3 Fun Ideas For Your Wedding Send-off

You might think your guests won’t care about your exit because most times, some guests leave after your dance or you’ve cut the cake. But why don’t you give them a reason to want to watch you leave the reception? Do that by simply making your exit as fun as your entrance or even more fun!

You’ve probably seen couples exiting their ceremony or reception with the release of balloons or the use of sparklers or streamers. You can do it too! You can personalize your wedding exit and make it stand out. To make your decision easier, here are some ideas for your wedding send-off!

●      Balloons

In light of keeping the environment clean and healthy, biodegradable balloons are pretty useful, especially at wedding send-off activities.

You may have your guests hold out balloons and leave them to float into the air. Another option is having balloons tossed towards you and your partner as you exit the venue.

So, whether your wedding is an indoor or outdoor affair, you can use balloons to create a fun send-off.

●      Blow Bubbles

Blowing bubbles are a great way to avoid the stress from cleaning up afterward, as you would with petals and streamers.

Asides from avoiding cleanup, blowing bubbles for the send-off can add a dreamy effect to the event. Also, blowing bubbles isn’t only restricted to daylight weddings because there is an option of Glow-in-the-dark balloons.

And if you employ sufficient lighting, the bubble fest would be just as fun after daylight.

●      Artificial Snow

A fun send-off idea involves your guests throwing handfuls of artificial snow at you and your partner.

It will truly make for memorable pictures. Also, you may opt for the use of real snow and risk a full-blown snow fight! Either way, it all makes for so much fun.

If you’re looking for the perfect venue for your wedding, we’re confident you’re at the right place. Orchard View Wedding and Event Center has all the venue requirements you need to actualize your wedding dreams!

We provide fantastic views that are not only picture-worthy but will also be memorable to both you and your esteemed guests. We are eagerly waiting to be a part of your big day! Contact us today.

5 Unique Ideas For Your Outdoor Wedding

Every day, more couples embrace the concept of outdoor weddings, and you can understand why. Finally, there's a natural backdrop that refuses you nothing, especially in terms of decorations. Not only does it make for stunning wedding photos, but it also gives enough room for creativity!

However, being creative does not mean your decor needs to compete with nature. It doesn't also mean you should be minimal with your decor. The trick is in finding a point of cohesion and creating fantastic scenery. Find out some unique ideas you could use for your outdoor wedding!

●      Use The Light

To ensure that you capture the beauty of your venue and accentuate your views, you should choose the best hour of daylight to exchange your vows.

Exchanging your vows shortly before sunset is a great way to add a distinctive touch to your outdoor wedding.

●      Welcome A Terrace View

If possible, choose a location or an area with elevation. It often gives you a great view of the beautiful landscapes that surround the venue. Be sure also to give your wedding setting a panoramic effect.

●      Let Your Venue Speak

When you're going with a beautiful venue with great views, it only fits that you allow little embellishment.

Your decor needs to meet with nature cohesively. Suppose there are specific and unique natural elements at your venues, such as mountains or lakes. In that case, you can set up your tablescape to complement the view.

●      Embrace Spontaneous Originality

You can incorporate some characters that look to enhance the landscape into your big day. Barns, stables, and horses are some characteristics that can add to the personality of a wedding venue and make for great photo shots.

●      Outdoor Tents

Outdoor tents serve as an alternative plan against the rain or the sun and add life to the venue.

At Orchard View Wedding and Event Center, we have suitable locations for your outdoor wedding or even any wedding of your choice!

We offer venue services and also have professional wedding coordinators. They will help you, guide you and walk with you every step of your wedding planning process to see that your wedding dreams come to life! Call us now.

5 Fun Ideas To Inspire Your Summer Wedding

Summer is the most famous time of the year for weddings, mainly because it gives room for traveling and vacation, contributing to the number of audiences. In addition, summer has always been a source of inspiration for most wedding trends and ideas.

However, wedding trends never stop evolving, especially in the summer, as most couples want an outstanding event!

And even when you don't like to follow the crowd, there's always something for everyone when it comes to having a summer wedding.

Excitingly, we're hoping you enjoy the fun ideas we're listing below, in case you were considering a summer wedding!

●      Use Welcome Bags

Welcome bags at weddings can serve as both welcoming items and wedding favors. You may either serve them at your venue entrance or leave them atop your guests' seats.

