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May the odds be ever with your (wedding) favour

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:

Boxed wedding favours

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.

Personalized wedding coffee blend

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

Ceremony hacks for the shy and nervous

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.

Shy woman pulling sweater up over nose

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.

Incorporating native plants or flowers into your wedding  

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!  

Native species flowers in a bouquet

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.   

How to write your own wedding vows 

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!  

Customizing your ceremony makes memorable moments

September 23, 2023

weddingparty

Some people think the ceremony is the boring part of a wedding day. They anticipate it will be long or dry or overly religious or full of legal-type details. They would rather fast-forward to the party.

Those people are missing out.

The legal requirements for a ceremony are short and simple – a question of intent for each partner, signing of the documents, pronouncing the couple as married (Quebec has some additional required text.) There is lots of room for creativity and meaningful connection. Your ceremony can be the highlight of your day, if you put in some effort. Personalizing the script, music, and vibe will result in a ceremony that has personality and will provide lasting memories for you and your guests.

Entrance

Guests may be expecting classical music and a serene bride or groom gliding down the aisle. But it can be so many other things. We’ve seen flower men, flower grandmas, a choreographed dance up the aisle, pets carrying rings, a ring bear (in a bear costume), ring security guards, and more. One officiant we work with once introduced a wedding party as they came down the aisle as if they were taking part in a WWE wrestling match. From sweet to silly, why not get things started in a way that will set the tone for the ceremony and the party to come? Don’t be afraid to showcase your personalities.

Music

Do not feel bound by tradition. Your wedding music does not have to be classical or instrumental. It can be anything you want, so make it meaningful to you. Make it memorable for your guests. Make it fun. It’s the best when the first few bars of a song hit and the guests look at each other and say, “this is so them!” Pick songs that mean something to you. The one that you sing to each other while dancing around in the kitchen, or one that represents a departed family member, or one that your kids love. Pick a song that bops, or one that croons. A love song or a party anthem, you get to decide. Finish your ceremony with a dance party and invite everyone to take part.

Script

Words matter. Your wedding script can tell your story. If you are having a lot of people at your ceremony, they may not all be familiar with the way you met and how your relationship progressed. Sharing some details will help catch them up and give them an appreciation for why you are standing in front of them. Your script and vows can highlight all the things you love about your partner and your relationship. Tone can vary from formal to downright goofy. Your vows are your promises to each other for your life ahead. They should sound like you, not some one-size-fits-all script.

Additions

Include the people who are important to you. While a friend or family member can do a reading during the ceremony, there are lots of other ways to incorporate folks. If you have someone with musical ability, they can sing or play during the ceremony. Recognize your mothers (or parents) by giving each a rose at the beginning of the ceremony. Include kids by giving them a gift, making vows to them, or having them sign a document (Record of Solemnization in Ontario or temporary certificate in other provinces). Bring together a blended family with a sand ceremony where each family member gets a different colour of sand and takes a turn pouring it into a clear jar, a symbol of unity that becomes a permanent fixture in your home. If you want to get everyone involved, pass your rings around from guest to guest in a ring warming. Or give everyone a smooth stone and ask them to hold it during the ceremony and infuse it with their best wishes, then collect them afterward in a jar or box and keep them on display.

Attitude

The attitude of the couple can have a big impact on the vibe of the ceremony as well. If you are just wishing it would be over, your guests will also probably feel that way. If you embrace the ceremony as a celebration and a key component of your day, then that positive energy will filter through to your guests. It’s a one-time event, so make it something you will enjoy!

 

What to discuss with your wedding officiant?

May 12, 2023

You know you need a credentialled wedding officiant to make your ceremony legal. But what kinds of things should you talk to your officiant about before the wedding?

Their credentials: You can inquire how they are credentialled and ask to see proof. In the province of Ontario there is a government list where you can search for anyone registered to conduct marriage ceremonies. https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/registered-marriage-officiants

The legal bits: When are you planning on getting your marriage licence? (In QC it’s the officiant who acts as the licensing agent). Your officiant will appreciate it if you can send them a clear photo or scan of the licence in advance so they can prep some of their paperwork.

