Posts Categorized: Tips + Advice

01/14/23

10 Wedding Trends We’re Vibing in 2023

What’s hot for wedding trends this year? We’re sharing elements you can incorporate into your 2023 or 2024 wedding to stay current and wow your guests!

1. Statement Signage
Whether it’s a welcome sign, a seating chart or an escort card display, a statement piece at the entrance of your event sets the tone as guests arrive. Their interest is piqued and they’re excited to head inside to see what’s next.

Left: JBW | Right: Tomasz Wagner

2. Petite Wedding Parties
We love the simplicity of having only one or two of your besties stand up for you. The benefits of a smaller bridal party? Fewer people to coordinate and cost savings for attire, beauty services, flowers – even transportation!

Intimate Wedding Party Trends 2023 Top: Carey NashBottom: Nicole Ashley

3. Live Music
Live music adds an ambiance that recorded music cannot replicate. For our clients weddings, we try to incorporate live music during at least one portion of the day – whether it’s for the ceremony, cocktails, during dinner or the party.

Wedding BandWedding Live MusicTop: Nicole Ashley
Bottom L: Carey Nash, Bottom R: Retrospekt Photography

4. Ikebana Inspired Florals
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement that has seen recent resurgence in popularity. We love ikebana style arrangements as they are minimalist and graceful.

Minimalist WeddingPhoto: Fragment of Light

5. Fashion
If you’re donning a traditional wedding gown during the day, why not have some fun with a fashion-forward cocktail dress for the reception or dance? We’re loving puffy sleeves, oversized bows, removable capes and sheer detailing.

Upcoming Wedding Dress TrendsWedding Fashion Trends 2023Top: Bryttanni | Bottom: Etoroma Creative

6. Delicate Greenery
Thick greenery runners have had their moment. We still love greens, but we’re using them more sparingly for a dainty, refined look. We’re also saying sayonara to mountains of eucalyptus! We want to see greenery in a true green colour, or green and white varigated leaves for a romantic, garden vibe.

Photos: Nikki Collette Photography

7. Luxe Craft Cocktails
Step it up from standard sparkling and treat your guests to an expertly crafted cocktail upon arrival. Old Fashioneds are still fan favourites, but we also love tequila or gin-based beverages. Don’t forget to have something special on hand for those guests who prefer spirit-free drinks.

Craft CocktailsCraft CocktailsTop: Nicole Ashley | Bottom L: Blushed Beaute, Bottom R: Mango Studios

8. Waste Conscious Events
It seems silly to call this a trend, but we want to draw attention to the waste created by events, and get you thinking about how you can make your wedding more sustainable. Our top tips:

  • Say NO to plastic cups, straws and disposable water bottles (anything single use, really).
  • Rent instead of purchase.
  • Source locally whenever possible – this includes food, décor and flowers.

Wedding Sustainability Trend 2023Photo: Nicole Ashley

9. Bright Blooms
Don’t get us wrong – we’re all about timeless, elegant neutrals – but colour adds so much life to events! Even if you want to stay mostly neutral, try adding a splash of colour where guests may not expect it: table stationery, a statement arrangement in the cocktail reception space, or your DJ booth for the dance party.

Bright Wedding Flowers 2023Floral Wedding TrendsTop: Etoroma Creative | Bottom: Kelsy Nielson

10. Mix Up The Menu
99% of the weddings your guests have attended served a soup or salad, followed by a main course and then dessert. Why not mix it up and surprise them with a unique style of service or unexpected courses? Try tapas style family service, or a charcuterie appetizer followed by pasta, a main and a trio of desserts –  we guarantee your guests will be raving about their culinary experience at your event!

Photos: Retrospekt Photography 

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

04/15/22

5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue

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.

Tent wedding plannerWhyte 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.

Kelowna Destination Wedding Planner50th 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.

Edmonton Top Wedding PlannersJW 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.

Edmonton Tented Wedding Venue 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.

Jennifer Bergman WeddingsFairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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

04/13/22

5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue

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.

Edmonton's St.Joseph's Basilica WeddingSt.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 Wedding PlannerFairmont 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.

Infused StudiosThe 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.

UofA Botanic Gardens EdmontonUniversity 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, Empire Terrace Wedding CeremonyFairmont 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

04/5/22

Best Edmonton Wedding Venues

Finding your wedding venue can be one of the toughest parts of the wedding planning journey. We speak with so many couples who are overwhelmed at this stage, so we’re sharing some of the best Edmonton (and area) wedding venues in 2022.

