5 Essential Wedding Rehearsal Tips!
Although a wedding rehearsal is particularly important, it can also be one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process!
It’s a chance for you to run through the entire ceremony and reception with your wedding party so that everyone knows what to do on the big day. Here are five tips to help make your rehearsal a success!
· Send Out Invitations in Advance
Make sure everyone who needs to be at the rehearsal knows the date, time, and location. This includes your officiant, bridal party, parents, and anyone else who will play a role in the wedding.
· Have A Backup Plan
Have a backup plan ready if something goes wrong during the rehearsal (someone forgets their cue, etc.). This way, you can avoid any stressful surprises on the big day.
· Rehearse In the Same Location as The Wedding
If possible, rehearse in the same space where the ceremony and reception will be held. This will help everyone get a feel for the venue’s layout and how to move around in it.
· Take Your Time
There’s no need to rush through the rehearsal. Instead, take your time to walk through each section of the ceremony and reception so everyone knows what’s expected of them.
· Have Fun!
The rehearsal is a chance to relax and have fun with your wedding party. Enjoy this special time together before the big day arrives!
We love wedding rehearsals because everyone gets a sweet taste of what’s to come on the big day! The only thing left is for you to book the right venue for your rehearsal and the wedding.
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is the perfect place for this! Our venue has hosted beautiful weddings and special events for years, and we can’t wait for yours to be next!
We built this venue to give happy couples like you a place to celebrate their love so the whole world may see and appreciate it.
Whether you book The Terrace, The Grandview, or The Lakeview, our venue promises to create memories that will last forever. Click here to contact us on this beautiful day!
7 Unique Parts of a Wedding Venue to Capture Photos
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so choosing a venue that will provide a beautiful backdrop that will help forge memories to last a lifetime is essential. Here are some unique features to look for when selecting a wedding venue!
· A Scenic View
Look for a venue with breathtaking views of nature or the cityscape. This will provide a stunning backdrop for your photos.
· Unique Architecture
A venue with interesting architecture can make for some really unique photos. Look for venues with unusual shapes or interesting details.
· Natural Light
Good lighting is essential for great photos, so look for venues with plenty of natural light. Windows and skylights are a plus!
· Interesting Textures
Textured surfaces can add interest to your photos. Look for venues with materials like stone, brick, or wood.
· Clean Lines
Simple, clean lines make for elegant photos. Avoid venues with cluttered or busy decor.
· Personalized Touches
Your wedding is a chance to show off your personality, so look for ways to personalize your venue. This could include adding your decorations or choosing a venue with special meaning to you and your loved one.
· Great Staff
Lastly, be sure to choose a venue with friendly and accommodating staff. They will be a big help on your big day!
We guarantee you’ll have a beautiful and memorable wedding when you find a venue with all these features. You don’t have to search too far, though; The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is replete with all these features and so much more!
We’re a large, lovely, luxurious wedding venue built in the Canadian countryside. So, if you’re looking for a place where serene beauty dominates, there’s no place like The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center.
The breathtaking views our venue offers, the 20,000 square feet of space, the lovely lake, and three unique ceremony sites all offer something different for your big day. And you’ll have onsite coordinators and the most professional yet friendly staff that a wedding venue in Ontario can offer!
Congratulations on your engagement. We feel honored to be part of such a beautiful and momentous day. Contact us here today!
3 Reasons to Give Out Throw Blankets at a Wedding Venue
There are several reasons to give out throw blankets at your wedding venue. They can also be used as decoration, adding color and style to your reception area. So, what will you use the throw blankets for?
· There is Beauty in Variety
Throw blankets can be purchased in various colors and styles to match your wedding theme. For example, consider giving out white throw blankets if you have a beach-themed wedding or brightly colored throw blankets if your reception takes place in the summer.
Whatever your choice, ensure that the throw blankets you select are of good quality to last through the night.
· A Lovely Yet Practical Gift
Another reason to give out throw blankets at your wedding is to provide a practical and useful gift for your guests. Many couples give out throw blankets as part of their wedding favors, and guests can use them in their homes after the event.
