Ask a Planner... "Wedding Party Attire... Who Pays?"

Hiya DreamGroup! 

You guys are awesome for doing this! It’s so nice to have a place to ask my question!  We are debating whether or not to pay for my bridesmaid’s dresses and the guy’s suit rentals.  Is it totally taboo to ask the wedding party to pay for these themselves?  I’ve heard a lot of different opinions from the peanut gallery but figured you’d know better than anyone!  Thanks!

Jenn B.

Hi Jenn,

This is a great question and a commonly debated one at that!  My personal opinion is that being in a wedding party (especially as a bridesmaid) can be very expensive once you add up all the money that your loyal girlfriends will need to spend over the duration of your “year in the sun” – there’s engagement party gifts, bridal shower gifts (and in some cases the expense of hosting the shower itself), stagette costs, wedding day hair and make-up fees, the dress of course, and sometimes even a wedding present.  I have a good friend who has been a bridesmaid about 8 times and figures she has spent over ten thousand dollars being a dutiful "lady in waiting".  That’s a lot of money!  My thoughts are that if you are financially able to pay for the dresses and tuxedos please do so.  It’s the polite thoughtful way to go.

In the event that you simply cannot afford to cover this cost than do the next best thing and keep the cost of the dress to under $200.00 all in with alterations (or offer to pay a portion thereof to keep the price near that amount) or better yet allow your bridesmaids to choose their own off the rack dress providing some specific colour and/or style parameters which will keep the look unified and complimentary.  You might even plan a shopping day with each of your bridesmaids separately which can be fun not to mention a savvy damage control plan of action (as not everyone’s version of medium pink or soft green is the same).  Black cocktail dresses are a fabulous alternative if appropriate with your colour theme and ceremony environment.  And who doesn’t need an excuse to go out and buy a fabulous new black cocktail dress?! Apart from the dress, the same rule applies to hair and make-up, any jewelery or shoes you specifically ask your bridesmaids to purchase, etc.  Just be considerate and either cover the cost or keep costs and requested wedding party purchases to a minimum.

As you have likely noticed I did not talk much about the groomsmen, but the same rule applies… if you can afford it, cover it, if not, than keep costs as reasonable as possible without resorting to the $99 hot & stiff polyester “may burst into flames any second” suit/tuxedo.  AND… whatever you do don’t allow the groomsmen to rent their own suits/tuxedos or wear one out of their closet as this is a sure way to create a disheveled looking wedding party! Navy for example comes in many different shades and suits/tuxedos come in many different styles.  If one groomsman has a 2-button navy suit with a thinner lapel, the other a 3-button lighter Navy suit with a bit of a sheen to it, and the third a more modern body hugging almost black navy suit, you will have one messy looking line up.  A sure way to ruin your wedding photos!  Renting (regardless of who is paying) is often the most sensible way to go in order to guarantee a unified and elegant overall look.

Best of luck with your wedding Jenn! 

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

Cheerio,

Genève 



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, 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.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Monday's Montage: Mismatched Vintage Tableware

I love the look of mismatched vintage plates and other tableware at weddings! It’s charming, whimsical and fun.

Perhaps you enjoy the thrill of Antiquing, hunting at yard sales, rummage sales and second hand stores (You could find several vintage plates at Value Village for $1 each.)

Keep the pieces to use after the wedding, or sell them to other vintage brides at The Original Bridal Swap in April. 

Would 200 teacups overwhelm your Yaletown condo? If you do not have the desire to keep these treasures, or not enough time, Jessica from Trove Vintage Rentals and handmade affairs has it all!

Here are some images to inspire to get out there and start junkin’

By Jayleen Deelman, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup for 2 years and after proving herself as our Star Wedding Coordinator now takes on the role of Loving 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.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

This week's Friday's Fabulous Find will make you feel like Cinderella!

 The perfect shoe for the perfect you! 

Let your personality shine through your tootsies with these unique & sooo...comfortable shoes.  

www.chiemihara.com

By Chie Mihara

Not only will your dreams come true on your wedding day by marrying the love of your life, you will be able to do it in style and dance the night away in comfort! 

 Every bride that tries on these shoes, doesn’t want to take them off!

 

 

www.chiemihara.com

Here's what the designer Chie Mihara, from Spain says about her creation:
She wants "to offer women something different, footwear designed by woman for women, with a priority placed on design and comfort.  We're mothers, working women, active women!" say's Chie.  "We should have shoes that match our needs.  We want to look feminine, beautiful, attractive but without giving up comfort".

