When it comes to marriage ceremonies, couples draw inspiration from various cultural norms, traditions and influences all over the world. This is certainly the case for those who are planning to tie the knot in the Great White North. A wedding theme inspired by Canada can be especially fitting for Canadians who are thinking about what they’d like to do and see for their nuptials. This country is rich in culture and tradition, serving as a great source of inspiration for your wedding day. Here are some ideas to consider.
1. A Ceremony InThe Great Outdoors
Canada is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous outdoor environments and loveliest venues in which to say, “I do.” You can spring for an outdoor ceremony or reception in a garden, a forest or even on top of a mountain. Some popular choices for alfresco nuptials include the following locales:
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: A regal hotel in Quebec that brings to mind an enchanted castle from a fairy tale
Hôtel de Glace: An ice hotel in Quebec that is the only one of its kind
Nita Lake Lodge: A British Columbian lodge that offers stunning mountain views for the perfect wedding backdrop
Fogo Island Inn: A remote spot for outdoor lovers in Newfoundland
Many of these venues are also great spots for those who want to combine their wedding with a honeymoon. You may also consider outdoor adventure for a bachelor or bachelorette party.
2. Canuck Comestibles
When it comes to the big day, the menu is a major consideration for any nuptials, especially an event inspired by Canada. This nation is home to its fair share of classic dishes that make for excellent wedding day eats:
Montreal-style bagels: Sweeter, thinner and denser than their New York counterparts, these treats are a popular go-to, especially with typical bagel toppings such as salmon, lox, cream cheese and fruit spreads.
Poutine: This uniquely Canadian comfort dish combines a hearty umami gravy with cheese curds and crisp fried potatoes.
Tourtière: This Quebecois meat pie is especially popular around the holidays. It is traditionally filled with potatoes and ground beef, pork or veal. Customize this dish according to your personal tastes, especially if you prefer poultry or seafood to red meat.
Food is an important part of any wedding event, and you have these and other options when it comes to culinary inspiration in the Great White North.
3. Inspired Décor
Canada features one of the world’s most recognizable flags. The crimson and white banner featuring a red maple leaf is instantly associated with this country and can serve as the basis for your décor. From going with a crimson and white color scheme to incorporating maple leaves and more, there are many ways to embrace your homeland. Consider naming each reception table for a province or Canadian city with designs inspired accordingly, such as Vancouver, Toronto or Nova Scotia. Wedding day attire can also extend the theme — incorporate denim tuxedos and maple leaf-shaped jewelry and hardware.
4. A Ceremony in Support of Indigenous Peoples
Many indigenous peoples and communities can be found within Canadian borders. You can show support by booking your wedding at a venue owned and operated by Indigenous communities. Your wedding program can also acknowledge First Nations’ spiritualities, traditions and respect for their lands. Some of these venues also provide honeymoon accommodations. You can also encourage guests and well-wishers to donate to these communities in lieu of presents.
Engaged Canadian couples have many options when it comes to deciding on a theme for their nuptials. Canada provides cultural and visual inspiration for various elements of your marriage ceremony, reception and other events. You may not be able to get Celine Dion or Shania Twain to sing at your wedding, but there are other ideas to incorporate for a special day that is 100% yours and distinctly Canadian.
If you’re getting hitched in the great outdoors, you’ll probably need to rent a tent. They offer protection for your guests, vendors, food, drink, and equipment. But there’s more to renting one than making a phone call or sending an email. Before you book your outdoor tent, there are a few important details you should know.
Will a Tent Work at Your Venue?
Just because your prospective wedding site is outdoors doesn’t mean that you can install a tent there. Wedding Wire Canada’s Alice Prendergast explains that you’ll need solid level ground that’s not too soft. A few small dips and bumps are no big deal, but avoid sloping, pitted, or uneven areas. You’ll also need flooring with your tent. Most providers already include it, so you can choose between wood, canvas, or carpet.
Besides ground quality, you should also think about power needs. Unless you’re near an indoor building with a reliable power source, you’ll likely need a generator. It ensures that lighting, sound, HVAC, food service, and other equipment stay on throughout your event.
