Coverall Event Coordination Blog

Christine & Mel: The Colour of Love

2011-03-07T21:26:00.012-05:00

"In our life there is a single colour, as on an artist's palette, which
provides the meaning of life and art. It is the colour of love."
~Marc Chagall

I was SO EXCITED to check my inbox today and find photos from the fabulous Jackie MacRae at Behold Photographics; and I had to post them right away!! (THANK YOU, JACKIE!!)

These beautiful ladies were married last July but it still feels like yesterday. They were such a blast to work with from start to finish and even since! Cindy and I totally fell in love with them and their wedding vision.

Christine and Mel chose black and rainbow accents as their wedding theme and colours. Rainbow roses were used throughout the decor and we even created a rainbow aisle with coloured rose petals. Each of the bridesmaids wore a black dress with a different colour sash around their waist and carried a simple arrangement made up of berries and a single rainbow rose.

Everything came together beautifully and it was an honour for both Cindy and I to have been a part of it all.

Here are a few of Jackie's wonderful shots from the day!

Enjoy :)

xo

Wedding Invitations For Under $10? Yes You Can!!!

2011-02-25T17:33:00.009-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I haven't written in a very long time... I've been busy with projects galore! Some of these include weddings (of course), my new decorating business Sage Designs as well as a few other things that aren't in the "reveal" stages just yet.

One of the weddings I'm working on is my sister, Natalie's, wedding. This wedding is a special project for me for one because it's my sister's big day but also because it's an experiment in SUPER FRUGAL wedding planning. I'll share some things that we're doing as time goes on but today I wanted to share Nat's very cool (and inexpensive) invitations with you.

<<>> For anyone who may be receiving one of these you may want to wait for the surprise of receiving them in the mail... but it's up to you ;)

I made these samples up today just to get a sense of how much paper I'll need and so on. After finishing the first invite I can tell you that it's going to cost less than $10 to create 20 of these beauties! And we could probably get 30 out of the materials we've got... but we only need 20.

The biggest "investment" on this project was the card stock my mother bought at Dollarama for $2.00 for 50 sheets in 5 different colours. We bought 3 packs for $6.00. The rest of the materials (ink from the printer and labels) cost under $4.00.

The only other thing I needed for these was a free graphic which I found online... and ta da!!! I think the only change we're going to make to the sample below is that we're going to use brown ribbon instead of pink.

Enjoy :)

MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR WEDDING?

2010-08-23T10:56:00.002-04:00

Did you know you could make money with your wedding? Well some people are... what do you think?

Sarah & Chris: Putting the "Yellow" in Yellowknife

2010-08-11T15:18:00.012-04:00

Okay, so the title's lame but this wedding was anything but! (Okay, that was lame too... moving along...)

Sarah and Chris are a wonderfully kind and warm couple who currently live in Yellowknife and who, with several trips between Yellowknife and Ottawa (thank goodness Chris is a pilot!) managed to flawlessly plan this beautiful day. Sarah, throughout the entire process, had every detail under control and never once seemed even a tiny bit tense. (I was super impressed to say the least). This, of course, made my job a breeze and I had a blast working with these guys.

It didn't hurt either that the wedding was held at Brookstreet Hotel which is by far one of my favourite venues in Ottawa! The staff are phenomenal!

The images below are just a little sneak peak (snatched from the blog of the FABULOUS Annemarie Gruden... you'll want to check out her blog for more great photos from the day).

Enjoy!

Congrats Sarah & Chris!!!!

Sophie

HAPPY WEDNESDAY... HAPPY THOUGHTS... JUST BECAUSE

2010-07-28T20:22:00.002-04:00

Hey Everybody,

I'm just kinda overflowing with positivity today and thought I would share the love.

Happy Wednesday!!!

xo

Sophie

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS

2010-07-27T10:45:00.003-04:00

During our interview, Julie Butler shares tips on choosing the right photographer for your wedding day.

Thanks again, Julie! You're FAB-U-LOUS!!!

PHOTO SHOOT WITH JULIE C BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-07-26T10:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I thought I'd kick off the week with a fun little peak at the photo shoot Cindy and I did with Julie Butler this past Friday. Tomorrow we'll be putting up Part Two of the shoot where Julie answers some questions about hiring a photographer for your wedding. Be sure to tune in!

Yours,

Sophie

WEDDING NEWS & UPDATES: FREE WEDDING DRESSES

2010-07-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

SETTING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET

2010-07-21T17:00:00.001-04:00

WEDDING PLANNING: STEP 1

2010-07-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

WEDDING TRENDS: GOING... GOING...

2010-07-19T12:44:00.002-04:00

Trends come and go... this one is on it's way out... or at the very least, it's due for a major make-over! Check it out...

Yours,

Sophie

WEDDING PLANNING: THIS IS NOT AN OPEN BAR

2010-07-16T22:09:00.001-04:00

Let The Vlogging Begin!

2010-07-15T07:30:00.002-04:00

Yup... it's true... I'm vlogging now!

Check out my first vlog and check back for regular updates from Tuesday to Friday each week.

Leave your comments and questions below.

Sophie

2010-07-12T08:30:00.005-04:00

Julie's done it again! Check out her photos from Sayeka & Baj's reception.

Here's a little sneak peak:

Check out more at Julie's Blog and ENJOY!!!

Yours,

Sophie

Fall in Love: Catherine & Greg

2010-06-30T12:06:00.008-04:00

I've been holding off on posting this wedding for a VERY long time... I wanted to make sure that it was just right. Catherine's been very patient and I know she's been waiting because she's one of the few people who ALWAYS leaves a comment for me (just to let me know she's watching, I'm sure... lol).

HI CATHERINE!!!! FINALLY, Here it is!

I never get nearly as much time as I'd like in getting to know my Month-of clients. Still, Catherine's the kind of person that you feel like you've known forever within 10-minutes of meeting her! This meant an instant connection and tons of fun every time we got together to chat about the wedding.

Catherine's also super-organized which meant we always got through the "wedding stuff" early on in our meetings and had time left over to chat about anything and everything else. We always parted ways laughing about something or other.

The wedding day itself was stunningly elegant and Catherine had carefully coordinated every detail so that it all came together beautifully. Here's a little peak of the day courtesy of Eric & Isabelle at Foto-Genik (this husband and wife team is a blast to work with).

Since the wedding, Catherine and I have stayed in touch and with the wedding long gone this couple's focus has shifted from wedding preparations to baby preparations! It won't be long now before the little bundle is here and personally I can't wait to see THOSE photos!!!

Wishing you and your growing family all the very best!

Much love,

xoxoxo

Sophie

Sayeka & Baj's Holud Photos!!!

2010-06-29T18:00:00.005-04:00

Okay... I'm totally swiping Julie's photos again but I can't help it! They're so pretty!!!

Again... this is just a little peak at the full shoot and you'll have to check out Julie's blog for more (I know you will!). Stay tuned for more since I'll definitely be stealing more photos the second Julie posts them... THANKS JULIE!!!

Yours,

Sophie

Coverall Featured in Eco-Beautiful Weddings!

2010-06-16T07:30:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm very excited to announce that one of our fabulous weddings has been featured in the Summer 2010 Issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings. Darlene and Tobin's wedding was an eco-filled day with beautiful, socially-responsible touches at every turn.

I'll be giving more details on this spectacular event when I post the wedding in our Real Weddings Section but for now you can get a sneak peak by checking out the latest issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings HERE!

You'll find Darlene & Tobin's wedding starting on page 43.

Yours,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Kristin & Shane

2010-06-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I have the opportunity to work with a client who really makes an impact on me... sometimes personally, sometimes professionally, and in some rare instances - both.

Kristin contacted me a few months before her wedding to help her organize the details the big day. Through numerous phone calls and emails I got to know Kristin pretty well and I have to say that she gave me a run for my money as far as organization goes. Kristin had all of her ducks in a row the entire time which meant that I really had to be on my game in order to keep a step ahead. I definitely grew from a professional standpoint as a result.

But don't let this give you the wrong impression. Kristin is by far the sweetest person I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Some of our phone calls lasted three hours as we obsessed over every detail. And at some point during every single conversation, Kristin would ask that I hold for just a moment so that she could greet Shane as he came into the house from work. I always found this to be the sweetest thing! (Probably because my husband typically gets a quick wave and maybe a finger to my lips if he happens to walk through the door while I'm on the phone. I know - I'm so mean, ha ha).

Kristin and Shane are the real deal and I am so grateful to have been a part of their day. If you know me you'll know that I cry at all of my weddings but I was choked up for a good chunk of the day this time around. I welled up as Shane's voice cracked as he recited his vows to Kristin, I cried during the Maid of Honor's speech (which she also cried through - so I blame her), and I also cried during Kristin's father's speech which was full of emotion.

I did manage to work through all the tears... promise!

Everything about the day was absolutely beautiful. We had a little bit of rain for good luck but the sun shined brilliantly for the duration of the photo session. It was the perfect combination. Mix in a team of extremely talented vendors and it really was the perfect day.

The oh-so-talented Annemarie Gruden was kind enough to send some of her stunning shots my way. The images really do speak for themselves. You can check out Annemarie's site here. Thanks again Annemarie!

I also want to thank the staff of the Lord Elgin hotel who were absolutely phenomenal! The timeline was tight and the logistics were intricate; without their help the day would not have been the huge success that it was.

Congratulations Kristin and Shane! I know you'll have a wonderful life together.

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Wedding Flower Bouquet Alternatives

2010-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Floral bouquets are still the obvious choice when it comes to having something in your hands for your walk down the aisle. But it's not the ONLY choice. Here are some other items you might conisder clutching as you make your way to your waiting groom:

1. A candle

2. A fan

3. A parasol

4. Nothing at all

5. A feather bouquet

6. A religious text

Happy Planning!

Sophie

The Best Email Follow-up System

2010-05-14T08:06:00.004-04:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!!

Okay... failed attempt at trying to make the blahdie-blah, gloomy-looking day a little brighter. It's still yucky out. And I feel yucky on top of it all so it doesn't help.

Nevertheless, I have cheerful news. Okay... cheerful wasn't the right word there either. Man I wish I was still in bed... (looking off into distance).

*Snap*

Okay, I'm back. Seriously though, I have something very fun to share with you today. I've already posted this handy little tidbit on the Something Blue Blog but since I know that none of you are reading it (that's right... I'm keeping track) I thought I'd share it here too.

The concept -- very simple: basically, this email follow-up system is completely free and it's designed to give you a quick and easy way to stay on top of your tasks. When you're planning a wedding this is especially important. You're constantly emailing caterers, photographers, planners, and vendors of all kinds. And then there's the emails you're sending out all those volunteers; and um, you're not paying them so they may or may not get back to you. These people include your wedding party, MC, the flower girl's mom... you get the picture.

FollowUpThen.com has created a simple way to follow-up on emails you send out. If you know how to send an email you can use this system... it's as simple as that! Even my grandmother knows how to send email; heck, I think my grandmother had a Facebook account before I did (Hi Gramma!)... but I digress.

Anywho... where was I?

Darn this gloomy day... it's got me in a fog.

Right... FollowUpThen.com. As I was saying, it's really simple to use. Here's the CliffNotes version:

1. To have a follow-up email sent to you only enter the time{at}followupthen.com in the BCC field (note the bold for emphasis) and you'll receive an email at that time (example: 2days@followupthen.com).

2. To have the follow-up sent to you and everyone else listed in the "To" field just enter the time{at}followupthen.com in the CC field.

Easy enough right? For full details you can check out the FollowUpThen site here.

And no, this is not a sponsored post -- this is something that I stumbled upon (not literally... but you know what I mean) and I've been using it myself for a few weeks. It's really great and I definitely recommend it... no strings attached.

Alrighty then... that's my little tip-of-the-day. Back to dreaming about my bed...

Ha! Okay... back to work.

You too!!

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Brigitte & Matt: Lessthansignthree

2010-04-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

Every couple that I work with is special to me; however, because I work so closely with my Full & Basic Coordination clients I am given the opportunity to get to know these couples more intimately than I do my Month-of couples.

This, of course, is a tad bitter-sweet because I get to meet such incredible people every year and I get to spend time helping them bring the biggest day of their lives to fruition; it's always an emotional experience filled with fun and laughs and (more often than not) a few tears along the way. But each of these planning journeys must come to an end; and what an end! My journey with them ends with a wedding, their REAL journey is just beginning.

I can't say enough about this fab couple. They are tons of fun and always good for a laugh. They've promised to get divorced and get married again just so that we can do it all over. Woohoo!!

I'll keep you all posted on the next wedding, but for now, let's talk about this one for a bit.

