New Venue Alert: Grand Metropolitan in Mississauga

Review written by Gina Humilde

We are so lucky at WeDDings Jubilee to have some amazing 'planners-in-training' on our team, they are out in the field all the time in order to visit and get to know tons of venues, amazing vendors and, of course, get inspired to create some gorgeous weddings and events. I, your trusted Wedding Planner, try often to go along. In this case, it was not possible, so our very capable and brilliant Gina Humilde took the reigns & trekked to Mississauga to visit the new Grand Metropolitan. Enjoy her review:)

Looking for a luxurious banquet hall that houses a serious WOW factor? Well look no further than the newly renovated Grand Metropolitan in Mississauga.

Owned by Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment who operates venues such as The Eglinton Grand and Atlantis Pavilions, this venue should have the same excellent track record for service.

The Grand Metropolitan offers two extravagant ballrooms on two different floors of the building. They are able to hold 250-450 guests. The spaces also include built in AV systems, complimentary parking and even separate bridal suites.

The main ballroom showcases an enormous, 40,000 crystal chandelier that is sure to capture everyone’s attention.

Now that is some serious bling!
Photo by Gina Humilde

If you need a space that needs very little décor, and exudes an air of opulence, this could be the place for you!

For more information email or call us anytime:)

Romantic ideas for everyone on Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines to all you love bugs. Here is a list of fab things to do this week in the Toronto GTA and surrounding areas to celebrate your love, compliments of your trusted Toronto Wedding Planner!

1. Catch a flick at the Revue Cinema. It's a 'blast from the past' movie-theater, but it has a wonderful air of romance to it.

2. Have a bite at the top of the the world (ok, at the top of Toronto). The 360 restaurant at the CN tower is wonderful. When was the last time you saw the city from those heights?

3. Super romantic and super AH-Mazing, St. Anne's Spa in Grafton, ON is to die for. For a reasonable price, it offers a luxury experience for you and your loved one to kick back and get pampered. They even offer a warm Chocolate Swedish Massage and a Hydrating Chocolate wrap...

4. Spend a weekend at the Ice Hotel in Quebec. Take it from me, this place is incredible. I am not a huge winter lover, but the Ice Hotel blew me away. I absolutely L.O.V.E. it. If you are a winter lover, you can also take part in awesome activities such as dog-sledding;)

5. How about a stay at the Luxurious Trump Hotel downtown Toronto? The hotel is spectacular and if you are looking for a taste of New York, this would be the quickest portal there.

6. How about a helicopter ride? Be it in Toronto touring the city from up above, or Niagara, viewing the falls or the wineries, you've got to do this at least once in your lifetime!

7. For the foodies out there, I've got you covered! If you are daring and up to trying something super-unique and an ultimate culinary experience for the senses, how about dining in the dark? O.Noir Restaurant does just that.

8. How do you like your eggs? Why not celebrate with a good old fashioned (and romantic) breakfast in bed. Stay home and nestle in bed and make your honey an awesome breakfast, complete with heart-shaped eggs!

9. How about something a little more risqué, strictly for those who are not shy and up for a little kink. Laide Lounge is an upscale, seductive and delicious resto-bar on Adelaide that will have your senses mesmerized by their naughty but delectable food and drink. Make sure you call for reservations.

10. And now for the more laid-back. How about a wonderful day of Skating at the Evergreen Brickworks followed by a delicious hot chocolate or hot apple cider at Balzac's in the Distillery District.


There are a ton more things I can think of, but these are my top 10 and certainly some of my faves.

Wishing you all much love and romance everyday, Happy Valentines Day from WeDDings Jubilee!

What 'not to do' when you are planning your wedding!

Once again Canoe.ca found great value and posted another newspaper circulated article that I, your Toronto Wedding Planner, provided my expertise for. Once again it was fabulously written by Joanne Richard!

Click here to read the full article! Below is an excerpt tips to avoid a not-so-flattering situation at your wedding.

Say 'I don't' to tacky
By JOANNE RICHARD, QMI Agency

Calorie overload

"Your guests need to be well fed but often less is more. Focus on the quality of your menu and not the quantity," says Denise Georgiou-Newell of Weddingsjubilee.com.

A cash bar

"This is tacky with a capital 'T'. Your wedding is not a fundraiser; it is an extension of your hospitality. If you wouldn't charge them for drinks at your home, you don't charge them at your wedding," adds Georgiou-Newell.

