The Complete Guide to Weddings: Styles, Planners & Inspiration
From the ceremony style that defines your day to the planners who bring it to life and the publications that inspire it all — your definitive resource, rooted in Toronto.
Every great wedding begins with a vision. Before you choose a venue, select a florist, or book a planner, the most important decision you will make is understanding what kind of wedding you truly want. The style sets the tone for everything that follows — the attire, the atmosphere, the guest experience, and the memories that last a lifetime.
At JWS Bespoke, we have spent over 30 years crafting custom menswear for Toronto’s grooms and groomsmen. In that time, we have witnessed every wedding style imaginable — from grand black-tie galas at the Fairmont Royal York to intimate elopements in the Distillery District, from lavish South Asian multi-day celebrations to bohemian vineyard ceremonies in Niagara. This guide covers them all.
The Many Ways to Say “I Do”
There is no single right way to get married. Each wedding style carries its own atmosphere, traditions, and aesthetic language. Understanding the full spectrum of options is the first step toward creating a celebration that feels authentically yours.
Formal & Black-Tie Weddings
The formal black-tie wedding is the pinnacle of wedding elegance — a celebration where every detail is elevated to its highest expression. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over round tables draped in crisp linen, a live orchestra fills the room with music, and guests arrive in floor-length gowns and perfectly pressed dinner jackets. This is the wedding that generations of families have dreamed of.
In Toronto, the Fairmont Royal York’s Canadian Room, the Four Seasons Hotel’s grand ballroom, and the Ritz-Carlton are the natural homes of the formal wedding. The dress code is non-negotiable: black tie means a black tuxedo with a silk lapel, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and patent leather shoes. For the groom who wants to make a statement, a bespoke tuxedo with surgeon cuffs, Ascolite-wrapped buttons, and hand-stitched pick stitching on every seam is the only appropriate choice.
The formal wedding demands meticulous planning — typically 12 to 18 months of preparation — and a team of experienced professionals to execute it flawlessly. Guest counts typically range from 150 to 500, and every element, from the calligraphed place cards to the couture wedding cake, is chosen with deliberate intention.
Attire: Bespoke Black-Tie TuxedoCultural & South Asian Weddings
Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and nowhere is that richness more beautifully expressed than in its cultural weddings. South Asian celebrations — encompassing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and secular traditions — are among the most elaborate and joyous in the world. A typical South Asian wedding in the GTA spans three to five days, with distinct ceremonies including the Mehndi, Sangeet, Baraat, Nikah or Pheras, and the Walima or reception.
Each ceremony carries its own dress code, its own music, its own rituals, and its own emotional weight. The groom may wear an embroidered sherwani for the ceremony and a bespoke Western suit for the reception. Persian, Chinese, Jewish, Greek, and Caribbean weddings each bring their own equally rich traditions to Toronto’s wedding landscape, making the GTA one of the most vibrant and diverse wedding markets on the planet.
For the groom navigating multiple outfit changes across multiple days, custom-made garments are essential. A bespoke suit that fits perfectly for the Western reception, paired with a custom sherwani or achkan for the traditional ceremony, ensures that every moment is photographed at its best.
Attire: Custom Sherwani & Bespoke SuitGlamorous & Luxury Weddings
The glamorous wedding is not simply a formal wedding with more flowers — it is a full sensory experience designed to dazzle. Think dramatic floral installations that cascade from the ceiling, custom-built dance floors of illuminated glass, bespoke monogrammed napkins, and a dessert table that doubles as a work of art. Luxury weddings are defined by the quality of every detail, not just the quantity.
Toronto’s luxury wedding scene has grown dramatically over the past decade, with planners like MUSE Event Co., Clement & Co. Events, and Rebecca Chan Events producing events that rival anything in New York or London. Venues such as Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Arcadian Court, and the Carlu provide the architectural drama that luxury weddings demand.
For the groom, a glamorous wedding calls for a suit in Super 150s or Super 180s wool — the finest available — with a silk lapel, hand-stitched surgeon cuffs, and a custom lining in a fabric that tells his personal story. This is not a suit you rent. This is a suit you commission.
