Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
^ Yeah SGC is full of great ideas. She recommended Nisha Chandra for decor and my goodness, she is super fantastic. So thorough with the details and amazingly creative! I went around asking for a lot of quotes and she fit everything I wanted witin my budget without making me feel like it'll be a compromise on quality. I visited 5 other decorators, new and old and what I didn't like is that they didn't budge on price without making you feel bad. They were renting out linens and what not so I wasn't getting the best rate possible and were limited in their ideas and proposals unless you signed a contract first. That makes no sense to me, how can I sign a contract unless I know EXACTLY what I am getting? To be honest, when I first saw her work I was afraid to tell her my budget becasue I thought, she must be DAMN expensive. But let me tell you, not at one point did she make me feel like I had to spend 5-6K minimum for my hall to look pretty. I will post pictures after the shaadi, i'A. I feel so stress free about the shaadi day decor. We went and visited the venue the other day and her professionalism really came out while I watched her deal with a RUDE coordinator. I was boiling frustration and as we walked out she said 'don't worry, it's my problem, not yours. Your day will be beautiful regardless of if they cooperate or not.'
Anyway, hope you find someone you love :-)
noor, that sounds amazing! the only reason i'd recommend a tent is in case it rains, but so long as you have someplace for guests to go if it does, you're golden.
and that's awesome about the chiavari's! :D
the $16 per head is a family price, i guess you could say- he might not come down that low, but it'll probably be in the $16-$20 range, i'd say. and of course you should always try for the $16 ;)
its a buffet set-up so all the food and serving ware is provided by tandoori time, but the plates and cutlery, glasses, etc. are provided by the hotel. don't worry about that, though, when the time comes, i can guide you to this fantastic rental place that has excellent rates, and same for décor- i've met and worked with some great vendors.
oooh, i wanna plan your wedding!
^ Just wanted to let the guppans know that I've booked Noor for my mehndi make-up. She's a pleasure to talk to and I'm very excited about working with her!
Thank you so much naqsa - that just made my morning! :) I'm looking forward to working with you too !!
noor, that sounds amazing! the only reason i'd recommend a tent is in case it rains, but so long as you have someplace for guests to go if it does, you're golden.
and that's awesome about the chiavari's! :D
the $16 per head is a family price, i guess you could say- he might not come down that low, but it'll probably be in the $16-$20 range, i'd say. and of course you should always try for the $16 ;)
its a buffet set-up so all the food and serving ware is provided by tandoori time, but the plates and cutlery, glasses, etc. are provided by the hotel. don't worry about that, though, when the time comes, i can guide you to this fantastic rental place that has excellent rates, and same for décor- i've met and worked with some great vendors.
oooh, i wanna plan your wedding!
SGC- thank you for ALLLL your help!! I really appreciate it :)
ok so the $16-20 per head includes servers = great
I'm getting quotes from caterers now just to see how much it would cost including cutlery/glassware. What is that place you are talking about with excellent rates lol I would love to know please.
As for the venue - We are thinking of going with the one we saw over the weekend = Waterstone Farms & Estate
still negotiating the price with her as she said she can give us some discount for a Friday wedding so let's see!
^ Construction is also a weekday thing- is your wedding on the weekend?
Yeah the quote is because we're friends of friends, but I'm sure if you negotiated, they'd be willing to do something for you. We're having it at The Westin Prince Hotel at York Mills and Don Mills. Its beautiful and very modern which is why we loved it. It was completely renovated two years ago so everything is very new. It also sits on 15 acres of parkland so the couple can do their outdoor photoshoot on site. If you were looking into a modern ballroom, I would suggest you check out the hotel.
Hello,
I've been going through your discussions and I gotta say I have learned so much! SGC you are like a fountain of wedding knowledge!
If you don't mind me asking, what is the total cost for a wedding at the Westin? How many guests do you have in mind? Would you have any idea how much the room would cost for approximately 120-150 guests?
My apologies if you have already been asked this, but which decorator are you planning on using?
ok the place i’m getting additional glassware from that i intend to use in the decor and the modern couch for the stage is harolds rental. their prices are really good for what we’re getting and they do tents, etc. as well. obvs if you get everything from one place, there’s more room for cost savings. http://www.haroldsrental.com/
we went to see them in person and they were really great and have lots of stuff to choose from. having said that, if you go with a planner or an industry vendor, you will always have access to industry discounts that the public does not.
waterstone is gorgeous! i can’t wait for you to book it iA so we can talk decor and other ideas
i’ll send you a PM with this info!
my planner friend Sara and I are using a variety of vendors to execute our design. because she’s a planner - and such a good one mA - its meant lovely discounts everywhere and some things thrown in for free because she has good relationships with vendors. we’re on a pretty strict budget for the entire valima so thats been very helpful for sure.