Downtown Luxury  |  JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

  • Capacity: up to 400 guests in the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom
  • Highlights: From the moment you enter the lobby of the JW Marriott, you’re transported to a luxurious “big city” hotel – something we’ve been missing in Edmonton…hallelujah, it’s been found! The Wayne Gretzky Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows (hello natural light) and its streamlined, modern aesthetic make it the perfect canvas to hold your elegant, upscale event. We love designing in this space and working with the entire JW Marriott Edmonton team – the service is truly top-notch.
  • IG: @jwmarriottedm
Mango StudiosNicole Ashley Photography Mango Studios (top) / Nicole Ashley Photography  (btm)

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Unique  |  The Hive

  • Capacity: up to 180 guests
  • Highlights: An industrial blank canvas, The Hive is a gem on the west end of Edmonton that wins huge bonus points for flexibility. You can bring your own caterer and alcohol…did we mention there’s a built-in stage and onsite AV? Light and airy with a dash of fun, The Hive is a great choice for couples looking to customize an event to their own unique tastes.
  • IG: @creativehiveyeg

Creative Hive EdmontonJennifer Bergman Weddings+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Intimate  | Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar

  • Capacity: up to 90 guests
  • Highlights: Located inside St. Albert’s Enjoy Centre, Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar is an intimate venue perfect for foodies. Chef Julia Kundera’s custom menus feature local cuisine with a focus on fine flavours. The corkage bar option gives you flexibility with your bar offerings and budget. With uninterrupted views of Lois Hole Provincial Park, Glasshouse offers the perfect blend of an indoor venue that feels like you are surrounded by nature (no need to worry about Alberta’s temperamental weather)!
  • IG: @glasshousekitchenbaratenjoy

Edmonton Greenhouse Wedding VenueEdmonton and Area Wedding Venues Glasshouse Bistro+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Newly Renovated  |  Royal Glenora Club

  • Capacity: up to 250 in the Braemar Ballroom; up to 140 in the Strathcona/Glenrose Ballroom
  • Highlights: We couldn’t be more excited about the renovations at RGC! Floor-to-ceiling windows in each ballroom offer enviable views of Edmonton’s River Valley. Each space has its own private patio for your guests to enjoy the outdoors. Ample free parking is available, along with a private events entrance. Centrally located, Royal Glenora Club ticks all the boxes for us.
  • IG: @royalglenoraclub

Edmonton River Valley Wedding VenueEdmonton Beautiful New Wedding Venues+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Best Party Vibe  |  Polar Park Brewing Co.

  • Capacity: up to 140 guests
  • Highlights: Polar Park Brewing Co. is a delightful addition to the city’s venue roster. The second floor event space features gorgeous hardwood floors, stylish arched windows, an exposed industrial ceiling and a small outdoor patio. If you’re considering live music, look no further! The built-in stage and state-of-the-art sound system give Polar Park top marks in the party department. Buying out the main level’s resto-brewery will give you the flexibility to have your ceremony, dinner and dance all under one roof.
  • IG: @polarparkbrewco

Best Party Vibe Wedding Venue Edmonton, Polar Park Brew Co. WeddingsCool Party Edmonton Wedding Venue, Polar Park Brewing Co. Edmonton+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Up & Coming  |  Sparrow Lane Weddings & Events

  • Capacity: up to 200 guests
  • Highlights: Brand new and opening in May 2022, Sparrow Lane features stunning arched windows, tall ceilings, luxe finishes and an elegant fireplace. With both ceremony and reception spaces, a bridal suite and an expansive covered patio, this countryside estate has everything you need to host the perfect wedding day. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Edmonton, 25 minutes from west Edmonton.
  • IG: @sparrowlane.events

Best Wedding Venues Edmonton, Sparrow Lane EventsSparrow Lane Wedding Planner, Edmonton Country Side Wedding Venue+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

We hope you found our round-up of the Best Edmonton Wedding Venues helpful.

– Team JBW –
Edmonton Wedding and Event Planners

07/13/20

Edmonton Backyard Wedding: Lisa + Alex

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic made backyard weddings the new norm, Lisa + Alex chose to celebrate their marriage with an intimate guest list at Lisa’s childhood home. Their vision for the soirée was a relaxed evening with their favourite people, dining al fresco and dancing under the stars!

If you’re planning your own backyard affair this summer, here are some of our top tips for ensuring a successful event.

  1. Expert evaluation. A large, empty lawn can be deceiving – involve an expert to evaluate your space for grade and access to power, and to advise you on the right tent, layout and rental requirements.
  2. Bathroom basics. If you don’t like the idea of guests coming in and out of your home to use the washrooms, consider renting portable toilets. The options have expanded over the years and now there are luxury models available with fantastic lighting and ventilation.
  3. Be a good neighbour. If neighbours aren’t invited but may be affected by your wedding (more traffic/cars parked on the street, noise late into the evening) it’s courteous to let them know you’re hosting a big event.
  4. Consider guest comfort. Use your wedding invitations to inform guests the events are outdoors so they can prepare accordingly. Having sunscreen, fans, bug repellent, lap blankets and umbrellas on hand will make you the ideal host.
  5. Prep a ‘Plan B’. Weather in Alberta is unpredictable – be prepared for the worst case scenario. Rent extra tents in case of rain, heaters for chilly evenings and fans to help cool down a hot day.
  6. Hire help. You want to enjoy your wedding day so let others handle decorating, bartending, catering, serving and clean-up. Hiring professionals will allow you to relax and avoid placing this burden on family and friends.