Tip:

Your accessories on the day of your wedding is a great way to way to make a statement of your personality and the photographer can get some beautiful/creative shots!

 

www.chiemihara.com

Whatever the occasion, these heels will stay with you for many years to come.  If you are a bride or bride to be, may I suggest investing in a pair of Chie Mihara’s brilliantly designed shoes, they will take your breathe away!

To find these beauties, check out www.chiemihara.com  

or 

www.umeboshishoes.com

For more fabulous styles of shoes and where to purchase Chie Mihara check out Umeboshi  located at 3638 Main Street.

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Ask a Planner... "Budget Stress"

Hello DreamGroup

Any advice for a couple struggling with budget issues?  We are seriously over budget and our families are not very happy with us right now.  We had thought that we could pull off an 80 person wedding with 15K if we rolled up our sleeves and DIYd most stuff. Needless to say that’s not happening.  We totally underestimated how much everything was going to cost and have basically racked up a wedding bill of around 27K. Our families are holding their ground with the $7500.00 each they committed to so my fiancé and I are topping up some of the money an also need to find a way to reduce our budget by at least 5K.  I know you are likely laughing at us right now, but it’s the truth and any suggestions would be welcome. 

Sincerely $$$ Stressed

Chelsea M.

Dear Chelsea,

Eek. You have found yourself in a bit of a pickle haven't you?!  The good news is you still have the power to get it under control.  At least in part. On last week’s Ask a Planner I mentioned that Family Dynamics was one of the two biggest stressors during the planning of a wedding… well, Budget Stress is the other one!  The main cause of budget stress is that couples often do not start out with a realistic budget to begin with, but rather determine a number that they are comfortable/able to spend and just start checking off the planning “to do” list without determining if their budget is in line with their needs and expectations. 

The first thing you need to do Chelsea is applaud yourself for coming to this conclusion now rather than after the wedding when you are drowning in debt and dealing with angry vendors who are looking to be paid!  It unfortunately happens a lot. BEFORE the wedding takes place is the time to revisit your budget allocation and perhaps make some adjustments to the product and service line up for your wedding.  i.e. trim back menu offerings, omit little luxuries like the champagne toast or even guest favors, reduce number of photography hours by one or two, cancel professional limousine services and ask family and friends to step up in offering chauffeuring services, reduce the size of the floral centerpieces or opt for a less expensive design/flower type, etc.

My suggestion is to take a look at your budget (hopefully already drawn up in an easy to review spreadsheet format) and cross reference it with all your contracts and commitments to date.  Determine where you may have some wiggle room as far as cutting back or omitting certain services or number of hours.  It may be prudent to have a phone chat with each of your contracted vendors including the caterer/venue and ask them what they suggest as far as some clever ways to cut back without completely infringing on your contract minimums and hopefully preserving the integrity of the final product or service in question.  

Hindsight is 20-20 and although what I’m about to say won’t help you personally at this time, for the benefit of our readers I would like to stress the importance of having a realistic budget in place to begin with.  The budget should be calculated based on, not just your guest numbers, but the area you are having the wedding (Urban or Rural), your social circles, caliber expectations, as well as basic needs.  This is where an experienced planner that offers consulting services can be super beneficial in helping you create a customized estimated wedding budget factoring in all your wants and needs from the start so you can determine if the final total works within your financial means.  If it does, that’s great and you can confidently and calmly proceed from there eliminating some very stressful planning pitfalls.  If it doesn’t… well, that’s when you go back to the drawing board and re-examine your priorities and needs.

Although budgets are very complex and everyone’s needs and priorities will be different pending several cost determining factors, the basic rule of thumb in determining a realistic budget is this: decide on the caliber and type of venue you are hoping to host the wedding at, then contact them and find out what the average cost of a wedding is at that venue.  This cost should factor in food, drinks, taxes, gratuity and any room rentals if applicable.  Determine the per person cost and times that by the expected number of guests for your wedding.  This amount usually takes up approximately 40-60% of a total wedding budget pending your caliber expectations and services included.  i.e. 120 person wedding x $125.00 for F&B = $15K x 2 = $30K give or take. Food & Beverage/Bar costs can vary anywhere from $80.00 to $200.00/head once all the bells and whistles are factored in so adjust your estimate based on the venue you are considering for your wedding and go from there.

