Paar

Author: Savannah Crawford

  • What to get the happy couple for the holidays?

    Seashell in Love for Unsplash

    Have some soon-to-be brides(s) & groom(s) in your life who you want to send a gift to this holiday season? We get it, the lure of cute things from stores like Indigo that say “bride to be” can be easy and fun. But don’t. Here are a few reasons why:

    • It’s low hanging fruit, lots of people will be buying them those trinkets
    • They are left burdened with gifts that you have long forgotten about but they feel guilty decluttering from their home.
    • There’s no guarantee they will use them. Wouldn’t you rather know that your money is going to something that will be used.
    • People are looking for connections and experiences rather than things.
    • Everyone is becoming more and more conscious of sustainability and the environment, so there is no longer the shame of showing up without a conventional gift.
    Nynne Schroder

    Here are some ideas that benefit you, the recipient and the environment:

    • Money. It is not tacky anymore!
    • Gift card to a restaurant. Maybe they are budgeting so they don’t get to eat out as much, so wouldn’t a night out at their favourite local spot be so nice?
    • Services like a manicure/pedicure, facial or haircut.
    • Gift-card to a store they can purchase things for the wedding like jewelry, veils, shoes, etc.
    • Striking a deal to not give gifts this year. Gift the gift of relief to your cash strapped bride(s)/groom(s).
    Korie Cull for Unsplash

    If you’re still stuck, you can always ask them. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that relationships and the people you love are the most important part of life.

  • What does corporate gift giving look like for the 2020 holidays?

    What does corporate gift giving look like for the 2020 holidays?

    This always seems to be a struggle every year, but like everything 2020 has changed the game. 

    Michelle for Unsplash

    So what do you get people that are home most of the time, screen fatigued, and in need of some excitement?

    We like to consider gifts that are environmentally friendly and support local businesses.

    So, what do you get your client or employee for the holiday season?

    • If you are a business owner, you could give your employees a monetary bonus. It may seem cold and thoughtless, but it might benefit them more than any gift. Their partners or family members may have experienced a job loss this year, so you can help relieve some stress, which is the greatest gift this year.
    • Private viewing at a drive in theatre. The drive-ins around the GTA can be rented out to groups, is very COVID safe and can be something they haven’t experienced before. Include some catering and snack options for an added bonus.
    • Small house appliances and goods. We selected soda streams as a gift for our team and it was a huge hit! Think of something that people would want/find useful but may not buy themselves.
    • Delivery of an amazing meal or food. Who doesn’t want to receive a meal you may not be able to enjoy right now? For example Milk Bar , Daniel et Daniel, The Food Dudes
    • Cineplex gift card and a delivery of a snackbox – so they can at least pretend to be able to go to the movies.
    • Gift cards to Canadian companies that offer a range of products for people to choose from Ela Handbags, Peace Collective, Kotn, etc.

    There are lots of basket delivery companies, but if you would prefer to make your own consider these fun ideas:

    • Puzzles
    • Wellness products
    • Healthy snacks
    • Seeds for food or plants
    Shawnee Wilborn for Unsplash

    A little research and thought can go a long way. We don’t have to give gifts just for the sake of giving them. The thought still does count even when they aren’t friends and family.

    Let us know what the best gift you ever received was or what you are planning on giving this year!

  • What to expect when you plan an event with Paar

    The word ‘Boutique’ can mean many things to many different people. When Savannah and I first came together and started planning our boutique event company, there were four pillars that built the foundation of our business, and this is what boutique means to us.

    Nathan Dumlao for Unsplash

    Exclusivity

    One of our strengths is the ability to connect with people and our community to find the most beautiful, exclusive, and unique venue for your event or small wedding. These are not venues that you can find just anywhere, they are private estates that open their property to our team and our clients because of our relationships. 

    Customizable

    Everything we do is custom and planned out from the perspective of the couple and their guests. From our vintage one-of-a-kind finds to our in-house designed installations, everything is created for you, our client. We source local vendors, florists, artists, welders, wood workers, bakers, sommeliers and chefs who deliver farm-to-table cuisine. These are the special touches that take an event from ordinary to extraordinary.

