Author: Sinders Bridal House

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Wedding Planning

How to plan a wedding with a $50,000 budget

To offer our brides-to-be a lay of the land to plan a wedding and budgeting, we’ve created a three-part series filled with helpful information to make your experience more enjoyable. In Part III, we indulge in the endless possibilities of wedding planning over $50,000 – get the wedding of your dreams!

READ MORE: HOW TO PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS, PART I: UNDER $10,000
READ MORE: HOW TO PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS, PART II: UNDER $30,000

TIPS TO PLAN A WEDDING WHEN MONEY ISN’T A CONCERN

For those who are lucky enough to have either saved or been gifted a large sum of money to put towards your wedding, you are in a unique and fortunate position to not have any budget restrictions.

This means you get to plan your perfect wedding exactly how you’ve always imagined. However, when planning a big wedding with a budget of $50,000 and up, it can become easy to get lost in the shuffle and overwhelmed throughout the planning process.

With unlimited options and the ability to say yes to almost anything, it can be difficult to narrow down your vision and decide on all the things you actually want.

So, to help you keep your head on straight and ensure your budget is being allocated wisely – and that you are not spending unnecessarily just because you can – we’ve compiled our top wedding planning tips to help you during this incredibly exciting and stressful time.

SAMPLE BUDGET – WHERE TO ALLOCATE YOUR MONEY

  • Venue (all-inclusive with open bar): $20,000
  • Flowers & décor: $7,000
  • Photo & video: $4,000
  • Dress and accessories: $5,000
  • Hair and makeup for bride and bridal party: $1,000
  • Cake and desserts: $2,000
  • Music: $2,000
  • Wedding planner: $4,000
  • Miscellaneous costs (officiant, bridal party gifts, groom’s attire, etc.) $5,000
  • Paper goods (invitations, name cards, menus, etc.): $700

PLANNING TIPS TO AVOID GETTING OVERWHELMED

AVOID MAKING YOUR GUEST LIST TOO LARGE

When planning a formal, luxurious wedding, it can feel tempting to invite anyone and everyone to share your special day with. However, remember that you also want to enjoy your wedding and take everything in. Inviting 300+ guests means you will end up spending the entire night thanking guests and making your rounds instead of hitting the dancefloor and having fun at your reception.

To avoid getting completely overwhelmed, try to keep your guest list to 250 people or less.

HIRE A PLANNER

It’s no secret that when you plan a wedding, in general, it’s incredibly stressful. But when managing a budget of $50,000 and up, trying to coordinate your spending and all your vendor meetings becomes near impossible to do. So, if you have the room in your budget, we highly recommend hiring a professional wedding planner to help.

Plus, a planner will be on hand to help you coordinate the day of your wedding to ensure everything comes together perfectly and goes off without a hitch. This takes the stress off you and your bridal party. Allowing you to focus on the most important thing – getting married!

LIMIT THE SIZE OF YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

When it comes to choosing your bridal party, you want those closest to you standing with you at the end of the aisle. So, narrowing your bridesmaid selection down to just a few select people can feel impossible, as you don’t want to leave anyone out.

However, also remember that for the next year or more of wedding planning, you will be spending countless hours with this group and have to coordinate all communications and other important wedding events to make sure they line up with everyone’s schedule. This can become extremely difficult with so many hands-on deck.

Plus, when you have up to 10 or more bridesmaids, conflict and clashing of personalities become inevitable, oftentimes resulting in unwanted drama.

So, to avoid the added stress of having a large bridal party, try to keep the size of your bridal party to around six people or less.

In the event that anyone who was left out has their feelings hurt, explain to them your situation. You can always find other ways to include them in your wedding.

ESTABLISH EARLY ON WHO IS PAYING FOR WHAT

When planning a big-budget wedding, there’s a good chance you are not paying for everything yourself. Most couples in this position often have help from family members who are contributing financially to their wedding.

In these types of situations, though, there can be a conflict if the family members are not happy with certain decisions. For instance, maybe they’d rather a band over a DJ or a traditional wedding dinner instead of a trendy food truck. For this reason, it’s important to sit down early on in the planning process with any parties that will be contributing financially to the wedding and establish who is in charge of paying for what. This way, the family members will know exactly where their money is going and can offer up feedback when appropriate.

THINGS THAT ARE WORTH THE SPLURGE

THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS

You’re already planning the wedding of your dreams, so make sure you have the perfect dress to go with it. When spending so much money on various elements of your wedding, it’s important to prioritize yourself as well. It is your day, after all. So, don’t feel guilty about splurging on a gown that is truly spectacular and makes you look and feel like your most beautiful self.

Whether it’s a princess-worthy tulle and lace ballgown, or a tight fitted dress with stunning intricate beadwork (or both!), look for a gown that fits with your venue and the tone of your wedding. Also lining up with your vision for how you want to look on your wedding day.

A PHOTOBOOTH

Besides having a photographer and videographer on hand to capture your big day, consider paying a bit extra for a photo booth and some props.

Photobooths are always a big hit for guests! It allows them to show off their goofy side and create their own memories of your wedding.

VENUE

Your wedding venue is the most important element of your wedding. It will dictate the entire look, feel, and vibe of your event. In fact, your venue is where you should be allocating most of your budget. Therefore, it’s important to find an all-inclusive, well-rounded venue that matches your vision for your big day and offers:

  • Catering service
  • Service staff
  • Tables and chairs
  • Linens
  • Dishes and flatware
  • An open bar
  • Good lighting
  • Lots of parking
  • Easy to access location
  • Separate ceremony and reception site
  • On-site accommodations for bride, groom, and bridal party

FOOD

One of the things guests remember most about a wedding is the food. So it’s highly important that you make this a top priority.

No matter how great the music is, guests won’t feel like dancing if they are left feeling hungry and unsatisfied from dinner.

Work with your venue or caterers to plan out an amazing meal that will appeal to a variety of tastes and accommodate any dietary restrictions. But also take into consideration your own tastes and preferences. Because even if your guests are happy with the meal, your memories of your wedding will be clouded if you didn’t enjoy it yourself.

Also, make sure your guests are well-fed all throughout the night. This means having plenty of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and some post-dinner snacks as well. Your guests are bound to work up an appetite after hitting the dance floor – no matter how delicious your dinner is.

FLORALS AND DÉCOR

While florals and décor can seem superficial when it comes to the big picture, they are important to have to help fulfill your vision for your wedding and create a beautiful atmosphere for guests.

Fresh flowers can get expensive, but if you have a large enough budget, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Work with a florist to find the best floral options for your wedding that are in season and can be incorporated into your ceremony with a beautiful arch and aisle decorations.

Also ask your florist to help you design some beautiful centrepieces and table decorations.

ENTERTAINMENT

When it comes to pulling off a great wedding reception, the key word to remember is fun.