Another fun way is to serve them in your guests' hotel room if they're staying over for the duration of your wedding activities.

●      Bare Some Skin

With the weather during the summer season, it's only fitting you let your skin breathe. So a tea-length dress that will flatter your figure is appropriate for your summer wedding.

●      Use Bunting

Bunting at summer weddings is pretty fun and also suited for vintage weddings. Bunting comes in different styles and designs, and you can always mix and match them to serve you. Also, you can DIY with bunting.

●      An Area For Shade

At your wedding, especially if it's an outdoor affair, there will be guests who may love someplace to hang, asides from the wedding area and away from loud music. A place for shade with lounge chairs and a rug on the floor would be nice.

●      A Wisteria Installation

Nothing spells summer fun at a wedding more than a wisteria. So have a statement installation by filling your ceiling space with wisteria, whether natural or artificial.

Suppose you're looking for the perfect venue for your summer wedding or your wedding in any season. In that case, we're confident the Orchard View is the right place to have the perfect big day!

We're sure to meet your unique wedding venue needs between our Grand View, Lake View, and Terrace view locations. Contact us today!

4 Factors to Consider When Planning Your Wedding in 2021

An exciting time in your life that will be filled with happiness and stress will be planning your wedding. It can be a daunting exercise, even when you're having a small wedding. There are so many things to do, as well as tiny details and loose ends to tighten.

However, it's all worth it from the beginning to the end! And there are ways to lighten the stress; they involve knowing the first things first and working closely with the knowledge.

It would be best to consider certain factors while planning your wedding to organize and plan effectively. Some of these factors appear below!

●      Get A Journal

Planning a wedding has its ups and downs. There will be times you'll want to put things (like a to-do list) down, so you don't forget them.

And there will be times you'll be overwhelmed that you want to vent in all the expressions you can utter. A journal is usually the constant friend in these times. It mustn't be a physical note; you can keep a wedding blog if the internet is your thing.

●      Set A Date

Nothing makes sense in planning a wedding if there's no date to work with. Be sure to sit with your partner and decide on a date that suits you best.

Sometimes, an adjustable date is best. We say this because venues may not be available at the time of your choosing, except, of course, you plan on having a small wedding at your home.

●      Know Your Budget

Talk with your partner, punch numbers, and conclude how much you have available to spend for your wedding. Otherwise, you'll end up paying too much on one aspect, like your wedding dress, only to find out that you can't handle the next effectively.

●      Get a Good Venue

Once you've decided your budget, there's a need to start searching for a suitable venue. If your budget looks tight, then you probably need to host your ceremony and reception at the same venue. Also, it helps reduce the stress of having to drive guests from one venue to the other.

An excellent venue for your perfect wedding is Orchard View Wedding and Event Center! We offer fantastic wedding locations with three unique views.

Also, we provide you with wedding officials that will listen to your needs and help you plan an unforgettable wedding. Click here to contact us today!

Your Reception Venue: What to Look For

A wedding venue is the most important decision you’ll make right after deciding your wedding budget. Asides from asking the right questions, look at your potential wedding venue. A walk around the place will help you figure out how suitable it may be for your wedding.

Now, while taking a tour around your wedding venue, there are some factors you’ll need to check out. This is especially true when you have an accurate picture or vision for the wedding you want. Some of these factors are on the list below!

●      Spaces for Eating, Drinking, And Partying

There will be times at your wedding when your guests will want to have a separate space to drink and mingle, and that’s just one reason your wedding venue must be spacious enough.

A partying area, however, is one of the essential factors to consider. When taking your wedding venue tour, be sure to imagine how your wedding will look in the space you’re standing. Try to note the obstructions in the venue and figure out ways to handle them if you can. Otherwise, obstructions in spaces can be a considerable vibe kill to your party flow.

●      Privacy

As much as privacy differs with couples and venues, having your wedding at a venue where strangers could walk past your party wouldn’t be pleasant. That is unless, of course, you’re inviting more guests than you know.

Other factors that may affect the privacy of your wedding include sounds. If you’re having your wedding at a venue where they hold more than one event at a time, most times, the sounds clash as they pierce through walls, distracting your guests.

There’s a need to visit the venue on a night that hosts two parties so that you can understand what it’s like.

●      Check For Restrooms

With your event lasting through the afternoon and sometimes overnight, there’s a need to ensure that there are restrooms that are convenient and clean enough for your wedding guests.

