As we step into a new year, the world of weddings is undergoing a new transformation, with couples eagerly seeking fresh and exciting trends to make their special day truly exceptional. As dedicated wedding planners, we are thrilled to guide you through some of 2024's captivating wedding trends. Let's explore how we can incorporate these trends to your dream day!

Mini Bouquets

The mini bouquet trend is all about embracing simplicity and letting the delicate beauty of each bloom shine. These smaller arrangements bring an added level of charm to wedding photos. Their petite size allows for creative and whimsical shots, showcasing the intricate details of each flower. Not to mention, smaller arrangements can be more cost-effective while still providing a stunning floral element to complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Bud Vases

Bud vases are incredibly versatile and adaptable to various wedding venues. One of the charming aspects of bud vases is the ability to mix and match different shapes, sizes, and styles. This diversity adds visual interest to your overall decor, creating a dynamic and curated look that reflects the style of your wedding. Additionally, by using single stems or small arrangements, you can achieve a stunning visual effect without breaking the bank, allowing for more flexibility in your overall wedding budget! It’s a win-win!

Retro Details

From mid-century vibes to vintage-inspired elements, infusing a touch of nostalgia into your celebration adds a timeless charm that resonates with both the past and the present. Create eclectic and visually captivating tablescapes by going with mismatched china and glassware. The mix of patterns, colours, and styles adds an authentic vintage feel to your reception. This style also brings an elegant, yet playful, sophistication to your wedding decor. Also, how fun is a disco ball on the dance floor?!

Documentary Style Photography

Moving beyond posed portraits, this approach focuses on candid moments, genuine emotions, and the unique narrative of your special day. This style thrives on capturing unscripted emotions and authentic moments. Say goodbye to staged poses, and welcome the natural laughter, tears, and joy that unfold throughout your wedding day. Beyond the grand moments, documentary-style photography zooms in on the details that often go unnoticed. From the subtle glances exchanged between partners, to the little details of decor and attire, these images showcase the beauty found in authenticity, making amazing memories.

Small, Vintage Wedding Cakes

Small vintage wedding cakes embrace the elegance of the past in a petite package. Vintage-inspired details take centre stage on these wedding cakes. Think intricate lace patterns, edible pearls, and whimsical decorations that add the romantic aesthetics of past eras. These delicate details add a touch of sophistication to modern weddings!

Planning a wedding is a monumental task that requires careful orchestration of various elements to create a seamless and unforgettable event. Two professionals who play critical roles in bringing a couple's dream wedding to life are the wedding planner and the wedding designer.

While these roles might sound similar, they have distinct responsibilities and functions that contribute to the overall success of the celebration. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between a wedding planner and a wedding designer, shedding light on how they collaborate to make weddings truly magical.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

Wedding Planner: Master of Logistics and Coordination

A wedding planner is akin to a project manager, meticulously coordinating and executing every logistical detail to ensure the event runs smoothly. Their responsibilities include – but are not limited to:

contracts Coordination:

Wedding planners research, negotiate, and contract various vendors such as caterers, photographers, florists, and entertainers, ensuring each aligns with the couple's vision and budget.

Budget Management:

Staying within the allocated budget is crucial. Planners help allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding while keeping track of expenses.

Timeline Creation:

Creating a detailed timeline that outlines the sequence of events on the wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception, is the planner's task. They work to keep everything on schedule.

Problem Solving:

Unexpected challenges are bound to arise. Wedding planners use their quick thinking to find solutions that maintain the integrity of the event.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

Wedding Designer: Crafting Aesthetics and Atmosphere

On the other hand, a wedding designer's focus lies in creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant atmosphere that reflects the couple's personality and vision. Their key responsibilities include:

Conceptualization:

Wedding designers work closely with the couple to understand their preferences, style, and desired ambiance. From this information, they develop a unique design concept.

Décor and Aesthetics:

From floral arrangements to lighting, linens, furniture, and other décor elements, wedding designers curate a cohesive aesthetic that transforms the chosen venue.

Colour Palette and Theme:

Designers guide the couple in selecting a colour palette and theme that align with their vision. This consistency helps create a visually striking event.

Space Transformation:

Wedding designers envision the transformation of the venue, turning ordinary spaces into breathtaking settings that evoke the desired emotions.

Attention to Detail:

It's the designer's role to ensure every visual element aligns with the overall theme, from table settings to ceremony backdrops.

While wedding planners and wedding designers have distinct roles, their collaboration is integral to a successful wedding. Open communication between these professionals ensures that logistical arrangements harmonize seamlessly with design elements. Together, they work towards making the couple's dreams a reality, creating an enchanting and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

In the world of weddings, both wedding planners and wedding designers are indispensable. The wedding planner masterminds the logistical intricacies, while the wedding designer crafts a visually captivating ambiance.

Need some help either planning your wedding or designing it? We have both professionals in-house. Take advantage of a $700 reduction fee when you combine our Final Stage Wedding Planning and Wedding Design packages. Click here to learn more about our packages and prices.

Why us? Spotlight Events is Vancouver's most trusted wedding planner and designer firm, recognized as one of BC’s top three best wedding planners. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation, and let's weave the magic of your dream wedding together.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

Are you on a mission to elevate your marketing game and leave a lasting impression on your audience? Well, guess what? The secret sauce to achieving marketing greatness lies in the world of creative events! As your go-to Event Planning Company, Spotlight Events is here to spill the beans on why incorporating creative events into your business marketing strategy is an absolute game-changer.

1. Captivate Your Audience with Unforgettable Experiences:

Creative events are the Jedi Masters of captivating your audience. Why tell them about your brand when you can show them through immersive experiences? From themed product launches that transport attendees to new realms to interactive workshops that spark curiosity, these experiences make your brand unforgettable!

2. Break the Ice and Create Lasting Connections:

Building genuine connections with your audience is gold for your business. Creative events provide the perfect playground for networking and relationship-building. Whether it's a corporate mixer that breaks the ice or a team-building extravaganza that fosters camaraderie, these events open doors to meaningful connections with clients, partners, and fellow business enthusiasts.

3. Boost Your Brand Presence

In the bustling landscape of Vancouver Events, it's essential to stand out from the crowd. That's where creative events come in to save the day! Hosting a unique and fun-filled event puts the spotlight on your business, garnering attention, media coverage, and social media buzz. Get ready to make waves in your industry!

