I love Instagram! I post daily inspiration and useful wedding planning tips plus you will find me on stories all the time. Make sure you followme so you don’t miss out! No Instagram? No problem! You can scroll through some of the same content right here!
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
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...
Planning ahead for as many little things as possible will make your wedding day so much smoother. If you have a Planner, they cover these small details and make sure someone is in charge or do they do it for you. 1) Food and drinks during getting ready also throughout the day for both of you is so important. No one wants a "hangry" bride or groom. 2) If you`re wearing a veil, where is it going once you take it off? 3) Gifts, cards, guest book, photos of you two on your entrance table etc all have to be accounted for and safe. 🩷Bonus ones (there are so many though)🩷 ✅️Put someone in charge on your bus if you have guest transportation, a "bus monitor" ✅️Your dancing dress/ change of outfit ✅️Bustling your dress ✅️The marriage license and rings .... List goes on and on. Make sure you`re following me so you don`t miss all my daily tips and inspo! Add any below you want other brides and grooms to remember to add to their list! Tag or send to someone getting married!! Cover photo by @agatharowland #weddingplanningtip #weddingadvice #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawawedding...
Walk into your wedding day feeling confident and stress-free with my tips and tricks for a perfect wedding rehearsal! My expert guide covers everything from smooth processionals to picture-perfect kisses. Make sure you save this comprehensive list and ensure your special day flows seamlessly. ✨ Trust us to make your dream wedding a reality!
Everything you ever wanted to know and MORE about getting married at the Chateau Laurier up on my blog today. I am putting a lot of info out there about all the different rooms, the food, the service … you know me it’s A LOT of info but if you are looking at this wedding venue I am sure you want to know it all right?
I covered the highlight version a couple months back but since my blog is my own I can give you guys all the scoop without having to worry about the number of characters on IG!
So comment below BLOG and I’ll send you the link or use the link in my bio to go to my website and navigate on over to blog.
If you have any questions, you can add them in the comments after you read through my blog.
PS I do dish on there about the most controversial part of booking this venue… if you know you know.
Planning by @ericairwinweddings Photo by @greyloftstudio Décor, florals, rentals and stationery by @Wedecor_inc Venue @fairmontlaurier
It feels like spring but we all know it`s "fake spring" so don`t start putting your winter stuff away quite yet. In the meantime you can look at this soft and bright wedding for Saxon and Caleb, hosted at her family Art Gallery with two special paintings behind her headtable specially made by Saxon`s Mom. They were made just weeks before the wedding, designed after the florals and decor proposed by @thegatheringeventco . We also surprised the bride by not only having their wedding published but they were on the cover of @ottawawedding ! Still one of my fav memories 💓 Comment below are you into pops of colour or prefer all white? Planning @ericairwinweddings Photo @scotthwilson Decor @thegatheringeventco Hair @parla.hair Gown @lamaisonbridalboutique
Postage is one of those budget line items most engaged couples I work with as a Planner don`t track so I never really knew how much it was to mail invitations since I assumed it varied a lot based on size and weight but I guess it doesn`t vary as much as I thought. I recently mailed Canadian invitations for a client who lives in the US to avoid international postage so I asked at Canada Post and found out the pricing you see here! They also had many different stamp options you could buy online or from the distribution center but it was closed so I had to just choose from what the retail location had. Are you doing printed invitations or are you opting for online only? Comment below and share with someone getting married soon. From what I understand it`s similar pricing in the USA too but I`m curious about other countries around the world! Cover photo by @rubiconphotogs #weddingplannertip #weddinginvitation #Canadapost #weddinginvitationpostage #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanner...
Most popular bouquet of 2024? The white with a touch of pink one. It`s actually been the most popular for I think as long as I`ve been a Planner. It`s a classic choice, safe that it goes with almost anything really and it will look beautiful in your photos forever. All white is probably the second and then we get into the colourful ones. Comment below what you had or what you would choose! Bouquet by @wedecor_inc Photo by @rubiconphotogs #weddingbouquet #whiteandpinkbouquet #lebelvedereweddingphotos #lebelvederewedding #lebelvedere #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingflorist #ottawaweddingplanner...
As a Wedding Planner, I love a good countdown to your wedding day BUT I also want you to enjoy and savor these last moments being engaged too. I will tell my couples " this is your last Valentines Day as an engaged couple. Next one you`ll be a married couple!" It`s just a reminder to enjoy the moment. Comment below what month you`re getting married in 2024! Let`s celebrate all the milestones along the way. 🥂 Make sure you tap follow because I give daily tips and inspo and answer questions in my stories all the time! Because your wedding day should be fun but so should your planning! Cover photo by @agatharowland Venue @lebelvedereweddings #wedding2024 #Engaged2024 #enjoyyourwedding #weddingplanningadvice #weddinplanner #ottawawedding #OttawaWeddingPlanner...
