Category: Wedding Planning

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Wedding planning as a couple

Wedding Planning as a Couple

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times for couples. It’s a time when you can both come together to create your dream day, but it can also be a time of stress and tension if not planned properly or discussed openly. It’s important to remember that this day is about the two of you and your love for each other, so planning should be a collaborative effort. Here are some tips on how to plan a wedding as a couple, making sure to take both people’s wants into consideration.

1. Set a budget together

The first step in planning a wedding as a couple is to set a budget together. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and what your priorities are. Sit down and talk honestly about how much you want to spend on the wedding and what you want to prioritize within that budget. This will help you make decisions later on and prevent any disagreements about finances.

2. Create a vision board together

Create a shared Pinterest board or vision board where you both can add your ideas, inspirations, and preferences. This will help you both get on the same page about the overall look and feel of your wedding. Look at different styles, themes, colour palettes, and venues, and discuss what you like and don’t like about each one.

3. Divide tasks and responsibilities

Dividing tasks and responsibilities can help avoid stress and make sure each person is involved in the planning process. Discuss what tasks each person enjoys or is best at, and divide the responsibilities accordingly. For example, one person may be in charge of finding the perfect venue while the other can focus on creating the guest list and RSVPs.

4. Compromise

Compromise is key when planning a wedding as a couple. You both may have different ideas and priorities, but it’s important to find a middle ground that you’re both happy with. For example, if one person wants a large wedding while the other prefers a more intimate affair, you can compromise by having a smaller wedding with a larger reception.

5. Incorporate both of your cultures and traditions

If you and your partner come from different cultures or traditions, it’s important to incorporate both into your wedding. This can be done through food, music, clothing, or even the ceremony itself. By doing so, you’re celebrating and honouring both of your backgrounds and making your wedding unique to you as a couple.

6. Communicate openly and honestly

The most important aspect of planning a wedding as a couple is to communicate openly and honestly. Share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with each other, and make sure you both feel heard and understood. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements down the road.

In conclusion, planning a wedding as a couple is all about compromise, communication, and working together towards a shared vision. By setting a budget together, creating a shared vision board, dividing tasks and responsibilities, incorporating both of your cultures and traditions and communicating openly and honestly, you can create a wedding day that reflects both of your personalities and love for each other.

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Involving bridesmaids

Involving bridesmaids

When it comes to a wedding, your bridesmaids are your support system, your confidants, and your best friends. They have been by your side throughout the planning process, and they will be there on your big day. Including your bridesmaids in your wedding planning can not only be helpful but also fun and meaningful. Here are some tips for involving your bridesmaids in your wedding planning.

  1. Be clear about expectations: When you ask your bridesmaids to be a part of your wedding, make sure to clearly communicate your expectations. Let them know what you expect of them, what their responsibilities will be, and how much involvement you are looking for. Be open to their feedback and suggestions, but also make sure to establish boundaries.
  2. Give them specific tasks: If you have specific tasks you need help with, delegate them to your bridesmaids. This can include anything from helping with DIY projects to addressing invitations. Giving your bridesmaids specific tasks can make them feel more involved and invested in the planning process.
  3. Ask for their opinions: Your bridesmaids are your closest friends, and they know you well. Ask for their opinions on everything from your wedding colors to your centerpieces. Their input can be valuable, and it can also make them feel like they are contributing to your special day.
  4. Plan fun events: Planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure to plan some fun events with your bridesmaids. This can include things like dress shopping, spa days, or a night out on the town. These events can help build camaraderie and make the planning process more enjoyable.

When it comes to choosing your wedding gown, it’s important to involve your family and bridesmaids while still making your own decision. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

  1. Do your research: Before you start shopping for your wedding gown, do your research. Look at different styles, fabrics, and designers so you have a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. This will help you make a more informed decision.
  2. Bring your family and bridesmaids to appointments: When you go wedding gown shopping, it’s a good idea to bring your family and bridesmaids with you. This can help you get feedback and opinions, but make sure to establish boundaries beforehand. Let them know that while you value their input, the final decision will be yours.
  3. Take your time: Don’t rush into a decision when it comes to choosing your wedding gown. Make sure you have a good rapport with our bridal stylist, and can trust the boutique you’re creating a relationship with, you should be able to rely on them for the entirety of your engagement. This will ensure that you find the perfect dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
  4. Trust your instincts: Ultimately, the decision of which wedding gown to choose is yours. Trust your instincts and choose a gown that makes you feel amazing. Don’t let the opinions of others sway you if you know in your heart that a certain dress is the one for you.