4. Show Your Brand's Personality and Story

Your brand has a story to tell, and creative events are the perfect megaphone. Inject your brand's personality into the event's theme and activities. Share your journey, values, and mission with your attendees in an entertaining and impactful way. When people connect emotionally with your brand, they become loyal advocates and customers.

5. Witness Real-Time Marketing Results

Tired of wondering whether your marketing efforts are paying off? Creative events deliver real-time results you can't ignore. Measure attendance, engagement, and conversions right before your eyes. Analyze the data and fine-tune your future strategies for even greater success.

6. Leave the Event Management to the Pros

Leave the nitty-gritty of event management to the experts. Our talented Event Coordinators at Spotlight Events know how to work their magic, ensuring your event runs like a dream while you focus on running your business.

Are you ready to achieve the full potential of creative events in your marketing strategy? Let's make it happen together! Spotlight Events is the right partner for planning unforgettable corporate events that'll elevate your brand to new heights.

Need some help planning your event? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted events firm. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. Let’s get creative!

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

As a bride, you're likely focused on the big picture when it comes to your wedding day, but did you know there are many small details that go into making your wedding day a success? 

Here are 4 things that wedding planners do that brides often don't know about:

Review vendor contracts:

Wedding planners are trained to review vendor contracts and ensure that all necessary details are included, such as delivery and setup times, payment terms, and contact information. This can help protect you from any unexpected surprises on your wedding day.

Communicate with food and beverage vendors:

Wedding planners have strong relationships with food and beverage vendors, and we are responsible for communicating your dietary needs, menu selections, and other important details to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Create a floorplan:

Wedding planners create a detailed floor plan to guide you through the venue layout, ensuring that everything is set up exactly as you envision it. This includes the placement of tables, chairs, décor, seating charts, and more.

Create event day timeline:

Wedding planners create an event day timeline that includes all the important details of your wedding day, from the start of the ceremony to the end of the reception. This timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly and on time, and it helps to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings on your special day.

Wedding planners do much more than just coordinate details on your wedding day. From reviewing vendor contracts to creating a very specific event day timeline, we are responsible for ensuring that your day is seamless, stress-free, and everything you've dreamed of.

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Our wedding packages cover from wedding day coordination to full-service wedding planning. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

Hiring a wedding planner can be one of the best decisions you make when planning your big day. Not only does a wedding planner help you stay organized and on track, but we also bring expertise, creativity, and peace of mind to the planning process.

Here's what to look for when hiring a wedding planner for your Vancouver Wedding and why it's worth it.

Experience and expertise:

Look for a wedding planner with a proven track record of creating beautiful and successful weddings. Ask for references and reviews from past clients to get a sense of their experience and expertise.

Communication and organizational skills:

A good wedding planner should be excellent at communicating and organizing all aspects of your wedding. Look for someone responsive, detail-oriented, and able to stay on top of deadlines.

Creative vision:

A wedding planner should have a strong sense of style and creativity to bring your wedding vision to life. Look for someone who can offer suggestions and ideas that match your aesthetic and preferences.

Budget savvy:

A good wedding planner should have a solid understanding of your budget and be able to help you prioritize your spending. Look for someone who can help you maximize your budget and create a beautiful wedding without overspending.

Availability and reliability:

Look for a wedding planner who is available and reliable, and who can be there for you throughout the planning process. Choose someone who is a good fit for your personality and who you feel comfortable working with.

Network of vendors:

A good wedding planner should have a network of trusted and reliable vendors who can help bring your wedding vision to life. Look for someone who can recommend top-notch vendors who match your style and budget.

Problem-solving skills:

Wedding planning can come with its fair share of challenges, so look for a wedding planner who has strong problem-solving skills and can handle unexpected situations with ease.

Why is it worth it?

Hiring a wedding planner can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Not only will a wedding planner handle all the details and keep you on track, but we also bring valuable knowledge and expertise to the planning process. With Spotlight Events by your side, you can relax and enjoy the planning process, knowing that your big day is in good hands.

Hiring a wedding planner is a worthwhile investment that can help make your wedding day truly special and memorable. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with, who has the experience and skills you need, and who can bring your wedding vision to life.

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

Creating your wedding playlist is super important because you want your Vancouver wedding to be the best for you and your guests! This is YOUR special day, so make sure you have all of your favourite songs, especially the ones both you and your partner love! 

If you decide to hire a professional DJ, they will be armed with a lengthy playlist of crowd favourites, but you’ll definitely want to give them a mini playlist of your own top song requests. If you decide not to hire a DJ because it is out of your wedding budget, you should inquire with your venue or a Vancouver wedding planner to find out if they’ll provide a speaker system that is big and loud enough for the wedding reception. With that being said, your wedding playlist should be over 120 songs, but finding that many songs on your own can be difficult. A good idea is to reach out to your family and friends to see what type of songs they would like to hear at your Vancouver wedding as well.

Consider the age of your guests and the different categories to have: slow, romantic, dance, throwback, and a mix of everything else. 

If you’re having a traditional Vancouver wedding, you will most likely have a first dance, a father and daughter dance, and a mother and son dance. These dances are very special and what makes them even more special, is the choice of song! For a traditional Vancouver wedding ceremony, you’ll need song ideas for the processional, bride’s entrance, signing of the register, and recessional. Other key songs to choose for your Vancouver wedding reception include the grand entrance, cake cutting, and bouquet and garter toss. 

For those of you who are big partiers and love to break it down on the dance floor, you definitely know you will be adding a lot of party songs to your wedding playlist! Once it is party time and everyone has had a few drinks, everyone is ready to dance. We love when the wedding party has a special song and they hit the dance floor to sing and dance together. OR even better, when they surprise guests with a high-energy choreographed dance. So much fun!

PSA: if ANY CHILDREN OR ELDERS ARE ATTENDING your wedding, make sure to play the clean versions of songs or just pick and choose what you think is appropriate.

Everyone loves a good throwback song at a Vancouver wedding, so you don’t want to forget some of those! There are so many different types of throwback songs, especially depending on your generation and the wide range of generations among the guests. 

BONUS!

