It's Inn the Details

Hold onto your garter for our soon-to-launch wedding blog

Here at Inn at Laurel Point, proud to be a Victoria hotel, we know weddings.

As one of the West Coast’s top go-to wedding destinations, our event managers are, well, know-it-alls. Not only do they stay up on all the trends by attending numerous tradeshows, liaising with other wedding professionals and reading thousands of on- and offline articles (you should see the stack of magazines in the corner of the office), but they’ve really seen and done it all, from hosting intimate ceremonies to throwing extravagant affairs (and, of course, everything in between).

And as a trusted weddings resource, our events team gets many questions from brides and grooms, asking anything from what the season’s hottest colours are to where one should seat that overbearing mother-in-law at the reception. I’ve often wondered how I could turn this wealth of information into something that’s useful for all brides- and grooms-to-be, and not just clients. And then, as I sat drinking my mid-day latte the other day, it hit me: why not launch a blog that’s all about weddings?

So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our new blog: It’s Inn the Details (snappy name, huh?), written by no other than Laurel. Laurel is a 30-something Type A event manager who just looooves weddings (well, as long as she doesn’t get cake icing on her Chanel pantsuit). 

What should you expect from our new blog?

è Videos, photos and music clips (oh my)

Brides and grooms already know that the decisions associated with throwing that big day ceremony are endless: will the invitations be on heavy cardstock with hand-scripted calligraphy, or on a DVD with an animated love story? For the first dance, should they waltz to Etta James’ At Last, or shuffle to Michael Jackson’s Thriller? And for the cake, will they spring for a four-tiered fondant masterpiece, or go for whimsical cupcakes? Add these choices with a saturated Internet, packed with videos, photos and music clips, and we just might have a bride- or groom-zilla on our hands. To make it easy for our gentle readers, Laurel’s going to put in the legwork: trawling the web and sharing her top wedding finds.

è Trends (both the upcoming and the passé)

In the wedding industry, trends move faster than you can toss a tulip bouquet (just look back to mom’s wedding dress: helloooo high collars, lace sleeves and other fashion faux pas that’d raise the eyebrow of any 2012 bride). From sustainable, Earth-friendly nuptials to breezy photo shoots against a Pacific Ocean backdrop, Laurel will keep you up-to-date on the hottest dresses, themes, décor and more. 

è Questions from the soon-to-wed

How much should brides tip their hairstylist? Can one ask their vegan bridesmaid to BHOD (bring her own dinner)? And just how uncouth is a cash bar? All these questions (and more) will be answered by Laurel. And if you have a query that needs a response, feel free to leave her a comment on this blog and who knows, maybe you’ll be featured on an upcoming blog! (Anonymity is guaranteed, too!)

è A whole lotta fun

The road to getting married is fraught with emotions, stress, happiness and, best of all, fun. On the new blog, Laurel promises to light up readers’ days with posts that’ll make them smile, chuckle and even give out a good ole’ belly laugh. And if you have any ideas on how you think this blog could be even better, we’re 100 per cent receptive to new ideas and post themes.

I hope you’ll join me in giving Laurel a warm welcome and I look forward to seeing you over on It’s Inn the Details. Mazel tov!

Wed different,

Avril

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Old, new, borrowed and blue – I’m going to cover it all

Dear gentle readers (and the soon-to-be-wed-ers),

Whether on purpose or by accident, you’ve just stumbled across Inn at Laurel Point’s new wedding blog, first Victoria hotel that we know of to have one.  So pull up a chair, a warm kitty or mug of joe and get comfy because I’m about to chat about one my most favourite subjects… myself.

As a single gal in her (early) 30s, you might be wondering what depth of knowledge I, Laurel, could possibly have on the wedding industry. And while dating certainly isn’t my forte (remind me to tell you sometime about my last blind date with a used car salesman I fondly refer to as Zorro ’Stache), I’m a seasoned wedding professional, having hosted hundreds – if not thousands – of events.

On this blog, you can expect all sorts of wedding goodies, from photos of the season’s hottest dresses to videos showing off fun first dances and questions from real, breathing, betrothed people. (Do you have a wedding-related question? Post a comment here and you just might see your query on an upcoming blog.)

But, more about me. I filled out some Q&As to give you some more background on myself. Hope you enjoy!

Q: What astrological sign are you?

A: As if you haven’t already figured this one out. I’m a Virgo through and through – meaning that while I’m helpful, reliable and precise, I come with a healthy dash of fussy, Type A-ness.

Q: Who’s you favourite wedding dress designer?

A: Vera Wang, no question. Elegant, flattering – her dresses have it all. And, thanks to last year’s launch of an affordable line of gowns (including ones in plus sizes), more brides are sporting the Wang! (I really should patent that phrase.)

Q: What’s one of the season’s top wedding trends?

A: Although hardly new, sustainable, Earth-friendly weddings are extremely popular – and I don’t see them going out of style anytime soon.

Q: What are some of the hottest engagement rings?

A: Say goodbye to huge sparkly rocks – vintage, second-hand and conflict-free stones are here to stay. We’re also seeing a push for coloured gems instead of diamonds.

Q: Any pets?

A: No time for furry children, can you imagine fur on my pant suits? Très not chic.  Luckily Inn at Laurel Point, my favorite victoria accommodations is very pet friendly.  Tres chic.

