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Sixteen fantastic picks from this year’s Wedding Co. Show (and yes, brides-to-be, macarons are still trendy)
Macarons! Cupcakes! Sugar! (Image: Simone Olivero)
This past weekend, The Carlu played host to an intimate (albeit overwhelming) boutique-style wedding extravaganza. The 11th annual Wedding Co. Show, curated by former wedding photographer Catherine Lash, filled room after room with frosted creations, lace-trimmed gowns, DJs, musicians, caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, invitation artists, jewelled and feathered accessories, bespoke menswear, venue ideas and even dry cleaners. Unlike many of the other bridal shows that infiltrate the city at this time of year, this one had a relatively modest list of 125 vendors, hand-selected by Lash, who believes they’re the best of the best in a sometimes oversaturated market. Creative displays (that we actually wanted to stop and look at), delicious samples (lots of them), an etiquette booth (we may have needed to know when to stop sampling) and a soaring tree installation by artist in residence Marjorie Campbell were all important in making this show welcoming and interactive. But it’s still a trade show focused on weddings, and much like the brides-to-be in attendance, we were overwhelmed with how much there was to see. Check out 16 of our favourite vendors, including some of the best-designed booths, after the jump.
Unique vendors included the vintage prop rental company Hazlitt Vintage Rentals, which carries a large selection of vintage suitcases, books, jars and other accessories for creating an old country barn wedding; Tell Me a Love Story, an entertainment company that hires actors to perform your love story in front of guests during the wedding; LOL Candy, specializing in gourmet candy tables; and master calligrapher Rajiv Surendra, who is working to revive the ancient handwritten art. Trends for 2012 include communal tables (say goodbye to tiered head tables), long and low floral arrangements, colourful shoes and accessories, lace, men’s bespoke suits, vintage decor and alternative venues like restaurants or galleries. Despite the hype of last year’s Royal Wedding, Lash has noticed a move towards a more toned-down wedding (this might be too out-there, ladies) that puts the guest experience at the forefront. Weddings: not just for the bride and groom anymore.
