MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED WEDDING QUESTIONS

For a formal wedding, dancing usually begins after the meal. For a less formal wedding, dancing may begin when the couple starts. The bride and groom dance the first dance together, usually to a song that a special meaning to the both of them. The parents will then join in for a second song, followed by the wedding party and then the guests.

The first dance can be any type of dance that you choose. Select the type of dance that you both feel comfortable with. You can also opt to follow a few dance classes in order to be at your best and limit the stress when the big moment arrives.

You have 3 main options :

1. Limited bar :This is an excellent option for alcohol: guests don't have to pay for their own drinks, and you don't end up with a huge bill. You decide beforehand which beverages you're going to serve (usually a mix of wine, beer and maybe mixed drinks), and then have the bar open only during certain times (such as during the toasts and for an hour or so after dinner).
2. Open bar : Of all the beverage options, this is the most expensive. Be prepared for a hefty bill, and for possible over-indulgers who may drink too much. Go this route only if you've got the funds to back it up.
3. Cash bar : Cash bars are not only controversial, they're also just plain tacky. Inviting people to your wedding and then asking them to pay for their drinks is not a nice thing to do. If you can't afford an open bar, have a limited selection of alcohol instead. If you can't afford that, then consider nixing the alcohol altogether.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-drinks-and-bartending/

Even for a small wedding with few attendants, a rehearsal helps relieve stress and makes everything look smooth. It makes sure all proceedings are confirmed in everyone’s mind. Include children, if there are any in the wedding party. It’s very important that children get the time to become comfortable with their duties. As much playacting as possible will help.

Keep your rehearsal dinner light and casual: a barbecue or a diner in a restaurant that will allow you to relax with your guests. If possible, have your dinner two nights ahead instead of the night before . . . you'll have a more relaxing wedding eve, you'll hopefully get more sleep, and you'll have the chance to catch your breath before the big day.

If you have the time, it's always fun to have a theme for the wedding rehearsal dinners, make sure that it's something different from the wedding theme.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-rehearsal/

Before you start any planning whatsoever, make sure you know your exact budget. It's not fun to make big plans and then have to cancel them because you can't afford them---going into your planning with a specific dollar amount in mind can save you a lot of heartache.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-calendar-tasks/

Daytripping together, whether for a few hours or a whole day is a wonderful way to escape the rigours of planning your wedding. A simple day trip will help you remember why you're going through all of the hassle of planning a wedding.

Every bride we've spoken with felt as though she was sometimes alone during the planning. Every groom felt that sometimes he was left behind. Taking a "day off" together where you don't obsess over details is a perfect way to regain the energy you need to get to the finish line together.

Pour plus d’information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-calendar-tasks/

If you're going to have black and white photographs taken, you may need to change your makeup----the soft colors usually worn by brides don't show up well in black and white pictures, and often photographers suggest wearing more intense neutrals and darker lipsticks.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-photography-video/

It is perfectly acceptable.

During the ceremony processional the groomsmen will already be place at the front with the groom.

At the end of the ceremony, for the recessional, two bridesmaids can walk out with one groomsmen or vice-versa.

For the introductions at the beginning of the reception, the same solution applies; two groomsmen accompany one bridesmaid or vice-versa.

You can definitely have a man as one of your attendant. That being said, he should dress as all the other male attendants. You can coordinate with your fiancé and his attendants, for all attendants to go shopping together as well as go to the fitting sessions together.

It's a good idea to get your bridesmaids together well before the wedding and ideally, before you select dresses. Often maids won't all know each other and going out to lunch, brunch or dinner will give them a chance to meet before the wedding.

If each of your bridesmaids is shaped differently and each would look good in a different style, you may want to consider choosing the color, designer, and fabric of the gown and then letting each maid choose her own style. This will ensure that each girl looks her best and also give your wedding less of a 'cookie cutter' look.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-wedding-party/

Wear the ring on your right hand or have your aunt or grandma hold it. If you want to wear your engagement ring for the reception, put it on during the ride to your venue or just before being announced. For Jewish weddings, it's fine to wear your engagement ring, and then exchange stone-free wedding bands if you want to keep with tradition. Also remember: The band is usually worn closest to your heart on your left hand.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-wedding-rings/

You can’t invite guests to a wedding shower and expect them to give you a gift and not invite them to the wedding. The closest people to the bride (and perhaps the groom) are invited to the shower.

