Author Archives: Walter Flores

For the guys: Picking out a ring

Attention boys! So, you want to pop the question to the girl you love and couldn’t imagine spending the rest of your life without, right? Asking her seems like the easy part, but in order to do so you have to have a ring. Picking out a ring may seem daunting, so we’ve got 4 easy steps to help you pick out the perfect diamond for your soon-to-be fiancee.

rings

1. Budget.

Empty your pockets, piggy bank and cup holders in your car. You know what I mean, I bet there are tons of coins in there. They say the average guy should budget to spend a minimum of 3 months salary on a ring. What do I think of that? I say, spend what you can afford. If you have to purchase her ring from Kijiji, then do it. She might like that it’s vintage – only you know how she will react to a ‘used’ ring. If you can only afford a few thousand, which is standard, then shop around. Look for deals and read reviews. Do your homework – ask friends, you never know who knows someone that might help you with a sale. Either way, save up for a few months so that you’re at least able to take your lady out for a fine dinner after you’ve popped the question.

2. Be Sherlock Holmes

You will need to be a little sneaky in the months and weeks leading up to buying the ring – and I don’t mean sneaky as in sleazy. You may have to tell a few white lies as to where you’re going and what you’re up to,but it will all be worth it in the end. Just make sure you play your cards right, you wouldn’t want her to think you are cheating or on the verge of a break-up because you’re acting weird around her. Put your thinking cap on and grab a magnifying glass because you’ll have to play sleuth. Before you buy a ring you will need to know her ring size (try to ‘borrow’ one from her jewelry box that she won’t know is missing to get it sized), you will need to know what type of gold she prefers (yellow, white or rose) and what kind of cut she likes (princess, cushion, round) and lastly, will she want a solitaire or multiple stones? If you want to be totally ballsy, you can just get her ring size and then go shopping for a ring you like. Even though she’s the one wearing it for the rest of her life, you are the one giving it to her. So, feel free to pick one you think she’ll like, and for everyone’s sake, let’s hope she does!

3. Shop.

Check out a few stores (start at the mall to make your life easy). Visit the standard jewlery shops and ask them questions. You will learn a whole lot about rings and diamonds, which means you are an educated buyer. Bravo.If you are on a strict budget, look for sales. Buying a discontinued ring could save you hundreds, even thousands. Just make sure the ring you choose has a matching band. You don’t want to pick one that doesn’t have a mate and then have to pay for a custom band. Can we say sh*tshow?

4. Propose!

After the last nerve racking weeks (or months) you are now ready to pop the question! How you do this is all up to you. Once the wedding planning starts, you may not get much of a say on decisions, so take advantage of making this decision all on your own. Don’t copy a buddy, or reenact a scene from a movie. Be original. Think of what she might like. Be creative. But mostly, just be yourself.

Oh! And as a lady, here are a few extra tips to help you out….

1. Ask her Father (or parents) for their blessing if you have a close relationship with them. They might be expecting it, or they could care less, but doing so shows that you care and are taking this decision seriously.

2. Try to use her full name – it sounds cheesy, but you see it all the time in the movies and most girls want a swoon worthy moment they can re-tell over and over to their friends.

3. Lastly, if she is a girly girl, make sure her nails are done. She won’t want to show off her rock with chipped polish. Send her out for a manicure before you pop the question, it will get you scoring big points well before she even says “YES”.

Good luck!!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JUNE 2010

I’m Canadian, eh?

A post to my homeland, Canada.

Canadians like to party! We enjoy hosting guests for gatherings of all sorts. We’re polite, we drink pop – not soda, we can legally drink at 19 – not 21, and we love Tim Hortons!
If you’re Canadian, you might be entertaining guests for a picnic or BBQ this Canada Day long weekend – so, to help you out with your entertaining, here are some “Canadian” recipes ideas from the folks at Canadian Living & Kraft Canada.
Start off your meal with a ‘Toast to the PEI coast’ with “Beer & Bacon Mussels”. Then cook salmon on cedar planks on the barbeque to create “Cedar Planked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze”. Add to this dish with the “Great Canadian Potato Salad”.  Mmm….. :)
If you’re not Canadian, we know that you secretly wish you were. Check out this funny video for a good laugh.

Whatever you decide to do to enjoy with family and friends this holiday weekend, do it with pride for this beautiful country.

With glowing hearts ,We see thee rise, The true, north, strong, and free.

Happy Canada Day, eh!
*Please celebrate in style – don’t drink and drive.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

True Colours

“But I see your true colors shining through. I see your true colors and that’s why I love you, so don’t be afraid to let them show your true colors, true colors are beautiful like a rainbow.” ~Cyndi Lauper

Choosing your colour palette for your wedding is one of the most pivotal components of the planning process – other than choosing a date and venue. The colours (or colour) you choose will help set the tone, mood, theme and style of your wedding. This decision may come easy, but for others choosing a colour theme might be somewhat daunting.
Below are some helpful hints on how to choose colours for your wedding day.

Big Picture

Take a look at your surroundings. What colours does your venue already have within in it? Is it a yacht club with nautical accents? A golf & country club with naturalistic elements, or is it a banquet hall with gold pillars? For inspiration to get you started, look to the prominent colours of your site or setting.

Maybe the Season is your reason
Perhaps you will choose red, silver and grey for your winter wedding. Or maybe you’re getting married in the fall and you want to play up the colours of the leaves (red, orange, yellow, brown). Whatever the season may be when you get hitched, let the environment help be your guide when choosing your colours.

Trends
Every wedding season has its most popular wedding colours. Check out wedding blogs, magazines and television shows for ideas and inspiration. One of our favourite blogs for colours inspiration is The Perfect Palette. We also like this fun colour palette – you just might find something new about yourself.

Hue do you think you are?
All of the colours of the rainbow have a variety of offspring called ‘hues’. Sure, there is red – but then there’s Scarlett, Maroon, Salmon, Tomato, Cherry, Blush and Coral. Be sure to find out what your colour choice is called. Find a fabric swatch or paint chip if you can that is similar to the colour you’ve envisioned. This will help you when choosing other elements – most specifically stationary.

Consistency is key

Whichever colour you choose, be sure to stay consistent with your choice throughout all of your wedding details. For example, if you decide to have brown as your sole colour, you can incorporate different hues and textures of the colour into your event – but if you have 2 or more colours that aren’t from the same ‘hue’ family, say hot pink and navy, you should try to stay as close to the original colour as possible. Consistency is key and helps maintain the theme, mood, tone and style of your wedding.

Overall, have fun with your colours – make them mean something to you and your groom. Maybe they are your high school colours cause that’s where you met, or maybe they’re derived from your birthstones, or even the national colours of the country you’re visiting on your honeymoon. The choices are endless, and you pretty much have the scale of the rainbow to choose from.

This blog post was inspired by an article featured on www.theknot.com.
“15 Tips for choosing your wedding colours” by Amy Keith.
Images from Google search.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Stylized Wedding Photos

BrookeRich-379-L

This picture isn’t a stylized wedding photo. It’s a total candid shot from Brooke _ Richard’s wedding day, and we love it! You can see the love in Richard’s gaze as he watches his wife pose for the camera. You can see that Brooke is posing in a somewhat cheeky fashion – which totally captures her essence! And you can see how the wine has started to take effect on the wedding party. I just love this picture – it makes me smile each time I see it because I remember what an amazing day these two had. Many memories were captured that day, and the majority of them happened organically (except the few traditional structured shots).

Many times you will see Wedding Coordinators, Planners or Stylists team up with other industry providers like Photographers and florists to create stylized wedding photos, and although we think they are beautiful, creative and ooze a ton of talent, we’re not a huge fan of them. Want to know why?

Stylized wedding photos give a false perception of what weddings really are. Weddings are joyous occasions that are flooded with pretty little details, beautiful people and jaw-dropping landscapes or venues, but in reality; your wedding day has a very high chance of not unfolding with complete precision like a stylized photo does. People will make silly faces, plans will slightly change as the day goes on, and nice weather is never promised.

Now, no disrespect to those that put a lot of time, money and passion into stylized wedding photos because that’s not what we’re trying to do here. What we are trying to do is make sure that as a Bride, you know that these photos were intended to be perfect. Your wedding day will also be perfect, but in a different way. We would hate for Bride’s to be misguided on what a real wedding looks like. Photographers are very talented and with today’s technology can make your photos look like they came out of a magazine, but when you are planning your wedding, we urge you to look at these stylized photos for inspiration and ideas, but not as something to compare your big day to. It’s just the same as looking at a perfectly fit celebrity. It takes hard work, a personal chef, trainer and a ton of airbrushing to make them look that good. You know that’s not how they look when they wake up, so don’t think that your wedding will look perfect either at very glance. Your vendors (including us!) will do the best we can to ensure your plans, instructions and vision come to life, but know that once you open the doors to your reception, your perfectly set favours will disappear, your menu cards will get read and tossed aside and a centerpiece might get removed by your Uncle Ted who felt he couldn’t see his blushing bride of a niece from across the room , and so that image of perfection is gone.

Executing a wedding always has it’s surprises, like; a thunderstorm rolling in just half hour before the outdoor ceremony, a clumsy bridesmaid spilling red wine on the gift table draped in white linen just mere moments before guests arrive and a cake made of buttercream melting in the summer heat. These sort of things happen and it’s our job as your Coordinators to ensure that we tackle these issues in a professional way and always have a back-up plan so that your day can continue on – but things happen, that is life.

So, basically all we’re asking is that you make sure you know the difference between what’s real and what’s staged. And remember, that your wedding day is a day of perfect love, not perfection. That your guests will notice the love between you and your groom and not the fact that you have 6 roses in your bouquet when you asked for 8 just like the photo you pinned on Pinterest. Make your wedding day reflect who you are as a couple, not what you desire it to be because of something you saw online.

Use stylized wedding photos as inspiration, and trust us when we say that you will look at your wedding photos and think they look even better than anything you tore out of a magazine or saved from a blog.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: FEBRUARY 2014

Hearing NO from a wedding vendor

Twitter-no-nons-for-internet-marketers

Not too many people like being told NO, especially if you’re a Bride planning her wedding. But, it happens and you need to be ready to hear it. Asking your photographer to stay an extra 2 hours at the end of an already long 10 hour day at no charge might result with a NO. Asking for a discount at your venue because you’re getting married on a long weekend might result in a NO, especially since more weddings are taking place on long weekends and it costs the venue more money in staffing to make up for the holiday.Hearing NO from a vendor isn’t always a nice thing to hear, but it happens. Here are some tips to help you deal with the rejection:

1. Don’t get discouraged.

Just because they said NO, doesn’t mean they won’t say YES. If you are looking for an add-on or extra product/services, be sure to talk with your wedding vendor about your plans, ideas and wishes. There is always room for negotiation. If you own a business, try bartering for extra time or services – you’d be surprised what some people consider as a good trade.

If you have your heart set on a specific wedding vendor and they are already booked for your big day, ask them if they can refer you to someone else that has their similar style and fee. Many times vendors network and or have a list of vendors to refer to when they aren’t able to secure your date. Also, being referred by one vendor to another might result in a small discount – you just never know – so ask!

2. Have a back-up plan.

Your ceremony location originally said YES for you to have your nuptials there, but are now saying NO? This can be very frustrating and worrisome, but if you haven’t sent out invites yet, don’t fret! Check out other locations and be sure to tell them what happened – they might throw you a bone in the shape of a discount to ease the blow and win you over. If you have sent out invites, set up a wedding website stat! Update your site often and communicate it to your family and friends that you have a site dedicated to your wedding. Here you can change the ceremony location without spending money on a mail-out. Also, use your Bridal Showers as a way to communicate the change to your guests. Tell them in person, or include a little note in their Thank You Card (which should be sent out 1-2 wks after, and well before your wedding date).

3. Changing vendors

If you had something specific in mind for your wedding and were under the impression that this vendor could deliver (they told you so, or their site lead you to believe they could) and they are now telling you NO, make sure you talk to the owner/manager. If they are the one that are telling you NO, then consider changing vendors – if you have the time to do so, and if you are okay with potentially losing a deposit. Most vendors have non-refundable deposits. If you feel that you aren’t getting the product or service you agreed to and are having difficulties negotiating, then perhaps this vendor isn’t a good fit for you.

Here is one last word of advice regarding hearing NO. Try not to look for reasons to switch vendors because you simply aren’t getting your way. Many vendors want to impress and keep you happy so that they secure your trust, business and referrals. Also, changing your mind often and switching vendors will cost you money and time. Do your research, read reviews and be sure to meet your vendors in person (if possible) to see if you fit. We recommend that you meet with no more than 3 vendors per service (flowers, invites, etc) to help you make a decision of who you feel most comfortable with and who can provide you with the service or product you have in mind.

Good luck!

Consultations are a Bride’s best friend

 

newlogo
Need help getting started with your wedding planning? Did you know that we offer Consultation meetings to help point you in the right direction? Consultation meetings are perfect for the Bride that just isn’t sure how, where or when to start the wedding planning process. With a Consultation, we’re able to assist you with formulating a budget, timeline and offer suggestions on location, decor and vendors. We start with a painless questionnaire, then we do some research (make some calls _ send some emails) and then we create a presentation tailored to your wedding planning needs. The presentation takes about an hour to review and we cap it off by providing you with documents to help with your planning.

How fabulous does this sound? If you’re a Bride that needs a little direction, then let’s set up a Consultation meeting. We’d love to be able to help you get started planning the wedding of your dreams!

Lily & Val’s Love Notes

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, I wanted to post about a company that has stolen my affection. Since I’m a big fan of chalkboard design (a la my re-branded website), I fell in love with the designs by Lily _ Val. They offer a variety of love notes that you can order for your Groom-to-be, family members or friends, AND, they recently launched a category specifically for weddings! Check out some of the Chalkboard Art you can get from them to incorporate into your big day here.

What type of card will you be gifting to your love this Valentine’s Day? Funny, cute, romantic?

Here are just a few of my favs from talented Valerie of Lily _ Val…

val3 Buy Bridesmaid dresses NZ at discount price at Topbridal.co.nz val4
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Changing your wedding venue

 

adorable flower girl dresses
So you booked a wedding venue you thought was perfect because it fit within your budget, but the more you thought about it, the more you thought you may have made a mistake. This sometimes happens when planning a wedding, and it’s okay. Here are some tips on what to do, and what to look for when changing your wedding venue.

1. Try to retrieve any deposits you may have placed on your original choice.

Most venues require a deposit to secure your wedding date, so be sure when you agree to a location you are checking the fine print. Luckily for one of my August couples, they had 6 months to change their mind and get their deposit back.

2. Make sure your new venue has capacity for your guests.

Don’t let the added services, location or decor blind you. Make sure your new choice will allow your guests to enjoy themselves comfortably. Don’t change to a cocktail reception (standing room only) if your heart is set on a sit-down meal.

3. Be sure to tell any vendors you have already booked.

Don’t leave anyone in the dark. Connect with your chosen vendors now (even though you will be talking to them a lot over the planning process) to make sure they are aware that you changed venues. Depending on the location, this may increase travel costs, or it could remove some. Keep everyone on the same page.

4. One stop location?

Can your new venue accommodate your ceremony and cocktail hour? Changing venues that allow for a one stop event is in my opinion, the best kind of venues. If your religion or culture requires you to wed in a church, that’s understandable, but if not, see if you can host your entire wedding day at your venue. Less travel, less potential issues.

5. Budget for the change.

Last minute changes (6-8 mths before your wedding) may bring added costs, or could include discounts as the venue wants to fill the date quickly. Either way, make sure you consider your budget when booking your new venue. Will there be added fees for rentals of chairs and tables that your original venue included? Will you need to rent portable washrooms in order to host the event outdoors? If you have to increase your budget, try to reduce your costs in other areas (transportation specifically if you’re planning a one stop event).

Inviting Kids {Wedding Advice}

Inviting kids to a wedding…do you or don’t you? It’s a question many couples will ask themselves when planning their guest list. Some almost newlyweds are all for little ones taking part in their special day, while others are dead set on not having any kiddos in attendance.

So, what should you do?

Well…here’s our take on the matter.

If you are having your own kids, nieces/nephews or little cousins in your wedding party and choose not to allow guests to bring their children to your wedding then you should make sure that your little people are only at your ceremony. They can be on hand for photos before and after the ceremony and take part in your nuptials as Ring Bearer and Flower Girl but then that’s it – they go home. They shouldn’t be at the reception running around, dancing and having fun among your guests if there are guests there that would have liked to have their child(ren) there as well. A good way to avoid hurting any feelings is to simply say that you are trying to have a small wedding and won’t be inviting children. Or, tell your friend who might be offended her kid isn’t invited by telling her you wanted to give her and hubs a night out sans kids for once. Then, you look like a good friend again. But once you decide no children, you have to stick to that. You can’t allow your cousin to bring her newborn, but  your co-worker can’t bring her toddler.

If don’t want any kids at your wedding in any fashion, then you must be careful with how you word your invitation. An Invitation Specialist can assist you with this but typically the outer envelope is addressed to the couple invited (i.e. Mr. _ Mrs. A. Richardson) and then the interior envelope is addressed to exactly who is invited (i.e. Melissa _ Andrew). This helps state just who you want to attend. Another way is to have the RSVP already filled in with their names in the M__________ spot so that they don’t go ahead and write Melissa, Andrew, Jimmy _ Jane. I prefer the first suggestion, but as mentioned, ask your Invitation Specialist.

If you want to have kids at your wedding then be sure to invite the whole damn fam. Address the invitation to “The Richardson’s” or “The Richardson Family” and then on the interior envelope list all of the names (i.e. Melissa, Andrew, Jimmy _ Jane). Most times the lady’s name is written first, followed by the husband and then the children from oldest to youngest. Be sure to find out how old these kids are if you don’t already know. If they are 16+, they can get their own invitation so they feel like an adult (remember, they likely can drive at this age) and if they are 18+ and in a relationship you will have to invite their girl/boyfriend as well.

Some couples who are anti kids attending don’t even want them at the ceremony, which is very hard to do. Many times I will see kids misbehaving during the ceremony and or crying because well, they are bored. You can’t kick anyone out for bringing their child, but you can ask someone to kindly escort them out should their child be interrupting your ceremony (yes, hello – that would be our job). If you don’t want kids at the ceremony, try to have your wedding at one location where guests will be at for the whole event. It will be harder for them to bring Jimmy _ Jane if there isn’t much of a break between festivities. But, as always – be honest with your friends and family about your desire to not have kids in attendance.

Kids are cute and they can take some of the attention away from you if you’re not overly into having all eyes on you. But kids can also misbehave and not cooperate – so choose wisely. Chat with this with your hubby-to-be for after all it is your wedding and your guests should respect your wishes. If they don’t then, make note for one day little Jimmy or Jane will get hitched too.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: AUGUST 2009

Congrats Konika _ Prathab

Konika & Prathab’s wedding was wonderful last night! They both looked fantastic, and I know that they had a fantastic time with their family and friends.
Konika had hired me for Day Of Coordination (DOC) only, and was very organized with her instructions and details for me and my assistant. However, like most events, there were a few glitches along the way. I would recommend that as a planner, or a DYI Bride, be sure to confirm with the vendors prior to the event (preferably the day before) about their arrival time and responsibilities. A few too many vendors were late showing up yesterday. It’s frustrating when that happens as it puts the entire schedule that the bride has worked so hard at creating out of sync. Having a Planner helps with these types of situations – and situations like a bridesmaid spilling her glass of red wine on the place cards BEFORE guests arrive, or like the lighting in the reception hall not working 15 mins before you open the doors to the guests awaiting in the lobby!!!! (Yes, they both happened yesterday)
Overall though, everyone had a great time, the venue looked fabulous and the couple were satisfied. The Bride’s Butler wish Konika & Prathab all the best!
BB TIP #1:
Always have an extra info sheet with guests names and table numbers available incase of a ‘wine’ or any other mishap. :)
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

1st Offical wedding!!

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my blog. As I start blogging for the first time, I hope to be able to share with you experiences as a Wedding Planner – not only for other brides, but for myself!
I launched my business part time last summer and have been able to secure a few weddings this year. My first official wedding as “The Bride’s Butler” is for the beautiful Konika and her fiance Prathab.
Konika found out about me from Wedding Wire, and I’m so excited to be aiding her in her wedding this Saturday!
The wedding is being held at Riviera Parque in Concord, Ontario and is a Moroccan themed party!

It’s been a long time coming for me to have my own Wedding Planning business, so I’m thrilled that it is finally happening. Lots of hard work and dedication.

The Bride’s Butler wishes Konika and Prathab the best on their wedding day, August 29/09!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2013

Themed Weddings {Halloween Wedding}

Are you having a themed wedding? Most weddings have a ‘theme’ like rustic, elegant, seasonality (winter wonderland), nautical, rock and roll, etc. But are you planning a themed wedding where you ask guests to dress up? We typically see this type of wedding with Halloween, or New Years Eve, but have seen it pop up from time to time with themes like Victorian, 1920’s and even Western.

flower girl dresses

One of my fantasy Day of Coordination gigs would have to be a Halloween Wedding. I’ve always wanted to take part in bringing the details together for a wedding that has a theme that involves candy, a few ghosts and lots of fun!

From a full on costume party, or a masquerade affair, there are so many ways you can incorporate this festive day into your wedding.

We like these invitations from Wedding Paperie paired with this cake from Rosebud Cakes. With zombies being on trend right now, they are perfect for a Halloween Wedding.

Until the day a Bride _ Groom come my way with a Halloween Wedding, I will have to keep fantasizing about it….but imagine, you could have a psychic there complete with a crystal ball. Or how about an old fashioned candy buffet so your guests can trick or treat after dinner, or what about serving bloody mary shots when guests arrive? Oh, the possibilities!

Video Proposals

Proposals, like weddings have become more elaborate and full of details. More and more Grooms-to-be are choosing to pop the question through video. They are either using the medium to actually propose, or to simply capture the moment as a keepsake.

We’ve seen those viral videos of guys proposing using a flash mob, city monuments and buildings and using the help of friends and loved ones. We’ve seen a few that we’ve cringed at (um, hello narcissistic proposal guy) and few that we just adored (reciting her positive traits, strengths _ using her full name – swoon worthy).

Everyone wants to star in their very own mini-movie, so why not propose using video? What would your proposal look like? Would you act out a scene from a movie or tv show? Would you take her to her favourite spot, or where you had your first date? Would you involve her friends and family?

What do you think about video proposals? Do you like to be in front of the camera? Do you think she’d like to have it filmed and then go viral? Or do you think that proposals should be an intimate experience shared only with the couple?

What is your favourite video proposal? Tell us in our comments, we’d love to watch your top pick (or even your own video proposal)!

 

The Entourage {Wedding Professionals}

buy discount bridesmaid dresses at theluckybridal new collection

To see one of our trusted ‘friendors’ check out this video of Margarita _ Serigo’s wedding day.

You’re engaged and are rounding up your bridesmaids, mother, future MIL and other women that are important to you and heading out to a Wedding Show. Seems like fun, but is it? A lot Brides find wedding shows to be a tad stressful. They are bombarded with information that at the time can be overwhelming. There are so many vendors and wedding professionals to choose from – so how does one do it?! That’s why we created The Entourage package. Not only do you receive our fabulous Day of Coordination service, but you also get referrals with industry discounts to vendors that we know and trust. With having executed more than 20 weddings over the past 5 years, we’ve met a lot of vendors – some good, others bad and some that we simply adore and call friends. These are the kind of vendors you want working for you on your wedding day!

Not only will you get wedding professionals that we recommend, but you will get discounts from these vendors that you wouldn’t be able to get if you emailed or called them yourself. Take a look at The Entourage package and let our team of  professionals keep you sane, happy and simply enjoying your day.

 

So attend the Wedding Shows for the experience if you so desire, but know that at the end of the day when you empty that heavy bag full of marketing material you can always just call us and get what you need in one quick call or email.

It’s our job and our passion to make your wedding day as enjoyable as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

Give the gift of less stress {Wedding Day Coordination}

We are upon the time of year that you start thinking about gifts for your family and friends for the holidays. There’s typically one person, or one couple that you just don’t know what to get to slip under the tree. Well, we have a solution for you! Join forces with a few other family members (cousins, Aunts, Uncles, etc) and get the Bride or the soon-to-be Mr _ Mrs Wedding Day Coordination services!

You will be buying gifts for them from the registry, or partaking in the wedding as a member of the wedding party, so rather than scratch your head a few times about what to get her/them, just send us an email and ta-da, problem solved!

Our Big Day package is a great gift to give because not only will it make you look like an organized, caring and oh-so-loving friend/family, but it will put the Bride _ Groom at ease on their wedding day knowing that a professional is on hand to take care of all of the fine details and event logistics so they can simply enjoy their big day.

