Top 2018 Wedding Dress Trends

Over the years we have watched brides wow their guests as they walk down the aisle. Deciding on your dress is no small feat, it can take hours or even days to find your dream gown! Last week we covered the classic and new spins on classic dresses, so it only felt right to cover the new trends that we have seen for the top wedding dresses of 2018.

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Photo Credit: https://bellethemagazine.com/2017/09/muse-by-berta-sicily-wedding-dress-collection.html

These top 5 wedding dresses are not for the faint of heart 😉 They will make your jaw drop, your fiance lose his breathe and make you feel like Queen Bey herself! If you are looking to turn heads and  check out the show stopping dresses below!

 

Berta’s stunning new 2018 collection is all things WOW. This dress combines lace, sheer and the slit all into one stunning package that can be worn in any bridal venue. Whether you’re looking to marry on the beach, a rooftop venue overlooking the skyline or in your family’s backyard, this gown is sure to drop jaws as you walk down the aisle. No matter what neckline you are searching for, the collection comes in a variety of cuts and styles for your dream day!

 

Pnina Tornai is one of the bride-to-be’s most sought after dress designers. Her new LOVE collection showcases a variety of unique and stunning gowns that are fit for every woman’s fairy tale wedding. Pnina uses the most delicate techniques when it comes to beading, lace, sheer detail and low back cuts. Whether you are looking for a new take on a classic mermaid gown or a detailed lace bodice with a sheer finishing, the LOVE collection will make all of your dreams come true.

 

The illusion corset is a style we have seen become very popular and for many reasons. It provides a stunning deep plunge sweetheart neckline and shapes your frame beautifully.

 

The corset is designed around different styles of gowns including ball gown, mermaid and a-line. If you are looking for more glitz, you can have it detailed with swarovski crystals or dressed up with a thick white lace to frame your neckline.

 

Low Cut back or backless dresses are becoming a number 1 choice for brides all over the world. There are a variety of styles this stunning dress can take and designers like Pnina Tornai has created multiple breathtaking versions.

 

The illusion trend has been carried over to this low back style and gives multiple stunning images of a thick cut lace on the skin, pairing it to fit your body like a glove. The added detail of the white buttons suiting up the spine of your back makes this dress look like a new age classic.

As you can tell by now, the top trends for this year are all about lace, sheer bodices, thigh high slits and bling. Bride-to-be’s are staying true to their unique style and not settling for something that doesn’t have that WOW factor. No matter what shape of dress you are looking for, what venue you are planning to say “I do” at, these styles are glammed up and will be sure to be a show stopper on your big day!❤

Have you picked your dream dress or a style you think should be highlighted? Let us know in the comments or email us at hello@karilywoodevents.com.

XO

Katarina

Wedding Dresses: New Age vs. Classic

Over the decades we watch Bride by Bride stun their guests on their big days, all in unique gowns that they have been dreaming about since they were a little girl. As with anything, there are hundreds of choices to make when selecting your dream gown, it’s so eventful that we have shows centered around the topic. Watching women try on dress after dress, having the closest people in their lives to chime in. But how do you know which dress is for you? Maybe you want something sexy and fitted but your family wants something conservative.

How do you find your dream dress while pleasing everyone else?

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Photo Credit: http://www.nzbzd.com/Wedding-Gowns-On-Racksthvbuwek

The answer may not be clear as glass but, find the gown that makes you feel like a Princess or Queen. Whether its an old school ball gown or sheer, glammed out mermaid cut, stay true to you!

We’ve handpicked 5 styles of dresses that take a look at both classic and new age takes on some of the most popular wedding dress styles!

 

Ball Gown

The ball gown is another classic dress that our princess brides all over the world dream about. The ball gown is an amazing choice because it truly fits any size of woman and hugs you where you want to be hugged.

The first dress is another new age, sexy and blinged out take on the classic ball gown that is shown on the right. Whether you go sheer and long sleeved or strapless, both styles cater to sweetheart necklines that are set to make you feel like a princess however the new age design is blinged out where the one on the left is simple, classic and sleek.

Tea Length Classic

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Photo Credit: https://www.theknot.com/fashion/tea-length-wedding-dresses

Tea length wedding dresses have always had a high degree of class and sophistication to them. Both conservative and trendy, this style has stayed true to its unique image throughout the years of brides. Whether you are looking for a sweetheart, v-neck, halter or off-the-shoulder line, this dress will forever be noted as a classic.