Here are a few suggestions of games that you can play during the wedding shower :

1. Quiz the bride: Before the shower, have the maid of honor or another bridesmaid interview the groom with a series of questions (What's his favorite TV show, favorite color . . . and 'Newlywed Game' questions such as "What does he do that annoys you the most?", "If he were an animal, what would he be?"). At the shower, the bride has to try and match his answers.
2. Just how well do you know them? Have the maid of honor or another bridesmaid prepare a list of questions, either about the bride or the bride and groom. Examples like, "Where did she work during college?", "How did they meet?" and "What's her favorite TV show?" make for interesting conversation. Whoever answers the most questions correctly wins the prize.
3. The purse game : Make a list of things that might be found in someone's purse. They can range from gum to red lipstick to toothbrush to sewing kit. Call out the items and have everyone keep track of what they have---harder-to-find items can have higher point values than common items like wallets and mirrors. You can also make it more like a race with one person calling out the items and everyone else racing to see if they have it in their purse. The first person to come up with it gets a point.
4. Shower Scavengure Hunt: Divide the guests into groups of three or four. Provide each group with a piece of poster board, glue, scissors and lots of old magazines and newspapers. Give everyone a list of certain words and pictures that they have to find and glue to the board. First team to find everything wins! Some things to find are the bride's name; the groom's name; wedding-related items like a wedding cake, bridal gown, etc. . . . you can get a little crazier with things like 'penis', 'ad for sex toys,' depending on the crowd.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-showers-bachelor-parties/

Looking for a cool mode of transportation other than a limousine? Try renting a sports car or an antique car for the bride and groom and a limo for the rest of the wedding party. Jaguars, Corvettes and any kind of convertible make excellent choices. Just check with local car rental agencies.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-limousines-transportation-2/

Tipping is not mandatory; it is an expression of gratitude for a job well done. Make sure you avoid double-tipping. Gratuity is often included in some contracts such as the reception venue’s contract.

Crossing sticks : In a tradition carried down by African-American slaves, couples symbolically demonstrated their commitment to each other by crossing tall wooden sticks. The sticks represent the power and life of trees; by crossing the sticks the couple makes known their wish for a strong beginning to their married life.

Jumping the broom : During slavery in the United States, African American couples were not allowed to marry formally. Instead, to make a public declaration of their commitment and love, a man and woman jumped over a broom into marriage, while others beat on drums. (The broom has long held significant meaning for the various Africans, symbolizing the start of homemaking for the newlywed couple.) Today many African-American couples include this symbolic custom in their wedding ceremony, working it in directly before the recession.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-traditions/

If you want some good toasts at the wedding reception for bride and groom, be creative. Have guests first sing a song with the word love in it. Make guests re-enact their own proposal. Ask guests to create a limerick about the couple. Request a small donation for each table that clinks to the couples' favorite charity. Have two people at the clinking table demonstrate a kiss that the bride and groom will have to copy.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-toasts-and-speeches/

Is there a special place that holds a lot of meaning to you and your fiance(e)? Did you vacation in Hawaii, or meet on the ski slopes, or take a trip to a cowboy ranch? Using your special place as the wedding theme ideas that will make your wedding unique and add extra specialness to the big day.

You can find creative favour ideas for you themed wedding in Montreal Weddings’ on line store : http://www.montrealweddingsonlinestore.com/favors/trending-favors-by-theme

No matter if your theme is vintage, shabby chic, bohemian, rustic, industrial, classic, woodland, wanderlust, travel, glamorous, garden, beach, retro, butterflies, love birds, heart, modern, country, wine, fairy tail, fun, spring, summer, autumn, winter, Las Vegas, asian…

You can find creative favour ideas for you themed wedding in Montreal Weddings’ on line store : http://www.montrealweddingsonlinestore.com/favors/trending-favors-by-theme

If you are planning a winter wedding, consider how your guests are going to get from the ceremony to the reception. To cut down on dangers of winter driving, freezing walks, changing of shoes, heavy winter coats, etc, consider having the wedding and the reception at the same site, or setting up shuttle bus or van service for your guests.

Decor ideas for you winter wedding :

Tulle is a life saver for winter decorating ideas for wedding! Placed around centerpieces and the cake table it can give the illusion of snow. Hung from risers and strung with snowflake strings can make a lovely presentation. Both ice blue and white tulle together, accent a winter wedding scene.