Involving your bridesmaids in your wedding planning and choosing your wedding gown can be a fun and rewarding experience. Everyone’s goal should be to make sure you love your gown and feel supported in your decision. Remember to communicate clearly, delegate tasks, ask for opinions, plan fun events, and ultimately trust your instincts.

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Advice News Trends Wedding Dresses Wedding Planning

Styled shoots in Peterborough

Styled shoots in Peterborough

Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.

Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.

As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space out set nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.

Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.

When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.

Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefits vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involved in styled shoots. And to our brides, we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.

Book Your Appointment at Peterborough

Styled shoots in Peterborough

Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.

Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.

As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space outset nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.

Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.

When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.

Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefits vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involved in styled shoots. And to our brides, we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.

Book Your Appointment at Peterborough

Styled shoots in Peterborough

Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.

Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.

As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space outset nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.

Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.

Book Your Appointment at Peterborough

When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.

Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefit vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involve in styled shoots. And to our brides we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.

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Advice News Wedding Planning

Wedding Fun and Traditions

Wedding Fun and Traditions

There are many fun traditions that you can include in your wedding to make it more enjoyable and memorable for you and your guests. Some of your traditions will come from your heritage or your family, some will be related to religious traditions. If you’re looking for some options to involve all your guests and keep everyone laughing here are some ideas:

1. Unity ceremony: This is a special moment during the wedding where the couple comes together to symbolize the joining of two families. Some popular unity ceremonies include the lighting of a unity candle, the mixing of sand, or the planting of a tree.

2. Photobooth: Setting up a photobooth is a great way to capture the memories of your wedding day. You can provide props and backdrops to make it even more fun.

3. Dance-off: You can have a dance-off between the bride and groom or between different groups of guests. This is a great way to get everyone up and moving and to keep the party going.

4. Signature cocktails: Create a special drink for your wedding and serve it as a signature cocktail. You can even have a competition to name the drink.

5. Guest book alternatives: Instead of a traditional guest book, you can provide something more interactive like a Polaroid camera and a scrapbook for guests to take pictures and write messages.

6. Surprise performance: Surprise your guests with a special performance during the wedding reception. This could be a dance routine, a musical performance, or a comedy act.

7. Food trucks: Consider having food trucks instead of a traditional sit-down meal. This will give your guests a variety of options and make the reception feel more relaxed and casual.

8. Group photos: Take group photos of all the guests at the wedding. This is a great way to capture the memories and show how much fun everyone had.
9. Games: Set up a games area with board games or lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga. This is a great way to keep guests entertained during any downtime.

10. Caricature artist or magician to entertain guests during cocktail hour or the reception

11. Dance performance, such as a traditional cultural dance or a choreographed routine by the wedding party

12. Firework display or sparklers for a grand exit

13. Professional dance instructor to give dance lessons to guests

14. Slideshow or video montage showcasing the couple’s relationship and journey together

15. Photomontage or video montage played during the reception

16. Cultural dance performance, such as salsa, tango, or Bollywood dance performance.

Overall, the most fun traditions to include in a wedding are those that reflect your personality and interests as a couple, and that allow you and your guests to let loose, have fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to infuse your wedding with the traditions that represent you as a couple, and the life you are starting together.

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Planning a Fall or Winter Wedding

For those who are planning a fall or winter wedding.

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and hope. As the snow melts and the days get longer, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s the perfect time to start planning for the future, whether it’s a new project, a new job, or a new life with someone special.

For those who are planning a fall or winter wedding, spring is the ideal time to start thinking about wedding gowns. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right mindset and a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect gown that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your big day. Combined with the experience and guidance from our expert stylists at Sinders Bridal House in either Ottawa or Peterborough, you can rest assured you will find the perfect gown you can say yes to, so you can say I do.