If you find yourself stuck in finding the perfect wedding playlist for your Vancouver wedding, then you have come to the right place! 

Check out our carefully curated Spotlight Events Spotify playlists.

Here is a sneak peek at our Top Favourite Songs For Our Wedding Playlist:

1. How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding

2. I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz

3. No Diggity - Blackstreet, Dr. Dre & Queen Pen

4. Yeah! - Usher

5. Dancing Queen - ABBA

6. Jessie’s Girl - Rick Springfield

7. Wannabe - Spice Girls

8. Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) - Backstreet Boys

9. Fireball - Pitbull

10. Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars
    

BONUS Song: We Are Young - Fun

(our favourite choice for the last song of the night… something a little more original than Closing Time by Semisonic).

Keep in mind this is just a sneak peek, so if you want the full playlist you’ll have to head over to our Spotlight Events Spotify.

Happy wedding playlist making!

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. 

Now that you’re engaged and had some time to soak things in and get started on booking the venues and vendors, the next thing on your checklist is your wedding invitations. No pressure, but this is one of the first things your guests will see that will showcase the theme and vision of your Vancouver wedding. Although planning for your wedding invitations may seem like a small, timeless task that can be done within hours, you may want to spend a bit more time on them as there are many things to consider when you begin customizing them.

Here are some ways you can plan and customize your Vancouver wedding invitations:

Personalize with elements from your love story

An easy way to communicate your love story with your guests is by displaying small details that are personal to you, your partner and your love story, directly on the invitations. This could be in the form of memorable dates, unique graphics, or even personal photos. Highlighting special locations and favorite items is also a great idea to help make your guests feel like they know you both on a personal level.

Customize with specific colours and special text

Depending on how much you want to customize your Vancouver wedding invitations, you can definitely leave some room for some fun with the text and colours. If you and your partner aren’t the type of couple that speaks formally or utilizes fancy words, feel free to show off your personality through your wedding invitations. Utilize nicknames or even add a personal one-line note at the bottom of the invitation to make it even more fun. With colours, you can also choose a palette that is similar to the colours and theme of your wedding, or choose other colours that get the job done but still do justice to the theme and vision of your Vancouver wedding. When it comes to planning for your Vancouver wedding invitations, choose what you feel is comfortable and authentic to you both.

Incorporate your Vancouver wedding venue

If the Vancouver wedding venue you both have chosen is a unique building or special location, you can always incorporate that into your invitations as well. You can have fun with patterns and signs, or even add some other elements that indicate whether it will be an outdoor or indoor wedding you are planning.

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

If you are planning a summer wedding and would like to hear our Top 5 Tips for Summer Weddings, keep on reading!

Tip 1:

In Season Flowers 

When you are planning your Vancouver wedding, you want to make sure you research and pick the best flowers that are in season! Lucky for you, we will share our summer favorites to help with your wedding planning. 

There are endless options to choose from when you’re creating your perfect wedding bouquet and centerpieces. Anything from all white, to pastels, or bright colours with different sizes!

Firstly, we have two flowers in their peak season for June: Peonies and Roses.

Peonies - a beautiful option for your wedding! Their peak season is early spring all the way until late June. Peonies have the most delightful fluffy petals which creates the perfect bouquet for a romantic Vancouver wedding.

Roses - they are a classic flower and can be used in any season but June is the perfect time for your summer wedding! You can never go wrong with a bouquet or centerpiece full of roses, which can both be chic or traditional. 

Secondly, our flowers for the season of July are: Orchids and Gardenias.

Orchids -  they will certainly give your wedding a beautiful modern look, even though you don’t see orchids in a wedding often. They have different size orchids which can create a beautiful unexpected bouquet. They also look stunning as floating and hanging centerpieces. 

Gardenias - You do have to be careful with these due to their very fragrant smell. Even though gardenias make the perfect boutonnieres, they also make an elegant bouquet with their white and cream colours. 

Finally for our August flowers we have: Dahlias and Carnations.

Dahlias - they bloom in late summer through fall. A fun fact about dahlias when they bloom early, they are extra bright and fade later in the season. Dahlias pair well with cosmos or any other flower to make a stunning bouquet. ​​

Carnations - they’re a beautiful simple option for your bouquet, they have subtle scent to them and they are becoming more than a filler flower because they have three different sizes which creates a bigger look to the bouquet. 

Tip 2

Backup Options

Having a backup option for your ceremony is crucial when you have a Vancouver wedding because as beautiful as our summers are, there is always a high chance of a heat wave or even rain. You will definitely want to inquire with the venue or wedding planner to explore your backup options for the ceremony. 

Another great backup option includes renting a tent, this will prepare for both rain and shade. Having a designated spot that is covered is so important for yourselves and your guests! Pro tip - don’t forget about shelter for your vendors! They play an important role in your wedding and you don’t want them to get overheated or rained on. 

Tip 3 

STAY HYDRATED! 

When planning your Vancouver wedding you want to make sure you are asking the right questions with the venue, cater and your planner. An important detail to planning your outdoor wedding is to ensure you have water for guests. 

Your wedding day is one of the days you tend to forget about staying hydrated because you’re always on the go. For brides, you spend so much time getting ready, then you have photos and next thing you know you haven’t eaten or drank all day. 

A Vancouver summer can be full of surprises when it comes to the weather but one tip we can give you is to always wear your SUNSCREEN! And make sure you bring extra. The last thing you want to do is get burnt on your wedding day… that would be the worst thing ever! 

Surprisingly, confirming you have ice for a summer wedding is so important! There may be some miscommunication when it comes down to what is needed and what will be provided between the vendors and venue. Vendors may need ice for various reasons and the venue might not have any, or vice versa. It is super important to communicate with your planner, vendors, and venue to ensure you have a smooth sailing wedding! 

Tip 4

Summer Cocktails

Next on our Top 5 Tips for Summer Weddings is one of our favourites… Summer Cocktails!! If you know Spotlight Events, you know we love a good glass of wine after a long day at work (or any day)! 

When planning your summer wedding you should make sure your signature cocktail is refreshing to beat the summer heat! Your signature cocktail should represent YOU as a couple, so if you both love the same type of alcohol that is perfect! For those who don’t like the same alcohol, you could do a BRIDE favourite and GROOM favourite and make a little competition out of it! 

