If you will be serving tea after dinner, why not make life sweet for your guests with honeydrops from PEI, Canada’s Honibe company. These pretty little drops, which come in lemon or regular, can be added to tea or any other beverage as a substitute for traditional honey. The drops are made with 100 percent pure honey (no additives or binding agents.) They’re individually wrapped and lovely to look at.
These would also make great ‘green’ wedding favors! (Wholesale orders are available.)
This article also appears on CBC.ca
There’s an image of you kissing your grade 10 sweetheart. And another one of you and your best friend making piggy noses for the camera. There’s even one of you alone, trying to look sophisticated at sixteen. (Look at the hair!)
Photo booth photos. They remind us of our youth. They freeze us in candid moments of silliness or affection. We are nostalgic for them. So nostalgic, that photo booths are no longer relegated to mall corridors and bus stations. They’re in bars and night clubs, and even people’s homes. And now they’re all the rage at weddings.
Vancouver’s Anna Namshirin is one bride that is photo booth-crazy. In fact, one of the highlights of her Big Day was a wedding photo booth.
“I’ve loved photo booths since I was little … My girlfriends and I always used to cram into the booths at the mall and take funny pictures together and I still have all of those shots,” she says. “I was willing to do anything to squeeze one into our wedding budget!”
Namshirin, who got married February 23 in Burnaby, British Columbia, says she wanted a photo booth at her wedding reception not only because it would add an element of fun, but also because she felt it would give her guests a unique wedding experience.
“I knew it was going to be something different,” she says. “I think ultimately most brides want a wedding that is fun and memorable – a photo booth is a fun way to combine both goals.”
Although photo booths at weddings have really taken off in the U.S., they are a fairly new trend in Canada, says Namshirin, who aside from being a new bride herself, works as a “wedding coach” for Ladner, British Columbia based Fairy Godmother Weddings.
“For weddings I think it is a new and exciting thing. Everyone knows what a photo booth is and more than likely everyone has been in one, but to actually be able to bring it to your reception and give your guests something fun to do during cocktail hour or once they’re tired from dancing is something else,” she says.
Photobooth Vancouver, the company Namshirin hired for her wedding, is one business that is capitalizing on the trend. Angela Haugo, a wedding photographer and journalism student, started the company in 2007 when she realized there were no local companies offering photo booth rentals.
“Photo booths have become very popular in the U.S. and brides here were having a hard time finding a local source for photo booths that were within their price range,” she says.
Although some companies rent vintage photo booths, Photobooth Vancouver uses a custom made digital photo booth with high resolution 8 megapixel images.
“This gives the clients the ability to keep digital copies of the pictures forever,” she says, pointing out that both black and white and colour photos are offered.
Because the units are so heavy, the company uses in-house movers to transport the units. Once they are set up, they’re good to go.
“Our booths are built with weddings in mind. They have an elegant design and have a classic black finish. They fit within the decor of most weddings so there really is no need to decorate them,” she says, adding that some couples will place props inside the booth such as hats and feather boas to encourage silliness.
Although her company rents photo booths for bar mitzvahs and corporate parties, weddings make up the bulk of her business.
She says couples generally rent a booth for 4-8 hours depending on the style of their reception and the number of guests. The amount of pictures that can be taken is unlimited. The cost is $300 per hour, which includes an attendant who makes sure everything is running smoothly. (Haugo says she attends many of the weddings herself.)
Once the booth is set up, it is hard to pull the guests away, she says, so she advises couples to rent the booth from the beginning of cocktails through to the end of dancing.
According to Haugo, some guests use the photo booth in lieu of traditional wedding favours.
“The photo is a great favour and will likely be the most remembered favour offered to your guests,” says Haugo.
Wedding couples receive a copy of all of the photo booth photos on CD-ROM. They also have the option of creating a custom guest book. (If couples choose this option, a guestbook attendant helps guests assemble the book.)
Haugo says many couples tell her the photo booth is the hit of the reception.
“Guests love the photo booth. It is a great way to break the ice and get people mixing and laughing. It really is the hit of the party,” she says.
Calgary’s The Photobooth Co. is another Canadian company that’s in on the trend. The company, which began in September 2007, will be entering its first wedding season this summer – and it’s already booked solid for July and August.