Whether it’s through dancing and live music, cocktail hour games, or fireworks at the end of the evening, it’s important to keep your guests entertained throughout the night. Nobody wants their wedding to be remembered as a boring night where people went home early.

When you plan a wedding, try not to stress about the little things. Focus on the big picture: throwing an amazing bash that both you and your guests will never forget.

Because with a healthy budget, an amazing planner by your side, everything is bound to fall together perfectly. Resulting in the wedding of your dreams and amazing memories.

Categories
Accessories

Tips for finding the perfect wedding veils to accent your dress

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN SHOPPING FOR A BRIDAL VEIL

Once you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams, now comes the fun part – finding the perfect wedding veils to go with it! Finding a veil to wear on your wedding day probably seems like a pretty easy and straightforward process, but with so many options and factors to take into consideration, finding the perfect veil to accent your gown can make your head spin. Fortunately, though, you’ve got us as your fairy veil-mothers (see what we did there?) to guide you through the decision-making process.

To help you understand all the various options you’ll have available to you when you start shopping for a veil, we’ll explain the different lengths and edging styles, along with all the many factors that go into this decision.

TYPES OF VEIL LENGTHS AND STYLES

Veils come in so many different lengths, not just short, medium, and long. And with so many terms for these different lengths, it can be confusing trying to differentiate them from one another.

Here’s a list of the most common lengths of veils, defined, along with their respective measurements.

CATHEDRAL

Measuring longer than 100 inches, cathedral veils are stunning and dramatic, and are perfect for brides with gowns that have a long train.

By wearing a stunning cathedral veil, you are bound to make an entrance that will wow your guests and your future spouse!

CHAPEL

Ideal for dresses with a train that isn’t too dramatic, this length of the veil is quite long and will cascade behind you beautifully, ending where your train does. The standard length for most chapel veils is around 90 inches.

WALTZ

This style is a longer veil that hits just above the floor, making it the perfect length for brides who want the look of a long veil without having it drag behind them on the ground. Measuring at around 60 to 70 inches, waltz veils are a great option for gowns that don’t have a train.

FINGERTIP

One of the most commonly worn veils, fingertip veils are incredibly popular as they provide a beautiful complement for many types of gowns – particularly mermaid silhouettes – without hiding or overshadowing the dress.

Hitting just below your fingertips and cascading down by your hips, fingertip veils typically measure between 38 and 42 inches.

ELBOW

Elbow-length veils are a great option for brides looking for a short veil that doesn’t make as much of a statement as a birdcage or shoulder-length veil.

These veils tend to measure around 33 inches and will hit right at your elbows.

SHOULDER LENGTH

After birdcage, shoulder-length is the second shortest length of veil, typically measuring around 20 to 22 inches long and hitting just below your shoulders.

This is a very traditional style that is short and sweet and won’t distract from your beautiful gown.

BIRDCAGE

The birdcage is a classic vintage style that is the shortest veil available, covering just the top of your head and part of your face.

Unlike most other veils made from a thin piece of sheer fabric, birdcage veils have a larger mesh-like diamond pattern weave.

These types of veils are sure to make a statement and can be a beautiful complement to a vintage style gown, or a sassy short or tea-length dress.

BLUSHER

Blushers are a traditional and ethereal veil style, which is a top layer added to the main veil that can be worn to cover the bride’s face as she walks down the aisle and can come in a variety of lengths.

While not nearly as common as they once were in years past, blushers are a great way to incorporate a bit of tradition into your wedding ceremony and build anticipation leading up to the I dos.

TYPES OF VEIL EDGINGS

Besides lengths, veils also come with a variety of different edging styles.

Here are some of the most popular options:

LACE

One of the most popular edging styles, this type of veil can be chosen to match the lace on your gown, or custom made by specially ordering the same lace used on your dress.

RAW EDGE

Simple, yet stunning is the best way to describe this veil. The fabric is simply cut and left as is, leaving behind a sleek, raw edge. Rather than having a seam or other detail lining the edge of the veil.

SATIN CORD EDGE

A common edging for shorter veils is a satin cord edge. These veils have a thin strip of satin resembling a ribbon sewn along the edge for a classic, vintage look.

HORSEHAIR

A very trendy option used for many styles of wedding dresses and veils of all lengths, horsehair edgings are not actually made from horsehair, but fine, synthetic nylon braiding. Horsehair edgings can come in a variety of widths but are typically between 1 to 2 inches thick.

BEADING

To add more sparkle and glamour to your bridal look, many veils have fine, intricate beading along the edge.

This is common in nearly all lengths of veils.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING WEDDING VEILS

Besides your own personal preference, how do you know which veil will best complement your wedding dress?

There are actually quite a few factors at play here.

YOUR GOWN

One of the most important considerations for choosing a veil is your gown and what it looks like.

For instance, you want the colour of your veil to match your dress, so you wouldn’t choose a pure white veil for an ivory or champagne gown.

Or, if you have a lace gown with a long dramatic train, you may want to choose a cathedral length veil with lace edging that matches your dress.

YOUR PREFERRED LENGTH

Do you want a long, dramatic veil to make a showstopping entrance, prefer a low-key short and sassy style to showcase the beauty of your gown, or something in between? Knowing what length of wedding veils you are most comfortable with is important to help narrow down your search.

YOUR HAIRSTYLE AND HOW YOU WANT TO POSITION YOUR VEIL

You may not realize it, but there are so many different ways to position a veil. From the top of your crown, all the way down to the nape of your neck!

Determining your hairstyle will also help in how you choose to position your veil.

For instance, if you are wearing your hair in a low updo, you may want to position your veil lower on your head, just above the updo, or underneath it at the nape of your neck. And for half-up hairstyles, veils look stunning positioned towards the middle of your head. If you are wearing your hair down, the crown of the head is a good position to allow the veil to frame your face.

The placement wedding veils can also affect the length, so it’s important to have a rough idea of how you will be wearing your hair on the big day when you go shopping, so you can choose the perfect positioning and length.

When shopping for a veil, although there are many factors to take into consideration, it’s important not to stress too much about this decision. At the end of the day, you’re bound to look beautiful in any veil – and gown! – that you choose. So, relax, think about what it is you want in a veil and how you want to look like on your wedding day, and most importantly, get yourself married!

Categories
News

Family-Owned: How do you work with your family?

HOW WE MANAGE OUR FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS TO SUCCEED AS BUSINESS PARTNERS AND SISTERS

RUNNING A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINNESS – HOW DO YOU WORK WITH YOUR FAMILY?!

This is by far one of our most asked questions. And honestly, it took us some time to learn how to do it properly while also succeeding as business partners and as sisters.

We’ve known each other our whole lives, so you would think that would give us the added benefit of understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. But the craziest thing we’ve both learned over the years is that you can always learn more about someone, and you can always learn more about yourself.