    Bruno Emmanuelle on Unsplash

    Tailored

    Our attention to detail is above all so that everything is taken care of from the first meeting until the end of the event. We are experts in what we do and we take great pride in finding the perfect matches for your perfect day and/or special event from a photographer specializing in outdoor photography, to a vegan chef, and everything in between. We have even created a completely sustainable event for a client where it was extremely important that we didn’t make an impact in our environmental footprint. Anything and everything is possible.

    Anna Vi for Unsplash

    Attention

    And last but not least, Attention. Attention to our clients and attention to detail. We want to fully understand our clients vision so that we can take it to the next level. We ask the right questions so that we understand what is important to our clients. Paar strategically sets the amount of events we plan month-to-month so that we, as a team, can give every client, event and vendor the attention needed to create the most perfect event.

    Let us know if a boutique event is what you are looking for, you just never know, we may be the perfect team to build you the most perfect wedding of your dreams.

  • What is a Boutique Wedding?

    Boho Chic decor with blankets draped on the chairs for a fall wedding

    A boutique is basically a micro wedding, but without feeling you had to compromise and is very tailored to the couple. In 2019, we saw a huge trend in micro weddings, then in 2020 (with the pandemic or the outbreak of Covid-19) it got a very negative connotation. People were literally forced to significantly reduce their numbers just to be able to keep their special date, locations and deposits. 


    The industry states that 50 or less people is a micro wedding.

    Boutique weddings usually use vendors that are more local, specialized and sustainable.

    While many reported that they loved having a more intimate celebration (and many couples look back and wish they had a smaller number of guests), there’s not a good feeling of being forced to do anything.

    In 2021, to ensure nothing gets cancelled or moved we suggest keeping the guestlist to under 25.

    We have planned the huge weddings and have to say – boutique weddings are our favourite. They are less stressful, more intimate and give you more options.

    With less attendees  you don’t have to spend as much on boring things like plate and chair rentals and instead you can focus on decorations, experiences, food, etc. Your guests can enjoy a poolside wine tasting with a live band or fireside gourmet smores.

    French Country table setting


    Other advantages of boutique weddings are:

    • They are unlikely to cancelled or moved due to changing regulations
    • They typically cost less than weddings of 100+
    • Time becomes more manageable. It takes less time to serve dinner, to move from ceremony to reception, or to even get a drink from the bar.
    • More venues become available. You aren’t limited to large scale venues who then can charge more because there are only a few available.
    • Better for introverts. If the idea of standing in front of 200 people to say vows makes you nauseous, then this is the perfect excuse!

    Let us know in the comments why you love boutique weddings

  • Who starts an events company during a pandemic!?

    Who starts an events company during a pandemic!?

    Shannon & Savannah

    The events industry, like many others, has been turned upside down this year. Many people turned to us asking – what do we do!? To be honest, we were a bit thrown and just as stunned as everyone else. But we are creative, problem solving, entrepreneurial women who found a solution, to what looks like, an on-going problem.

    Regulations, theories, dates and numbers keep changing – how do we create a safe space for people to regain some sort of normalcy  while reducing the stress inherent in events?  We heard from many brides and corporate planners that  felt overwhelmed  by the changes at work and at home. Life still goes forward and important events still need to happen. We still need to celebrate, laugh and love.

    With a combined 20 years+ of experience in the events space, we have done everything from music festivals to weddings to international corporate retreats. We knew we could not only execute elevated events, but keep them safe and enjoyable at the same time. Events are our *thing*.

    Boutique weddings had become a trend before 2020 and we will see this trend continue well into 2022. In a pandemic, we are all being challenged to adapt our ways of thinking and we are excited to see what these new kind of events become. There are many exciting and innovative ideas to present to couples when creating a day they never dreamed possible. It is our dream to make the impossible, possible.
    With the holiday season upon us, companies are also looking for new and safe ways to engage employees, especially now that they are limited to interactions in virtual spaces. We like to think outside the box, creating an event venue in the country, but close enough to the city, where small groups can find some fresh air in a safe outdoor space.  Paired with some fun yet responsible, bonding activities and some delicious country cooking, it could be a party to remember. Bonfire and s’mores optional!

    The fire pit near the pond at Heaven on 5th

    Paar is committed to safe, sustainable and memorable events and we cannot wait for you to join us on this adventure 1 hour outside of the GTA.