Ok, so the cat’s out of the bag… my bf and i got engaged over the September long weekend and i couldn’t be happier.  Like most girls, i’ve dreamt of my wedding day for years and years (and years and years), but that vision has changed, the older i’ve gotten.  Let’s face it, i’m no spring chicken anymore, and i’ve been to a LOT of weddings over the last 15+ years (since my friends have started getting married) and have learned what i want/don’t want for my own (our own) celebration.

And that’s exactly what we want — a celebration, a party, a shindig.  Just the people we love and who love us right back to be there with us and have some drinks, some laughs and dance til our feet ache.  Being in the marketing field, i’ve attended lots of cocktail parties and events with food stations and appetizers, and that’s what we’re going for.  I envision twinkle lights and candles (we’re having a Friday late afternoon/early evening ceremony) and lots of finger foods and yummy nibbles.  We want the cool factor (but obv on a budget).

So the dilemma.  Where to begin?  I’m a planner, organizer AND worry-wart by nature, so my head’s already spinning with all that needs to be done.  We’re looking at September next year, so just about a year to go… seems like a lot of time, right?  Not so much.  Apparently i need to get a venue right away … CRAZY!

The big problem is to try to find something that has the ‘hip-ness’ of a downtown Toronto location, but in the suburbs of the GTA?  (too much trouble for guests to get downtown on a Friday afternoon for a T.O locale)

So, this is a call out to all my married friends and friends of friends and any other brides-to-be out there that might be listening… i need your help, not only for venue ideas, but reco’s for anything and everything weddings. 

Can you help a girl out so she doesn’t become a Bridezilla?  (My fiancé {i like the sound of that} thanks you in advance:

Where do i help?

• Venues (hip, cool, non-banquet hall):
• Flowers (what’s in season in the fall?  local florists in Peel region):
• Best places to shop for a dress (and get a deal)?:
• Do you need favours?:
• Do you need to give centre pieces away to your guests?:
• When to send save the dates?:
• Best places for invitations?:
• Do you need to have programs?:

Okay, that’s a good start.  My biggest issue is the venue, but whatever help i can get, i’ll take!  Comment at the bottom of the blog, or send me an email.

Thanks in advance friends…