Offering 10% off until the end of the year you will want to book now to ensure their date is still available. So, what are you waiting for! Give us a call or shoot us an email, we’d love to help you give one of the best gifts ever this holiday season!

Bride’s Butler goals for 2014

In our last post we talked about goals for your wedding planning, so now it’s our turn to share our goals with you! Each year I make business goals for Bride’s Butler and personal goals for myself to keep myself accountable because nothing says “git ‘er done” like seeing tasks in writing.

Goals for Bride’s Butler:

 

    • Continue to offer exceptional Wedding Day Coordination services

 

    • Educate and inform Brides/Grooms about wedding planning, trends, traditions and advice through blog posts

 

    • Book more weddings! We love being a part of soon to be newlyweds special days. It’s amazing how an organic bond happens between us as trust is built and experiences are shared.

 

    • Provide my Assistant with guidance to hone her wedding execution skills.

 

  • Continue to build the Bride’s Butler brand and network with other industry providers.

Goals for myself:

 

    • Spend more time with my nephews as little ones grow so quickly!

 

    • Tell my family and friends more that I love and appreciate them.

 

    • Appreciate the finer things in life, and always look for the silver lining.

 

    • Read more. I love books, I really do – but I always fall asleep. I’d like to complete at least 20 novels this year. Any suggestions?

 

    • Go on a trip – or two! The bf wants to take me to Myrtle Beach, so I think I’ll let him. 

 

What are some of your personal goals for 2014? I’d love to hear them!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JUNE 2011

12 to 18 months of Planning

Quite a few Brides are planning their 2012 Summer & Fall weddings now. It takes on average 12 to 18 months to plan a wedding. Think of how many hours you’ll have to commit to your grand affair over that time. It’s about 250 hours in total – that’s 6 straight weeks of devoting your 9-5 schedule on your wedding!
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the idea of planning your wedding, rest assured – there are many options available for ideas and inspirations like blogs, websites, magazine and even television shows. If you think that you might need a professional perspective in planning, we offer Consultation meetings. These are fabulous one hour long meetings that are executed with your needs and requirements in mind. Sourcing vendors, choosing a venue and securing a budget plan is perfect material for a Consult.

Think you need more help that just a chat? Our Full Wedding Planning Package is perfect for the couple that doesn’t have time to focus on the planning of their special day, or simply don’t want to make major decisions without friendly professional guidance. Full Wedding Planning also includes perks like added value and discounts only offered through working with a certified Planner.

Want to plan on your own, but know that you will want everything brought together as you’ve envisioned it? No worries – our most popular service is our Day of Coordination Package and it includes 8-10 hours of services on your wedding day, plus rehearsal coordination and an hour long meeting. You do the work before, we do the work day of so that you can be the blushing Bride you’ve always wanted to be.

Questions? Call or email us, we’re always excited to hear from Brides whom are in all stages of their planning process!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding Details: The Menu

Everyone has to eat.

Planning your wedding menu can be fun if you are a foodie, but can be daunting if you aren’t. What type of fare do you want to serve? Dinner? Most weddings occur in the evening with dinner being the meal of choice. Other choices are to have a Brunch wedding, or a Cocktail Reception. But, most people stick with dinner.

The Menu:

When choosing your food, you have to think of dietary restrictions, seasonality, presentation, cultural or religious beliefs and overall taste. Also keep in mind that food is expensive, especially when you are serving 100+ people. You want it to be affordable, but not cheap. No one wants to get sick from your wedding, or go home hungry.
When thinking about what to serve for your wedding, think about what you and your Groom like to eat. No one says that you have to stick with the basic meat, potato, vegetable option. Do you like Chinese food? Add chicken balls or lo mein to your menu. Or what about chocolate? Adding an element of chocolate to each course is a neat way to incorporate your favourite food into your special day.

Chat with your caterer or chef at the venue to discuss all of your options. We like it when couples take the standard buffet and flip it to offer guests customized stations! Think meat cutting station with a variety of different cooking methods (smoked, fried, grilled, etc), a pasta station with your choice of pasta & sauce, or what about a baked potato station complete with all different types of toppings! Delicious!

Provide your guests with some choice, and tell them through a menu card what they will be enjoying. Work together with your Groom for this detail, and it will most likely be one of the only elements in the wedding he will want to have a say about.

Be creative & think outside the box! Bon Appetite!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding Details: Escort Cards

Details aren’t just about placement of decor and the colour you choose – they are also about logistics and flow.

When planning your wedding you have to take into account how you want your guests to move around your event. You give them an invite so they know what time and where to show up. You give them a ceremony program to help guide them along through the nuptuials, and you lay out escort cards to direct them to their seats.

Escort Cards:

Sometimes your Invitation Specialist can produce a package for you that includes all the stationery items you need for your wedding: save the date, invites, menu cards, programs, escort cards and thank you notes. You can have the escort cards hand written (by you or a calligrapher) or typed in the same font as the rest of your pieces.

We like it when we see different and unique escort cards. Like these:

Wooden airplane cards



Winery Wedding? Use corks!

Image from the Knot.

Spice Rub Escort Cards + Favors courtesy of Ruffled

How are you planning on tying your theme, colour and style of your wedding into your escort cards?

This is a detail where you can have fun and creative! This is also a detail that all of your guests will see….as there are plenty of details that they simply won’t see or notice.
Need ideas for your escort cards? Visit our Friendor page and shout out to one of our recommended Invitation Specialists. They’d be happy to chat! Be sure to tell them we sent you!

 





Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding Details: Invitations

“It’s all in the details.”

This is so true when it comes to weddings – or any major event for that matter. It’s the small things that count; from the consistency of the colour scheme, the placement, size and height of the centrepieces, to the font on the invitations….weddings are all about the details.

Over the next few posts, we’ll cover a few aspects of weddings that we think you can’t skimp on the details.

Invitations:

They are the first thing your guests see regarding your wedding. The invite sets the tone, feel and look of your wedding. Some Brides want to make their own invitations, usually to save money, but that’s not always the case with DYI. Factor in the materials, tools and time and you are pretty much riding even with what it would cost to outsource. We suggest that you hire a professional for your invites….let them take care of the details.

When putting together the information for your invites you need to think about the follow details:

Colour of paper(s)
Weight (thickness) of paper(s) – remember, the heavier the paper, the sturdier, but more expensive to mail.
Texture of paper(s)
Font type & colour
Style of invite – pocket fold, gate fold, tri-fold, etc
Size of invite – 4×6, 5×7

Then there’s the details of wording. You need to give your guests all the information they need, like:

The basics – who, when, what, where and why
Time – of ceremony & reception
RSVP – phone, email or card
Directions
Menu choice (optional)
Attire requirements (optional)

Once you’ve made your decision on all those details, then it’s time to put it all together. Working with an Invitation Specialist can make this wedding detail less daunting. Once the invites are completed, you will see, it’s all about the little things….

 * Invitations by:
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Father of the Bride

We’ve had posts about the Maid/Matron of Honour, The Best Man, Bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride, but have yet to cover the Father of the Bride.

The Father of the Bride is usually the most important man in a Bride’s life, next to her future husband. He is the man that will walk her down the aisle and ‘give her away’ to the Groom. He typically offers a toast at the reception and can give a speech if he so desires.

What should The Father of the Bride say to his daughter, future son-in-law and guests?

Here are some topics to touch on:

Welcome – The Father of the Bride usually speaks first, or is the second to speak after the MC or the Best Man speech. He should welcome guests to the wedding and thank out of town guests for joining in the celebration. He should thank people that made the day possible and participating in the planning process and the overall upbringing of the Bride.

Ceremony – He should mention the union that took place at the ceremony and the love his daughter and the groom share for one another. A nice quote, bible verse or song lyric can help with expressing any emotions he may wish to share.

The Bride – The Father of the Bride should talk about the Bride, how proud he is of her and provide a few fun facts about her. Keep this brief as not many people care to hear long winded stories of her childhood like losing her first tooth, her awkward teenage years or the troubles she got into during College. Talk about some of her talents, skills and accomplishments, but keep it short and sweet.

Their Relationship – Mention the relationship between the Bride and Groom. How they met, how he felt when he knew his little girl was in love and his hopes for them for their future together.

The Groom – Welcome him to your family and provide him with a few tips and advice like family traditions, etc. You can poke a little fun at him if you have a good relationship with him, but keep it classy.  You don’t want to embarrass him or your daughter. Be sure to make him feel special and accepted.

Wise Words/Toast – End your speech with a few relationship lessons and wise words. Offer an example from  your relationship with her mother if it’s a healthy one. Tell them about your hopes, dreams and wishes for them and your excitement of what lies ahead for them as a family.

The Father of the Bride is an important role in a wedding, so be sure to take it seriously, but have fun with it as well. Weddings are an emotional day, so be sure to cherish every moment.

*Photo by Angela Devries Photography from the wedding of Natalie & Jason

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MAY 2010

I do…now, pass the remote.

Are you a sucker for weddings?

I’m such a sucker for weddings – obviously, I’ve made a job out of them, but really – I’m a sucker for the romance, the commitment and the union.

At weddings for family, friends and clients, I will with no doubt shed a tear of joy as the couple say their vows and the minister officially announces that they are ‘husband and wife’. So, when thinking about how much I’m a sucker for weddings, I was reminded of some of my most favourite wedding scenes from TV. Yep, you’ve got it; even fictional characters can make me cry.
Which TV weddings top my list?
Meredith Grey & Derek Shepherd – Grey’s Anatomy
Monica & Chandler – Friends

Charlotte &  Harry – Sex & the City

Marshall & Lily – How I Met Your Mother
Alex &  Izzie – Grey’s Anatomy

What about you?

Which TV character’s nuptials made you go “aww….”?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Getting married in 2011?

Time’s a tickin’!

Are you getting married in 2011?

Planning your wedding is fun and exciting, but it’s also very time consuming and taxing on your energy & patience level – trust me, I know. Not only do I help Brides plan their wedding, but I’m also currently planning my own wedding for October 2, 2010.

When you plan your own wedding, you get entrenched in all of the fine details – the colour of the linens, the placement of the menu cards, the table names, the ceremonial readings, the choice of songs, the seating chart, and the list goes on and on.

Planning is great, and being prepared is wonderful – but what about executing all of your plans? While you’re busy being a blushing Bride, this is where The Bride’s Butler comes in handy. :)

Book us for Day Of Coordination services for your 2011 wedding now so you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you’ll save yourself the worry of the finer details on your big day!

Don’t let time be your enemy…book today! Give me a call, or send me an email and we’ll chat about how we can work together on your wedding day. The Day Of Coordination package includes over 30 hours of service, and will help ease your mind knowing that a professional and dedicated Planner is working for you to ensure that your wedding day is the finest it can be!

Other Coordinators charge upwards of $900+ for Day of Coordination services, but we know that working within a budget for wedding planning is key, therefore we keep our fees reasonable – our Day of Coordination package starts at $600.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

The 3-Day Response Rule _ Promptly saying Thank You

Did you know that according to proper wedding etiquette, you are to respond to an invite within 3-days? I’ve got to admit that even I haven’t been that quick with responding on more than one occasion.

Sometimes you take longer than 3-days to respond because…
A) You’re not sure if you’re available/can get the time off work, etc
B) If you’re single, you’re not sure to respond as a single or a duo
C) If it’s a destination wedding, you’ve got to factor in vacation time and money into your response decision.

Figuring out any of those options in 3-days is perhaps to some, a little unrealistic – but, etiquette, like any good manners, have rules. Sadly, in today’s society, rules are more likely to be ‘rule of thumb’ rather than proper protocol.

So whether you’re invited to a wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner, I suggest you do your best to respond quickly – at least within the week you received the invitation – 2 weeks maximum, but definitely before the RSVP due date! It’s unfair that hosts (mainly Brides) have to call their invited guests to confirm their attendance. As a guest, you’ve been selected among many and welcomed to take part in a joyous life event – the least you can do is let the host know that you’d be honoured to attend…or not.

My take on RSVP…. Respond Sincerely & Very Promptly. (This also means if you respond yes, keep your promise and go. No one likes to be blacklisted as the person/couple that didn’t show. Empty seats at a wedding are a big no-no.)

So now that we’ve ‘lectured’ or rather ‘informed’ the guests on proper etiquette – what about the Bride & Groom? They must have some rules to follow too, right? Of course!

Promptly saying Thank You to your guests for everything and anything that they do for you is a must. Some family and friends do more than just ‘show up’ to your event – they give you heartfelt gifts and cards, they offer to help you with DYI details and other wedding/event logistics and sometimes even if they aren’t invited to the wedding they offer to look after your pet and or your house while you’re at your wedding and your honeymoon. Any nice gesture needs a thank you.
It’s most manageable to write and send out Thank You cards as you receive gifts before your wedding. This way it doesn’t feel like you have a whole stack of cards to personalize and sign either before or right after your big day.
Thank You cards should be sent out no later than 6 months after your wedding, anything longer than that is simply distasteful. Plus, if you have a Bridal Shower (or sometimes 2 or 3), you should really strive to have Thank You cards for those gifts sent out before your wedding day. Usually guests give you a gift for your shower, and for your wedding, thus equalling two Thank You cards for two separate gifts – one from just you, the Bride and the other from both of you as a happily married couple.

Images from www.prettypaperinvitations.com
Post based on article found on www.weddingaces.com – “RSVP Today If You Please”

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Cubby Wubby was a car!

For this Planner, Cubby Wubby is no bear!
Cubby Wubby gets me from here to there!

Recently I purchased a Nissan Cube. I like to call it the ‘cubby’.
CUBE = CUB + E. 
The word Cube just doesn’t sound as cute for a girl’s car than a cubby does.
Maybe you’ll spot us driving in and around Hamilton with our
magnetic “The Bride’s Butler” signs on the doors
 (made and purchased on the fabulous vistaprint.com)
and if you do, please say hello!
Cubby Wubby was a car, Cubby Wubby travels near and far!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JULY 2013

Envious or Inconsiderate?

I’m a fan of wedding etiquette and traditions, but in today’s day and age (gee, that makes me sound old) almost anything goes. And by goes, I mean some things go right out the window! For example, I’m a BIG believer that no one should wear white to a wedding except for the Bride, but you’ll notice that some people (mainly girls) do. Tisk, tisk. I always joke with my bestie that if someone shows up to my wedding wearing a white dress I’ll pull a major Bridezilla moment and have her ask them to go home and change. Call me crazy, but I think it’s disrespectful.You either chose to wear white because you’re clueless, or you chose it because you want to stand out and be noticed. Not cool.

I remember my Mom telling me about her wedding and how she didn’t like my Dad’s brothers wives, but like a good girl, she put up with their nonsense for the love of my father. Prior to their winter wedding in 1977, she asked the wives to not wear white or black to the wedding. It wasn’t customary back then to wear black as it was still considered funeral attire. My mom wanted to make sure that they followed proper etiquette and also made this request because she didn’t want white or black in any of the family photos which she knew these two women would be in. And wouldn’t you know it…one wore white and the other wore black. All together now…pft!  If that was the only request my Mom had of them, I don’t know why they couldn’t oblige. Perhaps they didn’t like her either and simply wanted to stick it to her? I have no idea, but my biggest issue with this is the lack of respect. I know the saying “Do it for the Bride” has gotten out of hand because some Brides take advantage of the title, but if you are a good friend (or family member) then you should do your best to fulfill her requests. Unless of course they are against your values or beliefs….but when it comes to attire, are you being envious or inconsiderate?

I’m reminded of someone I once knew who was a Bridesmaid and kicked up a stink about the colour of shoes she was asked to wear because she didn’t think it complimented her dress. All of the Bridesmaids were wearing the same shoes because the dresses were cocktail length. This was one small request from the Bride who was pretty reasonable about what she asked of her girls. So, it makes me wonder – why the fuss? It’s shoes. Or it’s a dress colour. You can wear whatever shoes or colour you want the other 364 days of the year. I just don’t get why some girls feel the need to go against the grain. Are they envious of the Bride? Are they using this opportunity to seek revenge from a past conflict? No matter what the reason is, if you’ve accepted an invite to a wedding, or have said yes to being a Bridesmaid, then you should do your best to follow proper etiquette or at the very least portray some good manners. 

Have you seen a bad Bridesmaid or family member in action? Or were you the rule-bending Bridesmaid? At the end of the day whether you like the Bride or not, all I ask is that you be respectful. Weddings are stressful enough as it is, no one wants added stress from someone who simply doesn’t want to play nice.

So, play nice girls. A dress or a pair of shoes isn’t worth a major blow out and potentially hurting someone’s feelings or being branded as the a-hole of the evening. Right?

RSVP to save!

To celebrate our 5th Anniversary, we are sending out invites to Brides-to-be to save 10% on The Big Day package. This offer is valid for the first 5 couples to RSVP for their 2014 or 2015 wedding. If you’re engaged and want Bride’s Butler with you on your special day to ensure all of your fine details, hard work and plans are executed properly by a professional team, then send us an email so we can send you an invite.

For the guys: Picking out a ring

Attention boys! So, you want to pop the question to the girl you love and couldn’t imagine spending the rest of your life without, right? Asking her seems like the easy part, but in order to do so you have to have a ring. Picking out a ring may seem daunting, so we’ve got 4 easy steps to help you pick out the perfect diamond for your soon-to-be fiancee.

rings

1. Budget.

Empty your pockets, piggy bank and cup holders in your car. You know what I mean, I bet there are tons of coins in there. They say the average guy should budget to spend a minimum of 3 months salary on a ring. What do I think of that? I say, spend what you can afford. If you have to purchase her ring from Kijiji, then do it. She might like that it’s vintage – only you know how she will react to a ‘used’ ring. If you can only afford a few thousand, which is standard, then shop around. Look for deals and read reviews. Do your homework – ask friends, you never know who knows someone that might help you with a sale. Either way, save up for a few months so that you’re at least able to take your lady out for a fine dinner after you’ve popped the question.

2. Be Sherlock Holmes

You will need to be a little sneaky in the months and weeks leading up to buying the ring – and I don’t mean sneaky as in sleazy. You may have to tell a few white lies as to where you’re going and what you’re up to,but it will all be worth it in the end. Just make sure you play your cards right, you wouldn’t want her to think you are cheating or on the verge of a break-up because you’re acting weird around her. Put your thinking cap on and grab a magnifying glass because you’ll have to play sleuth. Before you buy a ring you will need to know her ring size (try to ‘borrow’ one from her jewelry box that she won’t know is missing to get it sized), you will need to know what type of gold she prefers (yellow, white or rose) and what kind of cut she likes (princess, cushion, round) and lastly, will she want a solitaire or multiple stones? If you want to be totally ballsy, you can just get her ring size and then go shopping for a ring you like. Even though she’s the one wearing it for the rest of her life, you are the one giving it to her. So, feel free to pick one you think she’ll like, and for everyone’s sake, let’s hope she does!

3. Shop.

Check out a few stores (start at the mall to make your life easy). Visit the standard jewlery shops and ask them questions. You will learn a whole lot about rings and diamonds, which means you are an educated buyer. Bravo.If you are on a strict budget, look for sales. Buying a discontinued ring could save you hundreds, even thousands. Just make sure the ring you choose has a matching band. You don’t want to pick one that doesn’t have a mate and then have to pay for a custom band. Can we say sh*tshow?

4. Propose!

After the last nerve racking weeks (or months) you are now ready to pop the question! How you do this is all up to you. Once the wedding planning starts, you may not get much of a say on decisions, so take advantage of making this decision all on your own. Don’t copy a buddy, or reenact a scene from a movie. Be original. Think of what she might like. Be creative. But mostly, just be yourself.

Oh! And as a lady, here are a few extra tips to help you out….

1. Ask her Father (or parents) for their blessing if you have a close relationship with them. They might be expecting it, or they could care less, but doing so shows that you care and are taking this decision seriously.

2. Try to use her full name – it sounds cheesy, but you see it all the time in the movies and most girls want a swoon worthy moment they can re-tell over and over to their friends.

3. Lastly, if she is a girly girl, make sure her nails are done. She won’t want to show off her rock with chipped polish. Send her out for a manicure before you pop the question, it will get you scoring big points well before she even says “YES”.

Good luck!!

Re-brand Reveal!

It’s been 4 months since we signed on the dotted line for a re-brand of our logo, website and blog with the talented duo at Ashley _ Malone . The time has come to reveal the new look and we couldn’t be more pleased that it all came together on our 5th Anniversary!

ashleyandmalone

Here is what Ashley had to say about the re-brand and working with Diane of Bride’s Butler;

I have been friends with Diane for a few years, actually the day I met her, I mentioned I was engaged and she went on to tell me that she was a wedding coordinator. After getting to know her, I could quickly tell that she was perfect for this business. Diane is organized, on-the-ball and forthcoming. She doesn’t let things slip through her fingers and knows when to speak up, or politely keep quiet. I could just picture her being an amazing coordinator the day I met her!

When I brought up to Diane that Malone and I were branching out from our corporate clients to focus on creative entrepreneurs, she was intrigued about what we could do for her brand. Secretly, I’d been wanting to get my hands on it for a while. Alas, when we officially launched in April, Diane was our first client – hooray!

We started with our brand and website workbook to get to know the ins and outs of her business, as well as Diane’s vision for her new brand. There were a few key elements she wanted incorporated into the design: chalkboard type fonts, an oval shape and a bow tie – to keep in line with her previous logo. Don’t forget, butler’s wear bow ties! With her inspiration in tow, we came up with a few variations and finally settled on the lovely number below. The logo represents Diane’s love for rustic chic, with a touch of country (i’ve seen her wear cowboy boots on a few occasions). 

The key to a successful brand is to not only represent the owners personality and vision but to also attract the companies ideal client. Diane is fully equipped with all the tools to work with her dream clientele and execute fabulous weddings for years to come!

Congrats Diane on your new brand, we had a blast working with you and can’t wait to see the results!

xo Ashley _ Malone

 

beforeandafter

 

Don’t Be That Guy (or Girl) {Wedding Photography}

I saw this video online and immediately thought of some guests I’ve seen at weddings trying to capture every moment, from every angle with their phone, camera or video camera. I know that almost everyone has a phone and or a camera and they want to use it during a wedding – but you must do it discreetly – and from your seat. Let the professionals that the Bride _ Groom have selected and paid a pretty penny for do their job and capture the photos…which you will likely end up seeing on the newlyweds Facebook Page, or on the Photographers blog/social media sites.

AnnoyingWedding

Sometimes couples do encourage that guests take photos and share them to FB, Twitter or Instagram and will even include a hashtag on the programs so that others can see the pictures, and so they can relive their big day later on – but we beg of you, and so does this Photographer that you take photos respectfully, always keeping the Bride _ Groom in mind. You should never be a distraction to them, or an interference with the professionals working. Simply put in this video – enjoy the moment along with the couple.

Do you see yourself as one of those guys or girls in the video? I sure hope not! Unless the couple has specifically asked you to take photos for them – please remain seated, out of the aisle and away from the photo shoot.

How NOT to ruin your wedding photos

Your wedding photos will be one of the most important mementos from your wedding day. The day will go by so quickly, and you’ll be having so much fun that you’ll need good, quality photos to refresh your memory of what a fabulous day you had!

Choosing a Photographer is a tough decision. I always tell my clients to go with who they feel most comfortable with and who’s style they prefer. Do not try to cheap out on your photos. This doesn’t mean you have to spend $5,000+, but it surely means you shouldn’t be spending less than $500 or asking a friend to do it for free. I saw a fabulous and oh-so-true quote the other day; “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” This quote is bang on – let the professionals take care of you on your wedding day. We have many reasons to call ourselves such.

You’ve hired a professional and you know they will deliver, but what can you do to make sure that you don’t ruin your photos?

Here are some tips on how NOT to ruin your wedding photos:

Create a wish list

Work with your Photographer via email or a face-to-face meeting to discuss the kind of photos you want. Most times you’ve selected them because of their style, poses, layouts, etc – but if there is a certain pose or location you want, be sure to tell them!
Some popular shots on a wish list are; gown on hanger in window, picture with grandparents, photo of rings/invitation and your something old/new/borrowed and blue.

Have your Photographer stay 

To save money some couples will send the Photographer home after the receiving line or just before dinner. This is a mistake if you want to capture emotions from you, your groom, wedding party, family and guests during dinner, speeches and when the party starts. They don’t need to stay all night if money is tight, but have them stay at least until you’ve cut the cake and had your first dance.

Book in advance

Photographers and Coordinators are two of the first vendors to get booked early. We advise you to do your research and book with your selected Photographer at least 12-14 months in advance. Some times you can get away with as little as 9 months, but don’t be surprised if our #1 choice is booked already.