Drink 1: The Honeymoon - Tequila 

• 1 oz Cointreau 

• 2 oz blanco tequila 

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.5 oz honey water 

• 2 dashes rose water

Drink 2: Sparkling Summer Peach - Vodka

• 2 oz Seagram’s-Peach Vodka

• 1 oz pineapple juice 

• 1 oz lime juice 

• Sparkling wine , to top

Drink 3: Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco - Prosecco 

• 3 cups prosecco, chilled

• 1 cup limoncello liqueur, chilled

• 1 cup frozen raspberries

• 6 sprigs fresh mint

Next, planning your menu… the menu is a very important task to check off during the planning process. First, you will need to choose between a plated dinner or buffet-style reception. Subsequently, you need to ensure you select the right food for yourself and your guests. 

You have to take into consideration guests' allergies, dietary restrictions and the fact it is summer! Keep your menu on the lighter side and not difficult to eat. You can never go wrong with fresh and light ​​hors d'oeuvres passed around as guests come in. The best part about Vancouver weddings are the seasonal foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables.

Tip 5

Wedding Attire for Summer 

Finally, our last tip for summer weddings… consider the weather when you’re dress shopping. You absolutely want to steer away from heavy fabrics and shop for lightweight fabrics, such as batiste, chiffon, or voile. We all know how hard it is to move and especially go to the washroom in a wedding dress, imagine the heat… no thanks.

Pro tip - for the groomsmen, buy (cheap) extra shirts!!! With the summer heat, you should have extra shirts throughout the day & night, especially for those who like to break it down on the dance floor! 

Hayley Rae Photography

Nadia Hung Photography

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. 

Nadia Hung Photography

Have you recently just gotten engaged? If you don’t already have a venue in mind, you may have a million questions running through your mind as you try to find a Vancouver site for your wedding ceremony. Remember that when it comes to planning your Vancouver wedding, your ceremony site should not be a decision made in the spur of the moment as you want to remember this important moment for the rest of your lives. 

Here are some tips on choosing your perfect Vancouver wedding ceremony site:

Planning for an accessible wedding venue

When your wedding is over, the last thing you want to hear about is how unhappy your guests were due to parking issues, accessibility constraints, and even distance. Many sites and venues in Vancouver already have these restraints and you don’t want your guests to have any negative feelings about your wedding. 

Space and flexibility at your Vancouver wedding site

Now that restrictions are lifted here in B.C., you can have as many people as you possibly want at your wedding (as long as you can fit them all in). As many of your friends and family members are probably excited to celebrate your big day, it’s important to plan for a space that can accommodate them all. You don’t want your wedding guests to be cramped together in a smaller space or not have enough room to move around comfortably.

Ensuring your Vancouver wedding venue has your required amenities

Although it is June now, the weather here in Vancouver is still unpredictable as ever. You may need to plan for a venue that has the option for both heating and air conditioning, and even heaters and umbrellas if there is an outdoor space or deck. There should also be enough bathrooms on site to accommodate your guests. 

If you still can’t quite figure out what you are looking for exactly in terms of your ideal Vancouver wedding venue, you can always reach out to a wedding planner to help you out. Through a consultation with Spotlight Events, you will get some clarity on what kind of venue will best fit your style and align with your vision.

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. 

Photo: Shari + Mike Photographers

If you’ve been looking into wedding planning lately, you may have seen some websites recommend creating your own wedding website. This has also been a great way to share details about your Vancouver wedding without having to call or message back and forth between you and your guests in order to communicate new updates or information. The website can contain details about venue, dress code, transportation, hotel accommodations, and much more. If you don’t want anything too fancy and complicated, there are templates and themes available online for you to utilize and personalize your wedding planning website. You are also able to keep track and manage RSVPs so you are fully up to date with your guest list. 

Here are 3 benefits to having a wedding planning website for your Vancouver wedding:

An eco-friendly and timely alternative for your Vancouver wedding updates

Instead of printing, packaging and mailing invitations with lengthy details about your wedding day and relevant info for guests, a website link can easily be shared and updated periodically with current information so everyone is in the loop. It is also quicker to communicate updates this way instead of having to contact guests individually and within a specific time frame. 

Easily accessible with space for additional information about your Vancouver wedding

Websites are also accessible at any time of the day, from anywhere in the world as it is not something you have to physically carry around with you in case you need to check a certain detail. They are also great for displaying additional information about your Vancouver wedding as there are no space or size restrictions on a digital platform. 

Keeps your wedding planning organized and lasts forever

If you are a visual planner, you can utilize the functionality of a wedding planning website by keeping things organized on it. As it is completely online, you are able to make changes and additions in a timely manner. You can even use it as a visual tool to share with your wedding planner so they have a better idea of what you want your Vancouver wedding to look like. This could also make a great memory and something you and your partner could look back at and reminisce. 

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. 

Photo: Bake Photography

If you’ve just recently gotten engaged and are trying to decide when to have your Vancouver wedding, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re not a fan of too hot or too cold temperatures, Spring may be the perfect time for you to tie the knot. Vancouver weddings are known to be gorgeous, especially if they’re outdoors as you can have the infamous cherry blossom trees in the background of your photos. 

Here is a guide on planning your Spring Vancouver wedding:

Vancouver wedding palette

This is the foundation for your wedding planning as it would determine what your Vancouver wedding would look like and how you and your partner would also dress as well. With Spring, many couples enjoy experimenting with pastel colours to really add a bit more splash to the palette without it contrasting too much. 

Planning for the Vancouver weather

Knowing how unpredictable Vancouver is with weather (we are called Raincouver for a reason), you will need to have a plan B due to Spring showers being a possibility. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, you should consider renting a tent or even a canopy to keep your guests dry and focused on your Vancouver wedding. 

Your wedding menu & wedding cake

As temperatures become warmer, you have more options to add to your menu in terms of appetizers, drinks, and even dessert. Seasonal fruits can be a great addition to change things up in your menu, both visually and in flavour. You can also offer a wide selection of spring cocktails, martinis and more. Since wedding planning also comes with choosing your wedding cake, add some Spring colours or Spring flowers to make your cake fit the season. 

