Lauren McLean Planning

Lauren McLean Planning Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Lauren McLean Planning, Wedding planning service, 548 Old Dundas Road, Ancaster, ON.

Specializing in the design, coordination, and ex*****on of weddings, special events, travel bookings and destination weddings.

*Certified by the Wedding Planner's Institute of Canada (WPIC)
*Certified Destination Wedding Coordinator (DWC)

Wedding Tip: Venues are still required to complete contract trading for your wedding guests. Get a head start and create...
08/08/2021

Wedding Tip: Venues are still required to complete contract trading for your wedding guests. Get a head start and create a spreadsheet with your guest names, emails and phone numbers as they RSVP. Don't forget to include yourselves, bridal party and any vendors doing more than just a drop-off to the list ♡





Photo:
Planning: .planning
Venue:
Florals:
Cake:
H&MU: .makeup
Live stream:
Dress: .to

And just like that, it's been a month since I posted last. It has been a whirlwind {maybe whirlpool is more accurate} ov...
08/01/2021

And just like that, it's been a month since I posted last. It has been a whirlwind {maybe whirlpool is more accurate} over the last 30 days.

It's a mix between excitement that weddings can move forward again and sheer panic over having to cram work that would normally take us 1-2 months into mere weeks, sometimes days.

I know I'm not the only vendor who feels like they're drowning. I hate running my business like this. Rushing around, always feeling like I'm behind or missing something. Apologizing for things that I didn't have control over in the first place.

But then there are my clients. Who have shown so much grace, compassion and understanding through this whole ordeal. Who have been flexible with their plans, understanding that their day will still have limitations and differences from their original vision. Not a bridezilla or groomzilla in sight.

I am forever grateful to be surrounded by people who are kind. Other planners who have offered to help out. Friends and family who have offered to help out.

My clients are not just clients. They are family and I will do everything in my power to make their day a smashing success. Just gotta hang on for the ride this year to get to the end goal♡



COVID CHRONICLES - It's National Celebrate Your Marriage Day AND it's also wedding day for Maddy & Ryan!How do you fill ...
06/27/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - It's National Celebrate Your Marriage Day AND it's also wedding day for Maddy & Ryan!

How do you fill your wedding day or weekend now that there may be less going on due to COVID?

If you're not superstitious and don't have an extensive hair & makeup schedule, consider doing something with your partner the morning of the wedding just the two of you -- get a couples massage, go for a nice walk, or get breakfast in bed.

If you are not having a reception, still carve out some time after the ceremony to do something fun - don't just let the celebration end and go home! Rent a classic car to go for a drive to get ice cream. Spend the night at a swanky hotel and order champagne and room service. Do something that makes it a day to remember, despite the circumstances.

What would do with some extra time to spend with your lover before or after your wedding?

Photo:



COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 11It's National Celebrate your Marriage Day AND it's also wedding day for Kayla & Mitch!These two...
06/26/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 11

It's National Celebrate your Marriage Day AND it's also wedding day for Kayla & Mitch!

These two made it official with a private elopement earlier this year, but today they celebrate with their friends & family♡

How do you fill your wedding day or weekend now that there may be less going on due to COVID?

If you're not superstitious and don't have an extensive hair & makeup schedule, consider doing something with your partner the morning of the wedding just the two of you -- get a couples massage, go for a nice walk, or get breakfast in bed.

If you are not having a reception, still carve out some time after the ceremony to do something fun - don't just let the just end and go home! Rent a classic car to go for a drive to get ice cream. Spend the night at a swanky hotel and order champagne and room service and watch Netflix....do something that makes it a day to remember, despite the circumstances.

What would do with some extra time to spend with your lover before or after your wedding?



COVID CHRONICLES- DAY 10How to deal with the constant feelings of frustration and disappointment as COVID continues to t...
06/25/2021

COVID CHRONICLES- DAY 10

How to deal with the constant feelings of frustration and disappointment as COVID continues to throw curve balls at your wedding plans

To start - identify WHY you want to still get married this year and not postpone. List these reasons and repeat them. Constantly. Will it cost more to postpone? Focus on all the amazing ways you can enrich your life and future with that extra money. Make a vision board if you must. Family members ill or getting older and may not be around if you postpone? Focus on the amazing moments you'll have with these special souls, not to mention the photos and video that you'll cherish forever.

With all of the changes, you may be having a hard time visualizing what the day will look like. Consider going for another walk through of your venue spaces. Try on your dress or suit again. Imagine the goosebumps and butterflies you'll get before the first look or walking down the aisle. Have your florist make you a mock bouquet so you can stare at it until your wedding day.