To create inexpensive but elegant wedding centerpieces, consider renting silver candelabras, ($10-$15 for rental). The bases can be wrapped with tulle or ivy and some single cut flowers can be placed around the base. The look can be enhanced by placing it on a mirror.

You can find creative favour ideas for you themed wedding in Montreal Weddings’ on line store : http://www.montrealweddingsonlinestore.com/favors/trending-favors-by-theme

If you want to have music played during the cake cutting but aren't into smooching each other with frosting, try one of these 'sweet' songs:

• How Sweet It Is to be Loved by You – James Taylor
• Sugar is Sweet – the Party
• Eat It – Weird Al
• Sugar, Sugar – the Archies

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-music/

Nearly half of all couples get married without a notarized marriage contract. Their union is then automatically governed by the regime of partnership of acquest. This regime by which each spouse owns and administers private property and acquest, is the legal regime in force since July 1st, 1970.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-laws-and-legal-aspects/

If you are receiving money to pay for the wedding expenses from your parents, it is normal that they have their say in some of the decisions. Be sure to take the time to communicate to them how you envision your wedding and they may be able to help you make it happen. You may want to express what you are not willing to compromise on. This may mean that you will have to go without their financial contribution as well.

Here are a few ideas to save money when planning your wedding :

1. Choosing the date and time: If you're on a tight budget, consider having your wedding anytime but on a Saturday evening. Saturday nights are generally the most expensive when it comes to banquet halls, catering, etc. You'll save a lot by having the wedding on another evening or even during the morning or afternoon. The rate of couples getting married goes *way* down in the winter. With the exception of December (all those holiday weddings!), November thru March aren't big wedding months---you'll spend less money if you get married during the off-season. You can also try changing the reception from dinner to a brunch, an evening cocktail party or dessert reception---it can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total.
2. Guest list : Looking for places to cut costs? A good place to start is the guest list---you may need to face up to the reality of having a so-so wedding with everyone and his brother invited, or the wedding you really want with fewer guests. Close friends and family are usually shoo-ins, but do you really need to invite all of your dad's fraternity brothers from college? Unless your parents are footing the entire bill, try to keep guests to the 'must-haves.
3. Flowers: To save money on your flowers, try using more greenery than blooms in your church arrangements or garlands on archways, trellises, etc. Ferns and vines are both inexpensive and easy to obtain, sometimes for free!
4. Cake : If your cake budget is tight, consider eliminating some or all of the following, which usually add to the expense of the cake: fruit fillings, fondant icing, handmade sugar flowers, deep (rather than pastel) colors, unique shapes.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-budget-and-traditional-sharing-of-expenses/

At a formal reception, the cake is cut just before dessert and is often served with ice cream. At an informal reception, the cutting of the cake is normally done shortly before the couple leaves the reception

The bride cuts the first two slices of cake using a decorated knife. This tradition symbolizes the traditional role of the wife as a food preparer. The groom feeds the first bite to his wife, symbolizing the traditional male role of provider. The groom often places his hand over the bride’s for cutting the first slice for the photos.   A waiter will then cut and serve the cake to your guests.

Wait to choose your cake until after you've selected your dress, reception decor, venue, etc. You'll be better able to select a cake design that will fit in with the overall theme or mood of your wedding.

Buttercream cakes usually costs the least. The frosting is naturally buttercream, but the layers can be any flavor except filled flavors and can be constructed to a max. of 4 layers. This type looks great decorated with spun roses and sugar flowers.

Torte Styles usually cost a little more and are typically filled cakes (black forest, lemon, etc.) and usually have a fresh cream frosting that makes stacking impossible. The layers themselves are usually the decoration and they are best displayed in a "fan" arrangement.

The most expensive and most popular wedding cakes are the fondant varieties. Fruit cake is most often used but the layers can be of any flavor. This cake is best used in layers and can stack up to about 11 layers. The weight of the fondant frosting keeps it all together. Fresh flowers or silk ribbon are the decorations of choice.

Before deciding on what kind of cake to get, ask yourself the right questions, consult: http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-cakes-and-culinary-trends/

Follow some of the best money saving tips in the industry from the list below, execute your plan, and follow through and you will be on your way to cost savings.

