Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and enjoyed a fun and festive New Year's celebration.

With the holidays behind us it is time to look forward to new things!

 

Coming up on February 18th at the newly renovated Quality Hotel & Conference Centre is the 

"2nd Annual Relay for Life Gala"

Tickets are $100.00 each and include: a three course meal, silent auction, entertainment, dancing and more.  Proceeds go to a fabulous cause.

My husband and I along with a few of our friends will be attending - this is our Valentines   Day gift to ourselves.   A night out with no kids - good food, great company - what more could I ask for.

 

If you would like tickets - please feel free to contact me at: info@instyleweddings.ca

Gala season is now in full swing.  

We are pleased to once again be working on some fabulous events with our corporate clients.  

Galas tend to be a little different than weddings in the sense that the themes and colours can be more elaborate. 

Saying that I still love my wedding work as we get to focus on the smaller details that compliment the bride and groom.

We are also about to celebrate our second year in our current location.  

Our small studio has had many couples, companies and organizations come through its small door and we are so happy to be here and have the space to show you all that we have to offer.

This year we will bring you new decor ideas, fabulous new linens in rich colours, textures and fabrics.  

 Our chair covers will come in even more colours  - in fact we now offer two-tone coloured satin chair covers!

 

In honour of the new year we are currently offering the following special:

Book a full decor package with us for your 2012 wedding and receive the following all inclusive linen package to you for only $4.75 per person!

Package features:

• Choice of coloured satin chair cover
• Choice of satin chair sash or rhinestone buckle
• Choice of coloured damask napkin
• Choice of 120" round floor length coloured tablecloth

Prices includes all set up and tear down.  If interested - please contact us today!  In-Style Weddings prides itself on being able to offer you great decor, linens and accessories at the best possible price.

Whether you are planning a wedding, an intimate gathering or a corporate affair - I hope you will keep us in mind.


Happy New Year!

The Holidays are COMING!

Can you believe that it is already the END of November????  I certainly can't!  Where has the year gone?  I guess that life was just a wee bit busier than I thought this year!

Well there is no running from it so lets face the holidays and get things started!

I LOVE this time of year.  I am one of those people whom most of you hate - you know.....the one who would be happy to leave the Christmas tree, lights and decor up year round, have nothing on the TV but holiday movies and feels that Christmas music should be played year round.  And as for other holidays?? WHAT other other holidays??? Yup...one of THOSE people! (please forgive me)

Due to the incredible weather we have been having - my family and I were able to get the outside lights up.

It was a much nicer experience than in previous years - nobody complained of being cold or ran inside trying to hide from being dragged back out! 

The lights turned out quite nice and we enjoyed a walk around the block to see what the neighbors had done. 

Made for a truly fun start to the holiday season!

Now most of you may be thinking ahead to your own holiday decor.  Between the trees, lights, tinsel, (don't forget the mistletoe), garland on the fireplace or down the banister - you might be starting to get a bit overwhelmed with all the decor there is to do.

Festive Hostess Gifts in Foyer

I like to suggest that you tackle a little at a time.  For example maybe this weekend you focus on your entrance way.  The banister, some poinsettias - simple yet elegant decor that won't take up too much time.  Next week maybe the fireplace mantle and the list goes on.

I like to do a little at a time for two reasons - one I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to doing the decor all at once but more importantly my kids love to come downstairs in the morning and be surprised by what new decor has been done.

Front Foyer

This was a tradition my own Grandmother and Mother held and I love to be able to continue it in my own way.

The one area of decor that I put a lot of work into is my dining room.  We usually host a large dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and I like to make my guests know how special they are to me.

I spend quite a bit of time choosing just the right linens, some  chair covers and of course the centrepieces are important. 

I love candlelight and like to flood the room with the soft glow of candles everywhere! 

Gold Charger Plate with Satin Napkin

This year because of my own love of using specialty linens in my own home - especially for the holidays - In-Style Weddings is pleased to be able to offer you these same luxury and  festive linens.  We have rich colours, textures and styles - sure to fit any decor or holiday theme.

From charger plates, napkins, tablecloths to chair covers - we literally have got your dining room covered! 

I have always found that by renting linens for my own holiday events I have more options to choose from and the cost is usually less expensive than buying.  The best part? I don't have to CLEAN anything!  I simply bag up the linens and return them - and now you can do the same!

For more information on renting specialty linens for your holiday party or dinner - please contact us at: 905-448-8737 or email: info@instyleweddings.ca

Holiday decor should be fun and with a little planning it can be.  BUT if you are simply one of these people who simply do not have the time - call us  - I would be happy to decorate your tree for you!

