Let’s be real: we’re all probably watching a lot of movies these days and if you’re anything like us, you’re binge watching all the fun romantic comedies. These rom coms are filled with dreamy wedding scenes and we can’t get enough. We know these movies are often predictable with their storylines and how the weddings are always so picture-perfect but since our world isn’t so picture-perfect these days, we’re escaping into the movie world because, well, why not? Plus, who doesn’t love a good wedding?!
Here are 14 of the best movie wedding dresses of all time!
Sound of Music
Sex And The City
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
Bride Wars
Sweet Home Alabama
Funny Face
Runaway Bride
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
The Notebook
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Monster-in-Law
Marie Antoinette
Bridesmaids
The Proposal
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
10 Of The Most Stylish Movies To Watch On Netflix
Tubi TV Is A New Streaming Service That Lets You Watch Movies & TV Shows For Free
15 Iconic TV Shows That Changed The Way We Dress
10 Movies To Stream For Some Major ’90s Style Inspiration
Crave Is Now Offering A Free Month Of Services
Log into to your Pinterest account and you’ll instantly be flooded with dozens of stunning engagement rings, no matter what your relationship status may be. For years I’ve been saving or “pinning” beautiful rings, with a desire to one day own something similar!
I’ve been with my partner for almost eight years and around this time last year we decided that getting engaged was a serious possibility. It was also around this time that my paternal grandmother’s health was failing quickly.
Many years ago she had promised me a ring of hers, but we were having trouble finding a jeweller who could make the ring big enough for my fingers.
Photo via Made You Look
I had heard of Made You Look from a variety of radio shows. I had also passed by the store on Queen West in Parkdale many times before. My partner and I popped in to look at rings and there were a few I liked.
I knew deep down I wanted to work with a designer to create something custom.
We showed them some of the designs I liked, then we were paired with a designer and we setup a meeting.
The Design
We were paired with Kathryn Rebecca, one of Made You Look’s jewellers. One of the rings she had on display stuck with me for weeks after initially seeing it. Kathryn’s work is heavily inspired by nature, and as a lover of plants myself, I was immediately drawn to her wood carvings, leaf accents, and stunning attention to detail.
We combined the ring from my paternal grandmother, as well as my maternal grandmother for this design. Not every stone was worth keeping, but we did end up using most of the stones and some of the gold from both rings. This made it all the more special.
In the end, we chose a design that was close to the original ring I saw in-store, but something unique based on the stones, my preferences, and our budget.
The Process
Step 1: Find A Designer
As I mentioned above, we were matched with a designer based off of the designs we liked in-store. One of the best ways to find someone you jive with is it go into their storefronts and try on some of their current designs.
Once we were matched with our designer, we met her in-person to confirm everything felt right. We also chatted a little more about our inspiration, our story, what we were hoping to see, and spend.
Step 2: Put Down A Deposit
Once we had decided to move ahead with our designer, we put down a deposit of about $250. We were able to pay for it right at the store, which made things super easy.
Step 3: See Your Sketches
Kathryn sent us four sketches, but she said usually she does between 2-4 depending on the design. Each design had a slightly different price range from $1,800-$2,400. Keep in mind that we were using the stones and some of the gold from my rings when comparing this price to what you might encounter. We put down a 50% deposit, and she got to work.
Step 4: Wait. Wait. Wait
After we chose the design, it took about 10 business days for us to see the wax carving of my ring. Trust me, it felt like an eternity! I was so excited to see it, so it was hard to sit around and wait. But in the end, it was well worth it.
We went into the store to meet with Kathryn once again to try on the wax carving of the ring. This is when it started to feel really real. We also decided that my partner would take over communication from there.
Step 5: Pick Up The Ring!
After I passed on all communication to my partner, the store called him to let him know it was ready for pickup. They will hold it for however long you need. Just simply pay the final balance when you do come to pick it up.
The Reveal
Even though I had a pretty good idea of what the ring looked like, I was still in shock when I finally saw it in person. It was everything I could have ever wanted and more. Honestly, it looks a lot like the rings I first started pinning on Pinterest many years ago.
If you have a family heirloom you want to preserve, or a specific vision in mind, I say go the custom route! It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be, and the unique story behind my ring will continue to make me smile for years to come.
