My toxic trait?
I can`t help but help. Ask my kids. Takes everything in me to butt out when I know I can make something better for you.
🩷That`s why being a wedding planner is the best for me. Through the plannig, I am constantly with my couples making decisions, giving guidance, crossing off those mundane tasks they don`t want to deal with off my checklist.
🩵Then come the wedding day that`s when the hard work PAYS 🩵 OFF🩵 because we all know the end result an amazing wedding day is in the planning.
😍Executing the day is fun part. 😍
That`s when I want you enjoy every last drop of your day with the people you love and the person you love most in the world 🌎
So tell me, do you help or are more the type to avoid a situation where you`re needed?
Photos by @palmtreewedding
Planning by @ericairwinweddings
Venue @fairmontlaurier
Decor/ florals/ rentals @wedecor_inc
Hair @showponyhair
Makeup @onefinebeauty
DJ and photobooth @dynamixproductions
#weddingplanner #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #chateaulaurierwedding #chateauwedding #fairmontchateaulaurier
What is prettier this ceremony space or this reception space? You will have a hard time choosing!
🩵When they are both this pretty, we have to do a double reveal!
🩵With high ceilings, light coloured wood floors and plenty and light, the Lantern Room and the O’Born room were the perfect backdrops to this stunning blue and white wedding for Diana and Corey.
⬇️Comment what you like best!⬇️
Wedding Planner @ericairwinweddings
Décor/ rentals/ florals and printing @wedecor_inc
Photos by @rubiconphotogs
Venue @nac.cna
#nac #nacwedding #obornroom #obornroomweddings #blueandwhitewedding #OttawaWeddings #ottweddingvendor #downtownottawa #blueandwhitewedding #bluewedding #whitewedding
Chateau Montebello completely revamped their wedding menus and also the way they are doing tastings so they asked me to come and give my honest feedback!
🩷As a Preferred Planner there, I have been to many of their private tastings with my couples and I have eaten many wedding meals over the years. All delicious! This new way of doing a tasting though lets couples try not just what they THINK they might like but all the possibilities.
⭐️Cara and I had so much fun though our game plan for eating that much needs improvement 😆 Tiny bites and we should have shared 1 plate the whole time. Experience matters.
⬇️⬇️Now comment what do you prefer:
1️⃣Trying one of everything with other engaged couples
2️⃣ Having a private tasting but only your chosen menu?
Cover photo by @unioneleven
#montebello #montebellowedding #chateaumontebello #chateaumontebellowedding #lifeofaweddingplanner #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner
I hear this all the time when couples are talking about their wedding budget.
"We will save money by not having a cake or invitations or favors".
➡️ The biggest impact on your wedding budget is always guest count.
Each guest will cost you in food, bar, rentals, decor, flowers etc
➡️ So if you want to have all those pretty things in your Pinterest board, consider dropping the number of guests to make the bigger dent in costing.
Comment below with your "guesstimate" on what one guest generally costs and I will tell you if you`re right or way off. No cheating 😉
Cover photo by @palmtreewedding
#weddingbudgettips #weddingtips #weddingplanner #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner
Emotional video … cue the tissue!
I was voted Top Wedding Planner in Ottawa for 2024, second year in a row, by my vendor peers through the Ottawa Wedding Vendors Awards and it’s hitting me hard.
A lot of these awards I put zero stock in because it’s just a popularity contest and not based on actual work or reputation. These particular awards are a bit different since you can’t vote for yourself and you had to be a legitimate Ottawa wedding vendor to cast a vote, and only one.
My peers are so freaking hardworking and dedicated and I count myself very fortunate to have the honour of working with the best.
💛 Thank you so much to those of you who voted for me. I am so honoured to have been chosen by you all. We all hold each other to such a high standard so I am very humbled you picked me.
❤️ Congratulations to the others who won in other categories, it’s a beautiful list of Ottawa’s best but I am sure there were many others who were close behind!
🩷 Thank you to our couples who trusted us with their special days. I do not take it lightly when a couple says “YES” to working with me.
🩵🩵 And a HUGE thank you to my team Farhan, Cara, Gracie, Shekinah and Rachel who worked so hard this last season with me, I say it after every wedding but I will keep saying it “I literally couldn’t do this without you”. 🩵🩵
#ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawaweddingawards #ottawaweddingvendors #ottawaweddingvendor #ottwedvendors #ottawaweddingplanneroftheyear
So many times I hear THIS on an initial call ...