Conservative and Modest 

Conservative and Modest dresses will never go out of style simply for the two words used to describe them. Traditions are that for a reason and sometimes the most stunning look is clean cut, modest and simple. But just because a style is conservative does not by any means make this look dull or boring. With a variety of necklines and shapes, these types of dresses are stunning in their own way and can be worn in truly any wedding setting.

Stay tuned for our next post that showcases the top 2018 wedding dress trends that are sexy, glammed out and not for the faint of heart!

Have a conservative or new age style that we didn’t mention and think should be posted in our next spotlight? Connect with us on our about us page or comment below!

XO

Katarina

 

Venue Spotlight: The Thompson Toronto

With the open house at the Thompson Toronto last week it’s only fitting that we share this beautiful top-rated venue. Toronto has many sites to offer all bride-to-be’s on your dream day, however this view is one that is surely set to stun.

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Credit: WedLuxe Magazine, Kari Lywood Events, Dave Abreu Photography and Jen Envoy Makeup Studio

The Thompson Toronto has so much to offer you on your big day, starting with a stunning, one of a kind, rooftop view of the city. This incredible hotel is centered in the heart of Downtown Toronto, central King West and is close to the financial and fashion district. The Thompson screams Luxury and Chic while offering over 30,000sq ft of event space, hotel, dining and rooftop pool views.

The Thompson holds some of Toronto’s top socialite events and it’s no question as to why. The hotel is fit with stunning interior, beautiful rooms, bars, panoramic rooftop views and indoor ballroom. The city skyline is a one in a million view and is sure to set your dream day apart for you and your guests!

5 Valentines Date Spots That Don’t Require A Reservation, Toronto Edition

Are you a last minute planner? Was the restaurant of V-Day Dreams fully booked up? Well, not to worry because we’ve got your back! Keeping with the Valentines Day theme of the week, we have put together 5 unique Valentines Day date spots that are sure to make your dates heart skip a beat! and the best part?…None of the below require a reservation, you can thank us later 🙂

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Winter Lights Festival at Ontario Place

If you haven’t already been to the Light Festival at Ontario Place…where have you been? The place that serves as a fun-filled childhood memory now puts on one of the most beautiful light shows and parks in the city. From ice skating, to bonfires on the waterfront, Ontario Place is a sure bet to get you extra brownie points from your love. A night time walk around the park with unique art installations, abandoned rides and fairy lights and lit up trees is sure to make a top #valentinesdayselfie! And the best part, aside from not needing a reservation, its free!

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Photo Credit: BlogTO

Ice Skating in Fort York at The Bentway

Toronto’s newest and most unique ice rink is sure to be the perfect date night for you and your boo. The Bentway is Fort York’s newest treasure and lets you skate beside the historical Fort. Set with a cafe, bar and food trucks, not to mention a beautiful view of the city, this new hot-spot will have you skating into each other’s arms. If that wasn’t enough, The Bentway has a beautiful rooftop viewing area of city place and the rink!

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Distillery District Light Fest

Go for a stroll in the one of a kind Distillery District and enjoy the cobblestone walkways with hundreds of stunning lights and food trucks to enjoy. Take in all of the energy, positivity and charm that Distillery has to offer, and get your photos taken in front of the notorious Love locks. Bring a lock for you and your boo to sign and lock away forever while sipping on some delicious beverages in the light and heart of Toronto.

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Photo Credit: http://boomervoice.ca/

Tobogganing at Trinity Bellwoods

Grab your babe, suit up in your all canadian snow gear and head to the cities most infamous park, Trinity Bellwoods. Hike your way to the top of the hill and be sure to stop for some instagram worthy photo ops. Kiss your bae before sliding down the hill and take in the beauty of this most popular park! The best part? Tobogganing doesn’t cost a dime and there are plenty of cute shops down the street for you to grab a bevy.

 

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Photo Credit: Narcity

What better to blow your Valentine Bae away than the Northern Lights

Jump in your car and head up to Torrance Barrens to experience the Dark Sky Preserve and Northern Lights. Just 2 hours outside of Toronto makes this breathtaking spot a perfect Valentine’s day road trip for you and bae to belt out some of your favorite tracks together and see the worlds most natural, stunning beauties. The dark-sky island that is Torrance Barrens is the only place to properly see other galaxies within close distance to the city.

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Photo Credit: Torrance Barrens

Well love birds, there you have it! The top 5 Valentine’s Day dates that require no reservation and are sure to wow your partner! Remember, it’s not about the gifts or fancy dinners, but about the moments you spend together,loving one another that truly makes you and your babe in love and inseparable.

