Holy cow, it is mid March already. For many brides, this is crunch time, and they need to get things done! There are a million little things to tackle, but if you start now, you can be sure nothing slips by the wayside.

That’s why we suggest starting your gift shopping now. You have time really think about each of your special people, and what they would love. In researching this post, I came across an article written by the amazing Amy Atlas. She had a million suggestions for personalized gifts, and how to cater to their individual personalities. So here are a few I came up with. I hope you enjoy!

Does your maid/man love to travel? Try  a Kate or Jack Spade weekender, a rugged Herschel Supply Co. duffel, or personalized travel kit.

Do you have a movie buff in your party?  How about bout a goodie bag stocked with movie tickets, dvd’s, and their favourite movie theatre treats.

 

For the wellness buff in your crew, surprise them with credit to their favourite yoga studio or gym. Or try personalized water bottle or athletic accessories.

For fashionable wedding attendant, accessories are always a hit. A gorgeous scarf or designer change purse for her, or beautiful tie for him makes just the right statement.

 

Is there a vintage buff amongst them? Try hitting the flea market or etsy for some one of a kind vintage finds.

 

Jewelry is always a classic and amazing option for any wedding party. I love the idea of some sparkle for her, or a monogrammed cufflink for him.

 

 

It’s crucial to keep things equal, but once deciding on a budget for your gifts, the shopping world is your play ground. And by starting now, you will ensure to find the perfect keepsake/treasure/treat for each of them!

Hope these ideas helped! Happy planning!

Cailyn xo

 

 

 

How to obtain a liquor license? When we think permits and licenses we all want to just scream and run the other way! Most of the time they are a huge headache and very time consuming. I do have to say though that liquor licenses are one of the few straightforward and simple ones. Here is exactly what you need to do when applying for a Special Occasions License:

 

1. Head down to your local BC Liquor store to apply. The person applying must be Serving It Right Certified. The customer service rep will be able to assist you in filling out your application.
2. Once the application is complete you will then have to submit it to your local police department where your event is being held for approval. Approval could take days.
3. Once approved by the local police they will return the application to you with their stamp which you will return to the liquor store for final submission. The customer service rep will then FINALLY issue you a Special Occasions License.

 

We highly recommend obtaining your liquor license a couple months before your event date so you can focus on all the fun parts of the planning closer to the date!

Here is a link to the Special Occasions License Brochure from the BC Liquor Stores. It will provide you will all the details you need, and even assist you in calculating alcohol quantities! http://www.bcliquorstores.com/files/LDB_SOL_brochure.pdf

 

xoxo

Chaufa

Tuesdays Tip is how to get a marriage license.  It’s something small that some people sometimes don’t even realize they need to get.  The marriage license lasts for 3 months in British Columbia so you just need to make sure to get it at the right time before your wedding!

It is 100.00 dollars and all you have to do is click this link and apply.

http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/howto.html#apply

It’s really as simple as that!  Now if only everything else for your special day was this easy!

Gemma xo

RIVERWAY CLUBHOUSE

What makes a great venue?

In my opinion, the three most important things would be location, staff and of course the FOOD. Riverway clubhouse, opened last May and it definitely provides a ten in all of these categories!

Location

9001 Bill Fox Way

Riverway Clubhouse is located in Burnaby, the perfect mid-way point. If you have guests from both the urban part of British Columbia and the rural part, than Burnaby is perfect! What makes this venue so unique is how private it is.  When you take your turn onto Bill Fox Way you would never expect to find such a huge, gorgeous, hidden gem.  If you are looking for a new contemporary building to have your wedding in you definitely want to check out this venue!  With many glass windows and doors you are surrounded with a great view of the outdoors.  And one big bonus, free parking!

Staff

Vendors are one of the key things to making your day perfect and stress free.  At Milestone Events we strive to refer vendors that we work well with and that we know reach our expectations of perfection.  Lori Nord, Elaine Olma and Bob Farahani are the kind of people that anyone would want to work with.  The enthusiasm doesn’t just show in them, but all the staff.  They love their venue and what they do.  All the experiences I have had at Riverway Clubhouse always leave me smiling, just how it should be!

Food

It is true, and we all know it.  Food is usually one of the main things that all the guests remember.  I can’t really go into detail of this food topic because the page will be filled!  We know how much I LOVE food. I am just going to say, I crave their Agnolotti all the time.  In fact I plan to go eat there again this month!

Still need a venue?  Your numbers are higher than 150?  Be sure to take a look at Riverway Clubhouse on your hunt for the perfect venue!

Gemma xx

The DIY revolution has really changed the face of the wedding industry as of late. There are so many resources for brides gather decor ideas and obtain the tools to execute them. And we think that is great! There is nothing better than a creative and excited bride. We, as decorators, love to collaborate creatively, and make our client’s weddings as gorgeous as possible.