"Well I booked my vendors so most of my planning is done. All I need is "day of" help." 😳
Oh boy. Yes booking your vendors is important and a lot of work and yes you can literally just click on my photos on IG and contact those vendors yourself. But that`s not an approach I would take. Choosing your vendors for me is like a draft for a major sports team or even matchmaking. I am picking who matches your style, your budget even your personalities.
On top of choosing your vendors there are so many more decisions and "to-dos" to work through and I`m going to be honest, lots of them require input from someone who`s planned more than 1 wedding 😊 Because for me, I know how hundreds of weddings went, what worked and what didn`t.
It`s your wedding day, a huge investment of memories and money so work with someone you trust!
Comment below what is taking you or did take you the MOST time when wedding planning!
#weddingplanning #weddingtodo #weddingchecklist #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner
This wedding was one my team and I will never forget. First our couple was AMAZING and trusted me implicitly so they never even knew what was happening in the background.
🩵Here is the story.
As the decorator arrived to set up the reception room, we noticed the room was warm but the doors had been open and it was an extremely warm day for June in Quebec. But the heat was just getting worse and worse. Maintenance brought in fans to try and move the air but it became clear that this wasn’t helping.
By this point we had a completely decorated reception room, ceremony was about to begin and we knew something was not ok with the air conditioning. The engineering team was trying to fix it but we needed the company for the unit to come to the venue, on a long weekend. At first no one was available but we got so lucky, a technician had a cottage close by and thankfully agreed to come. We had the venue checking options to move to a different room and also checking was the air working in those rooms. I just kept getting “just give us 15 minutes” over and over. Finally we had to make the call. We had to move reception rooms, we couldn’t keep waiting.
We all agreed it would be every hand on deck, we would extent the cocktail hour for guests which was on a terrace outside and we would all just make magic happen. Other vendors like DJ and photobooth were waiting on their set ups as well so we were all going to have to hustle.
My couple was doing their first look photos so we hopped in a golf cart to go and break the news to them. We were almost there when we got the call AIR CONDITIONING FIXED!!! We raced back to the room to check. The whole management team of the venue, the banquet manager, event coordinator and my team we all stood there saying “I think I feel it” until we did.
Then we went to start the ceremony and filled the couple in at that point that we almost had to move their wedding into the venue restaurant but the air was working and all was good. They just said “ok amazing, so glad we didn’t have to deal with that and we have you Erica”.
So this is your sign, you need a Wedding Planner.
Comment below what you would have done or if you agree with what we did
This venue is for couples who want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding experience!
And I mean no one wants a boring and forgettable wedding, right?
Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience no one could forget.
Let me take you tbreathtall the pros and cons you need to know if you want to hold your wedding at the National Gallery in my new blog article on this breathtaking venue! So click the link in my bio, go to blog and you’ll see it.
🩷And as Ottawa’s expert on luxury wedding venues, I have other venues you might want to check out while you are scrolling through!🩷
✅️ As always comment questions below. You guys know I LOVE your comments and questions.
✅️ DM me to set up a free consultation to talk about YOUR planning!
✅️ If you know someone getting married make sure you share this post with them.
✅️ If you are new here, make sure you hit “follow” so you don’t miss my daily USEFUL tips and inspo!
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Photo/ video by @palmtreewedding
Venue @natgallerycan
Decor/ florals/ rentals @wedecor_inc
Catering @mycateringgroup
#weddingplanner #weddingplannertips #weddingplanning #bestweddingplanner
#natgallerycan #natgalcan #nationalgalleryofcanada #nationalgalleryofcanadawedding #nationalgallerywedding #ottawavenue #ontariovenue #canadianvenue #canadianwedding #destinationweddingottawa #destinationweddingcanada
#ottwedvendors #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanning #ottawaweddingplanner #weddingplannerottawa
Are you getting married in Ottawa or looking for a destination wedding in Canada’s gorgeous nation’s capital?
Then let’s chat because I not only want you, your family and your friends to have the best wedding day but I want the two of you to have the best wedding PLANNING experience.
Planning a wedding takes months and even years so I want you to enjoy those steps along the way with someone you like spending time with and that you trust with this special moment in your lives.
There are no do-overs for your wedding and I don’t want you having regrets. So let me guide you along the way with some love, laughs and serious wedding planning expertise.