While you’re at it, don’t forget about parking and restroom access. Your desired venue should have enough space for guests to park. Depending on available facilities, you may have to rent portable toilets. Make sure that your rental bathroom provider can include accessible toilets for guests with disabilities.
What Type of Tent Do You Need?
Outdoor event tents are not one-size-fits-all. You should consider your site, guests, desired style, and typical weather patterns when choosing your tent. In another Wedding Wire Canada piece, Prendergast lists the seven common types you’ll find on the market: frame, pole, marquee, stretch, sailcloth, transparent, and yurt. Each type has a distinctive design:
Frame tents pair a canopy with a metal frame.
Pole tents include sturdy poles at the center and sides.
Marquee tents use a frame that includes a peaked center without using a central pole.
Stretch tents extend large pieces of material over several evenly-spaced securing poles.
Sailcloth tents incorporate several poles at the base and one in the center to hold up a canopy.
Transparent tents include frame tent bases to support see-through canopies.
Yurts are circular tents with lattice walls and wooden ribbed roofs supporting fabric canopies.
So which type of tent should you choose? Frame, marquee, and transparent tents are ideal for most types of terrain. Yurts are limited in size, so they’re best for smaller weddings. Pole and sailcloth tents require a center pole to anchor into the ground. Stretch tents can work well at unusual venues – think large decks or rooftops.
How Much Will a Tent Cost?
A Practical Wedding reveals that tent prices also include sidewalls, flooring, lighting, catering accommodations, and a stage for entertainers. Added together, these can equal or exceed the base tent rental price. The example figures from author Meg Hotchkiss are in U.S. dollars, but they should give you a rough idea. Get a detailed quote from each prospective vendor. These should be detailed with delivery, setup, any required permit fees, and tent breakdown.
What Other Details Should You Consider?
Before you go all in on a tent – or even book an outdoor venue – you need to know if your plan is feasible. Writing for Brides, event expert Anna Price Olson suggests checking your prospective site’s rules. It may prohibit staking into the ground or limit noise past a certain time. You should also inquire when your tent provider can come and set up. Keep in mind that this can take one to four days.
Renting a wedding tent doesn’t just shield your guests, food, and equipment from the elements. When properly set up, it helps you create the right mood and atmosphere. Your budget, event needs, and site feasibility should guide your decision to rent.
Survive an outdoor wedding this summer with style and grace by remembering to bring along these essentials to protect yourself from the elements.
The summer has arrived, which means more people will be spending time outdoors. It also means summer weddings are on the horizon. If you will be attending an outdoor reception in the coming months, you might need a little bit of help. While an outdoor wedding is very similar to a traditional indoor event, there are also a handful of considerations to take into account before the day arrives. This is especially true when it comes to what personal items you should bring along for your own comfort and enjoyment.
The outdoors can offer some unique challenges. Survive an outdoor wedding in style this season by remembering to bring along these essentials.
Sun Protection
The summer can get hot fast. When the sun is shining high in the sky, those down below need to take proper precautions to stay protected. Studies conducted over recent years have unearthed some alarming facts about the skin’s long-term exposure to sunlight. To keep your skin protected, you need to make sure you always put on a bit of sunscreen before you head outside. Medical professionals recommend you use products with an SPF of no less than 30 and that those with sensitive skin aim for a much higher SPF.
The sunscreen you use should also contain protection from both UVA and UVB rays, as these are the two you need to be wary of when exposing your skin to the sun. Don’t let an overcast day fool you, either. Just because the sun is obscured by clouds doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage. For added protection at an outdoor wedding, you may want to consider wearing an outfit that covers your arms and your legs. Hats with wide brims can also be helpful for keeping the sun off of your face throughout the event.
Weather Challenges
The trouble with an outdoor wedding is that it is at the mercy of the elements. When rain is in the forecast, the event cannot simply be rescheduled. A lot of time and energy has gone into putting the wedding together, which means a raincheck is not possible. Though the happy couple has probably made some alternative arrangements, guests who are planning on heading to outdoor weddings should also take a few precautions themselves. Bringing along the right accessories can help ensure you don’t fall prey to whatever the weather has in store.