However, many brides decide a decorator is either out of the budget, or will take away from their ability to execute their vision…to this is say No Way! There are so many reasons why a decorator can help… and here are a few of them!

1) Collaboration is Key

As a DIY bride, you have so many things happening and so much on your plate that you may not get a chance to execute all  decor details that you dream of. So tell us what you need, and we can do it for you. We take your vision, and make it happen. A decorator can be your Wedding Secret Weapon!

2) Cost, Quality, and Everything in Between

Regardless of how many personal touches you create for your wedding, you have to get your “stuff” somewhere. Linens, napkins, lighting, drape, flowers… At Milestone, as with any other reputable decorator,  we have the ability to tackle all of that for you in one place. You can save epic amounts of time and money by renting your wedding supplies, rather than purchasing. Also, by grouping together all of your “pretty” from one supplier, you can eliminate hundreds of dollars in delivery fees . Similarly, by renting everything from one vendor, you are guaranteed a consistent level of quality in your product, which is key for a bride at cares about the look of her day.

 

3) Delivery Debate

As a DIY bride, you may or may not have the time and resources to set up and decorate for yourself. For those that don’t, put the responsibility on us. Your decorator will set up our rental items, and lay out your hand crafted projects at the same level of care attention to detail. For those that do, we will have the order  packed and ready to go when when you need it!

4) At The End of the Day

Weddings are a time to celebrate with family and friends. The last thing you want to worry about is grandma staying behind to tear down the decor. Have that be the job of your decor team, and don’t think twice. Similarly, the last thing you need kicking around your new marital nest are 20 eggplant table runners. Rentals go away, and the memories remain!

Okay, this was a long one…But I hope it helped. Let us know how we can help with your wedding decor!

Happy planning, all.

xo Cailyn

 

 

 

All week we have been preparing for our upcoming Decor Marathon! We are 2 days away and soo ecstatic!  We cannot wait to meet all the lovely brides and discuss colours, florals, linens, and centerpieces. The creative brainstorming session is always the most fun! This week on our blog we decided to each feature an inspiration board that is in theme of our tabletop design. My design started with the black and white spray painted mason jars that I found on Pinterest. I knew I had to have those as my centerpieces. I then did a couple laps around our inventory warehouse to find inspiration. I was shocked to find some antique metal rusted bird stands that I never knew existed before. Birdies and black and white jars…I know it sounds quite funky, but I promise once it is all done you will love it. I cannot wait to post pictures of the finished product!

 

 

 

 

Happy Thursday everyone!

 

xoxo

Chaufa

Wedding season is right around the corner, and with that comes a slew of other wedding related events to start planning: stagettes, rehearsal dinners, and most importantly wedding showers!

The shower has, for as long as I can remember, had a seriously cringe worthy reputation, with images of toilet paper wedding gowns, and the ubiquitous gift wrap and bow bouquet/veil combo coming to mind. I, however, like to plan showers a little differently…so here are a few of my tips to shake things up, make the shower you plan one to remember.

Decor and Theme

Decor and theme are a huge element of the modern wedding. Be it vintage, wine, rustic, or nautical, play off the theme of the wedding, and tie that in to the shower decor. It will make the concept much easier to tackle, and give the bride a sense that the wedding fun is really beginning, without the crepe paper bell and streamers.

Games

As I mentioned before, shower games are a staple. However, they are often enough to make you roll your eyes, and sip your champagne just a little bit faster. So, why not shake things up, and cater the games to personality of the bride? If she loves chocolate, why not do a tasting game, with different flavoured confections? Same goes for wine. Even if guests are not aficionados, it will give them a chance to learn about the passions and interests of the beloved bride, and have fun in the process.

 

Food

Tea sandwiches and yummy finger food are always a favourite, but why not surprise your girl with catering from her favourite  restaurant, or a food truck in her most loved style of eats.

If budget is a concern, go DIY or potluck, but keep it on theme for the day. If the theme is wine, do cheese platters, or tapas from favourite Spanish region. Food is fun, so get creative!

 

Favours

I cannot tell you how many favours I have “accidentally” left behind when leaving a shower. (I am glad to finally get that off my conscience!)  But, it is a good reminder to keep favours fun, useful, cute. I love the idea of candles in vintage tea cups, pretty seed packets, or chocolate with custom labels.

If, as a bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride you are tasked with shower planning, remember, we are here to help! We’ve got loads of crafty ideas, pretty decor, and planning skills to make this bridal shower your best yet!

Happy planning all!

xo Cailyn

 

Ladies,

Here is your guide to Sin City if you are planning a weekend away for your stagette. Personally, I believe this is the only way a stagette should be done, but for those who don’t appreciate the lights, the glam, the bling, and the over-the-top and excessive flashiness of what Vegas is all about-STOP reading now! For those who are completely intrigued by all that, I will share with you what to do, where to stay, and what to eat while in the beautiful city of Vegas.