Schedule enough time

Chat with your Photographer and your Day of Coordinator about how much time is needed for your photo shoot. We will be realistic with you and factor in travel time, set-up, people management and weather (sunlight, etc). You want to make sure you have enough time to be relaxed and having fun, but not too much time that your guests awaiting your arrival back are bored.

Feed your vendors

Vendors that get fed are happy vendors, and happy vendors will work better than hungry ones. If you have vendors working over your dinner hour (Photographers, Coordinator, DJ, etc) we highly recommend that you have a vendor table for them and feed them dinner as well. Your wedding day is a long one although it seems to go by so quickly and most of your vendors will be working well before you start to get ready and long after you’ve gone home.

Look fresh

On your wedding day you will look so radiant and happy because it’s your wedding day, but do yourself a favour and eat and sleep well the day before. Same goes for your wedding day, stay hydrated, eat throughout the day and don’t get intoxicated.

Have fun

Stuffy photos are a thing of the past. Sure, you’ll have the traditional family and wedding party shots, but make sure you’re having fun, laughing and enjoying yourself. Don’t worry about the small things – this is your Day of Coordinators job. A smiling Bride looks best from all angles.

*Photo by JClay Photography from Helen & Jason’s big day

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JANUARY 2011

Hubba Hubba

Be my Valentine, my love,
As I will be for you,
And we will love the whole day long,
And love our whole lives through.
Valentine’s Day is in a few weeks and you may be thinking about ways to show your love and affection without spending a fortune. If you’re getting married this year, you’re probably working within a “we’re getting married” budget. To help you out, here are a few ‘stay at home’ ideas to get romantic with your fiance without breaking the bank.
Faux ‘take-out’
Rather than ordering in which can be pricey and greasy (ahem, wedding dress to wear in the near future) why not make your own? Make your own pizza, panini’s or even chinese at home. Whip up a tasty stir fry and put it in chinese take-out boxes and eat with chop sticks. You can find the take-out boxes at a craft, paper or dollar store. Top off this meal with a selection of fortunes you made and placed into a pretty vase and then you and your hunny can pick one and read it aloud to each other.
Cuddle on the couch
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that you have to watch a romantic comedy – in fact, you should probably watch your guy’s favourite flick. Select a movie from his collection, pop some popcorn and cuddle on the couch. Since you won’t be all that interested in his flick choice, use this time alone to behave like you first did when you started dating. A little make-out sesh on the couch never hurt anyone.
Lights Out
It’s not what it sounds like. Once in a while it’s good to ‘unplug’ all the technology and just spend some quality time together. Light candles, turn off the computer, cell phone, tv and ipod and just enjoy spending time together. Do a crossword or puzzle by candlelight, or read each other poetry. Take a bubble bath together, or give each other foot rubs.
Learn from each other
Are you a good baker? Does he kick butt at Poker? Spend an afternoon or evening teaching each other what you’re good at. You might find out something new about your significant other through this exercise.
Get Active
Again, not what I mean here – get your mind outta the gutter. A great way to bond and spend time with your love is to get active together. Go for a hike, an evening stroll with the dog, play a few rounds of Wii Sport or get out your yoga mats and follow an instructional video together.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Something Blue

You made sure you had your something old, new, borrowed and now….you’re blue!

It’s been known that some Brides will experience post wedding blues. It makes sense to feel this way. All of the build-up and hype of your big day has simmered down, and if it’s been a few months since your wedding day, the excitement and chatter has probably vanished.

The day that took you 18 months or longer to plan is gone, and that can make anyone quite sad.

It’s not surprising that Brides feel depressed after their wedding, as this is a day they have waited for and looked forward to since childhood. After the wedding and the honeymoon a lot of Brides think there isn’t  much to look forward to regarding your nuptials except viewing the wedding photography proofs. Before the big day there’s lot’s of planning, decision making, organizing, festivities and talk about YOU (and your fiance of course). But, now – life is going back to how it was before your wedding – and well, you might be bored.

When I meet with clients for our “Day of Coordination” services, I tell them that they must manage their expectations for their wedding day as things are going to happen – things they will not be able to control or avoid. With any major event, you must look at the big picture; people who love you gathered to celebrate with you and wish you all the best for your marriage. The same goes for after the wedding – look at the big picture; you had a wonderful party filled with love, laughter and happiness – and now, you’re married!!

Marriage like any relationship consists of respect, love, compromise and dedication. Being married means that you are part of a team – a union of two people who love each other, so no matter how sad you feel that the wedding is over, know that you have a partner that has vowed to stick by you through the good and bad.

Settling into married life can take time – so be sure to give yourself time to adjust. Remember that life isn’t perfect, so don’t be bummed out when life doesn’t turn out to be the fairytale you imagined it would be when you walked down the aisle. But, what you can remember is the wonderful day you had when you said “I do”.
Look at your pictures often, reminisce with your hubby and friends about funny stories from the day, and look down at your left hand and smile at the ring that symbolizes your marriage.

Here are some things to do to help you beat the post wedding blues:

1) Recycle your stack of Bridal Magazines. You don’t need to look at them and see all the ideas of things you didn’t do. No “if only’s, but I could have, or I wish I’d done”, just toss ’em, or give them to a newly engaged friend.

2) Make a list of goals you want to accomplish. When planning your wedding you had a hefty “to-do” list, so keep that pattern alive by setting new goals for yourself and your hubs. This will help keep boredom at bay.

3) Go out on weekly or bi-weekly dates with your husband. Spending time together as a married couple will keep your union strong and remind you of all the reasons you said ‘yes’ to this special guy.

4) Relax. Wedding planning is one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life. Take time to enjoy being a newlywed rather than a Bride-to-be.

Post generated with help from ehow.
Picture from Google Images.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Grooms are people too

This may come as a shocker, but….it’s not all about the Bride.
It’s known that the Bride tends to make most if not all of the decisions for the wedding, but the Wedding Industry is saying that Grooms are going to be speaking out more in 2011 and making more decisions.Your wedding day is afterall for both you and your Groom.
With blogs and websites like Ben the Groom, The Plunge and The Man Registry – guys have a place they can go to for advice, funny stories and even some educational content concerning their title as the “Groom”.
Ben the Groom offers a checklist that offers “to-do’s” from your Engagement to the night before your wedding. Knowing what to do before you are told to do it will make you look like an All-Star to your Bride.
The Plunge gives you a guys perspective and tips to prepare you for taking ‘the plunge’ into married life. From “How to: Replace a fallen Groomsman” to “Making a good impression with the In-laws” this site is a must for Grooms.
The Man Registry is an American site so you won’t find local Canadian vendors there, but you will get awesome ideas for Bachelor parties and gifts for your wedding party dudes.
In 2010, Groom cakes made a bit of a comeback and I bet you’ll continue to see more of them in weddings to come so that the Groom has something special to call his own. These cakes are usually personalized for the Groom with his hobbies, favourite sports team, movie or musician.
So, let’s hear it for the boys and take joy in the fact that if you have a Groom that wants to participate and make decisions concerning your wedding and festivities – let him. Just be sure he doesn’t get carried away and become a Groomzilla.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Newlywed ‘To Do’ List

Now that you’ve said “I do” there are a few things you have “to do” as a newlywed.
Enjoy being Mr & Mrs
Go on your honeymoon, spend time together, make love and enjoy your new beginning.
Clean & Store your Wedding Dress
Within 6 months get your dress dry cleaned and properly packaged for storing. If you don’t plan to keep your dress, put it online for another Bride to use it for her happy day.
Check out sites like Bravo Bride, Yes Bride & Kijiji.
Change your status
And we don’t mean just on Facebook! You’ll need to change your last name and possibly your home address after you get married. Insurance, Licence, Health Card, Income Tax, etc.
For Ontario Brides, check out the Service Canada website for assistance.
Send your Thank You’s
You’ve got 2 mths before you’re considered inconsiderate. Sit down once a week and get through the pile of ‘thank you’s’. If you need more time, take it – but get those cards out no later than 6 mths after your wedding. You and your hubby will feel really good knowing that your guests are thanked promptly.
Pick your photos
You’ll be given a whack load of photos to pick once your photographer has tweaked them. Enjoy this process no matter how stressful it may seem. Enjoy reminiscing about your wedding.
Celebrate your Anniversary
Congratulations!!!

*post inspired by an article found on The Nest

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: FEBRUARY 2010

It’s cool to be a Follower!

 
Come on, follow us…you know you want to!
Follow this blog for your chance to win Bride & Groom T-Shirts!!!
It’s so simple to enter this oh-so-awesome contest….just become a follower of our blog, and ta da…entered!
We’ll randomly pick one of our Blog Follwers and announce the winner on March 5th in our blog post,
on our Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter.

Are you following us on Twitter? Tweet with us! @BridesButler

What about our Facebook Fan Page? Are you a Fan??
We’ve set a goal of 100 by Easter weekend…so, please, hop to it! LOL!

To all of our current fans on FB, and followers of this blog and on Twitter – thank you for your support.
We appreciate you sharing your time with us, and for telling your friends and Brides-to-Be about us!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Signs you’re a Bridezilla

Bridezilla (“Bride” + “Godzilla”) is a term used to describe an unpleasant bride who leaves behind severely annoyed family, friends and bridal vendors in her manic quest for the perfect wedding.

It’s well known that most Brides want their wedding to be perfect, memorable and enjoyed by all – but at what cost? Some brides can start out ‘normal’ and within months or even weeks become a Bridezilla.

What are the signs that you may be on your way to suddenly becoming, or are currently in the midst of being a Bridezilla?

You change your mind constantly about wedding details, thus leaving your vendors in a state of confusion as to what ‘exactly’ you want. You’re not really sure what you want – because basically you want it all – so you throw your hands up in a fit of exhaustion and shout “I don’t know! I don’t know!”
Sometimes this kind of behaviour is followed by stomping of the feet, slamming of the doors, or balling of the eyes.

You’ve got a Wedding Planner and yet, you’re still micro-managing. You want to oversee every decision, every detail, and every vendor as if you’re a Manager.
You’re not – as a bride, you’re the celebrity – let vendors (a.k.a. professionals) do their job – you’re job is to smile, and be happy.

You’re requests (ahem, demands) are becoming more and more elaborate. You want each gerber daisy to have exactly 12 petals. You want every straw for your cocktails to be bent at a 90 degree angle.
You get the idea. This sign is in the same catagory as mico-managing. Just relax, and accept things for the way they are – you’ve accepted your Groom for the way he is right? Right? Oh gosh, we sure hope so.

You treat your wedding party like a mean teacher who isn’t afraid to use the strap would treat her school children. Your friendships are waning because of your bossiness and overly controling behaviour.

Your friends have gathered to help you celebrate your love and union with your Groom. Your wedding party are like the munchins in the Wizard of Oz – happy and cute characters that want to have fun. If you want them to help you walk down the yellow brick road (or, say, the aisle) you must act like Glinda the good witch, and not the Wicked Witch of the West – cause remember, a house fell on her head.

You get the idea, right? We just suggest that the best way to ward off the Bridezilla behaviour as a Bride is to be mindful. Know what your limits are with your groom, your family members, friends and vendors.
Look at the big picture – not all the small minute details that the average guest doesn’t even notice or care about. And, of course, let your Wedding Planner do their job – let them be the one who goes nuts on the cake decorator for using purple icing instead of blue, and let them tell the DJ that his song selections are so 20 years ago. You, just focus on being the Bride by enjoying the moment, and smiling.

Bridezillas don’t smile – they don’t know how to…and that my friend is the ultimate sign that you’ve morphed from a blushing bride to a Bridezilla! Eeeeeek!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Do you have Bride Brain?

Is your wedding the only thing you are thinking about these days? Do you sit at work and daydream about centrepieces, and unique favours for your guests? Most Brides during the planning process are always thinking about their wedding in one way, shape or form.

“I shouldn’t eat that ice cream, I have a dress to fit into”
“Will my bridesmaid look good in that colour?”
“How much money do we have left in our budget for decorations?”
“I love that band! I have GOT to book them for our reception!”

For the next 12 months or less, you will be thinking about your wedding in some way or another. It’s normal.
This is the biggest day of your life, and you want it to be perfect. So, make notes, doodle your ideas on paper, create inspiration boards on-line, join bridal chat forums like BridalTweet, and read wedding & event related blogs. With all of the information you’ve gathered, all of the ideas you’ve seen, read, heard and collected, you are bound to have a little bit of what we in the industry call, “Bride Brain”.

Catherine from For Your Event Planning posted this image in a blog post on Jan 8th. Can you relate?

It’s okay to have Bride Brain – as long as you can still focus on other things like your career, your relationship with your fiance, your family and other social gatherings not directly related to your up-coming wedding. Have no shame in thinking, talking and dreaming about your wedding – that is just one of the many special things about being a Bride. You are only a Bride for a short while in your lifetime, so enjoy it and make the most of the time you have being the centre of attention – just be sure not to get carried away and become a Bridezilla.

Next post, we’ll show you the symptoms of being a Bridezilla. Will you need a prescription?
Check back to find out!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

meet-jess

• MEET JESS •

buy cheap designer prom dresses 2016 at queenofvictoria

I am a hopeless romantic with a love for country ballads, long walks on the beach, travelling, chocolate and puppies! I couldn’t ask for a better profession than working with couples in love to plan one of most special days of their lives.

I grew up in a family who immersed me in the wedding industry at a young age. As an innocent child, the stunning décor, the delectable food, the guests dancing to the music and the cutting of the art they called cake, captivated me. The more weddings I witnessed, the more traditions and ideas I was exposed to and the more my dream of becoming a wedding planner was stimulated.

Years later, I am the luckiest girl as my dreams have become realities. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside Diane behind the scenes, planning and executing reverie weddings for many brides and grooms. On my own, my passion for wedding coordination shines through during the process as I watch the fruits of my labour come together. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a happy couple enjoying their special day! I bring my versatile style to the table to work with my clients’ wants and needs and bring their visions to life. I am resourceful in the industry because of my exposure, experience, and youthfulness. I put my heart and soul into the details of every wedding I am lucky enough to be a part of!custom made wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses at lunss.com

Bride’s Butler was created in 2008 by Diane Morris operating out of Hamilton Ontario. As of November 2014, I purchased the business and am so excited about carrying on a business based on quality service, memorable experiences and personal touches.

I offer direction and support two months prior to your wedding. Additionally, I offer services from the moment you say ‘yes’ to that ring, to aid in the entire planning process. I am always available to share a laugh, cry, and ideas for the big day and any other supportive advice I can.

J, xo.

Who’s an “Expert?”

For a while there you’d see the word ‘epic’ being used for all most anything. From a tasty burger to accomplishing a skill testing task and even for photographs – everything was ‘epic’. I had always disagreed with the wide use of this word, for in my mind, things that are epic are to be life changing, mind blowing and essentially unforgettable. I’m not sure if 10 years down the road you will remember how delicious that burger was, or how cool you thought that photo was.

Another word that I think is used quite often is “expert.” There is no way anyone can truly be an expert if as humans, we are always learning. Learning from our past, our present experiences and situations and also from lessons yet to be learned. If you have one child, does that make you a parenting ‘expert’? What if you have three? Then you must be a parenting whiz. If you’ve ever eaten an entire pizza in one sitting (come on, admit you have), then does that make you an expert in telling others how you accomplished it? Perhaps you were just hungry.

My point here is that many professionals call themselves or are referred to by others as experts, and I want to get real with you here for a moment… no one can truly be an expert in any given field. We can be educated and knowledgeable about the subject or task. We can be passionate and creative and we can be skilled in executing said profession or position. I have been referred to as a Wedding Industry Expert before, and although flattering, I’m not an expert. The Wedding Industry, like most things in life is constantly changing and growing (sounds like people, eh?). Trends change, new businesses are formed and others fold. To be an expert in this field is a hefty title, and I’m okay with not referring to myself as one. What I can say is that I’m in love with being a Wedding Coordinator – I treat it like I would any relationship. I take pride in it, I nurture it and I grow along with it. I learn from my choices and I continue to network, educate myself and simply give it my all.

So, who do you think is an “Expert?” Do you agree with me that we’re all just simply doing our best with the talents and skills we are given? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, leave a comment below!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: NOVEMBER 2013

Incorporating pets into your wedding

red carpet party dresses

 

When my Sept 7th Bride Erin told me she wanted her dogs in the wedding, I cringed a little. They are big dogs – they slobber and they have dark fur which doesn’t mesh well with a white wedding dress. Thankfully they were just fantasizing about incorporating their mutts into their special day. Instead, they invited their beloved horses to take part and I thought it was a great idea! Very rarely do you see images of a Bride _ Groom with horses, unless of course they are Texan and donning cowboy hats! Having the horses on the property of their reception (Erin’s parents home) brought a special and personalized touch to their photos. Seeing the two of them beside the brown beauties was stunning – seeing the frightened look of her mother and sister during family photos was hilarious.

If you want to incorporate your pet into your wedding, I suggest that you set aside time to take photos with them and have someone care for your pet in your absence. Asking a neighbor or co-worker who isn’t attending the wedding to look after Fido for the day and night is way better than leaving them alone all day. Plus, if you want your pooch (or horse, cat, whichever) on site for a few photos, then this person can bring them and then take them – leaving you to enjoy the rest of your evening.

When it comes to pets actually being IN the wedding, I’m not a big fan  of that. I’m not a big supporter of a dog bringing the ring down the aisle, or even hanging out at the reception location (this equals too many possible disasters). BUT, if you consider your pet as part of your family which most of us do, incorporate them into your engagement photos or wedding photos.

*Photo courtesy of DEW Imagery

Spread the Love

What’s one of the most popular wedding favour these days? Jams. They are somewhat easy to make, keep for a long while and can be made in a mini size so guests can easily transport them from your wedding home. Plus, there are so many cute sayings you can pair with jam; ‘spread the love’, ‘love is sweet’, ‘he’s the jam in my peanut butter sandwich’ – okay, that one’s a bit weird. But you get the idea.

Other favours I’ve seen crop up this past year have been honey, maple syrup and chutney. I would have to agree that giving an edible favour is the best and easy choice. Is there something that you’re good at making that you can give your guests? Do you have a favourite treat that you could ask a local baker to make mini? Banana bread, molasses cookies, tarts, etc.

What are you planning on having as your favour at your wedding?

WEDDING / BRIDESMAID DRESSES UKMorgan _ Adam’s wedding favours.
Photo courtesy of Beth _ Ty in Love.

The Reception {Wedding Day Coordination}

bridesmaid dresses NZ

Newlyweds Jennifer _ Stephen – October 2011

What happens after you be come Husband _ Wife? Well, all sorts of things – but let’s just focus on what happens immediately after you become Mr. _ Mrs. You host a reception with all of your friends, family and loved ones! The reception is the most expensive part of a wedding – it’s basically one huge dinner party and we all know how quickly food costs add up. You know when you go out for dinner with the hubs-to-be and you get the check and you simply can’t believe how quickly and easily your bill racked up? Appetizer, drink, entree, drink, shared dessert, coffee. Oyi! But, you had a great night out, right? It was worth the price I’m sure.

During your wedding events, it’s typically the reception when you want your guests to be wowed by the fine details, have fun and enjoy celebrating with you. And how do you allow yourself to celebrate along with them? You book us for The Reception package so you don’t have to worry about a thing! We will be on hand for Wedding Day Coordination and take care of the set-up, clean-up and event logistics that go into and are a part of a reception. We will call or email all of your vendors the week of your wedding to ensure they have all the info they need and to instruct them to direct their questions at the reception to us, so  you won’t be bothered or have to make decisions. We manage the timing of dinner with the venue coordinator, the dj and your MC. We pretty much make sure your entire event runs smoothly and the way you envisioned it.

The Reception package is 10 hours at one location and the investment if $1,000 which is very affordable and worth the cost when you factor in how much you are paying for food, drink, music, lighting, decor, etc. To make sure everything you planned goes as such, bring us on board for your wedding. We’d love to work with you!

Inviting Kids {Wedding Advice}

Inviting kids to a wedding…do you or don’t you? It’s a question many couples will ask themselves when planning their guest list. Some almost newlyweds are all for little ones taking part in their special day, while others are dead set on not having any kiddos in attendance.

So, what should you do?

Well…here’s our take on the matter.

If you are having your own kids, nieces/nephews or little cousins in your wedding party and choose not to allow guests to bring their children to your wedding then you should make sure that your little people are only at your ceremony. They can be on hand for photos before and after the ceremony and take part in your nuptials as Ring Bearer and Flower Girl but then that’s it – they go home. They shouldn’t be at the reception running around, dancing and having fun among your guests if there are guests there that would have liked to have their child(ren) there as well. A good way to avoid hurting any feelings is to simply say that you are trying to have a small wedding and won’t be inviting children. Or, tell your friend who might be offended her kid isn’t invited by telling her you wanted to give her and hubs a night out sans kids for once. Then, you look like a good friend again. But once you decide no children, you have to stick to that. You can’t allow your cousin to bring her newborn, but  your co-worker can’t bring her toddler.

If don’t want any kids at your wedding in any fashion, then you must be careful with how you word your invitation. An Invitation Specialist can assist you with this but typically the outer envelope is addressed to the couple invited (i.e. Mr. _ Mrs. A. Richardson) and then the interior envelope is addressed to exactly who is invited (i.e. Melissa _ Andrew). This helps state just who you want to attend. Another way is to have the RSVP already filled in with their names in the M__________ spot so that they don’t go ahead and write Melissa, Andrew, Jimmy _ Jane. I prefer the first suggestion, but as mentioned, ask your Invitation Specialist.

If you want to have kids at your wedding then be sure to invite the whole damn fam. Address the invitation to “The Richardson’s” or “The Richardson Family” and then on the interior envelope list all of the names (i.e. Melissa, Andrew, Jimmy _ Jane). Most times the lady’s name is written first, followed by the husband and then the children from oldest to youngest. Be sure to find out how old these kids are if you don’t already know. If they are 16+, they can get their own invitation so they feel like an adult (remember, they likely can drive at this age) and if they are 18+ and in a relationship you will have to invite their girl/boyfriend as well.

Some couples who are anti kids attending don’t even want them at the ceremony, which is very hard to do. Many times I will see kids misbehaving during the ceremony and or crying because well, they are bored. You can’t kick anyone out for bringing their child, but you can ask someone to kindly escort them out should their child be interrupting your ceremony (yes, hello – that would be our job). If you don’t want kids at the ceremony, try to have your wedding at one location where guests will be at for the whole event. It will be harder for them to bring Jimmy _ Jane if there isn’t much of a break between festivities. But, as always – be honest with your friends and family about your desire to not have kids in attendance.

Kids are cute and they can take some of the attention away from you if you’re not overly into having all eyes on you. But kids can also misbehave and not cooperate – so choose wisely. Chat with this with your hubby-to-be for after all it is your wedding and your guests should respect your wishes. If they don’t then, make note for one day little Jimmy or Jane will get hitched too.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: SEPTEMBER 2011

Bridesmaid Gifts

You might know exactly what to get your Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids for being your right hand gals during your wedding planning and celebrations. Or, you might be completely stumped. There are so many options and ideas, it can be baffling.
Tried and trued is jewelry. You can get them a necklace or earrings that they can wear on your wedding day, or you can do something different. Maybe you want to get them all something a little different to match their personalities – maybe one likes wine, while the other likes cooking. Maybe one is a bookworm, and the other is more of a tomboy.
Giving personalized gifts always adds that extra touch and says ‘thank you’ far better than a standard gift – but that’s just my opinion. Just be sure to give yourself a budget, and get creative!

Here are a few websites that I like for unique gifts:
Etsy – homemade, unique items that can be bought as is or customized to suit your needs.
Candied Soap Bakery – soap that looks almost good enough to eat!
Beaucoup – gifts that can be personalized and tend to be practical.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

‘We gotta talk….’

No one likes hearing the words, “we gotta talk…” Usually those words are interpreted as trouble – but let me tell you, if you don’t have this talk, you may very well have trouble – in your marriage.

Weddings are fantastic – they are fun, full of love and laughter and are really truly just one big party to proclaim your love and adoration for one another. What comes after the wedding is a marriage – and that is meant to last the rest of your life. So even though you are doing so much planning for your wedding, be sure to slot in some time to plan for your marriage as well.

I came across this article the other day on the Canadian Living website – “10 things to talk about before you get married” and think that all couples should have this chat prior to tying the knot.

Here are the 10 things that they say you should talk about:

1) Decision making.
What is important to you both and what is your communication style. It needs to work for both of you – and a little compromise goes a long way.

2) Chore & task sharing.
Responsibilities. Do you take care of the bill payments, but he does all the yard work? Do you do the laundry and he takes out the trash? Having a game plan for your life tasks and duties will help keep the arguments at bay.