Now, those of you who have siblings will know that a parent or another sibling often has to play the role of mediator when things don’t go smoothly. Well, lucky for us, we have literally the most incredible parents – they’re our biggest supporters. They back us, they believe in us, and they know what we’re capable of because they created some pretty headstrong and stubborn daughters. And to this day, our mom is still our mediator.

However, the go-between is rarely needed anymore, as we’ve grown so much as people, as entrepreneurs, and as business partners, over the years that we can tell when to take a breather and when to stand by a point we believe in. But I’m not going to lie, there was a point in our family-owned business history (a long, long time ago!) when we didn’t speak for a few months. We aren’t drama-driven or petty people by nature – who has time for that?! But we have had our share of ups and downs, and sometimes, in the downtimes, the people that are closest to you get the short end of the stick. We hadn’t yet learned to lean on each other and respect each other as we should.

IT’S A LEARNING PROCESS.
EVERYTHING IN LIFE CAN BE LOOKED AT AS EXPERIENCE.

That is the single most important thing that gets us through our lives together as a family who works together day in and day out. We make mistakes, we learn from them, and we help each other out of the dark spaces when we need to.

Family is there to support you, so that’s when you realize that there are families you are born with and families that you choose. We’ve been lucky enough (or smart enough) to build our businesses with the root of a family where everyone who joins us becomes a part of that family.

SO, HOW DO WE HANDLE WORKING WITH OUR FAMILY?

We currently have an incredible group of 16 sisters/mothers/aunts/friends who we call our family. Have you met our team!?

And sure, Stacey and I shared a room growing up, and fought over paint colours for that room. But guess what? As adults, we now get to share several rooms with 16 different women and get to fight over paint colours for those rooms every time we redecorate!

Categories
Wedding Planning

The 15 most important questions to ask your wedding venue before your book


Calabogie Peaks Resort – Photo taken by Brittany Navin Photography

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING VENUE

After saying yes to the proposal, choosing your bridal party, and coming up with the guest list comes the most important part of the wedding planning process – finding a venue.

Finding your venue is a crucial component of wedding planning as it will dictate nearly every element of your wedding, from décor to food, and even your dress. But finding the perfect venue is no easy feat, as there are so many factors to take into consideration.

To help you narrow down your search for the perfect venue, we’ll tell you all the questions you should be asking wedding venues before signing a contract.

WHEN TO START LOOKING AT VENUES AND SCHEDULE A TOUR

The general rule of thumb is to book your wedding venue at least a year to nine months before your wedding date. However, you may need to start your search even earlier to secure a popular venue if your wedding is taking place during peak season (May to October).

Just start reaching out to venues you are interested in, and see which ones have availability for your date. From there, you can begin scheduling tours where you will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEDDING VENUE BEFORE BOOKING

WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGES?

This one is a biggie. Before booking a venue, you’ll need to know exactly what you are paying for. Does the venue use their own in-house caterers, bartenders, and serving staff? Or do you have to hire your own outside catering? If catering is in-house, what is the menu like? Is it customizable? Are you limited to select few options?

Plus, will you have access to both a ceremony and reception site? What about furniture and table linens? Will the venue be supplying those as well? Ensure everything included in your wedding package is written in black and white.

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR WEDDINGS DURING THE OFFSEASON?

As previously mentioned, the peak season for weddings takes place between May and October of any given year, making wedding venues and other vendors in high demand during these months. If you are flexible with your date and don’t have your heart set on a particular month, ask wedding venues if they’d be willing to offer you a discount. Most wedding venues do offer discounted rates during the offseason as it is harder for them to book weddings during this time. This could give you the opportunity to book the venue of your dreams that you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE?

This is another crucial question you absolutely need to ask. Let’s say you have a 150-person guest list, and you find out after booking that your venue can only accommodate 100 people. This would mean you would have to either scale back your guest list considerably or risk forfeiting your deposit.

DO YOU HAVE SEPARATE CEREMONY, COCKTAIL HOUR, AND RECEPTION SITES?

Planning an outdoor ceremony but want an indoor reception? Make sure your venue can accommodate this. Or, if your ceremony and reception are being held in the same spot, who is in charge of disassembling everything from the ceremony and transforming it into a reception space? Plus, where will your guests mingle during cocktail hour? These are very important logistics you’ll need to know in advance.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS? (I.E. DECORATING, OUTSIDE CATERING, ETC.)

Some venues have restrictions on what can or cannot be done. For example, many venues that have their own in-house catering with set menus and do not allow you to use your own catering company. There may also be restrictions on bringing your own alcohol, décor, furniture, dishware, or linens.

IS THERE A CAKE CUTTING FEE?

Many venues will charge an additional fee to cut and service your wedding cake to guests. This can get pricy, as the average cake cutting fee tends to be around $1 to $2 per slice.

WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE FOR A DEPOSIT?

Nearly all wedding venues will require a monetary deposit to secure the venue for your wedding date. However, this number varies from venue to venue and can range anywhere between 20% and 50%.  Therefore, knowing exactly how much money your venue requires for a deposit right off the bat is important so you can budget accordingly.

FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS, DO YOU HAVE A BACK-UP OPTION IN CASE IT RAINS?

Weather is unpredictable, and any bride planning an outdoor wedding knows how stressful it is during the days leading up to your wedding as you obsessively check weather reports and hope and pray that mother nature will rule in your favour. For this reason, it’s important to inquire with your venue about whether or not they have a tent or back-up indoor ceremony site available to you in case you have bad weather on the day of your wedding.

DO YOU PROVIDE SEATING FOR THE CEREMONY?

While this may seem like a given, many wedding venues only offer the space for rent and require you to provide all your own furniture and décor. So, if you are looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue, make sure that they are providing the seating, and that they have enough to accommodate all your guests.

DO YOU OFFER OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS? IF SO, FOR HOW MANY PEOPLE?

While not the most important thing to look for in a venue, having on-site overnight accommodations is incredibly convenient, and is often worth paying a little bit more for.

Not only does this provide you with a place to get ready with your bridal party on-site, but also means you and your groom and potentially your immediate family and bridal party will have a place to crash at the end of the night without worrying about how they’ll get home or to their hotel.

HOW MANY BATHROOMS ARE THERE?

While not the question most brides think to ask, this one is pretty important. The last thing you want is your guests spending half the reception in line waiting to use the bathroom. So, make sure that your venue has enough facilities to accommodate everyone, especially if you have a large guest list.

HOW MANY PARKING SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE?

This is another question that often gets overlooked but is incredibly important to ask. Similar to the bathrooms question, it’s important to know whether or not your venue has enough parking for your entire guest list so that your guests aren’t scrambling to make it to the ceremony on time because they couldn’t find a parking spot.

HOW MANY HOURS CAN THE VENUE BE RENTED FOR?

