Planning Your Wedding, Simple or Complex?


Planning your wedding can be very simple or very complex. Many things need to be decided from the number of guests to invite to the location, food service, entertainment, invitations, decor, photographer & flowers.

As soon as you have a sense of your guest list this will help dictate what size room is required.  It’s always a good idea when possible to view the room while it’s set up for a wedding reception or similar event.  Then you can see how the room “flows” with a particular set up to determine the best location for your head table, dance floor, table set up etc.

Once you have selected your reception facility there are many questions to ask, however your facility probably has their own FAQ (frequently asked questions). Everything from what items do you need to rent or what do they provide, i.e. tables, chairs, chair covers, linens, special glass ware or plates, when can you set up the room, do they allow next day access for retrieving personal items? on and on…

Entertainment is a big decision! Do you have a live band or a D.J.? Should a jazz trio play during guest arrival? of course depending on your reception facility this may dictate what you can have. Is there a stage, how big is the area? Does the facility have a sound system? Is there a dance floor?

Do you have a buffet or a sit down service? If you choose a buffet option, it’s always a good idea to see where the buffet line can be placed in your room. Will the wait staff be able to serve from behind the buffet table? If your buffet is for 50 people or 250 people of course the set up structure of the buffet line will be very different.

Often one of the last things but not of least importance is the restrooms, changing, coat check, parking and security.  Where is the location of the restrooms to the reception hall? Do they provide bridal change rooms? Does the facility offer coat check services? Does the facility offer valet parking or self-parking? Is the parking lot patrolled? Does the reception hall have its own security staff?

Its a very exciting time for you and your family and with so many decisions to make from the all-important selection of your bridal gown and your bridal party, to the ultimate wedding ceremony and honeymoon. A wedding planner will help you make the planning of your wedding venue as simple as saying “I do”. However grand or intimate you want your wedding day to be an Old Mill Wedding planner can create a package to fit every bridal budget.

Achieve the idyllic day of your dreams with a romantic wedding at the Old Mill Toronto and enjoy a lifetime of memories.

 



The Importance of a Girlfriend Getaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s truly a gift to have wonderful friends and it’s important to take the time to nurture your relationships and enjoy each others company away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

There are many experiences that you can choose from when searching for a perfect Girlfriend Getaway, but first you should ask yourselves what type of an adventure are you looking for:

Relaxing by a pool
Spa going
Wine-tasting
Shopping
Outdoor Adventure and exploring
Yoga Retreats
Cocktail Celebrations

There are endless choices for that long awaited getaway with your girlfriends. So grab the girls and pick a date! Friends are nurturing and feed our soul, leaving us energized and inspired to take on the world.

Did you know that July 30 is International Friendship Day, a time to recognize your friends and their contribution to your life. Friends come in many different shapes, sizes and guises: school friends, work colleagues, siblings, partners, parents, pets and neighbours. Pull out all the stops and let your friends know they are truly appreciated on International Friendship Day!

The Old Mill Toronto celebrates friendship with The Girls Great Escape.  This unique weekend exposes you and your girlfriends to unique workshops, wonderful food, wine tastings, Luxury room accommodations and spa services. Every Escape is different from the next and many of the girls come back to try out new experiences.

If a getaway is not in the cards for you at this time, why not spend time with the girls at home. Catch up over some take out, enjoy the beverage of choice and watch a good friendship movie like; Fried Green Tomatoes, First Wives Club, An officer and a Gentleman and of course Beaches with Bette Midler…make sure to have a kleenex on hand though when she sings Wind Beneath My Wings!

The best of friends can change a frown into a smile when you feel down. The best of friends will understand your little trials and lend a hand.  The best of friends will always share your secret dreams because they care.  The best of friends are worth more then gold, they give all the love a heart can hold.



How to say “I Do” and have a Green Wedding

DECOR & MATERIALS

Branches: Used in their natural form, branches make the perfect Ceremony or Reception table decor. Hanging colored ornaments from the branches is a elegant decor touch and your guests can take them home afterwards as keepsakes.
Leaves, Rocks & Acorns:  Scatter them on the middle of your tables to add a splash of color and texture and save on overlays and runners and the soap and water that would go into washing them afterwards.
Candles: Soy and Beeswax are definitely the eco-friendly way to go. Avoid candles made with petroleum by-products along with lead based wicks.
Flowers: Use flowers that are in season and local or where possible, organic. Flowers made of enviro-friendly man made materials are also a great option. These materials include: Hemp, Wool, Organic Cotton, Soy Silk and Bamboo. Potted plants/flowers (annuals) make great center-pieces and can later be planted in your guest’s gardens to enjoy year after year.

STATIONARY

Plantable Paper:From invitations to favor tags, this paper will add a rustic look to your special day and you can rest easy knowing that this paper can be planted to eventually turn into compost.  Emailing invitations and creating a web-site with your wedding details including the details of the venue will also reduce your carbon footprint.

FAVORS

Instead of another decorative dust collector, opt to donate that money to charities that support the environment; greatergood.org, WWF and the David Suzuki organization…to name a few.  If you like the idea of giving your guests a gift, bamboo coasters and frames are a nice idea and gentle to the earth.

ATTIRE & TRANSPORTATION

*Hemp, Wool, Organic Cotton, Soy Silk and Bamboo are  materials that can be used in your attire.
* Transportation can be difficult and by hosting your ceremony & reception in the same place, you will save time on planning and spend less gas and other transportation costs.

Many of these ideas, can not only be found in your own backyard but they aid in preserving our earth, and save you money .