Attire: Super 150s Bespoke SuitGarden & Outdoor Weddings
There is something undeniably romantic about a wedding held under an open sky, surrounded by the natural beauty of a well-tended garden. Floral arches frame the ceremony, fairy lights are strung between ancient trees, and the scent of fresh flowers mingles with the warm evening air. Garden weddings feel both timeless and deeply personal — as though the setting itself is celebrating with you.
Toronto and the surrounding GTA offer some of Canada’s most beautiful outdoor wedding venues. Casa Loma’s terraced gardens, Graydon Hall Manor’s manicured grounds, the Toronto Botanical Garden, and the Kortright Centre for Conservation all provide extraordinary natural backdrops. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s vineyard estates — Peller Estates, Ravine Vineyard, and Strewn Winery — are perennial favourites for couples who want the romance of wine country within easy reach of the city.
For the groom, a garden wedding calls for a custom suit in a lighter fabric — a fine wool-linen blend, a tropical-weight wool, or a breathable Super 120s — in a colour that complements the natural surroundings: sage green, dusty blue, warm tan, or a classic navy with a subtle texture.
Attire: Custom Wool-Linen Blend SuitDestination Weddings
A destination wedding transforms the celebration into an experience — a multi-day event in an extraordinary location that doubles as a holiday for the couple and their closest guests. The Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, the French Riviera, Santorini, Bali, and the beaches of the Riviera Maya are among the world’s most sought-after wedding destinations, each offering a unique combination of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and romantic atmosphere.
For Toronto couples, destination weddings are increasingly popular. Many GTA planners — including Impresario Events and Chic by Nicole — specialize in destination celebrations, managing the complex logistics of transporting a wedding party and their guests to a foreign country while ensuring every local vendor, permit, and cultural requirement is handled seamlessly.
The destination wedding groom faces a unique sartorial challenge: his attire must be both appropriate for the climate and setting, and worthy of the occasion. A custom linen suit in ivory or sand for a beach ceremony, or a lightweight Super 120s in midnight navy for a Tuscan villa, is the answer. The key is fabric: breathable, travel-friendly, and impeccably tailored.
Attire: Lightweight Linen or Tropical WoolMicro Weddings & Elopements
The micro wedding — typically defined as a celebration with fewer than 30 guests — has emerged as one of the most meaningful and rapidly growing wedding formats of the past decade. Freed from the obligation of inviting extended family and professional acquaintances, micro weddings allow couples to invest deeply in every single detail: the venue, the food, the flowers, the photography, and above all, the attire.
In Toronto, the Distillery District’s cobblestone courtyards, the intimate dining rooms of restaurants like Canoe and Alo, and the private gardens of heritage properties provide perfect settings for micro celebrations. An elopement — the most intimate form of all — may involve just the couple and two witnesses, often in a location of profound personal significance: a mountain summit, a favourite beach, or a city rooftop at sunset.
For the micro wedding groom, the investment in a bespoke suit is even more justified: with fewer guests, every detail is noticed. A perfectly fitted custom suit in a distinctive fabric — a rich burgundy, a deep forest green, or a classic charcoal with a subtle herringbone weave — becomes a defining element of the day’s visual story.
Attire: Distinctive Bespoke Custom SuitEvery Couple, Every Vision
Beyond the headline styles, the world of weddings encompasses a rich spectrum of formats and aesthetics. Here are more of the most beloved wedding styles celebrated by couples in Toronto and around the world.
Bohemian Weddings
Earthy tones, dried florals, macramé installations, and eclectic décor define the bohemian wedding. Often set in vineyards, open fields, or under canvas tents, this style celebrates individuality and creative freedom. An unstructured linen suit in terracotta, warm beige, or sage is the perfect complement to the free-spirited atmosphere.
Attire: Unstructured LinenCocktail-Style Weddings
A dynamic alternative to the traditional sit-down dinner, the cocktail wedding replaces formal seating with a vibrant social atmosphere. Guests mingle freely, enjoying curated small plates and artisan cocktails. This format is increasingly popular in Toronto’s urban venues, rooftop spaces, and art galleries, creating an energetic celebration that feels contemporary and effortlessly chic.