Don’t just assume that you’ll be able to have your venue booked from the early hours of the morning until the middle of the night. Many venues (especially ones with outdoor reception sites) have an 11:00 curfew, which means you may need to wrap up your reception earlier than expected.

So, be sure to ask when the reception has to end, and how early you can show up at the venue on the day of the wedding.

WILL WE BE THE ONLY EVENT THAT DAY?

While this may seem like a strange concept, many wedding venues have multiple ceremony and reception sites and will often book more than one wedding for a particular day. So, if the thought of this makes you feel uncomfortable, make sure that you confirm whether or not you will have free reign of the entire venue during your wedding.

WHEN IS FULL PAYMENT DUE?

Typically, most wedding vendors will require full payment either on the day of, day before, or day after the wedding. But with so much going on in the days leading up to and after your wedding, it’s important to confirm when full payment is due to avoid any confusion or added stress.

While these are some of the most important questions to ask, there are likely more questions that will arise during the planning process. From the cost of the venue to menu options and added costs, it’s important to be thorough when interviewing venues so you know exactly what you are getting on. Added stress and confusion is the last thing you need on one of the most special days of your life!

Categories
Customizations & Alterations In-House Alterations

The different ways you can customize with wedding dress alterations

TIPS FOR CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOWN INTO THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS

If you’ve tried on countless wedding dresses and have struggled to find a gown that ticks every box, then it’s possible what you picture for your gown is something that you need to create with the help of the right bridal shop and dress alterations team.

With the right alterations expert, you can transform almost any bridal gown into that dream dress you have in your head.

Whether it’s adding sleeves or changing a neckline, we’ll explain the importance of alterations and all the different ways you can dramatically alter your gown to best fit your vision.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALTERATIONS ON A BRIDAL GOWN

Even if you aren’t customizing the design of a gown, dress alterations are crucial to ensure that your dress fits your body and unique shape perfectly.

Your bridal stylist will take your measurements to ensure you are ordering your gown in the correct size. However, your dress will, most often, need to be properly tailored to be a perfect fit. Especially if you experience any weight fluctuation after ordering your gown.

Dress alterations can cost anywhere between $50 to $1,000, depending on what needs to be done. So make sure to factor this into your dress and accessory budget.

DRESS ALTERATIONS TIMELINE – WHEN TO START THE PROCESS

Because designer wedding gowns can take up to 8 months to arrive after being ordered, it’s important to start dress shopping early. To ensure you have enough time for alterations when your gown comes in.

Try to schedule your first alterations appointment at least eight to 12 weeks before the wedding, and a final fitting no later than two weeks before.

WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR GOWN WITH ALTERATIONS

Besides the typical dress alterations like changing the hem and taking things in, there are more dramatic alterations you can do to completely change the look and feel of your dress.

Here are some ideas to bring up with your seamstress.

ADDING SLEEVES

If you’re struggling to find a more modest gown that fits your vision, ask your bridal stylist about the possibility of adding sleeves to a strapless or sleeveless gown.

Sleeves can be custom-made to match your gown perfectly and give you the look you’re going for.

A removable bolero is also an option if you want to be more covered for the ceremony but not the reception.

STRAPS

Fell in love with a strapless gown but looking for a bit more support? Adding straps are a great option, whether you simply prefer the look of straps, or you need a bit of extra support in the bust.

CHANGING A NECKLINE

Plunging necklines are super in trend right now, but if you’d rather be a bit more covered, there are plenty of options for you.

From closing a deep neckline to altering a strapless gown into a sweetheart neckline, most neckline alterations can be done. Be sure to discuss with your bridal stylist whether your vision is feasible with certain gowns.

CORSET BACK

A corset back not only gives your dress a sexier feel but is also a great option if your dress is a bit too small leading up to your wedding day.

Because, while a dress can be easily taken in, making it larger can be a bit of a challenge. Depending on the style of your dress, a corset lace-up back may be the perfect solution.

CREATE A LOW BACK

Love a dramatic low back? Depending on the style of your gown, this can be achievable. While often tricky with strapless gowns, many dresses with straps or sleeves can be altered to be given an open back. Be sure to ask your bridal stylist whether the design of your gown will accommodate this.

CREATING AN OVERSKIRT

On the fence about whether to go with a sleek and sexy fit and flare or a dramatic ball gown? Why not choose both? An overskirt is an incredibly popular option for brides looking for the best of both worlds.

An overskirt is a dramatic ballgown-like skirt that’s open at the front and is worn over a more fitted wedding dress.

Celebrities like Sophia Vergara, Ashley Tisdale, and more have looked stunning on their wedding day with an overskirt wedding dress, so be sure to check them out to get a feel for how it may look.

CUSTOM CAPE

Another huge celebrity red carpet and bridal trend is dramatic capes. From Gweneth Paltrow at the Oscars to Kaley Cuocco on her wedding day, capes add a bit of edge and fashion-forward flare to any gown.

Whether it’s stunning beaded lace or simple and ethereal tulle, a cape will ensure you truly stand out on your big day and will have your future spouse and guests swooning as you walk down the aisle.

DETACHABLE OFF THE SHOULDER SLEEVES

Romantic, drapey, off-the-shoulder sleeves are a huge trend right now. And if you don’t want to be committed to them all night? Just ask your seamstress if they can create a detachable option if you love the look of this type of sleeve!

OTHER DRESS ALTERATIONS TO CONSIDER

Besides more extensive customizations, it’s important not to forget some of the smaller alterations that can make a huge difference, such as:

  • Adding structure and boning
  • Hemming
  • A bustle
  • Adding extra beading
  • Taking in around the bust
  • Shortening or lengthening the straps
  • Adding extra layers of crinoline
  • Adding more structure
  • Creating a statement bow

When shopping for wedding dresses, it’s important to remember that you may never find a gown off the rack that is perfect in every way. No matter how much you love your dress when you first try it on, most dresses require some alterations. To ensure you are getting the perfect look and feel on your wedding day. So, if you love certain elements of one dress but it doesn’t tick every box, ask your stylist and seamstress* what can be done to make it look exactly how you envisioned.

Read More: Wedding Dress Alterations Advice

* Did you know Sinders Bridal House has our own experienced in-house seamstress? Check out Rose’s Custom Sewing to make your quick, professional and high-quality alterations!

Categories
Wedding Planning

Wedding Terminology: The Ultimate Guide

DEFINING COMMON WEDDING TERMINOLOGY AND PHRASES

Wedding planning can be very stressful, but even more so when previously unheard of words and phrases are thrown at you left, right, and centre. From shopping for your wedding dress to booking a venue, there is a lot of wedding terminology you are bound to hear when planning your big day.