Best of luck Chelsea!  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week duckies… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

Cheerio,

Genève 



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, 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.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Win a 2 Nights Stay at Crystal Creek Bed & Breakfast

This May be the lucky winner of a 2 night stay at the Crystal Creek Bed & Breakfast! 

Check out the bottom of this post for contest details. 

Crystal Creek Bed & Breakfast is located in the beautiful Village of Anmore, an undiscovered jewel in the suburbs of Vancouver (only 35 minutes to Vancouver). Anmore is home to Buntzen Lake, a fresh water lake surrounded by shoreline and mountain trails, picnic grounds, boat rentals, summer swimming, and encompassing the magnificence of nature at its best.

Crystal Creek is the perfect location for a mini-moon to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city OR to house out of town guests while they are in Vancouver.  It's only a short distance to downtown and is a beautiful setting for people to experience the beauty of what BC has to offer. 

 

 

 

 While staying at the Crystal Creek Bed & Breakfast guests can enjoy lots of outdoor activities including hiking & biking the local trails and water & winter sports.

To experience the Crystal Creek Bed & Breakfast or for more information, visit their website at www.crystalcreekbedandbreakfast.com.

Facebook  |  Twitter: CrystalCreek.ca

------------------------------------------------

CONTEST DETAILS

WIN a 2 night stay in Crystal Creek's Summer Room 

(their most popular room)

Value of this package is over $443.00 CAD.

To enter: Simply 'like' DreamGroup on Facebook AND retweet the phrase below...

"I entered @DreamGroup's Giveaway for a 2 nights stay @CrystalCreek.ca B&B"

This Contest ends Thursday, May 31st, 2012 at midnight PST.  Winner will be drawn randomly and announced on the DreamGroup Blog, Facebook and Twitter on June 1st.  The winner must contact DreamGroup within 72 hours to claim their prize, otherwise another winner will be drawn.

Good Luck!

-----------------------------------------

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Monday's Montage: S’mores Bar

Happy May long weekend!! I hope many of you are enjoying time off, the sunshine and maybe a getaway camping? Which to me means.. Some S'mores by the fire please!! If this childhood treat represents you and your fiance, why not incorporate it into your wedding day?

It is such a warm, family friendly idea that has definitely been preserved over the years and lately it seems to have had a ‘face-lift’.

You can now see a s’mores bar on a bar set in rocks with burners serving as your flame source.  Very contemporary and classy

There are many variations to the contemporary s’mores bar … whichever display you decide, remember the most important part is offering your guests a fun way to enjoy making their own s’mores.

You can offer several different types of chocolates and graham crackers along with fresh fruits as an added bonus! (I just got a serious craving for Reese's Pieces)

Interested in a more classic style s’mores bar? Well, you can have everything set-up out side with a real fire burning for your guests to not only enjoying roasting s’mores over, but to also use as a source of heat on a cool night.

You could also use a s’mores make your own box as your place-cards as well as your thank you gift to your weddings guests. This is great way to give your guests the option of making their s’mores at the reception or at home.

Enjoy!! Now I need chocolate.

By Jayleen Deelman, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup for 2 years and after proving herself as our Star Wedding Coordinator now takes on the role of Loving 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.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Friday Fabulous Find wants to brand your wedding MOKO style!

Every Bride wants something unique and different at her wedding to express the love she shares with her Groom...

Well look no further, this week's fabulous find will help you do just that!

MOKO Branding

Moko is a premier design & laser etching company that’s built on a vivacious vibe.
Moko's niche is in luxury weddings and corporate branding in Vancouver.
(www.mokobranding.com)

Whether it's creating invites or personalizing wedding favours (etched martini or shot glasses) to designing table numbers or direction signs for your ceremony, Moko Branding will get it done. 

Moko is known for their exceptional service while delivering products that are cleverly unique, thought provoking and promote self expression. 

Founder, Manny Abecia personally takes each client through a brainstorming session, allowing your creative side to come alive as he takes you through an experience of defining you and your partner's personality!

Here is some of Moko Branding's work

Check out Moko's website for more information or contact Manny at at 604-220-9416 or via email manny@mokobranding.com

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Client Expectations Exceeded!...

We just received this wonderful testimonial from the people at Slant Six Games after creating their Launch party for their latest game, Resident Evil: Raccoon City.