Featured Image: Made You Look
All Other Images by: Kathryn Rebecca Jewelry
Articles You May Be Interested In:
Why Millennials Are Ditching Diamond Engagement Rings
5 Places To Buy Unique Engagement Rings In Toronto
How to Tackle Wedding Season Without Going Broke
Torrid Launches Plus-Size Wedding Dress Collection
The Best Stores to Find Reasonably Priced Dresses for Weddings
Whether your big day is on the horizon or you’re just browsing for fun, the GTA has no shortage of one of a kind gowns regardless of your style. From over-the-top bedazzled beauties at Queen West’s Original to bohemian gowns at Ossington’s Loversland, there’s no shortage of selections for Toronto’s brides-to-be.
Loversland
If your wedding daydreams involve a little less church and a little more beach, then Loversland is the place for you. The one-stop shop for all you lovers out there, Ossington’s Loversland carries everything from stunning gowns and cards to men’s fragrances. Their dress selection is full of relaxed, bohemian labels like Stone Fox Bride, & For Love, and A La Robe, as well as larger gown labels like Nicole Miller. They also stock Canadian-made labels Fortnight and cult-label For Love and Lemons for all your oh-so-lacy lingerie needs.
Cabaret Vintage
Cabaret vintage has been a west-end mainstay for twenty years, becoming a mecca for high-end vintage pieces, gowns, coats and accessories. Their brick-and-mortar boasts a variety of impeccable wedding dresses from the 1920s and beyond with prices ranging from $350-900. Although they recently shut the doors on their Queen Street location, they’re still offering up one-of-a-kind gowns via their online store or by appointment. In addition to Cabaret’s impressive vintage offerings, they also offer up their in-house line Cabaret Collections – a line of more contemporary gowns with a vintage flair. Dotted throughout their inventory is a treasure trove of accessories, from 1920s beaded clutches to silken ruffled garters. Bonus: pre-loved pieces are a perfect way to check a ‘something old’ off your list.
Original
True to name, you will not find another store like Original. From princess tulle gowns in neon green to shorter feathered gowns, Original is a fiesta of a gown shop. The top floor of the two floor Queen West boutique is packed to the brim with over-the-top gowns, including frocks in every hue (something blue, perhaps?) and hem length under the sun for those girls looking for a switch up on the traditional floor-length cream gown. Bring a pal – the massive (we mean massive) selection takes some serious sifting. Dresses start at $200 and go upwards (way upwards!) from there, so there’s a little something for every budget.
The Brides Project
Started in 2004, the Brides Project’s mantra is to provide gorgeous gowns at budget-friendly prices while giving back to the community. Every dollar from the project goes towards women suffering from cancer, so the locations are run by a passionate team of volunteers. Because all wedding dresses are pre-worn, you can easily score a high-budget gown or one of last season’s gems for a fraction of the regular retail cost. Note that all dresses are sold off the rack, so any alterations will have to be made elsewhere.
Sash & Bustle
Sash & Bustle’s Queen East outpost has a perfectly curated selection of hard-to-find modern designers, including Alexandra Grecco, Saja Wedding, and Blush by Hayley Paige. Owner Cynthia Martin has a strong focus on customer experience – only one bride at a time is allowed in the shop so the team can focus on finding your perfect dress. Gowns begin at $1600 and top out at $5000.
Did we miss any Toronto stores on our list of the best places to shop for an unconventional bride?
Want to see more posts like this? Get your fix of news, shopping tips, sales and event information on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sign up to be a StyleDemocracy Insider here.
Featured image via @loversland
If you’re anything like us, you’re a sucker for marriage proposals. It could be because wedding season is in full swing, or it could just be because we’re suckers for love. Whatever the reason, there’s just something about watching a marriage proposal that brings a smile to our face.
With that being said – and despite how bleak the dating scene might seem at times – there are a lot of romantic people out there that are willing to go to great lengths to put a smile on their partner’s face. We’ve rounded up the 9 most romantic Toronto marriage proposals below.
Grab your tissues!
The Pearson Airport Announcement
While airports are usually a dull place, one soon-to-be husband made waiting for flights a little more fun by having his proposal announced at his and his now-fiancee’s departure gate. But here’s what makes the proposal even more romantic: they met at that very airport.
