About Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is the provincial capital of Ontario. Before European colonization, the area now known as Toronto was home to various indigenous peoples who had lived there for thousands of years. One of the earliest known settlements was Teiaiagon, an Iroquoian village located on the banks of what is now known as the Humber River. In 1750, French traders named this area Toronto after their word for "meeting place".
Throughout its history, Toronto has long been seen as one of Canada's most important cultural centers—particularly due to its theater and film industries—but it has also become a popular destination for weddings over recent decades. For small weddings especially, there are many charming venues throughout the city that make ideal locations for intimate ceremonies and receptions, from elegant restaurants to garden spaces suitable for outdoor events. From private events with just family and close friends to larger affairs with dozens or more guests, couples can find it all in Toronto.
Many couples choose to explore hidden gems such as historic courthouses and churches dating back centuries that provide an extra special backdrop for their nuptials. Along with picturesque outdoor spaces such as parks and gardens that boast incredible views of Lake Ontario and the downtown skyline, there’s no shortage of wedding venues that offer something unique for all couples looking to tie the knot in Toronto. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or unique, Toronto is sure to help any couple create their dream wedding day!
Small Wedding Options in Toronto
- Catering
Planning a small, intimate wedding or a large, lavish affair? Find a catering company that can provide delicious food and refreshing drink for your big day. Ask the right questions about the style of cuisine to be served and if the service has any particular dishes that would be suited for your celebration. There are many great catering companies in Toronto, so take your time to find one that suits your needs and budget.
- Balloons
Looking to add fun and flair to your small wedding? Use balloons to add pizzazz to your wedding ceremony or after-party reception space, or even use them as part of your wedding photo booth. Several balloon companies in Toronto will help you create a festive look for your big day.
- Crew for the Day
If you're planning a small wedding, you might not need to hire a big work crew to help out at the wedding and reception. Often your wedding planner can take care of that. However, it's always a good idea to have at least a few people on hand to help with set-up, tear-down, and anything else that might come up. Check with your catering service or balloon company to see if they know of any employees.
- Flowers
Flowers are an essential part of any wedding, and many great florists in Toronto can help you create the perfect bouquets and arrangements for your big day. Before making your final selection, meet with a few florists and inquire about their experiences catering to small weddings.
- Event Planner
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to planning your small wedding, you might want to consider hiring an event planner. Event planners can help you with everything from finding the best venue to selecting the right vendors. They can also be a great resource if you're feeling overwhelmed by the planning process. Be sure to ask about their knowledge of small weddings and get a few references before making your final decision.
Small Wedding Vendors in Toronto
- I Do! Wedding Cakes
When it comes to wedding cakes, I Do! Wedding Cakes is in a league of its own. Founded in 2006 by cake designer Olivia Nguyen, the company has over 15 years of industry experience and offers couples an artistic alternative to the otherwise ordinary world of wedding cakes. Nguyen is a perfectionist with unrivaled attention to detail, and her unique and original designs have raised the bar for the competition. I Do! Wedding Cakes offers a wide variety of cake flavors, fillings, and frostings to choose from, and they are all made with the highest quality ingredients.
- Tiny Flower
The Tiny Flower Market is a local Toronto florist that specializes in fresh-cut flowers, plants, and Orchids. They offer delivery throughout the Greater Toronto Area for all occasions. In addition to everyday bouquets, they also provide flowers for weddings and other special occasions. All of their arrangements are made with care and attention to detail. Helen Yang is the owner and her goal is to provide beautiful blooms that will bring joy to any occasion.
- Life Celebrations
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the help of a certified wedding officiant like Tracy B Richards, you can create a ceremony that truly reflects your personality and relationship. Tracy is available to perform your ceremony at any location in the province of Ontario, whether you're inviting hundreds of guests or it's just the two of you in an intimate setting. She takes the time to get to know her clients so she can create a unique and personal ceremony that captures your essence as a couple. Tracy will work with you to ensure that your wedding ceremony is everything you've dreamed of, regardless of whether you want a traditional or non-traditional service.