On behalf of the entire In-Style Weddings & Events team - we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a truly festive and memorable New Years!

Blue Monday

According to the news....today is ``Blue Monday``. What is Blue Monday?  Apparently it is the most depressing day of the year.  Yes - some news media outlets are saying this is a marketing stunt that is geared to get people to book vacations in warmer climates (wish I was in a warmer climate) - However, I do know this...It is mid January - it is damn cold, its grey, I've run out of candy (this is big as due to the number of candy buffets we do - I almost never...and I mean never...run out of candy), and did I mention I was cold?
For many of you - you could be blue for another reason.  Your wedding is only a few months away and I am sure that with the date seeming much closer than it did before holidays that you may be "blue" due to the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

You are looking at bills left over from the holidays, new bills about to arrive, vendors you haven't booked yet, and a wedding to-do list about a mile long.  Fittings to arrange, favours to put together, menus to taste and so much more. This can be quite overwhelming.  I hope you will allow me to help.

First off - wedding planning is not an easy job (whoever told you it was....lied) BUT it should be fun - even if a wee bit frustrating.

First off - make a list - of everything that needs to be done.  Second - put the list in order - most important to least.  Third - DELEGATE!

You have a bridal party, friends, family members and don't forget the most important person - your fiance.  Divide and conquer while an old rule - still applies and WORKS!

For those vendors you have been putting off meetings - make the appointment - right away.  You don't want to be in the position of scrambling for a particular service when you could book now. 

If your wedding is really close - toss the 3 quote rule out the window.  Get referrals from friends - check out review websites (www.weddingwire.com is a great one) and make your appointment.  The biggest part of your planning will be booking your vendors and once that is out of the way you will feel much better!

If you don't have the deposit they are looking for - negotiate - everything....and I mean everything...is negotiable - especially if they want your business. (yes...that rule applies to us here as well).

Anything that requires an appointment - from fittings to tastings - book those as well - get your calendar out - it will the be most important tool you need right now.  Once all of your appointments have been made you can then set at date with your bridal party to help you with the rest. 

Need help putting favours, place cards and fun stuff together?  You could plan a pizza and movie night with the girls - tedious stuff seems to get done faster when a good movie is on.

For those of you simply have very little time - this would be a good time to call a wedding planner.  As you by this time -  most likely planned everything yourself - you may only need the services of a planner to get everything in order for you - to look over those final details.  A good planner should be able to offer you many options that fit both - where you are in the planning process and in your budget.

I like to suggest that you do one or two wedding related projects a week.  This should help get you organized, feeling less stressed and with each project that gets crossed of the list  - you should feel much more excited about your wedding rather than overwhelmed.

So don't let Blue Monday get you down - instead let it get you excited.  YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!  Enjoy this time.  It is very special

For more information on wedding or event planning related services - please don't hesitate to contact us.  info@instyleweddings.ca or 905-448-8737

InStyle Weddings and Events: Preview "Happy New Year!"

InStyle Weddings and Events: Preview "Happy New Year!"

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is now 2011?  I could ask where the time has gone but I simply don't think any of us would have the answer!

2010 was simply and incredible year!!  We moved into our new showroom, did an enormous number of events, traveled to our first destination wedding in Mexico, enjoyed a truly big fat Scottish wedding, celebrated at a 4 day Indian wedding (oh my goodness the FOOD!!), launched our new candy buffets, and won a couple of awards (thanks to all of you) but BEST of all we got the opportunity to meet so many truly wonderful people and experience all types of weddings in new locations.

2010 introduced us to brides who wanted rich dramatic colours and themes and we were thrilled to be able to give that to them.

We also did more decor work for corporate events and galas.  This type of work is a lot of fun as we get the opportunity to work with colour on a larger scale.

Occasionally we worked with LED lighting  - which is something that is becoming more popular as it comes in a variety of colours and more importantly gives of little or no heat.

Halls especially like the no heat aspect. But I love the soft glow effect that LED gives off.

We did up these trees for a bride this fall who wanted something soft and romantic during the day but which would also transform the room into more of a nightclub look at night.  We were only able to achieve this look by using LED lighting.

One of the highlights of 2010 was our involvement with the Relay for Life Masquerade Gala which was held this November at Whitby's Heydonshore Pavilion. 

This event is close to my heart as it raises money for all types of cancer.  Having lost my own parents to different types of cancer - having so many of my fellow vendors donate their time, services or simply just buy tickets and attend - meant the world to me. 

Over $7000.00 was raised from this event alone and our goal is to double that at next years gala.

The talented Kathryn Rogers and her team planned a truly memorable evening which was enjoyed by all and I along with the In-Style Team will be on board once again to help with next years gala.

