In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!

Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.

1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.

St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography

2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography

3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.

The Lake House / Infused Studios

4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.

University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger

5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

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We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers

Living in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Melena + Bayden chose to have a destination wedding in Banff so their family and friends from across various provinces and territories could come together to celebrate over a weekend.

Their outdoor ceremony took place on Tunnel Mountain Meadow. A simple wooden cross draped in soft fabric marked the altar, and served as a beautiful symbol amidst the spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop.  We paired a romantic, airy aesthetic with the beautiful rustic setting of Buffalo Mountain Lodge, where the wedding dinner and dance were held.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: Tunnel Mountain Meadow
• Reception Venue: Buffalo Mountain Lodge
• Photography + Videography: The Toths
• Officiant:  Donald Crawford
• Ceremony + Reception Music: Livin’ & Dancin’ DJ Services
• Florist: Willow Flower Co.
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Invitations: Minted
• Day-Of Stationery: Pinkpolka
• Wedding Cake: Kake Canmore
• Hair + Makeup: Mountain Beauties

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Planner, Canmore Wedding Planner

Kailee + Tim’s timeless summer wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is featured in the current issue Spring / Summer 2019 issue of Blush Magazine!

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jade Gabrielle
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Ceremony Music: Wild Rose Quartet
• Reception Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cinnamon Bun Table: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Transportation: Apex Limousine
• Hair: Blushed Beaute / Makeup: Bella Casa Day Spa
• Gown: Delica Bridal

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

It was the end of a cold snap in Edmonton, and Samantha and Raymond’s guests were so excited to be out of the house attending a beautiful wedding! Side note: we love winter weddings and don’t think they get enough credit!

One of the most important parts of their big day was ensuring they threw an awesome party for their guests, so Sam and Ray put a lot of thought into the food and drinks they served, the entertainment they hired, and memorable touches. Pops of lavender, mauve and blush added warmth and romance to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s iconic Empire Ballroom, where both the vows and celebration were held.

One of the highlights of the day was Ray’s speech at the reception – his delivery was so endearing, not to mention hilarious! It was among the best we’ve ever heard and everyone was in stitches! A nod to the winter season, a hot chocolate station opened later in the evening with all the toppings you could imagine, as well as cake pops and biscotti to snack on.

Infused Studios delivered a stunning collection of images for the happy couple to look back on their day – enjoy!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Infused Studios
• Officiant: Pastor Genghis Chan
• Ceremony Music: Terry McDade – Harpist
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis – Harman B
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Wedding Cake / Sweet Table: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair: Carrie’l Salon & Spa
• Makeup: Lydia Yapp
• Gown: Delica Bridal

Jessica and Jayson were married on a gorgeous fall day. They held both their wedding and reception celebration at The Oasis Centre with over 300 loved ones in attendance.

One of the first steps in the wedding planning process is identifying what elements of the experience are most important to a bride and groom. For Jessica and Jayson, excellent and abundant food and drinks topped the list, along with photography, good music and an awesome party!

After a beautiful ceremony, we transformed the Grand Hall with three different table designs in a palette of ivory, champagne and a gradient of pinks from blush to burgundy. Bold lighting enhanced the grandeur of the space, adding drama and ambience.

Before heading to the dance floor, guests helped themselves to an expansive dessert table including the couple’s favourites: eclairs, tiramisu, cannolis and mini apple pies. The beautiful images below are courtesy of the ever-so-talented Just Married Photography team. Enjoy!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Just Married Photography
• Videographer: YEG Wedding Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Ceremony Music: Keri Lynn Zwicker
• Cocktail / Dinner Music: Don Berner Band
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
• Caterer: Stir Catering
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Wedding Cake: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Bridal Gown: La Sposa
• Bridesmaids: Dessy from Novelle Bridal

Donna + Olivier are from two very different backgrounds and opposite ends of the country, but love has a way of bringing people together when they least expect it.

Olivier is from Halifax, so they flew out there for their engagement session with Sharon Litchfield and got some incredible, picturesque photos. Their September wedding festivities incorporated several Chinese traditions including a morning Tea Ceremony, door games and a 10-course dinner at Golden Rice Bowl Restaurant.