If you are giving out throw blankets as gifts, include a note explaining how the throw blanket can be used. This will show your guests that you’re thinking about their needs and you care about their comfort.
· A Favor to Cherish
Finally, giving out throw blankets at your wedding venue is a great way to show appreciation for your guests. Your guests will remember the thoughtful gesture, making them feel more valued.
When selecting throw blankets for your wedding, be sure to choose those that best reflect the overall theme of your event; you can give out throw blankets that will make a lasting impression on your guests.
Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is a large and luxurious wedding venue built at the heart of the Canadian countryside. Natural beauty bathes our venue with an ancient lake, sprawling gardens, a waterfall, and perfectly manicured gardens!
Our indoor and outdoor venues were built to accommodate any wedding in any season. So, whether you book The Terrace, The Grandview, or The Lakeview (our three unique ceremony sites), you’ll love what our venue offers!
The décor, the ambiance, and the experience will all converge to give you an Ontario wedding like no other. Contact us now!
Setting a Lovely Head Table: Flowers and Style!
When planning a wedding, there are many details you must tend to: the dress, the venue, the flowers, etc.
While these elements are all important, the flowers you choose for your wedding head table can make a statement and add a touch of elegance to your big day. Any professional wedding decorator and designer will attest to this!
If you’re unsure how a head table can make a difference in the look and feel of your wedding, have a read below!
· There is Beauty in the Right Flowers
Many beautiful flowers would work well for a head table, but some varieties are more popular than others. Roses, lilies, and orchids are all classic choices that are sure to please. But use daisies, sunflowers, or hydrangeas if you’re looking for something a little different.
No matter what type of flower you choose, be sure to select fresh blooms in colors that complement your wedding theme!
· There is Beauty in a Unique Design
When arranging the flowers, there are a few things to remember. First, you’ll want to ensure the arrangements are tall enough, so they don’t block guests’ view of the head table.
Second, use various colors and textures to create interest and depth. And finally, don’t forget about the vases!
Choosing unique vases that reflect your style is a great way to add a finishing touch to your head table floral arrangements.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to selecting the perfect flowers for your wedding head table. With so many gorgeous options, we’re confident you’ll find lovely blooms that reflect your unique style and personality!
Do you have any other tips for choosing head table flowers? We’d love to hear and help incorporate them into your wedding theme!
For many years, the Orchard View Wedding and Event Center has hosted beautiful weddings for beautiful people. Throughout that time, we’ve been privileged enough to help couples realize the dream wedding they’ve been nurturing since they were little. The head table is often a part of that dream!
Remember, that table will be set where everyone will see and appreciate you, so it must be decorated beautifully and put in the perfect place!
Our venue offers so much space and locations that you have endless options of where to set the head table up. In addition, you can use any flowers you want because our venue will further add to their beauty!
You can choose from our three ceremony sites to celebrate your big day. Some of our past couples loved The Terrace, while others asked for the Lakeview. But we have a feeling you’ll like the Grandview the most because it’s the most popular of the three!
But regardless of which of them you choose, we guarantee your Ontario wedding will be one of the highlights of the beautiful new life you’re starting. So, congratulations, and contact us here to book our luxurious wedding venue!
Appreciating Wedding Vendors
It’s your wedding day! You’ve been planning and dreaming about this day for months, maybe even years! Everything is perfect, and you couldn’t be happier. But don’t forget to show some love to the people who helped make your big day possible - your wedding vendors! Here are five ways to appreciate your wedding vendors on your wedding day!
· Send Them a Thank You Note or Card
A handwritten note is always appreciated, but a quick text or email will suffice too! Just let them know how much you appreciate their hard work in making your wedding day perfect.
· Give Them a Tip
If you’re happy with their services, consider giving them a cash tip to say thanks. It doesn’t have to be too large or small; as long as the amount doesn’t harm your bank account, it’s fine.
· Give Them a Positive Review
After your wedding, leave them a positive review on their website or social media pages. This will help other couples looking for vendors in the future!
· Refer Them to Your Friends
If you know someone who is getting married, refer your vendors to them! They’ll appreciate the gesture, and it will benefit their business!