Attire: Modern Slim SuitVintage & Art Deco Weddings
Drawing on the beauty of past eras, vintage weddings weave nostalgia into every detail. Toronto’s historic venues — the Carlu, the Arcadian Court, and the Windsor Arms — provide stunning Art Deco backdrops. For the groom, a double-breasted suit in midnight navy or charcoal with a silk lapel and vintage-inspired accessories is the definitive choice.
Attire: Double-Breasted SuitRustic & Barn Weddings
Ontario’s countryside is dotted with beautifully restored barns and farm estates that have become beloved wedding venues. Exposed wooden beams, mason jar centrepieces, wildflower bouquets, and string lights create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both casual and deeply romantic. A custom tweed or textured wool suit in earthy tones is perfectly suited to this setting.
Attire: Textured Tweed or WoolBeach Weddings
The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun, and the beauty of a natural horizon make beach weddings inherently romantic. Whether on the shores of the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or even the Great Lakes, a beach ceremony demands attire that balances formality with comfort. A custom linen or cotton-blend suit in white, ivory, or pale blue is the ideal choice.
Attire: Linen or Cotton-Blend SuitWedding Weekends
The wedding weekend transforms a single day into a multi-day experience for the couple’s closest family and friends. Guests arrive on Friday for a welcome dinner, celebrate on Saturday, and gather again on Sunday for a farewell brunch. Private estates, resort properties, and vineyard retreats in Ontario’s wine country are perfect settings for this immersive format. Multiple outfit changes across the weekend make a bespoke wardrobe essential.
Attire: Full Bespoke WardrobeThe Planners Who Define Toronto Weddings
Behind every extraordinary Toronto wedding is an extraordinary planner. These are the creative directors, logistics masters, and design visionaries who have built their reputations on delivering celebrations that couples and their guests remember for a lifetime.
MUSE Event Co.
With over two decades of experience producing luxury weddings across Canada and internationally, MUSE Event Co. stands as one of Toronto’s most celebrated and trusted planning collectives. Founded by a team of passionate women — Laura Atendido, Ellie Martires, Baye Kler, Thyra Chin, and Kendal — the firm has earned an unwavering reputation for flawless execution, creative design, and deeply personal service.
Their portfolio spans intimate Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard celebrations to glamorous Yorkville galas at the Park Hyatt. Clients consistently describe their experience as “the absolute best thing we did for our wedding.” MUSE is the benchmark against which all Toronto luxury wedding planning is measured.
Specialty: Full-Service Luxury PlanningClement & Co. Events
Formerly known as Blush & Bowties, Clement & Co. Events has reinvented itself as a premier luxury planning studio with an award-winning team and a passion for intentional, detail-driven design. Named one of Canada’s Best Wedding Planners, the firm designs warm, sophisticated celebrations that evoke genuine connection — blending flawless logistics with fresh, elevated aesthetics.
Their sister company, Archive Studios, located in the heart of Toronto, offers a natural light photo studio and elegant event space that serves as a creative hub for their productions. From Toronto to worldwide destinations, Clement & Co. crafts experiences that are as visually breathtaking as they are deeply personal.
Specialty: Award-Winning Design & PlanningRebecca Chan Events
Led by visionary planner and recognized wedding expert Rebecca Chan, this firm has built an exceptional reputation as one of Canada’s top luxury event planning companies since 2009. A regular guest expert on Cityline, Rebecca brings a background in graphic design and full-scale event production to every celebration, resulting in events that are as visually stunning as they are meticulously organized.
Her celebrity client list includes poet Rupi Kaur and NHL player Mike Hoffman. Rebecca Chan Events specializes in producing luxury celebrations and memorable brand activations in Toronto and abroad, with a multidisciplinary approach that sets a new standard for what a wedding can be.