Vancouver wedding flowers

Since everything begins to bloom during the Spring, you will have a huge variety of flowers and stems to choose from. It will be easy to get peonies, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as they will be in season. Some other popular non-traditional flowers would include cherry blossoms, dogwood, wheatgrass, herbs and moss. Be sure to plan your wedding flowers out well in advance. 

Wedding attire for Spring

Springtime weddings call for some fun wedding attire as they don’t always have to be the traditional white, floor-length wedding dresses. Couples can opt for the hemlines to be a bit higher, the fabric to be a bit lighter and even incorporate some Spring colours or flowers into their outfits. When planning your wedding, you can keep the spring dress code less formal and more low-key. 

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation. 

Photo: The Apartment Photo

Did you just get proposed to? We know what you’re going to do next, you’ll share a story or a post about it on your Instagram or Facebook with a photo of your new engagement ring! After you spend some time or days letting it sink in as you get back to all the “Congratulations” messages and phone calls, you’ll quickly realize you suddenly have a lot on your plate. Planning your Vancouver wedding can be crazy if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, that’s where social media comes in as there are tons of resources to help you plan your wedding. 

Follow Vancouver wedding planning accounts for inspiration 

This is one of the easiest ways to search for local Vancouver vendors you can use for your wedding festivities. You can find anyone from florists and decor companies to jewellers and dress designers. Many venues, caterers, and tent service companies are also on social media platforms such as Instagram to showcase their offerings. (Psst. follow @Spotlight Events for some beautiful ideas). From all the accounts you see, you can begin to start shortlisting the vendors you want to use for your Vancouver wedding as you reach out to them and get quotations. 

Create Pinterest boards to bring your wedding planning vision to life

If you don’t already have a vision board you created during your teenage years, it’s never too late to start now! Out of all the social media platforms, Pinterest is the perfect one to find personalized ideas you can sort into curated boards. Check out Spotlight Event’s Pinterest for some much needed inspiration for your dream wedding. 

Finding wedding planning hacks on TikTok

“WeddingTok” is a real thing in the world of TikTok! Once you end up on that side, you’ll find endless amounts of tips and tricks to help plan your Vancouver wedding. They can help you with your invites, table centerpieces, wedding themes, and much much more! There are insider how-to guides and DIY hacks for making your wedding even more personalized and special for you and your guests. 

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Krystle Images

Guess what? We missed you! After a long two years of the pandemic, wedding season is finally back! No more postponing your Vancouver wedding indefinitely. You can finally have the wedding you have always dreamed of, without worrying about restrictions in 2022.

Here is a list of post-pandemic wedding planning things to expect and get excited about! 

No need to plan for a Vancouver micro-wedding

You probably never heard of this term prior to 2020, but now you’re more familiar with it. With micro-weddings, the number of guests invited to your wedding was drastically reduced to just close friends and family of the couple getting married. With the opening of events and gatherings, we are seeing the return of traditional, larger weddings, and we are here for it!

Planning to have your distant guests fly in to your Vancouver Wedding

As much of the world had various traveling restrictions, many people were not able to attend if they lived out of the country. There were also strictly enforced restrictions around testing and quarantining upon arrival, on top of the travel hesitations your friends and family may have had during that time. Now that those restrictions have been reduced, you can plan for more guests to attend your Vancouver wedding.

Vancouver wedding planning with full vendor teams

If you are planning for a bigger wedding (in all aspects like capacity and budget), you may need more hands on deck to ensure your Vancouver wedding is running smoothly. As more popular wedding venues are available again for bookings, depending on the size, you may need a larger vendor team to pull everything together at your wedding venue for the big day. 

Planning your honeymoon out of Vancouver 

We all know you’re itching to get out of Vancouver, or even the country for that matter. It’s been a long two years and we completely understand that desire to get away from home. Planning your honeymoon may even seem more fun than planning your wedding! If you did not get a chance to take a proper vacation over the last couple of years, your honeymoon is the perfect excuse to get out of town. 

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Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Bake Photography

Did you just get engaged? Are you still processing the big surprise? We promise you that once that wears off, you’ll have a very big responsibility on your hands; proposing to your bridesmaids. Some people already have a list pre-made for who they want to be their future bridesmaids, groomsmen or wedding party, but we’re here to help you plan out your proposal to them in style.

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Idea #1: Planning a symbolic wedding gift that lasts forever

If you’ve known this person for a while then you may want to give them something special which they can use or wear after your wedding is over. You’ll want them to remember the good times they had during your wedding when they see this gift. A great idea for this would be to give an engraved piece of jewelry from a local shop in Vancouver. Getting it custom engraved will make the gift more meaningful and memorable.

Idea #2: A statement shirt, pajamas or robe to wear before or after the wedding

Your bridesmaids will already have planned outfits to wear during your Vancouver wedding, but sometimes you just need something comfortable to lounge around in. There are many local shops around in Vancouver for you to get something customized with your wedding hashtag, names, or the wedding date. This will also serve as a great reminder of your wedding.

Idea #3: Getting pampered in Vancouver

With everyone’s busy schedules, sometimes all you need is some time to yourself to relax and unwind. A gift card to a local Vancouver spa could be exactly what your bridesmaids need. It’s always good to prepare before a close wedding or even use the gift card to de-stress afterwards. Wedding planning is never easy so we would also encourage you to splurge a little on a spa package for yourself.

Idea #4: Planning a proposal message for each of your bridesmaids

If you’re the type of person to express yourself through your actions instead of your words, then this may be the perfect opportunity to write out thoughtful messages for your bridesmaids, groomsmen or wedding party.

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Hayley Rae Photography

When it comes to planning your wedding, it can be really easy to become overwhelmed with everything going on around you. The to do lists seem endless, emotions run high, and making so many important decisions can really get exhausting. Whether it has to do with your wedding dress, planning your Vancouver wedding ceremony, or any other of the thousands of details related to your wedding, it’s a lot to handle within a specific time frame. 

While we don’t blame you for stressing out, it also pains us to hear that you’re not enjoying the wedding planning process. It’s undeniably one of the most special and biggest days of your life, and our mission is to make sure that planning for your wedding day doesn’t send you into a series of mental breakdowns. In fact, one of the biggest reasons clients hire us is to allow them the freedom to celebrate and enjoy the process stress-free! 