Brigitte and Matt decided on a fall wedding and we designed everything around a fall harvest theme. Everything from the dresses to the food, from the decor to the favours, had a bit of a harvest feel to it. The flowers were all kinds of fall tones like oranges, reds, yellows, and greens AND great splashes of purple (it's amazing how many purple blooms you actually see popping up all over the place in the fall).

Brigitte made soap favours in every colour and scent (I know, she's one talented lady!!) and the two also made bottles of red and white wine for their guests to take home.

The wedding reception was all about the party. From start to finish there were games and competitions to keep the guests both entertained and on their toes.

It was a total blast, you guys... can't wait for the next one!

Lessthansignthree ;)

Sophie

Sayeka & Baj: Engagement Photos with Julie Butler Photography

2010-04-27T15:22:00.003-04:00

I just love Julie's photo shoot with our wonderful couple Sayeka and Baj. Aren't these two gorgeous! Looking forward to the beautiful wedding and more great photos from Julie. You have to go to Julie's blog to see just how STUNNING this shoot turned out.

Yours,

Sophie

Something Blue: Free Wedding Workbook

2010-04-17T17:58:00.004-04:00

Some of you may have noticed that I've been a little absent lately (I'm afraid to look at my last post date). I've been busy working on my newest venture and I'm VERY excited to announce that, at last, it's ready for it's big reveal!

Something Blue is a free printable wedding workbook and it's been customized by city and state/province to make your planning experience even better. The workbook guides you through a ten-step planning process to help you prioritize and stay on track. This planner is designed for couples who want to plan their own wedding - but I still recommend hiring a planner to take care of your day-of coordination needs (the book can only do so much, after all).

You can download your free planner here: www.somethingblueworkbook.com. I'd love to get your thoughts and feedback. You can send them to me at feedback@somethingblueworkbook.com. Enjoy!

Now that that's launched I'll be back to posting on a more regular basis. Whew!

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Organically Gifted: Ottawa Eco Ideas

2010-02-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

I was so excited to have stumbled upon this site that I had to share it with you. Organically Gifted is a local company with an online eco gift store. They create unique, toxin-free, organic gifts and baskets for every occasion! You can choose from their inventory of gift baskets or build your own!

They've got tons of great ideas for organic and eco-friendly wedding favours. And perhaps best of all, 1% of every purchase made goes straight to the David Suzuki Foundation!! It's definitely worth a look!

Happy Friday!

Sophie

Eco Book of the Month: The Green Bride's Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget

2010-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Kate Harrison is the eco-bride turned author of the acclaimed book, The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget; a must-have for any eco-savvy couple working on their own wedding plans.

The research that went into this book is evident from the very first chapter. I think that couples will really appreciate that Kate offers hundreds of options with varying price tags. If you take even one thing away from this book to help green your own wedding it will be money well-spent.

Cheers,

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Raw Cookie Recipe: Easy Healthy Cookies

2010-02-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

I'll be blogging about eco-menus in many future posts but today I wanted to share a little personal recipe with you all.

Some people have heard the term "raw foodist", if you haven't then I'll quickly sum it up for you. A raw foodist is a person whose diet is made up of 75% to 100% raw food. That is, uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, etc. It's believed that the cooking process kills a food's enzymes and nutrients which makes it harder for our bodies to digest and not quite as nutritious for us as raw foods are.

I am not a raw foodist but I do try to eat as much raw foods as I can simply because it's good for me. This is tough when it comes to baking because I LOVE to bake! And I LOVE cookies and breads especially. What really gets me when I'm baking is the amount of (for a lack of a better word) crap that goes into the foods. I mean white flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda make up the brunt of most recipes.

After investigating raw food diets for some time (I ate 100% raw for one full week earlier this month) I found that there are actually TONS of raw recipes for cookies, breads, cakes, and all kinds up goodies. Many of these recipes called for a dehydrator (which I don't own) and most of them called for all kinds of wacky ingredients that only hard-core raw foodists would keep on hand. So after much more research I decided that I understood the basic concept of these recipes and decided to just go for it with some stuff that I had on hand. This is the recipe I came up with and the cookies are delicious and, not to mention, 100% raw and good for you!

Ingredients:

1 cup raw unsalted organic almonds

1 cup raw organic raisins

1 cup pitted organic honey dates

(Seriously, that's it!)

1. Put the almonds and raisins in a food processor and chop until fine (about 30 seconds).

2. Add the dates and blend another 30 seconds or until mixture become thick and doughy.

3. Roll dough into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Flatten balls with your hands to make a cookie shape.

4. Place the cookies on a tray on place the tray in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Keep the cookies stored in the freezer.

Makes about 24 cookies.

These cookies are so rich that you'll only be able to eat one at a time. My husband can't stand dates so he won't eat them but my daughter loves them. I'd love to hear how yours turn out.

Bon Appetite!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

The Lost Generation

2010-01-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

Alright, so this has nothing to do with weddings but I thought it was so cool that I had to share it!

Enjoy!

Sophie

eWedding

2010-01-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

There are tons of wedding website services out there. My personal favourite is eWeddings where you have the option to set up a free site or pay for additional features. Plus there are TONS of template options.

If you've decided to skip the formal paper invites altogether a wedding website is a must have.

Sophie

Birdseed Favours

2010-01-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

I made these lovely little birdseed favours last week. This is a much more elegant twist on the pine cone bird feeder.

To start, I didn't have any bird feed lying around (I finished it all before winter hit). So I decided to make a quick homemade bird feed with some stuff I had lying around the house but you can buy ready-made bird feed to make your life easier. If you purchase the feed make sure that you choose one that has some interesting colours, sizes, and textures.

The feed I used was made up of organic raisins, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds (I ran the raisins and pumpkin seeds through the food processor before I started).

What you'll need:
Toast (I used one per feeder but you can make smaller feeders if you make two per slice)
Cookie cutter (or scissors - yup, low-tech over here).
Peanut butter
Bird feed (homemade or store bought)
Twine
Labels or tags

Step 1: Use your cookie cutter to cut out the number of favours that you'll need. As you can see, I simply cut out a shape on paper then used that the cut out my heart shapes with scissors (I only made two feeders so it wasn't too bad but this could get time-consuming for a larger batch of feeders).

Step 2: Cover one side of the toast in peanut butter and push it down into the bird feed. Then cover the other side and the edge and press the other side into the feed. Make sure there is no peanut butter showing.

Step 3: Once your favours are covered push the tip of a paint brush or a pencil through one corner.

Step 4: Let the favours dry overnight or for a few days to give them a chance to harden.

Step 5: Once the feeders are nice and stiff, thread the twine through the hole and place a tag on the twine (I used a label made from recycled paper).

I put my feeder outside and even though it's January I've had a few birds munchin' away at it.

Do you have an idea for an eco project? Send it to me here!

Thirst Relief International: Grace Ormonde Benefit Shoot

2010-01-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

According to UNICEF more than 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. That's 1 in 6 people on the planet! Statistically, there is 1 death every 15 seconds caused by water-borne illness; 90% of those deaths are children under the age of 5.

Thirst Relief International is a water development organization founded by wedding photographer, Jim Davis-Hicks. In August of 2009 Thirst Relief teamed up with Grace Ormonde, several designers, and 15 U.S. wedding photographers to create one of the most beautiful wedding gown shoots I've ever seen.

All of the gowns, which each contained a touch of blue, were designed specifically for the Tanzania shoot. You can check out some of the photographer's photos from the trip here. For photos from the shoot check out the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of Grace Ormonde.

Visit the Thirst Relief website for information on how to donate. What a wonderful "In Lieu of Favours" gift this could be for your wedding!

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

John F. Kennedy Quote

2010-01-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today I wanted to share a snippet from a talk given by John F. Kennedy at the University of Kansas on March 18, 1968. Even 42 years later these words ring as true today as they did then; perhaps even more so:

"But even if we act to erase material poverty, there is another greater task, it is to confront the poverty of satisfaction - purpose and dignity - that afflicts us all. Too much and for too long, we seemed to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our Gross National Product, now, is over $800 billion dollars a year, but that Gross National Product - if we judge the United States of America by that - that Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans."

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Sock Boutonnieres

2010-01-20T07:30:00.002-05:00

Here's a project for a few of those odd socks you've got sitting around. Here's what you'll need"

1 odd sock (preferably a thick woolly one)
Floral wire
Floral Tape

Step 1: Cut the end off your sock about 3 inches from the opening.

Step 2: Cut the piece lengthwise so that you have one long piece.

Step 3: Start rolling the sock from one end. There are a number of ways to do this. Try playing with the shapes you can make before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Pinch the fabric together at the bottom.

Step 5: Once you've found a shape you like poke a piece of floral wire through the pinched end of the sock and wrap the wire tightly around the outside so that the flower holds its shape. Leave a little tail at the end to wrap the floral tape around.

Step 6: Wrap the floral tape around the wire. After I finished this step I coloured the floral tape black with permanent marker so that it matched the colour of the flower.

Here are three finished boutonnieres. Unfortunately I only had dark coloured socks on hand but some colourful woolly socks would be really stunning too.

You can also add in some felt leaves, beads, buttons, and other decorative elements to really personalize these pieces. If you make your own sock boutonnieres be sure to send us some photos!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Tomato Favours

2010-01-18T07:30:00.002-05:00

If you grow tomatoes in the summer you're likely used to passing baskets of tomatoes along to family and friends (and anyone else who will take them) once they've ripened. Why not put some of that delicious fruit to work for your wedding this year?

Here are some ideas on how you can make your tomatoes work as guest favours:

1. Seedlings

If you're getting married in the spring you won't have a chance to grow your tomato plants large enough to produce fruit. Instead, why not grow them into small seedlings and pot each seedling so that your guests can plant them at home and benefit from their own fruitful gift.

2. Tomato Baskets

If your plants grow well and produce enough fruit you can create small favour baskets for your guests so that they can take home their very own ripe, delicious tomatoes to use in their favourite tomatoe recipe. A small assortment of cherry tomatoes makes for a colourful gift.

3. Salsa

If fresh tomatoes are not an option perhaps whipping up a special salsa recipe is the answer. Can batches of your salsa to give to your guests as a tasty gift that they can enjoy whenever they wish.

Do you have ideas on how to create tomato favours? Leave them in the comments section or send them here.

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Resolutions For 2010: Healthier Lifestyle

2010-01-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year's Day!!!

Given that it's January 1st I thought I'd post another resolution. And isn't this always one of our resolutions? It's probably because there's always more we can do to be just a little more healthy. Most of us drink too much coffee, ingest too much salt and sugar, and don't get enough exercise.

In 2009 I became a vegetarian which has made a surprising difference in the way I feel. I initially became a vegetarian because I'm out to save the world (or at least that's what I'm told) but it turns out that I've felt a hundred times better since making the switch. I have more energy, I feel satisfied but not full after a meal, and I've lost weight. Christmas killed me a bit after receiving a whole cupboard worth of chocolates and treats... once that's gone I'll get back on track! Ha ha!

I used to be in really great shape but after two kids this body just isn't what it used to be. For Christmas I got a Wii Fit system so now I'm adding a daily routine of running, hula hooping, Yoga, and other random activities to my schedule. It also means that I'm getting up earlier so that no one can see how ridiculous I look flailing around on the balance board. I'm not sure if this will make a huge difference in my fitness but I've had friends who swear by it and I've definitely been a little sore since I started using it.

What are you doing to improve your health and fitness in 2010? Perhaps you're looking to tone up or shed some pounds before your wedding. Feel free to share your tips!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Resolutions For 2010: Less Stuff

2009-12-30T10:45:00.007-05:00

I'm not one to make resolutions come New Years. I can't even remember the last time I put a resolution on paper.

This year, I have a few things that I'm really committed to working on for 2010. One of those things is reducing my consumption and my reliance on "stuff". I've already made some big changes to this end but there's always room to do better. For example, I love my Tim Horton's coffees and when I'm on the road all day for meetings and such I'll often buy two or three and I rarely remember to bring my travel mug along. I think I'll start leaving a cup in my car.

My motivation for this resolution came from "The Story of Stuff". It's an enlightening 20-minute film and I hope you'll check it out.

If this film interests you, you may also be interested in the book "Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping" by Judith Levine.

What sorts of resolutions are you making for 2010?

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T11:16:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

All the very best to you and yours,

Sophie

Ottawa's Wedding Gown Consigment Store

2009-12-15T10:41:00.010-05:00

December has become gown month on the Coverall blog! I've had two posts on wedding gowns in as many weeks. I wonder what will come about next...

This week I want to let you know that Ottawa FINALLY has a wedding gown consignment store!! White Haute Bridal is now accepting dresses from past brides (by appointment only) and opens its doors to new brides in January.

The store offers a selection of once loved and never worn dresses at a fraction of the original sale price. All dresses are dry-cleaned and restored to like new condition.

