Posted on 2 Comments

What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Caterer in Toronto

What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Caterer in Toronto

Food and drinks play a significant role in ensuring that your guests leave your wedding with a memorable experience. They will also account for one of the most considerable portions of your budget. According to a wedding planner, the rule of thumb is the venue, food, bar, and staffing costs are about 50 percent of your overall budget when planning a wedding in Canada. 

Whether you prefer a sit-down dinner, cocktail hour with passed appetizers, or a hot buffet, finding the perfect caterer is the first step. It’s essential to prioritize the process of selecting a wedding caterer, as your choice of caterer can set the tone for your event. 

Hiring a wedding caterer might seem challenging, especially in a city like Toronto, where you can access many catering services. Fortunately, we can simplify the process by breaking down all the essential aspects you must consider when hiring a wedding caterer in Toronto, like McEwan Catering, for a successful event.

Let’s get started!

Continue reading What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Caterer in Toronto
Posted on 16 Comments

The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide [2024] to Preparing for Your Wedding Dress Shopping

The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Wedding Dress Shopping

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting wedding planning tasks for a bride. We like to think of it as a wonderful and unique journey where brides explore diverse options and finally find a magical dress that transforms them into the beautiful brides they always wanted to be.

However, the path to finding this one and the only perfect wedding dress is not simple. It is fraught with challenges and the options are endless. So, it is essential to plan for the task and avoid drowning in the endless variety of dresses presented to you.

This is where we will help you!

This step-by-step guide will prepare you for your impending wedding dress shopping and the task will not overwhelm you.

Over the next chapters, we will tell you what to expect at each stage leading to wedding dress shopping. We will also tell you how to navigate potential issues so you can enjoy the shopping experience, just like you deserve to.

Let us begin!

Continue reading The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide [2024] to Preparing for Your Wedding Dress Shopping
Posted on 1 Comment

rust Your Instincts: 10 Telltale Signs That a Wedding Dress Isn’t ‘The One’!

Not all brides are lucky enough to realize it when they come across the right wedding dress. Unless you have a very specific idea about the dress you want to wear, and find one that matches every one of your expectations, wedding shopping may not be so straightforward. With thousands of options and gorgeous wedding dresses that look just as good as the others, don’t be surprised if you are soon lost in a world of tulle and lace.

Here are the factors that you should pay attention to when you go shopping, so you know that when it is best to let go of a particular dress. This list will help you narrow down your choices by eliminating the dresses that will not be right. So, let’s look at when you should say “No” to a wedding dress.

When the dress is way over-budget

We cannot emphasize how important it is first to fix your wedding dress budget, and then go shopping. Wedding dresses can be as expensive as you want them to be. However, there are plenty of gems that are affordable as well. Don’t make the mistake of even trying on a dress that you cannot afford. If you fall in love with it, imagine the disappointment when you realize you cannot have it. And if, for some reason, you end up trying on a dress that is above budget or even think of wearing it just for the fun of it, keep in mind that you will not be buying it. The single reason that it costs more than your budget allows is enough for you to say “No” to it, this time.

Tip: When you calculate your wedding dress budget, don’t forget to account for alteration costs. This can easily add up to a few extra hundreds. So, look for a dress that will still be within your range, after the possible alteration charges that you may incur.

Your entourage is in love with it, though you aren’t

You know how it is when everyone around you seems to think this is the real deal, but you aren’t so sure. In some cases, you may be certain that this is not the dress, but your entourage may compel you to think otherwise. Don’t succumb to such pressure. Remember that no matter what the others think, a dress will simply not be best, unless you feel it yourself. Don’t force yourself to see their point of view and make the mistake of saying yes, because everyone thinks it is the one! We repeat, you do not want to be married in a dress that will leave you regretting the choice, simply because it wasn’t the one that you loved. Check out our previous article on how to choose your entourage wisely, so you minimize your chances of ending up in such a situation.

Some useful Info: Before shopping with your entourage, look at this short article on the Opinionator. Joanna Hershon tells us how she finally made her own dress decision for her wedding despite already having a dress picked out by mom, and how everything fell into place once she did. That’s something you should also consider!

When you are pressed for time

If you have been trying dresses on for the entire appointment and are satisfied almost to a great extent with the one you finally wear, do you take it? No, you shouldn’t!

Remember that your decision may be influenced by the other dresses that you tried on, and that you are running out of time and energy. Don’t make this mistake. Love a dress only because it is a dress you want to be married in, and not something you settled for. If you are saturated with lace, chiffon and organza gowns, stop the ordeal and go home. Come back for another appointment when you will be fresh and energetic. If you are almost certain that a dress is the right one, but not 100% sure, still don’t go for it. Instead go home and sleep over it. If you still find yourself attracted to the dress the next day, then it may be the one after all. Otherwise, you will be glad you didn’t finalize the decision without thinking it through, only to regret it later.

If it is not your style

The right wedding dress would be an extension of your personality and should reflect your taste and personal preferences. However beautiful a dress may be, if you cannot connect with it, it is best you say no. We have seen many brides agree to a certain silhouette just because their mom or friends think it is right and coerce them into agreeing. Other times, brides are tempted to try on the trendiest wedding dresses in the shop. However, a wedding dress is not just about the look. It is about becoming the bride that you always dreamed of being. So, if you have never turned towards a ball gown all your life, don’t do it on your wedding day. Similarly, if the latest trend statement, say a halter neck, isn’t one that you feel comfortable in, stay away from it. Take cues from your current wardrobe and the look you love most on yourself, to decide what your wedding dress should be.