1. Make Your Own Meals– This is probably one of the top money saving tips you will find.  Much of the time, tourists and newlyweds feel the need to splurge on food and end up spending more on meals than they did on airfare.  Food is a major cost on vacations and if not closely tracked, can quickly slip out of your control.  Try this instead.  Rather than go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, stay in your room and make your meals instead.  Do some research ahead of arriving at your destination and map out where the nearest grocery store is in relation to your hotel.  This way when you arrive, you will have a clear idea of where to go to pick up the best ingredients for each meal of the day.  Just be mindful that not all hotels have mini refrigerators in the room so you will want to call ahead and check and then plan out your meals accordingly.

2. Take Public Transportation Over Taxis– There really isn’t anything wrong with public transportation, especially when it can potentially save you some serious cash.  Many of us who live in large cities already take public transportation to and from work.  We’re familiar with the way trains and buses operate.  Although there’s no denying international travel is trickier, the key here is to plan ahead.  Do some internet research and get familiar with popular routes.  This will not only leave you more prepared for when your there, but will help relieve some of the stress and tension.

3. Stay in a Hotel Outside of the City Center– Take a moment to think about your ideal hotel location at your honeymoon destination.  Is it on the beach, in the heart of the city, or somewhere else?  Wherever that place is, it will also come with a higher price tag.  This is the place everyone will want to stay so naturally the nightly rate will be higher as well.  Instead, consider staying down the street or possibly in the town over.  By doing so, you will save yourself a significant amount of money.  Also, many of the hotels that are maybe on the “outskirt of town” are just as nice and have easy public transportation to and from the key attraction sites.

4. 4. Take Advantage of Guidebooks– Instead of spending upwards of $100 per tour, spend just $10-20 per guidebook and get all the information you need at your fingertips.  Guidebooks are an excellent source of information that provides valuable insight into a specific city.  They give in-depth information including facts about the city and specific attraction you are exploring.  Maps are also typically part of the book and even include “walking tour guide routes” that take you through the attraction.

There’s no question that by following these simple travel tips you will be able to save money while still maintaining all the enjoyment of your honeymoon!

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-honeymoon/

If you're going to remove your veil or headpiece after the wedding ceremony, make sure your hairstylist takes this into consideration when she's doing your hair---you don't want your style to become messed up when you make the transition.

For more information consult : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-health-and-beauty/

When deciding how to wear your hair for your wedding, keep in mind that if you have long hair, it can tend to hide your face and the neckline and shoulders of your dress. Pulling at least the sides back or up will bring your face back into focus and let everyone see the beautiful dress you spent so much time choosing!

When you have your hair styled for your wedding, don't let your stylist pull it back so tightly that it hurts. You may think you'll get used to the tugging feeling on your scalp, but more likely you'll end up with a headache.

For more information consult : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-health-and-beauty/

Avoid sharing in your social networks before sharing your engagement with family and friends. If you have any children from a previous marriage, they should be told first.

Start off by telling those closest to you that you're engaged.

1. Your Children:
   If you have any children from a previous marriage, they should be the first to know. Hopefully, you've prepared them for this possibility. Consider that this may be hard news for them, and reassure them that your new spouse won't replace them in your heart.
    
2. Your Parents:
   Typically, the bride's parents are told first, then the grooms immediately afterwards. While a visit in person is nice, if your parents live far away, over the phone will work just fine. Both of you should be present.

1. Grandparents, Siblings, and Other Close Relatives:
   Even if you want many of your friends and families to be surprised all at once, consider who would be hurt to not know immediately. You can tell them all at once at a family dinner, or simply tell them by phone.
    
2. Your Close Friends:
   A few phone calls will do here, unless you want to surprise everyone and tell them all at once. 

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-engagement/

Yes, your mother can give you away. You want the person that is closest to you to walk you down the aisle. Enjoy sharing this great moment with your mother.

If you're looking for well-written wedding ceremony traditional vows, you might try this one from William Shakespeare:

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments, Love is no Love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove
Oh no! It is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand'ring bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken,
Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheers
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with its brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-ceremony/

Although he doesn’t have to, the bride’s father should dress in the same style as the groom and his attendants. He will walk in the bridal procession and the unified effect is appropriate.

The mother of the bride chooses the style and formality of her dress, then tells the groom’s mother, who would select a similar style dress. They don’t have to dress alike, but it presents a better appearance in the receiving line and pictures.