Fondest regards,

Laurel

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This blog’s a bloom’n

Spring is in the air and as I walked into work today I passed trees bursting with cherry blossoms.  So it’s a perfect time to talk blooms.

I know  this wedding season at Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria BC Hotel we’ll see a trend towards choosing local and earth friendly flowers.  Choosing a local product reduces the carbon footprint required to move those flowers to their final destination – your wedding!   

My new favorite is Vintage Shabby Chic.  This romantic and elegant look combines full and overblown blooms such as roses and peonies with vintage pots and containers for a classic and timeless feel. This trend would lend itself to shades of blush, champagne, peach, cream, white and soft pale celery green.

Loves me, Loves me not

* Do add glamour to your bouquets or arrangements by considering a keepsake brooch, pearl pins, rhinestone accents in the blooms or a monogrammed ribbon to dress up the wrap of your bouquet.

*  Don’t choose a date for your wedding near any holiday if you have a flower budget. Planning a wedding near Valentine’s Day or near Mother’s Day in May will increase your flower cost by as much as 50%

*  Do try to choose flowers that are a part of the florists regular inventory and do let the florist know your budget concerns 

* Don’t forget that your flowers can do double duty.  If you are having your ceremony and reception in separate venues why not use your centerpieces as décor down the aisle.  Or use large arrangements from the ceremony to flank the head table. 

* Do use your bouquets make great table centerpieces for the head table when repurposed in appropriate vases

The photo above is beautiful example of the vintage look I was describing.  This photo is from local florist Clare Day.  Also be sure to check out our other “go to” florists Verbena and Rook and Rose I know that they too are all over this trend.

Here is a quick snap I took of our own Japanese Garden at our Waterfront Victoria Hotel. Hmmm imagine your bridal party in our garden for fabulous wedding pics!   

Laurel

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Let Them Eat Cake

Let me tell you something, after the wedding at Inn at Laurel Point, a Victoria BC Hotel,  we hear alot of talk - ok gossip.  Seriously, what are the two most important things at a wedding?  If you said the bride and groom you’ve clearly never been a bride.  The correct answer of course is the dress and the cake!

2012 cake trends include cakes with romantic frills and ruffles and open flowers.  White wedding cakes be it vintage or modern are a timeless confection that will never be out of style.  Buttercream icing with that “just whipped” look versus fondant.  And one of my favorites is multiples of single tiered cakes.  This trend allows for more flavors and creates a beautiful dessert table.  Our Pastry Chef April Iverson is a cake wizard - you dream it she will make it happen.  So take a wander through some of wedding cake images for even more inspiration.

Gourment cupcakes, tired donut cake, miniature desserts including cake pops, tarts and pies, funky shaped cakes that speak to your personality and sweet tables.  They are not for bat mitzvahs anymore.  Mazel tov!  And have you heard about savory cupcakes.  While traditional cupcakes aren’t going anywhere, savory cupcakes are a unique idea you can provide.  Imagine mini meatloaf cupcakes topped with mashed potato icing and grated parmesan cheese as a late night snack!

Qu’ils mangent de la brioche - but not too much cake my dear or they will be talking about you and your dress! 

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I Do’s and No You Don’t’s

What I am sharing are things to do and not to do at a wedding.  Some of the information comes from professional etiquette godesses’s Martha and Emily and other tidbits come from what I have learned from planning weddings.  So, if you are attending a wedding at Inn at Laurel Point, a Victoria BC Hotel this year, read and remember.    

Respect the wedding invitation – if you can bring a guest the invitation will read Ms Laurel Point and Guest.  A guest is not a child or a dog or a child with a dog.  If small things are not invited this is not the time to question the couples decision. Do not add their names to the reply card and do not show up with them anyway.                                      

During the ceremony be on your best behavior. Dress according to the location, time of day and level of formality.  Arrive early, don’t leave the location and parking to chance.  Turn off you cell phone during the ceremony.  Enjoy yourself and engage with other guests.   

If your event will not include a full meal, it is courteous to inform your guests.  Use phrasing on the invitation such as “and afterward for cocktails” instead of the classic “at the reception.”  This comes from personal experience and having to deal with “the date” who on the way home has to stop at McDonald’s.  You can however be sure, that weddings at Inn at Laurel Point, do include the full meal deal.                                

Stick to using table numbers.  Pictures of famous couples, your travel photos, or names of your favorite movies are hard to see from across the room.  I’ve heard many a complaint by guests at weddings when they have to search for their table.                                         

Do not alter place cards or switch tables. You should be cordial and sit where the bride and groom have designated.  Introduce yourself to your tablemats and share how you know the couple and enjoy yourself.  

Please no speculation about the bride and groom’s ”big night.”  If you want to talk about what a big night it is, focus on what is already happening. Compliment the beautiful room and view at Inn at Laurel Point, the flowers, and the great time you are having.  No innuendos allowed.     

And another “I Do” for any couple, which is gracious and a welcome gesture, is to thank the hotel staff particularly if they contribued to a memorable day for you and your guests

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Classic Style

Iconic, famous, fabulous and always fashion forward - look back in time at these beautiful brides and their dresses.  Some things never go out of style.

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