I don't really have a set date, you're going to laugh, but we're actually thinking 2-4 years from now lol..yes long engagement!
Ultimately, I'd like to just get an idea of what my budget should look like. I most likely will not be using a wedding planner, In your opinion is a planner worth considering? Do the discounts make up for the additional cost?
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
^ I think there are definite pros to using a planner. If you hire someone good, then really you're only paying them an additional $1500-$2000 depending on their services but in return, you're getting someone to handle everything. They find you venues to look at, search out the best vendors, negotiate contracts, arrange tastings, take care of all the behind the scenes running around on the day of and make sure all you and your fiancé do is say yes or no and sign on the dotted line. They're also helpful in organising your budget and making sure you stay within it. Planning can be overwhelming and stressful and it shouldn't be. Some planners also put together the design of your wedding based on your preferences and then work really hard to make sure you get the wedding of your dreams. I think its most beneficial if you use one planner for multiple events- their cost is spread out over 2-3 days and you get coordination and custom design for all your events.
Also, no I don't think its silly that you're asking now! The more prepared you are, the better it is, right? :)
Budget is tricky- there are a lot of variables. I find the best method is to choose a figure you can afford to spend for your wedding and work backwards from it to decided what $$ goes where.
I will definitely consider a planner, this whole process is a little daunting! I'm lucky to have come across this forum, I've learned so much from everyone here :)
I may bother you for more information once my wedding planning process really begins!
The stage and decor pictures look amazing, very classy and sophisticated. What are your thoughts on the decorator that you hired? Were you able to stay within your budget?
Would it be possible for you to pm me the contact info for your wedding planner? I would really appreciate it. I'm afraid that by the time I actually begin the planning process, you may have retired from gupshup! :(
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
^ lol when exactly are you thinking of getting married? :p
i collaborated with my good friend and uber planner, sara baig (www.facebook.com/sarabaigdesigns), on the event. we worked on the design together and planned the look around the bride's dress, the contemporary venue, and their invitation suite. she was amazing in sourcing everything out, keeping us within budget, and making sure it all came together perfectly. we were at it from 5:30 am the morning of the event and honestly speaking, i would not have been able to do it without her help. and plus, she's really easy to get along with and has a very keen eye for details and finessing design. definitely call her when you're ready.
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
Hi guys,
I am looking for a golf course that will cater a South Asian style buffet - we have 130 guests. So far we loved Eagles Nest golf course (they're in Thornhill or Markham I think) but they don't do South Asian cuisine. We checked out Glen Abbey also and we like it - they're giving us a reasonable rate for food etc also but I really want something in the style of Eagles Nest - with wraparound terrace, lots of windows, chandaliers, more upscale feel. Anyone got any ideas????? We're looking in the Mississauga / Oakville area but could go further out for a really nice venue. Pls help!!!! Our wedding is in June 2011.
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
Also, wanted to check - how much should I budget / expect to pay for wedding reception day decor? I know of course that this depends on many factors. I just got in touch with one decorator who quoted me price of $ 3,000 for 130 guests (first estimate). Is this pretty standard? Also, anyone know how much it might cost to rent some nice centrepieces? And a vendor to do this from, if possible? The wedding venue will most likely be in Oakville / Toronto. Thanks!
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
^ I think most decorators start at $1000 for a basic backdrop... Some also start at 500 - 700... but nethin that Ive liked so far has started at $1000 - $1500
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like :(
Thanks for the info MissSN! Let me know if you find a decorator that you really like and they're well priced also. I checked with Weddingdecor.com so far and a friend used and recommended them also. I figure I've still got lots of time to look for decorators. Looking for a venue for the mehndi first! :-)
Re: (Toronto) Getting Married Next Year and So Far No Venue I Like
check here for golf courses in 'Sauga and Oakville- Google
also check www.venuesource.ca
there are tons of wedding decorators/florists around town! it really depends on how elaborately you want things done. why don’t you set a budget for yourself and ask around to see who can work within it and what they’ll offer you for it? there are lots of wedding planners in town as well who can put you in touch with the right people.
