Guest Blogger: Marie Nash
Having been a Hamilton bride myself, and writing a magazine which focuses on everything weddings in the region, I have learnt that getting married in Hamilton can be an amazing experience, especially if you just take advantage of all the fabulous resources available. I feel that one of the first steps in planning any event is educating yourself about all the options available to you, and when it comes to weddings in particular, that means attending exhibits, shows, open houses and picking up reading material. Here I have compiled a list of resources to help you plan your very own #HamOnt wedding!
Taking place twice annually at the Careport Centre, this wedding show has been a go-to for brides for over 40 years. What this show certainly provides is variety, with hundreds of exhibitors, allowing you to sample or see numerous vendors in one day. This show is a great starting point as it provides you with a great overview of the area’s vendors. My personal advice: You will feel overwhelmed at such a large show. Take a card or brochure from every vendor, head home, and continue your research online. Then book consultations with the vendors you are most interested in.
Ancaster Wedding Show/ Ancaster Wedding Show at Night
This small boutique-style show happens twice annually at the Ancaster Fair Grounds. Like most wedding shows, the AWS has great vendors covering every category of wedding essentials and a great fashion show showcasing the areas numerous options in wedding apparel. However, what sets this show apart from the rest is its small, intimate feel, allowing you a better chance at having longer chats with potential vendors. My favourite feature of this show is the Cupcake Dive, where five brides are chosen to tear through a huge pile of cupcakes to find a hidden ring.
Debuting in 2013, this two-day event is not wedding specific but definitely a “must-attend” for any bride seeking that vintage vibe on their big day. You can find fabulous vintage wedding dresses, vintage-inspired invites, props, cakes and even favour ideas! Heck, even if you’re not getting married, this show is way too much fun!
Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine
And to finish off, I would suggest anyone planning a wedding pick up a copy of Hamilton Halton Weddings! As editor of the current edition, I sought out to showcase the best this region has to offer. Inside, you will find two styled shoots, which feature the work of over 20 local vendors, along with two Real Weddings to help you get inspired! I also included a Neighbourhood Shopping Guide, for advice on where to find anything you’ll need right here in Hamilton. You can find a copy of the magazine at Chapters/Indigo locations, at the Hamilton Halton Wedding Show, at the Ancaster Wedding Show or e-version found here
Happy Planning!
Marie Nash is the Editor of Hamilton Halton Weddings and the Creative Coordinator for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of McMaster University twice over, having completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and her Master of Arts in Communication and New Media. Being born and raised in Hamilton, Marie loves everything the city has to offer, especially when it comes to weddings, having planned her own weddings in the city two years ago. In her time away from work, Marie loves to spend time with her husband Nathan and daughter Lola.