Personally, I love consignment stores for their eco-friendly qualities. Imagine if half of all wedding gowns were purchased on consignment and if every new wedding gown was sold on consignment once used. The impact in terms of materials and chemicals used and the transportation required to get new dresses out to the market would be significantly reduced. (John Lennon's Imagine comes to mind, ha ha).

My dreams of a more socially responsible planet aside, this is a fantastic way for new brides to save some money on their wedding gowns and for newlywed brides to make a bit of money on their once loved dresses. You'll want to call to make your appointment soon as I'm sure White Haute's calendar will be packed in no time!

You can check out the White Haute Bridal website here.

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

The Breast Dress Project

2009-12-03T09:06:00.008-05:00

There are so many fundraising organizations out there looking to get their hands on your money. While each of these groups is out to serve a good cause, with the economy being what it is these days donating your dollars may not be a realistic option.

The Breast Dress Project is an initiative that was launched this past November. What's so fantastic about this program is that you don't have to dig into your pockets and spend money that you wouldn't have spent otherwise in order to help. The fundraising structure is pretty straightforward:

1. The Breast Dress Project collects gently used dresses from brides whose weddings have come and gone. This frees up a bit of space in their closets for new stuff AND supports a great cause;

2. TBDP then sells the dresses to future brides-to-be who want to look fabulous on their wedding day AND support a great cause; and

3. Then TBDP donates the proceeds from the purchased dresses to support breast cancer research.

Jamie Johnston, one of the project's co-founders, is fighting a personal battle with breast cancer right now. Your support will help to arm her, and millions like her, with the right tools to fight back and beat this for good.

The organization's website is under construction but you can check out their Facebook page here. If you have a dress you want to donate or if you'd like more information on The Breast Dress Project you can contact Jamie Johnston at 613-723-5755 / jamie@groovylinen.com.

I also invite any of you who have your own blogs to post about this project and help spread the word.

Your amigo in this fight for a better world,

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Clutter

2009-11-25T12:35:00.006-05:00

After a busy wedding season I've settled down at my computer to try to sort through my files. The filing system in my office is very organized but the computer tends to get cluttered after a while.

I love to save inspiring photos of weddings and ideas and I'm constantly starting Word documents with thoughts and ideas. My laptop has become a virtual catch-all bucket and it's time to start sifting through to get ready for the new season ahead.

On that note, I think it's important that couples sit down every month or so and do the same with their wedding "stuff". If you're like most brides, you'll be collecting magazine clippings, articles, business cards and ad material from bridal shows and various meetings, and a whole slew of things on your computer for "future reference".

Set aside a regular day each month to go through everything you've collected. In fact, it would be wise to put that in your planning calendar. Anything you're not using should be tossed. For example, you've booked your photographer but you still have business cards for ten photography companies. Or... you've picked and booked your wedding cake but your wedding binder still has 40 wedding cake clippings. All of this is clutter and will only add chaos to your planning.

As you get closer to your wedding date it's important to hold on to only those materials which are relevant to your wedding. If you simply can't throw everything else away (in case a friend might like to use it at some future date) at least put the non-relevant materials into a separate box away from all of your wedding stuff.

By the time your wedding comes around your binder should be narrowed down to essentials only; such as, a checklist of what's left to do, a schedule of the day, your vendor contracts, and contact lists with all of your vendors' names and contact info (you'll want to include your bridal party, MC, and any other important people in this list too). If you have a keepsake binder or if you want to hold on to other relevant planning forms or materials simply bring the items listed to the front of the binder and file under a separate tab so that it's easily accessible.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Ottawa Wedding Planners Gathering

2009-11-18T11:28:00.003-05:00

I'm doing a bit of a lazy post today... okay, a SUPER lazy post today. I just wanted to give a shout-out to all of the local Ottawa WPIC Planners who came out last Saturday for our little get-together at Fat Tuesdays.

It was a great night filled with lots of chatting and great ideas flowing. It was wonderful to see everyone and I'm looking forward to some of the collaboration that was discussed over the course of the evening. More to come on that later.

And... here's where the super lazy part comes in. My very good friend, Lynn Lee from Weddings Unveiled, already posted a picture from the evening and listed everyone who was there. So rather than regurgitate Lynn's post I'll just send you there. Here's the link. (THANKS LYNN! xoxo!! lol).

And now back to work on my last wedding of the season which is coming up this weekend. Today's main focus: getting the hundreds of votive candles into holders and packed up.

Have a marvelous weekend everyone!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

The Bridal Expo 2009

2009-11-11T10:58:00.008-05:00

Hi Everybody!

I know I've been a little MIA lately. I came down with a horrible flu and I've been working around the clock getting last minute details together for The Bridal Expo.

Now the show is done and the flu is gone and I'm back (like it or not, ha ha).

This year was the second year of The Bridal Expo which is a unique bridal show for Cornwall's modern bride. The majority of my weddings take place in Ottawa and surrounding area but I still work very closely with the Cornwall market and I use the show as a method of showcasing the city's very best wedding vendors.

Cindy put together a great table setting for the Coverall booth this year.

After the success of last year's show we moved to a larger venue (the Cornwall Civic Complex), designed a brand new website (www.thebridalexpo.ca), and made improvements to just about every aspect of the show. As a result, the show was a huge success again this year and we're looking forward to many more successful shows in the future.

For a list of the year's exhibitors check out the Exhibitors section of the show website. You can also view more images from the show on The Bridal Expo Facebook page.

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

The Bridal Expo: A Show for Cornwall's Modern Bride

Tina & Curtis: Fit For a Princess

2009-10-28T12:49:00.021-04:00

This past August I had the pleasure of working with Tina and Curtis on their beautiful castle wedding. This couple pulled off the ultimate "Princess-meets-Prince-Charming" themed wedding. Tina & Curtis signed on for a Month-of contract to make sure that each detail was properly executed on the wedding day. I can take no credit for the creativity and focus of this extremely well-thought-out theme; this was all Tina.

The colours were pink and purple and the ceremony took place at Singer Castle (but where else could a Prince and Princess be married?). The castle was such a lovely backdrop for the ceremony and the stone walls set the tone for the secondary theme (stone) which also ran strong throughout the day. Prince & Princess, Pinks & Purples, Stones & Castles... LOVE IT!

The shots below were graciously provided by the fabulous team (Steven & Katie) at Unveiled Photography in Kingston. These guys really know how to balance fun and professional and they are such a pleasure to work with. I have the good fortune of working with them again next August and I can't wait! Thanks again you guys!

Here's a little glimpse into the beautiful day that was Tina and Curtis' wedding.

You can view the entire slideshow on the Unveiled Photography website.

Congratulations Tina and Curtis! And may you live Happily Ever After!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Your Wedding Reception or Anniversary Celebration on TV!

2009-10-15T14:59:00.004-04:00

Hello Everybody!

I just found out about this great opportunity being offered by Mountain Road Productions that could get you and your party on TV!

Ottawa's new gourment vegetarian restaurant, Zen Kitchen, will be the subject of a new television series called 'The Restaurant Adventures of Caroline and Dave' which will air on the W Network in January 2010.

The show is searching for participants to host a small wedding reception or anniversary party at the venue which is to be aired on one of the series' episode's. The restaurant can hold 36 for such an event - so if you have a party coming up in the next couple of months and might be interested in this fun opportunity be sure to get in touch with Sonja Osberg by email, or phone: 613-237-4447.

Let me know if you're chosen! I can't wait to watch!!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Made in Canada

2009-10-05T14:19:00.004-04:00

I received this FW in my inbox today and felt that it was important enough to share with you. This message is talking about everyday items like light bulbs but I think that with the amount of money spent on weddings these days couples could make a big impact by choosing items for their wedding that were made in Canada as well.

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest... You have to read the labels on everything .

This past weekend I was at Wal-mart. I needed 60W light bulbs. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value. " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this -in Canada at a company in Ontario.

So throw out the myth that you can not find products you use every day that are made right here. My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in Canada - the job you save may be your own or your neighbour’s!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others so we can all start buying Canadian, one light bulb at a time!

We should have awakened a decade ago. Let's help our fellow Canadians keep their jobs and create more jobs here in Canada.

Manon & Cody - Whimsical Fun

2009-09-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

This wedding was particularly important to me because Manon (the bride) is my husband's cousin. So with more than a quarter of the guests in attendance being my own family the pressure was on to get everything perfect.

We started planning this wedding more than a year before the big day. We got a jump on the theme early on. Manon knew that she wanted something fun and whimsical and we incorporated a little bit of fun into every detail.

No wedding comes without it's own set of little hiccups along the way and this wedding was no exception. Everything went relatively smoothly until two weeks before the big day when we learned that our photographer was very ill and would not be able to shoot the wedding (our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in these difficult times). I began a search for a new photographer but given that it was August and the height of the season finding a shooter who was still available on such short notice was a challenge.

Eventually, I was referred to an up-and-coming photographer in the area who was available on Manon and Cody's wedding day. Melissa Bolton of Precious Moments Photography was a perfect fit for the job; she's young, fun, and full of energy. She shot the day beautifully and Manon and Cody could not have been happier with her work. Here's a little peak at some of her shots from the wedding:

Katie from The Candy Store helped us choose a great assortment of green and purple candies for the candy buffet. If you're planning a candy buffet make sure to drop by The Candy Store; if you think that sampling options for the wedding cake or the dinner menu is fun you have to try some candy taste-testing! The green apple bonbons were a HUGE hit!

This wedding was tons of fun and I was so happy to have been a part of it.

Manon and Cody, I hope you always remember your wedding day as fondly as I will.

xoxoxo

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Jamie & Jordan: Peacock Feather Decor

2009-09-21T10:09:00.011-04:00

With a live Celtic band, a slew of peacock feather accents, custom-made dresses, a cake designed by the bride's aunt, and tons of personal touches in every detail, Jamie and Jord created a day that was really special, very unique, and totally THEM.

Coverall was hired by the couple to take care of the reception decor. The colours were royal blue and purple and the couple's instructions were simple: peacock feathers were a must and they wanted something different.

The centerpieces were especially fun to create. The concept came about during a meeting with Jamie, Jord, Shelley (Jamie's mom), and Cindy and I. We sat around with various decor items, tons of peacock feathers, a variety of lighting options, coffee, and snacks (the coffee and snacks were vital, thanks Shelley!).

Here's a little peak at the end result (these are my personal photos... they're not the best!):

Have fun in Florida you guys! It was a blast!

Sophie

EXTREME THEME: Art Exhibition

2009-09-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everybody! Today's Extreme Theme was a really fun one to come up with. I hope you enjoy this little artistic adventure.

All weddings are an exhibition in some form of another. We take items that we feel are beautiful and reflective of our tastes and personality and we put these items together, on display, for others to discuss and admire.

Art is a bit of a broad concept and it can be incorporated in thousands (or perhaps millions) of ways. This theme is really one of self expression directed especially toward the artsy couple and is inspired by a friend of mine. (I won't mention her name here, however, as she would undoubtedly assume that I mean this as a hint for her to hurry up and get married soon; and as such she would likely never speak to me again).

The Ceremony: Art Gallery

An art gallery is perhaps the most obvious location for an art-based extreme theme. The National Art Gallery of Canada is a spectacular venue and hosts some of the most beautiful weddings in Ottawa. Most cities have some type of gallery that may be suitable for this theme.

All of the programs at this wedding are a hand-painted design created by the bride. It makes a beautiful keepsake.

From hand-painted programs to hand-painted bouquets... this wedding has a touch of art infused into every detail.

[Photo compliments of momental]

Reception: Exhibition Hall

Art is naturally used to give character, definition, and colour to a space. Why not do the same for your wedding reception? You need not go out and purchases tens of thousands of dollars worth of art to do this. Purchase a few blank canvases in a variety of sizes (or build your own if you have the know-how) and paint these to match the colour scheme of the wedding. Hang a few pieces behind the head table staggered at various heights.

For each guest, paint their name on a small piece of paper and place it in a miniature photo frame to act as a place card.

At each place setting provide a small blank canvas for each guest. Also provide the table with a few items to colour the canvas (paint may be ideal but only if you can find some type of self contained paint-in-brush contraption... I've seen this type of thing for children but it wouldn't be ideal). You could use pastels, markers, or pencil crayons. Tell the guests that each of them is to create a piece for the bride and groom which the couple will then use to create a collage on a wall in their home. This collage will represent their wedding and all of the people in their lives who mean so much to them.

In the center of the table use a thick antique square photo frame with a mirror inside as the base for your floral arrangement. If you can find enough frames you could use this concept on a buffet table on in any number of places around your reception room.