Plan out the smaller details. Get creative and add those small touches to make your wedding day personal. Think unique place cards, favours or guest book. Discover unique ways to preserve your wedding flowers. Pick your ceremony song selections. Write your vows. Practice your first kiss 💋

Focus on your person and your future life together. If you had to explain why they are the perfect match for you to a complete stranger - what would you say? How would you quantify a love so deep with words? THIS. This is why you're choosing to still get married, covid be damned.

Photo:
{Shared with permission}





COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 9Feeling frustrated by the gathering limits for receptions?Consider having an earlier ceremony ti...
06/22/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 9

Feeling frustrated by the gathering limits for receptions?

Consider having an earlier ceremony time and then a staggered reception on private property. Invite a small number of guests to join you for a drink and nibble for an hour and then welcome another group. Is scheduling time slots for a wedding reception sexy? Obviously not. But it WILL give you a chance to spend some nice intimate moments with those you love the most.

Another option is the drive-by reception. Don't let those good looks and fancy dress clothes go to waste!! Set up a beautiful table in your driveway complete with florals and special chairs and welcome all of your "woulda been invited" guests to dress up and drive by your driveway reception! Still gives everyone an opportunity to see you to extend their congratulations, and it won't feel like your wedding day just ends right after the ceremony ♡

Photo:
Planning: .planning
Video:
Florist:
Hair:
Makeup:
Catering:



COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 8 ⁠⁠Mash-up with Mo' Money Mondays⁠⁠How to use up your deposits with your venue/caterer if they a...
06/21/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 8 ⁠
⁠
Mash-up with Mo' Money Mondays⁠
⁠
How to use up your deposits with your venue/caterer if they are enforcing the minimum # of guests (per government restrictions) but you don't have that many guests invited or aren't comfortable with that many people⁠
⁠
To start - have open, respectful communication with your venue about your concerns and see if any adjustments can be made to the minimum. However, understand that businesses have suffered greatly over the last year+ and may not be able to make an exception to this⁠
⁠
If you have given your venue or caterer a surplus of money that will be more than enough to cover the guests actually attending, consider asking to use up those additional funds in some other ways: ⁠
⁠
- Upgrade to a premium bar ⁠
- Create a customized experience for your guests by including wine pairings or a fancy tequila or whisky tasting⁠
- Change your meal selections to premium options (think better cuts of steak, adding seafood, etc.)⁠
- Add an additional course⁠
- Include a champagne toast for each guest⁠
- Take-home dessert boxes for all of your guests⁠
- Prepared platters for the morning-of (fruits, baked goods, charcuterie), or to take home for post-wedding brunch⁠
⁠
⁠Photo: ⁠ {reposted with permission}
Blooms:


COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 7Father's Day has me brainstorming ways to still incorporate special moments with parents, even i...
06/21/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 7

Father's Day has me brainstorming ways to still incorporate special moments with parents, even if they can't be present on your wedding day due to travel restrictions or health concerns with COVID

Consider doing a live stream "reveal" to your parents after you are dressed and having that private moment with them

Have your parents videotape a toast or speech in advance and send it to someone {not you} & coordinate playing that either after the ceremony or at the reception

Encourage them to treat the day the same as if they were in person -- have them get all dressed up and have their own viewing party from wherever they are with fancy apps and champagne

Mention them in your own speech or toast

Consider having a florist local to them deliver a beautiful wrist corsage and/or boutonniere that matches your wedding florals

Consider selecting one of your parents favourite songs or artists for walking down the aisle, signing your paperwork or for the recessional

Any other ideas on how to include parents or special loved ones who can't attend in person??

Planning: .planning
Venue:
Photo:
Video: .films
H&MU:
Signage:
Florals:
DJ:
Dress:
Photobus:
Decor:



🎇 It's International Picnic Day so we are taking a break from our COVID wedding planning tips to bring you this amazing ...
06/18/2021

🎇 It's International Picnic Day so we are taking a break from our COVID wedding planning tips to bring you this amazing GIVEAWAY!!

I know brides & grooms out there have been on the struggle bus with wedding planning but we are determined to give you a date night you'll be talking about for weeks to come!

