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Weddings by Costco

Weddings often cost a fortune, but in Costco warehouses and at Costco.ca, it’s possible to dream bigger and make your budget go further without sacrificing quality. From rings to flowers, cocktails to cake, and photo books to honeymoon travel, Costco is the one-stop source to make planning your special day easy and hassle-free. Here’s how.

by WENDY HELFENBAUM

Dreaming about your new life together represents an epic adventure, one that starts with the wedding planning journey. Whether you’re having a huge family gathering or an intimate affair, Costco can help you keep the excitement going throughout the festivities.

Kristin and Jeff Noble turned to Costco for their invitations and more / Robyn Illsley’s engagement ring came from Costco
HENNESSEY PHOTOGRAPHY; TWIN BRIDGES PHOTOGRAPHY

Put a ring on it

Costco member Robyn Illsley found the perfect engagement ring while shopping for groceries.

“Walking by the jewellery counter, I saw the ring I’ve wanted since I was a little girl who loved Princess Diana: a squarecut blue sapphire with diamonds around it,” recalls Illsley, who lives in Halifax.

That night, Illsley and then-boyfriend Rick MacKay returned to purchase the ring set.

“I’ve since gotten countless compliments about my ring—even from total strangers,” she adds.

Costco jewellery and watches buyer Julianna Nowaczek says couples will find 80 styles of gold and platinum diamond engagement rings in warehouses and at Costco.ca—from a timeless princess cut to show-stopping clusters of diamonds. There’s also a wide selection of men’s and women’s wedding or eternity bands, with new styles arriving regularly.

“We cannot be beat for our quality and value, and we have jewellery for every taste and budget,” says Nowaczek.

Costco member and wedding planner Alisha Chadee of Events by Whim in Toronto has worked with many couples who purchased their engagement rings, bands and wedding day jewellery from Costco. “Costco has a great reputation for excellent diamonds,” she says.

The warehouse features diamond or gemstone necklaces and earrings for the entire bridal party to wear on the special day. Cultured Akoya or freshwater pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings are a great choice for bridesmaids and maid of honour gifts, suggests Nowaczek.

“And for the groomsmen, watches are a fantastic option,” she adds.

Provide delicious refreshments

For wedding-related feasts, including rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, celebratory brunches and receptions, why not pre-order platters from Costco’s Service Deli department?

“We have three options—meat and cheese, croissant sandwiches or shrimp, and each platter serves 16 to 20 people,” says fresh foods and Service Deli assistant buyer Chris Larivière.

“They can be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance at the order kiosk, which is typically located between the Deli and Bakery departments.”

The warehouse carries vegetable trays and bite-sized appetizers, plus tableware, utensils, napkins and folding tables.

Costco members Jeff Noble and his wife, Kristin, joke that their entire wedding came from Costco.

“We held our ceremony at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario, and the reception at our house in Lancaster. All the non-alcoholic beverages and food—appetizers, sandwiches, cheese, vegetables, shrimp—were from Costco, which helped us keep our wedding budget in check,” says Jeff .

Costco member Jordan Tucker, owner of Jasper Event Management in Alberta, has worked with couples who have purchased food and drink supplies for wedding-related events from Costco.

“Every couple wants to get the most for their budget, and we’ve suggested purchasing items in bulk, including bottled water, LED candles, wineglasses, fruit platters, scones and juices. These are easy ways to welcome guests,” he says, adding that Alberta and Quebec warehouses feature a selection of wine and beer.

Create a festive vibe with fresh flowers

Costco’s wedding floral packages include the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets, corsages for the moms and boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen—all at unbeatable prices, says lawn and garden buyer Chris Sorgard.

“The biggest advantage of buying flowers at Costco is value and convenience; we have a variety of flowers both in the warehouses and at Costco.ca—where we have Canada-wide delivery,” says Sorgard.

Members should order flowers to arrive three days before the event, so they have time to hydrate and look their best. At the warehouse level, members get expert assistance from flower cooler employees to put together a special order. Or preorder fresh-cut flowers and greenery to make your own bouquets and arrangements—at a fraction of the cost a florist would charge, Chadee suggests.

“We’ve purchased bulk florals like roses or gerbera daisies in specific colour combinations,” she says. “All you need is space in the fridge and an ability to strip and trim flowers, and you’re good to go.”

Costco member Juliya Brodin and her bridesmaids went the DIY route for her wedding in Kelowna, British Columbia.

“We made the bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements ourselves with Costco flowers; warehouse staff guided us toward flowers that would be in season,” says Brodin.

“They turned out beautifully, and it was a great activity for my friends and I to enjoy together.”

Chadee suggests choosing one type of flower, then adding baby’s breath or greenery for a fuller look. Finish by wrapping stems in coloured floral tape or ribbon, or place flowers in a beautiful vase.

Celebrate with sweet treats

Pre-order everything needed for wedding party desserts at Costco’s bakery, including cookie or pastry platters, cupcakes, pies and cheesecakes.

Even though Costco warehouses don’t sell traditional wedding cakes, members may pre-order sheet cakes at least 24 hours in advance from the warehouse bakery kiosk, says bakery buyer Louisa Pang-Vautour. Members can choose from 10 designs and personalize the cake with a message, she adds.

Affordable guest favours or afterdinner sweets are easy to find in the warehouse or online, says Costco member Ashley Holzscherer, owner of Bridal Bliss Wedding Planning in Barrie, Ontario.

“Costco [sometimes] offers such items as heart-shaped macarons, truffles or dark chocolate pieces that make a lovely addition to any plate setting as a delicious guest favour. For the couple that wishes to do something a little more personal, purchase one of Costco’s winemaking kits and make personalized bottles for [your] guests,” suggests Holzscherer.

Plan a romantic honeymoon

Newlyweds seeking a fabulous holiday anywhere across seven continents will find the ideal itinerary through CostcoTravel.ca, which offers ocean and river cruises, guided tours and safaris, all-inclusive resorts, theme park trips, luxury hotels and car rentals, says Costco Travel area manager Karine St-Cyr.

“In terms of fantastic honeymoon destinations, we have packages to Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Fiji, and the Caribbean and Mexico are also great options,” says St-Cyr. Couples also can choose hotel-only bookings with a rental car, she notes.

Not only does Costco Travel provide members with competitive pricing, but they also often get access to promotions and benefits like cruise ship cabin upgrades, spa treatments, bottles of wine and a Costco Shop Card. Executive members get a 2% cash-back reward.

Costco Travel makes sure members have the best travel experience at the best price, adds St-Cyr.

“Our call centre is in Montreal, and all our agents are bilingual and fully trained so members get excellent service,” she says.

Shop smart and dream big by stocking up on affordable, high-quality wedding items, food and beverages at Costco for an event you and your guests will remember for years to come.

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Laurie Shannon transforms Costco sheet cakes into tiered wedding cakes
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