 

First on the list, where to stay. This could be the most difficult decision of your entire trip. It is actually ridiculous the number of luxury hotels the strip has to offer.  There are 28 venues on this one single street-each being extremely elegant and distinct in it’s own way. How do you go about deciding?! I have stayed at the Bellagio, Monte Carlo, and Cosmopolitan. All very very different, however I decided last year that The Cosmopolitan would be the only hotel I stay at while in Vegas, unless I am doing a major upgrade. The location of it is in the pinnacle of the strip. You are perfectly situated in the middle. The Cosmopolitan just celebrated it’s first birthday in January so it is still very fresh and new. Crystals, mirrored sparkling pillars, luxurious deep velvets, and bling everywhere sums it up.

 

 

WHERE TO EAT?

• Joel Robuchan: French cuisine, received a 3 star Michelin Award and is located in the MGM Grand

 

 

• Barlotta: Freshest seafood restaurant on the strip, located at Wynn Hotel

 

 

• Bar Masa: Best sushi in town, located in the Aria Hotel

 

 

• Wicked Spoon: Best lunch and dinner buffet, located in The Cosmopolitan Hotel

 

 

• CUT: Best steakhouse, Owner is Chef Wolfgang Puck, located inside the Palazzo Hotel

 

 

WHAT TO DO?

• The infamous Water Show at Bellagio Hotel

 

 

• Encore Beach Club: Named one of the top dayclubs in Vegas. Who said clubbing had to be restricted to the evening?

 

 

• Treat yourself to some serious pampering at the luxurious spa located at the Encore Hotel

 

 

• Watch a live show: One of the top shows in Vegas, The Beatles Love by Circue Du Soleil

 

 

• Chippendales Show: You just have to go when your in Sin City. It is a requirement in celebration of your stagette!

 

 

• A night on the town full with VIP and bottle service: Tao has been named one of the best clubs on the strip for multiple years now.

 

The Marquee nightclub at The Cosmopolitan is one of the newest additions to the strip, but boy has it made its presence known. There has been incredible reviews from both visitors and celebrities!

 

Just a tip for booking flights, make sure you book a flight and hotel package. I can’t stress enough how much of a deal you can get! Also, flying from Bellingham Airport is significantly cheaper than flying directly  from Vancouver. There is on average a $100-200 difference in price. The drive to Bellingham is super easy and quick, plus parking your vehicle overnight is $10 a day. The more money you save before getting to Vegas..the more you have to spend in Vegas!

 

Any brides going to Vegas for their stagette in the upcoming year please post your itinerary on our Facebook wall. I would LOVE to see what you have planned!! I am headed out there in May for my yearly vacation before the wedding season. I will be sure to be updating everyone during my trip!

 

Remember..what happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas!

 

xoxo

Chaufa

Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be treated like royalty?
The Four Seasons can sure give you a good idea of what it would be like!

Thanks to the lovely Ilona at Four Seasons Vancouver, myself and the rest of the planners had a night out together that we will never forget.

Four seasons wanted to give us a little taste of how a bride and groom would be taken care of on their wedding day.
Here are some of the highlights of our experience!

 

Personalized house coats waiting for us on our Beds

Main course of our four course DELICIOUS meal, one option out of a few!

Doesn’t get much fresher than herbs grown in house!

Our view from our room, hello gorgeous Vancouver!

An extra goodie that came along with our three course brunch, amazing morning!

Mango ravioli, kalamanzi coconut consomme.  Team decision that this was one of our favorite things.  At the end of this shot there is a surprising sensation, that is unreal!

 

With so many great aspects to this night it was hard to share only a few things!  Imagine how the Four Seasons would treat a couple getting married here?

The time and effort that was put into making our night this special blows me away.  I know any of our couples who decide to get married here will be taken care of in the most amazing way.  Thanks again to the fabulous and friendly staff at Four Seasons Vancouver, looking forward to working with you soon!

xo Gemma

 

 

Just last month Tanya and I had the opportunity to go to La Terrazza for their Fantasy High Tea which they now hold on Saturdays and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

Thanks to the great staff and delectable food, we had a great experience.  What better thing to do on a rainy Sunday?

Let’s start out with how dainty and adorable these tea cups are.

21 different flavors of tea are offered during this event.  The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the Nutcracker definitely caught my attention.

Now doesn’t that look delicious?

Out of all these amazing goodies I would have to say my two favorite were the Bufula Mozarella and The Blueberry Scones that came with strawberry jam and devon cream.

La Terrazza has won many awards for their astounding Italian food.  Make sure to check out their website to see some of the awards and get more information about what they can offer you for many types of events.

If you go take a look at La Terrazza you won’t be disappointed, for this venue is stunning and very unique with many special little details.

Thanks again to La Terrazza for a great day out!

Gemma xx