The ceremony language/script: The legal requirements for a wedding ceremony are simple and minimal (question of intent for each partner, sign the paperwork, pronounce you as married, and in Quebec the Civil Code must be read). The rest is up to you. Bring your officiant your favourite poems or readings to include in the script. (They may have suggestions as well if you don’t know where to start.) Talk about any anecdotes or shared experiences or hobbies that you’d like to be mentioned in the ceremony. Discuss ways to honour loved ones who have passed. Talk about cultural traditions you’d like to include.

Tone: Lighthearted and relaxed? Formal and distinguished? Let your officiant know what tone you are hoping to strike, and they will do their best to accommodate.

Colour and theme: Officiants are often happy to dress to complement a couple’s chosen colours or theme. Is it a Western and denim theme? Black tie with a touch of purple? Hawaiian shirts? Feel free to talk about how the officiant should dress.

Mechanics and logistics of the day: Tell your officiant who is responsible for music and/or microphones. How many are in the wedding party? Who will have the rings? Who are the witnesses?

Rehearsal (if you are planning one): Do you need your officiant there? Do you need them to run the rehearsal? What dates/times are you considering?

Additional questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Your officiant probably has a great deal of experience and may be able to suggest ways to handle potentially difficult situations. For example, divorced parents who don’t get along, blended families, multifaith unions, an uncle with a drinking problem who may make a fuss, etc. You can also talk to your officiant about your feelings or fears. If they know you are anxious about speaking in front of a crowd, they can help.

Your wedding officiant will try to make your day everything you want it to be. They are more than just the person who “signs the papers,” they are a great asset to your wedding planning, your personal cheerleader, and an understanding ear.

2023 wedding trends

February 15, 2023

breakfast board, live plant centerpiece, pool party

Last year was a banner year for weddings. The pent up demand that built through two years of Covid was released in a flood of nuptials. Wedding vendors were booked up, venues were in short supply, and couples were squeezing their ceremonies into unconventional dates and locations. So what does 2023 hold?

Sustainability and live plants

Couples continue to become more eco-conscious. People are skipping the extraneous stuff – no programs, no welcome bags, no cheap plastic flip flops for the reception, and no takeaways or thank you gifts unless they are edible, plantable, or at least compostable. Fireworks are also losing their appeal as they are pollutants and can have negative effects on animals. Live plants are always a beautiful table centerpiece and you can give them out at the end of the event (think something vibrant and lush, not so much the succulents from past years). Live plants may also feature in the ceremony backdrop or aisle decor, giving the couple the opportunity to use those shrubs and flowers to spruce up their yard afterwards.

Wedding dresses

There continues to be a lot of variation, but this year there is an influx of inspiration from the 1960s, including the minidress. You will continue to see fringe, but less bohemian and more luxe. More high necklines as well, in both lace and fabric.

Pool party

Whether they are pool-side for the ceremony or hitting the pool for the reception, couples will be embracing summer. It can be kept classy and modern, but the pool party prefers to live in the land of retro vibes, bold décor, and over the top umbrella drinks. The couple making a splash for the camera in their wedding garb? Maybe! (Just be careful a water logged dress or suit doesn’t drag you under.) The only sticking point for pool-side fun is the weather.

Beyond charcuterie boards

We’ve seen the idea of grazing nibbles expanded for receptions. Cocktail style receptions offer the flexibility for everyone to get face to face with the wedding couple and guests aren’t stuck chatting with only the folks at their dinner table. While charcuterie boards are still popular, we’re now seeing breakfast boards, dessert boards, butter boards (a trend which spiked on social media last fall), pizza boards, poutine boards, and themed boards for holidays. For folks who aren’t yet ready to go back to buffet-style dining for fear of germ spreading, individually portioned charcuterie boxes or cups may be just the thing.

Couples doing whatever the flip they want

Since Covid, there has been an ‘anything goes’ approach to weddings. Couples are emboldened to make their day all about what they want, not what people expect. Weekday weddings, morning weddings, backyard weddings, tiny weddings, these are all choices that are here to stay. Couples are continuing to select traditions that are meaningful to them and reject the rest. And we’re here for it!

