Favours are a mystery to most brides that walk through our doors. It is a very political subject in some cultures, being the one thing that guests expect when they go to a wedding. It is almost like an assembly line. You enter the reception, you say hello to all of the bridal party and you give your gift for the couple and you receive a gift in return.  The tradition of giving wedding favours began many centuries ago in Europe, and was a popular custom amongst the aristocracy who would give little boxes of almonds or sugar cubes, which were considered a delicacy and only afforded by the wealthy.

We must admit we love the look of a beautifully wrapped box or table lined with a trendy accesory to welcome each guest.  A fun alternative is a photo booth where guests can create a memory in time.  Your guests receive an instant copy of the photos with your name and wedding date and you receive a CD of the images at the end of the evening.  How fun is that!!

There are so many things that you can give your guests that is meaningful and won’t leave them leaving wondering, “what am I going to do with this?”  In the Muskoka Region we offer seedling trees, honey and maple syrup to provide guests with a taste of the Region.  We also encourage couples to donate to a charity close to their heart in lui of gift giving.  If gift giving inspires you, give your guests something useful such as an ice cream scooper, a wine stopper or bottle opener. They will think of you each time they use it!  Even though a figurine with your name and wedding date on it may be nice for your mother, in many circumstances many of the people attending the wedding are not your closest relatives!

Visit our website and view on our online catalogue for fabulous favour ideas. The ideas are endless and if you are crafty you can find lots of DYI ideas.

Happy favour hunting!

Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Jessica Stevens, Event Coordinator

I met so many incredibly talented and inspiring vendors at this show. I encourage our bloggers to visit the Wedding Co. website when choosing your vendors. WedLuxe magazine handed out the latest issue to Brides as they arrived and we were very excited to show off our wedding feature. Make sure you view our wedding and this glamorous magazine!

Kelly, my lead floral designer and I spent two weeks getting our display ready and WOW did we love the reaction!! A garden inspired table in purple tones that we can’t wait to create as a head table in our upcoming season.

Long Distance Success!
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Muskoka Memories,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Shutterbug Photography did a stellar job of capturing the special moments of this day. I absolutely love the photos with the bridal party in their rain boots. Those Muskoka granite cliffs… One of my true loves.

Truly inspiring clients,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

The challenge was producing this shoot on a raft, on choppy water!  My design board predicated sunny sky and calm waters.   Not in the forecast this day!  Funny moments included Ryan in my Fathers hip waders trying to shoot in the lake, Erika in a small tipsy boat working on lighting, Emily’s funny faces and Steve holding desperately to the hanging floral arrangement that wanted to spin in circles around the table!  End result… beautiful images that will mark our 2010 advertising campaign.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

I wanted to share Top 10 Holiday design tips from a stage presentation I did at Seasons Christmas show.  Hopefully they will add a little more atmosphere and inspiraton to your Christmas soirees this sesason.  Enjoying your festive dinner party is important.  Don’t get so caught up in the details that you leave your self exhausted and stressed.  Simplicity is key for a busy host or hostess.  Most importantly have fun and enjoy your guests!

I am getting myself into the Holdiay spirit!  Always a slow start at our house after designing Christmas trees and homes, for our fabulous clients.    My husband jokes “ how many trees will it take to break Elizabeths Christmas spirit and send her running to to a sunny (5 star with swim up bar) Resort for Christmas”.  Saved by my Mother’s Christms dinner with the family.

Remember, a great table should be the perfect representation of your individuality and taste. It should set the mood and carry guests into a different world. It is the focal point of the room and as such makes a superb statement at first glace.

sumptuous colour…

Starting at this essential point will make a lot of your decorating decisions easier.  Choose a colour scheme for your table that harmonizes with your existing china and flatware.  Experiment with multiple colours for something more dramatic. No longer is colour limited by traditional colours of red, green and gold. Jewel tones will brighten a dark room, add colour to neutral space and provide an elegant look for a special party. Stick with a colour scheme and make a statement.  Remember to use the wow factor!

personal style…

Personalized touches create a memorable table.  Whether it’s casual or formal your holiday table should reflect your style, taste and personality. This is a very important detail that can be lost in the planning process. Tradition is important but I believe you need to layer your own style details on top. Incorporate vintage with modern, classic with contemporary or create a themed dinner.  You are only limited by your imagination. Enjoy the opportunity to plan the perfect table and express your personal style!