3) Kids.
To have or not to have, that is the question.

4) Religion & values.
Do you share the same values, goals and beliefs? This question will also impact #3.

5) Family.
You can pick your friends but not your family. However, you’ve picked your partner, so remember that when it comes to family politics and dramatics. Chat about how much time you plan to spend with each others family, especially for holidays, birthdays and whatnot.

6) Careers.
Are you both established in your careers, or will you want a change in the future? Do one of you have to travel a lot for work? Will you relocate?

7) Sex.
You’ve gotta talk about your wants and desires in this category too. Life brings on different situations and stress levels, so you’ve got to let your partner know that intimacy is important to you no matter what. Also, I’d use this time to inform them of your thoughts on open-relationships and affairs if you haven’t already done so.

8) Finances.
Money can cause a lot of issues for couples – especially when one makes more than the other. As a married couple, you need to decide if you will have a joint bank account, or keep your assets separate. How will you save for the future, and how do you plan on spending your earnings together? Trips, kids, etc.

9) Time together and apart.
You still need to have your girls nights and ‘me time’ even though you are going to be a Mrs.
Be sure to talk to your man about what both of your expectations about free time are. A lot of time this is where resentment starts – when you feel alone in your relationship because your partner doesn’t spend their free time with you. We want to avoid this, have the talk.

10) Drugs, alcohol and gambling.
How do you both feel about these? Can you partake but in a healthy manner? Are there issues with one of these already present in your relationship?

So, have the talk with your partner. I suggest not to have it all at once, unless you have a few hours to invest in it. But, discussing your views on these 10 things will prepare you for your life ahead with this person. It will also act like a refresher for those of you that have been together for a long time and might have talked about some of these things earlier on in your relationship. Maybe your views have changed, and that’s okay. People change and grow as they go through life – it’s just that with a marriage, you are to change and grow together.

Good luck!

*the list was comprised from the article featured on Canadian Living, however the comments below each headline are my own opinions.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

RSVP No Shows

I’ve seen it a few times – guests RSVP to the wedding and then are no shows. This is not only poor etiquette, but it adds extra stress for the Bride & Groom.

When you are invited to a wedding and you RSVP “yes”, be sure to show up. Unless an emergency arises (family death, illness or severe weather) you should honour your word and attend.

What happens when guests are a no show? Well, firstly food and money go to waste. 99% of weddings, the couple have to pay upfront for meals ordered – this includes quantity of appetizers and plate settings. Also, the couple have ordered their cake and or dessert/late night table based on the number of RSVP’s they received. So if there are no shows, there is food and money wasted.

How do no shows add extra stress for the couple (and or their Wedding Coordinator)? The venue is set up and arranged for a specific number of people and with no shows – there can be gaps in the seating arrangements. Someone I know, recently went to a wedding and 2 couples from a table of 6 were no shows – leaving 4 empty chairs. Due to another couple at a different table not showing as well, there were 2 seats available to which they could fill leaving one table completely empty and another entirely full.
But that’s good then right? Not really – there is now one empty table, and 6 paid for meals that won’t be eaten. But, having an entire table empty is better than having one large table with only 2 people seated at it. The venue staff or your Coordinator can discreetly remove the dishware so that it doesn’t look like the table is still awaiting guests.

So – what do you do if you are the guest who is a no show? You should call the Bride or Groom and leave a voicemail as to why you can’t attend. If you know someone else who is attending the wedding and you don’t want to call the Bride or Groom, relay your message to them so they can give your regards. You should also send a hand written note or email to the couple informing them that you hoped they enjoyed their celebration. As for the gift? If you’re invited to a wedding and you RSVP “yes” but don’t go – you should still give a gift. Mail a card with a cheque, or drop off the card and or gift in person. But, let me stress this – you must extend a gift and a sincere apology for your absence.

No one likes no shows. If you say you’re going to attend a wedding, then do. Weddings are a celebration of two people who wanted you to be a part of it. It’s always an honour to be invited to a wedding – and it would be an honor to the couple if you attended.

*Invitation designed by Jolie Papeterie Boutique

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Who’s Supporting You?

Do you know that the stress caused by planning a wedding is ranked as the 2nd highest in life after the loss of a loved one? Sounds pretty bad, doesn’t it? I wouldn’t necessarily compare the two as losing a family or friend is horrible, but planning a wedding sure is stressful….especially if you’re going at it alone.
Sure, you’ve got your hubs-to-be there to help you out – to lend a shoulder to cry on and a nod of his head to all your questions, but really – who is supporting you on this journey?
Planning a wedding is in fact a journey. It typically takes 18-24 months to suss out your ideas, book vendors, plan your timeline, attend meetings, buy a dress, attend wedding related activites and all the other details that go into your big day.
We believe that all Brides need a support system. A Mother that wants to help and isn’t overbearing. A sister or best friend who will be by your side helping you make the decisions and plan your dream day. Whomever it is, we hope that you have someone you can lean on during the stressful planning process.

If you don’t have someone you want to help you, or let alone burden with your slight Bridezilla tendencies (we said ‘slight’), we’re available to help you. Our Full Wedding Package provides you with the support, guidance and friendship you need while you plan your big day. We will aid you in making your decisions, save you money and be there for you on the day you say “I do”. I can’t tell you how many times past Brides of ours have told me that they felt so good knowing that we were there to have their back – that we were like a friend.

Who will you turn to when the going gets tough? Give us a call, we’d love to help you stress less.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JANUARY 2012

Rules of Engagement

Earlier last week I was featured in an article about what to wear to an Engagement Party. Written by Lisa Hannam and published in The Hamilton Spectator, this article gave a few tips for the Bride and her guests.

So what do you pair with your new diamond ring?? You can read the article here.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Paying tribute to loved ones.

Celebrating with family and friends is the main reason why people have weddings. A marriage is for two people, a wedding is for all. Often times couples are unable to share the joy of their special day with loved ones because they’ve passed on. How can you pay tribute to loved ones on your wedding day?

Here are a few ideas:
– Make a donation in honour of them to a charity that was close their heart, or affected their life. Lost a Grandmother to cancer? How about you donate to the Canadian Cancer Society. This is a great way to pay homage to your loved one and make a difference. 
– Mention the deceased in your ceremony programs. Most couples thank their family and friends for their love and support this way, so include those that have passed here as well.
– Incorporate rosemary into your bouquet, centrepieces or decor as it is the flower of remembrance.
– Play a special song during the cocktail hour or dinner and just know that when you hear it that you’ve dedicated it to them.
– Display photos of them at the ceremony or on the gift/guest book table. Many couples will choose to have the wedding photos of their Grandparents here, or of their parents as well (even if still alive).
– Have a family or friend share a reading in their memory at the ceremony. You can personalize this even more by choosing one of their favourite poems or verses.
– Light a candle for them during the ceremony.
– Include a moment of silence, or mention them in your prayer/grace prior to dinner.
– Wear a piece of their jewelery to have them close on your special day, plus this can be your “something old.” Some Brides have taken a locket or broach from a loved one and fastened it to their bouquet or dress. Grooms can do this too, either wearing the memento externally, or hidden within a suit pocket or sleeve.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

7 Ways to Save

Weddings can be expensive and before you know it, you’ve gone over your budget.




Here are 7 ways to save when planning your wedding:



1. Save money and feel good about your favours by donating to a charity. Pick one that’s close to your heart as a couple or one that you’ve volunteered for before. Helping others not only will give you the warm and fuzzies, but will save you money (& waste as most people don’t keep or even take their favours). Plus, you’ll get a tax credit for your charitable contribution.

2. Marriage licence fees vary depending on the municipality. Do a bit of research to see who closest to you offers the lowest cost. An extra 10-15 minute drive could save you $20-$40.

3. Beg, borrow and rent your wedding attire. There are plenty of used and sample gowns that are just a beautiful as the original, and are usually more than 1/2 the cost. Also, ask friends who’ve been married recently if you can borrow or rent their veil, shoes, etc. You’ll only wear your dress and accessories for one day, so if you can save here, you’ll be able to spend more on something else.

4. Have your wedding during an off-season month like Jan-Mar or Nov-Dec. Friday weddings are also not as affordable as they used to be, so don’t think that will save you much. Having a wedding on a Sunday of a long weekend may be a bit less expensive, but they are gaining in popularity as well.

5. Choose a venue that is already decorated (think at Christmas time) or is beautifully staged on it’s own. This way you cut the costs on hiring a decorator and renting chair covers, etc. Banquet halls are less expensive, but then there are the costs to make it not look so cookie cutter…flowers, lights, drapery, etc.

6. Ask your servers to pour wine for your guests rather than have bottles on the table. If people see the wine, they’ll drink the wine. Save yourself some money by not displaying bottles on the tables.

7. Reduce your guest list with this simple trick; if you haven’t had a sit down meal with them in the past year,  cut them from your list. We know that this isn’t typical for everyone (you’re Fathers co-workers, etc), but if you’re debating about that friend from your old job, or the neighbour down the street, think of that trick.
Less guests equal less money spent.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: DECEMBER 2012

Why a Wedding Coordinator?

Many times in this blog, on our Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter, I’ve mentioned reasons why I think it’s important for couples to invest in a Wedding Coordinator. I’m your right-hand-gal on the most important day of your life. My team and I are there to keep you calm, make sure your vendors are on time and executing the appropriate services. We coordinate the dinner courses and speeches with your MC and Venue Coordinator, and we do a lot of the set-up and take-down. Knowing that you have a professional working for and with you is one of the best investments you can make on your wedding day. Be a Bride and not a Boss on your wedding day – the latter is my job.

So why and how did I become a Wedding Coordinator? It’s not because I was married and planned my own wedding. Many Planners/Coordinators start their business after they have planned their own affair, and then think they can be professionals. Now don’t get me wrong, some of them are professional and are very good, but just because they planned one wedding doesn’t mean that they can or should do it for others.

I’ve always loved weddings. The idea of two people joining together for the rest of their lives and making that commitment in front of their loved ones is something that I think is romantic. The romance of weddings, the togetherness of family and the odd real-life fairytale is what keeps me believing in love….and enjoying my job.

Coordinating the wedding of Natalie & Jason – June 2012

It was in 2007 that I took a Wedding Planning course to test my waters of weddings. I’d always been into and involved with events, but never with weddings. I loved the course and carried on to get certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Then I enrolled in a full-time one year post-grad Event Management program to hone my skills further.

The Bride’s Butler was created in 2008 and I’ve executed over 22 weddings in the past 4 years. Coordinating weddings is my passion and I manage the business part-time as weddings are seasonal and typically happen on weekends.

To me, there is nothing better than two people in love. Being a part of my clients special day is an honour and I strive to make sure that their day is enjoyable and memorable. If you want a Coordinator to execute your plans and vision, then give us a call – I’d love to bring your plans to life and ensure that you’re able to be yourself and a blushing Bride on your special day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas 
& all the best for 2013!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Sale Shopping

Here’s a tip for couples that are planning their 2013/14 weddings….shop the after Christmas sales.

You just never know what you might find for your special day. You’ve got to look high and low, and sometimes dig for the good stuff, but after Christmas is a good time to stock up on things for your wedding. For example, I got these beautiful bird cake toppers for my clients Brooke & Richard last Christmas. They aren’t really cake toppers but are tree ornaments, we just snipped off the strings.

Shop the sales for favours, cake toppers, gift bags & tissue for Wedding Party & Out of Town guests. Look for centrepieces, vases, decor and more!

Some of my favourite places to look for wedding stuff on sale are:

– Michael’s
– HomeSense
– Chapter’s
– Hobby Lobby (in the States)

and Value Village. You just never know what treasures (especially mason jars) you’ll find.

Happy Sale Shopping!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

The Maid/Matron of Honour

A few weeks ago we chatted about the Best Man, so now it’s the ladies turn. The Maid or Matron of Honour is the Bride’s right hand gal, and is with her through all of the good, and dare I say it bad times during the planning and celebrating.

Weddings are stressful. The Bride is making a huge life change by becoming a wife, and they’re planning the biggest party ever – so they’re bound to feel overwhelmed. The Maid/Matron of Honour is likely her best friend, sister or cousin – someone that they love and trust. This is the person she can vent to about how overbearing her future Mother-in-Law is being, or how her hubs-to-be is simply nodding his head at all of her suggestions. She is also the person that will tell the Bride she’s beautiful on her wedding day no matter the weight she wishes she had lost – because it’s true. All Brides are stunning on their wedding day, and the MOH will make sure that her friend knows it too.

If you’ve been asked to be a MOH it is just that – an honour. The Bride has chosen you to be by her side on her special day – to help her get ready, socialize with her family and friends at the wedding and assist with all of the pre-wedding festivities.

Here are some key things a Maid/Matron of Honour will do:

– Assist with planning the Bridal Shower(s)
– Show up on time for the Bridal Shower(s), help with the food, mingle with guests & record the gifts
– Plan the Stag & Doe (if the couple want one) with the other members of the Wedding Party
– Participate in choosing the Bridesmaid dresses
– Join the Bride when choosing her dress, or at least attending the final fitting.
– Help the Bride get ready on her wedding day
– Give a speech at the reception
– Assist with any tasks that may be required of you at the wedding (and or aiding the Coordinator)
– Make sure the Bride is enjoying her wedding – be positive, be happy and stay sober!

If you’ve been asked to be a MOH, congrats! It’s an important role – so be sure to take it seriously while still having fun!

*Photo by Elizabeth in Love

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congratulations Morgan _ Adam!

Today, my Assistant Brittany and I are coordinating the wedding for Morgan and Adam in Ancaster.

Could these two be any more gorgeous? The lovely and talented Elizabeth Kaye from Elizabeth in Love captured their adorableness and adoration in their engagement pictures. With such a good looking couple, a beautiful venue and a sunny (fingers crossed) summer day – this wedding will be one worthy of a magazine!

When I first met with Morgan and Adam I couldn’t wait to hear all about their special day and how they’ve chosen to celebrate with family and friends. There will be a first look, a delicious meal and lots of dancing!

We wish them much happiness today as they become Husband & Wife. Thank you for allowing us to share in your wedding day! xo

Stay tuned for pictures from their wedding in the up-coming weeks. 

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: AUGUST 2012

Imitation is the best form of flattery

 

https://www.bestweddingveil.com/collections/angel-cut-waterfall
Need ideas for your wedding but are sick of looking in magazines and on blogs? You can always get inspired by weddings you’ve attended, or from what you see on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest – but here’s an idea….what about looking at the portfolios of some fabulous Wedding Photographers to see what other Brides _ Groom’s have done?
Taking a peek at their photos not only showcases their work and style, but can also give you ideas on things like your centrepieces, flowers, decor and even your dress, jewelry and hairstyle!
Check out some of the beautiful and inspiring photos from the following Photogs we adore, like:

 

 

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

What a busy season!

 

three Tier wedding veil
Diane, Owner/Lead Coordinator with Natalie _ Jason – June 16/12.

Two more weddings to go and then it looks like we’re done with our 2012 wedding season – unless of course we get some last minute bookings for October to December.

In 2010, we were booked solid with Fall weddings, 2011 had a mixture of both Fall _ Summer and this year it seems like Spring and Summer were the hot seasons to say “I do.”

This season we’re honoured to have assisted with the execution of 9 weddings – that’s a lot of gigs for this  part-time business. Since June, we’ve had a wedding almost every second or third weekend, with meetings, consultations and rehearsals slotted in between. Whew!

We can’t wait to show you pictures from awesome Photographers we had the chance to work with including Ikonica (Porsha _ Will), Elizabeth in Love (Morgan _ Adam) and some we still have yet to look forward to working with like Unveil Photography  and the bridal veil from bestweddingveil(Brooke _ Richard).

Congrats to all the newlyweds from this year, and to the remaining couples; we can’t wait to be by your side on your most special day!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Save the date for 2013

Most clients book Day of Coordination services with us 9-12 months in advance. If you’re getting married in 2013, we suggest you save the date now! Having a professional and certified Coordinator on hand to execute your vision and ensure your vendors are providing the services agreed upon helps you to enjoy your day as a Bride, and not a Bridezilla. Stress brings out the worst in people, and you don’t deserve to feel overwhelmed on the most important day of your life.

Our Day of Coordination package is 30+ hours of support and services. We provide you with documents to keep you organized, are with you for up to 12 hours on your wedding day and offer vendor recomendations and etiquette advice. We’ll be your go-to gals for any issues that arise, any questions you might have and any mishaps that might occur. Weddings are a grand event, and you just simply can’t coordinate all of the logistics yourself. Plus, you surely don’t want to burden your family members or wedding party with the fine details and tasks either – they should be able to enjoy your special day right along with you.

Send us an email, give us a shout or even tweet us to set up a complimentary meeting so we can discuss how you can stress less on your wedding day with our popular Day of Coordination services.

* Picture from Backwards Life

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Be Our Guest

To invite a plus one, or not to invite a plus one – that has
been a debatable question for quite some time.

If you’re on a budget, the first way to save is to cut the
guest list. A good rule of thumb is; if you haven’t had a sit down meal with
them in a year, then they shouldn’t be invited to your wedding. This of course
doesn’t apply to relatives or close friends that live in another
Province/State/Country. Best thing to do is create your list of everyone you
want to celebrate with (including your side and his side – get names from both
sets of parents too!) and then make some cuts. If you really have to struggle
with the decision, let that show you that you likely wouldn’t be upset if they
RSVP’d “No”, so save yourself the possible added cost and just don’t invite
them.

Bet I sound pretty cut throat right now, huh? Wait, there’s
more.

Now that you have your list of guests you must have at your
wedding, you have to figure out what to do about those sans relationship. This
poses the question of inviting a plus one.

Here’s my take: If your guest is currently single and isn’t
dating anyone for more than 6 months, then they shouldn’t get a plus one.  If they have been in a relationship for longer
than 6 months, then they should be invited – you wouldn’t have wanted someone
to exclude you when you were with your hubs-to-be at the 6 month mark, right?

Plus, I think it’s silly to offer a “plus one” just so your
guest can invite someone they are casually dating (and you’ve likely never met)
just so that they can have a date. If you invite all of your single guests on
their own, then volia, they’ve got company – and you could be a possible
matchmaker!

Now, I know that this might sound mean, but if you’re trying to cut costs, less people = less money spent. So, if you feel that you have to allow your guest to have a date so that they don’t respond “No”, or are embarrassed to show up stag, or are going to be bored – then be all means invite them with a plus one. Just know you might have to reduce your spending in other areas like flowers, decor, etc to make up the difference.
When inviting a plus one, it’s standard etiquette to get their
full name – so get on the phone, or send an email so you can properly address
the invitation to your guest and their date. This is VERY important for guests
that have a serious relationship by means of living with or being engaged. You
MUST address them by their name – they are an official couple. Stating “ &
guest” is very informal, and it’s rude to be referred to as that in the seating
chart and or place cards. Eeek!

So, will you or won’t you include the plus one for your
single guests? No matter what you choose, stick with it and don’t allow some
guests to bring a date and others can’t. You should either follow what we’ve
suggested, or make your own rules, but no matter what, be firm. When your guest
gets to plan their wedding, they’ll see for themselves that the plus one question
isn’t so easy after all.

Happy planning!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: DECEMBER 2009

Holiday Cocktails

It’s the holidays…time to whip up some feastive goodies, and serve some holiday inspired drinks!
While entertaining this year, reduce the costs of serving alcohol by offering signature cocktails. Give your guests 2  options, and use the same base alcohol (like rum or vodka) for both of them. Also, serve domestic beer and wine.
If you really want to limit your costs, ask guests to BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) and just offer your signature cocktails.

You can choose your signature cocktails either by the name – like a Christmas Cosmo, or Peppermint Stick, or simply choose them by colour – like Sour Appletini or Pomegranate Martini. There are plenty of cocktail recipes on the web, and also premade drinks can be found at the LCBO if you didnt want to shake or stir your own.

Match your drinks with your colour or theme of your gathering, and be sure to offer virgin drinks for those that are DD or under age. You want everyone to be able to celebrate the wonders of the season with you.
If you didn’t want to serve alcohol at all, there are plenty of other options like holiday eggnog, mint hot chocolate and ciders.
Be sure to have fun this holiday season, but please drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive.
Cheers!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Dashing Through December

It’s December, the month of holiday festivities!

The days and weeks will fly by faster than those 8 little reindeer do on Christmas Eve, so we want to make sure that this holiday season you are prepared for all of your home parties, dinners and open houses.

Choosing a colour theme for your dinner party or event

You don’t have to stick to the traditional colours of green and red when it comes to decorating for Christmas – you can be as creative as you’d like!

Popular colours and themes this year are blue and silver (Winter Wonderland), gold and purple, or purple and teal (think peacocks) and even black and white (the ever popular damask).

Mix and match your two favourite colours, or pick a theme, like one of my personal favourites; Victorian and use colours like gold, pale pink and cream.
The possibilities are endless!

Take a look around in the shops for inspiration and know that you only need a few pieces of your colour choice to make a statement.

Colour accents can be displayed with:
– Napkins
– Place card holders
– Centrepieces
– Table setting pieces like glasses, bowls or chargers

To save money, browse your local thrift store for unique pieces for your table and mix and match different shades of your chosen colour or ask family and friends to borrow pieces from their homes for your event to be eco-friendly chic.

Here are some ideas showing colour for the holidays.

These photos are for inspiration purposes only, they are not from our portfolio.
The Bride’s Butler can recreate these looks for your next party or event.
Photos from: hostess with the mostess
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2009

Off Beat Brides

Dance to the sound of your own drum….that is the tune of Off Beat Bride – a website dedicated to unique, creative and sometimes outlandish weddings.

The website also features ideas for ceremony and reception themes – like Halloween, 1930’s, rockstar, gothic and fantasy.

Check out the site…if there isn’t anything on it that interests you and your style, you will at least have fun looking at some of the wild and kooky ideas of other real brides.

I always find something on this site that I like….check out the picture below. When Carolyn (the Bride) didn’t know what to put on the back of her programs, she added different styles of mustaches. She says this way when she looked out into the crowd gathered to witness her vows she didn’t imagine them all in her underwear to calm her nerves – instead they all had mustaches!! Creative, silly and unique!

Themed weddings have much more and often different elements than a “regular” wedding, so if you have the budget to hire a Planner, I recommend you do. It’d be a shame to have put so much time, effort, money and creativity into a themed wedding only for it to not all come together as planned.
Enjoy being offbeat, it is afterall Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
TRICK OR TREAT???
TREAT!!! When you book your 2010 Day of Coordination package with The Bride’s Butler and you quote the word “mustache” in  your inquiry email (when you ask us to help you cause you want a professional to assist you with your wedding) – we will knock $100 off the total price!!!
Now, that’s a good treat if you ask me! :)

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Creative goodies….

Mmmmm……

One of the most important aspects of a wedding (other than the vows of course) is the food.
As more and more couples are trying to make their wedding unique, and sometimes in crazy off the wall ways, I went looking for ideas on how to be different, yet still remain classy.

I was on a wedding blog the other day and came across a few ideas for favours and buffets that I thought were very creative…and also looked very yummy!

Cookies & Milk
What a great idea this is instead of your typical late night buffet. Serve shots of cold milk (you could have strawberry and chocolate flavoured ones too) and pair them up with homemade cookies – perhaps the Grooms favourite? Serve this idea either laid out on a table with some cookies wrapped ‘to-go’ with the recipe attached on a nice label with ribbon, or have this comforting treat served to guests on a tray (pictured) – only be sure each guest gets a napkin with their homemade treat.
This idea would also be a good one if children are at the reception. What child wouldn’t like some milk & cookies before they are shuttled home to bed by mom and dad?
Ice Cream Sundae Bar     
This would be fantastic for not only a summer wedding, but for the theme of a Bridal Shower. It’s a little messier than some regular dessert/snack options, but can be personalized by your guests by what they top their ice cream with! Offer all kinds of different toppings – ranging from the classic like coloured sprinkles to the not so classic like pretzel pieces. Display all of the toppings in nice dishes and be sure to have title tags for each so your guests know what they’re eating. A sure way to eliminate some of the mess would be to have your venue

pre-scoop ice cream into dishes for your guests.
What a fantatsic idea….and don’t forget the cherry on top!
S’mores
When I saw this idea I wanted to whip out my fondue set and try it right then! What a wonderful idea! I think this idea would be best suited as a dessert, where each table would have their own fondue set and goodies needed to make the yummy summer treat! Can you imagine the sight of all of your guests huddled around the centre of their tables making s’mores? Fantastic pictures!
Along with this treat, you have to have wet naps available as it could get a little messy.
There are plenty of different ways to have your favourite dessert or snack available at your wedding for your guests to enjoy along with you.
Think about some of the things you enjoyed as a child, or about treats you shared with your fiance during your courtship. Almost any idea can be brought to life these days. Use your imagination!
Ask your Wedding Planner for some ideas if you’re having troubles thinking of something different and creative. We at The Bride’s Butler can find almost anything you need to satsify your sweet tooth.
Bon Appetite!
Pictures provided by www.bridalpartytees.com/blog.
The Bride’s Butler would be more than happy to recreate these images for you for your wedding or event.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: AUGUST 2010

Perfect Picnic

I simply adore this idea of a ‘picnic wedding’. What a perfect idea for a spring or summer wedding – or even for a Bridal Shower or Rehearsal lunch.
Pick a few of your favourite food items (that are packable, and not easily perishable) and put together a delectable ‘basket’ for each of your guests. If you’re working with a caterer, they can put all this together for you using your instructions.
It’s the little touches of this simple idea that make it so perfect – customized labels, colour coordination with ribbon & tissue paper and oh-so-pretty packaging. Adorable!
To see how this was put together visit Project Wedding for details.
Wanting to do something like this for your next event? We’d love to help – we’re chalk full of ideas!!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

What’s Old is New again.