Listing your registry or gift preference on your invites

"This is absolutely distasteful and indicating to your guests that they are simply invited because you expect a gift. Your registry or gift preference should be strictly word of mouth by your wedding party and sometimes family," says Georgiou-Newell.

Hiring friends to work your wedding.

If they would normally be invited guests, then keep them as such, stresses Georgiou-Newell.

Some more tips:

- If you are creating an elegant event, don't go cheap or DIY on your invites. Your invites set the mood and the theme to you event.

- Hire a wedding planner for consulting and Day-of or Month-of to ensure your event is flowing and expedited as per your vision. The last thing you want is to have spent almost 250* hours and not have someone manage it.

- Say 'NO' to your cousin the iPod DJ... it's a wedding not a backyard BBQ (unless you are actually having a Backyard BBQ with a case of Blue;)).


*250 hours is the average time spent by a couple in planning their wedding.

Unique Venues in Toronto: Airship 37

written by: Ieshia Wagner - WeDDings Jubilee Intern & Future Dream Maker.

Airship 37

Located in the gorgeous Distillery District, Toronto Wedding Planner (& my mentor), Denise Georgiou-Newell & I visited Airship 37; a hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of our big city!



Walking up the tented walkway I was unprepared for what was in store. It was made up of two rooms, one smaller more rustic and another larger, brighter and in my opinion quite a bit more magical. You could feel the buzz in the air as you walked through the fabulously draped entrance where a signature drink awaited to welcome you.


The smaller more rustic room was set up as a photography showcase. It had a really comfy feel, with the dim lit setting, couches to rest, a bar, a photo booth, and, Denise's favorite, a stunning chandelier.



The larger room spoke to me as the room with limitless possibilities. White walls, beams overhead for possible rigging, and vignettes set up to showcase a variety of décor possibilities for this raw space. This was a brilliant idea as it gave a feel of what could be done with the space, although the wheels in my head were turning a mile a minute!

At the back of the room there was an arch with seating, set up for an intimate and organic style of wedding which I was drawn to all night. Beside it a crew of two were rolling and cooking fresh Gnocchi that were absolutely delicious!


All in all, I think this venue is perfect for any occasion since it is basically a blank canvas. My vision is of a summer event in which I can open the garage-style doors and have guests pour out in to the garden (a venue insider says it is in the works). I haven’t decided whether I would want something elegant and sweet like some of the options they had displayed, or something crazy and totally out-there, because my creative ideas are endless. I felt the Open House was extremely well done, the guests were happy, and it was very informative and professional. You can tell this venue and their staff will be a joy to work with.

Wedding Budget Tips: Stretch your Wedding Dollar!

I am so excited to have had this great article we were interviewed for by Joanne Richard, circulating throughout various Canadian Newspapers and now picked up by Canoe.ca. Read on for this Toronto Wedding Planner's top tips to keep your Wedding Budget in check!

The Best Bash for Less Cash

By JOANNE RICHARD, QMI Agency

Read the full feature article here.

Make the most of your wedding budget

All couples want to stretch their dollar. Here are some tips from wedding planner Denise Georgiou-Newell, of weddingsjubilee.com:

• Hire a wedding planner. Not only do they have an amazing network of suppliers that can provide true added value to their packages, but planners also provide personalized service and fulfill the couple's needs and wishes, distributing their budget accordingly and wisely.
• Have a Sunday wedding. "It will cut your costs on venue and alcohol, as people tend to drink a lot less if they have to work the next day. That way you can still go more extravagant on your design aspects, wedding favours, entertainment, food etc. For even more savings have a daytime brunch-style wedding," adds Georgiou-Newell.
• Go to trunk sales, wedding shows and keep your eye open for off-season sales when shopping for your wedding dress. You can get your dream dress for a fraction of the original cost.
• Save on your bar. Instead of a seven-hour open bar, decrease it to four hours or have a consumption bar. You can serve a signature drink during cocktail hour, wine only during dinner and open the bar for the dance portion only.
• Give away one favour per couple, not one per guest.
  

Jamaica Travel Specialist for your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon!

I'm happy to report that I am officially a Certified Jamaica Travel Specialist and passed with a perfect score!

As always, I, your Toronto Wedding Planner and my team continue to bring you the Best Wedding and Honeymoon Planning Services available by keeping ourselves up-to-date, knowledgeable and making sure our Wedding and Honeymoon Education meets the high standards our clients deserve!

Email us anytime for a quote.