The Tim Hortons Drive-Thru
This might be the most Canadian proposal ever. One romantic fella decided to surprise his soon-to-be wife at her regular Tim Hortons stop in North York. He popped on the drive-thru headset, took her order and surprised her at the window. We hope this couple gets free Tim Hortons for life!
The Magic Trick
Going through YouTube videos, it’s pretty clear this magician makes his living helping people propose, but out of all the magic moments he’s helped to create, this one has got to be the best and sweetest.
The Window Takeover
One lucky woman was surprised on what seemed like just another walk with her boyfriend through one of Toronto’s busiest neighbourhoods at Yonge and Eglinton. After her boyfriend pointed up, she noticed the words “WILL YOU MARRY ME” spelt out inside the windows of a developing condo building.
The Casa Loma Tour
This one takes the cake for most over-the-top fairytale-esque proposal. Earlier this year, Ross rented out Casa Loma for a private tour with his long distance girlfriend. Included in the tour is a marching band, solo acoustic guitar player, a true princess crowning and finally, the proposal.
The Yorkdale Mall Flash Mob
This one’s straight out of a movie! Back in 2015, we interviewed the mysterious couple that stole the hearts of our readers with their Yorkdale Mall flash mob proposal. Below, watch as Michael surprises his now wife, Stephanie on a shopping trip with a flash mob proposal with the help of the York University Dance Team.
The Scavenger Hunt
Okay, now this might be the sweetest and best thought out proposal on the list. Just before Christmas, Alek Von Felkerzam had his then-girlfriend run around the city to complete a scavenger hunt. With a first stop at DAVIDsTEA, she received a container of tea that had her next clue hidden inside, leading her to Sport Chek. Once she arrived at Sport Chek, she was given a package with a pair of skates and her next clue, which led her to Mendocino. At Mendocino, the staff helped her pick out a beautiful dress which she then wore to her next destination, Nathan Phillips Square. Once she arrived, the couple went for a skate around the rink where her now-fiancé got down on one knee and proposed. Read the full story here.
The Epic Photobomb
This marriage proposal is definitely one of the more memorable ones. Reddit user McYay and her boyfriend went on a date to Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium. While in a tour, the guide asked for two volunteers to play a game, and naturally, the couple was chosen. The guide asked McYay’s boyfriend try to describe the type of stingray in the tank to her, with the answer to be revealed in behind her. Unfortunately, the attention-hungry stingray blocked the sign, but McYay got the gist of it and some pretty funny photos to go with the proposal.
Image: Reddit/McYay
The Square One Flash Mob
Another mall, another flash mob proposal, this one at Square One in 2012. Watch as this romantic man takes Gap shoppers by surprise with dancers undercover as employees to propose to his unknowing soon-to-be wife. And when we mean mob, we seriously mean it – there are tons of dancers doing flips and all.
Which Toronto marriage proposal was your favourite? Let us know in the comment section.
Posts you might be Interested in:
A Wedding Expert Shares 3 Tips on how to Personalize you Wedding
5 Soon-to-Wed and Newlyweds Share How Much You’re Really Suppose to Gift at a Wedding
The Best Wedding Destinations to Tie the Knot
The Best Places to Shop for the Unconventional Bride in Toronto
How to Tackle Wedding Season without Going Broke
Although you may not be able to get married at Windsor Castle like Harry and Meghan are this Spring, having your own fairy tale wedding is still a possibility. Believe it or not, Canada has its own selection of beautiful castles throughout the country where you can tie the knot in a royal fashion. To assist in your planning (or dreaming), we’ve put together a list of beautiful Canadian castles that double as wedding venues.
Craigdarroch Castle (Victoria, BC)
Image: facebook.com/craigdarrochcastle/
Craigdarroch Castle was originally built in the late 1800s as a family home for the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. The grand fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the estate’s regal Victorian furnishings, beautiful stained glass windows, and detailed woodwork throughout. If you want to get married inside the castle, there is allowance for only 8 guests, so you’re going to have to keep the list pretty small. For a larger ceremony, the beautiful garden can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Dundurn Castle (Hamilton, ON)
Image: attractionsontario.ca
What better way to impress your friends and family than with a wedding location rich in culture and history? A National Historic site in the city of Hamilton, Dundurn Castle was built in 1835 and features a large neoclassical mansion, beautiful gardens and a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. Fun fact: the estate was once home to railway magnate Sir Allan Napier MacNab, who is the great, great, great grandfather of The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles. You can make use of The Dundurn Coach House, Cockpit Theatre or outdoor Maple Walk for your wedding day.