An umbrella is a must when rain has been predicted for the day of the wedding. Even if you leave your home to blue skies, be sure to bring this along with you. The couple might plan on bringing people into an indoor space if it rains, but you still could get caught outside when the clouds open. A change of shoes can also be a wise choice, as some outdoor weddings are held on farms or grounds that can become muddy fast. An umbrella and extra pair of shoes can do wonders when an outdoor event gets wet.
Shades
Lastly, no guest at an outdoor wedding will feel complete without a pair of shades. Sunglasses can be a huge asset when you’re sitting outdoors for long periods of time in the summer. You don’t want to squint into the sunlight to watch the ceremony unfold, and sunglasses help to take a huge strain off your eyes. As with sunscreen, don’t let an overcast day fool you into thinking you’re safe. Sunglasses can prove just as invaluable when it is a bit cloudy out. Plus, everyone looks cooler in shades.
Attending an outdoor wedding can be a lot of fun. Be sure to bring along the right essentials to keep yourself comfortable while watching two people you care about tie the knot.
Using used goods, having an outdoor ceremony, and using recyclables are a good way to have a more eco-friendly wedding.
One environmentally friendly philosophy has entered the wedding industry. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint during your special day, you don’t have to give up the vision you have for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you find ways to turn your ceremony and reception into an eco-friendly wedding.
Choose an outdoor venue where the sun can provide the lighting. Many outdoor venues have the modern conveniences of toilets and sinks, making a more comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
If an outdoor venue is not an option, hold the ceremony and reception during the day in a venue that offers natural lighting. Host all the festivities during the day to avoid having to use electricity.
Also, hold your ceremony and reception in the same place. This will reduce the fuel emissions from guests.
Look for a venue that is environmentally friendly.
Print up wedding invitations on recycled paper, but instead of multiple inserts in the envelope, send your guests to your wedding website for more information. Go paperless with save-the-date notices.
Buy seasonal flowers from local vendors. Use potted plants or topiaries as centerpieces. You could also use silk flowers for your bouquet and decorate with items that can be reused later. There are also many options for decorations that can be found in your garden, such as twigs, moss and ivy.
Rent hybrid vehicles or use a horse and carriage to arrive and leave the wedding venue, if you must have a special moment.
Rent linen napkins instead of paper. Ask for glass tabletops and forego tablecloths.
Choose caterers that source from local farms and dairies. You can also serve local wines, champagnes and beers. Ask your caterer about its green philosophy. Does the company use eco-friendly cleaning products and is it careful with its paper consumption? Your cake baker should also use organic products and source locally as much as possible.
Avoid sturgeon caviar or Chilean sea bass and other threatened species.
Choose a honeymoon location that keeps your green vision in mind. Travel in eco-friendly methods and look for a hotel that is designed to be environmentally friendly.
What to Wear for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
For the bridal party’s attire, go eco-friendly by reusing garments. Many brides wear a gown from their mom or grandma, but if that is not an option, shop at a vintage clothing or consignment store. You can also rent gowns, much like you rent tuxedoes. If you want your own dress, look for one made of sustainable fabrics, such as silk, hemp or organic cotton.
Instead of choosing specific bridal party dresses, allow the bridesmaids to wear dresses they already own or give just a few guidelines to allow them to choose a dress that can be worn again. Your bridal party can show off their own style while finding dresses they love.
For the groom, instead of wearing a tux that might never come out of the closet again, invest in a good suit that can be used for other special occasions. Allow the groom’s attendants to wear nice pants, button-down shirts and matching vests instead of jackets.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You might have to ask your vendors what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Find ways to reuse items from your eco-friendly wedding. Shop at flea markets or antique stores for decorations. Ask your decorator or designer about what he or she already has in inventory. Talk to your friends about reusing wedding decorations. It might take a little more effort on your part to be environmentally conscious, but it can also make for a beautiful wedding that matches your philosophy.
