Top 5 Tips To Plan A Stress Free Wedding Day!
When it comes to planning an affordable west coast wedding, here are a few tips to help get you started.
1. Start here...
Begin by choosing your wedding venue. This may be your highest wedding cost. Confirming your guest count will help you out a lot at this stage; certain venues will have maximum capacities. We recommend that you plan ahead, especially if you have a summer date, venues can book up a year in advance. If you have a humble budget, consider an affordable alternative such as a park or beach, with a simple picnic reception. A city permit is super easy to apply for and usually costs around $50 and insurance is around $20. You can bring your own chairs, arbour, flowers, and create a space that is simple, beautiful and most of all, affordable! If your budget is a little less restricting, then consider contacting your favourite restaurant or local Victoria venue! You will be surprised by how accommodating local restaurants will be to have you rent their space for your wedding. Here are a few examples of Victoria restaurants and event venues that accommodate weddings:
Fortune Gallery, China town
A beautiful exposed brick loft-style venue that is new to the wedding industry! If you are wanting an intimate, indoor wedding, we recommend you book this venue now before the price increases! They accommodate smaller weddings and the space itself is bright and beautiful. There is a small kitchen and bathroom with options to bring your own food and beverage.
Bear and Joey Cafe, Cook Street
This super trendy, cook street cafe offers a beautiful indoor and outdoor venue for all your wedding reception needs! They have a full kitchen, bar and parking, and can easily cater for you and your guests.
The Fort Commons in Downtown Victoria
This beautiful, urban, exposed brick Venue is tucked away behind Blanshard and Fort street. This space is big and could fit around 100 people if done right! The best part is the location! You are super close to everything Downtown Victoria!
2nd Tip: Capture those moments...
Choose the right photographer. Once you have your date and wedding venue, booking your wedding photographer is the next priority. Photographers usually tend to book one year in advanced. When it comes to booking one do your research! Lower prices generally mean less experience and less money invested in equipment. However, this doesn't always apply, and sometimes there is no harm in hiring a photographer who is just starting out, just be sure to vet them by meeting in person. Wedding photographers in Victoria usually range between $1500-$6500 depending on how many hours, they're skill set and experience. When it comes to videographers, prices usually range between $2000-$10,000, again depending on how many hours and what equipment is involved. It is up to you to decide how important photography is to your wedding experience. Investing in a professional photographer may be your best investment of the day, because after all the chaos of your wedding day, you often miss all the cute moments that fly by! The day goes by SO fast, and having nice photos of your day will really be the only thing, aside from your memories, that will allow you to relive that special day forever. Here are some of Victoria's top wedding photographers.
Julia Loglisci Photography
With over 6 years experience, Julia offers different wedding packages that range from small intimate weddings, to larger-than-life weddings. She loves breaking out from the traditional wedding and tries to capture photos that are unique and tasteful. Planning to elope?! Check out Juila’s second business, Pop Up Wedding Victoria, where they specialize in all inclusive, elopement styled weddings! Perfect during these times!
Danielle Lindenlaub Photography
Danielle's romantic, moody editing style brings a gorgeous feel to any wedding day. She is the most gentle and kind soul who really helps bring a sense of calm to your wedding day. She loves being adventurous and is no stranger of elopement or destination weddings.
Kim Jay Weddings - Another beautiful choice for a local, wedding photography on Vancouver Island. Kim’s photos are extremely intimate and candid!
3rd Tip: Feed the crowd...
Investing in great food goes a long way. Depending on your wedding venue, they will have the capacity to provide their own food or provide you with a list of great options. One of our favourite ideas for a wedding is a picnic or a small local food truck! Some companies even offer food carts, so they take up less room than a food truck and don't require a large venue. Desert can also be a crowd pleaser, especially if you love cake, donuts, cookies and chocolate... I mean who doesn't? Try these food gods.
Allison Jones is the mastermind behind these beautiful cakes! I strongly recommend her for your next event.
Toque Catering. From decor set up and rentals to food and catering, Toque offers everything you need to plan the perfect wedding day!
4th Tip: Make it official...
Choose your wedding officiant. There are lots of wedding officiant services; religious, civil, professional, a friend or family member. This is a very important role in your ceremony and having someone who is light, funny, romantic and efficient can be well worth your money. No body likes a stretched out wedding ceremony. Most of the time, wedding ceremonies shouldn't last any longer then 20 minuets. Choosing the right officiant is guaranteed to help calm your nerves, keep you on time and make you laugh-cry during your special day!
I strongly recommend Amanda Tarling Wedding Officiant.
5th Tip: Beautify...
Put your money where it counts. If you have a decor budget and instead of spending lots of time and money on Pinterest decorations, consider putting it towards a local florist. Fresh flowers make any occasion seem like a celebration and make great gifts after the wedding; Grandma will be smiling from ear to ear when you hand her a centrepiece off the dinner table. Great florists will work closely with you to choose elements that suit your budget and style and will work hard to help set up your wedding venue. Tip: Work with your florist to choose flowers that dry well and hang your bridal bouquet upside down to dry. Talk about a beautiful keepsake! Check out these experienced florists in Victoria.
Botanic Creative Sarah Scott is the mastermind behind bridal bouquets. I love her style, and she only sources locally from flowers and greenery that is in season, right here in Victoria.
To wrap up, take a moment to think about yourself being a guest and attending a friend's wedding. What do you walk away remembering? Do you wake up the next day and think, "Oh my gosh, those recycled paper centre pieces were so cute!" Probably not. Most people remember the bride and groom, how beautiful they looked, the food and the atmosphere. Remember the main reason why your family and friends come to your wedding — good company (and likely, good food). If your going to spend your money on something, spend it where it counts.
Another great option is to take a look at Pop Up Wedding Victoria! They offer all inclusive elopement style weddings, perfect for the lower budget brides who are looking for something easy and affordable!