really tell your love story. You can start from the beginning of your journey together, all the way to your wedding day. Romantic vows are great for couples who want to really be heartfelt and tell each other how they feel.
Traditional vows: these are often the ones you see in movies and are usually said when a couple chooses not to customize their vows. Traditional vows can be just as meaningful and represent a couple’s religion or family. These vows often start with ‘I, ___, take you, ___, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward…’. You can add a little extra to personalize traditional vows while keeping that familiar feeling.
Step-by-step vow writing
Begin by stating who your partner is to you. If you often say they are your best friend, address them as such.
No matter what format you choose, you can start by saying what you love about your partner, your favourite things about them, why you fell in love, and how you feel when they aren’t around. Tell a story about them that you adore; this can be a funny story or a very romantic story, or both!
Make promises that you vow to keep; these can be traditional, like: ‘I promise to love and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and to be faithful to you until death do us part.’ You can choose some more humorous vows like: ‘I vow to love you unconditionally, even if you’re a Habs fan,’ or romantic vows like: ‘I vow to love the person you will become, just as I love the person you are now’.
Conclude your vows by either reiterating the most important parts of your speech or by making one final poignant vow to wrap it up.
Remember, your vows should be as unique as you are and personalized however you want. Have fun with them!
Choosing whether to hire a wedding planner is a personal decision—but if you decide to go that route, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. They offer different levels of service and specialize in different types of weddings. It may seem like there are endless choices and possibilities. So, what should you be looking for in a potential wedding planner? Let’s break down our top tips for picking the right planner. 