Wanting to know more about the glass cube on top of Ottawa? I`ve got you. Up on my blog is my full review of Venue TwentyTwo at the Ottawa Westin. The best view of our nation`s capital with sunset views to kill for and if you are lucky enough to snag a date with fireworks an amazing treat for your guests. But you know me, I also dish on the things you need to consider if looking at this venue! Click the link in my bio and go on over to blog or comment below "22" and I`ll send you the link directly to your DMs. Planning @ericairwinweddings Photo @greyloftstudio Decor/ florals by @wedecor_inc #ontariovenue #ontariovenues #ottawavenue #ottawaweddingvenues #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawaweddingplanning #ottawabride #canadianwedding #canadianweddingplanner #destinationweddingottawa #venuetwentytwo #venuetwentytwowedding #ottawawestin #luxuryweddingsottawa...
Diving DEEP into the National Art Centre (NAC) today on my blog telling you all the ins and outs of this gorgeous venue. Venue review #1 in the series.
I covered the highlight version a couple months back but since my blog is my own I can give you guys all the scoop without having to worry about the number of characters on IG!
So comment below BLOG and I’ll send you the link or use the link in my bio to go to my website and navigate on over to blog.
If you have any questions, you can add them in the comments after you read through my blog.
PS I do dish on there about the most controversial part of booking this venue… if you know you know.
Planning by @ericairwinweddings Photos by @rubiconphotogs Décor, florals, rentals and stationery by @Wedecor_inc Venue @nac.cna
Ultimate Pricing Comparison of 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues is up on my blog! I posted about this on my IG but going into way more detail on my blog. Then I`ll be breaking it down for each of these venues! It`s so overwhelming to venue shop when you are newly engaged and don`t even know what to look for. Each venue has its pros and cons and when I am doing site visits with my Full Planning couples I give you all the info so you can make a decision. Pricing is just a part of this. Every venue has their packages so you also need an expert to actually understand everything that`s included and what`s going to sneak up on you! So go to the link in my bio and go on over to blog! Tag someone below who`s just starting their wedding planning and NEEDS this! #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingvenues #nacwedding #nationalgallerywedding #chateaulaurierwedding #museumofnaturewedding #venuetwentytwowedding...
Something I`ve been working on all of January is relaunching my blog. I turned it off because 2022 got so busy and I found I couldn`t keep it up so it was starting to be too old and didn`t reflect who I was anymore. So... relaunching and feeling like now I know what you guys want to see from me. Also because I always have too many words and IG just cannot give me enough room sometimes 😉. Go take a look and I am open for honest feedback. Also, I would love to know how are we doing links these days? Are people still using Link Tree, or do you have something better for me? For now, go to my link in my bio and navigate on over to the blog. Or just peruse my lovely site with lots of my lovely couples on there 😊 😍 Also how awesome is my team? Photobooth "testing" for @mdrnphotoboothco #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanner #blogisback...
Wedding gift etiquette: “Can I ask for money instead of gifts for my wedding?” As Wedding Planner, I often get asked about the etiquette of receiving gifts or money at your wedding. So let’s dive into this sensitive topic.
First my disclaimer: I am a Canadian based Planner. I have been a Planner for 15+ years so this is my experiences with hundreds of weddings. It is different in different parts of the world and in different cultures within our country and others.
Let’s move on. So here is the short answer:
Good etiquette says you are never to mention gifts in your wedding invitations. No link to your registry even.
If a guest asks (usually it’s your Moms) what to do for a gift, THEN they can mention if you have a registry or not.
That’s the “etiquette rule”. Now it’s up to you if you are going to follow that or not.
Many couples have a wedding website and all the popular sites give you an option to link your registry or add a honeymoon fund etc.
But what if you just want money for your wedding?
With couples getting married a bit later in life and many having lived together already or on their own, many find they don’t want to do a gift registry and prefer to receive money as a gift.
So now the question is how do you relay to your guests you would appreciate money for your wedding?
Here is my advice as a Planner: Even if you live together and have everything you need, you register for a couple things. Usually there is something you wish you had like a Creuset pot, new towels, a Kitchenaid mixer ...
This gives guests items to buy you for your shower or if they just aren’t people who want to give money to you on your wedding day.
Then the etiquette is if there is no gift registry OR nothing left on the registry, money in an envelop is appropriate.
What will you do for your wedding, follow the etiquette or no?