Vintage inspired weddings are very popular right now. Adding vintage touches and mix-matched items to your wedding make it unique and personal.
There’s also a whimsical element to vintage inspired weddings. They appear to be more relaxed (less stuffy) and also can be friendly on the budget if you can beg, borrow and steal.
Vintage inspired weddings also seem so timeless. I think this may be a trend that stays around a while.

To add the vintage feel to your wedding incorporate some of the following:

– silhouettes

– family heirlooms (brooches, pocket watch, fabric, etc)
– mix-matched china (from your Grandma’s china cabinet, or from a flea market)

– mason jars, and an assortment of vases – milk glass, depression glass, coloured glass (amber, blue, etc)

– wild flowers

– antique furniture and accessories

– black and white photos/ sepia photos

– art deco jewelry, pillbox hats, bow ties, vests and bird cage veils
– stationary can include monogram, letterpress printing or a wax seal
– lace or patterned fabric, and or a mix match of colour & textures

Check out some wedding blogs like Wedding Chicks, the Knot and Green Wedding Shoes and search for ‘vintage’. Just remember though when planning your vintage inspired wedding (or even Engagement session) that less is more.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Ancaster Wedding Show

We’ll be at the 1st Annual Ancaster Wedding Show this Sunday, August 22nd. Please come by and say hello, we’d love to hear all about your wedding plans and see how we can help you ‘stress less’ on your big day.
From 10a-5p at the new Ancaster Fairgrounds (630 Trinity Road), we’ll be on hand to answer your questions pertaining to all things weddings. We’ll also have a small gift for you so that you can take some time for yourself and relax during the ‘chaotic’ wedding planning process. :)
Also, we’ll be offering a ‘show special’ price on our ever popular “Day of Coordination” package, so if you’re a DYI Bride and want to plan your own wedding, but want a trusted professional onsite to execute your plans – come and see us, we’d love to be your personal Butler on the day you say “I do”.
We hope to see you there!!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

‘The Notebook’ inspired E-session

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me… everyday.”
~Noah, The Notebook
I saw this engagement session the other day on Green Wedding Shoes and my mouth dropped. This couple displays the essence of adventure and love from the movie The Notebook. Photographed by Chelsea from Blushing Bride in Montreal, these photos are truly one of a kind.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congratulations Ashley & Brennan!

 

134-copy

On August 17th we had the pleasure of executing Day of Coordination services for Ashley _ Brennan. Both teachers, both beautiful and both friendly and caring people – how could we not have had an amazing time working alongside them for their Big Day!

As emails went back and forth between the Bride and I, we eventually went from Ashley _ Diane to Ash _ Di to simply A _ D. This chick was a cool and collected Bride and always found ways to laugh at wedding planning rather than get frazzled or frustrated.

Hosting the wedding at her parents home in Ancaster, Ashley _ Brennan’s wedding was intimate, elegant and had a touch of what some might call ‘hipster chic’. Bowties, men with beards, musically inclined long-time friends singing during the ceremony and maple syrup shipped in from out East to celebrate the Grooms roots where just a handful of things that made this wedding different. Ashley _ Brennan incorporated their personalities into their special day, and displayed their passion for their profession with a slideshow speech! I’m sure teachers will relate to this.

It was an honor and pleasure to have gotten to know these two over the past couple of months and to have been able to bring their ideas and visions to life for their wedding.

Thank you A _ B for being so amazing! Wishing you much happiness as you start your next adventure as Husband and Wife.

110-copy2

95-copy291-copy239-copy222-copy2

120-copy1

 

Photography for Ashley _ Brennan’s wedding day was captured by the talented James Heaslip. To see more photos of their celebration, click here.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JULY 2011

Always a Bridesmaid?

Gosh, I don’t like that saying…and I bet you don’t either.

It’s our job to make couple’s wedding dreams happen, and now, we’re going to make couples happen.

We’re in the planning stages of a Singles Event – a gathering of singles, aged 25-35 that live in the Hamilton, Ontario area. If you’re on Twitter, we encourage you to use #HamOntSE to tell others you are going! You don’t need to be on Twitter to participate, but it’ll sure help to stay connected with some of the people you’ll meet.

Tickets will be $10 (plus a minimal surcharge) and will include appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and door prizes.We’re looking for 25 guys and 25 gals to meet, mingle and tweet!

We’ll post more information about this event as it comes available.
For now, follow us on Twitter – @BridesButler for updates, wedding tips & info and plain ol’ fun!

* 15 tickets for each guys and gals must be sold in order for this event to take place. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Please do not drink & drive.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Are you a Pie Bride?

A lot of couples are opting out of having the typical wedding cake. Oftentimes the cake sits there all night as a glorified centrepiece only to be cut by the Bride & Groom and served to the guests – who most likely won’t eat it. Trust me when I say, 2 out of 3 times we’re packing up half if not more of your cake and sending it home with you. So, if you’re a Bride who knows she can leave the cake behind and try something else, I’ve got good news – pies are a welcome alternative at weddings.
You can get pies in regular size, or mini…and now, even on a stick! You can also get pocket pies, which are like modern turnovers. You can offer a variety of flavours to satisfy the tastebuds of your guests and you can easily pack them up and ship them off with your guests at the end of the night so that you aren’t left with all that sweetness before you jet off on your honeymoon.
Pies are more rustic than cute. They provide a certain down-home-country feel than your typical desserts like creme brule, or even cupcakes. Pies can be made openfaced or with a lattes top or with a full top and a heartshaped cutout. And you can choose your flavours depending on the what’s available during the season you get married. Apple and pumpkin in the fall – peach and cherry in the summer.
Oftentimes I think that Brides know whether they are a Pie Bride or a Cake Bride (this includes cupcakes). You either like cute, fluffy, iced desserts, or you like sweet, flaky, classic desserts.
Are you a Pie Bride?
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

First Dance

What is your first dance song?
Is it the song you first heard while together, or a song sung at a concert you went to on a date?
Is it just a song that everytime you hear it you think of your sweetie?
Or do you have to search for your song so that the lyrics are just right for your first dance together as husband & wife?

There are many love songs out there to choose from.

Some of the most popular first dance songs according to Project Wedding are:

•Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

•The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

•What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

•Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley

•At Last by Etta James

•It had to be You by Harry Connick Jr.

•A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Michael Feinstein

•Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

•A Whole New World by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle

•Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
 
Don’t have a song picked out yet? Don’t stress – chat with your DJ for recommendations.
 
Also, think about songs that aren’t necessarily for weddings, but any love song or fun song will do.
One of my favourite songs is “And then he kissed me” by the Crystals. It’s a fun song about being in love – and falling for the man of your dreams I first heard it while watching “Adventures in Babysitting” as a young girl. I’m not sure if anyone has used this as their wedding song, or if anyone ever will….I’m still waiting.
 
 

 

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

B is for….

I get lots of emails asking if I am hiring. These girls want to know if they can be my Assistant – my helper – my right hand gal. Well, for the past 9 months I’ve had a sidekick that I adore; Brittany.
It’s almost too fitting that Brittany starts with B, like The Bride’s Butler. It was simply a coincidence that she emailed me and I just happened to need help at that time. Well, perhaps it wasn’t coincidence, maybe it was fate – depends on how deep we wanna go here. LOL!
Either way, I’m thrilled to have Britt working with me, learning alongside me and being there to help me bring Bride’s dreams to life.
Brittany’s also certified by WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), so she’s a perfect match for The Bride’s Butler as I’m certified as well. She is passionate about weddings & events and has a keen eye for details. She enjoys making things pretty, and making people feel special.

She truly is a gem to have as an Assistant, and a friend.

Thank you Brittany for choosing me to introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
I look forward to executing many more “I do’s” with you as my right hand gal!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: FEBRUARY 2012

Hairspiration

I just made up a word. That’s right, Hairspiration. Ya dig, it?

With the Oscars being tomorrow, I thought why not look to them for inspiration for your bridal hairstyle?  A lot of women like to watch the Red Carpet to see who’s wearing what, by whom and what accessories did they choose to glam it up? Some may be jewelery, others may be their date…hello, Stacy Keibler, I mean you.

Here are some hairstyles from past Oscars. Would you pick one of these for your special day? No? Then tune in tomorrow to see what’s hot for hair and be inspired.

*Images from Google

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

How to Prioritise

When it comes to planning a wedding, you have to prioritise. But how do you do that you might ask?
Well, here are some tips to remember when it comes to prioritising.

Ask yourself what MUST be done today, and what can wait until tomorrow or the next day?
If you have a deposit due or a vendor meeting, then that is a priority and must be executed. If you need to return an item you bought for your wedding and then changed your mind about it, you can do that task another time.
Try not to let interruptions hinder you from completing your priority task
Hubbie-to-be wants you to watch the game with him but you need to finish the seating chart? Make a compromise with him that during commercial breaks you BOTH work on the chart together. Do your best to stay on task for you’ll find there is always a reason or excuse to not do some wedding work.

Plan ahead and make time for checking items of your to-do list

When planning a wedding it might seem like every task is a priority, but that’s not true. There are certain goals you need to achieve by specific time frames (see this checklist from Real Simple here for help) and in order to complete these on time you have to make time. I like to recommend to my clients that Wednesday evenings become “Wedding Wednesdays.” In the beginning stages of your planning (first  few months) have this evening set aside every other week to talk about your ideas, make phone calls, send emails and check items of your to-do list. As your wedding gets closer, you may find you use every Wednesday to tie ribbon on favours, fold programs, and other tasks for your special day.

Don’t forget to make you and your fiance a priority

Try to make time for the things you used to do before you got engaged (because sometimes you’ll find you might stop doing anything that doesn’t involve the wedding). Spend time with your friends (sans wedding talk), get a pedicure and have a monthly (cause really, weekly is a little unrealistic) date night with your man. Make sure to spend alone time as well – take a bath, read a book or go for a walk.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Using Pinterest for inspiration

Are you on Pinterest? You should be.

This site is free and a fabulous way to build your ideas for your wedding. Need some inspiration? Search by Weddings & Events and see all of the beauty that others have found. You can also type in what you’re looking for and voila; cakes, dresses, tablescapes, favour ideas, etc!

Follow us on Pinterest for our favourite wedding ideas.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Love is Sweet

I’m a big believer in edible wedding favours. If you’re not going to donate to a charity, give a plant or seeds, then you should make it edible. You’ll find that most guests don’t ‘favour’ the trinket kind like candles, picture frames or wine stoppers.

One of my clients will be providing her guests with a custom made sugar cookie for her wedding. Made by Natalie from Cupcake Diner, this cookie will display the words “Happily Ever After” and incorporate the wedding colours. Customized cookies allow you to bring your personalities, hobbies or simply your wedding theme into another detail of your special day.

These cookies range from $3-$9 a piece depending on the detail, size and amount ordered.

Here are some of our favourites that we found when searching for these sugar cookies that are sure to remind your guests that love is sweet.

Love art?
Image from The Knotty Bride
Are you movie buffs?
Image from Martha Stewart

Bride & Groom Hearts.
Image from Bridal Guide


Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

say-hi

• Say Hi •

Hi, and congratulations on your engagement!

You’ve come to the right place if you love little details, perfect execution of instructions and you like being on-time, relaxed and smiling rather than stressed and worried. Remember, you are someone’s reason to smile – so let’s be sure they see yours.

I can’t wait to hear all about your wedding visions and to meet you! So please pop in your details below and I’ll get back to you very soon. Or, feel free to give me a call at 647-620-6338 or drop me a quick email at info@.

Looking forward to chatting with you!

xo

Name

Email

Phone

Wedding Location/City

Wedding Date

Package of Interest

What’s your favourite part of a wedding?

How’d you hear about Brides Butler:

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MAY 2011

Last Chance to Save!

Save 30% off any remaining 2011 dates for
Day of Coordination services

Why do you need a Coordinator for your wedding?
So you can stress less, and enjoy your day!
It’s simple – you can’t be two places at once. Most venues don’t allow you to set up the night before like they used to, so who’s going to set out your centrepieces, escort cards, money box, guest book and candles? We are.

As your Day of Coordinator we are with you for 8-10 hours on your wedding day ensuring all of the fine details you’ve planned are executed the way you wanted and envisioned. Together with the officiant, we manage and coordinate your ceremony. We assist with the photo shoot, and we are there at the reception keeping everything on schedule.

We remind you that it’s time to cut the cake, have your first dance, and throw your bouquet. While you’re busy being a blushing Bride & newlywed, we are in the background putting it and keeping it all together.

A wedding is a major event – and the logistics and details should be treated as such.

Save now on our most popular service – book before June 1st and stress less!

Didn’t book soon enough? That’s okay – our Day of Coordination services are still very affordable. We’d love to meet with you for a complimentary coffee & chat so we can discuss how we can work together on your special day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congratulations Rebecca _ Tom!

Rebecca & Tom are married!

Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for these two newlyweds after all! We were so happy that the sun shone brightly, it was warm out and that this wedding went off without a hitch!

Rebecca was very organized, which always helps. She chose to work with wonderful vendors who arrived on time and executed professional services. We had the chance to work with Michael Coombs of Prodigy Entertainment and Sandra Valente of Seize the Moment Photography.

The ceremony was at 4pm at St. James Cathedral Church in Toronto and was an Anglican service. The choreography of the ceremony was rehearsed the night before with the help of the Priest. It was seamless!

Pictures were taken outside the church with both families – including cousins, aunts and uncles! Thankfully, my Assistant Brittany was on point and had everyone coordinated.

The reception was at the Rosewater Supper Club and the staff there was wonderful to work with! They were helpful, friendly and went above and beyond for the happy couple.

Rebecca looked wonderful in her white dress with her blond curls. She was a very calm Bride and enjoyed every moment of her special day! The Bridesmaids wore dresses by TwoBirds, it was neat to see them all wearing dresses with sleeves for the ceremony and then changing the style for the reception.

Lily-of-the-valley was used for all bouquets, boutonnieres and centrepieces – one of the more expensive aspects of the wedding. The cake was 2-tiered and had a bird design on it to match the program, menu cards and favours.

Once the party started after dinner and speeches, Rebecca had me hand out props for specific songs. There were cowboy hats for country tunes, sunglasses for “I wear my sunglasses at night”, light-up rings for Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and inflatable guitars for “Summer of 69”. All of the guests loved the props and thought they were great fun!

Overall the wedding was beautiful – great friends, wonderful family and lots of love. Rebecca & Tom are very lucky to have each other and to have had a lovely wedding on Friday, the 13th.

Thank you Rebecca & Tom for inviting us to be a part of your wedding. We wish you lot’s of happiness as you start your lives together.

*Photos by Seize the Moment Photography

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

CopyKate #03: The bouquet

This is the last post in our CopyKate series. If you want to know how to mimic other elements of William & Kate’s wedding that we didn’t feature, call us for a Consultation meeting.

CopyKate #03: The bouquet

From the Official Royal Press Release:
The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.

The flowers’ meanings in the bouquet are:
Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happiness;
Sweet William – Gallantry;
Hyacinth – Constancy of love;
Ivy – Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection;

Myrtle – the emblem of marriage; love.
The bouquet contains stems from a myrtle planted at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and a sprig from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.
Khris from DYIBride.com featured a post on how you can make your own bouquet similar to Kate’s. Check out her post here. She estimates that the grand total for a DIY copycat Kate bouquet is roughly: $1167.90
Ouch. Lily-of-the-valley is expensive.
If you decide to work with a florist for your bouquet ask them what other flowers they can recommend to get the same look of Kate’s but for much cheaper. Perhaps you only want to have a few stems of Lily-of-the-valley and use white roses and cali lilies to bulk up the bunch. Your florist will be able to work within your requests and budget restraints.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post of our recent Bride, Rebecca. She had Lily-of-the-valley centrepieces and bouquets – for all of her Bridesmaids and herself! Simply beautiful, and classic – just like Kate.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Bridesmaids: How to pull it off

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – being a Bridesmaid (or Maid of Honor) is hard work.
If it was all fun and games like the newest movie to hit the theatres; Bridesmaids, then no one would ever gripe about being one.

As a Bridesmaid you’ve got to have the dress, shoes, hair, make-up, nails, accessories, gifts, showers, possibly a stag & doe, a bachelorette party, the rehearsal and the wedding itself. Then on top of all that you should provide support, guidance and a shoulder to cry/lean on.

Bridesmaids want to look good on the wedding day, we get that – but you have to make sure that you do not purposefully try to upstage the Bride. It is her day. As a member of the wedding party you should consider yourself a “co-host” for the festivities, especially the ceremony & reception. Be polite, gracious and not overbearing. Do as you are asked, be flexible and simply put; be a good friend.

Still not sure what to expect as a Bridesmaid? Ask the Bride.

You can however be sure of the following:

Money – expect to spend it. If you can’t afford $500 upwards to $1,000 to be a Bridesmaid, then respectfully decline. The couple (specifically Bride) should inform you what is expected in the role as soon as she invites you to join the wedding party. By no means should you feel bad or guilty for having to decline.

Attire – the likely hood of you actually liking the dress and wearing it again is slim. There are more styles offered now that able to remain in your wardrobe, but again, it’s unlikely. A lot of Brides are opting for black dresses so that the Bridesmaids can wear them again. What you won’t see too often are white bridesmaid dresses, although it’s more popular in the UK as seen in the Royal Wedding.

Participation – you will need to attend any wedding related meetings, rehearsals, showers, and events. Enjoy each of them to the fullest. Weddings are a great excuse to celebrate and enjoy life.

If you’ve been asked to be a Bridesmaid, perhaps you might consider giving a gift to the couple from all  members of the Wedding Party. If you all chip in a little bit for a gift, it will help all of your pocket books. And if you want to do the Bride a big favour, hire us for Day of Coordination. Having us there on the wedding day will allow you and everyone at the wedding to simply enjoy the day for what it is – a gathering of family & friends to celebrate a union of love. No Bridesmaid I’ve ever known wants to feel like an employee of the Bride on her special day. You are her attendants, there to take part in the occasion with her.

Have fun!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: NOVEMBER 2011

Playing games at your wedding

Everyone likes games, and what better time to play some then at your wedding?
Typically hosted by the MC or DJ, wedding games are planned to get the guests interacting with one another, the wedding party and with the Bride & Groom.
The most popular game you’ll see at a wedding is the “kissing” game. There are all kinds of ways to get the Bride & Groom to kiss other than the typical clinking of the glasses. I’ve seen a mass game of scrabble, a spin wheel similar to Wheel of Fortune and trivia about the newlyweds.

I’ve also seen “Photo Scavenger Hunts” at weddings. This is the game where the Bride & Groom have left disposable cameras on each table with a list of images that must be captured. Think about all the things that can be witnessed at a wedding; first dance, toast to the couple, sleeping flower girl, drunken groomsmen…the list goes on.

Another game that I personally like to watch, but think that it’s risky to play is the game where the Bride & Groom swap shoes and answer questions about one another. “Who is most likely to snore?” “Who said ‘I love you’ first?” This game is very amusing to watch, and the questions can sometimes get quite personal and risque, therefor, I sometimes cringe when this game is played. I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t embarrass the happy couple on their special day – and this game might just do that.

What kind of games have you played at weddings? Games are fun, and get people laughing. Be sure to play some on your special day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Save $100!!

For the past 2 years we’ve offered $100 off our Day of Coordination services during the month of December, and this year we’re doing the same, only with a bonus!! Book Day of Coordination services for remaining 2012 dates before December 31st, 2011 – we’ll give you Bride & Groom T-shirts! These shirts are perfect for your Stag & Doe or to wear while you’re getting ready on your wedding day.

The Day Of Coordination Package includes:

• A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements

• An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding

• Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day

• Coordination of wedding rehearsal* (optional)

• Wedding day management (set-up, ceremony, photos & reception)

This package is approximately 25+ hours of service, with 8-10 hours being executed on your wedding day. The Bride’s Butler will devote their time on your special day to the fine details so you don’t have to. It is extremely reassuring to know that a trusted professional will ensure that your day feels like a fairytale.

*travel fees may apply

Book before December 31st to save!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Taking care of your vendors

Attention almost newlyweds! We know that a wedding is a major expense, and the planning process can be a major pain in the you know what – but, you should be sure to think about how you’re going to treat your vendors.

Sure, they are there to provide a service for you, and they are being paid for that service, so what more do we want, right? Well…there are a few things that vendors are very appreciative of.

There is no such thing as too much information.

Especially if you have a Wedding Coordinator. We want to know all of the details, the timing and your big picture plans for your special day. We want to know who’s where, when and for how long. We want to know who needs to be paid, how much and for what. We want to know your weather back up plans, your set-up plans and your tear down/clean up plans. We want to know it all – and please, tell us!

We will provide you with helpful tools to keep you organized and to help you relay this information to us, but I always tell all my clients – “there is no such thing as too much information.”

Tips.

Tips aren’t always manageable, especially if the couple is on a tight budget, but they are always welcomed.
Be sure to check your contracts as most vendors roll in gratuity in the final bill. If not, it is always nice to say “thank you” to the vendors that go above and beyond your expecations.

Here is a guideline from Real Simple, and if you’re still unsure, ask your Wedding Planner/Coordinator:

Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill (to be split among them)

Catering manager: $200+

Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest

Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent

Hotel chambermaids: $2 to $5 per room; $10 to $15 if you used a suite as your dressing room

Limo or bus drivers: 15 percent

Makeup artist: 15 to 20 percent

Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for reception

Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100

Wedding planner: 15 percent of fee

Fuel the engine.

Your vendors are working hard for you, so be sure to give them the fuel they need by providing them with a meal. If your vendors are on site during dinner, then they should eat too. You don’t have to serve them the same meal as you serve your guests, but do provide them with something. Also, make sure they know how they can get a drink (non-alcoholic, any good vendor will not drink while on the job) so that they can stay hydrated and alert and execute fabulous services for you.

Also, note that your Wedding Coordinator will most likely want to sit in the room that your dinner and speeches are occuring in. We know that this isn’t always possible as seating is limited, but it is beneficial to help us keep a watchful eye on the time. So, it’s best to have a vendor table for your DJ, Photographer, Videographer and Coordinator. But, like mentioned, if you don’t want them in the same room, be sure that there is a lounge or somewhere they can sit and grab a bite to eat.

Saying Thank You.

Yes, you gave them a tip, and you fed them, but a really great way to say ‘thank you’ is to include your vendors in your list of cards to be sent out. A lot of vendors use these cards in their portfolio or display them in their office/showroom/store. If you don’t want to mail them an actual card, send them a nice email telling them how they helped you on your special day and include a photo too if you have one!
Saying thank you the old fashioned way goes a long way.

Referrals.

In keeping with saying ‘thank you’, one of the biggest ways you can do this and show your appreciation is to recommend them to a family member or friend that is getting married. We always love booking new clients who’ve been referred to us from previous clients. It’s a pat on the back and confirmation that we left a positive impression and did a good job.
Plus, we always love seeing clients from the past at the wedding of the referal.

*Blog post is generated from personal opinion. Picture provided by Diane Morris from Kelly & Mike’s wedding 2010.
*Tip list formulated by Real Simple. Visit their website for more suggestions as some were removed for this post.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Planner vs. Coordinator

You’re getting married and you’re not sure if you need a Wedding Planner or a Wedding Coordinator because you don’t know the difference. Here is a little information about both to help you seperate the two.

A Wedding Planner is someone that assists you in planning your entire wedding. This service is typically called Full Wedding Planning. Planners keep you within budget, they source your vendors and they guide you every step of the way – and are also with  you for your rehearsal and wedding day. Wedding Planners can be your negotiator, decision maker, therapist and friend. A Planner is typically booked 12-18 months before your set wedding date.