To help avoid any confusion along the way, we’ll break down and define some of the most common wedding terminology you may not know that will help you better navigate the wedding planning process.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Let’s start with one of our favourites… photography and video! These are some of the wedding terms you might want to be aware of when you start your planning journey:

FIRST LOOK

While traditionally, the groom/future spouse doesn’t get a glimpse of the bride until they’re walking down the aisle, nowadays, it’s incredibly common for the soon-to-be wedded couple to meet up before the I dos in what’s known as a “First Look.” This moment is typically captured by your photographer, who will likely ask you ahead of time whether or not you plan on doing a first look.

GOLDEN HOUR

Golden hour is the time of day just after the sun starts to set when the sun is low in the sky. This is most photographers’ favourite time to shoot because the couple will be basked in a gorgeous, golden glow.

HIGHLIGHT FILM

A highlight film is a video produced and edited together by your videographer that captures all the most important moments of your wedding in around 7 to 12 minutes.

DETAIL SHOTS

As you’re getting ready for your wedding, your photographer may ask for your bouquet, rings, accessories, etc. for what’s called detail shots. Detail shots are close-up photos of your bridal accessories.

SECOND SHOOTER

When booking a photographer, they may ask if you’d like to pay a bit extra for a second shooter. Some photographers may even have a second shooter for all the weddings they photograph.

A second shooter is a photographer that helps the main photographer capture special moments from different angles and snap shots that they may not be able to get on their own. This helps ensure more variety when it comes to your photos.

CEREMONY

Okay. Now, for the ceremony. Below are some of the wedding terminology things you’ll need to know:

PROCESSIONAL AND RECESSIONAL

We all know the term “walking down the aisle,” but you may not know that there is actually a formal name for this. When walking down the aisle to get married along with your bridal party, this is known as the “processional.” Many couples like to customize their processional music and choose different songs for different parts (i.e. one song for the bridesmaids, another for the bride, etc.)

The Recessional takes place after you’ve said ‘I do’ and signed all the paperwork, and you, your spouse, and bridal party walk back down the aisle towards your reception, or to take photos.

The Recessional is also typically set to music and is usually a more fun and upbeat tune.

USHER

Not all weddings have this, but for weddings with large guest counts, an usher can be incredibly helpful.

An usher is typically a close friend or family member that is responsible for directing guests to their proper seats during the ceremony. This is a great way to include a friend or family member in the ceremony that wasn’t chosen to be a part of the bridal party.

OFFICIANT

Your officiant is the person presiding over the ceremony who can legally declare you and your spouse as officially married. The officiant will handle all legal aspects of the wedding, including obtaining and filing the proper paperwork, and will conduct a reading and direct the couple in saying their vows.

While traditionally, this has been a religious role conducted by a priest or minister, there are many non-denominational officiants available as well. In fact, in certain provinces, like Quebec, you can assign a friend or family member to act as your officiant. Unfortunately, though, this option is not available in Ontario.

WITNESSES

Your witnesses are two people that act as the official legal witnesses to the marriage. They also sign the marriage licence during the ceremony! This role is typically performed by members of your bridal party.

RECEPTION

There are quite a few terms you will also come across when planning a reception. Here is a list of just a few:

HEAD TABLE

This is the table where the newly married couple sits during their reception. Often, this table is decorated and set up more elaborately than the guest tables and is the focal point of the reception.

Typically, the happy couple sits at the head table alone. But, you can also include members of your bridal party as well.

COCKTAIL HOUR

After the ceremony, the happy couple will be off take photos with their family and bridal party. Guests will be ushered to the cocktail hour where they will have the chance to mingle, snack on hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy cocktails before the formal, sit down dinner and reception. You can even provide your guests with entertainment with lawn games, music, etc. Cocktail hour typically lasts for around 1 hour.

FAVOURS

Wedding favours are small gifts/trinkets given to your guests as a thank you for coming to your wedding. Favours are often monogrammed with the couple’s initials or wedding hashtag and can include:

  • Snacks and desserts
  • Lip balms
  • Candies
  • Key chains
  • Bottle openers
  • Soaps

WEDDING DRESSES

When you’re looking for your dream dress, here is some common wedding terminology you might hear during your visits:

SAMPLE GOWNS

With most bridal shops, the gowns that are in the shop for brides to try on are known as “sample dresses”. In most cases, brides do not purchase and bring home a sample gown, as they are only there to try on. After deciding which sample gown you love the most, the bridal shop will order that gown from the designer, and it will be made in your size just for you.

OFF THE RACK

Some bridal shops allow brides to purchase sample gowns “off the rack”, and take home with them. This practice is common with sample sales or bridal outlet shops.

BUSTLE

One of the most common wedding dress alterations is adding a bustle to your gown. A bustle is the hook, tie, or buttons added to your gown. This enables you to secure a long train to the back the dress after the ceremony.

PLANNING

Lastly, here are some common planning terms and phrases you will find:

DAY OF COORDINATOR

A day of coordinator is similar to a wedding planner. However, they only come in on the day of to help ensure the wedding runs smoothly, rather than planning and organizing the event itself. A coordinator handles the logistical side of things on your wedding day. They help keep guests and the chain of events organized before, during and after the ceremony and reception.

SAVE THE DATE

A Save the Date is like a pre-invitation. It lets your guests know ahead of time what your wedding date is so they can make arrangements. This Is particularly helpful for guests travelling from out of town.

The general rule of thumb is to send out Save the Dates at least 6 months before the wedding (8-12 months for destination weddings).

REHEARSAL DINNER

Your rehearsal dinner takes place after your wedding rehearsal, typically the night before the wedding. This allows the soon-to-be married couple, their bridal party, and immediate family to get together one last time for a formal or informal celebration before the nuptials. Often, this is hosted at a restaurant by the couple’s parents.

WEDDING WEBSITE

While not mandatory, many couples choose to create a website dedicated to their upcoming wedding. This is a great way to provide your guests with as much info about your wedding as possible leading up to the big day.

If you don’t have any experience with web design, there are many services that will create and host your website for you for free, such as The Knot. On your website, you can include your date, directions to your venue, local hotel accommodations, names of your bridal party, engagement photos, and even an RSVP function.

As you can see, there is so much involved in the wedding planning process that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We hope this guide to wedding terminology was helpful and makes things a bit easier. After all, planning the most special day of your life should be exciting and fun rather than stressful and confusing.

Categories
Wedding Planning

How to plan a picture-perfect elopement or micro-wedding

THE BENEFITS OF A SMALL, INTIMATE WEDDING

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to cancel their spring and summer 2020 weddings, many couples have forged ahead with small, intimate affairs with just the officiant, close family, and their bridal party present.

After all, pandemic or not, what’s most important is that you get to marry the love of your life and have the rest of your lives to throw a lavish party.

But even after this pandemic passes, the typical way of life will be forever changed. Making small, intimate weddings lot more appealing and popular than they once were.

With that being said, we’ll outline some of the benefits of a smaller wedding and provide ideas for planning a beautiful and special celebration with a lower guest count.