You can comment below or DM me to set up a chat to see if we are a fit!
I love talking weddings
Photo and video by @greyloftstudio @greyloftvideo
Decor @wedecor_inc
Venue @fairmontlaurier
#canadianwedding #destinationweddingottawa #destinationweddingcanada
#weddingplanning #weddingplanner #weddingstress #weddingoverload #weddingplannertips #ottwedvendors #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanning #ottawaweddingplanner #fairmontchateaulaurier #fairmontchateaulaurierwedding
ALWAYS remember to get a photo of the back of your dress. Often there are so many beautiful details about your dress that you won`t remember but having a photo helps.
Those tiny buttons, that elegant lace, maybe even a bow or other detailing on the back.
Also the same goes for your hair!
Comment if you knew this tip already or just learned something new and also tell me about the back of your dress, does it have beautiful detailing?
Gown @withlovebridal
Photo @palmtreewedding
Planning @ericairwinweddings
#weddinggown #weddingmoments #weddingplanner #Ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawavenue #weddingtip #natgallerycan
#natgalcan #nationalgalleryofcanada
#nationalgalleryofcanadawedding
#nationalgallerywedding
Full transparency. Most of our weddings barely use what`s available from the venue. For example, chairs are usually rented (with the exception of 1 or 2 venues who carry wedding chairs not banquet chairs), linens, candles, charger plates, cutlery, glassware, table numbers, menus, dance floor cover and even tables sometimes. Recently someone asked in a post what was rented and what was provided by the venue and I thought this was such a good topic. Because it`s hard for you if you are planning your wedding to understand ALL the things that go into making a wedding design. It`s not just flowers put on tables!
So I will try and let you guys know when I post what was provided by the venue vs rented. Because the truth is, what is provided by a venue vs what you see on my Instagram are very different.
Comment: Is this helpful to you? Anything else you would want to know?
Photos by @agatharowland
Decor/ rentals/ florals @wedecor_inc
Planner @ericairwinweddings
Venue @fairmontlaurier
One of the MOST asked questions when it comes to weddings and invitations. How do I politely say "no kids" for our wedding!
Here are 4 options and 1 bonus if you are ok with SPECIFIC kids but not everyone`s kids.
⬇️Comment which one you like best and tell me how you feel about kids at a wedding!
You`ll likely read through the comments and see how I feel about it 😉
✅️ Save this so you don`t forget when it comes to invitation time
✅️ Send to someone getting married!
🩷Make sure you follow me for USEFUL daily wedding planning tips too!! 🩷
#kidfreeweddings #weddingetiquette #weddinginvitationetiquette #weddingstationery #weddinginvitations #weddingplannertip #weddingtips #ottawaweddingplanner #weddingplannerottawa
If you want more choices, choosing a date shouldn’t be your first step. But I do understand that sometimes a date has a lot of significance to it so this might not work for everyone.
In general though, it’s difficult to say “We want 120 guests at our wedding” until you actually make a list. Couples can be surprised at how quickly the guest count grows, and you cannot look at venues (and a date) until you have a list of guests. A room that holds 120 guests can’t for example hold 130 guests if your parents add extra guests or your friends want to bring a date!
One last thing on guest lists, I hear all the time “we are inviting all these people but we don’t expect them all to come”. This is not a strategy. Expect 10% to not come. You would be surprised how for example friends that live internationally suddenly want to plan a trip based on your wedding!
⬇️Comment below with what guest count you are hoping for or if you are already married how many guests you had!⬇️
Photo cred to @greyloftstudio
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Hair @showponyhair
Makeup @klavaz.makeup
Venue @fairmontlaurier
#engagedottawainsta #engagedottawa #ottawabride #ottawabrides #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingdecor #bridesofottawa #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawawedding #canadiandestinationwedding #ottawaweddingvendors #ericairwinweddings #ericairwinbrides #weddingplanner #bestweddingplanner #summerwedding #canadianwedding #ottawaweddingvenue #weddingvenueottawa #weddingtips #weddingtipwednesday #weddingtip #weddingadvice #weddingday #weddinginspo #weddinghacks #weddingtipsandtricks #weddingplannertips
This is a question I get asked all the time and its very controversial anytime I’ve posted about it. Maybe it`s because we all feel like we are being asked to tip on everything these days!
So this post is for people who ask "who do I tip at my wedding", not for those of you who think "no one deserves a tip it should be in your pricing."