Happy Valentines Day from the KL girls! 

xoxo

5 Biggest Wedding Mistakes

As we are moving through the motions of the most exciting time of our lives, it may be difficult to stay on track with your dream wedding goals and plans. The excitement kicks in, you’ve said “YES!” to the love of your life and now the planning begins. This post is to save you beauty bride-to-be’s from the most commonly made mistakes

Making Plans Before You Set a Budget

It is very easy to write list after list and idea after idea about your dream day. From the number of guests, to the table top accessories and even picking out your dream dress and venue. But, before you start the brainstorming, be sure to set your budget. We can not stress the importance of this enough. There is nothing worse than picking out your DREAM venue and dress and realizing that it simply is not within your budget.

How to avoid this: Make a rough draft budget of three areas, your bare minimum, your middle ground and your max. Doing this will paint a rough draft of your top dreams as well as what your savings effective minimum approach could get you. Focus on the order for your dream day planning; budget, guest list, and venue. Tackling each item in this order will lessen the stress in planning your big day. And, you may even be shocked at what you can find listed for the lower end of your budget. Happy Researching Queens!

Put Your Everyone Else’s Ideas Before Yours

We see this time and time again, whether its on “Say Yes To The Dress” or in your daily wedding planning. Brides are constantly being conflicted with taking everyones ideas or thoughts on every aspect of the process. But remember, this is your day! You are in charge, this is your moment to make your wildest and loving dreams come to life. Spending your time worrying about what everyone else will think, what they will like or not like, is going to take the joys out of planning your wedding day.

How to avoid this: You have a few options to be honest, you can put your foot down and plan the wedding yourself, or allow those dearest to your heart to join in on the planning on certain aspects like the bachelorette, the accessories or decorations. But remember bride-to-be, this is your day ♥

Not Completing Beauty Trials

Ladies, we cannot stress this enough. Trial sessions are essential for your hair and makeup on your big day. This includes facials, spray tans, eyebrows, lip injections and lash extensions. Do your research before you are completing a trial and do a trial before you book! The last thing you want to do is show up with orange skin, misplaced lashes and cakey makeup.

How to avoid this: Instagram and Pinterest is a GREAT way to source beauty trials and esthetician’s. Make sure you book a consultation and remember, you get what you pay for. Your choice of makeup should highlight your natural beauty 🙂 You may have a friend who is great at doing her own makeup and hair, but remember, professionals are best at what they do.

Not Hiring a Videographer 

Wedding Photographers are never missed out on, to be honest, it is one of the first things that are booked, why? Because having photographs of your big day to look back on are a top priority. But, why not have a video to look back on all of those moments in between? Videographers are becoming a top demand in the wedding industry and for many reasons. Videos let you hear the music, your partners voice as you say your vows, they let you watch you and your bridal party rip up the dance floor and captures all of those special moments you may have missed. Be sure to research Videographers before crossing them off the list, the right one will make your dream day last forever.

Hiring a Friend instead of a Pro

This goes back to the hair and makeup and includes the full cycle of your wedding planning. Of course you want your Maid Of Honor and even your family and best friends to be apart of the planning process, but remember that there are a lot of finer details that go into planning your big day. Planners assist you with your budgeting, any legal contracts, vendor selection and follow up, day of coordination, and not to mention, they help you keep your vision in line and make it become a reality. Hiring a wedding planner will help you make your full wedding planning a little, or a lot, less stressful. They become your go-to person for every detail and hey, that’s why they are the pro!

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Credit: http://ohbestdayever.com/2017/06/21/10-creative-ways-ask-will-bridesmaid/

There you have it ladies! Your top 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your dream day! Have a tip or real life experience you’d like to share? Get in touch with us!

Happy planning! 

XO

Katarina

Embracing the DIY: Wedding Favours Made by YOU!

Wedding favours are not only a keepsake of your special day for your guests, but also a true conversation piece. Finding the perfect wedding favour that will not only be unique but also a representation of you and your partner can often be both challenging and expensive. Finding that perfect balance between unforgettable and affordable is a challenge many couples face.

Fear no more! DIY wedding favours are becoming ever popular, with blogs and search engines like Pinterest giving couples endless amounts of ideas for creative favours. Here are some of the most creative ideas we have come across and would love to share with you – our readers and future clients!

1. Goodie Bags to Go!

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat to take away! Using various jars and bowls, lay out an assortment of candies, chocolates and nuts for your guests to pick and choose a selection to take home in little goodie bags. These self serve stations are the perfect way to send your guests home with a smile and satisfied tummy!

