themed wedding

Four Ideas for a Canadian-Themed Marriage Ceremony

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 In The 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.

Hot Wedding Trends To Consider for Your Big Day

While you may already have some ideas for a wedding theme, take time to research the latest trends to ensure you are knowledgeable about all your options.

While you may already have some ideas for a wedding theme, take time to research the latest trends to ensure you are knowledgeable about all your options.

Each year, an estimated five million weddings take place around the world. The sheer volume of people marrying has turned the wedding industry into a unique beast. Due to how many people are planning their upcoming weddings at any given moment, there are countless designers, vendors, and experts who offer insight on the latest and most interesting trends of the industry. From fashion to food, decor to delayed honeymoons, there are all kinds of trends and fads appearing that may prove intriguing to you and your significant other as you march closer to your wedding date.

If you’re planning for your big day, then you might be curious to learn about some of the hottest trends in the industry right now. Look over these ideas and see whether these fads are a good fit for your needs.

Pick a Theme

One of the biggest trends that has been growing in popularity in recent years is the idea of a themed wedding. While the concept itself is not new, with couples tying the knot amidst all sorts of themes over the decades, more people are infusing their big days with highly personal themes. If you and your significant other have a passion about a certain bit of pop culture, then a themed reception is an ideal way to showcase both your love for each other and your dedication to a specific hobby.

From decorating a venue to mimic the appearance of Hogwarts to handing out lightsabers to guests as they enter the reception hall, there are countless ways for you and your partner to add a big personal touch to your wedding. Couples these days are exploring all kinds of fun options for boosting the visual appeal of their events. Even “Game of Thrones,” a show that is notorious for weddings devolving into bloodbaths, is one of the top themes you can expect at a wedding. Get creative, and you may be able to play with your theme in fulfilling ways.

Consider a Lighting Budget

When you’re planning for a wedding, you need to take many angles into consideration. Above all else, you need to have enough available funds to accomplish all you’re setting out to do. This won’t always be possible, of course, as wedding-related expenses tend to run pretty high. If you want to deliver an event that is beautiful in appearance without breaking the bank, you may be interested in the trend of focusing heavily on the lighting. The right lighting can make even a sparsely decorated hall look absolutely phenomenal.

Lighting can take many forms. You can go for the soft, romantic approach of using low lights in the reception hall. This can be easily accomplished by using string lights, candles, tea lights in mason jars, or whatever else helps to capture the look you envision. There are also many additional tactics that can be explored with lighting if you want to really change the atmosphere. Following this trend can be a great way to boost the visuals during your event, but take time to budget appropriately for the costs so you don’t run low on funds.

Experience a Quiet Moment

Finally, a very popular trend popping up in weddings all over the world is the idea of the “silent vow.” Instead of reading your vows aloud to your guests during the ceremony, you and your significant other can exchange them in a more private manner. There are many ways to plan this out, but take into consideration the fact that your family and friends may want to hear the vows and get lost in the sentimental nature of the moment.

Each year brings about new trends that couples adopt for their weddings. Learn what’s popular, see if it works for you, and plan your big day in the way that works best for you and your partner.