Specialty: Luxury Design & Celebrity EventsNarelle Janine Events
Narelle Janine approaches wedding planning with the precision and warmth of a luxury concierge. Her team handles every detail — from vendor management and full-scale production to the quiet, behind-the-scenes coordination that allows couples to be fully present on their most important day. Her philosophy is simple: weddings you feel, not just see.
Her structured yet flexible methodology ensures that no matter the scale or complexity of the event, every element is executed with grace and intention. Narelle Janine Events is particularly celebrated for its ability to translate a couple’s personal story into a cohesive, emotionally resonant celebration that guests remember for years.
Specialty: Full-Service Planning & ProductionBlue Lavender Events
Blue Lavender Events is a Toronto wedding planning boutique driven by a belief that the most beautiful moments are born around the table. Their approach is purposeful and rooted in understated elegance — each element curated to spark connection, from the flicker of candlelight dancing across linen to a table set not just for dining, but for storytelling.
Featured in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, and Junebug Weddings, Blue Lavender has earned national and international recognition for its refined, soulful aesthetic. They design weddings that feel like an extension of home — intimate, deeply personal, and thoughtfully curated at every turn.
Specialty: Intimate & Soulful CelebrationsClassy Affairs
Led by Tanya, Classy Affairs is a premier luxury wedding planning boutique based in Vaughan, serving Toronto and the GTA with bespoke full-service planning, curated partial planning, and expert month-of coordination. With over 200 weddings planned, the team brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to making the planning process as joyful as the wedding day itself.
Classy Affairs operates on a simple but powerful belief: wedding planning should not be synonymous with stress. Their approach empowers couples to dream freely while the team handles every logistical detail — from budgeting and vendor negotiations to flawless day-of execution.
Specialty: Bespoke Full-Service PlanningMore Outstanding Toronto & GTA Planners
Toronto’s wedding planning scene is rich with talent. These firms and individuals have each carved out a distinctive reputation for excellence across the city and the GTA.
Impresario Events
One of Toronto’s top-reviewed wedding planning companies, with extensive experience across all faiths and cultures — South Asian, Persian, Jewish, Chinese, and Catholic celebrations. They also specialize in destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean, making them a versatile choice for couples with international ambitions.
Designed Dream Events
An award-winning planning and design company with over 10 years in the industry and more than 300 successful events. Their multilingual team speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, and German, making them an exceptional choice for multicultural celebrations. Quality over quantity is their guiding principle.
Too Perfect Events
Based in North York, Too Perfect Events is all about precision. Their planning process feels effortless even when pulling off something bold and complex. They have worked with couples in Toronto, New York, and Miami, demonstrating that their high-touch service travels seamlessly across borders.
Chic by Nicole
With offices in Toronto and experience planning weddings in Paris, Italy, and New York, Chic by Nicole blends international perspective with custom design for every event. She has earned global recognition for her ability to create celebrations that feel both cosmopolitan and deeply personal.
Ashley Pigott Events
Ashley Pigott Events operates on an intentionally small scale, accepting only a handful of weddings per year to ensure each client receives complete, undivided attention. The result is events that feel polished, well-paced, and never rushed — the gold standard of boutique wedding planning in Toronto.
Shealyn Angus Weddings
Shealyn Angus and her team specialize in crafting events from the ground up — literally. Her expertise in tented celebrations on private properties and family estates is unparalleled in the Toronto area. Every decision feels personal, intentional, and entirely reflective of the couple at the centre of the celebration.
More Toronto & GTA Wedding Planners
A curated selection of additional planners who consistently deliver exceptional results across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Amavi Event Planning + Design
A boutique wedding and event planning company specializing in bespoke, romantic experiences. With a collaborative planning style and devotion to going above and beyond, Amavi takes on a limited number of clients per year, offering an exclusive, deeply personal experience for each couple.
Eddie Suliman Events
Launched in 2014, Eddie Suliman Events brings a remarkable resume spanning mayoral campaigns, large-scale festivals, and intimate weddings. Her philosophy: “No event is too big for me.” Her creative ability and commitment to customizing each client’s experience have made her a celebrated figure in the GTA event industry.