CASA LOMA (TORONTO, ON)
Image: facebook.com/casalomacastle/
Located in the heart of the six, Casa Loma is a Toronto landmark and the perfect locale for a storybook wedding. The Gothic Revival style castle was built in 1914, and was originally constructed as a residence for leading Canadian financier, Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. The extravagant estate features beautiful gardens, a spectacular view of the city skyline and plenty of rooms that can be rented out for your big day.
Hatley Castle (Victoria, BC)
Image: http://hatleypark.ca/
Just a 20 minute drive from Victoria is Hatley Castle, an Edwardian style castle and National Historic Site built in 1908. The magnificent estate was originally owned by the son of Craigdarroch Castle’s owner, James Dunsmuir, who resided there with his family. The property has an amazing view of Washington State’s majestic Olympic Mountains, and you can get married in the estate or garden.
Delta Bessborough (Saskatoon, SK)
Image: marriott.com
Built between 1928 and 1932, the Delta Bessborough resembles that of a Bavarian Castle and is the perfect destination for your fairytale wedding. The hotel has amazing views of the nearby river and is surrounded by five acres of beautiful Elizabethan gardens. You can get married in any of their 14 event rooms, with the largest having a capacity of 500 guests.
Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, AB)
Image: booking.com
Often referred to as “Canada’s Castle in the Rockies,” the Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Alberta’s Banff National Park. The property was commissioned in 1887 by the Canadian Pacific Railway’s president, Cornelius Van Horne, who wanted to create a succession of lavish resorts along the railway line. Modelled after a Scottish Baronial style castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs has hosted many notable guests over the years including King George VI, Marilyn Monroe and Fred Astaire. From the glamorous ballroom to the outdoor terrace, the property includes several luxurious wedding venues you can choose from.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier (Ottawa, ON)
Image: facebook.com/FairmontChateauLaurier/
Known as “Ottawa’s Castle,” the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is located in our nation’s capital right near Parliament Hill. Like the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Chateau Laurier was also built by a railway executive; Charles Melville Hays, then-president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, commissioned the construction of the building in 1907. Unfortunately, Hays never had the chance to see his work completed, as he died on the Titanic days before the hotel’s opening in 1912. The French-style chateau has hosted several members of the royal family over the years including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and it’ll be sure to make you feel like a princess on your wedding day.
If you could get married at any of the castles listed above, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: facebook.com/casalomacastle/
Posts you might be interested in:
6 Unexpected Places to Buy a Wedding Dress in Toronto
A Wedding Expert Shares 3 Tips on how to Personalize your Wedding
5 Soon-to-Wed and Newlyweds Share How Much You’re Really Suppose to Gift at a Wedding
The Best Wedding Destinations to Tie the Knot
How to Tackle Wedding Season Without Going Broke
This year Santa brought you everything on your list and then some – you’re engaged! As many as 40% of all engagements happen between November and February. First of all, congratulations! Celebrating your relationship with your friends and family can be the greatest party of your life, but planning a wedding typically comes with an expensive price tag.
Whether you’re planning intimate summer nuptials or a grand affair, how you’re going to pay for it is the first thing you need to figure out.
Create your wedding budget
Websites like WeddingWire provide awesome wedding planning tools, including a budget template. Not only will this help you identify what costs you need to think about, these online resources also show you the average spending in each category so you can compare your spending to see if its within reason.
One of the most important things to consider when making your wedding budget is who’s paying for what. Gone are the days when the bride’s family footed the entire wedding bill. Now it’s not uncommon for both sets of parents to contribute, or for the bride and groom to manage the costs alone. Never assume anyone is paying for your wedding but you. You don’t want to plan a $50,000 event under the guise that someone else will pick up the tab, only to end up with the final bill yourself! Knowing who’s paying for what right from the start determines how much your budget is and will save you many headaches down the road.
Start saving now
The best thing my husband and I decided to do for our wedding (besides commit to spend the rest of our lives together, obviously) was begin saving as soon as we were engaged. We calculated our wedding budget, and then worked backwards to determine how much we would each have to save every month in order to afford it. We opened a joint savings account, and automatically transferred a few hundred dollars from each of our paycheques into the account every month up until our wedding. After a year of saving, we had more than enough to pay for our big day!