· Say Thank You
Last but not least, simply saying “thank you” goes a long way! Tell them you’re grateful for their services and had a great experience working with them!
Thanking your vendors is a small gesture that can make a big difference. They work hard to make your wedding day memorable and perfect, so take a moment to show your appreciation!
We expect to see multiple vendors working together to realize your dream wedding. But we also know they’ll need a venue as they work towards helping you celebrate the big day. The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is ready to work with them and render exceptional services to you!
We’re one of Ontario’s most sought-after wedding and event venues simply because we offer what few other wedding venues do: professionalism, high-quality service, and a stunning venue complemented by all the beauty nature provides.
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center rests in the Canadian countryside. It’s bordered by natural beauty and gives you opportunities to take timeless wedding photos at incredible locations with natural and made-made attractions.
The breathtaking views alone make our wedding venue the best place to celebrate your wedding and capture special moments in photos. In addition, there’s a lake that rings over 20,000 square feet of space, and you can use it to your advantage.
From hiring a live band to decorating the venue with unique decorations to match your wedding theme, our venue is a canvas awaiting you to paint a beautiful day!
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center will give you the perfect wedding. We guarantee it because everything about our venue was made with you in mind and heart. Contact us now!
5 Great Tips for Getting More Guests on The Dance Floor!
The wedding reception is often one of the most anticipated parts of the big day. It’s a time to let loose, celebrate with loved ones, and hit the dance floor!
But if you’re worried about priming your guests for the dance session with sweet music, don’t be! Here are five tips to help get more guests on the dance floor at your wedding reception!
· Play Upbeat Music That Everyone Can Enjoy
Guests of all ages will appreciate music that gets them moving and encourages them to let loose! Avoid playing slow songs or songs with lyrics that might not be appropriate for a mixed crowd.
· Get The Party Started Early
Don’t wait until the end of the night to start playing dancing tunes. Instead, play the music loud and true right after the first dance and keep it throughout the night!
· Encourage Guests to Hit the Dance Floor with Fun Games or Activities
Games like musical chairs or limbo are great ways to get guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. They’re simple to play but very entertaining!
· Make Sure There’s Plenty of Space for Dancing
If your venue is cramped, it will be harder for guests to get up and move around. Make sure there’s plenty of room for dancing by clearing out furniture or opening up areas that might usually be off-limits.
· Hire A Professional DJ Or Band
A professional DJ or band will know how to read a crowd and play sweet music, encouraging guests to dance. They’ll also be able to keep the energy up all night long!
Heed these tips to get more guests on the dance floor at your wedding reception. They might seem simple, but you’ll be surprised how effective they can be. So, book the right DJ, book the perfect wedding venue with a large dance floor, and prepare to enjoy a fantastic wedding!
Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is a gorgeous wedding and event venue resting in the quiet Canadian countryside, flanked by natural beauty and defined by the perfect ambiance.
Our venue will give you a chance to celebrate a wedding unique to you because the breathtaking views it offers, the amenities it’s equipped with, and the professional staff will all come together to ensure you enjoy a most memorable celebration!
Celebrate your big day at any of our three ceremony sites: The Terrace, The Lakeview, and The Grandview are all unique structures that promise an experience you’ll never forget. Contact us here today!
Celebrating a Magical Harry Potter-Themed Wedding!
If you and your partner are Harry Potter fans, there’s no better way to celebrate your love than with a Harry Potter-themed wedding! And what could be more magical than getting married at Hogwarts?
While there’s no actual Hogwarts castle you can get married, there are plenty of ways to bring the magic of Harry Potter into your wedding day!
From invitations and decorations to food and drink, there are endless possibilities for creating a truly unforgettable Harry Potter-themed wedding. Here are some tips on how to make your big day extra magical!
· Venue
First, you’ll need to find the perfect venue for your Harry Potter-themed wedding. Consider opting for an outdoor setting that looks like it could be straight out of the wizarding world, like a forest or meadow. For a more indoor option, look for a stunning banquet hall with high ceilings and big windows.
· Decorations
Once you’ve found the perfect venue, it’s time to start decorating! Use your imagination and go all out with Harry Potter-themed decorations. Think floating candles, quidditch goalposts, and plenty of Hogwarts house banners!