WHAT IS A MICRO-WEDDING VERSUS AN ELOPEMENT?

Two words you’ve probably been hearing a lot of lately are micro-weddings and elopements. Now, you might be wondering, what’s the difference between the two? While similar, micro weddings and elopements differ quite a bit from one another.

ELOPEMENTS

While elopements are most often associated with courthouse ceremonies or spur of the moment Las Vegas weddings officiated by an Elvis impersonator, the true definition of an elopement is where a couple gets married (sometimes in secret) without any guests present. The only people typically present at an elopement are the couple, their officiant, and the witnesses.

In recent years, destination elopements have become incredibly popular, with many couples whisking themselves off to stunning international destinations like Italy, Ireland, or the Caribbean for a combined wedding and honeymoon.

MICRO-WEDDING

A micro-wedding is, as the name suggests, a smaller-scale wedding. Unlike elopements, micro-weddings do have guests invited to a ceremony and reception, but the guest count is typically limited to 20 or less. The ceremony and reception are often more casual and relaxed as well.

THE BENEFITS OF A SMALLER WEDDING + GUEST LIST

COST

Perhaps the most attractive part of a smaller wedding is the reduced cost. It’s no secret that weddings can get quite expensive, especially when you have a large guest list. And while there’s nothing wrong with going all out on a lavish party to celebrate one of life’s most momentous occasions, it’s always nice to save a bit of money as well, if you can.

LESS STRESS

While wedding planning can get very stressful, with a smaller wedding, there are fewer moving pieces you need to take into consideration, making it a more enjoyable experience.

MORE ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH GUESTS

Another downside to having a large guest list is that it can be hard to find the time during your reception to interact with everyone. With a smaller guest count, you can spend more time enjoying your reception and truly enjoying the company of your closest friends and family.

MORE FREEDOM AND CREATIVITY

While it’s only natural to want everyone you know and love to be at your wedding, sometimes, we let certain individuals’ opinions sway us in a different direction rather than following our hearts.

With fewer guests, you don’t have to worry as much about the opinions of others and can focus on creating your dream wedding and get creative when it comes to venue, décor, your dress, and even food.

IDEAS FOR A PICTURE-PERFECT ELOPEMENT/MICRO-WEDDING

MAKE IT A DESTINATION WEDDING

Whether you go with a micro-wedding or elopement, a small guest list helps free up your budget, making a destination more affordable.

Not only will you get married in paradise, but you get your wedding and honeymoon all in one. How perfect is that?

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL SETTING

Who said elopements and micro-weddings have to be boring? When planning a smaller wedding, you have the freedom (and budget) to get creative with your décor and create a truly magical backdrop for your vows and reception. From lots and lots of flowers to antique furniture, creating the perfect backdrop will ensure that you don’t feel you’re missing out on anything by scaling back your wedding.

LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Without a large guest list to limit your choices when it comes to selecting a wedding venue, a micro-wedding or elopement presents a unique opportunity to get creative and think more non-traditional when picking the perfect spot to get married.

From treehouses to national parks, historic landmarks, or even on top of a mountain, the list goes on.

PLAN YOUR GUEST LIST CAREFULLY

It’s easy to get carried away when determining your guest list. So, it’s important that you be strict with your invites to avoid going over your guest count. Keep it to immediate family and close friends only.

SPLURGE WHERE IT MATTERS

With your budget significantly slashed, you’ll have lots of wiggle room for spending on the big picture items. Make sure that you spend it where it counts – venue, food, dress, and photographer.

BE CREATIVE WITH PHOTOS

Hire an amazing photographer who can help capture the beauty of your venue along with the love you and your future spouse have for one another.

If you’re doing an elopement, scope out cool locations for photos, such as:

  • Parks and gardens
  • Unique landmarks
  • On or in front of a cliff or mountain
  • Outdoor art installations
  • A bridge with a stunning backdrop
  • A forest
  • Historic buildings
  • Buildings with unique architecture
  • Graffiti walls
  • Waterfalls
  • Sand dunes

HAVE ONE LONG TABLE INSTEAD OF SEVERAL SMALL ONES

With fewer guests, there’s no need to keep everyone separated (unless we’re still in a pandemic). For post-COVID-19 micro-weddings, try having one long table to seat everyone. This allows everyone to be seated together and helps your wedding feel more cozy and intimate.

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND MAKE IT EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT

As with any sized wedding, it’s important to stay true to your vision. Plan your wedding exactly how you want, rather than giving in to the expectations of others.

If you are planning a romantic elopement or intimate micro-wedding, remember to have fun with the planning process and get creative. Because, at the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you’re getting married. Neither a small guest count nor a pandemic can change that.

Categories
Advice Wedding Planning

10 tips for an out of the ordinary courthouse wedding

LOW-KEY FABULOUS WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY STAND OUT

Wedding season hasn’t quite been the same since 2020 reared its ugly head. Whether your lavish wedding was cancelled due to the pandemic or you’re more inclined to organize a low-key affair for the big day, courthouse weddings are seeing a resurgence.

The rigmarole of wedding planning can be overwhelming at best, so there’s no surprise that the simplicity of courthouse weddings are attractive to couples who want to get through the “I dos” and just be married already. After all, isn’t the marriage the most exciting part of it all anyway?

With that said, as quick and simple as courthouse weddings can be, they can sometimes leave you feeling a sense of “was that it?” There are floral arches, breathtaking views, regal aisles, or themed décor (unless an old wooden-clad office lined with ancient books and an inch of dust is your thing).

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make the event a little more special. There are a number of things you and your partner can do to transform your quaint ceremony into something spectacular.

BENEFITS OF A COURTHOUSE WEDDING

LESS EXPENSIVE (LIKE, WAYYYY LESS)

According to a 2017 survey, the average cost of a Canadian wedding is over 42K, with almost 88 per cent accounting for the ceremony, reception, and other expenses like flowers, entertainment, photography, and stationary.

A courthouse wedding in Canada costs less than $200.

LESS TIME PLANNING

When you cut out major time-consuming elements of wedding planning like searching for the location, booking the venue, searching for backup locations, picking themes, music, seating, programs for the ceremony – you get the picture – you’ll have less stress since the amount of time spent planning a courthouse wedding pales in comparison to a traditional wedding.

We found a study published in 2019 by The Independent, and they determined that the average time it takes to plan a modern wedding is around 528 hours.

LESS STRESS AND PRESSURE

Naturally, when you spend less time and money planning an event, you feel less stress and pressure from deadlines, timelines, choices, and accommodating your needs and the needs of everyone invited.

MORE INTIMATE

You can’t cram in 150 guests into your courthouse wedding, so there’s no need to be shy when working on your invitation list and slashing through names that don’t make the cut. That’s one of the joys of having a courthouse wedding, you can surround yourself with only the people you love most.