The winner of this romantic night out will receive:

• Romantic picnic set up for 2 from
• Assorted dessert box for 2 from .kw
• A delicious grazing box for 2 from
• A special gift basket from .planning

These are all local small businesses AND owned by women!! 🌺

To enter:
1. Be engaged 💍
2. Fill out the contest entry form {link in bio}. No form = no winning!
3. Like this post & follow all 4 businesses involved in giveaway
4. Receive 1 bonus entry for every engaged friend that you tag in the comments
5. Receive 5 bonus entries for sharing to your stories {don't forget to manually tag us otherwise we won't know that you shared!}

Contest rules:
1. Only 1 entry form per couple. Duplicate entires will be deleted.
2. Winner must coordinate their picnic date according to vendor availability - only redeemable Monday-Thursday
3. Prize must be redeemed by August 31, 2021
4. Picnic will take place within Waterloo region - exact location TBD
5. Contest closes at 11:00 p.m. EST on June 23rd. Winner will be announced via IG stories on June 24th.

**Note: This contest is not affiliated with Instagram in any way. Beware of scam accounts. We will never ask for your credit card information

Graphics:


COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 6How to entertain your guests when there's no group dancing allowed {first dance and parent dance...
06/14/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 6

How to entertain your guests when there's no group dancing allowed {first dance and parent dances are still permitted}

If you don't love the idea of your guests essentially staying for dinner and then leaving, you might be searching for alternate ideas to keep the night alive.

It's not the easiest to find a group activity that can be enjoyed without a ton of mingling but here are a few ideas.

Add a beer, wine or tequila tasting to your dinner. This helps draw out the evening and keep the conversation flowing.

We could all use some belly laughs so hiring a comedian to do a stand up routine is a great way to keep a smile on everyone's face.

Consider adding some specialty vendors like a classy black & white photo booth or a live wedding painter ()

Other performer ideas: magicians, acrobats, professional dancers or drag performers.

Another way to utilize your DJ is to have them host a musical bingo with all your favourite tunes or a trivia night with fun facts about the newlyweds

Not a fan of any of these ideas? Don't worry! Your guests are not children that have to be stimulated every minute of the evening. Every adult I know will just be over the moon excited to get dressed up, get out of the house, and celebrate you!

Photo:
Planning: .planning
Venue:
Video:
H&MU:
Florist:
DJ:
Officiant:
Dress:



COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 5 The new normal for seating chartsBe prepared to create a seating chart for your CEREMONY by gro...
06/11/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 5

The new normal for seating charts

Be prepared to create a seating chart for your CEREMONY by grouping families together. And not just families who share a last name, but specifically those who live in the same household. Your venue will use this plan to set up chairs appropriately and make sure everyone is distanced safely.

I would suggest having a sign made that indicates who is sitting where and turn your seating chart into a creative diagram instead of a list {like we usually see at receptions}. Don't reinvent the wheel -- ask your venue how they have been dealing with ceremony seating with other covid weddings they've hosted.

You can also involve the groomsmen and have them help guide groups to the right seating areas. Or add place cards to the seats! I would suggest a small wooden or acrylic plaque that can be hung with ribbon or twine on the chair. If you are using paper place cards, fold into a full triangle and glue a small rock to weigh it down and keep them from blowing away!

Seating charts for receptions are not as necessary right now, due to the limited number of guests attended. Place cards at each seat should be sufficient!

Photo:
Signage:
Venue:
Planning: .planning
Florals:



COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 4The Benefits of Live StreamingIf you are moving forward with your wedding this year, I STRONGLY ...
06/10/2021

COVID CHRONICLES - DAY 4

The Benefits of Live Streaming

If you are moving forward with your wedding this year, I STRONGLY encourage you to consider investing in a live streaming option

Without a doubt, there will be guests unable to attend due to gathering limits, health conditions, travel restrictions or other conflicts

Offering a live stream is a wonderful way to share your celebration with loved ones near and far. Encourage viewers to treat it like a real wedding. Get all dressed up, enjoy fancy apps and open a really nice bottle of wine!

Live streaming also offers an alternative for those who may have symptoms or a close contact but REALLY don't want to miss out on the day. It may help encourage those who shouldn't be attending in person to stay home and keep everyone safe

Another great way to make it special is to add a toast or speech and your first dance after the ceremony while the live stream is still active. Guests (in person or virtual) love to be included in these moments -- don't give them up just because you're not having a traditional reception!

*What to look for in a live streaming company

How long have they been doing this? Where does their wifi come from? What equipment or capabilities do they need at the venue? What hosting platform do they use? How will the link be shared with guests? Your guests should not be able to interact with the feed (like turning their mic on during a zoom stream 😑) but ideally can leave comments for you to read later. Ask to see some sample live streams and reach out directly to couples that have used their services for a true review. Make sure your live stream vendor communicates with your photographer & videographer so they aren't in each others way!

Photo:
Video streaming (will be) :



Address

548 Old Dundas Road
Ancaster, ON
L9G 3J4

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lauren McLean Planning posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category