With so many memorable events it will be hard to say goodbye to 2010 but with all of the new decor options we have available I am truly looking forward to 2011  - it is going to be an amazing year!

I hope you will will continue to follow our blog but don't forget you can see all of our latest decor and goings on by becoming a fan of our Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/In-Style-Weddings-Events/32234376192

Happy New Year!

Safety vs. Beauty

Every bride dreams of her perfect wedding - and every bride puts a lot of thought into the decor.

However sometimes the best laid plans......(I think you see where I am going with this).

When we meet with our clients and plan out their decor we always do our best to accomodate their vision.  We meet at their hall, inspect the banquet tables, chairs, electrical, check the spacing of the room, map outlets and even measure ceilings if we have to.  We do this to not only see what we have to work with but to see if everything is safe!

Yet even with all of that infomation sometimes what the bride has asked for we simply cannot accomodate for safety reasons.

Ceiling drapings for example - while beautiful, elegant and truly adds that touch of whimsy to any wedding - have many steps and details that need to be taken before it can be hung and sometimes unforseen factors get in the way.

Ceilings preferablly are hung from drop ceilings so that proper ceiling clips can be hung from the frames.  If a ceiling is a drywall ceiling then the venue must have some sort of fixture to attach framing to and those fixtures must be of an industrial quality to bear the weight of a 100 lb ceiling decor and possible chandeliere.

There should also be a central industrial air fan or fixture for the centre of the ceiling decor - ceiling fans like you would find at home -are NOT an adequet anchor for ceiling treatments - in fact this can be quite dangerous as the weight of the fabric can actually pull the fan out of the ceiling.

Ceilings should also be at least 13ft high and if possible even higher to accommodate the deep swags of fabric and a central chandelier.

We take into account all of the possible ways to hang a ceiling but safety must be the FIRST priority.  Many people don't realize that insurance, fire and safety, WSIB and venue policies play a large part in whatever type of decor we do.

Hence the reason you might have ordered one type of design but due to unforeseen safety concerns you may end up with a different design yet similar to what you ordered.

The In-Style team wants to ensure your happiness with your design - however please keep in mind that technical concerns do arise and we have to make changes to ensure not just your safety but the safety of your guests and to the hall.

So when meeting with your decorator be sure to ask what steps they take to ensure your safety - this is of utmost importance.  You want your wedding to be memorable for the events and special things that happened during the day - not the disasters that could have been prevented.

Destination Wedding

In May we were fortunate to be able to travel down to Los Cabos Mexico with the talented Ms. Allison Reefer of Your Captured Moments to decorate for a destination wedding.

This was something new for us as don't normally travel outside of the province to do decor!

While the decor we did was minimal it was one of the few weddings that entire week that did reflect the tastes and themes of our couple and their wedding certainly stood out from the other weddings that took place that week.

We also found out thattravelling down to the destination can actually be less expensive for clients (depending on resort) to bring their photographer and decorator with them rather than use the inhouse photographer and decor.

This way you have much more control over what is being done - decor wise AND with the photography side - you now have a photographer to capture your enture week rather than just your ceremony!!

If you are contemplating a destination wedding - think about bringing your decorator and more importantly your photographer.

For more information feel free to contact us at:  info@instyleweddings.ca

Summer Weddings

Hello everyone,

I hope you are doing well and are enjoying your summer.

The wedding season is well underway and already we have been fortunate to decorate for some pretty fabulous brides.

We have also had the opportunity to work with different colour schemes - which is one of our most favourite things to do.

Check out some of the photos below:

Having the opportunity to decorate at a hidden gem such as Dalewood Golf and Curling Club - is something that we are quite thrilled for. 

 This lovley out of the way PRIVATE club has everything to offer and is well worth the half hour drive east of Oshawa. 

Stephanie the Catering Manager truly goes above and beyond the call of duty in trying to offer the best quality service for the best price.

To see for yourself what Dalewood has to offer - call Dalewood today  :T. (905) 885 8144

 
They offer a fabulous buffet dinner on Sundays - this will give you ample opportunity to tour the grounds and taste their truly spectacular menu.
 
You won't be dissapointed!
 
 

 

 

We also had the opporunity recently to decorate at Pickerings premier event location - The Lake House. What a lovley venue! With unrivaled viewes of the marina - you truly get that Cape Cod feeling - without leaving Durham!

 

 

Laurel Munro was the florist on this job http://www.laurelmunro.com/  as you know I am a true fan of Miss. Laurels designs and this job was no exception - love work once again Miss Laurel!

Here are a few more photos from over the past couple of months:

We are OPEN!