It was very cool to see this event come to life!  If you missed the post featuring this one of a kind event, check it out here.

“Sarah and the DreamGroup Productions team know how to create a phenomenal event! This super creative and highly organized team delivered the most memorable, fun and originally themed wrap party for the global release of our video game Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. Every detail around the décor, entertainment and food & drinks had been so carefully researched and considered to produce an amazing zombie atmosphere in homage to our game. Behind all this seamless fun and entertainment is a slick team of efficient workers ensuring all logistics run like clockwork so all we had to do was enjoy the zombie cocktails and socialize. We would highly recommend this team for any of your event planning needs”

Best, 

Ruth Spink, Slant Six Games

And here are a few of the comments that we received from the staff the morning after the party...

Hi Sarah,

I wanted to thank you again for all your hard work and for helping us throw the best Slant Six party yet! I had an amazing time and was blown away by how perfectly everything came together.

There are a ton of emails going around the office today about how much everyone enjoyed the party and I thought I’d share with you some of the feedback we’re getting:

“This is the coolest party I’ve been to with so much detail, especially with the Raccoon City police car, Vector, Clare, Zombies, the G-virus dispenser, and the flip books. :)

I had a blast.  I would to thank everyone who helped out to make this amazing party possible. Thank you!”

“Thank you so much for such a brilliant party. Everything was perfect. I’m sure there are probably more people I should thank, but I’m not sure who they are, so please pass my thanks on to any and all applicable parties.”

“I’ve been to a fair number of Slant Six parties now, and this one was the best! Just fantastic on all levels – you guys outdid yourselves. :D

Thank you for a great night! :D”

“that party was awesome – many thanks to everyone that had a hand it making it come together ! :) ”

“I also wanted to send out a huge thank you to all involved with Friday night’s festivities.  It was the coolest wrap party I’ve ever been to. “

“It was incredible - I couldn’t believe the attention to detail. Just epic, thanks guys! :-D“

“Best party ever :)”

“That was truly awesome. Had the best time!

Thank you!”

“Awesome party you guys.

I can't imagine how much planning and coordination it took to pull all that together, there was so much going on.”

“It was one of the best events we have ever had!”

“Thank you for the most epic and dream come true party I've ever had!”

Check out the photos from this event here

Sarah Shore
principal planner

Sarah Shore always knew she would be an entrepreneur.  In 2002 Sarah graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Commerce in Business.  Sarah started a successful wedding website design company that gave her a taste for the entrepreneurial possibilities to come.

Sarah brings to the company a priceless range of cherished talents that give DreamGroup both a technical, stylish, and efficient edge.  Methodical in nature, and organized to a fault, Sarah’s composed approach to running the company and managing her accounts is always appreciated by both clients and associates alike.  Her ability to act as mediator for her clients in times of difficulty and keep her cool in times of stress are only two of Sarah’s most admirable qualities.  Her candidness and calm manner have brought for her the affectionate moniker, “No-Nonsense Shore”. 

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

 

Ask a Planner... "Mamma Drama"

Dear DreamGroup,

I’m having a really hard time planning my wedding with my mom!  She just doesn’t seem to understand that this is our day and not hers!  I’m so frustrated!! My mom is paying for some of the wedding, but she’s not putting in as much as my fiancé’s parents are and my fiancé and I are putting in some of our own money, but she wants to be involved in every part of the wedding and have a say in every decision!  I can’t believe I’m writing in about this, but I really need some advice on how to deal with this as its getting worse with each passing week. 

Help!!!

Unhappy Daughter

Dear Unhappy,

I’m sorry you are dealing with this situation.  It is most certainly exhausting and stressful.  Take a deep breathe and take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  Unfortunately mother-daughter wedding strife is a very common occurrence. Heck, family dynamics is THE #1 STRESSOR during many wedding planning journeys.  It most often stems from a mother’s desire for her daughter’s day to be PERFECT and feeling like her life experiences and passion are the best way to ensure success!  In the process it ends up causing a whole lot of unnecessary stress, arguments, and often tears!  Although there is no guaranteed quick solution to the classic mother-daughter alienations often experienced, there are some steps you can take to minimize the ongoing battles.  