The wedding cake is made of two square layers with each side of the cake "painted" with eight of the couple's favourite paintings. A small frame has been placed on each side to accent each of the beautiful paintings.

During dinner a contemporary dance group performs a stunning piece which tells the story of a man and woman who are lost until they finally find one another and become whole.

A caricature artist is hired to draw pictures of the guests throughout the evening so that each guest can leave with a little piece of art of their own.

Do you have ideas on how this theme can be made even more extreme? Feel free to share them in the comments section.

Happy EXTREME Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Creative Buffet Ideas

2009-09-15T06:29:00.017-04:00

The dinner menu is an important part of the reception; and when it comes to food for the day the dinner is where the majority of the effort is typically focused. Cocktails are a close second. The food that is often overlooked is the late lunch (aka: midnight buffet or sweet table).

This is the buffet that comes out around 11:30 when guests need a little something in their tummies after a few hours of alcohol. The late lunch is an important part of the reception and really should not be skipped. And if anything's worth doing it's worth doing right... right?

Why not add a fun spin to your late lunch and create a theme. Remember, the menu given to you by the caterer or the venue is often just a guideline. You can always ask for a special creation for your wedding. Here are a few themed buffet ideas that could be a great touch for your late lunch:

Pizza Buffet

Put out a variety of gourmet pizza options. You can even steal Pizza Hut's idea and create some dessert pizzas! If you have access to a portable oven you can create a "build your own" station where guests can choose their own toppings and an attendant can heat up each individual pizza.

Poutine Buffet

This gooey treat made of french fries topped with curds and gravy would make an excellent late lunch buffet. Create a "build your own poutine" buffet by putting out french fries, curds, gravy and (for those who are a little more daring) offer some unique topping options like sauteed onions, mushrooms, hot peppers, tomatoes, green olives, pepperoni, bacon, and various types of cheeses and sauces.

Sushi Buffet

You have to be careful with this one as some of your guests may suffer from seafood allergies. If this is the case you may still be able to have a sushi buffet you'll just have to be extra careful about labelling your selections.

...Now for those with a bit of a sweet tooth, these sweet buffet ideas will tickle your taste buds:

Chocolate Buffet

Whoever said that diamonds are a girl's best friend never tried to keep a pregnant woman away from a box of chocolates. Pregnant or not, chocolate is a treat enjoyed by just about everyone and would make an awesome buffet.

Look for an assortment of chocolates, truffles, and treats containing chocolate or cocoa (as in cakes, pastries, etc). The chocolate fountain is always a hit too (make sure to put out some platter of fresh fruit for that). Throw in some chocolate-covered strawberries and you've got an instant hit.

Coffee Buffet

Are your families a couple of coffee addicts? Why not create a late lunch inspired by coffee? In addition to being a big hit it'll wake everyone up and keep your party going longer!

Offer a selection of gourmet coffees and a few specialty coffees too (i.e. a little something with some alcohol). Serve the coffee with an assortment of mini pastries and mini bagels with cream cheese. You'll also want to toss in a few coffee-flavoured favourites like coffee cake, coffee flavoured ice cream, and a few coffee flavoured chocolates and candies too.

Ice cream Buffet

Bring in your very own mini ice cream shop! Offer a variety of tasty ice cream flavours and allow your guests to come up and take their pick. Offer a selection of toppings including sprinkles, syrups, chocolates, candies, and cherries (of course!).

If you wanted to add a little bit of food to munch on think cakes, brownies, and wafer cookies.

Candy Buffet

You've heard of the candy buffet as a favour idea... but what about a late lunch candy buffet? Include heartier selections like caramel apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, cake, and so on. As an extra special touch, hire an attendant to man the station and help guests make their selections. Doing so is more than just a novelty as this person would also keep the buffet well-stocked and tidy-looking.

Have any other fun buffet ideas? Post them in the comments section!!

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Colourful Bridal Headpieces

2009-09-14T08:50:00.010-04:00

Still sitting on the fence about your headpiece? Depending on the style of your dress you could really add some personality to your look with a stylish and colourful piece. Here are some ideas:

EXTREME THEME: Film Festival

2009-09-11T07:30:00.013-04:00

Extreme Theme is a new series that I'll be posting every other week. For each post I'll take a theme and go totally over the top with ideas on how this theme could really be brought to life. Choosing a theme is all about making a statement about who you are and/or what matters to you. This series is going to go to places that some couples would never dare go - but feel free to use some or all of these ideas as you please. AND if you want to add some of your own ideas to an Extreme Theme post please do!

This week, I'm kick-starting the series with a nod to tiff (the Toronto International Film Festival) which started yesterday. So without any further ado... I bring you the Film Festival theme:

Ceremony: Red Carpet

Any great film festival starts with a long red carpet lined with fans and media waiting for the stars to arrive. I picture this wedding taking place outdoors with a red carpet aisle runner extending from the road to the alter. Guests are closed off behind a line of red velvet rope anxiously awaiting the arrival of the wedding party and, of course, the bride.

As the gaggle of groomsmen make their way down the red carpet toward the alter they stop an pose for a few photos (they have to keep their fans happy after all!). When all the groomsmen are in place at the front a white limo pulls up to the red carpet. The chauffeur makes his way around and opens the door. One by one each of the bridesmaids make their way out of the car and up the red carpet (stopping every so often to pose for their fans, of course).

After the maid of honour is out of the limo the driver leaves so that the bride's car can pull up to the carpet. As the chauffeur opens the door the fans cheer and clap with excitement! The bride makes her way down the aisle... she may even stop to sign an autograph or two.

As the guests sit and listen to the beautiful ceremony one guest takes a look over his invitation. It's a super-creative invitation.

Cocktails: Interviews

After the ceremony the bride and groom are swept away in their limo while their guests look on. Everyone makes their way to the theatre for cocktails. A reporter (the videographer) from "Bride&Groom Extra" waits just outside the building to interview guests as they arrive. He asks for their opinions on the ceremony production and asks that they say a few words for the fans watching at "Bride&Groom Extra" (i.e. a message for the bride and groom).

Reception: Dinner and a Movie

After cocktails the guests make their way to the main dining room where they'll enjoy dinner and a movie (a slide show presentation brilliantly produced as a short film).

After dinner a few of the guests are presented with awards for which they will have to make an acceptance speech (toasts to the bride and groom). The Best Man is presented with the Best Makeup Award (a picture of the Best Man wearing a dress and lipstick at the age of three pops up on the big screen). The Maid of Honour is presented with the Best Choreography Award (a short clip of the Maid of Honour dancing in her MC Hammer pants at the age of 14 plays on the screen). The Father of the Bride is announced as the winner of the Best Documentary Award (a short clip of the bride's father filming his two-year old daughter on a camping trip pops up... dad, of course, is providing the commentary). The Father of the Groom is presented with the Best Costume Design Award (a photo of the Father of the Groom dressed up for Halloween is displayed). And finally, the award for Best Picture is presented to the Bride and Groom (the couple's engagement photo is displayed on the screen... beautiful).

Dancing: The After-Party

No Film Festival would be complete without a fabulous after-party! The reception venue is ready for a party with chic lounge areas and party lighting. The bride and groom are certain to make an appearance!

Additional Notes:

Colours: Black, white, red, and gold.

Favours: Can you say Chocolate Oscar Statue?! Ha!

Flowers: The bridesmaids wear small wrist corsages and the bride wears a beautiful floral arrangement in her hair (when was the last time you saw people carrying bouquets down the red carpet?).

Have some more ideas on how this theme could be made extreme? Be sure to share them in the comments section.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

New Service! Production Schedule Creation

2009-09-09T13:14:00.004-04:00

We've been working on our Information Package for 2010 for a few months now. We've made a few minor adjustments to the package; but today I wanted to let you know about one of the bigger changes we've made.

Starting in 2010 we will be offering a new wedding planning service: Production Schedule Creation. The service is designed for the couple who really need the professional touch of a Wedding Planner on the wedding day but can't afford to hire one, or perhaps, can't justify the cost because they have so many reliable volunteers who are willing to lend a hand on the wedding day.

With this package I will personally create a wedding day production schedule that you can use to manage the flow of your day by delegating tasks to the family and friends you have at your disposal.

This service is not the same as hiring a planner, of course, as the production schedule does not account for unexpected delays or any of the other little things that always seem to pop up over the course of the day. However, it's better than worrying about whether or not someone thought to grab the programs while you're getting your hair done.

Here's an overview of the service:

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE CREATION

Initial Telephone Discussion: This meeting is held to help determine your needs and to discuss your initial thoughts on the flow of the day.

Wedding Details Form: Following our initial discussion you will be sent a Wedding Details Form to complete. Once we’ve received the completed form we will complete a draft production schedule which will be sent to you to use as a guideline during the planning meeting. When compiling the schedule we take into account driving times, persons available, tasks to be completed, and any potential scheduling conflicts or “dead times” that have to be addressed.

Telephone Planning Meeting: During the planning meeting we review all of the details for the day as well as all the persons tasked with each item. We use this meeting to address any issues and to ensure that everything is clear and flows as it should.

Final Schedules: Once complete, will provide you with a copy of the final schedule. We will also provide six personalized schedules; one for each of the wedding party, the MC, the DJ, the Photographer, the Officiant, and the Caterer. You can then send these schedules to everyone involved. We recommend sending the final schedule out to your key players no later than one full week prior to the wedding day.

Schedule Review for Rehearsal: If your Officiant will not be attending the wedding rehearsal we will set up a time to review the ceremony schedule with the person to whom you have delegated with this task.

For more information on this service please contact me at info@coverallevents.com.

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Fun Questions

2009-09-07T08:19:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone's enjoying this beautiful Labour Day weekend! I've been doing a bit of camping this weekend myself. This morning I'm sitting here with my cup of coffee (courtesy of my mother's Keurig... I love that little machine!) and everyone else is still fast asleep. I thought that I might like to answer some of those questions that Cindy answered last week. I know that there's at least one person out there reading my blog (I'm talking to you Catherine! ha ha) - so why not.

Tim Hortons or Starbucks?
Tim Hortons for me, thanks! I like a good cup of coffee from Starbucks or Bridgehead as a little treat every now and then. But when I'm on the go (and drinking three or four coffees a day) it's Timmies all the way.

What are you known for?
Being the leader, I think. I was the oldest in a family of six kids and I've spent a good portion of my life in leadership roles. I don't know that anyone actually looks at me as a leader, per se, but I'm often the person that my friends and family will go to for advice or guidance (which is fine some of the time... although I'm not sure that I'm always the best person to be offering advice - yikes). And when it comes to planning our big family get-togethers or outings I think people just naturally look to me to make sure it all kinda comes together.

Yup leadership; leadership... and sarcasm (ha! that might actually be a better one). The sarcasm thing I can't help... after a short stint in the military and then working for a British lawyer it's become sort of natural.

What is your favourite word?
Euphemism. I love this word not because of its definition but because it's the word that made me fall in love with words. I learned it in one of my high school English classes and I remember being so amused by the definition because it suddenly gave a name to something that seems to occur so naturally in conversation; both with sarcastic people, like me, and with people who are just genuinely nice. Either way, the word itself amused me and it created a sudden love of learning and an urge to learn more new words every day. Funny how such little things can have such a big impact on our lives, huh?

If the whole world were listening, what would you say?
Nothing. I think I'd have stage fright... the very thought of it makes me anxious. I'd want to say the same thing along the lines of Cindy's answer... but I'm sure I'd never be able to get the words out.

If one song were to describe your life, what song would it be?
"The Climb" Miley Cyrus. I live for one new challenge after another and I love making my way up toward my current goal. But no matter what trail I'm currently working on I've always got my eye on another mountain that I might like to conquer in the future. It keeps life interesting.

If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
WINNERS!!!

What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
"I'm Walkin' on Sunshine"... whoa! And it's startin' to feel good, hey! (you're singing it too, aren't you?). As soon as the sun peaks through the window I'm up (if I wasn't up already), and that's enough to get me up and going... although, coffee helps too.

What do you love most about weddings?
The speeches! I know, that's the part that so many people dread about weddings. Not me. Whether I'm working for a couple who's only hired me for the wedding day or I'm attending the wedding of a close friend I find that I always learn something special about the couple. I especially love watching a nervous speaker take the podium and, despite their nerves, proceed to make a beautiful toast.

My coffee's done now and people are starting to roll out of their beds so I'm going to finish up. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a fantastic week!

Cheers,

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Happy Birthday Cindy!

2009-09-04T07:30:00.005-04:00

Tuesday was Cindy's birthday and I thought that this would be a great opportunity to really introduce her to everyone. The first thing you should know, in case you hadn't figured it out already, is that Cindy and I are sisters.