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2. A Nightcap

Do you and your significant other have signature cocktails at your wedding? What better idea than to a make-your-own-cocktail favour! Bundle up the fixings that are used to make your signature drinks and attach a mini recipe so your guests can continue the party from home! Including fresh herbs or garnishes with the favour give not only a pop of colour, but an intriguing scent that will leave your guests excited to bring your celebration home with them!

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3. Blooms

Send your guests home with a gift that will grow with your love! Succulents, herbs, or small potted flowers are small takeaways that will be a lasting memory of your wedding with your guests. Customize these little potted goodies with notes from you and your partner. You can even have these double as escort cards – include their name and table number on the pot tags!

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4. Share the Spark

There are many different candle tutorials available online for you and your partner to customize candles for your guests! Choose your preferred scent and jar to house the candle and sign it with some love on a little note wrapped around! Not only is this a budget friendly option, but gives you and your partner a fun little project to work on together.

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5. The Toss!

What better way to exit your wedding than have your guests throw confetti! Mini confetti bags are absolutely adorable and give your guests a fun event to look forward to at the end of the ceremony or celebration! Even include these in your save-the-date for your guests to bring to the wedding!

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6. Caffeine Queen

Are you and your partner coffee lovers? Bundle up some coffee beans in a little jar to send home with your guests after the reception!

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7. Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Send your guests home with a treat that can be added to future dishes at home! Use various spices and seasonings so your guests have a conversation piece!

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8. Bubbles

Yet another fun and creative wedding favour that doubles as a send off from your ceremony or reception! Have your guests blow the bubbles during your exit for some cool and fun photos!

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9. A Taste of Heaven

Do you or your partner have a sweet tooth? Use mini jars to house your favourite dessert or snack for your guests to take home with them!

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10. Wine Not?

One of our favourite ways to be creative with your wedding favours is with personalized wine bottles! Minis or full size, wrap these customized labels around your favourite homemade wines or liquors for a treat your guests will really enjoy!

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We would love to learn of your favourite DIY wedding favour ideas! Submit your photos or stories in the comment box below and we’ll feature you in a future post! We can’t wait to work with you in the future and customize your wedding favours to best represent you and your partner!

The World of Kari Lywood Events

Hello readers!

If you have had the opportunity to visit our blog in the past, we thank you for visiting once again and following us along our journey. If you’re new to our blog – WELCOME! We love when new readers come across our blog and have the chance to explore our business and experiences.

Todays post will take a different approach than others we have written in the past – today, we’d like to tell you about US, and what sets us apart from others within our industry. We’d like to share with you all of the things that make Kari Lywood Events truly unique and why we should be a part of your upcoming event!

Who is Kari Lywood Events?

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Kari Lywood Events is a Toronto based Event Planning boutique, led by owner and principle planner Kari Lywood. With over 10 years of corporate, wedding and social planning experience, Kari Lywood and her team are able to consider your taste, budget, interests and vision and create a smooth and memorable event that both you and your guests will enjoy. Regardless of your event size or budget, our team will work with you to determine the right package to bring your event to life.

Although based out of Toronto, Kari Lywood and her team have been fortunate enough to have travelled internationally to plan and execute events for some high profile clients, including:

Some of our international ventures have also allowed us to host events at:

What types of services do Kari Lywood Events offer?

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We take pride in offering a wide range of services for our clients such as wedding planning and day-of coordination, corporate planning, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and social planning. Our team has made great connections within the industry and can work with you as a main point of contact and communication for your vendors, assist with your theme and decor, review all vendor contracts, assist with budget planning and management, and be a source of venue/ceremony referrals. We ultimately work FOR you, while working WITH you to ensure all of your wishes are accommodated without the stress of taking on the process yourself.

For photos of events that we have been a part of, visit our website gallery and our Instagram!

What sets the Kari Lywood Events team apart from venue coordinators?

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Ultimately, we work exclusively FOR YOU! Venue coordinators are great contacts that are a part of the process to ensure that the requirements of your contract are met in both a smooth and timely manner from the back end on the day of your event. However, hiring an event coordinator goes much further beyond this. As an event coordinator, we take on the tasks of creating clear communications between all vendors, establishing clear and concise timelines for your day,  and are there by your side every step of the way (literally!). Our responsibility is you and your specific needs and requirements, and are put in a position to make suggestions and changes where needed. Without a coordinator present at your event, you as the host are left to coordinate the fine details on your own when you should be enjoying your day!