You can hang them from the ceiling, arrange them on tables, or use them as signage; your imagination is the limit!
· Invitations
Send out invitations that look like they came straight from Hogwarts. You can find templates online or have them custom-made.
· Dress Code
Consider having everyone dress up in their favorite Harry Potter character’s robes for your wedding party. This will add an extra touch of magic to your big day!
As for the bride and groom, you could opt for traditional wizarding attire or go more modern with your wedding dress and suit.
· Food and Drink
No Harry Potter-themed wedding would be complete without some magical food and drink! So, serve up some traditional British fare like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. And don’t forget to include some signature Harry Potter drinks like Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice!
· Entertainment
Lastly, you’ll need to plan some fun entertainment for your guests. A live band playing some classic wizarding tunes is a great option. You could also hire a magician or fortune teller to add an extra touch of intrigue or dazzle your guests with fire dancers!
No matter how you incorporate Harry Potter into your wedding day, one thing is certain – follow our tips, and it will be a day that you and your guests will never forget!
Do you have any other ideas for a Harry Potter-themed wedding? We would love to hear them. And we might have some ideas that would intrigue you, too, because we’re no strangers to harry-themed events. We’ve hosted them before, and if that’s what you want, our venue is more than happy to double as a Hogwarts castle!
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center welcomes you to the Loyalist Province, where your beautiful wedding awaits. Our venue has features and amenities to complement your big day, whether it’s a Harry Potter wedding or something unique to you.
You can choose any of our three venues to celebrate your Ontario wedding. The Terrace has a beautiful large patio and unique chandeliers that will fit right at Hogwarts! The Lakeview adds nature’s beauty to your wedding with a manicured lawn, a lovely lake, and a beautiful garden. Then there’s the Grandview, the largest of our halls, offering a scenic view of our private lake and giving you access to expansive grounds!
We can’t wait to hear your wedding ideas. We’ll expand on them using everything our venue offers to make your wedding a day you’ll never forget! Contact us here today!
How To Follow Up on Missed RSVPs
It’s always a little disappointing when you don’t hear back from guests after sending out invitations. But remember that people are busy; sometimes, things get lost in the shuffle. The best way to handle missing RSVPs is to wait a bit, then give your guests a gentle reminder.
So, if you’ve sent out wedding invitations and haven’t received a response, here are a few things you can do to follow up and get an accurate head count!
· Wait a Few Days
First, give your guests a few days to respond. It’s possible they haven’t had a chance to sit down and fill out the RSVP card. If you still haven’t heard anything after a week or so, reach out by phone or email.
You can send all of them a mass email or text message. Or, if you have their contact information, give them a call.
· Be Polite
Be polite and understanding when contacting guests who have missed the RSVP deadline. After all, your guests are doing you a favor by attending your wedding!
Thank them for their time, and let them know that you’re just trying to get a final headcount to ensure everyone has a seat.
Don’t sweat it if you still don’t hear back after your reminder. Just assume that those guests aren’t coming and move on.
· One Gentle Reminder
Finally, don’t be afraid to give guests a gentle reminder about the RSVP deadline a few days before it passes. A simple email or text message should suffice. But this should be the last time you attempt to reach them.
Heed these tips to follow up with guests who have missed the RSVP deadline, and we guarantee you’ll have an accurate head count for your big day. But don’t worry too much about who will and won’t come; focus more on celebrating the big day!
You should be looking forward to all the fun, laughter, happy tears, and joy awaiting you on that beautiful day. And how do you make the most of it? Celebrate it in a venue that will add to the experience and make it something you’ll never forget!
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center is ever-ready to host your upcoming Ontario wedding. We host events and weddings in our three gorgeous sites: The Terrace, The Grandview, and The Lakeview.
Each of our three venues gives you something new to add to your big day. For example, the décor you use at The Terrace will give you a completely different look and feel when you use that same décor at The Grandview!
Which of the three venues will you book for your wedding? Click here to contact us, and we’ll help you decide.
Please tell us the type of wedding you want, and we’ll help you select the venue to use, the décor to display, and tend to all other aspects of your wedding planning too!