Cindy joined the Coverall Event Coordination team nearly a year ago. Bringing her on board was a bit of a no-brainer for me. Since we were kids Cindy has had a phenomenal way of making friends and really making people feel special. People's first impressions of Cindy have always been that she is warm, friendly, and really fun (While I, on the other hand, was always mistaken for a snob growing up. But that was just because I was REALLY shy! Anyway, we're not talking about me today).

Cindy is also a "super-mom"; she actually made all of her daughter's baby food from scratch! I tried to do that once... and only once.

Since joining the team Cindy has proven herself to be a huge asset and has been such an enormous help to me personally. Over the past year our business has more than tripled and on top of that I had to slow down for a bit after having a baby in June. Cindy's had to take on some extra work along the way and she's been a real pro through it all.

Here are some things you should know about Cindy:

Tim Hortons or Starbucks?
Starbucks because of the complexity of the beverages.

What are you known for?
Loudness! I'm the one you'll always hear over everybody else. (I come from a BIG family; you had to be loud if you wanted to be heard).

What is your favourite word?
Excellent (lately anyway). It's the word of the week - no particular reason, it's the first word that popped out of my mouth; it sounds good and flows well, so let's use it. Next week, who knows...

If the whole world were listening, what would you say?
*I cried at this question??* I'd say: "Let's work together to make this a better place for our future - we seem to be meaner than we used to be, we seem to be less caring of ourselves, our neighbours, and our planet. We need to work together to make this a better place for our children to live."

If one song were to describe your life, what song would it be?
"So Small" Carrie Underwood- the song says it all.

"Don't worry about things that you have no control over, because you have no
control over them. Don't worry about things that you have control over, because
you have control over them."
~ Mickey Rivers ~

If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
IKEA. Need I say more?

What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
"I don't wanna work, I just wanna stay in my bed all day..."

What do you love most about weddings?
The father to daughter speech and dance. It gives a chance for everyone to see what a wonderful relationship a father and daughter have. Oh, heck, I just like to cry.

The Bridal Expo Cornwall 2009

2009-08-31T07:30:00.001-04:00

The Bridal Expo is a unique concept in Cornwall. The show is geared at the modern bride; but who is the "modern bride" anyway?

Well... here are a few tips for recognizing her: The modern bride is the bride who is taking control of her wedding (instead of handing the reigns over to her mother or mother-in-law); the modern bride is a do-it-yourselfer and has her hands in at least one creative project for her wedding; the modern bride is budget-conscious because she works and she's contributing a big chunk of her own money into her wedding; and the modern bride doesn't have time to mess around - she wants the best of everything she can afford and she has little time to find it all.

Do any of these descriptions sound like you?

This show is geared at helping brides set a path for their wedding to create the best possible event that they can with the resources at their disposal. The show boasts a roster of the Cornwall's top wedding vendors who you can interview and book at your leisure (this will cut back on much of the research time you would have spent on your wedding). But this isn't where the show is unique - the show is truly unique in it's presentations and seminars. This is where you'll have a chance to learn a bit of DIY info to really put you in the best possible shape to take on the planning ahead.

So keep your calendar open for Sunday, November 8 and ask a friend to keep her day free as well (or hey, you could take your fiance). Doors open at 12-noon.

For more information check out The Bridal Expo Website and Register today!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Rental Calculator

2009-08-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

Okay... so this is going to seem like a plug but it's really not meant to be.

I'm often asked to calculate the cost of rentals that a couple will need for their wedding; here's a little tip to help you determine how much you should budget for your rental needs. To start off, your wedding venue is going to be a big factor in determining what you need. First, look at what the venue has for your use. Does it have tables? chairs? linen? dishes and flatware? Does it have a podium? a mic? etc. etc.

If you're trying to save money do your best to make use of the items that come with the space. Once you know what you do have it's time start figuring out what you'll have to rent. When it comes to figuring out the cost for everything I often go to the Cody Party Centre website (see... that's where the "plug" comes in). Now, I don't necessarily always use Cody for rentals but the prices they have posted are comparable to other rental companies (although you can get some items for less if you shop around a bit).

The reason I automatically go to the Cody website is because they have a great calculator that you can use to tally up your costs quickly. Simply enter in the units you'll need for each item and click "Add to Rental Cart" at the bottom. Regardless of whether or not you're placing your order with Cody you have a quick tabulation that you can plug into your budget as a guideline.

To calculate your rental items click here to navigate to the Cody Party Centre website. Then click on Party Rentals or Linen Rentals on the left-hand side of the screen.

Cheers!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Now THAT'S a Dance Party!

2009-08-14T07:30:00.007-04:00

Why doesn't anything like this ever happen to me when I'm at the train station?!

Happy Friday!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Learning "Creative"

2009-08-12T07:30:00.006-04:00

I, like most people, developed the belief at some point that "being creative" is a gift that some people have and others don't. I associated creativity with being artistic - being able to paint, draw, or create beautiful things. There are tons of creative people in the wedding industry; just as there are in interior design and in fashion.

I've recently changed the way I look at creativity thanks to the book Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko. The book was written based on the premise that creativity is a skill, and that, like any other skill, it can be learned, developed, and perfected. This book is full of practical techniques that can be used to exercise your own creativity.

I highly recommend this book for anyone working in a creative industry and I recommend it even more highly to anyone who doesn't work in a creative industry. When it comes right down to it, creativity is an ability to generate ideas. The more ideas one can generate in a short amount of time the more creative one could be said to be. What line of work is free from problems that need solving? None. And problems are solved by creative thinkers - the people with the ideas.

Check out some of the Thinkertoys' Tips to Become an Idea Person and start your creative workout!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

2009-08-10T07:30:00.001-04:00

Seth Godin's blog is one of my favourites to read. Seth is witty, to the point, and he has a marvelous gift for explaining things that, in the end, appear to be simple common sense. I often find myelf nodding at my computer as I read thinking, "Well, yeah... obviously!".

I love the blog primarily for the wonderful business and marketting advice that it shares; however, many of Seth's "rants" (many of his posts take this form) turn out to be wonderful life lessons too. His recent post titled "Winning on the uphills" is one of my favourites to date. Definetly worth a read.

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Bye Bye Chair Covers

2009-08-07T10:05:00.014-04:00

Remember the puffy-sleeved dresses of the '80s? Well in case you've forgotten, here's a reminder:

Yikes!

Well, thankfully, those days are long gone. However, just as the puffy sleeve became more tailored and fitting and, in many cases, disappeared completely, so too the chair covers with the big puffy sashes will eventually bow out. See any resemblance?
In 2010 we'll be seeing a lot more sleek spandex covers when covers are used at all. It's all about clean, sleek, and well-tailored.

We can't completely do away with chairs the way we have with sleeves and straps but we can make them "disappear" so as to expose the beauty underneath! I mean, really, if you're going to invest time and money into creating a beautiful table setting with gorgeous linens and dazzling centerpieces why on earth would you want to hide it all behind a big puffy chair?!

In the coming years we'll see a lot less emphasis on chairs and more emphasis on the table itself. But how do you make the chair disappear? Well, here are a couple of ideas:

Chiavari - The Spaghetti Strap:

The barely-there chair that adds a touch of beauty and elegance without taking anything away.

Chiavari's can be decorated with a little cap, some ribbon, or other pieces of subtle fabric or florals so that you don't lose the beauty of the chair (or the table) underneath. When this is done right, it adds a simple touch of elegance or fun and doesn't hide or deter from the overall look.

Acrylic - The Strapless Gown:

This is the closest you'll get to making your chairs disappear completely (for now, anyway). These clear acrylic chairs really allow you to show off the full beauty of the tables underneath and the overall effect is dazzling!

How will you make your chairs fit?

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Unique Engagement Rings

2009-08-06T12:07:00.020-04:00

If you type "engagement ring" into Google you're going to wind up with hundreds of pages containing image after image of beautiful diamond rings. But maybe you're not a diamond-kinda-girl? Maybe you're looking for something special? Something unique? Something a little more... you?

If that's the case, I've got just the thing to get you started! I've selected a handful of beautiful engagement rings that are absolutely stunning but that contain something other than clear white diamonds as their focal point.

I love these pearl engagement rings.

Another great option is to go with a coloured diamond or a different precious gem (the black diamonds are really stunning!).

These wooden engagement rings are my new favourite find! They are absolutely beautiful and, if you go about it the right way, they would serve as an appropriate eco-friendly touch as well.

Okay, this one is a bit of a cheater because it does have a diamond in it... but it's still very unique!

These rings are fabulous! The man's ring has a piece of wood where the gem would traditionally be placed.

Hope that gets the wheels turning! Now go out there and find your perfect ring!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

50% OFF WEDDING GOWNS AT MIDNIGHT CONFETTI!!

2009-07-21T12:26:00.005-04:00

As many of you already know, the Seaway International Bridge which connects Cornwall to Akwesasne and Massena was shut down for about six weeks. I'm not going to get into the politics of that now but I did want to let everyone know about a fantastic sale that's come about as a result.

Midnight Confetti Bridal Boutique, which is located in Akwesasne, was closed for the duration or the bridge dispute. This week they are open for business and are kicking off their re-opening with a HUGE liquidation sale. Every in-stock item has been marked down 50% or MORE!!! If you're looking for a wedding gown you have to check out Midnight Confetti first.

Check out the website here (but don't linger too long... you'll want to get to the store to check out the stock first-hand). The store is located at 167 International Road, Unit # 3 Peace Tree Mall, Cornwall Island (613) 932-2828.

Are you still reading this? C'mon... get out of here! Those dresses are going to go FAST!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Custom Stationery for Any Budget

2009-07-02T10:23:00.005-04:00

I love stationery and I think it's SO important for the overall look of a wedding that the stationery reflects the theme AND that it remains consistent throughout. This means that the Save-the-Dates, the Invitations, the RSVPs, the Thank You Notes, the place cards, the menu cards, the programs, and any other little notes or pieces of paper that you have hanging around your wedding should all look like they came from the same source.

Achieving this doesn't necessarily mean that you have to hire a stationer to design all of your stationery from start to finish (although this would be ideal). If you have the time to make everything yourself then you can make everything come together by creating a recurring theme. This can be as simple as purchasing a stamp! You can have a stamp custom-made with your names and wedding date on it or choose a rubber stamp at a craft store that reflects the theme and feel of your wedding and go stamp-crazy on everything!

It's such a simple thing but it makes a big impact.

You can also customize your stationery using ribbon, pieces of punched paper, or a computer graphic. How do you customize your wedding stationery?

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Go Wedding Mapper Go

2009-06-25T07:30:00.002-04:00

We announced Wedding Mapper's great new site back in April when it first came out - now, with only two months under its belt, the site has really come into it's own with tons of local information on Ottawa vendors, venues, Real Weddings and really great reviews! Newlywed couples are passing along their wedding experiences and new couples are reaping the benefits.

Similar sites exist but I haven't found one as well-organized and easy to navigate as this one. I think that all of you Weddingbells brides would really appreciate this site.

I can't wait to see how much this site grows over the next year. It is quickly becoming the ultimate wedding resource for local brides.

And for all you brides in other cities, don't feel left out! Wedding Mapper covers all kinds of cities all over Canada and the US. Even my Cornwall couples can benefit. You won't find as much activity as you will in the Ottawa section, but trust me... what you will find is better than anything else there is online for Cornwall couples.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the site (especially if you're already using other wedding planning sites to do your wedding research). How do you like the new Wedding Mapper?

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Wedding Buffet Activities

2009-06-10T07:30:00.005-04:00

Reception games are not for everyone but if your wedding is being attended by a lively group it's a good idea to keep them entertained throughout the meal. This is especially important if you're having a buffet dinner. No one likes waiting in long lines for their food and it's no fun to sit around with nothing to do while other people around you eat.

The trick to all of these games is timing. Your MC will have to pay close attention to the buffet line until all of the tables have gone up to eat. The head table and parent's tables should go first and once they're all in line the MC should start on the first round of the game.

Here are a few game ideas:

That’s Our Song!
This is a fun game that doesn’t involve too much participation or potential embarrassment should you have a group of less outgoing guests. Name each table after a song title. The titles can reflect a theme or it could be a selection of songs from a particular band or artist. Instruct the guests that they will know it’s their turn to get in line when their song is played.

Guess that Tune
Before the wedding day, create short song clips using favourite tunes enjoyed by the bride and groom. Play one song clip at a time and ask that guests stand up if they recognize the song. You can require that the guests name the artist or the title of the song (or both), or that they sing a few lines from the chorus in order to win.

Guests are asked to stand up once they are sure they recognize the song. Pay close attention to who stands up first and give them the first chance to guess. If the table guesses correctly they will be the next to join the buffet line. If they guess wrong they’ll have to point to another table that will get to go up ahead of them as a consequence.