Sit down with your mom and be candid with her about how you are feeling. Use “I feel” statements over “You always” as the latter just adds fuel to an already warmly kindled fire. :O)  Tell her you value her opinion and appreciate her desire to be involved, but that her need to weigh in on every detail and have a say on every decision is taking its toll on you not too mention the fun out of what should be an enjoyable planning experience for everyone involved.  Some other ideas would be to decide on some specific areas that your mom can focus her energy and talents on. i.e. sourcing the perfect linens, collecting all the addresses for the guest list, writing the wording for the invitations, hiring the vintage car, choosing the ceremony music, etc.  If she is delegated specific tasks to take ownership of (ideally ones you don't mind giving up control of) this will allow her to feel heard, involved, and have some bragging rights come the wedding day talking about how she helped make the day PERFECT!  

Although it may not be something you want to hear or think about right now one day I swear you will likely look back and be thankful you had a mom who cared enough to be “annoyingly involved”.  I wish you the best of luck going forward and if all else fails buy our promo t-shirt that says... "You've had your wedding, now let your daughter have hers." lol

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week duckies… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

Cheerio,

Genève 



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, 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.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Monday's Montage - Creative Guestbooks

If you’ve ever read through someone’s guest book, you’ll notice that most of the entries are pretty repetitive.. “Congrats, we’re so happy for you!” "Best of luck!"  etc.. etc. Here are some more creative ideas for guest books that would be much more interesting to read through later!


#1. Wishing Tree. Put beautiful branches such as cherry blossom, manzanita, or magnolia branches in a vase. Make cards with ribbons attached and ask guests to write their well wishes or advice and hang the cards on the branches.

#2. Postcards/Mailbox. Provide postcards of the city where your wedding is held. Ask guests to sign the backs, then slip them into a mailbox. Perfect for a travel-themed wedding!

#3. Framed Poster. A very popular, and beautiful idea. Frame a nice picture of yourselves and have guests sign the mat with nice pens provided. Memories and a new piece of art to hang in your home!

#4. Fingerprints Tree. This is such a sweet and unique idea! Draw a tree with lots of empty branches on a poster, then put up a sign asking guests to “leaf” a fingerprint and sign their name. (Smart idea to have wet wipes near by for guests to clean up afterwards, can't have thumbprints on that white dress!!)

#5. Typewriter. A fun vintage typewriter can serve as decor, AND as guestbooks. Provide some direction, like asking guests to share some words of wisdom, and you’ll get more interesting responses.

#6. Polaroid Guestbook. A spin-off of the photobooth guestbook is to have guests take Polaroids of themselves, mount them in a book, and sign next to their photo.

Not only does the guest book serve as a fun, interactive activity for your guests, more importantly it's a time capsule of your friends a family who were there for you on your big day. It will mean so much in 50 years time when you are older and grey, still so madly in love, sitting on your couch together flipping through your guest book and reliving that day.

By Jayleen Deelman, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup for 2 years and after proving herself as our Star Wedding Coordinator now takes on the role of Loving 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.

Friday's Fabulous Find is a hidden gem in Yaletown

Hi Brides and Lovers, allow me to introduce to you...

Divine Vines Contemporary Floral Boutique

Located at 1066 Mainland Street, nestled amongst the cobblestone walks of Yaletown, you come across the gifted Divine Vines team who is;

  innovative and talented creating unique and memorable arrangements to please the most discerning eye. 

 

If you're a Bride in need of a creative florist for your wedding, check out Divine Vines and see for yourself all the beautiful fragrances that await you!

The team at Divine Vines can handle it all, whether your wedding is best described as contemporary chic, over the top glamorous or a simple vintage farm wedding, the team at Divine Vines are excited to help your vision come alive.   

Some of their client list includes: Vancouver Canucks, Celine Dion, Walt Disney and international clients from Germany, France, Australia, Thailand...just to name a few ;).

 

As you walk into the shop, you are greeted with beautiful, fresh arrays of colorful florals that uplift any mood!  And of course the owner Marie Oyama is always there ready to greet you with a welcoming smile!  

Marie and her team are about understanding the clients design palate and creating designs that best fit your style. 

 

I suggest you start dropping hints to your partner about sending you a little something!! Or if you want to send your fabulous bridesmaid(s) a beautiful posy to say "thank you" Divine Vines would be happy to take care of it for you.

Check out Divine Vines website for further information at www.divinevines.ca or take a walk as you enjoy the beautiful weather and stop into their shop!

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!