August In Bloom
August In Bloom brings a modern mindset to an age-old celebration. Their team does not believe in copy-paste weddings — every plan starts fresh, shaped entirely by who the couple is and how they want to celebrate. The result is a wedding that feels genuinely original and deeply reflective of the people at its centre.
Marielle Gourlay Events
With over 15 years of experience planning events ranging from intimate weddings of 50 to high-energy celebrations for 5,000, Marielle Gourlay Events offers superior quality and intricate detail at every scale. Her key industry relationships give clients access to exceptional vendors at preferred rates.
Bliss Toronto
Bliss Toronto offers customizable planning packages so couples get support that fits their unique needs. Whether you already know exactly what you want or are starting from scratch, their flexible approach ensures you receive the right level of guidance and coordination without feeling overwhelmed.
Watson & Co Events
A polished and grounded planning team that manages every piece of the wedding puzzle — from proposals and timelines to day-of execution. Watson & Co Events is known for their calm professionalism and ability to keep even the most complex multi-vendor events running seamlessly.
Jenna Planned This
Founded in 2021 and already fully booked for multiple seasons, Jenna Planned This has grown rapidly on the strength of its meticulous attention to detail and genuine care for every client. JPT treats all clients like family and ensures every element of the wedding reflects the couple’s unique personality and vision.
Saluti Designs
Combining graceful design with near-invisible planning, Saluti Designs embodies quiet luxury. Their art-driven approach to weddings creates celebrations that feel romantic, refined, and entirely effortless for the couple and their guests. For those who appreciate beauty without ostentation, Saluti is an exceptional choice.
World-Class Planners Beyond Toronto
For destination weddings or couples seeking international expertise, these globally celebrated planners represent the pinnacle of the profession — trusted by celebrities, royalty, and discerning couples worldwide.
Mindy Weiss
A legend in the wedding industry, celebrated for boundless creativity and extraordinary attention to detail. Her client list includes Justin and Hailey Bieber and the Kardashian family. She has authored books on entertaining and teaches a MasterClass on event planning — a true industry icon whose influence has shaped the modern wedding industry.
Colin Cowie
Synonymous with luxury and experiential event design, Colin Cowie has produced events for Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck. His approach focuses on the complete sensory experience — scent, timing, texture, and music — creating events ranging from 50 to 5,000 guests with equal mastery and imagination.
Preston Bailey
When it comes to breathtaking floral design and transformative event spaces, Preston Bailey stands alone. His massive floral installations — transparent dance floors filled with roses, entire menageries of animals made from blooms — have left guests worldwide in awe. Clients include Oprah Winfrey and the Ambani family of India.
Rafanelli Events
Bryan Rafanelli is the planner of choice for America’s first families. He planned Naomi Biden’s wedding at the White House and served as Michelle Obama’s preferred event designer. His events are known for their warmth, sophistication, and the extraordinary trust placed in his vision and discretion.
Sarah Haywood
One of the United Kingdom’s leading luxury wedding planners, internationally acclaimed for her sophisticated, meticulously organized events. A published author and recognized authority on luxury weddings, she brings a distinctly British elegance to celebrations worldwide, working across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Easton Events
Founded in 1998 by Lynn Easton, this firm executes no more than ten events per year, ensuring each client receives the utmost in personalized service. Operating globally — from private ranches in Colorado to multi-day celebrations in Thailand and France — Easton Events creates weddings that feel both luxurious and intimately welcoming.
Jennifer Zabinski — JZ Events
The mastermind behind Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s fairytale New Orleans wedding, Zabinski is known for flawless execution and creative storytelling. Her portfolio includes a bacchanalic celebration in Venice complete with a dancing aerialist — proof that her imagination knows no limits.
Banana Split London
The agency behind Sofia Richie Grainge’s celebrated 2023 South of France wedding, Banana Split has been revolutionizing the world of events since 1976, with offices in London and the French Riviera. For European destination weddings of the highest caliber, they are the definitive choice.