When it comes to marriage ceremonies, couples draw inspiration from various cultural norms, traditions and influences all over the world. This is certainly the case for those who are planning to tie the knot in the Great White North. A wedding theme inspired by Canada can be especially fitting for Canadians who are thinking about what they’d like to do and see for their nuptials. This country is rich in culture and tradition, serving as a great source of inspiration for your wedding day. Here are some ideas to consider.
1. A Ceremony InThe Great Outdoors
Canada is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous outdoor environments and loveliest venues in which to say, “I do.” You can spring for an outdoor ceremony or reception in a garden, a forest or even on top of a mountain. Some popular choices for alfresco nuptials include the following locales:
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: A regal hotel in Quebec that brings to mind an enchanted castle from a fairy tale
Hôtel de Glace: An ice hotel in Quebec that is the only one of its kind
Nita Lake Lodge: A British Columbian lodge that offers stunning mountain views for the perfect wedding backdrop
Fogo Island Inn: A remote spot for outdoor lovers in Newfoundland
Many of these venues are also great spots for those who want to combine their wedding with a honeymoon. You may also consider outdoor adventure for a bachelor or bachelorette party.
2. Canuck Comestibles
When it comes to the big day, the menu is a major consideration for any nuptials, especially an event inspired by Canada. This nation is home to its fair share of classic dishes that make for excellent wedding day eats:
Montreal-style bagels: Sweeter, thinner and denser than their New York counterparts, these treats are a popular go-to, especially with typical bagel toppings such as salmon, lox, cream cheese and fruit spreads.
Poutine: This uniquely Canadian comfort dish combines a hearty umami gravy with cheese curds and crisp fried potatoes.
Tourtière: This Quebecois meat pie is especially popular around the holidays. It is traditionally filled with potatoes and ground beef, pork or veal. Customize this dish according to your personal tastes, especially if you prefer poultry or seafood to red meat.
Food is an important part of any wedding event, and you have these and other options when it comes to culinary inspiration in the Great White North.
3. Inspired Décor
Canada features one of the world’s most recognizable flags. The crimson and white banner featuring a red maple leaf is instantly associated with this country and can serve as the basis for your décor. From going with a crimson and white color scheme to incorporating maple leaves and more, there are many ways to embrace your homeland. Consider naming each reception table for a province or Canadian city with designs inspired accordingly, such as Vancouver, Toronto or Nova Scotia. Wedding day attire can also extend the theme — incorporate denim tuxedos and maple leaf-shaped jewelry and hardware.
4. A Ceremony in Support of Indigenous Peoples
Many indigenous peoples and communities can be found within Canadian borders. You can show support by booking your wedding at a venue owned and operated by Indigenous communities. Your wedding program can also acknowledge First Nations’ spiritualities, traditions and respect for their lands. Some of these venues also provide honeymoon accommodations. You can also encourage guests and well-wishers to donate to these communities in lieu of presents.
Engaged Canadian couples have many options when it comes to deciding on a theme for their nuptials. Canada provides cultural and visual inspiration for various elements of your marriage ceremony, reception and other events. You may not be able to get Celine Dion or Shania Twain to sing at your wedding, but there are other ideas to incorporate for a special day that is 100% yours and distinctly Canadian.
If you’re getting hitched in the great outdoors, you’ll probably need to rent a tent. They offer protection for your guests, vendors, food, drink, and equipment. But there’s more to renting one than making a phone call or sending an email. Before you book your outdoor tent, there are a few important details you should know.
Will a Tent Work at Your Venue?
Just because your prospective wedding site is outdoors doesn’t mean that you can install a tent there. Wedding Wire Canada’s Alice Prendergast explains that you’ll need solid level ground that’s not too soft. A few small dips and bumps are no big deal, but avoid sloping, pitted, or uneven areas. You’ll also need flooring with your tent. Most providers already include it, so you can choose between wood, canvas, or carpet.
Besides ground quality, you should also think about power needs. Unless you’re near an indoor building with a reliable power source, you’ll likely need a generator. It ensures that lighting, sound, HVAC, food service, and other equipment stay on throughout your event.