After an elegant ceremony at Winspear Centre with classical music and timeless décor, the Wedding Party took photos at the newly opened Rogers Place (Donna is a huge Edmonton Oilers fan)! After dinner the newlyweds shared a romantic first dance surrounded with sparklers and continued celebrating with their 250 guests until the early morning.

The whole day was a perfect blend of two families and two cultures. Enjoy this sneak peek at Donna + Oli’s love story!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Officiant: Howard Saunders
• Ceremony Music: Terry McDade – Harpist
• Reception Music: Baseline DJ
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Wedding Cake: The Art of Cake
• Sheet Cakes: Garden Bakery
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios

It’s that time again! Nearly every couple struggles with those special musical selections for their Big Day, so we’re bringing you our 3rd edition of Wedding Song Ideas.

This time we’ve compiled a list of songs categorized by style/type, so whether you’re looking for something fun and upbeat for your Grand Entrance, or something soulful for your First Dance, we’ve got you covered. Here is a link to quick-play and listen to this list on Apple Music: 2018 Wedding Song Ideas.

For more song ideas check out our previous lists here: Part 1 + Part 2.

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{Photo: Lolo and Noa}

Sweet + Slow – great options for your Ceremony through to the First Dance

• Best Part / Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R
• Hold My Girl / George Ezra
• I’m With You / Vance Joy
• Take the World / JOHNNYSWIM
• Perfect Duet / Ed Sheeran feat. Beyoncé
• Sweet Creature / Harry Styles
• Wild Love / James Bay (Acoustic)
• Please Keep Loving Me / James TW
• How Would You Feel / Ed Sheeran
• Better / SYML

{Photo: Stoffer Photography}

Fun + Upbeat – cheery songs for your Grand Entrance or Cake Cutting

• A Good Night / John Legend feat. BloodPop
• Let Me / ZAYN
• Let’s Get Married / Bleachers
• Fresh Eyes / Andy Grammer
• Morning Light / Justin Timberlake feat. Alicia Keys
• All My Love / George Ezra
• For You / James TW
• Light It Up / Major Lazer feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG
• Love Me Like You Do / Ellie Goulding
• Pineapple Skies / Miguel
• One Kiss / Calvin Harris + Dua Lipa
• Feels Great / Cheat Codes feat. Fetty Wap & CVBZ

{Photo:  Sharon Litchfield}

Soulful Songs – add some rhythmic sounds to your day

• My Song / H.E.R
• Say You Won’t Let Go / James Arthur
• Unconditional / Freya Ridings
• Love on the Weekend / John Mayer
• My Love / Ria Mae
• Coming Home / Leon Bridges
• City of Stars / Gavin James
• Adorn / Miguel
• Song for You / Rhye
• Baby I’m a Fool / Melody Gardot
• LOVE / Kendrick Lamar feat. ZACARI

{Photo: Nicole Ashley}

Romantic Country – there’s never a bad time to play a poetic country love song

• Love Is a Wild Thing / Kacey Musgraves
• From the Ground Up / Dan + Shay
• You Make It Easy / Jason Aldean
• Heaven / Kane Brown
• In Case You Didn’t Know / Brett Young
• I Need You / Tim McGraw feat. Faith Hill
• This Girl / Hunter Hayes
• I Do / Morgan Evans
• All About Her / Paul Brandt
• Tennessee Whiskey / Chris Stapleton

{Photo: Sharon Litchfield}

Classic Covers – romantic replays to use for a special dance or two 

• Crazy Love / Juke Ross — original Van Morrison
• Can’t Help Falling in Love / Haley Reinhart — original Elvis Presley
• I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You / Joseph Vincent — original Frankie Valli
• To Make You Feel My Love / Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan — original Billy Joel
• I’m Gunna Be (500 Miles) / Sleeping At Last — original Peter, Paul and Mary
• Time After Time / Tyler Ward acoustic version — original Cyndi Lauper
• Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / John Adams — original Van Morrison
• Wings / Amber Leigh Irish — original Birdy
• Love at First Sight / Blame Jones  — original Kylie Minogue
• Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic / Sleeping At Last — original The Police
• La Vie En Rose / Daniela Andrade — original Louis Armstrong

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Suzanne | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + DesignSaveSave

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