A suitable wedding venue with panoramic views, natural effects, and all provisions that tackle your many venue concerns always go a long way.

We understand this at Orchard View Wedding and Event Center. We have provided three excellent and extraordinary picturesque locations for the perfect wedding; The Grand View, The Terrace View, and The Lake View.

No matter the season and time, having a wedding at our venue is always a fantastic experience! Our three locations are great options for your wedding.

We will also provide you with a professional wedding coordinator from our team of professionals to see that your wedding visions come to life! Contact us today

4 Ways To Have A Perfect Rustic Themed Wedding

Rustic-themed weddings are becoming quite famous in recent times. Maybe it's because it gives a vibe of relaxation while employing natural elements.

While rustic-themed weddings can hold indoors, it is most suitable or perfect for the outdoors, unless, of course, it fits in a barn, mostly the case these days.

Even with a rustic-themed wedding oozing relaxation and simplicity, there are quite a few ways to see that you pull it off perfectly. We're excited to share them below!

●      Venue

Going natural without the fuss and unnecessary shenanigans at your wedding are the sole reason for having a rustic theme.

This vision can come to life with venues with a lakeside view, mountain, barn, or a farmhouse to create the effect.

However, if you're unwilling to use the great outdoors, you may use a hall and tailor your decor to do the trick, often employing a neutral palette.

●      Your Menu

Your wedding menu can reflect your theme too. Serving a home-style meal, say barbecue coupled with a traditional drink like lemonade and strawberry wine, will work great here.

Also, easy foods and bites like tacos, pastries, and baked bread will give an air of relaxation and make your guests more comfortable. Many of your guests probably traveled from afar to attend your event and could use a little relaxation.

●      Your Clothes

Having a more straightforward look in contrast to the usual fussy clothes couples wear at their wedding is a significant way to accentuate the rustic theme.

For instance, having wildflowers as your bouquet while the groom dons a tweed suit would announce a natural, casual, and relaxed feel or touch. Also, you may add cowboy hats and boots for an even quirky look.

●      Your Decorations

Wood is often a part of the rustic-themed wedding. Wildflowers, Mason jars, seasonal fruits, burlap, etc., all ake up the theme too. Utilize things that bring in nature and give a relaxed vibe.

Also, there are places where you need a bit of color for your rustic-themed decor, and the colors it associates with include orange, brown, purple, red, etc. Be sure to combine them in ways that are suitable for your environment.

With Orchard View Wedding and Event Center, you don't need to do much, as we already have the perfect venue for your unique wedding theme. They are of three exceptional options; the Lakeview, the Terrace view, and the Grand view.

We provide you with a picturesque venue suitable for your wedding vision! We also offer the services of a professional wedding coordinator to see that your wedding turns out perfectly. Contact us today for a wedding experience of a lifetime.

6 Fun Ways to Impress Your Wedding Guests

Most times, weddings are too traditional that you can easily predict the next activity on the day’s events.

Traditions are great, no doubt. But making your wedding stand out in fabulous ways not only makes your event inspiration to many but also unforgettable long after it’s over!

We’re sure there are many ways to impress your wedding guests without overly spending above your budget. And if you’re wondering how we have your back on this one!

●      Statement Exit

If your reception is a night-time event, then fireworks are so in place! An alternative is to have your guests hold out sparklers and accompany you out of the reception to your car.

●      Guests’ Emergency Kit?

Yes! Emergency kits for your guests are a unique way to impress them. If your wedding party is lasting through the night, then a kit containing all the hangover items is perfect. Things like aspirin, energy bars, water, etc., for the following morning will go a great way.

●      Your Cake Display

Be creative with your cake display. A statement cake, surrounded with twinkling lights and tender florals, can keep attention to your cake stand and give room for admiration and awe.

●      Late Night Treats

One of the ways to impress people is by being unpredictable. When your wedding guests feel like the party is over and the night is gone, present them with some late-night bites and see how your party picks life again.

●      Interactive Games

Interactive games aren’t only impressive but also a fun way to get people acquainted at your wedding. Making more friends and business partners won’t be out of place. Example of the games you could use is a coloring stand or a cornhole.

●      Have A Photobooth

There are often many styles to try out with a photo booth at weddings. Having one at your wedding will keep your guests entertained. They’ll love having fun with the camera! We assure you they’ll be impressed and happy.