Credits:

Edmonton Private Residence Summer Wedding Filament Hair Inc. Edmonton Wedding Hair + Makeup Wedding Day Management Edmonton Jennifer Bergman Wedding Planning & Design Jacinta Daniele Photography Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton Shade of Peach Bridal Bouquet Jacinta Daniele Photography Outdoor Edmonton Summer Wedding Planner Edmonton Wedding Coordinators Edmonton Wedding Photographer Jacinta Daniele Edmonton Wedding Coordinator Edmonton River Valley Wedding Photos Jacinta Daniele Photography All West Rentals Edmonton Weddings Elegant Backyard Wedding Edmonton Wooden Tables edmonton Edmonton Backyard Wedding Planning Jacinta Daniele Photography COVID-19 wedding edmonton Edmonton Wedding Day Management Edmonton Backyard Wedding Planner Edmonton Wedding Officiant Edmonton wedding planner sabre champagne Edmonton Private Residence Wedding Day Management Outdoor Backyard Edmonton Wedding Edmonton Doughnuts for Weddings Edmonton Backyard wedding+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Elyse, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
Edmonton Backyard Wedding

04/8/20

ePlan Sessions: Virtual Wedding Planning Edmonton

virtual wedding planning

Jennifer Bergman Weddings is now offering ePlan Sessions to help couples virtually plan their weddings. No need to change out of your Lulus – let’s connect from our living rooms via a Zoom call and get to work! We promise you’ll feel motivated, organized and on-track after your JBW ePlan Session.

BOOK NOW!

 

WHO’S IT FOR?
An ePlan Session is ideal for couples who:
  • Are newly engaged and not sure where to begin
  • Enjoy wedding planning on their own but need a little professional guidance or support from an expert
  • Are unsure how to proceed with planning their wedding during COVID-19
  • Have reached the final stages in their wedding planning and are worried they may have missed something important
WHAT YOU GET:
  • A full 1-hr consultation with Owner and Sr. Wedding Producer, Jennifer Bergman
  • A post-call summary outlining our discussion, including a full list of actions, suggestions and links to any resources referenced
WHAT CAN WE DISCUSS?
Nothing is off limits! You’ll be amazed at how much ground we can cover in one session. And if you need more time, you’re welcome to purchase additional ePlan sessions. Examples of some of the most common topics and questions include:
  • The best venue options suited for your wedding size, style and budget
  • Creation of a realistic budget and advice on how to stay on target
  • Design ideas on how to bring your wedding vision to life (ie. Where can I source chiffon table runners? What are some centrepiece ideas for my wedding style?)
  • Creation of a detailed timeline for your wedding day
  • Other miscellaneous tips and tricks to help save you TIME and MONEY throughout your wedding planning process​
HOW IT WORKS:
  • Select your desired date and time (please email us if you are unable to find something that works for your schedule and we can coordinate directly)
  • Pay for your ePlan Session
  • You will receive a Zoom meeting link for your chosen date/time
INVESTMENT: 
  • ePlan Session (1 hour) – $150 + GST  $112.50 + GST*
  • *Save 25% on all sessions booked by May 30th, 2020!

BOOK NOW!

11/26/18

Bachelor Party Ideas in Edmonton

If you’re in charge of planning an unforgettable bachelor party, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a sampling of creative Edmonton stag ideas to make sure the groom has the best “last night of freedom” before his big day!

Cheer & Beer

Cheer on the green and gold at an Edmonton Eskimos football game, then hop on the LRT downtown to sample Canada’s largest selection of draft beer at Craft Beer Market or check out the beer board at Beer Revolution.

Edmonton Event PlannerPhotos: Eskimos / Cheers

Race to the Altar

For the groom with a need for speed, Castrol Raceway offers an afternoon of excitement watching drag racing or drifting. Want in on the action? Book your own Mini Grand Prix at Speeders Indoor ProKarts.

Castrol Raceway Bachelor Party EdmontonPhoto: Castrol Raceway

Thrill-Seeking Stag

Throw away any pre-wedding jitters at The Rec Room, then unleash your competitive side with adrenaline-inducing adventure at Paintball Action Games.

Axe Throwing Edmonton Bachelor PatryPhoto: Axe Throwing

Gentlemen’s Fiesta

Head to La Tienda Cigars to learn about and sample some of Cuba’s best, then vamos to El Cortez Cantina for tacos and tequila.

El Cortez Cantina Edmonton, Tacos and TequilaPhoto: El Cortez Cantina

Shaves n’ Scotch

For the sophisticated gentlemen – indulge in hot shaves at Barber Ha, followed by an evening of Scotch and charcuterie at The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar.

The Bothy Edmonton Bachelor PartyPhoto: Scotch

As published on ExploreEdmonton.com

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

04/27/18

Wedding Song Ideas 2018

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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Edmonton Wedding Planner, Edmonton Event Planner {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

Wedding Song Ideas 2018{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

Ceremony Song Ideas{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

Nicole Ashley Photography {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

Wedding Song Ideas 2018{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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