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR COURTHOUSE WEDDING MORE SPECIAL

Getting married is special enough as it is, but if you wanted to zhuzh up your courthouse ceremony, check out these ten tips!

GO ALL OUT ON YOUR DRESS

Just because you’re getting married in a courthouse or at city hall doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself the incredible joy of wearing a gorgeous wedding gown perfectly designed for your style and personality.

At the end of the day, the moment is about you and your partner and the love you share, so splurge on what will make you look and feel your absolute best on your last day of singlehood. There’s truly nothing better than getting ready and slipping into your dream gown, taking a twirl, and knowing you’re the most beautiful person in the world at that moment.

Read More: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE DURING A PANDEMIC

PAMPER YOURSELF

Following the theme of doing whatever makes you happy on your wedding day, take a moment for some self-care. Whether that’s getting a facial, a mani-pedi, a 90 min massage, doing hot yoga, meditating, dirt biking, getting your favourite breakfast a greasy spoon, or going on a shopping spree, spend the time before your ceremony to check in with yourself and indulge.

HOST A RECEPTION

You’ve said, “I do,” you’ve signed the papers, and now you’re married. It’s time to celebrate! There’s no need to hold back on your reception. In fact, you have so many great options to commemorate this joyous event.

Throw a bash, host a party, rent a cottage, have an intimate dinner party, make it a little more formal with a venue, or even throw a “surprise, we’re married” style party.

INVITE YOUR FAVOURITES ONLY

Do you remember when MySpace was relevant, and you could pick your top ten besties to have on your wall? Think of your courthouse wedding like that.

There may be some hurt feelings, but the day is about you and your partner, no one else has a vote in how you choose to get married.

Invite your core group – the people who truly know you and want to support your exciting new endeavour. But be sure to call ahead to find out how many people you’re allowed to bring with you. Some courthouses have limits, especially due to the pandemic.

SPLURGE ON FLOWERS

Bring colour, vibrance, and life to the courthouse with a flourishing bouquet adorned with your favourite blooms. Flowers are seasonal and, particularly when they’re from specialty shops, can run a bit of a bill, so call ahead, find out what their selection is and place your order for your wedding day.

BOOK A STYLISH RIDE TO WHISK YOU AWAY

There’s always the tried-and-true limo or UberX, but did you know you can rent luxury vehicles and old-fashioned specialty cars for the day? You can arrive at your ceremony in style and step out of a car even James Bond would envy.

INCORPORATE SOME OF YOUR OWN TRADITIONS

Every family has its own set of traditions, whether they relate to the holidays, seasons, or weddings – there’s usually something you do that is unique to you and your loved ones.

Well, you can also apply these traditions to a courthouse wedding!

Take a moment to think about what is important to you and what rituals, observances, or other unique elements you want to factor into your ceremony.

WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS

You are two very unique people with shared life experiences, so it’s fitting to write your own vows to express your special bond.

HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

Just like a traditional wedding, you’ll need someone around you to capture the magic.

And we don’t mean your bestie hosting an Instagram live stream of your nuptials.

Make it a priority to hire a photographer and videographer – oftentimes, they can do both – so you can cherish the day for years to come.

They will fall under your wedding party, so make sure you factor them into your final count for the ceremony.

SELECT A GORGEOUS PHOTO BACKDROP

Whether you’re posing in the park, gathering in the garden, or doing a photo shoot at home, your backdrop will make a world of difference.

Scout for the ideal location for your wedding photos or purchase/rent backdrops to host your own photo shoot. If you’ve hired a photographer, they usually have backdrops, so be sure to ask them ahead of time.

Psst – Don’t forget to have a backup location in case the weather doesn’t go in your favour!

A courthouse wedding may be completely customizable, but these ten tips can elevate your experience and allow you to represent who you are, your unique personalities, and the incredible love you have for each other.

In the end, it’s not about the things or the location. The most important part is that you’re with the love of your life, and you’re about to embark on a magical journey together. Make your memories, share love and laughter, and enjoy the ride!

Categories
News

Unveiling the newly renovated Sinders Bridal House

A LOOK AT WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO BEHIND THE SCENES AT SINDERS BRIDAL HOUSE

With our shop officially re-opened after a tumultuous few months, we figured, what better time to highlight what’s been going on with the Sinders Bridal House team behind the scenes and announce our big news? For starters – we’ve renovated the boutique!

Keep reading to learn more about our renovation process and what you can expect next time you set foot into Sinders Bridal House.

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO RENOVATE SINDERS BRIDAL HOUSE?

We had long-term renovation plans for years. Some we take on continually, but there were many pieces that we knew would need to be done when the shop was closed. But we never wanted to take the steps to close the shop for a week or even just a few days in order to get those done. So there were a few pieces we delayed. In that way, the pandemic gave us the opportunity to make the most dramatic changes we’d planned without inconveniencing our brides in the process.

WHAT WORK WAS DONE TO REVAMP THE SHOP?

As a Victorian home, our shop has a lot of old features and a lot of character. We took the hardwood floors back to their original look but they were definitely in need of professional help to make them shine. This was one of the biggest pieces we had planned, and one of the few projects where we asked for outside help. Other large projects included a new coat of paint in literally every room, floor, and nook and cranny in the building. We went with soft white to give a blank canvas for viewing the gowns, and to make the dark woodwork pop. Other changes include new chandeliers everywhere, doors instead of curtains in change rooms, new furniture, and a new set up for every bridal suite. Honestly, there wasn’t a room we didn’t overhaul in the process.


                                                                                                                    Photo by Mary Calotes

WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE? EXPLAIN THE JOURNEY.

Since we’d be talking about making some changes for so long, those were obvious. We just had to find the right people to help with the more extensive changes. To start, several of us at the shop made lists of all the changes we’d like to see. Then we prioritized the most important since we didn’t know how long we would be closed.

We most definitely added more to our plate than any sane person would have. But we do tend to push ourselves to go big! There were 2-4 of us working on it every day. Although we are not professionals, it took more than 4 weeks to get close to the end of the list we had created for ourselves.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT THE RENOVATION PROCESS?

How much we were capable of. Stacey and I were raised to try on our own but admit you need help when necessary. However, we have been so fortunate with our team, as they have the same mentality and are such incredibly capable women who will give it everything they have. Aside from sanding floors and painting one dangerous portion of stairwell, we were able to complete everything on our very extensive list and could not be more proud of what we’ve done.

THE SINDERS BUILDING HAS BEEN AROUND FOR SO LONG. DID YOU UNEARTH ANYTHING INTERESTING?

Always! Every time we touch a wall, we know we’ll find decades worth of wallpaper, often 3 or 4 layers deep. It’s one of the best things to look back and see how the styles have changed. Often the oldest layer is absolutely gorgeous and we would keep it there if it were salvageable.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO COMPLETE EVERYTHING?

