January is such an exciting month for a Toronto wedding officiant! There are wedding shows to attend, which is so much fun. I get to meet new couples who are starting to make their wedding plans, and I get to see all the latest decor – gorgeous cakes, couture dresses, handmade letterpress invitations, bespoke floral arrangements – and every year brings something different.
2013 is going to be an exciting time in wedding style, and while you may not want to go so over the top that you end up looking theatrical, taking inspiration from these trends can give your wedding a fresh and contemporary look.
The 1920s look has never gone out of style – trendsetter Kate Moss wore a ‘20s style veil for her wedding two years ago – but this year it seems like it’s everywhere, from shows like Downton Abbey (which I own on DVD, because I’m a sucker for that stuff!) to film remakes like the Great Gatsby. And what a fun look! Beaded dresses, deco details, hand-sewn vintage clutches. With this trend, you can easily cross “something old” off your list.
For vintage-inspired accessories Daisy Buchanan would approve of, I am thrilled to tell you about one of Toronto’s own. Antonia – one of my brides from a few years ago – left a prestigious career to follow her passion and start accessories retailer The Loved One. From silk capelets to beaded clutches to dazzling hairpins, this is a fabulous way to support a local business and get something stunning you can pass along to your daughter someday, like this beautiful clutch:
Genevieve clutch, The Loved One
Or this beautiful art deco hairpin, perfect for a ‘20s inspired updo:
Genevieve comb, The Loved One.
For a classic retro cake (or one with a bit of whimsy!) award-winning Toronto cake makers Bobbette & Belle do a beautiful vintage lace cake, and this month at the exclusive WedLuxe show they featured a custom fishscale pattern cake. How cute is that?
Custom cake, Bobbette & Belle.
Need a dress? Toronto has a pretty little shop on one of the city’s historic streets, Markham, that sells authentic vintage 1920s to 1960s bridal dresses in impeccable condition: Vintage Bride (with sister shop The Refinery) at 587 Markham Street.
Save The Date cards? Some of the cutest can be found on Etsy – no surprise there. Etsy has long been a favorite of savvy young brides seeking something custom or handmade, and it’s a great place to find thousands of creatively designed items at all price points, like this fun one, inspired by the artist’s grandmother:
Save The Date Cards, GoGoSnap.
Brides living in the GTA are really lucky to have so many options at their fingertips – and if you feel overwhelmed with choice, remember, as an Officiant with a long-standing career in the city of Toronto, I have lots of recommendations I give my brides for the most reliable, friendly wedding vendors whose products and services I personally vouch for. Just ask! I want my brides to have the wedding of their dreams.