Your wedding day should be a celebration, not a day spent worrying about every little detail.
At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, our events team understands that every couple has a unique vision. From décor and atmosphere to timelines and personal touches, our goal is to make planning seamless while bringing that vision to life.
We spoke with Jawad Alami, one of our Event Services Managers, who has worked on 16 weddings during his time at the Roger Centre Ottawa, to get his advice on making the most of your wedding experience.
Trust Your Wedding Planner and Event Services Manager
Jawad’s first piece of advice is simple: trust your wedding planner and/or event services manager.
“Share everything you have in mind and everything you hope to see on your wedding day,” says Jawad. “I always encourage my couples to express themselves openly because their happiness and satisfaction are the goal.”
You don’t have to make every decision alone. Your event team brings experience with different wedding styles, timelines, vendors and setups. Sharing your ideas allows them to help turn your vision into a celebration that works beautifully in the space.
Let Your Personality Shine Through Your Décor
Décor is a great way to make your wedding feel uniquely yours. Jawad encourages couples to share their vision early, whether it’s a fully developed concept or a collection of inspiration images.
“I like to talk about décor where the couple can share their vision for the wedding,” he explains. “We can also take inspiration from Pinterest. If possible, I offer suggestions that complement both their style and the venue to help bring everything together.”
Your event team can offer guidance on how your décor plans will work within the space and complement your overall vision.
Most Importantly: Don’t Stress
Jawad’s biggest piece of advice is to try not to stress about the details on your wedding day.
“Your event services manager has planned many weddings and is there to make sure everything runs smoothly,” he says.
After the celebration, Jawad often hears from couples who wish they hadn’t worried so much because everything was handled as expected.
Let your event team take care of the details so you can focus on celebrating with the people you love.
Enjoy the Week Before
Whenever possible, Jawad encourages couples to step away from wedding-related questions and logistics during the week leading up to their wedding, unless absolutely necessary. Instead, he connects with the wedding planner or a family member if something requires their attention.
By the final week, most of the planning is done. Couples should be relaxing and getting excited, not answering logistical questions. Jawad also recommends treating yourself to something relaxing, such as a spa day or massage.
“By then, all the planning is complete, and it is time for them to enjoy the experience,” he says. “It has always worked wonderfully.”
Remember What the Day Is Really About
After months of planning, it’s easy to get caught up by trying to make everything perfect. The most memorable weddings are the ones where couples can be present, surrounded by the people they love, and enjoy the celebration they worked so hard to create.
At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, our team is here to take care of the details so you can focus on making memories and enjoying every moment of your special day.