Dancing for Dinner
If you’ve got a lively group of guests this is a really fun game to play.

Create a CD of fun, upbeat music (it’s best to have songs that have good rhythm from the beginning as you’ll only be playing them for 30 seconds). In order to go to the buffet line each table has to volunteer at least one person to come up on the dance floor and dance for 30 seconds to whatever song plays (songs like “I’m Too Sexy” and “The Chicken Dance” are always good for a laugh).

If more than one table volunteers up front you can ask a trivia question about the couple to decide who gets to dance first.

Singing for Supper
This game is similar to the “Dancing for Dinner” game. In order for a table to be selected to go to the buffet line the entire table must stand in front of the head table and serenade the newlywed couple with a song containing the word “Love”.

Hot Potato
Have the guests pass a napkin around the room from table to table while the DJ plays some fun music. When the music stops the last table to have passed the napkin (not the table currently holding it because then people would just pass it around their own table) will be the next to go to the buffet line.

Hole-in-One
This is a great game for those of you with a number of golf fans in the crowd. Set up a small putting green in the middle of the dance floor. Each table must send one representative to the green. The guests line up and each take turns putting. The first guest to get a hole-in-one gets to take their table to the buffet line.

Spin for Dinner
Create a large spinning wheel with each table number or name on it. Have the bride and groom take turns spinning the wheel. Whatever number the dial lands on is the table number that can go first. HOWEVER, before they can go up they must answer a trivia question about the bride and groom. If the table has already gone up move clockwise along the wheel to the next number that hasn’t gone up; they will be asked to answer the question instead.

If the table gets the answer wrong the spinner must spin again.

Counting Kisses
All you need for this game is a few bags of Hershey’s Kisses, some kind of container, and pen and a few sheets of paper (or a small white board and dry erase marker) for each table. The MC will ask the guests to guess “how many kisses” will be used in a variety of situations. In each instance, the table with the closest guess will get to go to the buffet line next.

Here are a few examples of “Counting Kisses” games you can play.

1. Have the groom pull out a handful of kisses and have each table guess how many kisses are in his hand. In the next round it would be the bride’s turn. (Depending on the number of tables you could also have the Maid of Honour and Best Man do this as well – just don’t have too many people doing this as it could become repetitive). Make sure to have the guests count out loud as the Kisses are counted.

2. Have the groom place as many Kisses on the bride as he can. Before he starts have each table write down a number for how many Kisses they think the groom can place on the bride. Have the bride do the same to the groom in the next round.

3. Fill a champagne flute or wine glass with kisses. Raise the glass for the guests to see and ask each table to guess how many kisses the glass is holding.

Some of these can be repeated or you can come up with your own creative “Kiss Counting” ideas to create additional rounds. You need about as many rounds as you have tables.

Coverall Welcomes Baby Khori!

2009-06-08T07:30:00.002-04:00

So with a full month since my last post I feel I owe a bit of an explanation for my absence. My family and I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of our second daughter who was due on May 17th. Every day seemed like it could be "the day" but Khori was quite happy right where she was.

Finally, after waiting more than two weeks past her due date, Miss Khori decided it was time to make her grand entrance... and what an entrance it was. Once this girl was ready there was no stopping her. With only three and a half hours of labour we only barely made it to the hospital in time and Khori was born at 6:37PM on Monday, June 1, 2009.

It's been a fantastic ride and we're all settling in nicely with our newest addition.

Thanks to everyone who have sent their well-wishes and kind words!

Sophie

LAGO: A Gem on the Rideau Canal

2009-05-08T07:30:00.001-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm really HUGE on customizing each wedding to suit the couple I'm working with. But Ottawa, for the most-part, is extremely conservative. There seems to be a tendency to shy away from change, from reinvention, from pushing the envelope. Which is especially frustrating for me as I spent most of my adult years living in Toronto where "Anything Goes". I'm always inspired when I meet a vendor or a bride who seeks to be different, to be daring, and who seeks to create something truly special!

Some venues I've run into portray the typical conservative mentality. If you ask your venue manager how a "typical" wedding would run from start to finish at their location they should NOT be able to give you an answer. The answer should be, "We don't have a typical structure. Every wedding is unique and we help build a day based on the client's vision". Or something to that effect.

When I asked Catherine Landry, Promotional Sales Rep at LAGO, this question she looked at me like I had four eyes... then she gave me the answer I wanted (along with a very long list of how a wedding could be fabulously unique given all of the special qualities of the venue).

Imagine a couple paddling up to the restaurant in a kayak, or biking up the trail on a tandem bike. The beautiful patio off the second floor Vista Room could allow guests a unique opportunity to watch the couple taking photos across the canal during cocktail hour while the couple would still feel the privacy of a secluded photo session amongst the beautiful trees and gardens that surround the canal.

How about a ceremony in the park, or for those more adventurous couples, what about taking your vows on a paddle boat out in front of the Pavilion while guests watch on from land? With Juliana Park, The Experimental Farm, and the Rideau Canal literally steps away the possibilities are endless. If you're not a typical "Ottawa" personality you'll really appreciate the potential.

This stylish seating area located in the restaurant on the first level could be closed off for a private bachelorette party.

The venue itself is fabulously unique from the shape of the Vista Room to the modern industrial feel of the decor. That, paired with super-chic lounge-style seating and tables, creates a high-end atmosphere that trendy couples will certainly appreciate.

I'd like to extend a huge thanks to Catherine and Gyneya for my "Day Away". It was truly refreshing to meet a couple more like-minded individuals in this city.

Are you a unique bride? Maybe LAGO is the place for you... check them out soon, though, because although they only opened their doors last July word is spreading fast and availability is limited.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Trends 2009: Vintage

2009-05-06T07:30:00.003-04:00

[Photo Courtesy of Rosie Parsons]

The fabulous thing about vintage is that pretty much anything that is old and outmoded fits the bill. Vintage is characterized as mature or as carrying an enduring appeal; classic, if you will. So vintage is not quite as boxed in as one may think. A 1920s vintage wedding would look very different from a 1950s vintage affair. Both are vintage nonetheless.

I dug up some fantastic images from some of the hottest wedding blogs to demonstrate the beauty of this trend. Classic for sure!

[Photo Courtesy of The Bridal Wishlist]

[Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs]

[Photo Courtesy of Bliss Tree]

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Sandals, Jamaica

2009-05-04T09:03:00.020-04:00

As many of you may remember Cindy recently took off to Jamaica for a week to check out some of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts first hand. After a week of touring the island, eating the food, and experiencing everything Sandals has to offer Cindy has returned and wanted to share her experience with you. The photo below is one of Cindy and four other WPIC Certified Wedding Planners (Cindy's the one laughing, so typical). Enjoy!

Destination weddings are on the rise! With an increase of 400%, more and more couples are opting for a destination wedding to avoid a long engagement and a large expense. On average a destination wedding will cost you $4,000.00, a measly penny compared to $20-25,000.00 for a traditional wedding.

I was recently given a great opportunity (thanks to Sophie’s oh-so-convenient due date) to become a certified Destination Wedding Planner while touring one of the world's greatest wedding destinations - Sandals resorts in Jamaica! Not only did I get to see everything first-hand, I got to experience the resorts, the rooms, the beaches, the service, and the food...(oh the food!) just as a couple would experience it all.

Pictures never do justice. If you think you love the pictures you see when you look at Sandals Whitehouse, or Sandals Royal Carribean, or Sandals Dunn’s River Villagio, or Sandals Negril, or Sandals Montego Bay, or even Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, just wait until you see it in person you will literally fall in love. Sandals is all about the love, their motto “Love is all you need” definitely transfers from the loving welcome you get as soon as you arrive, right down to the kissing swans surrounded by flower petals on your luxurious mahogany king size bed.

Nothing is perfect, of course, and I feel that it's my responsibility to warn you that you may lose some muscle mass while you’re away; I think the heaviest thing I lifted over the course of the week was a fork.

I took so much away from the trip that it would be overwhelming to list every detail that make these resorts so fantastic. I've narrowed the details down to the top three things that I want you to know about Sandals.

1. Personalization

Sandals staff always seems to go that extra mile to ensure that your experience is a personal one. For a returning couple, you will walk to your door to find balloons with the message “Welcome Home” written on them. You then walk into your luxurious room to find that someone has taken the time to create a “Welcome Home” collage on your bed in island leaves and tropical flower petals. It’s absolutely beautiful and definitely welcoming.

2. The Service

Gone are the days of "all inclusive"; say hello to "luxury inclusive". Where else can you go and say the you had a butler for the duration of your honeymoon vacation? The service you receive from the Sandals staff is something else. I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you will leave Sandals with a few staff friends. You can expect to be called by name, get some hugs, and even a joke here and there. On one of our stops our bus driver asked, “Would you believe me if I told you I could drink this bottle of beer without even opening it?", "No" we replied, "how would you do that?", the driver shrugged and responded, "I would ask you to open it”. Hahaha!

Not only are you treated like royalty but you’re treated like family. What a marvelous combination!

3. The Sandals Foundation

Sandals has developed a foundation designed to give back to the community. Their focus: community, education and environment. In a country where poverty, educational underachievement, and access to health care services are just a few issues faced by the people, the Sandals Foundation is doing their part. To date they've built computer labs, community centres, and organized free health clinics and training programs. They've also awarded millions of dollars in community scholarships and adopted 26 schools to ensure that they are maintained and that students are getting a proper education. To protect the environment they've developed beach clean-up programs and marine parks designed to balance the marines ecosystem through better fishing practices.

For me, this was definitely a big draw. If you would like to know more about the Sandals Foundation or to make a donation, please visit: http://www.sandalsfoundation.org

There is so much more to tell and if you want more information about Sandals or if you want to discuss other wedding destinations feel free to send me an email at cindy@coverallevents.com. I would be more than happy to help you with your destination planning needs.

Cindy

Wedding Planner
Coverall Event Coordination

Coverall Interview on AM 1220

2009-05-01T10:18:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give you all a heads up that on Monday, May 4 I will have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. John Bolton on his morning show Cornwall Today. We'll be discussing the climate of today's wedding industry and I'll be dishing out some valuable tips to help couples prepare for their big day.

You can catch the show Monday morning between 8:30 and 9:00.

I hope you'll all tune in!

Cheers,

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Coverall Seeks Motivated Individual For Internship Position

2009-04-30T10:39:00.009-04:00

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!

As we head into our busiest wedding season yet we've now begun looking for someone to join the Coverall team for our summer and fall weddings. We've received numerous requests about this position over the past few months and we're now ready to find Mr. or Ms. Right!

We've listed the personal qualities and position requirements below and once we've narrowed down our choices we'll hold interviews with a few candidates before making our decision. Please take note that this is an unpaid internship; your reward for joining our team will be the valuable knowledge and experience you gain and the industry professionals you encounter along the way.

Personal Qualities

- Integrity

- Energy

- Self-discipline and the ability to work with little supervision

- Ability to take direction

- Ability to work in a team environment

- Ability to make clear and concise decisions

- A love of working with people

- A genuine desire to learn, to create, and to help others

- WPIC Certification and/or Event Management training/experience is considered an asset but is not necessary to be considered for the position

Position Details and Requirements

- This is an unpaid internship position.

- Between meetings, weddings, research, and general administrative work the position will require between 150 and 200 hours of the candidate's time.

- The successful candidate must have reliable transportation and be able to travel to locations up to 1 hour outside of the Ottawa area.

- The candidate must be willing to sign both an Internship Agreement and a Client Privacy Agreement.

- This position will include the following:

Learning and adhering to the company's policies;
Attending meetings which may be held during the day, evenings, or on weekends;
Long hours (up to 12 hours on a wedding day, most of which will be spent on your feet);
Some heavy lifting;
Researching industry trends, seeking out local industry news, and potentially contributing to the company blog; and
Additional research and administrative tasks as assigned.

How to Apply:

- Please apply by email to sophie@coverallevents.com with the subject: INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY.

- Your application must include the following:

Your current CV
A cover letter (can be provided as an attachment or in the body of the email itself)
A short paragraph on why you are interested in the Wedding Planning industry and what you hope to gain from this experience (this can be incorporated into the cover letter but should be clearly identifiable)

THIS COMPETITION CLOSES ON SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2009 - CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED AFTER THAT DATE TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have already submitted your resume in recent months you must resubmit and provide all of the information required in one email. Only submissions meeting the requirements outlined above will be considered (this is a very detail-oriented position so details will be taken into consideration at every step of the process).

Please let me know if you have any questions about this opportunity.

Best of luck to you all!

Regards,

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Wedding Mapper Launches Their New Site

2009-04-22T07:30:00.005-04:00

Wedding Mapper has just launched their great new website. The new site is easier to navigate than the old one and the new colour scheme is fantastic!

