Today we are getting to know Simply Settings! Located in the heart of Elora, Ontario, Simply Settings is a premier, full-service specialty event rental company founded by an inspiring husband and wife team. Extending their exceptional services to Centre Wellington, Guelph, the Tri-Cities area, Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond, they have become the go-to experts for elevated tablescape rentals. Simply Settings is dedicated to bringing a modern yet timeless aesthetic to each event they touch, ensuring that every table arrangement tells a story of elegance, connection, and unforgettable memories.

A short description of what you do: Simply Settings is a premier, full-service specialty event rental company nestled in the heart of Elora, Ontario, extending our services to Centre Wellington, Guelph, the Tri-Cities area, Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond. With a focus on elevated tablescape rentals, we bring a modern and timeless aesthetic to every event, ensuring each table tells a story of elegance, connection, and unforgettable memories.

How long have you been working in the wedding industry? Simply Settings launched April 2024.

What makes your business unique? Every event is a unique reflection of its host. With this in mind, we approach each project with a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of our clients' visions. Our philosophy is simple: to provide luxurious, high-quality table settings that elevate every occasion, and to do so in a way that is sustainable and conscious of the environment and our community.

Whether it's a wedding, a corporate event, or a private gathering, we are committed to making your event memorable and stress-free, while simultaneously striving to source local, sustainable materials and artisans to foster community connections and engagement and an earth-positive approach to business.

Favourite part of your business? Our favourite part of the business is seeing the transformative impact our tablescapes have on events and gatherings. It's incredibly rewarding to witness how our carefully curated designs elevate the atmosphere, turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. The joy and awe on our clients' faces when they first see the setup is priceless. Additionally, we love the creative process of designing new collections, sourcing unique and high-quality pieces, and staying ahead of trends to continually offer something fresh and captivating. Another aspect we cherish is the opportunity to collaborate with other industry professionals.

Working alongside talented florists, event planners, photographers, and venue coordinators not only enhances our tablescapes but also fosters a sense of community and shared vision. These collaborations inspire creativity, push boundaries, and result in truly spectacular events that reflect a harmonious blend of expertise and passion. Most importantly, we find immense joy in working closely with couples to bring their dream weddings to life. It's a privilege to be part of such a significant moment in their lives and to help create an atmosphere that reflects their unique love story. From initial consultations to the final reveal, being able to turn their vision into reality and contribute to the magic of their special day is an incredibly fulfilling and heartfelt experience.

What inspires you? We find inspiration in many places, but primarily, we're inspired by the stories and visions of our clients. Each event has its own unique narrative, and being able to translate that into a tangible, beautiful setting is both a challenge and a privilege that fuels my creativity. Nature is another significant source of inspiration for us. The colours, textures, and patterns found in the natural world often influence our tablescape designs, from the delicate hues of a sunrise to the intricate details of a blooming flower.

Travel also plays a crucial role in sparking new ideas. Exploring different cultures, traditions, and aesthetics opens up a world of possibilities and keeps our designs fresh and diverse. Finally, collaboration with other industry professionals is incredibly inspiring. Working alongside talented florists, event planners, and designers allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas and pushes us to innovate and elevate our offerings. The synergy created through these partnerships often leads to some of our most memorable and breathtaking tablescapes.

Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? (your own industry or the Niagara wedding industry) As a new business, we are constantly inspired by the incredible wedding professionals we have the privilege of working alongside. Entering this industry has been a thrilling journey, and the collaborative spirit we've encountered has been both motivating and enriching. From talented florists and innovative event planners to skilled photographers and dedicated venue coordinators, each professional brings their own unique expertise and passion to the table. These collaborations not only enhance our tablescapes but also provide us with invaluable learning opportunities.

Seeing the dedication and creativity of our peers inspires us to continually improve and innovate in our own offerings. The sense of community and shared commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our clients drives us to push boundaries and elevate our designs. Being a new business, we're particularly grateful for the support and inspiration we receive from these seasoned professionals. Their willingness to share their knowledge and collaborate on projects has been instrumental in our growth and success. Together, we are able to bring our clients' visions to life, creating beautiful, memorable events that reflect the collective talent and dedication of everyone involved.