If your wedding is six months or more away, you might choose to stash your cash in a GIC. GICs typically provide higher interest rates than high-interest savings accounts, and locking your money up for a fixed term will discourage you from dipping into it before your wedding day.
Pay as you go
While the bulk of your wedding spending will be due on your big day, a lot of little costs and deposits can be taken care of beforehand. Try to absorb low-cost items, like your hair and makeup or your wedding stationery in your regular spending rather than taking these small amounts from your wedding savings. This will allow your savings account to grow so you can better afford higher-cost items, such as event rentals or dinner.
No matter what, remember that spending more on your wedding doesn’t make you more married! Your goal with setting a budget and saving for your big day is to have the wedding of your dreams without a bill from your nightmares.
By Bridget Eastgaard for Ratehub.ca
RateHub.ca is a website that compares mortgage rates, credit cards and deposit rates with the goal to empower Canadians to search smarter and save money.
Featured image via
I know I’m not the only one who has another Facebook friend announce their engagement daily.
Of course, almost as important as the engagement itself is the wedding dress – and shopping for one can either be a joyous or a tedious experience (I’ve been a bridesmaid enough times to know).
While there are the usual suspects when it comes to wedding dresses – you know, Kleinfeld, Becker’s Bridal, and White – Toronto is also full of other unexpected spots to score a unique and gorgeous dress that you won’t want to take off.
Narces
Image: Instagram/@_narces
Known for their photo-worthy, show-stopping, and conversation-provoking evening wear, Canadian fashion label Narces has become an easy go-to for Toronto’s event circuit regulars. In recent years, the beloved brand has ventured into bridal, creating stunning, intricately designed and beautifully embellished dresses for every type of bride. Designer Nikki Wirthensohn incorporates the brand’s signature lace, floral and flirty detailing into the assortment of bridal gowns – from cocktail (starting at $795) to formal (custom gowns range from $1800 to $6,000). A godsend for those who just can’t wait, the Toronto-made bridal pieces take just three to five weeks after the selection of fabric.
The Brides’ Project
Image: Facebook/BridesProjectTO
At the Brides’ Project, not only will your wedding dress not break the bank (prices range from $300 to $1250), but you can feel even better about your purchase knowing that all the profits go to cancer charities. Run out of owner Helen Street’s east end home, the shop is predominantly run by volunteers and is full of both new and donated gowns of all varieties – all for about half of the retail price.
Jealous Bridesmaids Bridal Studio
Image: Instagram/@jealousbridesmaids
If you’re looking for ambience and a memorable experience for your entire bridal party, you’ll find it at Jealous Bridesmaids. All prettily packaged in a charming and relaxed spot in Bloor West Village, here you’ll find an assortment of designer gowns and accessories. Unlike other comparable spots, it won’t make a major dent in your credit card either; prices range from $1000 to $2500. Naturally, the spot is full of bridesmaids dresses as well.
Madeline’s Boutique
Image: Instagram/@madelinesboutiquetoronto
Madeline’s Boutique is bursting at the seams with dresses for all occasions – from girls’ nights out to red carpet affairs. While the secret is out about this dress-filled spot when it comes to getting fancy, what people may not know is that Madeline’s also carries some beautiful gowns that make stunning wedding dresses. As an added bonus – unlike most bridal boutiques – you won’t need an appointment to shop at this spot (unless you’re shopping their second floor); just keep in mind that they are closed on Sundays.
Vintage Bride
Image: Instagram/@VintageBride.ca
Helping your “something old” cause, the Annex’s Vintage Bride offers an assortment of original, one-of-a-kind vintage and antique wedding gowns that date back as far as 1867. Vintage Bride also offers custom designed new dresses reproduced from vintage patterns, along with alterations of existing vintage dresses. In addition to the history-rich dresses, you’ll also find vintage accessories, like headpieces, veils and jewellery. Just because it’s vintage doesn’t mean conservative or ultra formal – the spot offers an assortment of styles and lengths for everything from small, intimate weddings to fancy, formal affairs.