The site still offers the same great FREE services they used to (like allowing you to create a complete wedding map to send to all your guests) and they've tossed in a couple of really great new features such as the Advice Section where you can read tips from experts and talk wedding with other brides and local couples.

I personally love this site for couples who are either planning a wedding from another city or for couples who expect a lot of out-of-town guests. The site allows you to pin-point all of your wedding location details (such as ceremony location, reception location, hotels, airports, etc.) AND you can narrow down some local attractions and points of interest for guests who will be looking for other things to do during their stay.

This new site makes the whole process easier than ever and your guests will definitely appreciate it.

Happy Mapping!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Trends 2009: Bow Ties

2009-04-20T07:30:00.001-04:00

[Photo courtesy of Red Apple Images ]

Along with the rise in beautiful vintage style weddings is a definite lean toward the oh-so-classic bow tie. Marry the bow tie with a funky pair of dress socks for a really fun look.

[Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs]

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Wedding Insurance

2009-04-17T15:56:00.002-04:00

Last week I endured an eight-day stint at my parent's house following a flood in my basement. I had to wait while nearly everything was either repaired or replaced over the course of the week. I have never, until now, had to make a claim with my insurance company and I was a little worried at how my call would be received. I assumed that I would be on hold for 20 minutes before speaking with anyone, then that I'd have to somehow prove that I hadn't caused the flood on purpose or that I wasn't making some kind of fraudulent claim, and that the person I'd eventually speak to would be short, grumpy, and suspicious.

As it turns out, I was completely wrong. My call was answered immediately and the agent I spoke to was extremely helpful and, surprisingly, he was really concerned for the safety and well-being of my family first and foremost.

The agent took care of sending a clean-up crew to my house and I simply waited for updates on the progress. The clean-up crew was fantastic too; and I'm still in awe at how quickly and professionally they performed their work.

Does anyone really care about the flood in my basement? No, probably not. However, all of this got me thinking about Wedding Insurance.

I have always provided my clients with information about Wedding Insurance - so few are actually aware that this type of coverage even exists. Now don't get me wrong - I don't sell Wedding Insurance and I don't work for any companies that do. In fact, I don't encourage or discourage purchasing coverage one way or another. I just think it's important that couples know that it's available as an option.

I didn't have the option to insure my home but I can't imagine having to cover the costs of these flood repairs on my own. With the amount of money that some people invest in weddings these days it makes sense to at least consider purchasing Wedding Insurance. The average wedding costs about $30,000. Your car probably isn't worth that much but I bet it's insured. For couples dishing out more than $75,000 on the big day I would definitely encourage the insurance. More money means more details and more details means more things that could go wrong.

Wedding Insurance can cover all kinds of unexpected wedding mishaps. From big problems (like the church or hall burns down the day before the wedding and everything has to be rescheduled), to slightly smaller matters (like your wedding dress was lost on the plane and you have to buy a new one). Every company is different and there are different levels of coverage so be sure to do your research before making any decisions.

You can start your research off with the Weddingguard Insurance Policy from PAL Canada. They were among the first to offer Wedding Insurance in Canada and have insurance options for every type of wedding and every type of budget.

I want to, again, point out that I don't encourage anyone to purchase a policy for their wedding; I do, however, recommend that you consider your options and do some research to find out if the investment would be worth it for you.

Cheers!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Trends 2009: Centerpieces Accompanied by Hanging Decor

2009-04-14T07:30:00.001-04:00

Centerpieces are on the rise. And I don't mean they're just getting taller. No, centerpieces are no longer confined to the small item you place in the middle of your dinner tables; centerpieces can start at the table and go up, or start at the ceiling and go down. A trend developing these days is for a centerpiece to do both!

Check out some of these beautiful and inspiring images.

So don't feel confined to work from the table up; start thinking from the ceiling down too!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Trends 2009: Black is the New Black

2009-04-07T07:30:00.002-04:00

Snippet & Ink

The past couple of years have seen a lot of chocolate brown paired with both pastel and bright fluorescent colours - brown and pink, brown and blue, brown and yellow, etc. This year brown is on its way out and you can expect to see a lot more black paired with bright vibrant colours.

Among the top bright colour pics for this year are yellow, orange, hot pink, electric blue, and lime green. This trend will continue into 2010 when we'll also see a lot more unexpected colour combinations (like bright orange and blue).

TIP: White is always a classic accent for any colour pallet.

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Don't Fear the THEME

2009-04-06T07:30:00.001-04:00

Nearly all of my clients cringe at least a little when I mention the word "theme" as it pertains to their wedding. I can't really blame them; the term often brings up images of over the top costumes and decor. In short, many couples are afraid of the word "theme" because it can so easily translate into "cheesy" or "tacky" or "overdone"; as is the case with the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" theme... it was cool when Toni Braxton did it in 2001 but I think that after nearly a decade of Tiffany Blue we need to change it up. Everything needs to go away for at least a little while before it can be considered cool again.

The word theme needs to be brought back down to its basic definition. Think of theme in terms of literature, that is, as an idea, an image, or a motif that repeats itself throughout every element of the wedding. Think of a theme as a planning tool that will help you focus your decisions and keep everything consistent.

The great thing about themes is that they can be based on anything. You can select a theme based on a movie, a song, a period in time, a country, a culture or tradition, or you could simply choose a theme based on a season or colour scheme. Anything that you use as a tool to guide you and focus your choices can be considered a theme.

Themes don't limit you they help you to enhance your vision, they help tell your guests a story, and they help keep things consistent. So don't fear the theme! Themes are our friends!

So! What's your theme?

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Martha Stewart's Online Wedding Quizzes

2009-04-03T07:30:00.003-04:00

Having trouble figuring out what type of bride you are and/or how to incorporate your own style into your wedding? Maybe you just want to test your wedding etiquette IQ?

The team at Martha Stewart Weddings has developed a handful of fun online wedding quizzes to help you focus your wedding style and test your wedding knowledge.

Test yourself here.

Good Luck!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Colour Pallet Generator

2009-04-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

This is a really fun find!

This pallet generator allows you to enter the URL of an image and it will automatically generate a colour pallet for you. So when you're trying to figure out what colours to commit to for your wedding try plugging some of your favourite images into this generator to come up with a unique pallet.

Hint: Don't feel confined to entering wedding images only; take a look around for all kinds of online art and create some new and unique pallet combos.

Good Luck!!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

The Wedding Day Schedule

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Your wedding day schedule is critical for making sure that everything is organized and that all key players know exactly where they should be, when they should be there, and what they should be doing. Here are a few tips for you wedding day schedule:

1. Start preparing it right away. Set aside some time every week or every few weeks to update your wedding schedule. Be sure to include the times your contracted vendors have agreed to make deliveries and so forth. As you add more vendors and more details to your schedule you will be able to readily pick up on any discrepancies or logistical issues which you can sort out sooner rather than later. Also, filling your schedule out over time will help to ensure that nothing is left out (and that you're not scrambling through notes and paperwork at the last minute).

2. Give your schedule out to all the key players at least one week prior to the date. The key players include all the vendors that will be present on the wedding day (such as your photographer, your DJ, your musicians, and your officiant) as well as your wedding party, parents, and your MC.

It isn't necessary to give the FULL itinerary to everyone; you can customize schedules so that everyone has a timeline that is relevant to them and their duties for the day.

3. Review the schedule with those whom you give it to. Don't assume that people will take as much time and care in going through your schedule as you will. Take the time to review and confirm the details contained in your schedule with each person you give it to. This is especially useful because others may be able to pick out logistical issues that you may not have noticed.

4. Don't expect everything to run perfectly. A good schedule will set out a very solid guideline for the day. However, things almost always pop up that will throw your schedule off at least a little. Try to roll with the punches throughout the day and catch up when you can.

Better yet, let your wedding planner take care of the scheduling details so that you can focus on soaking up the day.

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

2009-03-30T07:30:00.002-04:00

"Many marriages would be better if the husband and wife clearly understood that they're on the same side."

Zig Ziglar

Weekly Wedding Quote

2009-03-23T07:30:00.001-04:00

"What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility."

Leo Tolstoy

Lighting Up Your Wedding Reception

2009-03-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

When you made up your wedding budget did you add a line for lighting? My guess is that for about 49 out of 50 of you the answer is "no". Creating a look and feel that's "just right" has become a big priority on many couple's lists. For most, this means investing more time and money in choosing decor elements such as linens, chair covers, and centerpieces. Lighting doesn't usually come in to the picture.

I have to be honest here, when I planned my wedding lighting didn't factor in at any point for me either. It's not on the "lists" that you get with the planning binders at most book stores, nor is it on any of the "to-do" or "budget" lists you can find online. So for most people planning a wedding for the first time, it doesn't even come up as an option.

Well, I'm giving you that option now. CONSIDER LIGHTING! The way your reception is lit can make such a HUGE difference as to the overall look and feel of your wedding day. Paying a professional lighting company to set this up can be costly but is well-worth the investment. Just check out some of the examples below.

This "before and after" shot is one of my favourites. It really illuminates my point (Ha, ha! - C'mon... that was funny).

When discussing your lighting options consider how you want the room to feel; your colour choice will have a big impact on this. Check out how each of the colours below change the atmosphere for each event.

AMBER

BLUE

PINK

PURPLE/BLUE

Make sure you discuss your lighting options with your photographer, your decorator, and your venue to ensure that all logistical and practical elements have been considered.

Happy Lighting!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Weekly Wedding Quote

2009-03-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

What SIZE is Your Budget?

2009-03-11T07:30:00.002-04:00

In January I posted some tips on saving money as it relates to the timing of your wedding. Today I wanted to give a little advice on saving as it relates to size.

Size can be broken down into three categories: "Size" of the guest list, "Size" of the wedding party, and "Size" in terms of grandeur of your theme.

1. Size of the guest list: Clearly the difference between a 20-person guest list and a 220-person guest list will have an impact on your budget. But what about a 200-person list versus a 180-person list? Most would think that the 20 extra people would have little impact on the overall budget - it's only 20 more plates, right?

Consider this, 20 more people means two or three more tables set up for your reception, three more tables means three more centerpieces (which will typically amount to another three plates), it also means more rentals, more menu cards, more place cards, and more servers to serve those extra tables. Besides tables, you're also looking at more invitations, more reply cards, more stamps, more guest favours, ...

2. Size of the wedding party: This is yet another place where people tend to forget the impact size will have on their budget. Yes, in most cases the bridal party will pay for their own attire, so you're off the hook for that one. But what about bouquets and boutonnieres? What about wedding party gifts? What about transportation (can you get a cozy 8-person Lincoln Town Car or will you have to rent two limos)? Then there's the rehearsal dinner where, if you're paying, you'll have to pick up the tab for your entire wedding party - and quite possibly their significant others too.

3. Size/Grandeur: Clearly, if your wedding theme is "bigger is better" you're looking to dish out some big bucks. Big cakes, big hall, big centerpieces, etc. Smaller, less grand themes (such as "garden party luncheon") can be extremely charming (and much easier on the wallet). So when talking about grandeur consider "Breakfast at Tiffany's" over "19th Century Royal Gala".

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Weekly Wedding Quote

2009-03-10T07:30:00.002-04:00

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, a church filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for; he said one that would make me his wife."

Author Unknown

Friday Wedding?

2009-03-06T07:40:00.002-05:00

One of my brides recently asked me about doing her wedding on a Friday. I advised against it for a number of reasons... the biggest of which is the fact that everything is already booked for the Saturday - and when weighing the pros and cons it wouldn't be worth it to switch.

But don't worry, my advice was in the couple's best interest, I promise - I really don't have anything against Friday weddings. In fact, in some cases a Friday wedding is a really fantastic option!

I recently stumbled across the Your Heart's Desire blog where wedding planner, Emily Edwards, wrote a great article about Friday weddings. Another great article on the topic comes from the Associated Content website, you can check that one out here.

And besides... because Friday weddings are a little more unusual (and therefore may require some advanced planning on your guests' part) it's a great excuse to send out some fun Save-the-Date cards; like the adorable one pictured below (I know... I'm reaching, I just wanted an excuse to post this picture... I love it).

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
.

A Wedding in the Middle of a Recession?!

2009-03-04T07:30:00.001-05:00

Last month I posted an article with some budget saving tips as it relates to the timing of your wedding. Now, the issue of timing begs the question: are you crazy for planning a wedding in the middle of a recession? The short answer... no.

These days you can't go anywhere without hearing something about the recession. Whether your purse strings have been affected or not there's certainly a lot of fear around money spending these days.

For that reason, planning a wedding now may seem like an irresponsible decsion. Some couples have opted to wait a year or so before dishing out the big bucks; but many are moving forward with their wedding plans. In your face, recession!