With that in mind, here are our top 3 tried and true tips to avoid the overwhelm when planning your Vancouver wedding.

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Tip #1: Don’t focus on all the details at once when you’re wedding planning

There are far too many details to consider all at the same time when it comes to planning your wedding. Break down your wedding planning tasks into phases and only focus on the task at hand. As you check things off the list, you’ll clear your mental bandwidth for new decisions to ponder. Yes, people are going to ask you all kinds of questions about all kinds of details, regardless of where you are in the planning phases. They mean well, but it still can cause some overwhelm and make you second guess your process. Know that it’s okay to go at your own pace and not have all the answers just yet. 

Tip #2: Practice mindfulness when wedding planning

One of our favourite ways to reduce stress related to wedding planning is practicing mindfulness and gratitude for the simple things. It’s important to remember the sole reason for the wedding, a marriage between you and the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. If you always keep that in the back of your mind then it’ll force you to take a step back and just live in the moment and be grateful for the simple things.

Tip #3: Hire an experienced wedding planner and wedding vendors

One of the biggest ways to enjoy your wedding is to hire an experienced wedding planner and experienced vendors to take the weight off your shoulders. You want them to be experienced so you can lean into their expertise and take a few things off your plate. Remember that hiring a pro means you can still be involved enough to share your thoughts and opinions, just without all the emails back and forth.  

Need some help planning your wedding? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Sara Rogers Photography

Are you planning a Vancouver wedding? If so, then just like the weather in Vancouver, you know that things can be unpredictable. What’s the best way to combat unpredictability and ease anxiety? A well-thought out wedding day timeline! Every time our couples see the flow of their wedding day on paper, their stress melts away! It’s one of our favourite points in the wedding planning process. 

If you book our Final Stage or Full Service wedding planning service, we’ll have your minute-to-minute detailed timeline taken care of for you! But if you’re more the DIY type, or want to get a head start, here are 5 Tips for Planning your Wedding Day (from your trusted Spotlight Vancouver Wedding Planner 😊

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Tip #1 – Consider Your Wedding Venue’s Access Times

We always recommend starting with the times that are already set. Your venue will have defined access times for vendors and guests. Typically you’re going to need about three hours minimum before guests arrive for vendors to load-in, set-up, and make sure everything is perfectly ready to go for their arrival. If you have two separate venues for your ceremony and reception, this can make things logistically more complicated (remember: your vendors can’t be in two places at once!).

Tip #2 – Decide on a First Look for your Wedding

In addition to the beautiful wedding photos and intimate experience, the first look craze serves a logistical purpose for a wedding day too. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you’ll also take all your formal portraits with your photographer then too (as a couple and with your wedding party). This part of the day usually takes about 1-2 hours, so by deciding on a first look, you’re also deciding how much time you need between your ceremony and reception for photos. 

Pro Tip: Include your photographer in this conversation, they’ll likely have recommendations based on lighting, locations, and timing.

Tip #3 – Work off Your Wedding Ceremony Time

Your ceremony time works as an anchor in your wedding day timeline. This is the time that will go on your wedding invitations so guests know when to arrive. Use it to work backwards and see what time you need to start getting ready (consider how much time is needed for hair and makeup or barber appointments), and to work forwards to determine what time your reception will begin and dinner will be served. Remember that 1-2 hours for photos. 

Tip #4 – Add Buffer Time in your Wedding Day Timeline

Leave some space to breathe in your timeline. Things often take longer than expected, and on such an emotional day, you’ll thank yourself for having a few extra minutes to rest, snack, or reflect on the moment.

Tip #5 – Ask Wedding Vendors for Input

No two vendors are alike. Different companies will have different policies and requirements for timing and logistics. Make sure you include each vendor in the discussion to avoid issues down the line. Remember your vendors are the pros, so lean on them for help. You also want to create ideal conditions for them to ensure you’re not stretching their limits too far, and you get their best service delivery out of them.

Need some help organizing your wedding timeline? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: The Apartment Photography

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned photoshoot to celebrate your engagement? Have you recently gotten engaged? What better way to commemorate it than by getting professional photos taken to make the moment last forever (and share it with the world). Are you debating on whether you should do one outdoors or indoors? We’ll help you out! Vancouver Wedding Planners, brides and grooms alike, absolutely love indoor studio shoots for numerous reasons! Here are some of them:

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No more worrying about Vancouver’s unpredictable weather

We know weather can have a huge effect on you and your photos on the day of your studio shoot. The biggest advantage to planning one indoors is that you don’t need to worry about any Vancouver rain storms or sun glares because the environment is controlled and contained within the studio. 

Comfort & convenience in Vancouver

Wedding planning can be a stressful task in itself, you don’t want to have your engagement shoot be one of those stressful things. An indoor studio shoot will provide you the convenience of location (so you don’t have to worry about Vancouver parking) as well as provide you the comfort of temperature control so you’re not shivering or breaking a sweat in-between shots.

Studio lighting = perfectly customized ambiance

Sometimes natural lighting in Vancouver is not always in your favour. The benefit of an indoor studio shoot is that you can create certain effects or even the perfect wedding ambiance by using the various sources of lighting available at your photography studio. 

Privacy from Vancouver bystanders

If you’re not a fan of having an audience while getting your pictures taken, then you’ll really enjoy the privacy of an indoor engagement shoot. We promise you will not have to worry about any Vancouver bystanders or be in any kind of a rush to get a specific shot as the privacy will make the process easier on you so you can remain comfortable. 

Available facilities for planning outfit changes

When you first begin wedding planning, you’ll realize the amount of outfits you want to wear throughout your events. As wedding planners, we’ve also realized that many couples love wearing multiple different outfits for their engagement photoshoots. A perk of having it in-studio is that there will be a bathroom or change room for you to comfortably change your clothes in (plus a full length mirror), which is not always the case when it comes to outdoor shoots.

Photo: Nicole Caldwell Photo | Pinterest: Nicole Caldwell

An open letter to Minister Adrian Dix, Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister Mike Farnworth, Minister Selina Robinson, Minister Melanie Mark, and Dr. Bonnie Henry on behalf of the British Columbia Wedding and Event Industry Association.