A Wedding Coordinator is someone that aids you near the end of your planning process. You’ve planned your wedding yourself but you want a professional to execute all of your hard work and plans so that they are just so.  A Coordinator guides you with timeline preparation and logistics about 2 months before your big day and is typically with you for your rehearsal and about 10-12 hours on your wedding day. Most Coordinators are booked 6-12 months in advance, and the service is typically called Day of Coordination.

What about a Venue Coordinator? Refer to a previous blog post about the difference between them and a Wedding Coordinator here.

Hopefully knowing the difference between Planners and Coordinators will help you when searching for the right service for you for your wedding day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2012

Damn Girl…

…you picked an ugly dress.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are married.
You might remember my post here, where I may have cried me a river.

Jessica’s dress was, well, er…not all that flattering. And I’m not just saying this because she is now Mrs. Timberlake. I did not expect her to wear such a pink pouf.
As JT sings in his song Damn Girl…”You’re so fine make a brother blush”….I’d have to say that yes, he likely did blush…with embarrassment.

Jessica is a very pretty woman. In fact, she’s stunning. Adding colour to wedding dresses has become more acceptable and fashionable in the past few years, but to have an outright pink dress made me shutter slightly. What do you think?

I thought the new JT would have worn something white made of silk or satin, low cut with an embellished brooch or belt. For a few months prior to their wedding Jessica was photographed at almost every event wearing white – thus making people wonder if she was practicing for her big day, or trying to throw off the paparazzi.

They got married in Italy, and has had one of the most expensive celeb weddings to date. A whopping 6.5 million….which you think would buy a very pretty dress.

Alright, I’m done ranting about it.

Here is the dress if you haven’t already seen it.

 Thought she would have done better in any one of these. Oh well, they’re very happy and in love – so that’s all that matters. Right?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

A little bit of country…

I’m a country girl. The sounds of Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks and Luke Bryan make me happy. The idea of riding a horse on a
fall day gives me combined sense of adventure and calm. The sight of a guy
wearing a cowboy hat and worn in jeans brings a smile to my face. These things
are country to me – so when I think of the perfect country wedding, I like of rustic
elements like burlap, hay, vintage rentals, mason jars, the colours brown and champagne, barns, corn fields, autumn and guitars.

Whatever your style is, be sure to implement it into your
special day. Maybe you’re a little country, or maybe you’re a little rock &
roll. Either way, plan your details for your wedding around your
style, personality, budget and interests/hobbies.

Here are some ways that I would incorporate a little bit of country
into a wedding:

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography
Brooke & Richard’s Wedding. Photo by Unveil Photography
Photo found on Cedarwood Southern Chic Designers 
Photo found on All Women Stalk
For more rustic or country inspiration check out Pinterest, Rustic Wedding Chic and The Wedding Chicks.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

From Bridesmaid to Bride

When I met Erin in November 2011, she was a Bridesmaid for her sister Leigh’s wedding.
Now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend Jeff and will see me again in September 2013 when she is a Bride!

We often get referrals from past Brides and Grooms, and typically it’s their friends or co-workers – so this  is the first time that we’re going to be executing another wedding for the same family! It will be such a pleasure to see Leigh as a Bridesmaid, and now Erin as the Bride! I’m so excited to be able to work with these two gals again, and to help Erin & Jeff keep calm on their very special day.

Stay tuned next year for a teaser post about their wedding and then for a re-cap after they’ve said “I do.”

Erin as a Bridesmaid for her sister Leigh’s wedding.
Photo by Red Lotus Photography
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

A Unique Late Night Buffet

More and more couples are looking for ways to bring the WOW factor to all areas of their big day – from a unique venue, to homemade decorations, to incorporating favourite foods into their menu; couples want to be different. One way to stand out is to offer a unique late night buffet.

In the past, we’ve seen couples serve french fries, frozen sweet treats and ribs cooked over an open flame. There are so many choices for late night buffets now, that it’s hard to decide which would be the best to serve your guests.

The best thing to do is to start with the foods you like to eat. Is there something you and your Groom treat yourself to when you’re looking to indulge? Was there a go-to food you ate after partying during  your college days? Is there a food that you always seem to bring when attending family functions or potlucks? These are good places to start, but another place would be to check what local restaurants, food trucks and catering companies can offer your guests.

How about having a food truck pull up in the parking lot of your venue at 10:30 for an hour or so and serve half sizes of their most popular dishes? We have a couple looking into the southern treats served by The Dirty South Food Truck for their big day. We’ve also had a couple serve homemade frozen paletas from Ice Pop Art and homemade cookies from Cake _ Loaf with a shot glass of both white and chocolate milk.

Two-Tone Dresses

The choices are endless, just be sure to keep your budget in mind and if you’re bringing in someone for your late night, make sure your venue is okay with it. Some locations stipulate that you must use their catering staff for everything – and if that’s the case, talk to them about doing something different like sliders, s’mores or mini donuts with espresso shots.

What kind of treats do you like to see at weddings? What’s been your favourite? You can always borrow ideas from others and still have the idea be unique by adding your own personal touch to how it’s displayed or the ingredients used to make it.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JUNE 2013

Cat fight.

If you didn’t read the last post about the guest that attended a wedding and got called out by the Bride for giving a so-called “bad gift,” you might want to do that here before I go into a tangent.

I had my say on the situation in the previous blog post, and also chatted about it with many friends and family – my opinion stayed the same…until now. The other day I read another article that displayed the text and email conversations between the guest and the Bride and to say I was disgusted is an understatement.

This situation was and is nothing more than a glorified cat fight.

Both parties are at fault. Both are trying to school the other on how to behave, react and treat others. I’m a big believer of “treat others the way you want to be treated”, as well as “what we don’t know won’t hurt us.”
Neither the guest or the Bride treated one another with respect, and at times I felt the conversations between the two aired on the side of bullying. To tell someone that they were the talk of your wedding and should be embarrassed that they were talked about and laughed at is a) not nice to tell someone, and b) not nice to do. Why on earth would you be so immature at your own wedding and so disrespectful to another is beyond me. It was a wedding and not a high school prom, right?

The fact that both of them took jabs at one another was hard to read. Weddings are to be a joyous occasion and bring people together, not tear them apart. Clearly, these girls shouldn’t be friends, and that is how I would have handled the entire situation. If I was the guest and got that initial text, I would have thanked her for her opinion and then cut her out of my life. No one needs to be judged or made to feel bad for a decision they made with good intentions. But on the other hand, no one likes to be schooled about how to behave after the behavior has been executed, and both the guest and the Bride did that. Keep your comments to yourself, be gracious and be thankful. If you want to make fun of the gift choice to your new husband or wife, do that behind closed doors. Have a chuckle and leave it at that.
If you get scolded by a bride or groom for your gift choice, then make note of the type of personality trait they are showing (selfish, ungrateful, etc) and consider a friendship lost – don’t go telling all of your friends and the local newspaper of their lack of tact because it just shows that you don’t have much either.

So folks, at the end of this rant, I’d like to say tisk tisk to both the guest and the Bride. I’m tired of hearing about it, and reading about it, aren’t you? Let’s just drop this topic and call it what it is….a cat fight.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Bad gift or bad Bride?

A girl and her partner attended an acquaintance’s wedding and gifted the Brides with a basket of goodies including premium salsa, chips, marshmallow fluff spread and other sweet treats. She took the time to shop for these treats, and signed the card with, “Life is delicious – Enjoy!” Not your standard wedding gift, but a kind gesture none the less to wish the newlyweds well.


After the wedding, one of the Brides texted the girl with this;“I’m not sure if it’s the first wedding you have been to, but for your next wedding … people give envelopes. I lost out on $200 covering you and your dates plate . … and got fluffy whip and sour patch kids in return. Just a heads-up for the future.”


You know what I have to say to that? Tisk, tisk. 


Firstly, shame on the Bride for sending a text like that, and shame on her for not thinking the girls gift was up to par. I would have retorted to that text with a simple “Just an envelope, eh? I think my gift was better than a paper letter holder.” But, that’s just me.


When you get married, do not expect guests to even give you a gift. Getting a gift should not be an expectation. If you are only getting married and having a wedding to reap a whack load of money and or gadgets for your home – don’t have a wedding. I’m a firm believer that your wedding shouldn’t put your guests in the poor house. There are showers, Stag & Does, Bachelorette parties and then the wedding…that is enough to put anyone into overdraft.


Also, expecting your guests to know the cost per plate is ridiculous. Guests should give what they can afford, not what they ‘think’ each plate is worth. Every wedding is different, and there is no way of telling how much or how little the couple spent hosting their wedding.


In my opinion, I think giving a gift that you chose as a personalized gift (i.e: not a cheque and not something from the registry) is a nice gesture. I’m a fan of personalized gifts. In fact, I have given personalized gifts in the past to friends, and they have been thankful for them. Once, I gave a friend a limited edition print that had a beautiful winter scene and had a Bernese mountain dog in it, which is the breed she owns. I also had it personally signed by the artist. Had she had balked at that gift, I think it would have put our friendship in perspective. Real friends don’t judge you on your choices, especially when it comes to gifts. Tisk Tisk. Which brings me to another point, why did this Bride invite the girl who is stated as being an “acquaintance“? You are to invite your closest family and friends to your wedding to celebrate in your joy, not everyone that you know or have talked to a handful of times. That is greedy. My rule of thumb for inviting guests; if you haven’t had a sit down meal with them in the past calendar year, they shouldn’t make the cut. 


I could go on about how this Bride was out of line sending that text and having that reaction to the gift, but I won’t. What I will say again is, if you are having a wedding to make money, don’t have one. Do you have a dinner party at your home so you can stock up on bottles of wine and or flowers? No. Do you have a birthday or Anniversary party so you can get gifts? No. You should gather with your friends because you want to celebrate with them, and spend time with them – not to get anything else in return.


So, tisk tisk to the Bride. And I say Bravo to the girl for giving a gift that she felt was suited for the couple. Bad gift? Nope. Bad Bride? Heck yes.


To read this entire story, check it out here on thespec.com



Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JULY 2012

Sunday Weddings

Would you get married on a Sunday?

 

It seems that Sunday weddings are becoming more popular – we’ve
coordinated 4 since we started in 2008, and have 2 more booked for this year. Wondering
why? Well, Sunday weddings tend to be cheaper because venues offer a slight
discount to hold your wedding then instead of the ever-popular Saturday. 
Over
the years Friday weddings have been more in demand as well. Originally you
could book Friday for cheaper than a Saturday, but now they are basically neck
in neck in price. Do you think that Saturday weddings will be a thing of the
past?

I can see getting married on a Sunday if it’s a long
weekend, which is what most of our clients have done. 

We think that a beautiful brunch or luncheon wedding on a
Sunday would be awesome. Or an afternoon ceremony followed with a cocktail
reception, or a picnic-like dinner. Keep it light, and keep it from getting late.
Most people won’t stay too long at a Sunday wedding if they have to work the
next day, and travel a fair distance to boot.

So, what’s your thoughts on hosting or going to a wedding on
a Sunday?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Looking back on Angie _ Serge’s day

Signing the registry – they’re married!

In May, we executed Full Wedding Planning services for Angie & Serge. Lovingly referred to as “the Brady Bunch” by family and friends, this outdoor backyard wedding was one so full of love that it was palpable.
During their wedding ceremony, I actually had tears running down my cheeks.

Angie and Serge met and instantly fell in love. Every Sunday he brings her flowers. She believes that their love is one of fairy tales, so that was the underlying theme for the wedding. Cupcake Diner provided the mini cake, cupcakes and the favour cookies shown.

The ceremony took place on their property with the reception being housed in a tent provided by Special Event Rentals. Christine of Designs by Law made the tables beautiful with illuminated centrepieces and Gary from Ted’s Tunes kept the crowd on their feet all night. It was a pleasure to have worked with vendors that I know and trust, and helped bring the fairy tale vision to life for Angie and Serge.

These newlyweds are a fabulous match brought together later in life to form a beautiful family. All of the kids like each other, get along and treat each other with respect. They are more than step-siblings, they are friends. It was an honour to have been a part of their special day and to witness the love and share in the joy with their family and friends. Congratulations, and thank you!

Bride, Groom, their kids and the Best Man.
The Bride is escorted down the aisle by her Father & her eldest son.


Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Managing Expectations

Let’s consider this post a little pep talk….or free advice per say.

Your Day of Coordinator can only be as organized as you are. Plain and simple.
It’s our job on your wedding day to assist with tasks that you are physically unable to do yourself. For example; set up your reception area with your centrepieces, favours, escort cards, etc. Not only do we do the so-called ‘grunt’ work for you, but we also do our best to keep every one and every thing on time.


It’s our job to reduce your workload and amount of stress. Now, let me reinstate what I’ve already said…we can only be as organized as you are. We’ll provide you with useful documents like a timeline and vendor information sheets to guide you, but ultimately if you’re not organized, we won’t be either.


The best weddings we’ve executed Day of Coordination services for are the ones that the Bride has checklists, pictures and instructions for set-up and decor, labeled containers/boxes with all the little details and copies of all vendor contracts. With these items we are able to bring your vision to life, without them we’re walking into your event blind.


Upon booking Day of Coordination with The Bride’s Butler, we give you tools to help you be organized, and we offer continuous support via email or phone two months prior to your big day. Use this time to ask any last minute questions, air your concerns about a specific vendor and fill us in on family or guest drama (cause no matter what, there’s always a little of that). When we meet for our final meeting prior to your big day, typically 1 week before, have all your information ready. We’ll remind you of what items we’ll need just so you don’t feel overwhelmed or lost. Having a floor plan and all of your check lists handy for this final meeting helps us in getting your big picture plan.


I always tell my clients, there is no such thing as too much information. Saturate us with it – I want to be able to see the dream wedding you’ve been planning these past 12-18 months in my mind.


Day of Coordination services are for the Bride that plans her own wedding, chooses and secures her own vendors, and   knows what she wants. This package is perfect for Brides that want to be able to step away from delegation and the so-called Bridezilla role and simply enjoy her day with her new hubby, friends and family.


Having a Day of Coordinator on site is something you won’t regret, when done right. Ask any vendor who’s worked with us, or previous clients and they’ll agree. If you’re organized, you’ll get the wedding you always wanted.


Happy planning!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding wishes


I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,

A church filled with family and friends.


I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,


He said one that would make me his wife.

~Author Unknown
Wishing all newly engaged couples the happiest of memories. Happy planning!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JUNE 2012

A Saaweet Wedding!

Natalie got married to the love
of her life, Jason on June 16th and we were there to coordinate their
special day.

It was a beautiful, yet hot summer day when these two love
birds said “I do.”  Both the ceremony and
the reception was at Liberty Grand in Toronto (on the Exhibition grounds). Natalie is all about the fine details, she had a complete
vision in her mind of how she wanted her day to look and feel, I think we did a
pretty good job bringing it all together for her and her hubs.
From the rose petal aisle, to the lemonade stand for guests
after the ceremony – to the homemade cookie favours, cupcake tree (or rather
tower) and small personal touches like a picture frame stand with little
pictures of loved ones passed, to a note card detailing their flower choices,
this wedding was simply beautiful!

On top of all the beauty that was in the details and décor,
there’s Jason, Natalie and their wedding party too! A great looking group of
people that were such a pleasure to work with. Not one person complained, or didn’t
offer to help out in some way. This couple was truly blessed to have been
surrounded by such great family & friends on their wedding day.

With Natalie owning Cupcake Diner, it was expected that there’d
be some sweet treats available! The late night buffet consisted of homemade
goodies like cupcakes (chocolate mint, lemon, red velvet just to name a few)
and cookies. In conjunction to the sweet table, there was a buffet of French fries
– a perfect snack for party!

The new Mr. & Mrs will be featured in an up-coming
edition of the Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine, so be on the lookout
for that! In the meantime, check out some pictures here of the happy couple on
their special day. It was a pleasure and an honour to have been a part of Natalie
& Jason’s day. We hope that they had a fantastic time with memories to last
a lifetime.

Congratulations!

To see more pictures, like us on Facebook, or you can also go here.
Venue: Liberty Grand 

Florist/Décor: Sue Gallo Designs 

Cupcakes & Cookies: Cupcake Diner

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Choosing your Master of Ceremonies


You’ve announced your engagement, you’ve set your wedding date, you’ve found your dress, you’ve ordered your cake, flowers and transportation, you’ve made your guest list, and now all you need to do is make it all come together on one day – one big day – one day that will be considered the most important day of your life. 

You have the starring role on that day, you’re like celebrities actually. Your Wedding Planner is your Director, Producer, Stylist, Engineer and even your Therapist – but who is the Conductor? Who announces you and your wedding party and who ties all of the various elements of the evening together? Who has this honour? Your MC!

Choosing an MC is sometimes an easy task, and other times it can be daunting for the couple. Who do you know that likes to talk in front of a crowd, but isn’t a class clown or major attention seeker? Who knows you well enough to be able to tell stories about you individually and as a couple? Who can work well with your Wedding Planner to ensure proper timing and execution of the many event logistics? Your MC!

Suggestions for whom to pick as MC are typically the Best Man, a close friend or a family member. To learn more about choosing and or being a Wedding MC you should read the book “The Wedding MC” by Tom Haibeck, or talk to your Wedding Planner.
Your Wedding Planner should meet your MC prior to your wedding day, most likely at the rehearsal if not before. The two of them will work together during the wedding reception in regards to timing. Almost 95% of the time the set timeline/agenda for the reception changes based on food preparation, service and consumption, guests arriving late and speeches going over or under time. Your MC should be able to ‘roll with the punches’ and be able to maintain a sense of professionalism (a.k.a maturity) as the night unfolds.

Your MC should have fun, and aim to keep the celebration exciting, positive and memorable. They should try to engage guests in interaction, and strive to make sure everyone is having a fabulous time.

What does an MC ‘typically’ do?– Requests the guests to take their seats if needed– Announces the wedding party & the Mr & Mrs.– Welcomes your guests and introducing him or her self– Toasts the couple (if desired)– Says Grace (or introduces the person saying a blessing)– Announces the dinner (in most cases only if a buffet)– Thanks the catering staff on behalf of the couple after dinner– Presents the “kissing game” to your guests– Makes jokes and announcements throughout the evening– Introduces special guests for their speeches– Announces other events throughout the evening (first dance, cutting of the cake, late night buffet, bouquet toss, etc)

As the Bride & Groom, you should meet with your MC throughout your planning process, keeping them involved and up to date with your plans, ideas and hopes for the evening. Feel free to give your MC guidelines in regards to the content they wish to share with your guests and feel free to ask them to read what they have prepared. Most Brides do not like surprises on the day they’ve taken months to plan to perfection. :)

Being an MC is an honour, and officially makes them part of the “Wedding Party“. 

*Originally posted on The Bride’s Butler Blog in 2010

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Give your flowers meaning

Most Brides will pick flowers for their wedding based on the colour, size, seasonality (availability) and cost. Flowers can be expensive, especially if you’re ordering ones that aren’t in season during your special day.

To add more meaning to your flowers, and to give your guests something to talk about, why not post a list of your chosen flowers and their meaning like what my recent Bride, Natalie did?

Placed on her gift table, I thought this was a great way for her to showcase her love of flowers and why she chose what she did for the day she said “I do” to Jason.

Online you can find all kinds of meanings and symbols for flowers. Check out Flowers for Canada or The Language of Flowers.

Remember that if you’re not all that into flowers, you can always incorporate plants, nuts and seeds. Or, if you’re totally against using real flowers, why not go with a broach or button bouquet?


What kind of flowers are you planning on displaying at your wedding and in your bouquet?

No matter what you choose, be sure that the flowers you pick have some sort of meaning to you. Maybe you decide to pick flowers that were the kind he first gave you when you started dating. Maybe you chose your mother’s favourite flower to honour her, or maybe you simply pick what you think are pretty. Whether you display the meaning of your flowers or not, you’ll know that they were chosen with your special meaning in mind.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congrats Natalie _ Jason!

I am beyond excited to be coordinating the wedding of Natalie & Jason tomorrow!

Natalie is the owner of Cupcake Diner, Canada’s first mobile cupcake shoppe. She’s not only a local celebrity here in Hamilton, but she’s also one of our favourite Friendors, so it’s obvious why I’m super pumped about their big day!

Since 2010, Natalie has been planning her wedding to Jason and has a ton of fine details.
From an outdoor ceremony complete with a rose petal aisle, to honey & sugar sticks for tea and coffee, to homemade cookies for the favours – this gal has thought of a bunch of little things to bring together her event in a big way. It’s always a joy to hear about how couples are incorporating their personalities, styles and ideas of romance into their wedding day.

Stay tuned to the blog for a recap post or two about Nat & Jay’s wedding. You’ll also be able to see it featured in an up-coming edition of the Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MARCH 2010

We bet cha might like this.

Thanks to my friend Emily for showing me this neat site, http://www.localbidbuy.com/.
There are all kinds of products, restaurants, and even experiences like Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours and music lessons up for grabs on this site.

The Bridal &Wedding section of the site has wedding dresses that are normally $1000+ in the stores for only a couple hundred dollars to start. It’s free to register, and the bidding is very similar to that of Ebay. Other vendors that have items available are DJ’s, Jewellers, Photographers, Limos, Bakers and Salons.

If you’re a Bride that wants to purchase local products and save some money, perhaps this is a route you want to take – or at least look into. Just know that with bidding, there’s usually a time period you must wait  until the bidding is closed, and if you’re not a patient Bride, this method may not be for you.

I encourage you to check out the site and take a look around for other items that may not particularly pertain to your actual ‘wedding day’ but can be incorporated in other wedding related festivities – like Stag & Doe prizes, gifts for your wedding party, and experiences or outings for your bachelorette or stag parties.

Do you think you’d keep betting on a “must have” item like Samantha Jones did from Sex in the City?  Find out by visiting the site! SOLD!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wine Not?

If you’re looking for a romantic, classy, exclusive venue for your up-coming nuptials, why not look into Ontario’s Wine Country? Check out Wineries of Ontario for official information about Ontario’s beloved wine regions including Niagara on the Lake, Grimsby, Prince Edward County, Toronto and Pelee Island.

Niagara on the Lake is one of my most favourite areas to visit all year round. From walking and shopping during the holidays, to experiencing a live theatrical show and picnic in the spring or summer, there is plenty of things to do and enjoy while visiting for the day, weekend or even a few days to a week.

Niagara on the Lake (NOTL) boasts many Inns as well as B&B’s because it’s a very popular location for romantic getaways, honeymoons and even weddings! Niagara’s Finest Inns showcases some of the most exquisite Inns in the region. Having your wedding ceremony and reception at an Inn allows you to have an intimate gathering with close family and friends and yet feel like you have travelled away to a remote piece of property, but you are really only about 20 mins from Niagara Falls and an hour or so from Toronto!
If you need a bit more room for hosting your wedding, try Vintage Hotels – where you can find information on hotels like Queens Landing, Pillar & Post and Prince of Wales.

Wineries in the area that have large rooms dedicated for weddings and special events are; Hernder Estate Wine, Casablanca Winery &; Inn and Peller Estates.

No matter what you choose, having your wedding at a winery or an Inn within the beautiful region of Niagara on the Lake allow you to have a theme at your fingertips. Incorporate wine into the menu, use corks as place card holders, use grapes and vine leaves in your decor, centerpieces or cake and give an engraved or personalized wine stopper as a guest favour. There are plenty of ways to enhance the theme of your wedding with fine details.

Think you might want to look into an Inn or winery for your wedding?
I say, “wine not!”
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Can you do me a favour?

Wedding favours – also sometimes called ‘bonbonnieres’, ‘thank you gifts’ or just simply ‘guest gifts’ can come in all shapes, sizes and prices.

You may know right away what you want to give your guests as a token of appreciation for sharing and celebrating with you on your special day – or you may not have the slightest idea. Thankfully, there are websites that offer such gifts – like our favourites; Weddingstar and Beaucoup.

Do you want the gift to match the theme of your wedding, your colour scheme, or your personalities? Will it be a practical gift of something your guests can use after the wedding, or simply a decorative gift?
Will it be something to represent tradition or culture? Will it be edible? What about whimsical or nostalgic? The choices are endless – and entirely up to you.

Favours nowadays can be personalized by more than just the favour tag – you can get customized stickers, labels and ribbon with your names, picture or caricature, initials (monogram) or your wedding date on them.

Another question you’ll have to ask yourself and your partner – do you want to forgo the favour all together to be eco friendly and green? A good way to do this is to donate to a charity. Many charities offer wedding donation packages – like the Canadian Cancer Society, or Tree Canada.