If your wedding is this autumn or winter then ordering your gown now gives you just enough time for it to arrive and have a fitting with a qualified seamstress. But if your wedding is next spring or summer then one of the biggest advantages of choosing your wedding gown in the spring is that you have plenty of time to find the right dress. You won’t feel rushed or pressured to make a decision, and you can take your time to try on different styles and designs until you find the one that feels just right. We always suggest that if you feel you need that shopping experience, then by all means make one or two appointments with a bridal shop in your area. Then when you’ve narrowed your selections and feel like you’re ready to find the one that will meet all your expectations Sinders will be here to make sure it is perfect for you. Finding your gown with Sinders Bridal House ensures that you will always be taken care of, through making sure you’re comfortable with your decision, staying within budget, having the gown fitted down to every last detail, and even going to your wedding with to make sure that is perfect as well!

Another benefit of shopping for your wedding gown in the spring is that you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and natural light to see how the dress looks in natural lighting. This is especially important if you plan to have an outdoor wedding. By trying on dresses in natural lighting, you’ll be able to see how the dress looks in different lighting conditions and make sure it’s the perfect fit for your special day.

Finally, choosing your wedding gown in the spring allows you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning as the summer months approach. You can rest easy knowing that you have your dress taken care of and move on to other important details, such as venue selection, floral arrangements, and catering.

In conclusion, spring is a great time to choose your wedding gown in preparation for a fall or winter wedding. By taking advantage of sales, natural lighting, and the time you have available, you can find the perfect dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your big day. So embrace the spring season and start planning your dream wedding today!

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Venues

Venues

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, location and season are two of the most important factors to consider. Not only will they impact the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of your special day, but they can also affect the logistics and cost of your wedding since all venues have peak seasons and days of the week resulting in higher costs.

Discuss, as a couple, early on in your planning what day of the week and time of day you want to have your wedding. Do you want a midday ceremony with a tea party reception in a more relaxed atmosphere or an evening ceremony with pictures taken in the sunset and a nighttime reception where everyone can party the night away.

One of the first questions you should ask each venue is about their availability on your desired wedding date. It’s also important to ask about the capacity of the venue and any restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. Additionally, you’ll want to inquire about the rental fees and any additional costs, such as for parking, linens, or tables and chairs.

It’s also a good idea to ask about the venue’s policy on decorations and if there are any restrictions on vendors. You’ll want to ensure that you have the flexibility to personalize your wedding to your liking.

Another factor to consider is the season in which you plan to get married. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, you’ll want to ask about the venue’s rain backup plan and whether or not they have a covered space in case of inclement weather. You’ll also want to consider the temperature and whether or not the venue has air conditioning or heating.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to have an on-site planner on the day of the wedding or to hire a wedding planning company. Having an on-site planner can be convenient, as they will already be familiar with the venue and can help to coordinate all of the details on the day of the wedding. However, a wedding planning company can bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the table. They may have relationships with vendors and can often negotiate better rates, which can save you money in the long run.

Ultimately, the choice between an on-site planner and a wedding planning company will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Both options have their own set of benefits, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Choosing the right wedding venue is a crucial step when planning your wedding day. By considering factors such as location, season, and the availability of an on-site planner, you can find a venue that meets all of your needs and creates the perfect atmosphere for your dream wedding.

Above all – ask all the questions you might have. The best venues will be the most supportive and will have someone on their team dedicated to helping you through every part of the process.

If you ever need input or recommendations we are always here to offer suggestions. Having worked with many venues throughout both the Ottawa area and the Peterborough area we are more than happy to provide valuable input into choosing the perfect venue for our wedding day.

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Wedding Invitations

Wedding Invitations

There are so many parts to consider when you start planning your wedding. Some of the first things might be choosing a venue, or finding your wedding gown. But there is an important step that can come a little bit later on in the planning process which every couple will need to do… Invitations.