Of all the fun ways to impress your wedding guests, a stunning wedding view is a unique way. If they can have perfect pictures at every turn, that’s the part that will impress them more than anything else!

At Orchard View Wedding and Event Center, we provide you with incredible views to celebrate the new journey together with your partner.

We also have a team of professional wedding coordinators that will see that your wedding is as perfect as you want it to be! Contact us today.

Top Wedding Trends of 2021

Let’s take a look at the most popular 2021 wedding trends, what we see happening more often and what new looks that will be coming out this year. We’ve put a couple ‘must haves’ together for you! 

The Welcome Box

As soon as your guests arrive, wouldn’t it be nice to offer a personal touch just to show your loved ones that you care about them on your wedding day? A welcome kit filled with a wedding favor, personalized hand sanitizers, masks or even a program of your event. This allows your guests to unbox something as they arrive and being welcomed in a personalized way is such a nice touch. 

Tents and Lighting  

Outdoor weddings and lighting are becoming a big interest in 2021 and can bring a romantic and airy ambiance to your wedding day. After the sun goes down, you want to add lighting that will set the tone and mood for your evening. They have also become a trend as they provide your guests and vendors a safe, outdoor environment. Start thinking outside of the box as there are so many different ways you can add a touch of light outside at night! You can easily pull off a beautiful, outdoor, light filled wedding night here at Orchard View!

Colour Trends

Colour is the new white – or so they say.  Lively colour palettes and prints are booming in the wedding industry this year taking us back to the 90’s. Couples are diving into fresh, floral-driven and unusual colour schemes and incorporating all sorts of colours into their décor, wedding accessories and foods. We can’t wait to see all of the bright colours come together this summer! 

Champagne Toast

Speeches are a must at weddings, why not give your guests something fabulous to sip on and toast with during them!  Celebration Champagne has become a big hit at weddings this year, and it is a nice way to thank your guests throughout your evening in a small way.  If your budget can’t accommodate Champagne, speak to your venue about the sparkling wines they have to offer, they are usually less than half the cost, and often equally delicious!

Weekday Weddings

More couples are opting for a weekday wedding - and there’s a reason you should too…Even the most sought after, expensive venues have a weekday discount! So that venue of your dreams just may well be within your reach after all.

Don’t forget - with so many people working flex hours nowadays, you might be surprised at your guests availability on a Wednesday afternoon!

Furniture/Floor plans

With smaller guest counts for weddings these days, it leaves couples more room to splurge in cozy living room décor such as couches, fancy tables and plush pillows that help translate the beautiful outdoors. Creating comfortable chairs and lounge seating offers comfort and warmth and the right design can do that. Your guests will find themselves sitting for longer periods of time so choose the right comfort for them!

Mini Treats

Personalized plates or “Canape Palettes” have become increasingly popular and include anything from a charcuterie board for one, a single serving grazing board or even a to go box. Couples are finding safe ways to celebrate with their loved one’s while being creative and inventive with cocktail hour themes to be served individually to their guests. Get creative with food and beverage to add a little thrill and “wow” for your guests

Remember, these are just some of the ideas out there - your event specialist, venue, planner, friends and family all have tons of ideas too, but after all, it’s Your Wedding, Your Way! So keep calm enjoy the process, and do what feels right to you!

Until Next Week!

Let Me Entertain You!

Today’s blog post is all about keeping your guests entertained, and the party going all night (even with all these Covid-19 restrictions!)

With ever changing government guidelines, we know it’s not an easy time to be planning the most expensive party of your lives!  We’ve reached out to our brides and grooms recently and the number one question (after, CAN WE EVEN HAVE OUR WEDDING?) is: what are some alternative entertainment ideas that we have seen that we can incorporate in our socially distanced wedding?

We’ve been thinking outside the box, and have some great ideas for you!

Live Entertainment 

Think about having a band play during dinner, or even later on in the evening, consider it like a private mini concert for your nearest and dearest!  Your guests will have a great time and not even leave their seats!

If a band isn’t your cup of tea, what about a dance troupe, or a night of comedy –we could all use some laughter right now! 

Bride & Groom Trivia 

After dinner, how about an ice breaker game – personalized Jeopardy!  Such a fun and interactive way to get the conversation going between your guests.

Your guests will all be competing to prove who knows you best!  Make it even more high stakes with a great prize to the winner. 