dramatic textures…

Texture is limitless and the fashion and interior design industries offer wonderful trendy ideas.  Rich luxurious fabrics, beading, sequins, embroidery and beautiful detailing help set the stage. Create a stunning table with multi layered or high energy fabrics. A wide array of ready made table cloths are available. Varying textures creates dimension and adds wow to your table. Layer new linen with old or use a dramatic table runner or placemats. Decorating with lots of Christmas balls is simple yet effective.  Remember to use matte finishes along with shiny.  Add texture through glass ornaments, feathers, glittering branches, baskets, fresh florals, sparkling accessories, seasonal greenery, dimensional candles, reflective mirrors or crystal glassware.

whimsical lighting…

Flickering candle light creates an intimate atmosphere that is essential for a well dressed table top.  This important aspect sets the mood for your dinner. We all remember the feeling of sitting in the dark starring in wonder at our Christmas tree. You can evoke the same feeling on your table top. Use candles in large numbers, stagger them at different heights and use different textures, sizes and colours of candle holders. Use varying sized mirrors under your candle holders to reflect the candlelight.  Add silver candle sticks with glam mirrored candle holders.  Choose holders that reflect light and create sparkle on your table.  Remember…the eye travels to the brightest area of your table.

festive florals…

Nature offers an amazing array of fresh fragrant fruits, florals and berries. Adding fresh florals to your table adds both colour and dimension. Work with a floral designer to create a seasonal arrangement in your colour scheme or purchase florals at your local supermarket and experiment yourself. A simple yet effective design is to use a single type, or colour of floral or greenery in multiple vases. Using non-traditional flowers adds unexpected impact to the design.  Use an antique tea set, favourite vase, polished silver or crystal glassware as your container. Scatter floral petals, fresh greenery or pine cones down the centre of your table for the finishing touch.  Add cranberries, gel, faux snow or coloured stone inside a glass container for drama.  Pine, cedar and magnolia leaves are the best choices for long lasting greenery.  Don’t forget to keep your arrangement low to the table or above your guest’s sight line, as conversation is as important as good food!

trendy tableware…

A beautiful table setting sets the tone for your dinner table. This is the perfect opportunity to mix the old with new. Use your heirloom china with jewel tone charger plates, mix coloured and clear glassware or vintage linen with colourful new napkins.  Great china and glassware add a whole new dimension to your tabletop. Jazz up your table with colourful serving accessories, chair covers or chair décor for dramatic impact.  Great tables have never been easier with local rental companies supplying tables, chairs, dishes, glassware and linen in a variety of colours and styles. All of this can be delivered to your door and picked up after your event.  Starting your collection?  White dishware is always a great starting point.  Add current seasonal colours to update the look of your table.

tabletop accessories…

Transform your tabletop with the perfect accessories.  They are the finishing touches that make your event memorable. There is no need to replace your existing table accessories.  Build a solid base of glass, silver or gold accessories and jazz them up with new touches such as feathers, shiny ornaments or glassware in trendy seasonal colours.  Add personal touches like beautiful napkins with a distinctive napkin fold. Accessorise them with ribbon, a unique napkin ring, seasonal greenery, florals, menu or Christmas balls. Customize place cards or delight your guests with an exquisitely wrapped gift at each place setting. Hot accessories for this season includes glam ornaments, feathers, jewelled detailing and mirrored accents. Mix silver and gold for instant elegance.  Small details have big impact!

indulge your senses…

Think about indulging the senses!  Try to appeal to all five senses in your table top design. Play seasonal music; create a specialty drink or cocktail for your event, add mouth watering food, wonderful decor and magical candle light.  Scented candles can add a wonderful touch to an event.  Remember to be careful about mixing scented candles with foods.

repeat…repeat…repeat…

Add consistency throughout your table by repeating colours, themes and decorating elements. Use this principle for colour schemes, ribbon choice, patterns and florals.  Use an abundance of one type or colour of ornament for impact.

enjoy…

Check it Out,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Also, check out our bouquet featured on page 84.  Pick up a copy of this beautiful magazine or visit their website for inspiration.

Inspiring Ideas,
Elizabeth Johnston