While you’re at it, don’t forget about parking and restroom access. Your desired venue should have enough space for guests to park. Depending on available facilities, you may have to rent portable toilets. Make sure that your rental bathroom provider can include accessible toilets for guests with disabilities.
What Type of Tent Do You Need?
Outdoor event tents are not one-size-fits-all. You should consider your site, guests, desired style, and typical weather patterns when choosing your tent. In another Wedding Wire Canada piece, Prendergast lists the seven common types you’ll find on the market: frame, pole, marquee, stretch, sailcloth, transparent, and yurt. Each type has a distinctive design:
Frame tents pair a canopy with a metal frame.
Pole tents include sturdy poles at the center and sides.
Marquee tents use a frame that includes a peaked center without using a central pole.
Stretch tents extend large pieces of material over several evenly-spaced securing poles.
Sailcloth tents incorporate several poles at the base and one in the center to hold up a canopy.
Transparent tents include frame tent bases to support see-through canopies.
Yurts are circular tents with lattice walls and wooden ribbed roofs supporting fabric canopies.
So which type of tent should you choose? Frame, marquee, and transparent tents are ideal for most types of terrain. Yurts are limited in size, so they’re best for smaller weddings. Pole and sailcloth tents require a center pole to anchor into the ground. Stretch tents can work well at unusual venues – think large decks or rooftops.
How Much Will a Tent Cost?
A Practical Wedding reveals that tent prices also include sidewalls, flooring, lighting, catering accommodations, and a stage for entertainers. Added together, these can equal or exceed the base tent rental price. The example figures from author Meg Hotchkiss are in U.S. dollars, but they should give you a rough idea. Get a detailed quote from each prospective vendor. These should be detailed with delivery, setup, any required permit fees, and tent breakdown.
What Other Details Should You Consider?
Before you go all in on a tent – or even book an outdoor venue – you need to know if your plan is feasible. Writing for Brides, event expert Anna Price Olson suggests checking your prospective site’s rules. It may prohibit staking into the ground or limit noise past a certain time. You should also inquire when your tent provider can come and set up. Keep in mind that this can take one to four days.
Renting a wedding tent doesn’t just shield your guests, food, and equipment from the elements. When properly set up, it helps you create the right mood and atmosphere. Your budget, event needs, and site feasibility should guide your decision to rent.
Survive an outdoor wedding this summer with style and grace by remembering to bring along these essentials to protect yourself from the elements.
The summer has arrived, which means more people will be spending time outdoors. It also means summer weddings are on the horizon. If you will be attending an outdoor reception in the coming months, you might need a little bit of help. While an outdoor wedding is very similar to a traditional indoor event, there are also a handful of considerations to take into account before the day arrives. This is especially true when it comes to what personal items you should bring along for your own comfort and enjoyment.
The outdoors can offer some unique challenges. Survive an outdoor wedding in style this season by remembering to bring along these essentials.
Sun Protection
The summer can get hot fast. When the sun is shining high in the sky, those down below need to take proper precautions to stay protected. Studies conducted over recent years have unearthed some alarming facts about the skin’s long-term exposure to sunlight. To keep your skin protected, you need to make sure you always put on a bit of sunscreen before you head outside. Medical professionals recommend you use products with an SPF of no less than 30 and that those with sensitive skin aim for a much higher SPF.
The sunscreen you use should also contain protection from both UVA and UVB rays, as these are the two you need to be wary of when exposing your skin to the sun. Don’t let an overcast day fool you, either. Just because the sun is obscured by clouds doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage. For added protection at an outdoor wedding, you may want to consider wearing an outfit that covers your arms and your legs. Hats with wide brims can also be helpful for keeping the sun off of your face throughout the event.
Weather Challenges
The trouble with an outdoor wedding is that it is at the mercy of the elements. When rain is in the forecast, the event cannot simply be rescheduled. A lot of time and energy has gone into putting the wedding together, which means a raincheck is not possible. Though the happy couple has probably made some alternative arrangements, guests who are planning on heading to outdoor weddings should also take a few precautions themselves. Bringing along the right accessories can help ensure you don’t fall prey to whatever the weather has in store.