There are a few different options to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a comparison of making your own invitations by buying a digital download on Etsy, buying pre-made invitations, and having a designer make and personalize them by hand:

  1. Buying a digital download on Etsy: This is the most affordable option, as you can typically find a wide range of invitation templates for less than $20. The process is simple: just purchase the template, download it, and print it out at home or at a local print shop. You’ll need to have a good printer and some basic design skills to make the invitations look professional, but with a little bit of effort, you can create beautiful invitations on your own. The main downside is that you’ll be limited to the design options available on Etsy, so if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you might have to settle for something close.
  1. Buying pre-made invitations: If you don’t have the time or design skills to make your own invitations, you can purchase pre-made invitations online or at a local stationery store. These invitations are typically more expensive than digital downloads, but they’re also more convenient and often come with envelopes. The main downside is that you’ll be limited to the designs that are available, which might not match your wedding theme or style as closely as you’d like.
  1. Having a designer make and personalize invitations by hand: If you want the most unique and personalized invitations, you might consider hiring a designer to create them for you. This is the most expensive option, but it also gives you the most flexibility in terms of design. You can work with the designer to come up with a completely custom invitation that matches your wedding theme and style perfectly. The main downside is the cost, as custom invitations can be quite expensive. But if knowing your guests will receive the perfect introduction to your wedding day is important to you then this is definitely an option you should explore.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget, design skills, and how much time you have to devote to making your own invitations. If you have a limited budget and are comfortable with a DIY project, a digital download from Etsy might be the way to go. If you have a little more money to spend and don’t mind giving up some control over the design, pre-made invitations are a good choice. And if you want something truly unique and personalized, a designer might be the way to go.

In the end be sure it fits with the way you envision your wedding!

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Wedding Planning Timelines

Letters to the newly engaged bride.

Congratulations on your engagement! Such an exciting time and there can be so many questions. Not to worry, we’ve been helping brides find their wedding gowns, and have been involved in weddings for over 20 years. We’re here to answer all the questions you have – even if it isn’t related to bridal gowns!

Sinders Bridal House has been in it’s Ottawa, Ontario location since 1987 and over the years we have had the pleasure of working with so many wedding professionals. It’s common for us, once the wedding season is over, to get together, lean into our creative sides, and work on a styled shoot. This gives us the opportunity to meet new people in our industry, but it also lets us share beautiful pictures with our followers, all created from our own imaginations.

What should my first step be?

Often from talking with our brides we hear that the first step is picking your venue. This has split recently considering post-pandemic weddings have branched out to include all sorts of different venues. If you plan to use a popular venue, if you really want to get married on a peak day like a Saturday or Sunday, or if you have one specific date in mind that absolutely has to be your wedding day. Then you should expect at least a year wait before your wedding can happen and the venue will need to be the first thing you plan because that will be your main starting point.

If you’re open to alternate solutions, or always loved the idea of getting married in your own backyard, then the venue will not likely be your biggest time constraint. At this point, you already have a partially formed idea of where you plan to have your wedding so you know the vibe you’re aiming for. This means your timelines might be more restricted by which piece is more important to your wedding day – wedding photographer, florist, or entertainment. And you can move forward even with separate steps even if you don’t have an exact date booked.

Secondary first steps…

We believe that the most important pieces of your wedding day – other than you and your fiancée(e)! – are the wedding photographer and your wedding gown. After all, those are the pieces that will create your memories that you will see hanging on your walls or posted on your social media for the rest of your life. Always read reviews when choosing your wedding photographer, but even more so, look through their portfolio to make sure that they match the look you want to have in your memories. Each photographer has a certain way they capture their images and a certain colour spectrum they work within. Are you looking for crisp colourful photos? Or what about black and white? Or blown out, or editorial style, or a bigger emphasis on candids? Always do your research on the photographers in your area, find a few in your style, then make an appointment to meet them. Honestly, they want to know that you will be a match personally just as much as you do. You both want to be sure that you’re on the same page from day one, so take this one seriously and you’ll love the visual memories you come away with.

Florists have busier seasons like all wedding professionals, but they also work within the constraints of which flowers and greenery are available at any given season. If you have your heart set on a specific flower or a certain colour scheme then it’s best to get input from the experts in this field so that you can book your wedding day within the correct time frame.