Who Can Sit at The Head Table with The Bride and Groom?
There is no set rule for who can sit at the head table with the bride and groom as it ultimately comes down to what they are comfortable with. However, some general guidelines can be followed to make the task easier!
· For the Immediate Family
Traditionally, the head table at a wedding is reserved for the immediate family members of the bride and groom.
This includes the parents, grandparents, siblings, and other close relatives. The bride and groom usually sit in the middle of the head table, with their parents on either side.
· For Special Guests
However, many couples choose to break with tradition and invite other special guests to sit at the head table with them. This could include friends, mentors, or anyone else who has played an important role in their lives.
If you have a large wedding party, you may want to consider having a separate table for them so that everyone has a chance to interact with the bride and groom during the reception.
Discuss whatever you decide with your partner so that you are on the same page. But if you still need help, answer these questions. They’ll help you when making your decision:
- Who do you want to be closest to on your big day? The head table is typically the centerpiece of the reception, so you’ll want to be surrounded by your nearest and dearest.
- Who will make the best conversation partners? Remember that you’ll sit next to these people for the entire reception, so choose those you know will be good company.
- Who do you want in your wedding photos? The head table is often where the most iconic wedding photos are taken, so consider who you want to be in them with you.
Again, it’s up to you who you include at the head table. Just be sure to choose those who will make the day even more special for you!
We understand that even though all your loved ones can’t be at the head table, you still want them to feel equally loved and appreciated. Our solution to this?
All you need is a beautiful place large enough to accommodate all your guests, gives off the right ambiance, and offers them utter comfort. We promise your loved ones will never forget how wonderful the day was!
The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center has proudly hosted countless weddings over the years, and we want your wedding to be the next one we host!
When we built our venue, we had one goal in mind: to give couples a place they can create memories that will last forever and experiences they will always recall with warm, fond smiles.
We achieved this by erecting a wedding and event venue whose beauty is only rivaled by its size. With over 20,000 square feet of space, our venue can accommodate almost three thousand guests (2500 guests, to be precise)!
The indoor venues can hold 400 guests, but what they lack in space, they make up for with modern amenities, luxurious décor, and the perfect ambiance! So, click here now to contact us and book our famed, beautiful wedding venue!
5 Simple Steps to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Date!
When it comes to wedding planning, choosing a date is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make. Because without a date, there can be no wedding! Here are five steps to help you choose the perfect date for your big day!
· Pick A Season
The weather is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a wedding date. For example, if you have your heart set on a summer ceremony, start planning early as popular months like June and July fill up quickly.
· Consider Your Budget
Wedding dates in peak seasons like summer or during holidays can often be more expensive than dates in off-peak times. If you’re working with a tight budget, opting for a date in the fall or winter may be your best bet.
· Check Your Calendar
Once you have a few dates in mind, look at your calendar and see if any major conflicts could make it difficult for you or your guests to attend.
· Ask Your Venue
If you’ve already booked a venue, check with them to see what dates they have available. Some venues may only be able to accommodate weddings on certain days or during specific months.
· Make It Official
Once you’ve considered all the above factors and narrowed down your date, it’s time to make it official! Reserve your venue, send out save-the-dates, and start counting the days until your big day.
Okay, now that you know the proper steps to secure a wedding date, have you booked a wedding photographer, caterer, and the other professionals’ services you’ll need for the perfect wedding?
What about the venue where the wedding will take place? Because that’s the most important aspect of wedding planning. Book The Orchard View Wedding and Event Center to handle this!
Congratulations once more on your engagement! It would be an honor to host the big day you begin your lives anew as a family. Our venue will ensure the day is a most beautiful affair.
We’re confident you’ll love what you see because you’re given three venue options to choose from. Each of them is distinctly unique from the others. That uniqueness extends to the kind of services and experiences they offer.
There’s The Terrace, with its lovely chandeliers and an outdoor patio; The Lakeview, with its bridge, manicured grounds, and ancient lake; and The Grandview, with its expansive grounds and largest of our halls! All these and so much more await you at our venue. Contact us here today!