What sets your team apart from other event coordinating teams?

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We have passion! And A LOT of it! Our team is not only intelligent within the field, but also diverse in our own specific talents, whether that includes decor and styling or operations and negotiating. Our leader Kari Lywood has brought years of experience to the business and taught our team how to effectively plan and execute events with a certain spark and flavour that can’t be compared to. We are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our clients enjoy their event and every last detail, hope, and wish is catered to!

I have already planned my event, can I still hire your team?

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Yes! And we highly recommend it! Although your have gone through the process of planning the event and all of the specifics you’d like to see that day, allow our team to join the process and take over to relieve your stresses. Often as the date of the event approaches, stress levels begin to rise because of all of the fine details that need to be confirmed. That is what our team is for! Our coordinators take over all vendor communication for you so you can focus on your own personal preparations, and then we run the show on the day-of! We always tell our clients that the duty of running an event should not be put on a loved one, friend, business partner or colleague, because they too should be enjoying the day. Considering and respecting all of your wishes, our team ensures smooth and seamless delivery so that you don’t have to worry. If you have yet to plan your event, or only have vague ideas, our team of creative minds can help bring together your vision in the best way possible. We are on site hours prior to the start of the event to ensure that all aspects from decor to set-up are running smoothly and coincide with your vision.

How can I get in touch with Kari Lywood Events for my upcoming event?

Feel free to reach out to us via email at hello@karilywoodevents.com or through the contact form below!

 

From our entire team at Kari Lywood Events, we thank you for your continued support over the years as we continue to rapidly expand and grow! We look forward to working with you in the near future and make your dreams come true!

xx,

Stephanie La Civita

Event Stylist and Coordinator with Kari Lywood Events
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Tips for planning a romantic Valentines Day date

Kari Lywood Events wishes you all a very special Valentines day! Whether you have a special someone or are unattached, today is the day to remind your nearest and dearest just how much you love them.

We are here to help you with some last minute tips for planning a romantic Valentine’s day for you and your special someone. Your date doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to make an impact it’s all about the meaningful thought.

 Tip #1: What does your partner love to do?

That’s your starting point. You do not want to drag your partner to something that isn’t their scene. Find something you both enjoy and make it remarkable by including special details. For example, buy him or her a new tie to wear to dinner or pick up his or hers favourite wine for a dinner in. You partner will recognize it and appreciate the small additional effort.

 Tip #2: Try something different!

If your usual date night consists of ordering take out and watching Netflix, suggest something you have never done before as a couple. It will be exciting to share a new experience together and great for future memories.

 Tip #3: Revisit a happy moment

Take your partner down memory lane, maybe visit the first date you went on and spend some time reminiscing about the sparks that flew the first time. This is an amazing way to reconnect on those emotions from the beginning and see how far you two have grown together.

XOXO

-Maria G

Internship journey at Kari Lywood Events

After twelve months of studying I am finally in the office at Kari Lywood Events for my final semester internship. I have been waiting for this time when I would be able to apply my learning’s from Humber Colleges School of Hospitality – Event Management program into the workspace. The fourteen-week internship will provide me with the perfect opportunity to utilize the skills that I have acquired through numerous assignments, group work and presentations. I always had the dream of doing an internship for an event company in the heart of Downtown Toronto. After so much hard work and meticulous planning I am very close to achieving my goal.

The first day of any new field you enter, is always filled with mixed emotions. On my first day of internship at Kari Lywood Events, I nervously entered through the elevator doors without a clue as to what to expect but after getting introduced to the amazing friendly team I soon felt at ease. I learned to take every single task as an opportunity for growth. Even in the smallest tasks that you’re given, put in your best and honest efforts because you’ll most likely discover and learn new skills that will set you apart from the rest of your field.

Throughout my first week of internship, I was fortunate to join alongside a site inspection at the breath taking Delta Hotel in Downtown Toronto of their event and meeting facility. Whether you’re planning an intimate or a large event, Delta has the space to suit your needs. Delta’s venue features state-of-the-art audio-visual services, as well as picture perfect view overlooking Lake Ontario. Let your guest indulge at your gathering with delicious catering from Deleta’s talented culinary team. Not only did I get a tour of the facility but also gained connections.

Being an intern is the time when you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes, to try new things, and to learn. This is the time where you discover what your strengths and weaknesses are and you develop more interest in your career. I am excited to continue to be curious and expect the unexpected and slowly be on my way to discovering my full potential!

By: Maria G.