How to pick a wedding date

January 27, 2023

These days, most anything goes when choosing a date for your wedding. Traditional Saturday event? Thursday evening? Halloween? Sunrise ceremony on a Monday? Whatever you want, you can make it happen. When picking a date, you may want to consider the following:

2023 calendar

Guests

Take a look at your guest list. Will some be travelling from out of town or even out of the country? Try to be sensitive to people coming from farther away. They may have to take extra days off work and/or spend hours driving/flying. If everyone is local, a Thursday evening may work just fine.

Cost

One thing to keep in mind is that your date will affect your wedding costs. Check with vendors to see. Long weekends and holidays may have premiums. Saturday afternoons in the summer and fall are prime wedding days so you can expect to pay full price for everything. If you have the flexibility to choose another day of the week or a morning ceremony, you may pay less as vendors try to fill their schedules on less busy dates. It’s not just prices to think about. Availability can be an issue. A top venue or photographer may be booked years in advance for prime dates, but if you have flexibility with your wedding date you might just be able to snag your dream location.

Potential for conflict

Choosing a date on Thanksgiving weekend or New Year’s Eve could make sense as people will normally be gathering anyway. But keep in mind that friends may have their own family traditions and celebrations they are not willing to give up to attend your wedding. Big events in your wedding city/town should be considered as well, whether a festival, a convention, or something else. These big events can affect venue and hotel availability. Also, remember that July to Thanksgiving are prime wedding weekends. If you are choosing a date in that window, make sure you check with your friend group to ensure nobody else is planning their wedding for your date. Get your invitations (or at least a “Save the Date” card or email) out early so everyone knows when your big day is!

Sentimental check-in

Many couples like to select a date that has additional special meaning, like the anniversary of their first date or another milestone in their relationship. Some also look at wedding dates of parents or grandparents as a nod to family history. On the flip side, try to make sure your wedding doesn’t coincide with a sad or painful memory anniversary for any of the major players – like the death of a parent or sibling. You might also consider world events. It took quite a few years before couples wanted to get married on 9/11 again.

By the numbers

Aligning or repeating numbers is appealing to some folks. Maybe it looks cool on an invitation. 2/22/2022 was a big one, for example. Some people like 4/20 and its association with cannabis culture. Many people believe in lucky or unlucky numbers. The Chinese community thinks 4 is unlucky, while 3, 6, and 8 are lucky. 9 is unlucky in Japan. Some people think Friday the 13 is unlucky. Several cultures think of 7 as lucky. And some people are into numerology and have their own personal lucky numbers.

If you have enough time to plan your wedding, go ahead and pick whatever date you want. You can try to be respectful of others, but you’ll probably never be able to please everyone. As long as the people who are important to you will be there, go for it!

 

Minimizing cellphones & social media at your ceremony

October 24, 2022

You see it all the time – people viewing the world through their cell phone cameras. For example, recording video of a fireworks display, taking a million photos of an iconic landmark and fiddling with filters trying to get that one ‘gram-worthy shot, and, unfortunately, taking non-stop video or photos of a friend’s wedding ceremony. In all cases, these people are missing out on being in the moment and having the fullest experience. So how do you make them stop for your wedding?

Ask nicely….and more than once

Set your expectations from the beginning by mentioning in your invite that you are having an unplugged or device-free ceremony. Explain that you have hired a professional photographer or appointed a specific friend to capture the event. If you are having wedding programs you can mention it again there by saying, “Thanks for respecting our wish to have a camera and phone-free ceremony.” You could also set a sign at the entrance of your ceremony venue to remind people. Finally, ask your wedding officiant to make an announcement before the ceremony begins telling guests to put their phones on silent and put them away so they can be fully present and enjoy the moment with you.

Or try for a compromise

Another option is to ask guests not to take photos until you have been pronounced as married. The officiant could announce at the beginning of the ceremony that cameras and cellphones should be stored until the end of the ceremony when the couple will spend a few moments posing for guests’ photos.