Entertainment. Meaning anything from a DJ to a live band to aerialists. This can be a pivotal part of your wedding day, or something that is extremely special to you as a couple. The more particular you get the more it will impact your timeline so find out when they are available early on before booking other professionals.

How finding your wedding dress fits into the timeline you have available.

When a bride asks us about timelines the simplest answer is that we love to be able to order your gown 9-12 months ahead of your wedding day. This gives us room to breathe in the delivery process, as well as several months on the end for alterations to your wedding gown. Though that is the dream timing for us, we always have to mention that whatever timeline you have is the ideal timeline to find a gown. The shortest timeline we have ever worked with is one week. No, I’m not pulling your leg. We look at it as ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. Thankfully we also work with some incredible designers who have helped us out by working their magic to get a bride her gown on an impossible timeline. These are more stressful, not just for us, but for you (our bride) as well. We are nothing but grateful to the brides who place absolute trust in us in these situations. But please give as much time as you can to order your gown so that you know this vital piece is taken care of and will not be the cause of extra stress leading up to your wedding.

In the end, the best place to start is the part of your wedding that is the most important to you. Take some time to picture what you want your day to look like. Picture you in your gown, your groom in his suit, or your bride in her gown/suit. Picture your surroundings, and picture the overall plan of what you and your guests will do throughout the day or evening. Then discuss with your partner which aspects are the most important for both of you. From there you’ll have a short list of things to focus on – a starting point.

Good luck and remember. If you have questions or are looking for suggestions we love to help! It’s an honour for us to be involved in your wedding day and we love to share our knowledge and experience with our brides!

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Wedding Dress Timelines

Let’s talk wedding dress timelines.

Now that we are launching into our busy season here at Sinders, we’ve had a lot of questions on timelines. So that brings forth the tell-tale question:

“When SHOULD you be starting your journey on finding your wedding gown?”

Well, the truth is – it depends.

On average, wedding dresses can take between 6-9 months to order. This is of course paired with manufacturing, shipping, receiving, customization, accessorizing and general alterations. It can result in a recommended start date of up to 12 months before your desired wedding date.

Before you hit the panic button, we are going to help break down those factors for you. That way, you can be ready to hit the ground running when the time comes.

Here are the top 7 things to consider when crafting your wedding dress timeline:

1. What is your wedding vision?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of what goes into the creation of a garment, let us first start at the beginning.

It is no surprise that the minute you become engaged, an overwhelming number of questions start to pop into your head. Some of which you might not have considered when it comes to planning a wedding.

Location. Time of year. Guest list. Theme. Wedding party. Décor.

It can be a lot to think about.

BUT – these things are all integral pieces to solidifying your wedding vision and ultimately understanding what you may be looking for in a wedding dress.

You might have always envisioned yourself in a beautiful ballgown. Or a sweeping train. Heck maybe even satin ensemble.

Will this be what you may end up falling for?

Perhaps not.

But having an idea of your likes and dislikes are a great starting point.  Especially when knowing what type of timeline you will find yourself on when shopping for your dress. And even more so if this might include customizations.

2. What is the difference in dress designers?

A large reason that we provide such a wide timeframe when talking about timelines is due to the difference in designers we carry.

Simply put, no two designers are the same.

We don’t know which wedding dress that you are likely to say ‘yes’ to. So, it is extremely difficult for us to say exactly what your timeline should look like.

Rest assured though; each designer works diligently to ensure that your gown arrives nothing short of everything you imagined!

Beyond that, our talented team of stylists are here to help make your shopping experience seamless and extraordinary!

If you have your eye on a particular designer before starting your shopping journey, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

3. How many appointments are too many?

Far too often, we hear of brides having gone to dozens of stores, tried hundreds of wedding dresses and feel absolutely overwhelmed with the thought of having to choose. Or, brides so overpacked with appointment after appointment, that they don’t truly get the opportunity to live in the moment when they find the gown that beats them all!

We are by no means saying that going to a few different stores is a bad idea.

In fact, we suggest selecting even 2-3 of your favourite stores to really maximize your shopping experience. Go ahead – discover your style and explore your options!