Updated: February 5, 2022

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Dear Minister Dix, Minister Kahlon, Minister Farnworth, Minister Robinson, Minister Mark, and Dr. Bonnie Henry,

The BC wedding and event industry has been working tirelessly to petition our provincial government to allow our sector to re-open under specific safety guidelines and protocols. Unfortunately, as an industry made up of small-medium sized businesses, our voices have not been heard over the past two years, and continue to not be heard.

According to BC Vital Statistics, there were nearly 24,000 weddings in BC in 2019. An average wedding in BC costs about $50,000. That's $1.2 billion dollars per year generated by our industry from weddings alone. This doesn’t take into account any other types of personal celebrations. Nor does it take into account corporate events, community events, or charity events. The business meetings and events industry estimates their operations generate $4.5 billion per year in the province.

Despite this massive contribution to our economy, our industry has been ignored. Over the past two years, we have barely been acknowledged by health officials and the media. While restaurants, gyms, and sporting venues have made headlines, we have been invisible. Dr. Bonnie Henry regularly speaks about working alongside many of BC's other sectors. Our industry has not been given this same opportunity at any point during the pandemic response.

That $1.2 billion per year is generated largely by small-medium businesses. For the past two years, these businesses have been decimated. When weddings and events are shut down, the impact on our industry extends 6-12 months minimum beyond the lockdown period. We cannot reopen and close overnight like a restaurant or gym. The average loss of revenue across our industry has been 70%-90% consistently since March 2020. Many well-established companies have filed for bankruptcy and the number of jobs lost is in the tens of thousands. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen zero economic recovery. 

As long as health order restrictions on organized events and gatherings continue to flip flop, we will not begin to recover. With each shutdown and change in restrictions, we suffer the loss of contracts, deferred revenues, refunds, and a lack of new business because of the uncertainty around future health orders. The industry cannot sustain the uncertainty any longer.

Adding to the hardship, businesses across our sector that applied for the COVID Closure Relief Grant are now being denied eligibility. The eligibility issue is due to a lack of consideration by the provincial government for how our industry operates and the nature of our business structure when they created the grant criteria. 

It’s hard to fathom how our industry has been completely shut down by government mandates since December 22, 2021, and no financial assistance has been provided to us.

Just as any other industry can operate safely under specific restrictions, so can weddings and events. Events run by professionals function no differently than restaurants, malls, group fitness, casinos, sporting events, movie theatres, and more. We have already implemented safety plans and executed events successfully over the course of the pandemic without any COVID cases connected.

Despite continuous efforts to be heard by our local MLAs and the health office, we have been dismissed, belittled, and ignored. Our government's lack of confidence in our professional multi-billion dollar industry has become unacceptable. Dr. Bonnie Henry's recent remarks about events and gatherings show that she and the provincial government are profoundly misinformed about the way our industry operates. 

To be clear, we are not talking about throwing a “party.” We are asking to operate professionally managed indoor events and gatherings under specific guidelines and restrictions. We’re welcoming government, WorkSafeBC, and Provincial Health Authority oversight to make sure we have protocols in place to operate our events safely for everyone involved. We cannot understand why this was a reasonable request for every other industry—movie theatres, casinos, restaurants, Canucks games, shopping malls, concerts, fitness classes, gyms—but not ours.  

We demand equal treatment with all other industries currently operating under provincial health guidelines. As such, we are asking Dr. Bonnie Henry, Minister Adrian Dix, and our provincial government for immediate consultation with our industry and a plan for the safe re-opening of BC weddings and events once and for all beginning on February 16.

To support this effort, we specifically request the following action steps:

1. The release of a detailed PHO on gathering events to include a distinction between professionally managed and non-professionally managed indoor gatherings and events, and specific restrictions based on clearly defined event formats. (For example: We don’t understand the difference between a "sponsored or ticketed party" and a "sponsored or ticketed event").
   

2. Revision of the current misinformed and confusing terminology of “personal gatherings,” “organized indoor events,” and “organized indoor events at venues” being used by the provincial health office.
   

3. A designated roundtable working group of event industry professionals to serve as advisors to the health office and to be consulted on the above two initiatives and all future event-related policies.

Additionally, a formal petition is currently collecting signatures here.

We will not survive one more shutdown.

Here are some links to the media coverage on this issue:

• CBC News

• Global News at 6

• Global Morning News

• Global News - Jan. 25

• Global News Okanagan

• CTV News Vancouver

• CTV Vancouver Island

• Vancouver Sun

• The Province

• CityNews

• The Mike Smyth Show on 980 CKNW

• Daily Hive Vancouver

• Global News Focus BC

Industry support can be found on Instagram at the hashtag #reopenbcweddings and #savebcevents

We look forward to your prompt response regarding this urgent matter.

Regards,

Paige Petriw
Founder/CEO, Creative Director
Spotlight Events

on behalf of the BC Wedding and Events Industry Association

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For industry professionals and supporters:

How can you help?

• Email your MLA and other key ministers — Download our template letter to edit and email

  • Find your MLA here

  • The other ministers you can email include:

    • Adrian Dix, Minister of Health — HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

    • Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation — JEDC.Minister@gov.bc.ca

    • Mike Farnworth, Deputy Premier, Solicitor General, Public Safety Works — PSSG.Minister@gov.bc.ca

    • Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance — FIN.Minister@gov.bc.ca

    • Melanie Mark, Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport — TAC.Minister@gov.bc.ca

• Email the opposition critics — Use the same template letter used for your MLA

  • Find the opposition caucus here

  • Key opposition critics include:

    • Todd Stone, Opposition Critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation — todd.stone.MLA@leg.bc.ca

    • Teresa Wat, Opposition Critic for Tourism, Arts & Culture — teresa.wat.MLA@leg.bc.ca

    • Shirley Bond, Opposition Interim Leader, Opposition Critic for Health — Shirley.bond.MLA@leg.bc.ca

    • Mike Bernier, Opposition Critic for Finance — mike.bernier.MLA@leg.bc.ca

    • Trevor Halford, Opposition Critic for Mental Health & Addictions — trevor.halford.MLA@leg.bc.ca

    • Greg Kyllo, Opposition Critic for Labour — greg.kyllo.MLA@leg.bc.ca

• Sign the petition — Online here, plus share with your supporters

• Request advocacy from your local chamber of commerce/board of trade — Plus the BC Chamber, Small Business BC, and/or other business associations (download the template letter and find your local chamber here)

• Complete the BC Wedding and Event Industry Association online survey — Help us collect insight and stories into how the businesses in our industry have been impacted (survey link here)

• Share social media posts by industry vendors to spread our message (find them on Instagram at #reopenbcweddings and #savebcevents)

• Share links to media coverage —

  • CBC News

  • Global News at 6

  • Global Morning News

  • Global News - Jan. 25

  • Global News Okanagan

  • CTV News Vancouver

  • CTV Vancouver Island

  • Vancouver Sun

  • The Province

  • CityNews

  • The Mike Smyth Show on 980 CKNW

  • Daily Hive Vancouver

  • Global News Focus BC

The most effective thing we can do is have every member of our industry and supporter write their MLA using the template letter. We want each MLA to receive so many emails, it’s impossible for them to ignore. You can also follow-up your email with a phone call to their office. Additionally, you can email your MP.