Studio Fitzroy
Image: ShopFitzroy.com
For the unconventional bride who wants to go against the norm, Studio Fitzroy might just be the option. The rent-a-dress studio has plenty of white and off-white dresses on offer, starting at just $75 for 4-days. The shop is not a traditional wedding shop by any means, but it’s a go-to for fun and affordable party dresses. Studio Fitzroy also has dresses that’ll keep your bridesmaids happy; they’re sure to beam when they find out they don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a dress they’ll likely only wear once.
Did we miss any of the best shops for a wedding dress in Toronto?
Featured Image: Instagram/@TheBridesProject
Posts you might be Interested in:
5 Soon-to-Wed and Newlyweds Share How Much You’re Really Suppose to Gift at a Wedding
The Best Wedding Destinations to Tie the Knot
How to Tackle Wedding Season without Going Broke
The 9 Most Romantic Wedding Proposals to Happen in Toronto
A Wedding Expert Shares 3 Tips on how to Personalize your Wedding
Wedding season is in full swing and we’re sure you’ve got at least one on your roster. After you’ve RSVP’d, picked out a snazzy outfit, and confirmed your date, the last thing you’ll need to consider is how much to gift. The question is one that’s traveled amongst many circles of friends, and many people have different answers. We decided to go straight to the source and find out what’s deemed appropriate by soon-to-be and recently wed-ed folks.
Of the five people we spoke to, the answers varied but were relatively the same. Most had registries to appease all guests, but hoped for cash gifts. And most agreed upon similar monetary gifting amounts, based on their relationship to the couple, their age, and the cost of plate at venue.
Take a look at their answers below.
“We were in the process of moving into a house right before the wedding, so we really wanted our guests to buy off our registry and help us fill our home with things we needed to adult. While we did have some “bigger” appliances, like a nice toaster, espresso machine, blender, etc., it was the smaller things we needed the most (cutlery, nice set of glasses, various utensils, etc.). We registered at three places: Hudson’s Bay, William Sonoma and Bed, Bath & Beyond. We wanted to give guests a variety of places with a range of pricing that would make everyone comfortable. We received the majority of our registry, which was amazing! A few guests went off-registry, but they knew us so well that they gave us gifts we could use in our home. One awesome gift that we got, which was so out there, but SO COOL, was a race track experience, where my husband and I could get into an actual race car and drive around a track. We haven’t done it yet, but we will do it soon! We received a lot of gift cards to the places we registered, or Home Depot (great for home projects!).” – Daliah, newlywed.
“We hope to receive, on average, $300 per couple, which covers the cost per plate only (not venue rental, decor, or anything else). We registered at Hudson’s Bay for those that are not comfortable giving cash, but it is a limited registry. We think that most understand that the registry is intended for bridal shower gifts. We typically gift between $250-500 as a couple, depending on our relationship to the bride and groom or the wedding venue.” – Ashley, soon-to-wed.
“When we chose our wedding venue, we anticipated the cost per plate being on the higher end, especially compared to many other similar venues. That’s because in the last 5 years, our venue has become very popular, being nominated as one of the most beautiful venues in Canada. Taking that into consideration, we are not anticipating our guests to cover the complete cost of their plate ($375 per couple). We also know that many of our friends are just getting established in their careers, and don’t have a lot of expendable cash. Fortunately, we have been saving for the wedding for over two years. We have been lucky enough to cover the cost of the wedding and honeymoon, without putting ourselves into debt. If we had to put a value on the monetary gifts we hope to receive on the wedding day, it would be $250 per couple on average. This would help us to put money back into our savings, so we can prepare for the next stage of life. Since we have been living in our own home for a year and a half, I was torn whether or not I should create a registry. I ended up registering at Hudson’s Bay, so guests who were invited to my Bridal Shower had a few options. We intentionally kept our registry small because we have already purchased the majority of the household products we need. We have only attended a few weddings, but we have only given monetary gifts. I think that money is the best form of gift for a wedding, because then the couple can decide how they would like to use it. We typically give anywhere from $300-450 depending on our relationship with the couple.” – Haley, soon-to-wed.
“When we go to weddings, we typically give $300-360 per couple, which is also what we had hoped to receive in return and seemed customary. We had a fairly large wedding, so the amount we expected was also dependant on the age of the guest and the relationship to the couple. For example, our parents friends and our families would give more, but that’s because it’s coming from an entire family (3-6 people). In terms of registry, my wife would be better to answer this question, but we kept our registry fairly small as we currently live together in a condo and already have a bunch of things for our home. Everything that we registered for was given to us, but at the end of the day, we really hoped for cash.” – Oliver, newlywed.