Just do not overdo it!

We promise you after dozens of dresses and multiple appointments, it will start to become much more difficult to make a confident and informed decision. Plus, if you are someone who finds it difficult making daily decisions, this fact will only be magnified when trying on an abundance of gowns.

So, when shopping for your wedding dress trust the opinions of those around you. Your entourage, your stylist and most importantly – yourself. The joy and exuberance you feel when finally putting on ‘your dress’ should not be lost in the hustle and bustle of traffic.

If you know in your heart of hearts that you want to explore your options – do it!

In fact, consider making each of your selected stores a unique destination. Each store you visit will have its’ own unique atmosphere, selection, and ambiance. So let yourself enjoy them!

Do your research ahead of time. That way, you can go into each and every appointment prepared and know that you could very well walk out with your perfect dress!

Oh, and when you are ready to make your appointment with Sinders Bridal, let us be your final destination of course ;). 

4. Are there any external factors that could be impacting the industry?

You might be thinking, what the heck does this have to do with my shopping timeline?

The answer is quite a bit.

As we have seen over these past two years, our ecosystem is fragile. From mandated closures to capacity limits, and wedding postponements to shipping delays. We can never know what the future holds for our brides or the industry. So timelines become even more important.

If you have the time – consider working some wiggle room into your timeline. We promise you, the last thing you want to be when shopping for your dress is stressed out.

Not sure if your timeline will work? Give us a call. We can help you work through your timeline and make sure you are dressed and ready for your big day!

5. What goes into making the physical wedding gown?

This might seem implied, but give yourself time when shopping. Let the magic of your dress happen. Although it is completely possible to walk out of the store with a dress in your hand – more often than not, your journey is just beginning.

In fact – your dress can take 6-9 months to make its journey from your initial deposit to walking down the aisle.

From production and manufacturing to shipping and delivery. Your wedding dress takes months before arriving back at our boutique. From there, our dedicated quality control group will receive your gown, thoroughly checking each and every aspect of your gown. From seams to clasps and intricate beadwork. It is our job to be meticulous and ensure that your gown ready from top to bottom.

Once you’ve received your call and are able to come meet your dress – it is time to prepare for alterations. Depending on the amount of customizations you have gone with, alterations can take anywhere from 3-4 months to complete.

Add in shopping for accessories and some buffer room for yourself and we have quite a timeline!

Note: It felt wrong to not mention the incredible work that also goes into our custom wedding veils. Many of our veils at Sinders Bridal are hand-made with intricate beading and matching lacework that can take upwards of 5-6 months to complete. The last thing you want is to say yes to your dress and not give yourself enough time to find your perfect veil. Keep this in mind when creating your wedding timeline.  

6. What services do your chosen bridal boutiques offer?

Understanding what services are offered at your chosen bridal boutiques can have a large influence on your timeline.

Will you have the time needed to make the decision? Are you able to bring the number of guests you desire? Do they offer alterations and customizations?

The bottom line is every bridal boutique you visit will have the bread and butter of what you’re looking for (a wedding dress). Finding the right boutiques that have the offerings you are looking for can be the difference between weeks or months added to your timeline.

For the sake of an example, let’s say you are looking for a jaw-dropping train on your wedding dress.

Now, there is an excellent selection of wedding dresses on the market today that would be the perfect selection for your wedding day! Many options can be found both in-person or online. Each can be an incredible choice that will have little impact on your shopping timeline.

However, let’s say that having this train is non-negotiable.

If having a piece that’s your specific taste and style preferences is important, do not be surprised by a longer timeline. Finding that exact dress without having customization can be extremely difficult. You may find yourself at multiple appointments. With hundreds of gowns. All before realizing what you want may not exist on the market.

Enter customizations.

Customizations, although more time intensive, require skill and expertise of a dedicated team. A team who not only has familiarity with wedding dresses, but with your specific gown.

In this specific example, finding a bridal boutique that has a dedicated alterations team is important. A team experienced with the dresses can be the difference of dozens of headaches and one smooth and seamless shopping experience.  

Do your research. 