Exclusive Italy Weddings
Founded in 2004 by Laura Frappa, this luxury event design firm is renowned for curating refined, trend-setting celebrations in Italy’s most iconic destinations — from the cliffs of Ravello to the shores of Lake Como. For couples dreaming of an Italian wedding, there is no finer guide or more trusted partner.
The World’s Leading Wedding Publications
Before the planning begins, inspiration is everything. These are the world’s most authoritative wedding publications — each offering a distinct perspective on bridal style, planning, and the art of celebration. Whether you are a bride, a groom, a planner, or simply a lover of beautiful things, these publications are essential reading.
Brides Magazine
A cornerstone of the wedding industry for nearly a century, offering comprehensive guidance on every aspect of wedding planning — from fashion and beauty to etiquette and real wedding features. The most widely read bridal print publication in North America.
Vogue Weddings
The ultimate authority for the fashion-forward couple, showcasing the most glamorous high-society weddings globally, with a focus on couture bridal wear and luxurious venues. A feature in Vogue Weddings is the highest honour in the bridal world.
Martha Stewart Weddings
The definitive source for craftsmanship, personalization, and handmade details. Perfect for couples who appreciate the finer points of a celebration and the beauty of bespoke, thoughtfully chosen touches that make a wedding feel truly one-of-a-kind.
The Knot
The most widely used wedding planning resource in North America, blending practical planning tools with endless visual inspiration, vendor discovery, and the latest trends. An indispensable digital and print companion for modern couples planning their wedding.
Grace Ormonde Wedding Style
The premier publication for ultra-luxury weddings, seeking events with bold floral designs, couture fashion, and uniquely bespoke details. A feature here is the gold standard of industry recognition for planners, designers, and venues worldwide.
WedLuxe
Canada’s premier luxury wedding publication, WedLuxe showcases the country’s most opulent and creative celebrations. Toronto weddings frequently grace its pages, making it essential reading for GTA couples seeking high-end inspiration close to home.
Wedding Bells
One of Canada’s longest-running and most beloved wedding publications, Wedding Bells covers the full spectrum of Canadian wedding planning from coast to coast, with a particular focus on real Canadian weddings, local vendors, and seasonal inspiration.
Junebug Weddings
Known for distinctive, creative, and sometimes unconventional wedding features with a strong emphasis on stunning photography. An essential resource for couples prioritizing exceptional visual documentation of their day and for photographers seeking international recognition.
The Full Spectrum of Wedding Publications
| Publication | Country | Focus & Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WedLuxe | Canada | Canadian Luxury | GTA & Canadian luxury couples |
| Wedding Bells | Canada | National Coverage | All Canadian couples; real weddings |
| Brides Magazine | USA | Comprehensive Planning | All couples; classic and contemporary styles |
| Vogue Weddings | International | High Fashion & Luxury | Fashion-forward, high-society celebrations |
| Martha Stewart Weddings | USA | Craftsmanship & Detail | Couples who love personalization and bespoke details |
| The Knot | USA / Canada | Planning Tools & Trends | Modern couples seeking practical guidance |
| Grace Ormonde Wedding Style | USA | Ultra-Luxury Events | Opulent, grand-scale celebrations |
| Junebug Weddings | International | Photography & Creativity | Artistic, unconventional celebrations |
| Harper’s Bazaar Bride | International | Fashion & Lifestyle | Style-conscious, trend-setting couples |
| Over The Moon | USA | Effortless Elegance | Fashion-forward, chic celebrations |
| Inside Weddings | USA | Romance & Elegance | Couples seeking upscale real wedding features |
| WeddingWire / The Knot Canada | Canada | Vendor Discovery | Couples searching for local Toronto vendors |
Your Wedding Attire,
Crafted to Perfection in Toronto
You have chosen your wedding style. You have found your planner. Now it is time to dress the groom. At JWS Bespoke, we create custom-made menswear that reflects your unique vision and the spirit of your celebration — from the first consultation to the final fitting, right here in Toronto. With over 30 years of experience dressing Toronto’s grooms, we know that the right suit does not just complete the look. It defines the day.
Book Your Consultation Or call us directly at 416-447-2907 — we would love to hear about your vision.