It was flat out for about three weeks, then we got word that we could reopen, so we had to switch gears and make sure we were able to adhere to government regulations. In a way, we’re never satisfied. We will always be tweaking and touching one last thing to make it better, prettier, and more helpful for our brides. So, in that way, we never are really finished. We’re always working to make the building and our business run as well as it can

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO THE SHOP?

One of the best changes was giving each viewing room its own individual personality. We named each room after the mother and her three daughters who originally lived in the house. Then we gave each room a colour palette and new furniture to fit the feel of that room. It gives a one of a kind experience when you can say you found your gown in the Laura room, with it’s beautiful blue décor and vintage chandelier hanging in the window.

WHAT ELSE WERE YOU WORKING ON BEHIND THE SCENES OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS?

Besides building renovations, we had many things we wanted to implement and are still working on a few. We recently updated to an online booking system. Plus, we took the time to reevaluate the designers we carry and how we want to move forward to best service our brides. Needless to say, we are always adjusting something!

WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST WHEN THE SHOP HAD TO CLOSE ITS DOORS?

Our team and the happiness of a bride finding her gown. We rarely take time away. Although the forced vacation was great for family time, it was heartbreaking to part with our girls and not have answers about when we would be able to open again.

Every one of us gets to share in one of the most exciting choices a bride can have. And we love the feeling of happiness we get to share when they find their gown. Missing that for several weeks/months was a noticeable change to our normal days. We can’t wait to welcome brides back to their appointments.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO NOW THAT SINDERS BRIDAL HOUSE IS OPEN AGAIN?

Helping our brides shift and recover from a wedding that might have been postponed or dramatically changed from what they expected. In the very least, we can help them remember how incredible they felt when they found their gown and hold onto a small part of that excitement until they can get the rest of their plans set again.

ANY ADVICE OR WORDS OF WISDOM FOR BRIDES THAT HAD TO CANCEL OR POSTPONE THEIR WEDDINGS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC?

Try to stay positive and find the silver lining. We’ve had brides choose an intimate ceremony on their original date, with a bigger party when things are more normal. And we’ve had full postponements until the world has settled. No matter what, just remember that one way or another, you will get to marry the person you love.

Categories
Dress Shopping News

What to expect from your dress shopping experience during a pandemic

HOW COVID-19 IS AFFECTING DRESS SHOPPING AND THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY

Between cancelled or postponed weddings and bridal shops closing their doors, dress shopping has halted. The bridal industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring. However, with fewer cases being reported every day, governments allowing bridal boutiques to reopen, and smaller weddings forging ahead – things are looking more and more positive for brides every single day.

With that being said, we will explore all the ways COVID-19 has affected the wedding dress industry. So, you can begin your journey knowing exactly what to expect over the next several months and get you back to dress shopping.

WAYS COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED THE WEDDING DRESS INDUSTRY

DELAYED DELIVERIES

When the virus began spreading rapidly around the world back in February and March, manufacturers, including wedding dress designers, had to adapt to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, resulting in delays getting shipments out. Fortunately, though, these delays were minor. Most brides currently shopping for their wedding dress can expect their gown to arrive on time. However, this may not be the case for all designers. Be sure to ask your bridal boutique about any delays that will affect when your dress arrives.

POSTPONED NUPTIALS

One of the most significant effects COVID-19 had on the wedding industry was the cancellation or postponement of weddings scheduled to take place in 2020 due to restrictions on large gatherings.

While some couples chose to forge ahead with elopements and intimate micro weddings with only their witnesses and immediate family present, others made the tough decision to postpone until the fall of 2020 or push to 2021.

While this was understandably heartbreaking for many couples, the good news is that the Ontario provincial government has slowly begun allowing weddings to take place again, but with some restrictions. We’ll get more into that later.

INNOVATION (VIRTUAL DRESS SHOPPING)

One positive thing out of this pandemic is that many bridal shops and other vendors put their creativity to work. This creativity has kept their businesses afloat and helped brides continue to plan their weddings.

Many bridal boutiques introduced the concept of virtual shopping appointments. Where brides would be shown wedding gowns by a bridal stylist over a virtual chat like FaceTime or Zoom. Once a bride had narrowed down their selections, dresses would be shipped to their home for them to try on.

BRIDAL COLLECTIONS BEING DELAYED

Another side effect of the pandemic is that some bridal designers had to postpone the release of their latest collections. However, this hasn’t been the case with all designers. Be sure to ask your bridal stylist about whether certain styles and collections will be available. Especially if you are looking for a brand new style from a particular designer.

THE OVERALL DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

For brides that are able to continue dress shopping during the pandemic, the dress shopping experience will look a bit different than pre-COVID-19. Rest assured that your bridal stylist will do everything in their power to make your shopping experience as magical as possible.

Keep in mind that policies vary from shop to shop. Different cities and provinces have their own rules and regulations for retail businesses operating during the pandemic. However, most shops are limiting the size of brides’ entourages and requiring all visitors to wear masks.

Contact your bridal shop to learn more about how they are handling things during the pandemic.

WHERE THINGS ARE AT NOW

Now that Ontario is in Phase Three of the province’s official reopening, businesses are able to conduct business as usual, as long as sanitation and physical distancing protocols are followed and masks are worn (in certain towns and cities). This means that brides planning weddings for late 2020 or 2021 can resume the planning process without hurdles.

Even more good news is that smaller sized weddings are able to proceed again both indoors and outdoors.

For indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, you can have up to 50 people in attendance, as long as they physically distance and don’t fill up more than 30 percent of your venue’s capacity.

For outdoor weddings, you can have up to 100 people in attendance, as long as they are able to physically distance from one another.

THE SILVER LINING

While these past few months have been challenging for everyone, it’s important to stay positive and focus on what is most important. Marrying the love of your life when the time comes. This pandemic has completely changed the way we go about our day to day lives. One thing that it cannot change is the love you have for one another.

Also keep in mind that delaying nuptials can give you more time to plan and save up. Or, allow you to scale back your wedding in favour of a smaller, more romantic, and intimate affair with only those closest to you. No matter what avenue you choose to take, just know that we won’t let this affect your dress shopping experience. We want you to find your perfect wedding gown and that will never change – pandemic or not.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR APPOINTMENT AT SINDERS

At Sinders, we are closely following the health and safety guidelines set out by the Ontario Provincial government. As such, we require all Sinders staff and visitors to wear masks and keep a distance between each other as much as possible. We are also currently accepting fewer bookings to give us enough time to sanitize the shop in between appointments. We are also not allowing more than 3 party members to accompany brides to their appointments.

However, one thing that will not change is our dedication to making all our brides’ dreams come true. We will always find you the perfect gown to wear down the aisle. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment to start dress shopping with Sinders.