Choosing the correct stores for the experiences you want can ensure that your piece comes out as a perfect representation and reflection of who you are.

Did we mention at Sinders Bridal, you get exclusive access to Ottawa’s premiere seamstresses? 

7. Are you on a condensed timeline?

Okay, so we’ve given you what seems like a dozen reasons to give yourself as much time as possible when starting wedding dress shopping. You might be thinking, “Oh crap, I do not have that much time – I will never find a dress!”.  

That is certainly not the case.

Although more often than not the dresses are ordered – that does not mean that you can’t find a dress on a tight timeline.

Maybe you chose to have a short engagement. Or something has accelerated your plans and suddenly your day is fast approaching.

Enter sample gowns.

Yes, you heard us correctly. You can buy sample gowns right off the floor and walk out of a bridal store with your dress in hand!

Okay, okay, okay.

The options when going this route might be a little more limited, but where there is a will, we will find a way! In fact, there are often hundreds of sample gowns on the floor at one time, so rest assured that your gown is out there.

—

Let’s get real.

What is most important is to give yourself time, and know in your heart what feels right to you. Because, we could go on and on when it comes to talking timelines.

The moral of the story is – the longer your timeline, the less stressful. In the end, it isn’t our wedding day.

But… maybe consider making us your last stop.

Have your ‘Say Yes’ moment with Sinders. 

We will be behind you every step of the way. To inform you, provide for you, cheer you on and help you thrive. From the moment you walk in the doors, to the final fitting before your big day. Because when you become a Sinders bride, you become family. Every step of your engagement!

So go out there and shine beautiful.

 

Until next time,

The Sinders Team

 

Categories
Wedding Planning

Bridesmaid duties and responsibilities

You have been asked to stand with one of your closet friends as she takes this important step in her life. Whether you love weddings or think they are a waste of money, you should still feel honoured that the bride values your relationship so much that she wants you not just to attend, but to participate in her special day.

You may be thinking that being a bridesmaid simply means buying a dress and standing at the front of the ceremony site while the couple say “I do,” but that is actually only one of multiple duties.

Being a bridesmaid has quite a few responsibilities, and more expenses then just the dress. Below I’ve explained the customary bridesmaid duties and what she is responsible for financially.

Duties & Responsibilities

A bride should never assume that a her party knows exactly what her anticipated bridesmaid duties are, especially since every bride has different expectations.

Today, many brides send out an email to their bridesmaid to let them know what her plans and (reasonable) expectations are, and what the bridesmaids should be available for.

Customary Bridesmaid Duties:

  • Assist bride in any reasonable way with any wedding planning
  • Accompany bride dress shopping for wedding gown if she asks you too (some brides take their entire bridal party, others just take their maid of honour and other family members)
  • Accompany bride dress shopping for bridesmaids dresses
  • Run errands up to and on the day of the wedding
  • Attend all wedding related events/parties if possible
  • Assist maid/matron of honour in planning bridal shower and bachelorette party, and contribute to costs financially
  • Give a gift at the bridal shower and wedding or contribute to a group gift
  • One or two bridesmaids should record the item and recipient of all gifts at the shower
  • Assist bride in making/assembling save the dates, wedding invitations, and/or wedding favors
  • Assist as co-hostess for all wedding related events; mingle and introduce guests, make sure people are enjoying themselves, etc.
  • Pay for your own attire (dress, shoes, jewelry, hair piece, etc), hairstyling, and make-up (unless the bride has stated she is paying for this)
  • Arrange for your own transportation for the day of, unless the bride has already done so
  • Pay for your own accommodations if you live out of town. Some sources say this is the responsibility of the couple, but majority agree it is the responsibility of the bridesmaid.  If you are unsure, check with the bride to see if she’ll be swallowing this cost or not.
  • Possibly give a speech at the rehearsal dinner (some brides choose a bridesmaid for this task since the maid/matron of honour gives a speech at the wedding)
  • Walk in the processional, stand/sit at the front of the ceremony site during the ceremony, walk in the recessional
  • Greet guests in the receiving line if the bride asks you too
  • Assist the maid of honour with the bride’s bustle if necessary
  • Dance with your designated groomsman at the end of the couple’s dance if they are following this tradition
  • Participate in the bouquet toss

Maid/Matron of Honour

The maid/matron of honour is the primary bridal attendant. She is the bride’s right-hand-woman for the entire wedding planning process and on the big day.
The role is the same for a maid or matron of honour. History simply created the different terms to distinguish whether the lady was single (maid) or married (matron).