Pros and Cons of Small Weddings in Toronto
When it comes to planning a wedding, couples have countless options to choose from. Many couples opt to have small weddings in Toronto due to the plethora of benefits they can experience. Below is a list of some of the most notable pros and cons associated with having a small wedding in Toronto.
Advantages
- A smaller affair means less money spent on catering, decorations, location rental fees, and other services.
- Smaller weddings provide an intimate setting that allows couples to spend quality time with family and friends without feeling overwhelmed.
- With fewer guests attending, couples can add unique touches that may not be possible with larger weddings, such as traveling off-site for dinner or taking part in unique activities like wine tasting or hot air balloon rides.
- Because you’re not dealing with hundreds of guests, you’re free to choose unconventional venues such as parks or estates that traditional big weddings wouldn’t usually fit in.
Disadvantages
- One downside is that you won’t be able to invite all the important people you would like to your weddings such as distant relatives or close friends who don’t live nearby.
- Since everyone you know can't be invited, some guests may feel left out if they weren't included in the guest list—a potential source of tension among families and friends if not managed carefully by the couple beforehand.
- If expectations are too high for the event itself, then there could be an increased chance of disappointment because smaller weddings simply lack certain features found at bigger ones such as musical entertainment or extravagant décor.
Tips on How to Organize Small Weddings in Toronto
Planning a wedding can be an incredibly daunting task, especially if it’s a small wedding. However, with some careful planning, thoughtful decisions, and thorough research, you can create an unforgettable experience that both you and your loved ones can enjoy. Here are some tips on how to organize small weddings in Toronto.
- Research venues carefully: Before making any commitments or decisions regarding venue selection for your small Toronto wedding, make sure to thoroughly research all the available options. Consider whether the venue will accommodate the desired size of your guest list as well as the type of atmosphere you want for your special day.
- Hire professional vendors: When it comes to planning a small wedding in Toronto, hiring professional vendors such as caterers, photographers or videographers is essential. By having access to experienced professionals who are familiar with all the nuances of organizing such events in the city, you'll ensure that everything is taken care of smoothly on the big day without any unexpected hiccups arising from inexperienced vendors.
- Create meaningful decorations: A small wedding in Toronto should reflect meaningful decorations that add charm and personality to each room where guests will be greeted and entertained throughout the evening. Consider opting for vintage pieces that help transport guests back in time as they celebrate this special milestone in your life together. Alternatively, choose colors and themes that are particularly significant to you both as a couple such as rose gold accents or contemporary minimalism.
Famous Locations in Toronto
- Riverdale Farm
If you're looking for a picturesque and family-friendly spot in Toronto, look no further than Riverdale Farm. With 7.5 acres of beautiful scenery, including woods, ponds, and gardens, as well as plenty of friendly farm animals to meet, this is the perfect place to spend a day out. Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation maintain this fabulous attraction. And all just a stone's throw from downtown Toronto!
- Niagara Falls Canada
Niagara Falls has everything an adventurous visitor would like to see, from outdoor fun like riding the rapids to spectacular botanical gardens. Of course, seeing the falls up close will be a highlight. Visit the observation deck or walk the boardwalk in the Niagara Gorge. The three waterfalls here are lit up every evening, giving an incredible view. Special illuminations are held on occasions like Canadian Thanksgiving and World Thrombosis Day.
- Allan Gardens Conservatory
The unique beauty of the historical city center can be appreciated from picturesque footpaths that lead to award-winning gardens and landmark buildings. The Allan Gardens Conservatory, with a magnificent glass-domed Victorian structure surrounding the palm tree section, is a fantastic locale to visit. Don’t miss the Arid House with succulents and cacti and the Cool Temperate House with plants from destinations like Australia, also found here.