Always pay for your wedding gown with a credit card. If something goes wrong with your dress order or with the bridal salon, you'll have recourse via the credit card company.

When shopping for your wedding gown, even if you have an idea of what you want, be sure to keep an open mind. The styles that you like in photos may not look good on you. Many brides later say that the dress they ended up choosing was one that they never would have thought to try on!

For more information on wedding dresses : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-bridal-dress-fashion-trends/

For more information on wedding party attire : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-wedding-party/

A Boutonniere is always appropriate for all key men in the family and wedding party. A boutonniere is the flower accessory for the male members of the wedding party. The groom’s boutonniere should be different from those of the other men. For example, he may wear a flower from the bride’s bouquet.

Some individuals don’t like to wear corsages and prefer to carry something small. Speak with the mothers and ask them what they prefer.

An elegant and inexpensive decorating idea for Fall is the use of "fallen folliage" in your decoration. Lovely wedding flower centerpieces can be made with a $1.00 piece of florist's foam (either from your florist or any craft store) and decorated with fallen leaves and a few fresh flowers. Fall asters in plum and gold tones are usually around 50 cents a stem (6 to 8 blooms on each). Finish with a taper candle.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-flowers-decor/

Wedding invitations should be ordered when the details of the ceremony and reception have been confirmed. Information such as the wedding date, time and place of your service and reception, as well as an accurate guest list count are needed when placing your invitation order. Note you will save yourself a bit of stress if you order invitations at least three months before the wedding.

Wedding invitations should be mailled 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding.

How many attendents you choose to have is totally up to you. Traditionally, informal weddings had up to three attendents, semi-formal had up to six, and formal had up to twelve. But nowadays anything goes!

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-invitations-and-guest-list/

Candy-coated almonds are a tradition among Mediterranean cultures. They symbolize the sweetness and bitterness of life. The almonds are slightly bitter, surrounded by the coating’s sweetness. You can choose to give your guests a different gift.

You can never ask your guest to give you a gift money or other. You can inform your attendants and close family. They will be able to inform your guests of your preference if and only if they are asked by your guests.

No matter if your theme is vintage, shabby chic, bohemian, rustic, industrial, classic, woodland, wanderlust, travel, glamorous, garden, beach, retro, butterflies, love birds, heart, modern, country, wine, fairytail, fun, spring, summer, autumn, winter, Las Vegas, asian…

You can find creative favour ideas for you themed wedding in Montreal Weddings’ on line store : http://www.montrealweddingsonlinestore.com/favors/trending-favors-by-theme

If you want your wedding to be kids-free, make sure your invitations reflect that (i.e. address it to Mr. & Mrs., not 'Family'). If someone RSVPs with kids anyway, you'll need to call and explain that it's an adults-only function.

If your planning a wedding reception for grownups-only, but you have people coming in from out of town with kids, ask the hotel for the name of a good babysitter and arrange to have the sitter watch them at the hotel during the wedding and reception.

For more information : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-etiquette-procedures/

Here are suggestions of different games and activities that can be planned for the wedding reception :

1. Invite all close relatives and friends to gather around and one by one start saying their well wishes to the bride and groom in a form of a song. They can work in teams so they could not only give a truly heartfelt wish but also could sing the best song!
2. Q&A : A Q&A game and have your guests answer questions about the bride and groom
3. Dance contest : The idea is to motivate the guests to participate and be part of this remarkable history which the two of you are starting to make. This could be a dance duo or a dance group. The guests should be notified weeks in advance, so that whoever will be cool with the idea can confirm their attendance and participation and well, can have a reasonable amount of time to practice for their contest piece. The prize doesn’t have to be that extravagant; after all, these guests are also your friends and relatives. It’s a friendly contest and purely created to make the reception more lively, engaging and fun!

For more entertainment ideas consult : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-entertainment-2/

If you're on a tight budget, consider having your wedding anytime but on a Saturday evening. Saturday nights are generally the most expensive when it comes to banquet halls, catering, etc. You'll save a lot by having the wedding on another evening or even during the morning or afternoon.

The rate of couples getting married goes *way* down in the winter. With the exception of December (all those holiday weddings!), November thru March aren't big wedding months---you'll spend less money if you get married during the off-season.

You can also try changing the reception from dinner to a brunch, an evening cocktail party or dessert reception---it can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total.

For more information consult : http://mariagemontreal.com/montreal-weddings-choosing-a-date/