On top of the customary bridesmaids duties listed above, the maid/matron of honour has the additional duties of:

  • Initiate and coordinate the bridal shower and bachelorette party (unless another bridesmaids wishes to take on this responsibility)
  • Coordinate group gift from the bridesmaids for the shower and/or wedding if you are doing one
  • Ensure all bridesmaids have ordered their dresses in time, and get any alterations needed in time
  • Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony if there is no ring bearer
  • Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony (be prepared, these can be heavier than they look)
  • Serve as the ceremonial/legal witness for the marriage
  • Straighten the bride’s train after the processional, before the recessional, and during the photos
  • Make a speech/toast at the reception, and possibly at the rehearsal dinner
  • Bustle the bride’s train at the reception (it helps to attend a fitting with the bride so you are shown how to do this. You might need another bridesmaid’s assistance as well).
  • Assist the bride in changing out of her wedding gown if she is changing outfits
  • Have a list of contact’s from the bride (parents, vendor, officiant, caterer, dj/band, etc.) so you can handle any glitches that occur on the big day so the bride can remain stress free

Being prepared for emergencies is always a good idea. No matter how hard the bride has worked to make her special day perfect, something can go wrong.  To help with the minor mishaps on the day it’s suggested that bridesmaids have an emergency tool kit with them.  When at your seamstress ask for suggestions on any items you should have on hand (ex. needle/thread, safety pins) for any unexpected emergencies.

Other suggestions to include in your kit are aspirin/ibuprofen, bandages, bobby pins, etc.

Who Picks the Dress and Accessories?

Yes you are paying for the dress. Yes you are the one wearing the dress. However, the final decision on what dress the bridesmaids are wearing is up to the bride since it is her day.
A good bride will take your budget and opinion into her consideration, but ultimately she does make the decision.

Some brides are letting their bridesmaids choose their own gowns given some specific parameters; such as colour, length, material, and/or designer.  In this case it’s always a good idea to make sure the bride does give her ok on your dress before you purchase it to make sure it goes with her vision.

When getting alterations on your dress, make sure you wear the same undergarments you’re going to be wearing on the actual day of the wedding. Undergarments do affect how a gown sits and fits.

Also make sure your undergarments are not visible underneath the dress. This occurred at a wedding I was a bridesmaid in. Minutes before we were getting ready to leave we noticed one bridesmaid’s black underwear was showing through her coral gown. Luckily we were in the hotel yet so she could run back to her room and change.

Some brides want a unified look, right down to the toes, so they ask their bridesmaids to all purchase the same pair of shoes and other accessories. Other brides give general specifications (ex. nude pump, pearl stud earrings, etc) but let the girls choose the exact items themselves.
So before you run out and start accessorizing your look find out what the bride has decided.

Hair, Make-Up, Nails

It’s customary for the bridesmaids to pay for their own hair, make-up, and nails. Again, some brides want a certain look for their wedding. Which means all their girls to have an up-do, matching nails, etc. While other brides let the girls choose what works for them.

If the bride doesn’t inform you of her choice, you should check with her or the maid of honour. Don’t make any assumptions either way.

Some brides do decide to pay for this service for their girls as part of her thank you for helping her with her special day. However, this is not a requirement so make sure you leave room in your budget for these services unless the bride tells you otherwise.

Being a bridesmaid should be an enjoyable experience for you. It’s a great time to enjoy the relationship you have with your friend. It can also be a busy and stressful time which can put a strain on your friendship.

To help reduce the stress, it’s always a good idea to find out what the bride’s expectations of your bridesmaid duties are at the beginning. Let the bride know what your budget and time availability is for the event, and to remember that this is a time for celebration so don’t let the little things bog you both down.