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Place a disposable camera on each table and a list (every table is a different list).  The rules of the game are simple, you have to take the photo from your table, and the first team (table) to complete the list of required snaps, is the winner!  The list can include things like: a photo of the bride with cake in her mouth, a guest wearing blue, the mother of the bride smiling, someone with a baby…you get the idea!  If your wedding is small, you can make the hunt more personal, have fun with it.  Be respectful and not embarrassing to anyone, but it can be a great way to keep your guests entertained.

Retro Games

Set out some of your favorite games that you both love for your guests to jump into - Connect Four, Jenga, Guess Who…

Casino Party

Hire a mobile casino, have some poker or black jack tables set up with dealers, instead of favours, give your guests a stack of chips to play with and a commemorative chip that they can keep!  This could be really fun, and still safely executed with proper social distancing and sanitizing of the tables. 

Regardless of your entertainment choices, it is still important to remember the value of your DJ or EmCee.   They are absolutely essential even if dancing is not going to be allowed, but they keep the party rolling, informing your guests of the fun to come, introducing your speeches, and getting the guests hyped up. 

Happy planning, and remember, your guests are coming to see this beautiful moment in your lives, they just want to be part of it…so don’t stress too much about the small stuff! 

 Until next week!

5 Food Trends for 2021 Weddings

It’s Valentine’s week, and Love is certainly in the air, what better way to show your love than with food…that’s why this week we decided to share with you our favorite food trends for 2021 weddings! We dare you to get through this blog without drooling :)

HERITAGE COOKING

Perhaps our favourite trend this year is Heritage Cooking (yes we know we are big suckers for all things nostalgic)! But when you consider it, it makes complete sense…honouring the traditions and cooking of your different cultures, and evoking those preserved memories, it’s a pretty symbolic representation of what a marriage is all about. We love the idea of pulling a favourite dish from your heritage and presenting it to your guests. At Orchard View, we are constantly working with our couples to create the perfect menu that represents them. Some of our favorite ideas are things like serving Bannock instead of bread, or how about Tandoori Chicken Naan pizzas for cocktail hour. Have fun with this food trend, don’t overthink it, but certainly explore your options.

COMFORT FOOD

What’s better than a big bowl of creamy, piping hot Mac & Cheese? Um…nothing! But we can certainly think of many other comforting foods to warm your soul, and yes, they can be served at your wedding too! We get that you may not want to eat a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in your beautiful white wedding dress, but still, this is a trend that deserves further exploration. For cocktail receptions we’re thinking mini grilled cheese sandwiches with creamy tomato soup shooters, fried chicken bites on waffles or even a baked potato bar with all the accoutrements! YUM

BRUNCH

We absolutely LOVE this food trend. Well ok, we absolutely love them all, but brunch has become a big hit with groups of all ages. Whoever came up with this really deserves recognition (we looked it up for you, a Mimosa toast to Mr. Guy Beringer is in order). Such a fun, casual and relaxed meal - it might even cure the hangover blues from a fantastic party the night before.   Just think, smoked salmon eggs benedict, or cheesecake stuffed French toast, candied bacon, and tater tot nachos? Add Bottomless Mimosa service or a Caesar Bar and your brunch is complete!

PLANT BASED and HEALTHIER MENUS

Health has become an especially important topic this year. Taking care of your body and being conscious of what you put into it. We have discovered that although many couples want to indulge on their wedding day, they still want to be relatively healthy. They want their guests to have options and feel as though they are stuffing their faces. Talk to your venue about unique items that you can offer your guests that leave them feeling refreshed. Just because you are being healthy, does not mean you need to suffer in the taste department! There are many exciting and unique substitutions for many of those unhealthy options. Love Fries? Try Avocado fries instead! Love a creamy butternut squash soup? Ask your venue to substitute the cream for coconut milk.  Healthy can still be delicious.

LATE NIGHT STATIONS

Late night stations! We have discussed this before, but we really really love this! Personalized Late Night Stations are the way of the future. Ever thought of a Shawarma Station, Make your Own Pasta Station or a Taco Bar? Just when the party is kicking off and dinner is a distant memory, stave off tummy grumbles by offering customized Happy Meals with a mini boozy milkshake (super cute!). Once again, the only limitation is your imagination…so think big!

Do you like our picks for 2021 food trends, or did we forget something deliciously epic? Let us know in the comments.

until next week!