When the dress is too trendy

Fashion is always changing, even in the case of wedding dresses. So, what is in today, may be out tomorrow. We think it is best to experiment with fashion trends in your daily wardrobe, but never with your wedding dress. This is because the pictures of your wedding day will stay with you for a lifetime, long after the trends have changed. So, you don’t want to end up with a dated look, ten years from now. Use trends as a guide to find styles that really appeal to you, and enhance your natural figure and features. As award-winning bridal stylist, Ellie Sanderson tells us in this article on the Huff Post, “You can make a nod to current fashion but don’t take anything to extremes.” Stay safe with fashion trends that are good enough that you can expect them to be around for a while longer. Also, make sure that the dress features actually add to your attractiveness. Then, it won’t be a problem even if the style is no longer a fashion statement when you flip the pages of your wedding album years later.

If the gown doesn’t match your theme

If your wedding is based on a theme, it may not be the best idea to choose a dress that doesn’t match it. For example, an ultra-modern sleek gown may look out of place at a rustic vintage wedding, just as a traditional ball gown would be inappropriate at a beach wedding. So, pick your theme and find a wedding gown that matches it, or do the reverse. Do your homework on the types of silhouettes, fabrics and gown designs that would be best for your chosen wedding theme. Then go shopping and pick a gown that is suitable for the theme, and not just one that you are attracted to at the moment.

When the dress feels uncomfortable

Although you may find yourself look amazing in a dress, you should also feel comfortable in it. Wearing anything you aren’t accustomed to will make you uncomfortable, whether on any other day or your wedding day. So, stick to wearing only a dress that is comfortable and doesn’t make you extra-conscious on your wedding day. Strapless and sweetheart neckline gowns rule the world of wedding gowns, but this design feature isn’t for every bride. It can be not very pleasant if you have to keep pulling up your neckline throughout the day, if you aren’t used to wearing it before. So, if you have never worn a strapless gown yet, or find yourself highly uncomfortable in it, it is best to avoid this on your wedding day. Similarly, other bold wedding dress features, like a fully exposed back or a silhouette that is too clingy may not be suitable for all brides. If you choose a dress that has sleeves, you should be able to lift your arms comfortably. Unless you can alter the design to suit your personal taste and it doesn’t drastically alter the look of the dress, it is better to continue looking.

When you find more flaws than favorites

A few alterations or custom changes are fine, when you choose a gown. But, if you think a dress is alright, but you will have to fix at least five or more things for it to be good enough for your wedding day, it certainly isn’t the right gown. When there is just that one feature that is perfect, but all the rest of the features do not appeal to you, it simply means you will have to spend a lot of time, effort and not to mention money, to fix it. Remember that every alteration costs money, and you may pay a lot of money if you have to make many custom changes. This is usually not worth it. You are better off looking for another gown with the features that you like.

When your mind is still on another dress

Don’t always expect to cry and get all emotional when you come across the right dress. This doesn’t happen to all brides. Sometimes, you may not be sure that you have already found the right dress until you try on more and your mind keeps returning to the previous one. So, if you find yourself torn between two dresses and seem to get nowhere with your decision, don’t try to force yourself to like the one you are wearing. It could be that you are inclined towards the current choice only because of it’s features that are similar to your original choice. Just to make sure, step out of the dress and think objectively about both. Unless the second one has a clear advantage over the first, it may be the first that appeals to you. Either way, it would be a good idea to take your time to decide. Go home, think over it for a day or two, and then return to place your order for the one you actually love.

If the gown doesn’t look great on the body you have now

Many brides anticipate a pre-wedding weight loss, which they expect to successfully happen in the months preceding the wedding. Whether this is possible or not, do not let this factor impact your dress decision. It is always better to choose a dress that looks good on your currently, and also buy it in your current size than take it in a smaller size. If the gown doesn’t flatter you right now, it is possible that it may not look good on you even after you shed the extra pounds. And if you cannot lose the intended weight, it would be an even bigger tragedy. So, if the dress isn’t figure-flattering or attractive on you at your dress appointment, say “no” to it without hesitation.

Wedding dress shopping is exciting but equally daunting. However, knowing your options, finding a talented bridal consultant and looking for what you want will help you find the dress of your dreams with fewer hassles. Brides before you have done it, and so can you.

To enjoy your shopping experience and to make the right choice from the thousands of designs available, trust the talented team at Best for Bride to help you. Book your appointment with us, so we can help you make your wedding dress dream a reality. Our vast inventory of top-class, high-quality designer wedding dresses are sure to impress you. So, what are you waiting for? Come visit us today!

Posted on 6 Comments

Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette [2024]: 14 Things You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette

Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating experience for a bride. But, as her bridal gown is one of the most expensive dresses she will wear in her life, this can also make her nervous. Fortunately, you will have your entourage and bridal consultants to help you make your dress decision. And, as with everything wedding-related, there are specific etiquette rules that you should stick to when shopping for your wedding dress too. Let us take a look at what they are.

Continue reading Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette [2024]: 14 Things You Need to Know Before Your Appointment