Owner Robin Audenart says her company is the first in Canada to use a Model 12 photo booth – a type of photo booth that is gaining popularity in the U.S.
Although the Model 12 has the feel of a vintage photo booth, the photos are digital.
“It’s a lot cooler than the photo booths you see at the mall,” says Audenart. “But if you like the vintage look, you can get that by choosing to print in black and white.”
Currently, there are 25 photo booth companies in the U.S that use the Model 12. (Photo booth companies purchase the Model 12 exclusively through San Francisco based Photoworks Interactive, the developer of the product.)
Audenart, who charges $1,500 for four hours of manned photo booth rental with unlimited photos, says there are still plenty of Canadian brides who are completely unaware of the photo booth trend.
“Getting the idea out there is the big thing. You have to use it to see how fun it is. People really get excited about them. You go behind a curtain and no one sees you and suddenly you can be whoever you want to be,” she says.
What was the reaction at Namshirin’s wedding?
“Everyone loved the photo booth … Many people probably hadn’t been in one in a long time but no one forgets how much fun they are and how they put you in a relaxed but silly mood,” she says. “Smile for one picture, tongue out for another picture, eyes crossed and finally back to a laugh for the last shot.”
Natalie, 21 and Leon, 27
Comox & Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Wedding Date: June 29th, 2008
Number of Guests: 30
Wedding Cost: $5,000 (Approx.)
Wedding Ceremony Location: Lower Garden of Filberg Park, Comox BC
Wedding Reception Location: Tomato Tomato Restaurant, Courtenay, BC
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We wanted a celebration that felt very personal, both for us and for our guests.
What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
There were certainly people around us who thought that the idea of a small, afternoon wedding in a garden was a little strange and could not be as remarkable as a fancier, larger wedding. Since the ideas and concepts we had were a little usual, it was challenging at times to convey that vision to others.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
It was difficult. We tried to keep things tactful by sending out a few “wish we could have had you there” notes and politely explaining that our wish was truly for a small, intimate event.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family?
We had a few but most people were quite understanding. I think it was crucial to keep in mind that this was our one and only wedding day and our happiness was what truly mattered.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
The landscape of our location was gorgeous and magical. Walking myself down the aisle, which was a curving stone staircase, and making eye contact with nearly every guest was a very special moment. Our Justice of the Peace performed the ceremony which Leon and I had written almost entirely from scratch. After the ceremony had finished and we were walking back through the rows of chairs Leon surprised me my having guests throw fresh rose petals, something I had wanted but hadn’t had the time to organize.
What were the highlights of the reception?
At the reception a mutual friend of ours sang an old love song and we danced surrounded by our closest friends and family. Our littlest guests were adorable and the casual finger food and cake atmosphere made everyone feel at home. Leon and I both had the chance to visit with each guest and thank them personally for coming. We also had many personal touches displayed such as childhood pictures and a little gift “nest” handmade by my sister.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
It felt like a real reflection of who we are as a couple and what is important to us. I was able to do many DIY wedding projects, with the help of others that likely would not have been feasible on a larger scale. My mother sewed our flower girl dresses, Leon’s mother did all our bouquets and arrangements and Leon and I spent countless hours hand-making a variety of other projects. Seeing the vision come to together so beautifully and being able to share that experience with our loved ones made the day feel incredibly intimate.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Prioritize what you want to invest in. For Leon and I photography was the most important aspect so we decided to designate more of our budget there. Having beautiful images to remember the day by was far more important to us than giving out favors. Most importantly go with what you really want and try not to be discouraged by other (less creative) people. Having a wedding that is truly a reflection of you as a couple is refreshing and modern. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have an event that leaves a lasting impression.
Vendors:
Ceremony: Filberg Park and Lodge, Comox BC
Reception: Tomato Tomato, Courtenay BC
Cake: Cakebread & Hot Chocolates, Courtenay BC
Hotel: The Old House, Courtenay, BC
Photographer: Erin Wallis Photography
Amanda, 28 and Casey, 29
Cortes Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Number of Guests: 4
Wedding Ceremony Location: Hollyhock Centre, by the beach.
Wedding Reception Location: We had more of a celebration than a reception. We stayed at Hollyhock Centre and enjoyed the ocean view deck, fire pit, and solar hot tub.
