Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Ask a Planner... "DIY vs. Hiring a Pro?"

Hello.  

Can you recommend a florist that will give me the best value?  I am looking for tall centerpieces of white and purple roses.  I can't decide between DIY or hiring a florist.  Would you recommend doing the floral yourself? Thx.


Rachel



Hello Rachel,


Wedding florals come in all shapes, styles and budgets.  Whether to DIY it or hire a pro often means you fall into one of two categories... creative and crafty or budget conscious -- and sometimes it's both!  You are either not afraid to get your hands dirty and genuinely want to be a hands on DIY bride or you are simply trying to maximize your budget and think DIYing will save you money.   


The truth is, it can save you money, but it's not always the case as it really depends on what you have in mind and secondly it comes at a different kind of cost -- a "time" cost.  Most brides who choose to DIY (whether it be for flowers, invitations or cake) say later on that it was far larger a project or investment of their time and energy than they could have ever anticipated.  Some regret it and others say it was tough, but they wouldn't have had it any other way.  They enjoyed being able to say they had a very active hand in making their own wedding vision come to life.  


As I touched on above, DIYing does not always save you money because once you purchase the vases, the flowers, pay for the gas to drive around getting all the bits and pieces it can often end up being very close to if not the same price that a modest wedding pro might have charged as they already own the vase and already regularly have flowers in store, etc.  This doesn't account for your time either.  Typically a floral centerpiece will range anywhere in price between $50 and $400.00 each depending on the size, type of flowers, and florist being used.


My suggestion is that you meet with a 2 florists (or maybe 3 if you have the time) to determine what your vision might cost and then do some thinking and a little homework and do what works best for you.  Below are a few local budget friendly (and reputable) suggestions for you to look into:








Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week darlings!  And don't be shy!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca


XOXO

Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book


Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

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We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!
 




Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday's Montage: For the love of Rock & Roll

Do you and your soon-to-be share a love of classical, jazz, rock 'n roll, or just music in general? I'm sure you will invest in an awesome band, or fantastic DJ for your wedding night. There are also other creative and affordable ways to showcase your love of music and sites like Etsy make it a breeze.


Now you can infuse vintage sheet music and musical notes, and quotes from your favorite bands or songs, all throughout your wedding ceremony and reception! Take a look at these handmade treasures below to see what I mean. If you're an expert at crafts, you could create these on your own!



These song request cards will really be appreciated when it's loud and the party is in full force!
 








Cool guys wear Cool Cuff Links, don't you agree?







 
Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Monday's Montage: Pretty Pumpkins

I have finally come to terms and accepted that it is fall, and isn't it beautiful! Spiced lattes, gorgeous colours, crisp fresh air, boots and scarves. There are many gorgeous ways to incorporate fall into your wedding. I love the whimsical and earthy feel pumpkins can add to an event whether they are used as a light container, decor, for a centerpiece or to create a unique ring shot. Pumpkins are no longer just for carving jack-o-lanterns this month, below are a few beautiful alternatives in using them for your wedding look!











This month and this gorgeous season offers so many opportunities for a unique, one of a kind wedding. Enjoy, be in love, and stay warm!!


Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Monday's Montage: More Mason Jars!

Mason Jar Love! Mason jars have a very classic appeal, combine that with the fact that they are so versatile and it is no wonder they are loved everywhere. But these DIY mason jars have come a long way from just holding jam. Here are 10 ways to make the most out of your mason jars.
 
1. Mason Jar Chandelier, how dramatic!

 
2.Go for the gold- or silver mason jar. A little paint can go a long way. Painted mason jars make for very pretty vases for every room in the house.
 

3. Perfect for a DIY Backdrop, hanging mason jar candles and ribbon. How pretty would this be for an outdoor party?

 
4. Not much is cuter than food served in a mason jar. Makes for the perfect presentation and gift.
 
 
5. Drink to this- Mason jar wine glasses, also known as redneck wine glasses are easy to make and very fun.
 
 
6. Light it up- backyard lights made from mason jars.
 
 
7. Wrap it with Twine. You can decorate mason jars in endless ways but these twine ones make stunning centerpieces.
 
 
8. Smile for the Camera- mason jar frames. Cut your photos so they fit and display them in mason jars. So unique and charming.
 
 
9. Drink it up! Pre-made and ready to go mixed cocktails in mason jars. Love this idea for any kind of backyard bash.
 
 
10. Soap it up- the soap dispenser mason jar. Practical and amazing.
 
 
 
 
 
Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.


We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!



Monday, September 10, 2012

Monday's Montage: Decorative Backdrops

The top wedding trends of the moment are Pops of Colour, Ombre shading and the ultimate favourite trend at the moment, Decorative Backdrops for adorning space at a wedding ceremony or reception. We love all the different ways that you can add a beautiful visual to your wedding with ribbons, colourful fabrics, tissue paper garlands or pom poms. Of course in some cases backdrops are more functional than anything as they may be required to to block out some disastrous interior design, or maybe a faulty window – whatever the reason may be you can’t go too wrong with any of the backdrop ideas below. If you love any of the ideas below but D.I.Y wouldn’t be your strong point we can point you in the right direction.



 
 Tassel Garlands
 
 
 
 
 Decorative Wallpaper or Fabric


 Personalized Boards


 


Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.


We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!