On your day off...where would we find you? On our day off, you would likely find us spending quality time with our two young girls and our lovable labradoodle. We love exploring the charming town of Elora, where there is always something new to discover. Whether it's hiking along the scenic trails, enjoying a picnic by the river, or simply wandering through the picturesque streets, Elora offers the perfect backdrop for family adventures.

One of our favourite activities is grabbing ice cream downtown and savouring it as we stroll along the historic streets. Our girls' favourite tradition is taking their ice cream to the nearby park, where they can play and enjoy the outdoors. The joy on their faces as they enjoy their treats and play is truly heartwarming, and our labradoodle is always eager to join in the fun. These moments of togetherness and the simple pleasures of exploring our community bring us immense happiness and inspiration. They remind us of the importance of creating beautiful, memorable experiences, both in our personal lives and through our business.

If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? If we weren't wedding vendors, our dream jobs would reflect our other passions and professional aspirations. Danielle is actually a teacher and loves her career. She finds great fulfillment in educating and inspiring young minds, and being a positive influence in her students' lives. Teaching allows her to be creative, patient, and impactful every day, making it a truly rewarding profession.

Max, on the other hand, works in finance and has always dreamed of owning his own business. The idea of building something from the ground up and the challenge of entrepreneurship have always been exciting to him. His background in finance equips him with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of running a business, and he is passionate about creating something that reflects his vision and values.

What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? We absolutely love how couples are becoming more bold and adventurous in their wedding design choices, creating celebrations that are a true reflection of their unique personalities and love story. It's incredibly inspiring to see couples stepping outside of traditional norms and embracing creativity and individuality in their wedding planning process. This year, in particular, we're thrilled to see couples having fun with colour and infusing their weddings with vibrant and unexpected palettes. From rich jewel tones to playful pastels, the use of bold colours adds a sense of energy, personality, and whimsy to the celebration. It's a refreshing departure from the more subdued colour schemes of the past and allows couples to truly make a statement with their decor.

One of the trends we're especially excited about is the resurgence of champagne towers and fun specialty cocktails. These elements not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the reception but also serve as interactive and memorable focal points for guests. Whether it's a cascading tower of champagne glasses or a creative signature cocktail that reflects the couple's tastes and personalities, these details contribute to the overall ambiance and create unforgettable moments for everyone involved. As wedding vendors, we thrive on the opportunity to bring our couples' visions to life and help them design a wedding that is authentically theirs. We love collaborating with couples who aren't afraid to think outside the box, take risks, and infuse their personalities into every aspect of their special day. It's a joy to see their excitement and enthusiasm as their vision comes to fruition, and we feel honoured to play a part in creating a celebration that is as unique and beautiful as they are.

Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? Absolutely! One of the most important pieces of advice for couples planning their wedding is to focus on what matters most to them as a couple. This is your day, and it should be a true reflection of your love story, your values, and your unique personalities. Don't get caught up in trying to meet others' expectations or conform to traditional norms if they don't resonate with you. Instead, embrace the opportunity to infuse your wedding with personal touches and meaningful details that speak to who you are as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's incorporating elements from your shared interests and hobbies, including nods to your cultural backgrounds or family traditions, or simply choosing a venue that holds special significance to you, let your love story be the guiding force behind your wedding planning decisions.

Wedding planning is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it's important to enjoy the process as much as possible. Yes, there may be moments of stress and frustration along the way, but try to focus on the excitement and joy of bringing your vision to life. Take time to celebrate each milestone, cherish the moments spent planning together, and remember that this journey is part of the adventure of building a life together. Ultimately, your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, surrounded by your closest family and friends. Keep that in mind as you navigate the planning process, and trust that no matter what challenges may arise, the end result will be a beautiful reflection of the love you share. So, embrace the journey, enjoy every moment, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.