An umbrella is a must when rain has been predicted for the day of the wedding. Even if you leave your home to blue skies, be sure to bring this along with you. The couple might plan on bringing people into an indoor space if it rains, but you still could get caught outside when the clouds open. A change of shoes can also be a wise choice, as some outdoor weddings are held on farms or grounds that can become muddy fast. An umbrella and extra pair of shoes can do wonders when an outdoor event gets wet.
Shades
Lastly, no guest at an outdoor wedding will feel complete without a pair of shades. Sunglasses can be a huge asset when you’re sitting outdoors for long periods of time in the summer. You don’t want to squint into the sunlight to watch the ceremony unfold, and sunglasses help to take a huge strain off your eyes. As with sunscreen, don’t let an overcast day fool you into thinking you’re safe. Sunglasses can prove just as invaluable when it is a bit cloudy out. Plus, everyone looks cooler in shades.
Attending an outdoor wedding can be a lot of fun. Be sure to bring along the right essentials to keep yourself comfortable while watching two people you care about tie the knot.
Using used goods, having an outdoor ceremony, and using recyclables are a good way to have a more eco-friendly wedding.
One environmentally friendly philosophy has entered the wedding industry. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint during your special day, you don’t have to give up the vision you have for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you find ways to turn your ceremony and reception into an eco-friendly wedding.
Choose an outdoor venue where the sun can provide the lighting. Many outdoor venues have the modern conveniences of toilets and sinks, making a more comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
If an outdoor venue is not an option, hold the ceremony and reception during the day in a venue that offers natural lighting. Host all the festivities during the day to avoid having to use electricity.
Also, hold your ceremony and reception in the same place. This will reduce the fuel emissions from guests.
Look for a venue that is environmentally friendly.
Print up wedding invitations on recycled paper, but instead of multiple inserts in the envelope, send your guests to your wedding website for more information. Go paperless with save-the-date notices.
Buy seasonal flowers from local vendors. Use potted plants or topiaries as centerpieces. You could also use silk flowers for your bouquet and decorate with items that can be reused later. There are also many options for decorations that can be found in your garden, such as twigs, moss and ivy.
Rent hybrid vehicles or use a horse and carriage to arrive and leave the wedding venue, if you must have a special moment.
Rent linen napkins instead of paper. Ask for glass tabletops and forego tablecloths.
Choose caterers that source from local farms and dairies. You can also serve local wines, champagnes and beers. Ask your caterer about its green philosophy. Does the company use eco-friendly cleaning products and is it careful with its paper consumption? Your cake baker should also use organic products and source locally as much as possible.
Avoid sturgeon caviar or Chilean sea bass and other threatened species.
Choose a honeymoon location that keeps your green vision in mind. Travel in eco-friendly methods and look for a hotel that is designed to be environmentally friendly.
What to Wear for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
For the bridal party’s attire, go eco-friendly by reusing garments. Many brides wear a gown from their mom or grandma, but if that is not an option, shop at a vintage clothing or consignment store. You can also rent gowns, much like you rent tuxedoes. If you want your own dress, look for one made of sustainable fabrics, such as silk, hemp or organic cotton.
Instead of choosing specific bridal party dresses, allow the bridesmaids to wear dresses they already own or give just a few guidelines to allow them to choose a dress that can be worn again. Your bridal party can show off their own style while finding dresses they love.
For the groom, instead of wearing a tux that might never come out of the closet again, invest in a good suit that can be used for other special occasions. Allow the groom’s attendants to wear nice pants, button-down shirts and matching vests instead of jackets.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You might have to ask your vendors what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Find ways to reuse items from your eco-friendly wedding. Shop at flea markets or antique stores for decorations. Ask your decorator or designer about what he or she already has in inventory. Talk to your friends about reusing wedding decorations. It might take a little more effort on your part to be environmentally conscious, but it can also make for a beautiful wedding that matches your philosophy.