Those people may be the ones who realize that planning a wedding now may actually be the smartest way to go. Consider this: If you're feeling the pinch is it not feasible that perhaps the venue and vendors you're looking to hire may be feeling the pinch too? I've spoken to a few people who have told me that they're negotiating like never before to keep the business coming in; so negotiating a discount or adjusting your package options may be a little easier to do.

That being said, there are still companies that are THRIVING these days - and some refuse to budge on their prices because they simply don't have a reason to. But there's no harm in asking (worse case scenerio: they say no).

There are more great budget tips at the WeddingChannel.com. Be smart in your budget choices and stay confident in your decision to move forward with your wedding plans. Careful planning, smart negotiation, and a bit of creativity can go a really long way.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Destination Wedding Planning & Sandals!

2009-03-02T07:30:00.004-05:00

Cindy and I are now certified Sandals reps! In addition to this fun news I'm also happy (and oh so bitter) to announce that Cindy will be heading off to Sandals Jamaica in April (seeing as I'm due for baby #2 in May I won't be able to attend... I'll get over it).

Cindy will be on the island for a full 7 days to check out several Sandals resorts, test out the restaurants, assess the beaches, check out the suites, and maybe do a little snorkeling. This is an amazing opportunity for some first-hand Sandals sampling (the things we do for our clients, honestly).

While she's up there Cindy will also be certified through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada as a Destination Wedding Coordinator. (Yes, there will be classes while she's there... this is a business trip after all). So keep an eye out late in the spring when we add the Destination Planning Package to our roster of services.

In the meantime we have access to some fantastic resources for those of you planning destination weddings at Sandals. They don't call these resorts "Luxury Included" for nothing. It's certainly worth checking out. If you have any questions about planning your Sandals wedding feel free to drop us a line.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Twirl Talk: For Your Bridesmaids

2009-02-27T07:30:00.006-05:00

Here's a unique and fun new blog for BRIDESMAIDS!

Chances are you've never heard of Twirl and I know I've never heard anything of the Canadian equivalent (if someone knows of such a place please fill me in). The brainchild of Keri and Jenni (both serial bridesmaids themselves), Twirl is a boutique designed exclusively for bridesmaids!

Recently, Keri and Jenni have embarked on their latest adventure - Twirl Talk, a blog for bridesmaids with tips, stories, and advice from the vets. Although Twirl Talk is still in its early stages of development there is some great info that's certainly worth checking out (and definetly worth passing on to your bridesmaids). I especially like the post on bridal party acronymns (I can't tell you how many times I've gotten funny looks for calling the Maid of Honour the "MOH").

So if you can't get to Arizona to check out Twirl first-hand... the blog is really the next best thing.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Escort Cards or Place Cards?

2009-02-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

Some people use these terms interchangeably but there really is a difference between the two.

Escort cards are typically lined on a single table outside the dining room and are arranged in alphabetical order. You can use simple envelopes, with each guest's name on the outside and the table number on the inside (you could even add a nice note to each guest as an extra-special touch). You could also use any variation of pop-tent cards, or some other item or keepsake that ties in with the theme of the event - just make sure the guest's name is on there somewhere.

[Image from tm photography]

I LOVE this idea for an escort card set-up. Instead of cards, use individual votives with clear name labels. What a gorgeous effect!

The place card makes your guests' lives just a little bit easier by giving them an exact seating assignment. You can use these when you purposely want to sit couples together or apart, or if you want a particular person(s) facing the head table, etc. Again, you can use pop-tents or any other item for the place cards. You can even personalize the menu cards and use them as place cards instead.

It is also perfectly acceptable to use both types of cards if you wish. I would advise, however, to use at least one or the other. I have been asked whether using any type of assigned seating is even necessary; and in my personal opinion... yes, it is. It's easy enough to say "I just want my guests to interact and sit with whomever" but in reality you're adding a lot of undue stress. Not to mention that unless you've reserved a few tables you may have your parents sitting somewhere at the back of the room. The less thinking your guests have to do the better. If you take the time to sort out the seating beforehand your guests can focus on relaxing and enjoying the day.

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Conference this weekend!

2009-02-20T07:30:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

True to our commitment to stay on top of the latest industry trends and offer our clients a vast amount of knowledge and expertise Cindy and I will be attending the 4th Annual Professional Wedding Planners Conference in Toronto this weekend.

We're looking forward to a great couple of days filled with informative seminars and fantastic events (the planning committee have really outdone themselves this year). I’ll bring my camera and hopefully I’ll remember to take pictures so I can post them on Monday.

As we're away this weekend our office will be closed; voice messages and emails may not be picked up as quickly as they usually are. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our clients.

Have a fantastic weekend! (I know I will).

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Eco-Friendly Weddings: The Flowers

2009-02-18T07:30:00.005-05:00

[Photo from Stylehive.com]

Eco-friendly wedding flowers?

That's right. The flowers you choose can actually have a huge impact on the overall carbon footprint of your wedding. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your flowers:

1. Are the flowers locally grown? Clearly, locally grown flowers will have an impact on the overall transportation tally of your wedding.

2. Are the flowers Fair Trade? Fair Trade basically means that the people producing the goods are paid appropriately for their work. They work in safe and healthy conditions and they earn enough money to actually make a living.

3. Are the flowers organic? Some farmers are making a very concerted effort to ensure that they work with nature instead of against it. So they use agricultural techniques that protect the surrounding air, water, and wildlife. Ask your florist if your flowers were grown on an organic farm.

[Photo from Deviant Art]

Or hey, maybe you'd prefer to go with hand-made origami flowers made of recycled paper? Lovely!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Advertising at Your Wedding

2009-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've planned many weddings... and I've been to a number of weddings that I have not planned... and one thing that always drives me crazy is when vendors use your big day as an opportunity to sell their services to your guests (or their potential future clients).

In my opinion, your wedding day should be all about you. Placing business cards on your guest's tables or putting up a sign with the company name and contact info is not only tacky, it's completely disrespectful to you as the client.

Liene Stevens, from Blue Orchid Designs in Arizona, made a post about this topic on her blog 'The Smart Planner' today. You can read that post here.

While this continues to be a controversial topic I feel very strongly about the fact that when a vendor is hired by a client to provide a service for their wedding the vendor's focus for the duration of the event should be to do the very best job they can for that client. If they do this, they are sure to get more inquiries from the couples' guests (who will surely be impressed with the quality of service they witness) than they would from cheap advertising.

Demand more of your vendors. In fact, add this to the list of questions you bring with you to your vendor interviews.

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Weekly Wedding Quote

2009-02-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."

Amy Bloom

Congratulations Michael Coombs: Newly Appointed President of the CPDJA

2009-02-13T14:30:00.001-05:00

Hiring a wedding DJ can be confusing. Disc Jockey's must hold certain licenses in order to legally play copied or downloaded music at an event. I've been fortunate enough to have Mike Coombs, founder of Prodigy Entertainment in Toronto, to turn to when certain questions about the laws and liabilities associated with playing music at events have come up with my own weddings.

That's why I was so happy to hear that on January 5th of this year Mike was named President of the Canadian Professional DJ Association (CPDJA). The CPDJA is Canada's largest Professional Disc Jockey Association and they are very fortunate to have Mike at the wheel to lead them through 2009.

Michael was the first DJ in Canada to be certified through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and has long been regarded as one of the industry's top Professional Disc Jockeys. You can read his entire biography here and check out his blog here.

You can find more information on the licensing required by DJs and event venues on the CPDJA website.

Congratulations Mike!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Eco-Friendly Weddings: The Dress

2009-02-13T07:30:00.005-05:00

[Photo from Adele Wechsler]

Having an eco-friendly wedding gown no longer means sacrificing style. Some companies advertise "eco-chic" gowns - but in some smaller towns it can be tough to find a supplier that carries and eco-chic line of dresses. Here are some things you can ask about the dress you're considering to find out if it's an eco-friendly choice:

1. Where was it made? And who made it? This falls partly into the transportation factor of an eco-friendly wedding; clearly, the closer to home the dress was made the better (and this includes where the materials originally came from... not just where the dress was tailored). The second question is an uncomfortable one to think about - but just consider this, you want to make sure that the person who made your dress did so in healthy and safe working conditions and that he/she was paid fairly for his/her work. Period. Typically, locally made dresses cost a little more because the dress-maker was paid appropriately for his/her work.

2. What materials were used in making the dress? There are certain fabrics that are more "socially responsible" than other. Natural fibres including hemp, organic cotton, peace silk and bamboo are among some of the more popular options.

3. Looking for something white? Choose a colour that's not perfectly white. Those ultra-white wedding dresses didn't get that way all on their own. Making a dress really white requires the use of harmful chemicals. So go for a shade that's not quite white.

Among my favourite eco-chic wedding gown designers is Canadian designer Adele Wechsler in Toronto. Her gowns are GORGEOUS and oh so environmentally friendly! Some of the world's top eco-chic bridal gown designers include Morgan Boszilkov, Deborah Lindquist and Tara Lynn.
Can't find the perfect eco-friendly dress?

Choosing an eco-friendly dress doesn't have to be difficult. If you can't find a dress that's eco-friendly why not consider wearing something second-hand? After all, "Re-use" is one of the three Rs, right? Why not perk up a gorgeous vintage gown. Not only will it be eco-chic but it's so romantic!

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

[Photo from Weddingbells Blog]

Eco-Friendly Weddings: Transportation

2009-02-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

[image courtesy of Southampton Cycling Campain]

Transportation is one of those crucial items that can really add to the carbon footprint of a wedding. You may not even realize how much transportation is required for your wedding until you consider some to the following items:

- How many guests do you have coming from out-of-town?

- Will your guests have to travel far between to get to the ceremony and then again between the ceremony and the reception (and of course, to get home again)?

- Think about where various items are coming from. Your dress, your food, your wine, your shoes, your jewellery, your invitations, your rings, your decor, and so forth. Are you choosing items that were made locally?

- Do you require rental items that are not already on-site? Such as chairs, tents, tables, linens, tableware, etc?

Those are just a few things that will add to the overall travel total of your wedding.

Cutting back just a little on travel time can be very easy. Choose a one-site wedding where you can have your ceremony, your photo session, and your reception all in one place. If you must travel between locations consider using bicycles, row-boats, or a horse and carriage.

Select as many locally grown/produced products as you can.

Cut your guest list down and/or ask guests to carpool.

Reducing the overall transportation requirements for your wedding can be very simple. Give it some thought.

Cheers!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Weekly Wedding Quote

2009-02-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Behind every great man there is a surprised woman.

- Maryon Pearson

Eco-Friendly Weddings: The Venue

2009-02-04T07:30:00.003-05:00

There are many things to take into consideration when searching for an earth friendly wedding venue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Choose a local venue to reduce travel time to and from.

2. An outdoor ceremony is ideal as you reduce/eliminate the need for heating/air conditioning, electricity, lighting, decor etc. (Think park, farm, garden, field, lakeside, mountain, etc).

3. Consider a single-site wedding (ceremony & reception at one location).

4. If selecting a location that offers catering ask if they use local ingredients.

5. Reduce your guest list in order to use a smaller venue (and thereby, less resources).

Happy Planning!

Sophie

Coverall Event Coordination

Eco-Friendly Weddings: GREEN is the new WHITE

2009-02-02T09:14:00.008-05:00

We hear a lot of talk about the environment these days. It ranks among the top issues on the government agenda and as time goes on more and more companies are “going green” with eco-friendly products.

We're also learning about ways to reduce our own carbon footprint in our day-to-day lives and as more and more people become aware of the environmental impact we're having on the planet we are searching for more ways to change.

But what does it mean to "go green" on your wedding day? Why do people do it? And how can you do it too?

This is the topic I’ll be focusing on for the next couple of weeks. We'll explore the many ways that your wedding can have an impact on the environment and the types of things you can do to soften the blow. Some things are easier than others so don't feel that you need to follow green wedding guidelines to the letter. Even very simple changes can make a difference.

So why this shift toward planet-friendly nuptials? Most people don't realize the enormous impact that a single wedding can have on the environment. Consider, for example, that the average wedding emits approximately 14.5 tons of CO2. To most people that number is fairly meaningless; however, if you compare it to the fact that most people emit only 12 tons of CO2 over the course of the entire year you start to get an idea of where the motivation is coming from.

Emily Anderson wrote a fantastic book on how to incorporate planet-conscious elements into your big day while still demonstrating your own unique style. You can also check out her blog for some great tips on planning your day.

We'll be discussing how each aspect of your big day can impact the environment and I'll be offering tips and resources throughout for more eco-friendly solutions.

So stay tuned over the coming weeks and feel free to leave comments and ask questions as we go.

Cheers!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination