Moments By McKnight :

As a coordinator and decorator I have seen lots of styles come and go, as I gain new clients there is always a question of  ' What is in right now? " and that is whyI have started this page.

 The following information will be updated periodically so look for new listings!

Todays Wedding favors are far more extravagant then years ago, personalized "give-aways" from the Bride & Groom represent not only the couple but the overall theme of the occasion. 

Historically favors were something sweet because back in the day sugar was only for the rich & not often available. Over the last 20 years it was customary to give chocolates or "Jordan Almonds"  in little white boxes or organza bags.  The millenium brought couples into a new way of gift giving plus, brides & grooms wanted their guests to have something they'll remember and possibly cherish. Enter the era of anything goes. Brides would get the girls together and sit at kitchen tables conforming new packaging options including the item or items they would fill inside.

In 2008 you can see anything from golf balls, sweets, crystal knic knacks, picture frames, candles, keychains, salt & papper shakers, music c.d.'s and more. "Jordan Almonds" are seen as "old fashioned" and therefore alternatives needed to be brought in. Brides & grooms would begin to add their favorite past time candy's supplied from grocery stores and as the creativeness got bigger...the "Candy Buffet" made it's debut!. One of the fastest growing trends ofweddings and events today is the candy buffet. Chocolate fountains, lollipops, M&M's, licorice and more were spread out on a table in containers that coordinated with the event. Guests would arrive and be amazed with the spectical or "goodies to go", children were drawn like magnets to the table just waiting for the go ahead from their parents. The candy buffet is truely one of the best additions I have seen, it is welcoming, everyone loves something, you can pick & choose what you like and there is no going home with a empty tummy.

The importance of a great "give-away" is to make it useful, guests don't need an engagement photo to take home, they also don't need a c.d. of your wedding music. If your going to spend money on your favors do it right and supply your guests with an item they will talk about for months to come, or everytime they see you.

 Here's my short list of GREAT WEDDING FAVORS:

• Candy Buffet
• Milk & Cookies
• Coffee & Biscotti
• Eco chic items (seedlings, trees to plant, grow your own garden).
• Tea, coffee, lemon-aid, iced-tea.
• Mini picture frames
• Homemade goods (jam, jellys, spreads).
• Recipies in a jar ( all the dry ingredients are in the jar, recipe is attached on the outside).
• Pashmina shawls ( great for outdoor weddings )
• Fruit ( "Perfect Pair"..have pears wrapped in brown bags to go, apples and caramel, candy apples).

The list is really endless, if your budget is too. lol

Okay, so this is one of the biggest things going right now for venues with less then acceptable or attractive ceilings. Some clients like to add in color and lighting to accentuate their occasion, and some clients  are just not happy with looking at flouresent lighting or office ceilings.

Wedding venues have become more cooperative with their brides by allowing ceiling swags to be installed in order to compliment the room & not make it such an eye sore. The problem with ceiling swags is that there are alot of issues to think about when considering renting one for your day. Ceiling swags can add softness & romantic flair but at what cost....ALOT OF COST. I researched 3 company's within the lower mainland for their cost on ceiling swags & I was shocked!. One company quoted me a starting price of $700.00 where others quoted roughly $50.00 per swag, why such a difference??. Ceiling swags involve alot of money invested into fabric, depending where you go you can get anything from organza (per meter running about $3.00-$6.00 approx) or sheer (per meter $4.00- $8.00) then there is the "Risk factor" someone needs to climb up on a high ladder and hang this for you, there's "Danger Pay" involved. The actual set-up of a ceiling swag is simple and for me,  I like  having ceiling swags in a room. Children's parties are especially  a fun time for ceiling work because you can add colors and theme pieces which make it so attractive to little children. Wedding ceiling swags usually have lighting added which adds an beautiful ambiance and very romantic feeling especially if over a dance floor.

If you are considering having a ceiling swag, hunt around for the best price! This is fabric after all it's not bone china and it should not cost you an arm and a leg. At least that's what I believe.

Moments by McKnight does offer ceiling swags starting at $40.00 per swag, lighting & accent pieces can be added as well.