Created Lovely Events – Okanagan Wedding Planner

specializing in

vineyard, orchard,
and private estate weddings
IN THE OKANAGAN VALLEY

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@CREATEDLOVELYEVENTS

Hello plan C, D, E, F already. The most memorable

Hello plan C, D, E, F already. The most memorable word from my tourism degree was “risk management” and never has that come into play more.

The pandemic has been interesting in the sense that not only are we following ever changing regulations, there’s also perceived safety to make guests feel more comfortable as they arrive that precautions are in place (putting out sanitizer and signage) and the actual safety of going above and beyond to ensure the event has actually operated as safely as possible.

One thing we’ve been looking at has been if seating charts should/could apply to ceremonies, cocktail hours and dinner. If each ceremony row was up to a max of 6 people and numbered, that same number could apply to a cocktail table or lounge set for cocktail hour, which would then correspond for dinner.

Essentially one number you stick to for the full day.

This isn’t mandatory (current mandate when things lift above 10 guests is just 6 people per table)- but would work well for people that have a very cautious guest list. It would be the easiest way to ensure guests stayed within their bubble throughout the entire event and mitigate the risk as a couple hosting knowing there was very little cross over. Ultimately my biggest goal is to see weddings happen this summer under whatever restrictions necessary and that our team goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel comfortable and are able to enjoy themselves in the safest way possible. 💕

Have you thought of any ideas to help put guests at ease and maintain safety?? I’d love to hear them!! 👇

Place cards: 10 years ago I was decorating a hall

Place cards:

10 years ago I was decorating a hall in a town where I hauled an entire carload of decor 3 hours away to a wedding (I literally couldn’t move my legs it was so full). Royce and I did not know how to drape a room. Did we? Yes. Should we have? Debatable.

We were finishing up the room the next morning that had zero air conditioning and later realized no one had planned any water glasses or water service for the table (I was solely the decorator- this part is irrelevant other than a gentle reminder to plan water.)

Our last step was the place cards and then we were leaving before any guests arrived. It should’ve been simple. Grab the cards I’d been given and put them on the tables. Simple had they been separated per table, in seat order, and labeled if they go left to right.

These were not in order. Nor did I know a single persons name so after an hour of them all sprawled on the floor while I tried to match them to the seating chart and hope that the seating chart was labeled in proper seat order... it didn’t work. Guests came in and alas. No place cards on the table. (Which is just as much an error on my end for not checking when these were handed to me!)

Moral of the story- this planner never did a wedding where the place cards were not super organized and individually bagged and ordered per table the night before again.

(Better yet- when @paperocelot ships them to me she asks for the seating chart ahead of time and puts them in order and wraps them individually... And I love her for it.)

👏🏻keep👏🏻those👏🏻place cards👏🏻organized👏🏻

Tented reception at Ponderosa Point. This location

Tented reception at Ponderosa Point. This location made for the perfect wedding weekend complete with wine in each guests’ cabin with a welcome itinerary. A Friday night catered BBQ and kegs of local beer. And a Sunday send off with McDonalds breakfast.

Saturday night of the wedding also had a surprise food truck arrival of Jeffers Fries for burgers and poutine. We got to stay at one of the cabins so it was almostttt as good as being one of the guests!

@roycesihlisweddings

Been playing in different realms for a while now w

Been playing in different realms for a while now with @createdlovelyliving and weddings. I feel like I’ve just replaced real flowers in weddings with floral wallpaper in interiors 😂. Can’t take the wedding planner out of the girl. Rowyn’s room is coming together and I can’t wait to finish it soon. The sweetest toddler room for my almost 3 year old.

I’ve been fortunate to have so much crossover in clients and have even had the chance to work with some of my previous and existing wedding clients on their homes. If you’re looking for interior design boards and shopping lists to steer you into the right direction- I’m now booking into April and would love to help you love your home. 💕

Design boards include:
- initial design consult (phone or zoom)
- digital design board to visualize how your space will come together with each new piece
- shopping list of each item and how to easily purchase

Feel free to DM me for pricing or email at nicole@createdlovely.ca

What is the true benefit of a tent? - Shade - Win

What is the true benefit of a tent?

- Shade
- Wind barrier when you use it to do 1/3 of the tent with walls
- Allows a tent heater or air conditioner to work properly when walls are on
- Framework for lighting
- Creates atmosphere and a sense of place, especially in a really large grass area
- lastly rain coverage

The misconception is that tents are for rain. In reality, rainy weddings are quite rare. Wind is a lot more likely and being able to use tent walls to block this makes for a much more enjoyable dinner. Tents are Always worst the cost.

Did you know that the sweet spot for photos isn’

Did you know that the sweet spot for photos isn’t usually when they’re scheduled on a wedding day? The best photos from the day often come from a point between dinner and speeches/dancing when the sun has started setting. The light is the softest and everyone is relaxed and present.

If you’re able to- work with your photographer on your wedding schedule to ensure some quick time for photos during the best light of the day- not just mid afternoon.

How many bridesmaids/groomsmen should you have? I

How many bridesmaids/groomsmen should you have?

In short- as many as you want! Boys, girls, doesn’t matter. Friendship isn’t a matching game- your bridal party sizes don’t need to be the same.

In long: if you have a planner or designer that is doing your setup/tear down for you, your bridal party number isn’t really there to be “helpful” as much as they’re there to be supportive.

Your bridal party are the people you spend the majority of your wedding day with. You’ll get ready together, travel to the ceremony/reception together, stand with them before you walk down the aisle, spend 1-2 hours of photo time with them, and also typically sit with them at dinner.

Choose the people you want the most time with on your wedding day. And protect your energy wisely. If you’re introverted- maybe a smaller bridal party will create more calm for you where you need it. Whoever you choose- pick the people who bring a genuine, positive, and excited energy for you that day. 💕

What month should you get married in the Okanagan?

What month should you get married in the Okanagan? There’s no such thing as the perfect month but here’s how I break it down as an outdoor planner.

May:
- young vines
- would still use tent heaters in the evening

June:
- the rainy month. June is hit or miss for perfect warm weather or rain.
- sun is out the longest so generally dancing vibes can take a bit longer waiting for it to get darker.

July:
- generally guaranteed sunshine.
- ... generally guaranteed sunshine. Meaning book those tent fans or misters and have water and fans/programs available for the ceremony.

August:
- in my opinion; one of the best wedding months.
- Can be Smokey, just depends on how rainy June is and how hot July got
- vines are lush and guests generally can easily take holidays

September:
- mild warm weather
- lush vines
- often a slightly higher percentage of no’s to RSVP’s as “summer holidays” are over
- tent heaters after the first week

Remember “perfect” weather doesn’t really exist. It’s always a bit of a risk- plan for the worst and hope for the best! Wind is worse than rain. And rain can be worse than smoke. It all just depends! Stay prepared. ☀️ 🌧 💨