Still think you want to give a gift, but stay green? Why not give a plant bulb, flower seeds or a tree? How about purchasing from Canadian company TangerineSmile where they make the environment and reducing their carbon footprint a priority?
Do me a favour?
Give your guests a gift that you are happy to send them home with – for at the end of the wedding, when it’s all said and done, this finer detail will be the icing on the cake of your fabulous event – so you’ll want it to be meaningful and respresentive of you, your partner and the day you said “I do.”
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Best Picture

Can you guess which of the Best Picture nominees from this year’s Oscars helped create the theme for these weddings?

What is your favourite movie?
Can you recreate a scene or overall imagery from a film for your Engagement or Wedding photos?
With a little bit of creativity and imagination, I’m sure you can!
*Images from Google search
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: FEBRUARY 2013

Who shouldn’t make the list?





Did you read the last post about a guest that took part in an inappropriate activity over the main course at a wedding? Check it out here if you missed it.


In today’s post we’ll talk about what you can do as a Bride or Groom planning your guest list and the kind of guests you might ask yourself, “Should they make the list?”


The first thing you can do when making your list is to only invite friends, family, co-workers and such that you know and trust. Sure you want to invite your old elementary school friend, or the kid you grew up next door to, but if you don’t really know these people now – don’t invite them. People change, and you don’t want to be surprised (or disappointed) with how they turned out on your most special day.


Now, no one is perfect – we know this, but you have to be realistic while planning your wedding. When we say realistic we mean by setting a manageable budget, maintaining your expectations and knowing what kind of personality and behaviors your guests have. When creating your guest list keep these types of guests in mind:


The Class Clown. This is the guy with no filter and thinks his sense of humor is oh-so-hilarious. He can sometimes be brash, hurtful and immature. Do not let the class clown give a speech – unless of course he’s the Best Man then you might want to have someone, like your coordinator review it before he releases the ghosts in your Grooms closet.


Troubled Guests. Troubled can mean whatever you want it to depending on your level of comfort, values, culture or religion. This could be guests suffering from depression, going through a divorce, has an overly negative outlook or are into drugs/crime.


The Party Animal. Sometimes the Class Clown is this person as well. Typically the Party Animal drinks a lot. Your guests are going to drink, and some will get intoxicated, but if you’re inviting someone who drinks heavily, binges or outright has a drinking problem – beware.


The Slut. I hate to say it, but almost everyone knows one. You know, she’s the girl that will wear a dress shorter than short, and will make it her mission to hook up on your wedding night. Casual flirtation is welcome at weddings and a lot of times people do hook up at weddings and end up dating and sometimes even get married themselves, but look out for the slut. When building your guest list and adding her name do you immediate picture her making out in the corner with your adorable cousin? If you answered yes, perhaps you can invite her to the Bachelorette, but skip the wedding invite.


The Ex. Do not invite your ex or your Grooms ex to your wedding. Unless of course you’re that one off couple that married your ex’s sister/brother. Past loves should stay in the past. 


The New Parents. Some people don’t want to have kids at their wedding and that’s just fine, but beware that some guests, specifically new parents who might feel slighted that you didn’t include little Bobby in the invite. If you’re worried about some guests bringing their children, be sure to state on the invite that it’s a celebration for adults only. And if you need to, sit down with your friend who’s a parent and explain to them that you’d love to spend time with them and their kid(s), just not on your wedding day.


Weddings are about celebrating with family and friends and we know that you won’t be able to totally avoid inviting some of these characters – so next post we’ll discuss how to deal with unruly guests. Stay tuned!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Are you THAT guest?!

Over the past 5 years of coordinating weddings, I’ve seen some pretty interesting and sometimes embarrassing behavior from guests and wedding party members. There’s been a few times I’ve cringed while the Best Man gave his speech (or rather a roast to the Groom). I’ve shaken my head in disbelief at conversations overheard in the lobby or the bathroom, and I’ve looked on in awe at how alcohol makes people think they’re as good of a dancer as Michael Jackson in his Thriller days.

Now don’t get me wrong – weddings are meant to be fun – a celebration in honor of two people in love. I’m all for everyone having a good time, for that’s why the Bride & Groom are hosting such a fete. But, let’s remember that some people look at weddings like they would a nightclub, or a high school prom. Depending on the type of guests that are in attendance, things can sometimes get a little wild.

As I said, I’ve witnessed some crazy things from guests while coordinating weddings, and thankfully none have been overly inappropriate. A few weeks ago I heard a story from a pair of friends that are newlyweds, and I hope to never ever encounter what one of their guests did! Without crossing any lines, I’ll let you use your imagination with this one….a female guest in a dress brought a random guy as her date and while it’s proper etiquette to not have your elbows on the table during dinner, this guy took it to another level and didn’t have his hands visible during the main course. So to say the least, he skipped the main and went straight for dessert. Thankfully the Bride & Groom didn’t serve Tiramisu which is made with ‘lady fingers’. BAH!

So when attending a wedding, ask yourself – do you want to be THAT guest that people talk about over brunch the next day – or even weeks, months and years after the wedding? Dress appropriately, don’t conduct lewd acts in public, pace yourself when drinking and just be mindful of your actions. Have a good time, share some laughs, flirt a little and party, but do yourself a favor and don’t be THAT guest.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Save 10% on Day Of Coordination!

Time is running out to save 10% on Day of Coordination services! Book your 2013 wedding before March 1st to save and stress less on your wedding day.


The awesome wedding party for Brooke & Richard’s wedding, Sept 2012


It’s extremely reassuring to know that a trusted professional has your best interests in mind and will go above and beyond to execute your plans and fine details. This service is our most popular and allows for the Bride and Groom to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest. 

Services include, but not limited to:
  • A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements
  • An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding
  • Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day
  • Timeline preparation & execution
  • Rehearsal coordination
  • Wedding party & family management
  • Vendor coordination
  • Use of our wedding day emergency kit
  • Wedding Day Management (set-up, ceremony coordination, photos & reception)



Day of Coordination provides approximately 35 hours of service, with 8-12 hours being executed on your wedding day. 



Send us an email or give us a call to book a coffee and chat meeting to discuss your plans and how we can work together on your special day.




The Bride’s Butler
info@
905-516-9060

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Be My Valentine?

Valentine’s Day is this week and you may be thinking about ways to show your love and affection without spending a fortune. If you’re getting married this year, you’re probably working within a “we’re getting married” budget. To help you out, here are a few ‘stay at home’ ideas to get romantic with your fiance without breaking the bank.
Faux ‘take-out’
Rather than ordering in which can be pricey and greasy (ahem, wedding dress to wear in the near future) why not make your own? Make your own pizza, panini’s or even chinese at home. Whip up a tasty stir fry and put it in chinese take-out boxes and eat with chop sticks. You can find the take-out boxes at a craft, paper or dollar store. Top off this meal with a selection of fortunes you made and placed into a pretty vase and then you and your hunny can pick one and read it aloud to each other.
Cuddle on the couch
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that you have to watch a romantic comedy – in fact, you should probably watch your guy’s favourite flick. Select a movie from his collection, pop some popcorn and cuddle on the couch. Since you won’t be all that interested in his flick choice, use this time alone to behave like you first did when you started dating. A little make-out sesh on the couch never hurt anyone.
Lights Out
It’s not what it sounds like. Once in a while it’s good to ‘unplug’ all the technology and just spend some quality time together. Light candles, turn off the computer, cell phone, tv and ipod and just enjoy spending time together. Do a crossword or puzzle by candlelight, or read each other poetry. Take a bubble bath together, or give each other foot rubs.
Learn from each other
Are you a good baker? Does he kick butt at Poker? Spend an afternoon or evening teaching each other what you’re good at. You might find out something new about your significant other through this exercise.
Get Active
Again, not what I mean here – get your mind outta the gutter. A great way to bond and spend time with your love is to get active together. Go for a hike, an evening stroll with the dog, play a few rounds of Wii Sport or get out your yoga mats and follow an instructional video together.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding Resources for Hamilton Couples

Guest Blogger: Marie Nash

Having been a Hamilton bride myself, and writing a magazine which focuses on everything weddings in the region, I have learnt that getting married in Hamilton can be an amazing experience, especially if you just take advantage of all the fabulous resources available. I feel that one of the first steps in planning any event is educating yourself about all the options available to you, and when it comes to weddings in particular, that means attending exhibits, shows, open houses and picking up reading material. Here I have compiled a list of resources to help you plan your very own #HamOnt wedding!

Hamilton/Halton Wedding Show

Taking place twice annually at the Careport Centre, this wedding show has been a go-to for brides for over 40 years. What this show certainly provides is variety, with hundreds of exhibitors, allowing you to sample or see numerous vendors in one day. This show is a great starting point as it provides you with a great overview of the area’s vendors. My personal advice: You will feel overwhelmed at such a large show. Take a card or brochure from every vendor, head home, and continue your research online. Then book consultations with the vendors you are most interested in.

Ancaster Wedding Show/ Ancaster Wedding Show at Night
This small boutique-style show happens twice annually at the Ancaster Fair Grounds. Like most wedding shows, the AWS has great vendors covering every category of wedding essentials and a great fashion show showcasing the areas numerous options in wedding apparel. However, what sets this show apart from the rest is its small, intimate feel, allowing you a better chance at having longer chats with potential vendors. My favourite feature of this show is the Cupcake Dive, where five brides are chosen to tear through a huge pile of cupcakes to find a hidden ring.

The Vintage Marketplace

Debuting in 2013, this two-day event is not wedding specific but definitely a “must-attend” for any bride seeking that vintage vibe on their big day. You can find fabulous vintage wedding dresses, vintage-inspired invites, props, cakes and even favour ideas! Heck, even if you’re not getting married, this show is way too much fun!

Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine

And to finish off, I would suggest anyone planning a wedding pick up a copy of Hamilton Halton Weddings! As editor of the current edition, I sought out to showcase the best this region has to offer. Inside, you will find two styled shoots, which feature the work of over 20 local vendors, along with two Real Weddings to help you get inspired! I also included a Neighbourhood Shopping Guide, for advice on where to find anything you’ll need right here in Hamilton. You can find a copy of the magazine at Chapters/Indigo locations, at the Hamilton Halton Wedding Show, at the Ancaster Wedding Show or e-version found here

Happy Planning!

marienashMarie Nash is the Editor of Hamilton Halton Weddings and the Creative Coordinator for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of McMaster University twice over, having completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and her Master of Arts in Communication and New Media. Being born and raised in Hamilton, Marie loves everything the city has to offer, especially when it comes to weddings, having planned her own weddings in the city two years ago. In her time away from work, Marie loves to spend time with her husband Nathan and daughter Lola.

Jenn _ Stephen are getting married!

This Saturday, The Bride’s Butler will be on hand to assist in Day of Coordination for Jenn & Stephen.
I met Jenn for the 1st time in person earlier this week (she lives in Alberta with her hubs-to-be) and let me just say, this gal is organized! I love it when I work with clients that have a binder full of all the proper documents, ideas and info needed to execute their special day.
Jenn & Stephen are getting married on October 15th at the beautiful and historic Scottish Rite in Hamilton. If the weather cooperates, they will have pictures taken on site and then at the legendary Hess Village. Gotta love the cobblestone, old buildings and the entrance sign to this Hamilton landmark. Their pictures will be simply wonderful, I just know it!
The reception of approximately 100 guests is being held at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Their colours and black & white with splashes of red. The red will be displayed via up-lighting provided by the HCC. Samantha, my Assistant for the day and myself are really looking forward to bringing all of Jenn’s ideas and hard work to life on Saturday.
Jenn, like me is celiac, so her cake and cupcakes for her guests are coming from Sweetness Bakery. Hamilton has so many cupcake shops, but Sweetness guarantees peanut-free and provides gluten free options, which the majority of them don’t. A girl always wants to have her cake and eat it too – especially on her wedding day!
We’ll be sure to post some pictures from the wedding as they become available to us – but for now, here is a pic from their engagement session. What an adorable couple! We can’t wait to be with them when they say “I do.”
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Exciting things are happening!

This July, The Bride’s Butler will be celebrating 5 years and we’ve got some exciting things happening! Stay tuned for more information in the next couple of months!

xo Diane

Photo by Elizabeth Kaye from the wedding of clients Morgan & Adam

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: APRIL 2010

Top This!

If you’re having a wedding cake for your special day, I’m sure you’ve put some thought into what the cake topper might be, right?

Back in the day they used to use plastic bells or silk flowers to adorn the top of their cake, but nowadays the choices are endless. It’s bad enough that you have to decide on the size and height, flavour, colour, and texture of your cake, but now, you’ve also got to decide on what to top it all off with.

Toppers can be traditional or unique, vintage or modern, or can match your theme, colour or your personalities. Popular toppers are monograms and Bride & Groom figurines.

Here are some wedding cake toppers we like.

The Bobble Head Bride & Groom – custom made to look like you!
Love this just because it’s Disney!
Weddingstar’s “Kissing Couple” topper. 
Your names woven into wire. Can be found on Etsy.com

Willow Tree’s “Promise” cake topper.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

This past Sunday I hosted a Baby Shower for my Sister-in-law (SIL) Shannon and my nephew Cole. In a previous post I’d mentioned how I was tossing around ideas for a theme and then finally decided, but wanted to keep it a secret. The theme was baseball!  My SIL plays and umpires, and the sport has always been played by my Dad (Pops) and my brother (Cole’s Dad).

The invitations were made to look like ticket stubs and even had one of our favourite quotes from a baseball movie; Field of Dreams -“If you build it, he will come.”

Guests were treated to a lunch of hotdogs, nachos with cheese, an aray of salads and cupcakes (baked by yours truly).

For the favour we had a Candy Buffet with baseball treats like caramel corn, peanuts, pretzels, gum, gummies, pepperettes and Baby Ruth chocolate bars! Guests could fill up small paper bags with their choice of treats to take home.

Instead of a guest book we asked guests to sign a baseball as a memento.

Shannon and Cole were surrounded by many family and friends and I think that everyone had a great time. Cole was spoiled!! Shown here is the little cutie with a ‘big boy’ hat from Roots given with love from my Aunt Bev.

Congrats once again Jack & Shannon on the birth of baby Cole!

It was a pleasure hosting the shower for you.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Saturday’s Soiree

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of assisting Kelly & Mike with their wedding.

Kelly had contacted me in December when we were offering $100 off Day of Coordination Services.

Kelly is the type of Bride that wanted a Planner onsite so that she didn’t have to worry about managing her bridal party, family and friends. She also didn’t want to worry about logistics like décor set-up and the very important timeline. Kelly works for an insurance company, so everyday in her career she’s looking after others, so she wanted to make sure that her day was all about her and Mike…and it was!

Congrats to Kelly & Mike for planning and hosting a fabulous wedding! The colour scheme was black, white and champagne with traces of damask and lace. Kelly & Mike had their reception at The Burlington Convention Centre – the staff there is fabulous and the food was well served and very tasty! The wedding cake was stunning and Kelly even surprised Mike with a Groom’s cake (hot new trend alert!!) because of his love of soccer. The weather was beautiful and there were only a few minor issues that arose throughout the day- which is bound to happen, it’s all part of executing a major event. Thankfully, Samantha my Assistant for the day and myself were ready for almost anything.

What are some things we helped make better and less stressful for Kelly & Mike?

– held onto the rings until the ceremony
– pinned boutonnières on the lapels of all bridal party members
– distributed payment for the musicians at the ceremony
– provided a forgetful bridesmaid with her bouquet at photo shoot
– photocopied vehicle permit for photo location for limo
– managed set-up at reception venue (decorator and serving staff)

– placed favours on all place settings

– alphabetized name cards
– set up guest book, money box, etc
– set up cake table & Groom’s cake table

– organized bridal party for main entrance
– coordinated with DJ for sound and lighting
– made sure Bride’s requested brand of wine was being served
– quickly put a halt to the sound of the speech from the next hall coming through our banquet speakers
And so on and so on……

Brides – things will happen on your wedding day that you didn’t expect or plan for. Having a Planner onsite can help these types of issues disappear quickly and effortlessly on your part. Your task for the day is to be the Bride and enjoy every moment with your husband.

The Bride’s Butler wishes Kelly & Mike all the best in their new beginning together. Thanks again for allowing us to be a part of your very special day.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congratulations Kelly _ Mike!!

I couldn’t post my usual ‘5 day’ blog post yesterday because I was executing Day of Coordination services for my client Kelly. She and her hubby Mike had a fabulous sunny day for their wedding and were surrounded by many friends and family wishing them much love and happiness.

Here’s a sneak peak from their exquisite wedding.
I’ll write more about their event next post.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2011

‘Unveil’ing Alison _ Eric’s Wedding Day!

JD from Unveil Wedding Photography captured some great shots from Alison & Eric’s wedding day! To view more of the stunning pictures, click here. We were so honoured to have been able to assist this wonderful couple.

Here’s what Alison had to say to us after her speical day:

I just wanted to say thank-you for the work you did on our wedding day. I have a busy life that didn’t include a lot of time for wedding planning and you really helped me get organized and just enjoy the day. When my co-worker, Jason, recommended you I wasn’t sure if I needed a coordinator. Looking back, hiring someone to take care of all the details was the best decision I made. I run a large retail store, but handing over the reigns that day was a huge relief. From stressed out family to bad weather, to wine shortages –  you had it all covered. The things that were important to me were impeccably executed, and I appreciated your advice with the other details. It was a pleasure to have you on my team during such a crazy day in my life. You’re very talented at what you do and I will recommend you to anyone I know who is planning a wedding. You’re a cool lady and I wish you all the best :)

* Photographs from Unveil Wedding Photography
*Testimonial provided by Alison via email
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Leigh _ Derek are about to be a Mr _ Mrs!

On Saturday, November 5th, Leigh & Derek will get married and become Husband & Wife. We’re so happy to be able to celebrate in this occassion with them and provide Day of Coordination services.

Leigh booked us back in April when we were offering 30% off our most popular service in celebration of the Royal Wedding. We met in Ancaster and discussed her plans for their big day.

They will say “I do” at the Town Hall in Ancaster and will have their reception at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club. Leigh & I will be sitting down shortly to go over all her plans and details with a fine tooth comb. This way, she’ll be able to enjoy her day and relax knowing that The Bride’s Butler is there to execute, troubleshoot and bring her ideas to life!

We’re so excited to be joining them on their special day! Click this link to see some of their engagement pictures from Nate at Red Lotus Photography. They are adorable, and we can’t wait until the 5th!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Selecting your venue

This Saturday I’m going with my clients Brooke and Richard to look at a venue for their 2012 wedding. Do you know what to look for when deciding on a venue? Here are some helpful tips:

Dates:
Do they have your specific date available? If not, are you willing to change yours? Perhaps any Saturday in July is okay with you – or maybe you want a Friday. Check first – this will help you narrow your venue selection if you are dead set on a specific date.

Décor:
A lot of Brides & Grooms will fall in love with the décor and want to book right away. Be sure not to get caught up in the looks of it all. Remember; don’t judge a book by its cover. You want your venue to meet other needs as well.

Electrical:
What is the lighting like? Can it be lowered or altered? Will you need extra lighting? Also, check out the number of outlets in the room. This will come in handy for your DJ, Photographer and Decorator (if you hire one).

Candles:
Are you allowed to have candles lit during your reception? If so, can they be open flame, or must they be contained within a vase or jar? What about sparklers or fireworks?

Food:
Do they provide the food through in-house catering? Or do you have to hire an outside company? If they provide the food, what are your options and can you build from the existing packages – for example, make the filets bacon wrapped, or swap out mashed potatoes for baked. Also, can you bring in outside food? This is an important question if you have religious or traditional beliefs you need incorporated into your special day.

Drink:
Is alcohol (bar) included in the menu cost? Will you need to bring in your own drinks and bartender? If so, you’ll need to incorporate a liquor licence into your budget.

Extras:
What’s including with your booking? Some venues offer discounts at local hotels, or other wedding vendors such as limo and cake. Do they include linens and dishware in the price, or is that extra? Find out exactly what the “packages” offer.

Bathrooms:
Be sure to check the bathrooms. Are they easily accessible? Are they clean and well maintained? How many bathrooms and stalls?

Room layout:
Are you on the main level, or the second floor? Lot’s of stairs? Is there a room for you and your Wedding Party to freshen up in? Is there enough room for all of your guests and a dance floor?

Costs:
Is there a minimum you must spend in order to have your wedding at the venue? Is it slightly cheaper to have your wedding on a Friday rather than a Saturday? Are you able to cut costs by removing items from their “packages”? Also, keep in mind that 50% of your budget will be spend on the venue, including food & beverage.

Payment:
What kind of payment schedule do they follow? What percentage of your total cost is the deposit, and also find out if you have to pre-pay for your event, or pay the night of (balance owing). Also, find out about any hidden costs – this translates to read the contract!

Photographs:
When looking at the lighting, think of your pictures – although most Photographers should bring adequate equipment for this. Will you be taking pictures on site? Where, and will you need a permit or permission or are the grounds included in the booking of the venue?

Staff:
Meet the Manager/Owner and the Chef if possible. If they have an Event or Venue Coordinator, they will likely be your main contact. This person is key for your Wedding Planner, as we work together on your special day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Remember, a Venue Coordinator is not the same as a Wedding Coordinator.

Parking & Transportation:
Is the parking free, or will you have to pay per car? Is there enough parking for your guests and is it accessible? Will they have to park away from the location and walk? Will it be well lit at night? Is your venue near any hotels? Is your venue easy to find via a street map or road signage? If you’re ceremony is held at a different location, how far is this venue from it? You shouldn’t have your guests drive more than 30-45 minutes if possible.

Weather:
If you’re planning a summer wedding, does the venue have A/C? If not, how many windows open and to what degree? If in the winter, does the heat work and or is there a fireplace? If you’re having your ceremony at the venue and you want it outside, will it be tented, or do they have a room that can be used if it rains? How do they plan to maintain the grounds in wet weather such as rain or snow? Do they plough, drop ice melter, etc?

As you can see, ask lot’s of questions. If you’re working with a Planner, they will be able to guide you through the selection process of finding the right venue for your wedding. Don’t wait too long to find, select and book your venue. Some places are booking 16-24 months in advance!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

What do you love about weddings?

Someone asked me the other day why I love weddings. There isn’t just one thing, but many. And it’s not so much about the things as to why I love weddings, but more of how weddings make me feel. Weddings are about two people in love proclaiming their love and commitment to one another. They’re about promises, hopes and dreams. What I love about weddings is in actuality, the love.

But, aside from the feeling and all the mush – I love other things about weddings too. Like, the atmosphere – all of the fine details coming together to form one big picture. If done right, your guests will walk into your reception and will smile, gasp or even laugh at all of the personalization and details you’ve worked so hard to bring to life on your special day.

What I love about weddings is the coming together of family and friends. Hearing the laughter during the speeches, seeing the tears being wiped away as the couple says “I do” and watching everyone get down and boogie on the dance floor! What I love about weddings are seeing the Bridesmaids care for the blushing Bride – making sure her hair is just so, and that she’s comfortable and having a good time. I love to see the Groomsmen bonding with their buddy, the Groom. Watching them clink their beer bottles, pat him on the back and simply smile at him as he smiles at his Bride.

There are many things that I love about weddings. What do you love about them? Do they remind you of how lucky you are to have found your life partner, or do they provide you with hope for love that has yet to come? Do they make you smile, laugh and dance? Weddings are a beautiful thing. There’s a reason why this tradition is still around to this day…weddings make people feel good.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: DECEMBER 2013

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of my clients, friendors, fans, followers and family a very Merry Christmas! Hope that you have a happy and healthy holiday season filled with lots of love and laughter.

christmas

To my clients: Enjoy your last holiday season as an engaged couple because next year, you’ll be MARRIED! My team and I are ever-so-excited about assisting you on your big day and are counting down the days just as you are! xo

To my friendors: The wedding industry is packed with vendors that provide services, but I’m so thankful that I’ve found a select few that offer services that are above the rest. Wishing you many happy memories this Christmas, and I look forward to working alongside you next year.

To my Facebook, Twitter _ Instagram peeps: Be sure to reach out and say HI so that I can ‘like’ and ‘follow’ you too. Many more Real Weddings will be featured in my feed as the months roll out – so stay tuned! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

And lastly, to my Family: Words can’t express how much love and respect I have for all of you.

As you get older, you realize that you can’t take your parents for granted as you may have once did as a child or teenager. The closeness I share with my parents is one of the best gifts I could ever receive. They have taught me many things over the years, and to know they are proud of me is one of the best feelings ever.

My bro _ SIL – thank you for being two cool people to hang out with and for giving me two of the most adorable nephews around. I look forward to helping you shape these little boys into men that we’ll all be proud of.