We also highly encourage all industry professionals to email their local chamber of commerce or board of trade to request advocacy. Chambers/BOTs represent the voice of local businesses and will have a huge impact on having our message heard by our government. The more chambers advocating, the more effective it’ll be. Each city has one and you can find yours here. You can also contact the BC Chamber of Commerce. Here’s a template letter for this.

For regular updates, please follow our instagram @spotlightevents.ca. We will do our best to keep this page updated as well.

Thank you for your passion, heart, resilience, and major BOSS vibes!

Learn more at bcweddingeventindustry.com

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What is one of the most important aspects of planning your wedding? Location, location, location! Choosing the perfect venue for your wedding can be really difficult because there are endless options, but there are also some limitations. As you plan your Vancouver wedding, it’s important for the venue to be available, accommodating, on budget, and aligned with the overall wedding vision.

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Vancouver Wedding Venue Capacity: How many guests can you fit?

This is the easiest factor for determining if a venue is the right fit for you or not. Start with a rough guest list to see how many people you’ll be inviting. Before spending too much time researching all the details about a given venue, make sure it can accommodate your number of guests. You may also find that venue capacities help you make guest list decisions.

Vancouver Wedding Venue Budget: How much will it cost?

We all know that “A” always comes before “B”, but let’s get the “B” out of the way first by drafting out a budget for your wedding and venue. By doing this first, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which potential venues are within your price range so you don’t go over budget.

TIP: Create a spreadsheet so you can stay organized and have the costs displayed right in front of you!

Availability of Your Vancouver Wedding Venue:

One of the biggest struggles for any Vancouver wedding planner is availability! Especially after years of pandemic postponements, many venues book 1-2 years in advance for popular dates. Depending on the specific day of the week, time of day, and season of your wedding, your dream venue may not be available (or may cost a premium due to popularity).

Accommodations at the Wedding Venue:

When it comes to accommodations, these are some questions you should bring up when meeting with various venues:

• What items are included in the venue rental? (For example: tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, etc.)

• Is room set-up and take down provided by the venue?

• Will parking be a problem for your guests?

• Is there a “bridal room” or area to refresh?

• Will the venue work well with your vendors or will there be any restrictions that come up?

• Are you able to bring in your own catering and alcohol vendors?

• What time must your event end by, and are there any noise curfews in the area?

Alignment with your Wedding Vision:

Does the venue fit the “vibe” or the vision of your wedding? Every bride and groom should have their vision brainstormed and ready to bring to life because the venue is where all the magic will take place. We also suggest working with your venue when it comes to your wedding design (think colours, textures, style).

Since Vancouver is known for their majestic mountains, lush forestry, and waterfront vistas, many Vancouver wedding planners suggest an outdoor theme or a west coast vibe to stay true to the beautiful city. Alternatively, a heritage venue could offer the vintage-inspired feel you’re after, a downtown restaurant could give you that urban glam vision, or a unique “outside of the box” event space could provide an eclectic oasis.

Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Marie Skerl Photography | Wedding: Brock House Restaurant

Photo: Marie Skerl Photography | Wedding: Brock House Restaurant

Are you planning a Vancouver wedding? If so, then just like the weather in Vancouver, you know that things can be unpredictable. What’s the best way to combat unpredictability and ease anxiety? PLAN! Weddings can already be so stressful, but creating a timeline will take some of that pressure off and make your wedding day even more enjoyable.

Here are 5 Tips for Creating your Wedding Timeline (from your trusted Vancouver Wedding Planner - Spotlight Events!

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Tip #1 - Create a Wedding Checklist

We know you're probably thinking a million things related to wedding planning, but let’s make things more organized so it’s not all just in your head. Create a checklist of everything wedding-related and when they should ideally be completed by. For instance, sending out “save the dates” to your family and friends should be done 7-10 months ahead, but something like attending final dress fittings can be done just a few weeks before the wedding. 

Tip #2 - Determine Wedding Budgets

Planning your dream wedding can make a big dent in your wallet if you don’t stick to a budget. If this is your first time planning a wedding (First, congratulations), it’s highly recommended you talk to a wedding planner or even any friends or family members who know a thing or two about current wedding costs, so you can budget accordingly.

Tip #3 - Research Vancouver Wedding Vendors

The growing city of Vancouver has a plethora of wedding vendors available to make your dreams a reality. Researching various wedding vendors and shortlisting your favourites can save you a lot of time when your first choice is unavailable for your wedding. You need vendors who are willing and available to work with you within your wedding timeline.

Tip #4 - Plan & Personalize your Wedding

Get ready for the most fun and stressful part of your wedding. This is when you turn into a full wedding planner as you try to create vision boards and photo examples of inspiration to send to your trusty Vancouver wedding vendors. NOTE: There will be a lot of back and forth between you, your planner, and your vendors, so allow enough time for changes within your wedding timeline.

Tip #5 - Coordinate Wedding Events

As a bride or a groom, your wedding is your moment to shine! You have worked long and hard to create your wedding timeline, and now you must find some trusty friends or family members who can ensure everything is coordinated and goes smoothly in accordance with your wedding timeline. 

Need some help organizing your wedding timeline? Spotlight Events is Vancouver’s most trusted wedding planner and events firm, named the top three best wedding planners in BC. Contact Spotlight Events today for a complimentary consultation.

Photo: Meghan Hemstra Photography