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
A few reasons, all equally important. I wanted to avoid potentially difficult family tension that could have spoiled the magic of our wedding day, as well as the stress a bride often feels on a typical wedding day schedule which, while exciting, is actually pretty grueling. Lastly, I also wanted us to experience the tranquility and beauty of our chosen location without distraction and hurry. I felt we could best do that if it was just our attendants and us. And it was perfect! We went with our instincts and had a spirited, beautiful wedding.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
See below.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
We didn’t include our parents or siblings and that was the hardest part. But we’re completely at peace with our choice. Plus it helped that we had a post-wedding reception weeks later for our family and friends. In essence we got to have two weddings! (Which was a lot more work so I know all about that kind of wedding too.)
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family?
My mom and one of my sister’s had a hard time accepting that they weren’t included until they realized how happy it would make us to get married on our own terms.
If so, how did you address them?
I just explained to them that it was our dream to get married this way and that we knew they wanted us to be happy. They couldn’t argue with that. They became very supportive. We had the ceremony videotaped and we made a photo album of it for them afterwards so they could see it moment for moment.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
When we read our vows, with the ocean in front of us and birds calling above us, and when our JP pronounced us husband and wife.
What were the highlights of the reception?
It was so relaxed and full of joy. Because it was so intimate, we were able to simply have fun and revel in the moments. There was no crowd to worry about. We changed out of our formals and got comfortable. We were able to let our instincts run the show… ‘Who wants to go in the hot tub?’ It was so great.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
The freedom to express our feelings during the ceremony, particularly the groom. That made for an especially personal and lovely experience. I know he didn’t want to “get it over with” like some grooms who feel the pressure of a big audience.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
It can definitely be simpler than planning a bigger wedding, but you can still pull out a few stops. If you want to wear your dream dress, do it. You only get married once {well, not always} and it feels amazing to appear how you truly want to on your wedding day, no matter the size of the guest list.
Vendors:
Erin Wallis Photography (AMAZING!)
Photos: Erin Wallis Photography
DIY weddings are all the rage. Brides are getting creative with everything from handmade favors, to stationery, to guest books. Although handmade weddings are growing in popularity, there are plenty of brides who love the handmade touch, but simply don’t have the time for the DIY approach.
If you love handmade items and are also thrilled with the idea of supporting independent artisans and cottage industries, you will love Etsy.com for your intimate wedding.
Etsy is an online venue with 600,000 worldwide members and 100,000 sellers of handmade and vintage items.
“I think there is a movement towards buying handmade and I think the success of Etsy is testament to this — I have watched how the site has grown. It’s pretty crazy,” says Matthew Stinchcomb, New York based vice-president of marketing and communications, pointing out that 12,000 to 15,000 handmade items are sold through the site every day.
Although the site sells everything from paintings to purses, there are many unique items for handmade weddings, including a nice variety of wedding invitations and favors. And the prices are reasonable, considering the items are handcrafted- not cranked out in a factory.
Here are 5 of my favorite wedding items currently on Etsy.com.
Etsy shop Gamiworks. This is a collection of Japanese chiyogami (old-paper) gift tins that are ideal for wedding favors (fill with candies, nuts, or mints). This collection of 10 features an array of paper designs or simply choose your favorite designs from other items to compliment a theme. Each glass topped 2.5oz tin measures 2.8″ w x .9″ high. The price is $22.50 for 10. Discounts on large orders.
Etsy shop Digitalpaperie. Pink, handmade crown tags for wedding favors. This set contains 4 designs for a total of 12 tags. Measure 2 1/2″ across.
Cost per order is $4/set of 12.
Etsy shop Inkylivie. Garden themed wedding invitations in deep pink and chartreuse. Printed on thick textured cardstock, and layered on two pieces of colored cardstock. Can order sample set for $5.
Bridal Shower Favor or Wedding Favor
Etsy shop Nest. This wedding tissue holder is created in ivory shantung with a satin floral ribbon accent, lined in white cotton. It comes with a brand new package of soft tissues. Approximately 3.25″ x 5.6″. Cost $8 each.
Etsy shop Buttonempire. Cute bride and groom buttons for the couple to wear to pre-wedding events. $6 for pair.
Looking for more handmade wedding ideas? Check out the Etsy Wedding Blog