Hello everyone,

I hope you are doing well.

It certainly has been quite a long time since I last posted.  With so much going on I think I need to hire an "official" blogger so that I can keep everyone (myself included) up to date on all the interesting things that are happening around here.

First and foremost I am happy to annouce that we are now officially working out of our new location!!!  We are incredibly thrilled.  Everything has come together and the new showroom is simply a dream to work out of!

Our Grand Opening was a huge success.  So many of our past and current clients were able to stop in and say hello.  We were also visited by new clients and many of the areas vendors whom we work so closely with. 

A sincere thank you to everyone who was able to come out and support us on such a special day!

It was a unique afternoon in that this was NOT a bridal show - simply a drop in wine and cheese but we asked many of the vendors that we work along side to come an introduce themselves and showcase what they do.  This was an excellent opportunity to introduce to you - the "wedding team" that you hear me often talk about or refer to.

The incredibly creative Ms. Laurel  from Laurel Munro Floral Design:  ww.laurelmunro.com

Miss Allison Reefer of (the worlds best photography company) Your Captured Moments http://www.yourcapturedmoments.com/

Ms. Cindy Meghue of Kismet Candles alongside Laurel Munro and Allison Reefer  http://www.kismet-candles.com/

 

We had cake, we had candy, we were joined by wonderful friends, family, coworkers and clients. The day could not have been more perfect so again......THANK YOU!

You're Invited!

As you can see - a lot is going on here at In-Style Weddings & Events.  We are officially moving into our new space at Oshawa French Cultural Centre "Club L'Amicale" this coming week.

We are preparing to paint, install new fixtures, move into and set up the new space - plus get ready for the open house all within a week! (Wish me luck...I think I'm going to need it!)

We are very excited.  With the help of our wonderful friends, family and of course the support of our clients our little company has finally grown up and is now ready to move out!

This has been a dream 8 years in the making and of course we could not have gotten this far without the support we have received from everyone so on that note...everyone WE THANK YOU!

Come and join us - it will be really fun afternoon - kindly RSVP your attendance to info@instyleweddings.ca

We recently collaborated with Life in Clarington Magazine on their spring edition which was distrubuted in the local Clarington This Week news paper - on a "Wedding Planning 101" article.  We had a lot of fun working with  Susan Oliver Benedet who is the editor of this fun and informative magazine. 

It was great to be able to get back to basics and write about wedding planning.  We certainly haven't done that in awhile and it was great to "get back at it" so to speak.

The feedback from this issue has been tremendous.  Check out this note that Susan received - which just happened to be from one of my former clients:

From Kate in Bowmanville


“My husband and I moved to Bowmanville in November 2008 and we LOVE it here!!! We are both from other towns and are so glad we moved here.


I love your magazine and i loved reading the article by Tamara Kaye on Wedding Planning, we were recently married on Oct 24th 2009 and used Tamara for our decorating....she is wonderful! We also used the Holiday Inn Express in Whitby for us and our guests on our wedding night! The Holiday Inn Express has beautiful hotels and I am looking forward to one coming to Bowmanvile!!!!


Kate Mitchell- a happy Bowmanville resident.”


Both Susan and I have received many comments about both the magazine and the article.  This is truly wonderful and I urge you to check out www.lifeinclarington.com just as soon as you can so you can read the articles online as well.

I would like to introduce you to a fabulous new vendor:  Kismet Candles.  I met Cindy Meghue - the owner of this great company late last month.  We were getting together to discuss her line of flameless candles.  As a decorator we are always trying to find new inexpensive ways to light an event without using candles as more and more venues as banning the use of candles altogether.

Cindy showed me some very interesting products.  Check out her website http://www.kismet-candles.com you might just find that perfect centerpiece, gift or fun led novelty that you have been lookingfor!  We actually ordered a dozen new LED spotlights to use underneath tables  - to replace the halogen spots we have been using - WHAT A DIFFERENCE!  LED gives off zero heat - is easy to set up - and gives of a fabulous lighting effect! 

Looking for a florist? Or better yet a Floral Designer?  Check out www.laurelmunro.com  Laurel is truly a talented florist and her creations have to be some of the most well designed and unique that I have seen in a long time.

She has brought many of my clients floral decor visions come to life.  Her customer service has also been outstanding.  I really get excited when I know that we are going to be working with Laurel as her flowers tend to better complete the work that we do as decorators.

Well that is about all the news for now.  Check back for all the comings and going.  So much going on I can scarce remember what day it is - but I do know this.  I love what I do.  I love the people I work with and I am looking forward to this years wedding season like never before.

Its going to be an interesting year and I can't wait!


Tamara