What about people sharing “unsanctioned” photos online?

You know your guests best. Do you have the type of friends and family who carefully curate or those who post their entire camera roll (including the blurry ones)?

If keeping the lid on wedding photos until you have a chance to view and select your own preferred shot is important to you, you may want to take steps to help that happen.

First, ask your photographer if they can provide a couple of sneak peek shots so you can get a sanctioned photo out on social media quickly, ideally the next day. Another option is to take a “just married” selfie and get your own photo out first that way.

Follow the steps above for an unplugged ceremony. You should also think twice about a wedding hashtag – which will encourage people to post photos.

You can let guests know ahead of time that you would appreciate them not sharing photos online until you have had a chance to post your own. The same as asking for an unplugged ceremony, your options for asking and reminding guests not to post on social media are in the invitation, in the program, via a sign at the venue, and an announcement before the ceremony begins.

You can also review your social media settings and adjust your privacy so people can’t tag you or tagged photos won’t show on your FB or Instagram pages.

Best of both worlds?

If you do want friends and family to share photos from the reception, you can reveal your wedding hashtag at the reception venue. You can also create an Instagram-worthy backdrop or seating area and have a sign encouraging people to take photos.

There will always be one

No matter what you say or do, there will always be someone who doesn’t play by your rules. Try not to get upset. Maybe they are truly addicted to their phone. It’s their loss for not taking time to be in the moment with you. And a good photographer can work around them.

 

 

Wedding Arch Alchemy: Creating a Stunning Focal Point

September 8, 2022

Wedding arches are a big décor trend and it seems like they will stick around. And why not? It’s an easy way to have a big impact on your ceremony space.

An arch is a way of drawing the focus to the spot where you will exchange your vows. They are especially helpful if you are getting married outside where there is no obvious focal point or at a venue where it’s essentially a blank canvas.

arch examples

Two takes on the same pergola at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel

 

An arch can help you incorporate the colours and theme that you have selected for your day. From bo-ho to sleek and modern, an arch is a set-piece that helps create the ambiance you want. You can use pretty much any material — wood, metal, fabric, live plants, etc.

balloon background

Balloons provide big colour impact. Photo: TracyGracePhotography

 

Your arch can also serve as a backdrop for photos after the ceremony as well. Guests won’t be able to resist snapping a few frames in front of it.

You can rent all sorts of backdrops, flower walls, and arches. Wedding groups on social media or buy and sell sites like Kijiji are also a good source for ready-made items. Of course, if you’re handy you can DIY it and have it to keep or sell to someone else. If you are buying or making a sturdy structure, you can add it to your garden or patio after to extend its life.

You don’t have to break the bank — simple can be very effective. You may be able to use something you already have or something you can thrift or make — sheer curtains, old wooden ladders, paper flowers, a tree branch, etc.

Sunflower round arch

The sunflowers here are a perfect tie-in to the couple’s splashes of yellow.

 

Keep the weather in mind as you plan. There could be rain or wind and you don’t want your arch to tumble — make sure it’s stable and possibly staked to the ground. Wind can also play havoc with draped fabric.

If there is a view or horizon, pay attention to what vista your arch frames — it’s going to be in a lot of photos. You may want to work the angles to avoid a highway with traffic or the back of a building for example. And while you may think of a wedding arch as having a lot of height to draw the eye, you can create something lower to the ground (especially if you have a view with mountains in the background). An existing flowerbed can be your focal point with some added pillars or use potted perennial plants to create a low-rise semi-circle. You can use the plants for landscaping at your home afterwards or gift them to the members of your wedding party.

This stunning backdrop was created by Ottawa’s Monara Events Photo: Green Tea Photography Venue: Billings Estate Museum

 

In the end, make sure that the focal point of your ceremony location is something that brings you joy when you look at it. The personality of the couple should be apparent — so don’t be concerned with sticking to something flowery, if that’s not what you like. Get creative and playful. Make it as steampunk, anime, forest elf, comic book, futuristic, or Day of the Dead as you like. It’s a key visual for your day.