“Our venue is charging $200 per plate and we understand that it’s a bit on the higher end for people to cover, so we hope to receive about $300 per couple on average. My fiancé and I have already been living with each other for over a year and have everything we need for our home, so we will likely skip the registry for our wedding. On our wedding website, we plan to include some messaging that says something along the lines of, “Your presence is the best present, but if you’d like to give us a gift, a monetary gift towards our future would be much appreciated”. We feel like most of our guests are pretty accustomed to cash gifts and wouldn’t be offended by this. For the Bridal Shower, instead of traditional housewares, we are thinking of making a custom gift card registry to stores and restaurants that we often shop and dine at for our “Honeymoon Outfit or Date Night Fund”. We think this will be a great alternative to receiving housewares that we don’t need. We are still pretty novice at attending weddings, but for the past few that we’ve attended, we’ve gifted $300-400 depending on our relationship with the couple.” – Nichole, soon-to-wed.
What do you think is customary for a wedding gift? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@tuftsandtoile
Posts you may be Interested in:
How to Tackle Wedding Season without Going Broke
Tips on Saving for your Summer Wedding
The Best Wedding Destinations to Tie the Knot
Massive Brawl Breaks Out at Toronto Wedding Due to Nude Photos
We Interview the Mysterious Yorkdale Mall Flash Mob Proposal Couple
It’s no secret that getting married is expensive. With venue, food, clothing, hair, makeup, decor and more, costs can add up quickly. And on the flip side of things, once you’ve actually had your wedding, you’re left with all the little trinkets that made your wedding what it was. Those trinkets are too nice to toss and cost too much to just donate, so what are brides-to-be and the newly wed to do?
Check out Original Bridal Swap Toronto!
The one-day event is happening this month on Sunday, March 26th at Lithuanian House in Toronto’s west end and is bringing together brides past and to be. The Bridal Swap will feature gently used dresses and decor at super affordable prices.
Tickets are $12 for general admission or $18 for early access. Get full event details on their Facebook page here.
Will you attend the Original Bridal Swap Toronto?
Posts you May be Interested in:
This is How Much you Should Really be Gifting at Weddings
Domino’s Pizza Launches Wedding Registry “One Slice Before You Say I Do”
The WedLuxe Wedding Show: Is it Worth the $75 Ticket?
How to Tackle Wedding Season without Going Broke
Watch: Yorkdale Mall Flash Mob Proposal
If you’re between the ages of 24-35 It’s likely you’ve been to a bunch of weddings and have had to deal with a registry. Whether it’s your wedding registry or your friends, the registry process usually takes place at only a handful of shops and department stores. What would you think if a pizza chain entered the wedding registry world? Pretty weird right? Well, Domino’s Pizza has just announced its own wedding registry service today.
The registry is fully customizable by the couple who create the registry and will allow wedding guests to choose and purchase a variety of gifts to enjoy before during and after the wedding. Friends and family can easily select gifts the happy couple wants through a unique shared URL.
After creating and customizing their registry, couples can choose from a variety of featured gifts to enjoy before, during and after the wedding. For those who aren’t sure what to serve at pre-wedding festivities like bachelorette parties, Domino’s has it covered with “Cater the Bachelorette Party.” Registrants also have the option to treat wedding guests to pizza at the end of the reception by adding “Dancing with My Slice” to their registry. After the newlyweds settle into their life together, they can enjoy a “Low-key Date Night” or take advantage of “An Excuse Not to Cook” with Domino’s. All gifts will be delivered to the lucky recipients as Domino’s eGift cards.
“Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so we wanted to give recently-engaged couples that are passionate about pizza the chance to register for something they both truly love as much as their partner,” said Jenny Fouracre, Domino’s spokesperson. “Choosing wedding gifts can be a daunting process, especially if couples can’t agree on what to register for. Our registry aims to bring couples together over their shared love of pizza.”
“We hear often from customers that Domino’s was a part of their big day, from proposals to after-hours meals at their wedding,” said Fouracre. “We wanted to make it easier for people to ask for and receive something that they’ll really use.”
Check out the wedding registry here
Source: PR NEWSWIRE