Wedding Math! When you`re doing long rectangular tables and want to add height, here is the perfect minimum combination. 3 high and 4 low arrangements then candles at various heights. 1 in the middle may look good on paper, but in person, it can look a little sparse. What do you think: Planner @ericairwinweddings Photo @agatharowland Venue @fairmontlaurier Decor/ florals @wedecor_inc...
🎉 Engaged in 2024 – What`s Next? 💍 As an experienced Wedding Planner, I`ve got your post-engagement roadmap covered! Swipe left for the 4 essential next steps to kickstart your wedding planning journey:
1️⃣ Find Your Planner Early: Don`t wait! A wedding planner brings invaluable expertise to the table. Our full-time commitment and wealth of knowledge from countless events are your golden ticket. Going solo? Don’t worry this post is still for you and make sure you follow me because I give away daily tips and inspo you will find useful!
2️⃣ Craft Your Guest List: Before you pick a date or scout venues, nail down that guest list. It`s not just about who, but how many – your guest count significantly impacts your budget. More heads, more expenses!
3️⃣ Venue Hunt Before Date Picking: Shocking, but true! Secure your dream venue first. Dates can follow. Avoid heartbreak by falling for a place already booked on your chosen date. Flexibility is key – have a season or month in mind.
4️⃣ Build Your Dream Vendor Team: With your date and venue locked, assemble your A-team of vendors. Prioritize photo/video, hair/makeup, decor, florals, entertainment, cake, and transportation. Research is your BFF – choose based on reputation and referrals, not just price.
Remember, your dream team can make or break the big day, so trust those with the inside scoop – especially your Planner!
Hope this was helpful, send to someone who is engaged, save it for later and as always comments below are ALWAYS answered. I love a good question 😊
Want to hear the stories behind a couple nicknames couples have given me over the years? Shima was the one who started calling me a "Fairy Godmother". She said it in her speech and then her Google review and then it just started to be a thing couples called me. At first it kind of just made me laugh then I was like "You know what, I am going to OWN IT!" Now its even in my Instagram bio! Shima was literally Cinderella in her gown at the castle (Chateau Laurier) and she commented that I had everything in my purse. Another one of my Bride`s Mandy said I was like Doraemon who is a Manga character who I guess has thousands of things in their pocket. I`ve also been called the Baby Whisperer since I have taken a few crying babies over the years out of a ceremony so their parents could enjoy. What about you, do you have a nickname? Comment below and if you feel brave enough I would love to hear the story! #chateaulaurier #chateaulaurierwedding #chateaulaurierbride #ottawaweddingplanner #fairmontchateaulaurier #fairmontchateaulaurierottawa #ottawawedding #bestweddingplanner...
Fall weddings at Fairmont Chateau Montebello really do hit differently. Fiona and Kevin’s wedding was very unique to them and I loved all the ideas they brought and how we pulled it all together.
They didn’t want a traditional fall coloured wedding but did want to pull in creams, burnt orange and just a touch of rustic. The weather cooperated so we had a gorgeous ceremony by the water at the gazebo, then guests were moved to the Club de Golf for cocktails on the terrace, where the leaves were just exploding with colour while a string quartet played some contemporary hits like Taylor Swift, Tina Turner, Ed Sheeran while guests sipped the couples his/ hers cocktails.
Their seating chart was so fun since they met in math class they had the tables as equations which at first were too hard to solve I told them so they “dumbed it down” for the rest of us.
Planner @ericairwinweddings Décor/ florals @sagedesignsevents Photographer @unioneleven Video @loneoakcinema Venue @fairmontmontebello Hair @showponyhair Makeup @onefinebeauty Cake @girlwiththemostcake DJ @midnightmusic.ca Live @cantosentimento4 #chateaumontebello #fairmontchateaumontebello #chateaumontebellowedding #fairmontchateaumontebellowedding #montebellowedding #fallwedding #canadianwedding #canadiandestinationwedding #ericairwinweddings...
Have you thought of your wedding tablescape yet? This is what your guests will see when they first sit down at their spots but also will be looking at for a big part of your wedding reception! Of course it depends on your budgets but upgrading to rentals of things like 🤍Cutlery 🤍Stemware 🤍Napkins 🤍Linens 🤍Charger ( or more than one for a stacked and very elevated look!) 🤍Chairs 🤍Then printed items like custom menus for EACH guest as well as seating cards with their names on them (usually also their meal indicator for serving team) Will elevate your wedding look! ❓️If you could only pick ONE thing to upgrade what would it be?❓️ Questions always welcome too! Make sure you are following me too. I give out daily USEFUL wedding planning tips. Planning @ericairwinweddings Decor/rental/florals @wedecor_inc Venue @fairmontlaurier Cover photo @agatharowland