Tipping is rarely REQUIRED (unless its in your contract for example with your venue) but its always appreciated.😊
Make sure you swipe through all my tips because there are other ways to show your vendor team love!
Also save and share this one!
Comment below and let’s start a discussion, please be kind ❤️
Also, are you following me? If you like useful wedding tips everyday, make sure you are 😊
#weddingvendors #weddingvendortipping #tippingetiquette #weddingdreamteam #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingvendors #ottweddingvendors
#ottawaweddingplanner #ottawaweddingplanning
Happy birthday to this girl here. Bethany of Grey Loft Studios is always freaking pushing me to do things that make me a bit uncomfortable but also challenging me to try new things in my business.
No one I would rather get kicked out of a wedding show with. IYKYK
Also, this year I am making it my goal to get photos with all my "friendors"(vendor friends) just so I have birthday post material!!
Drop a 🥂 🎂 to wish her a happy birthday!
#friendors #vendorfriends #ottawaphotographer #ottawaweddingplanner
I got a GREAT question today from a 2024 bride who is finalizing her details and I thought OH this is a good post!
Here is the question:
Do your vendors count in your headcount?
First, vendors who are present at your wedding are for example Planner, photo/ video team and DJ. Sometimes it`s a band but since bands make up less than 10% of weddings I won`t include that info in this post.
The answer is if your reception room for example holds 100 guests yes the vendor team counts in this count (unless you are planning for us to eat in another room which I RARELY suggest unless this room has a full view of where you and your guests are since we don`t want to miss anything.
BUT most venues do not charge you for your vendors are if they were guests. Mostly because we don`t partake in cocktail hour, open bar and late night food etc.
So if your room is 100 guest capacity, you count your vendors in this count but you might for example have 95 guests and 5 vendors and this is how you will be charged by your venue.
Does that make sense? Question below are always welcome and make sure you hit that follow button because I am always dishing up useful tips!
Venue @natgallerycan
#vendormeal #vendortable #novendormeal #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanner #ottawaweddingvendors #ottwedvendors #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawawedding
As a Planner I have seen some AMAZING wedding parties and some ... not so great.
I think people assume it`s just "look cute have fun" but unless the couple tells you that`s all they want and they will pay professionals to do the rest and will cover all costs I think my list is accurate.
If you aren`t interested or if being in a wedding party will be too much of a financial strain I also want you to know it`s ok to say you are so happy for them, you`re happy to come as a guest but you don`t feel you can commit to this important role right now. That`s ok too.
Comment below any other advice you would add to my list.
Cover photo by @greyloftstudio
#weddingparty #bridesmaids #groomsmen #weddingplanneradvice #ottawaweddingplanning #ottawaweddingplanner
Something I add to my timeline is who is helping you put on your gown. I HIGHLY recommend this be a quiet moment with just your Mom or your sister or maid of honour when possible. Some brides like to have everyone around, but the reason I like it to be a quiet moment is so you can just take it all in. Also, it`s a special moment. It`s your wedding day and likely the first time you`ve seen your gown on you with hair and makeup done! Just another way I try and add in another little moment into your day for you to slow down and enjoy.
⬇️Comment below who you want helping with yours or if you are now married who did help with yours?⬇️
And as always follow me more USEFUL wedding tips 🩷
Photo by @agatharowland
#weddinggown #weddingmoments #weddingplanner #Ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawavenue #lebelvedereweddingphotos #lebelvedere #lebelvederewedding
Happy birthday to Nancy @wedecor_inc ! This is a funny story. At Stephanie and Mike`s wedding I jokingly said let`s get a photo together so I have something to post on your birthday! So here we are 😆😂 I think we need to normalize taking photos with people for birthday posts right??
All kidding aside, there are a lot of talented people I get to work with in this industry and everyone works hard making dreams come true. I call Nancy a magician all the time she`s taking people`s inspiration photos and then making it their own kind of magic. So drop a 🥂or a 🎂 and wish her a happy birthday!
Photo by @greyloftstudio
At the @fairmontlaurier
#happybirthday #vendorwedding #friendors #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingdecor #wedecor #ottawaweddingplanner
To all you bad-ass female entrepreneurs who are fulfilling dreams while also filling your hearts.
Keep on working hard because you are amazing.
#happyinteenationalwomensday
#weddingplanner
#ottawaweddingplanner
Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on