The bf – You have been the best thing to happen to me this year (other than the totally wicked, awesome re-brand of Bride’s Butler). Because of you I have learned many new things about myself, and have fully accepted why things happen the way they do. Our instant connection and familiarity from days of past is something that I still can’t seem to grasp is real – like I need to pinch myself every time I remember moments we shared together as teenagers. Love truly is the best thing in this world and we all need to spread a little more of it every day.

My bestie – You light up my life. For the past 16 years you have been “my person” and for that I thank you and wish you nothing but the ultimate level of happiness. You are well on your way to achieving it and I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings for you!

So, Merry Christmas to all – thank you for being a part of my life and the journey that has been and will continue to be for Bride’s Butler.

I’m an Aunt again!

I’m an Aunt again! My brother _ sister-in-law welcomed their 2nd son, Ryan Jackson on Dec 8th giving my little nephew Cole a baby brother. I’m sure if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you’ve noticed that Cole is a big part of my life, and it will be the same with Ryan. Some days I can’t remember what our family was like before he came along. We must have been so boring.

ryan

Now with two little guys to love, I wondered about Brides who have nieces, nephews or cousins that will be wee babies at their wedding. Having children or not having children at your wedding as I posted about here is totally different than having babies or not having babies at your wedding.

When a mom is breast feeding, it is difficult for her to leave her baby to attend a wedding. And when that mom has a toddler or child that is invited to the wedding, it might be hard on her feelings that the baby wasn’t invited. So, do you or don’t you include babies in your guest list?

Many times I hear from Brides that don’t want babies to be crying during their ceremony, and I get that. But, is it nice to ask them to leave the church or location because baby isn’t settling? As much as your wedding is about you and your Groom, it is also a day about other people, so you need to take others feelings into consideration for every aspect of your big day.

When the day comes for me to tie the knot, I can’t imagine not having Cole there – and I’m almost positive that I will want Ryan there too whether he is a baby or a toddler. But, how will that affect the day and evening of my brother and SIL? I think the best thing to do is have the kiddos at your ceremony and then see if another relative (perhaps my SIL’s parents or brother) can take the kids for the evening so that my brother and his wife can enjoy their evening. And I’m not saying that couples can’t enjoy themselves while caring for their children, but as a few of my Brides mentioned, no one really wants to hear a baby cry, or even wail at the top of their lungs at such a happy occasion.

So, what’s your plan for your wedding? Kids, or no kids? Babies or no babies? Remember though, that sometimes even adults will act like babies when they don’t get their own way, so choose wisely.

Time to save 10% is running out!

contract

Book your 2014 Day of Coordination services before Dec 31st, 2013 to save 10%!

Planning a wedding can be expensive, so to save you some cash to spend on other things for your wedding (like flowers, favours, etc) we are offering 10% off our Coordination services for any 2014 weddings booked before Dec 31st.

Time is running out, so email or call us today to save!

*August 2014 is fully booked. Dates remain for May – July, Sept – Nov

Have dinner on us! {Added bonus alert!}

Everyone likes added bonuses! This time of year you are most likely to see an added bonus whether it be from your boss, or given to people in your life like your mailman or personal trainer. We want to thank those that help make our lives easier. Well, I want to make your life easier and thank you – sounds like a double added bonus if you ask me!

If you book a service with Bride’s Butler for your 2014 wedding before December 31st, 2013 you will get a $50 gift card so you and your fiance can go out for dinner and simply enjoy one another without worrying about anything related to the wedding.
LeahDavidWed 595
Often couples get immersed in wedding planning and forget to nurture their relationship – you know, the one that will be around long after the wedding? Take time to savour the little things in life (like a cocktail) and have dinner on us!

Book now to secure your date as we’re booking fast!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: NOVEMBER 2010

Popping the question

With December right around the corner, did you know that it’s the most popular month to ‘pop the question’?  Did you also know that more men are choosing to propose with a ‘pop of colour’?
Gemstone engagement rings have gotten more popular lately – especially with the recent engagement of Prince William & Catherine Middleton. He gave her his late mother, Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring.
Also sporting a bright beauty is Jessica Simpson – who got a ruby engagement ring.
     
Would you prefer a gemstone over a diamond?
Gemstones have different meanings and come in a variety of colours. He could choose your favourite colour, or match your birthstone.
Or, what about getting a ‘so-called’ used ring like the one William gave Kate? I don’t believe in any of those superstitions about a ring being cursed. The jewlery wasn’t the cause of a failed relationship, and I think if it can be reworn again and make someone else happy – then why not? Plus, pre-owned rings are better for the environment and your wallet.
Check out local pawn shops or online vendors for engagement rings. Look on sites like Kijiji, and Yes Bride to save on overhead costs, etc. The rule of spending ‘3 months’ worth of your salary on a ring is phewy. You should spend what you can afford and choose a ring that you think best suits your mate. You can have her choose the ring, or select a few that she likes for guidance. Or, you can make the choice all on your own and she should love it no matter what because she loves you.
If you’re ‘popping the question’ next month – all the best to you and your future Bride.
*Images from Google Images
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Winter Weddings

If you’re getting married this winter, you probably created a vision board and or filled a binder with images of your wedding so that you can see how it will all “come together”. If you didn’t create one, you still can. They are totally fun to do, and they help you visualize all of the components for your wedding on one page.

If you’re planning a winter wedding for next year, now is a good time to scout the magazines and blogs for ideas. A helpful hint to get you started is to pick a colour theme or notable object – like pinecones, or snowflakes, or even a pattern like plaid or damask and then go from there.

Need help forming your inspiration board? Visit Bridal Canvas, or give us a call. We’d love to meet with you for a Consultation meeting and help you structure and organize your ideas.





 

 

* Images created by Perfect Palette

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

$100 off Day of Coordination Services

Weddings can be expensive – and stressful. We know that Bride’s like to save money wherever they can – so just like last year, we’re offering $100 off  Day of Coordination services if booked before December 31st, 2010.
This is a great discount if you’re a Bride that knows she wants a certified Coordinator on location for her wedding. Having your very own “Bride’s Butler” ensures that all of your details are executed as you’ve planned them and envisioned them. We’re there to work for you – to coordinate your rehearsal, pay your vendors, set-up your reception site, guide your photoshoot and to take care of any troubles or changes that arise. To learn more about why you should hire a Planner, visit our website.
Book your Day of Coordination services now and save even further as our Friendors often offer discounts to clients of The Bride’s Butler. Give us a call, or send us an email – we’d love to chat with you about how we can work together on the most important day of your life.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congrats Helen _ Jason!

Helen & Jason tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Webster’s Falls on October 16th, 2010.

They contacted us back in February to secure our services for their rehearsal and ceremony. With the ceremony taking place outside, they wanted to make sure that someone was dedicated to coordinating the afternoon. From placing the chairs, setting up the shepard’s hooks with flower baskets, coordinating the Officiant & Musicians, receiving the flower delivery and assisting the wedding party – we were on-site ensuring the location was ready for their “I do’s”.

Helen & Jason were the most laid-back couple I’ve had the pleasure to work with – it was such a joy to be  a part of their special day. Helping me out on Oct 16th was Amanda, she’s looking to get involved further in Wedding Planning and I hope that assisting me brought her further motivation to stay on the path she’s currently on. Her help was very much appreciated.

Like most weddings I coordinate, I shed a tear (or two) when the Bride is about to walk down the aisle – and Helen was no exception. As she walked along the pathway towards the giant willow tree arm in arm with her Dad I couldn’t help but smile – but then the 2 of them linked up with her Mother who was waiting at the top of the aisle and that’s when I teared up.
The weather was beautiful – they couldn’t have planned it better for an outdoor ceremony! Their reception site, Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club also looked fabulous as we got to see it before we completed our services for the day.
Thanks again to Helen & Jason for including us in your most special day – and once again, CONGRATS!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JANUARY 2014

Show a little leg at your wedding

celeb style dresses

It’s Award season and each year we take a look at what the celebs are wearing to see what styles are up and coming and what colours, cuts and accents usually make their way into weddings. Recently at the Golden Globes, we noticed a lot of dresses that showed some ankle. If you’re unlike me (I hate my ankles) then you might like Bridesmaid dresses like these, or even a dress like these designer fashions for your gown.

Seen showing some ankle were celebs like Sandra Bullock, Michelle Dockery and Zooey Deschanel.

Did you have a favourite dress from the Golden Globes?

 

Engagement Season

Diamond_engagement_ring_on_woman_hand_6313

It’s engagement season! If you’re on Facebook you might notice that from about Christmas Eve until Valentine’s Day your newsfeed will include posts and pictures about engagements. Many couples get engaged between December and February with Christmas, New Years and Valentine’s Day offering holidays as a great backdrop to profess your love. Not wanting to piggyback onto a holiday? Then there’s the beginning of a New Year. Nothing says “I want to kick off 2014 right” like snagging a YES from your Bride-to-be.

We’d like to extend a big congrats to all couples that got engaged over the holidays (this means you, Caitlin _ Shaun and Rob _ Kaley) and major high fives to those of you that are about to pop the question!

The engagement season is an exciting time for us as we love hearing about how it happened and the plans for the big day – but most of all being engaged is an exciting time for you, so be sure to enjoy it! There is no need to rush into planning, give yourself at least a month or so to bask in the oohs and awes of your bling before you start diving deep into planning.

Once again, congrats to those that got engaged, and those that will seal the deal with a ring during engagement season!

Stylized Wedding Photos

Modest Dresses

This picture isn’t a stylized wedding photo backdrop. It’s a total candid shot from Brooke _ Richard’s wedding day, and we love it! You can see the love in Richard’s gaze as he watches his wife pose for the camera. You can see that Brooke is posing in a somewhat cheeky fashion – which totally captures her essence! And you can see how the wine has started to take effect on the wedding party. I just love this picture – it makes me smile each time I see it because I remember what an amazing day these two had. Many memories were captured that day, and the majority of them happened organically (except the few traditional structured shots).

Many times you will see Wedding Coordinators, Planners or Stylists team up with other industry providers like Photographers and florists to create stylized wedding photos, and although we think they are beautiful, creative and ooze a ton of talent, we’re not a huge fan of them. Want to know why?

Stylized wedding photos give a false perception of what weddings really are. Weddings are joyous occasions that are flooded with pretty little details, beautiful people and jaw-dropping landscapes or venues, but in reality; your wedding day has a very high chance of not unfolding with complete precision like a stylized photo does. People will make silly faces, plans will slightly change as the day goes on, and nice weather is never promised.

Now, no disrespect to those that put a lot of time, money and passion into stylized wedding photos because that’s not what we’re trying to do here. What we are trying to do is make sure that as a Bride, you know that these photos were intended to be perfect. Your wedding day will also be perfect, but in a different way. We would hate for Bride’s to be misguided on what a real wedding looks like. Photographers are very talented and with today’s technology can make your photos look like they came out of a magazine, but when you are planning your wedding, we urge you to look at these stylized photos for inspiration and ideas, but not as something to compare your big day to. It’s just the same as looking at a perfectly fit celebrity. It takes hard work, a personal chef, trainer and a ton of airbrushing to make them look that good. You know that’s not how they look when they wake up, so don’t think that your wedding will look perfect either at very glance. Your vendors (including us!) will do the best we can to ensure your plans, instructions and vision come to life, but know that once you open the doors to your reception, your perfectly set favours will disappear, your menu cards will get read and tossed aside and a centerpiece might get removed by your Uncle Ted who felt he couldn’t see his blushing bride of a niece from across the room , and so that image of perfection is gone.

Executing a wedding always has it’s surprises, like; a thunderstorm rolling in just half hour before the outdoor ceremony, a clumsy bridesmaid spilling red wine on the gift table draped in white linen just mere moments before guests arrive and a cake made of buttercream melting in the summer heat. These sort of things happen and it’s our job as your Coordinators to ensure that we tackle these issues in a professional way and always have a back-up plan so that your day can continue on – but things happen, that is life.

So, basically all we’re asking is that you make sure you know the difference between what’s real and what’s staged. And remember, that your wedding day is a day of perfect love, not perfection. That your guests will notice the love between you and your groom and not the fact that you have 6 roses in your bouquet when you asked for 8 just like the photo you pinned on Pinterest. Make your wedding day reflect who you are as a couple, not what you desire it to be because of something you saw online.

Use stylized wedding photos as inspiration, and trust us when we say that you will look at your wedding photos and think they look even better than anything you tore out of a magazine or saved from a blog.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: APRIL 2012

Did Brides really Copy Kate?

Yesterday marked the 1st Anniversary for William and Kate. I find it hard to believe that it’s been a full year since I woke up at 4:30am to watch the Royal Wedding with my Mom. We had homemade scones with jam and cream and created a memory that will last.

There was lots of talk surrounding the Royal Wedding and whether or not Kate would impact the industry and   create trends. Personally, I don’t think she’s made a huge impact, but what I do know for sure is that she’s made sleeves on dresses cool again, has brought Lily of the Valley into the mix for requested flowers, and made lace more modern and less like Grandma.

As the 2012 Wedding season begins, I’ll be paying attention to see just how many Brides really did Copy Kate.

To see some of our suggestions on how to Copy Kate, check out these old posts.

#1 The Dresses
#2 The Invitation
#3 The Bouquet

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Hip Ink Custom Invitations

One of our Friendors, Sarah of Hip Ink has recently launched an Etsy store. If you’re a Bride planning your wedding and you don’t know what Etsy is, I suggest you check it out. The website is like an online flea market and you can visit a bunch of different suppliers of almost any product! Many Brides and Planners turn to this site for favours, wedding party gifts, unique jewelery and stationery.

Sarah is known for her Couture line of custom invites. She designs each one with the clients requests in mind and creates unique one-of-a-kind invitations and stationery for their special day. Having a specially made invite can get expensive, so to accommodate and continue to share her love of design, Sarah launched the Etsy store.

There are a variety of pre-designed invitations available on her storefront that you can choose from and then edit to display all of your details. We especially like these two:

Check out all the other designs she offers here. And, if you want to meet with Sarah to design your very own stationery line for your special day, visit her website and drop her a line or email.

Your invitations are what sets the tone, mood and theme for your wedding, so be sure that they are personalized, unique and display your personalities.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Good things come in three’s…

Wedding Trend Alert!

I’ve seen it on blogs, I’ve heard about it from clients, and now I think it’s official to say that Trio Cakes are in for 2012.

Many Brides don’t want to forgo the traditional wedding cake for cupcakes, pies, cookies and other sweet treats, so instead, they’re reinventing the way a cake is displayed.

Rather than get a tiered cake, many Brides are ordering 3 individual cakes. This option can not only offer your guests more choice regarding flavours, but it can also be less expensive. Yes, three cakes are better than one.

If you choose to keep your design and decoration simple, and the size of your cake to 6″-10″ each without tiers, you can get 3 cakes for the same price, if not lower than a 3-tiered cake.

Displaying 3 cakes is more fun too! You can group them, separate them among the dessert table (or even the room) and you can place them on stands, plates or anything else that matches your theme & decor.

Check out some of these Trio Cakes…don’t they look fabulous?

We invite you to contact one of our favourite Friendors, Kristy from This Chick Makes Cakes for a meeting on how you can incorporate Trio Cakes into your special day!

*Images from Google

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Gearing up for Wedding Season!

The Bride’s Butler is gearing up for a busy wedding season!

We’re so thrilled to be working alongside many wonderful couples this year, and assisting them with both Full Planning and Day of Coordination Services.

With permission from my clients, I’ll do my best to feature their special days on the blog to share with you.
I can’t wait to see all of their ideas come to life!

We kick off the season with Angie & Serge on May 26th, and continue through until September 29th with Brooke & Richard.

If you want to book with us, we’re offering $200 off remaining dates in May & June.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: SEPTEMBER 2013

OMG! You’re Married!

Yay! You’re a Mr. _ Mrs!

When you get engaged, the congratulations and well wishes bombard you from every angle. From friends and family to co-workers to acquaintances on social media. Everyone wants to let you know just how happy they are for you – and so they should be. Getting married is an exciting time in one’s life! And once you start planning your big day you’ll get a ton of questions about it, like; when, where, how many guests, your theme or color palette, children or no children, what food you’re serving and what style of dress you prefer. Everyone has something to ask, or something to say.

What you don’t know is that the questions and comments continue to roll in after the day you say “I do”. Here are just a few things (most can be quite annoying) you might be asked once you become Husband _ Wife:

“Welcome to the club. The club of no sex.”

“When are you having kids?”

“That was a fancy wedding. How much did it cost?”

“Good luck! 50% of marriages end in divorce.”

What’s the best thing to do when someone asks you a question or says something that makes you uncomfortable? Just smile, laugh and remember how awesome your wedding was and all the good reasons why you married each other. Being married to your best friend is the best kind of team to be on, so be sure to have each others backs and just laugh off what some might say about the tradition of marriage.

What we have to say to you now that you’re married….Congratulations!

Plain and simple. We wish you all the best. Why? Because you deserve it.

Happy Birthday, to me!

babydee

Yesterday was my birthday. Last year was a milestone celebration, this year – not so much…just another day, another year gone by. Ya know what I mean? However, on each birthday, I take a moment or two to reflect. Only this year, I didn’t look back over the past decade, but instead looked back over the last year. I can honestly and proudly say that I’ve had a good year.

Since turning 30 {gasp!} last year, I realized ten-fold that coordinating weddings is where my passion lies. It brings me such joy, comes naturally and I always love being able to contribute to a day that will be kept as a memory for everyone in attendance, most specifically the Bride _ Groom.

This year, Bride’s Butler went through a re-branding process and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out and the feedback I’ve gotten about it. Big ups to Ashley _ Malone for their love, support and talent!

Also this past year, I won once again for Best People- Wedding Planner for the Reader’s Choice Awards for the Hamilton Community News, had two mentions in the 2013 Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine, and just this week was featured in The Hamilton Spectator as a Young Professional.

Although I’m another year older, I feel more at peace with who I am, what my business means to me and my clients and where the path I have set out for myself is taking me. I’m happy, I’m content and above all, I’m proud. Life, like weddings, takes some planning, but you also have to go with the flow, have a few back-up plans and simply smile and enjoy the ride.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: APRIL 2014

New Package!!

OMG! We’re squealing with delight over here! We’re so excited to announce that we’re offering a new package to our already awesome list of services…..DIVORCE PARTIES!

So far, three of our previous couples have filed for divorce and have contacted me about planning and executing a divorce party for them.

One is for the guys and will include a pig roast, belly dancers, sick beats from a DJ and jellybean poker.You heard that right – jellybeans. The dude can’t afford to play with real money now that he owes her half of what he has.

Another is for a beautiful previous bride who is getting together with her friends (and previous Bridesmaids) for a trash the dress session. The Bride will wear her gown, and the Bridesmaids will wear their dresses from her wedding and the other gals can wear whatever dress they want! They are going to play paintball in their dresses and have the entire thing filmed and photographed. What a way to make a memory!

The third still isn’t sure how she wants to celebrate, but together, I’m sure we’ll think of something fantastic.

Packages start at $1,200 and include 2 meetings and 5 hours of execution on the day of your divorce party.

As much as I love weddings, divorces can be fun too!

*Okay, okay – before you get your panties in a bunch, take a look at today’s date. Happy April Fools! There is no way I would ever offer services for divorce parties – and NO, none of my clients have separated (that I know of).*

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2010

Halloween Weddings

Have you ever wanted to have a Halloween wedding? The tricks, the treats and dressing up in any costume you wish . Oh, what fun! But, if it’s not your thing for how you’d like to say “I do”, I bet you’d love to attend as a guest after seeing these photos from Foto Flare. Lucas had the opportunity to photograph this 2009 Halloween wedding, and as you can see the guests got right into the spirit of dressing up.
Which is your favourite costume?
Happy Halloween!!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Congrats Lisa _ Jon!

A big congratulations to love birds Lisa & Jon! They got married on October 9th, 2010.

I met Lisa through The Ancaster Wedding Show and she took advantage of the promotion we were having of $100 off Day of Coordination services. She seemed a little stressed with her wedding quickly approaching, so I was glad to be able to help relieve some of her anxiety and reassure her that I would help her take care of a lot of the finer details on her wedding day.

My Assistant for the day was Erin, who also is a WPIC Alumni and was looking for another wedding to volunteer for to get her feet wet. She did a great job helping me out with executing Lisa’s plans as well as accompanying the wedding party on their photo shoot to 3 different locations.
Lisa & Jon met on the internet, and they are quite the cute couple! They have great family and friends, and I simply adored her Uncle who was the MC for their wedding.

The ceremony was held at a local United Church and their reception was at the Renaissance Hall in Hamilton. The gals wore a deep purple which complimented Lisa’s fall theme nicely. She had a few details that were personalized – my favourite being the ring pillow that her nephew held as Ring Bearer was a baseball on top of a bed of fake grass! This was because Jon proposed to Lisa while at a baseball game. Too cute!
Overall, Lisa & Jon had a great wedding day – the weather was beautiful, no major issues arose, and everyone had a great time dancing and socializing.
Wishing Lisa & Jon all the best in their new life together, we’re very thankful to have been a part of your special day!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

3 Brides _ a Butler

The Bride’s Butler had the honour of providing Day of Coordination services for 3 weddings in the past 2 weeks….October 9th, 10th and 16th.

I have plans to tell you all about each wedding – but I’m waiting on photos from the photographers to go along with the posts. Here’s just a little info of each to get you started….

Lisa & Jon wed in Hamilton on October 9th. Their wedding was beautiful! The gals wore eggplant coloured dresses, potted mums filled the church and all the guys looked dashing. Lisa looked beautiful in her strapless dress – and I’m sure her Groom would agree. Both of them were surrounded by fabulous family and friends. They were very blessed to have a great day. I’ll tell you more about their wedding in our next post.

Alexis & Kevin were our “Surprise Wedding” clients – they got hitched on October 10th in Welland. Helping coordinate an event like this was a first for us, and we loved every minute! I’m hoping to have at least 2 posts dedicated to their event because of the uniqueness. This couple had it right – no fuss from family and friends with planning decisions (colours, location, etc) – their wedding was all about them and their love.
We had a fantastic time with Alexis & Kevin – I can’t wait to tell you more and show you pictures from their wedding!

And lastly, Helen & Jason tied the knot outside at Webster’s Falls in Dundas on October 16th, and they couldn’t have had better weather! This laid back couple planned a romantic outdoor ceremony and we were there to help them execute their vision. Three piece string quartet, sheppard’s hooks with hydrangeas, white chairs placed beside a rivine that cascades down a waterfall…simply romantic! Helen & Jason are a great couple who I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with! I’ll post about their wedding in a few weeks.

In the past 2 years of assisting Brides with their weddings, I’ve never executed 3 weddings in 2 weeks – it was fantastic! Busy – but fantastic! It was wonderful to have been continuously surrounded by so much love and excitement  these past 2 weeks. I love my job, I love helping out Brides & Grooms and I love seeing a wedding (or event) come together as planned! Thanks to my October couples for trusting me & The Bride’s Butler with your most special day!

Congratulations!

*Stay tuned for upcoming posts about these weddings

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

‘I Do’ over.

A lot of times you will hear a Bride say “if I could do it over again, I’d….fill in change here.”

Hindsight is 20/20 and we bet if you ask any Bride if she could do it over again, she’d have at least one thing if not more she’d do differently for her wedding.

Here are a few things that Brides would have done differently if they could have said “I Do” over again:

  • Hire a Wedding Planner (even if for Day of Coordination) to reduce their stress and day-of workload. No Bride wants to be setting out favours while they should be getting pampered.
  • Cut back on the guest list. Bigger isn’t always better. More guests equal more money spent. Try to stick with just your “A” list.
  • Hire professional vendors. Unless family or friends have their own business specializing in ‘said task’ then you should politely decline – pay the additional money and hire a professional baker, florist, photographer, etc. You can’t recreate your special day, and you’d hate to feel resentment towards your family/friends if their services aren’t top quality.
  • Not thinking outside the box. Most Brides want their wedding day to be personalized and unique – no one likes cookie cutter weddings anymore.
  • Drink less. It’s a long day and you need to stay hydrated, so drink water and skip most of the alcoholic beverages. No one likes seeing a Princess Bride morph into the Paper Bag Princess!
  • Reserve locations and vendors early. Weddings are booked 24-18 months in advance, so to reduce disappointment, you should try to book your vendors early.

Remember though that no matter what, after your wedding you may think – “if I only”, or “if I could have” – this is perfectly normal. However, try to do your best to think of all aspects of your big day ahead of time to minimize disappointment – as your Wedding Planner we can help you with this with our Full Wedding Package.

Chat with other Brides and ask them what they would have done differently. You never know what you might learn from someone else’s experience. Overall, your wedding day will be the most special day to you because it is your day – and no one or no ‘woulda coulda shoulda’ can take away from that.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: FEBRUARY 2011

Best Picture

Can you guess which “Best Picture” Oscar Nominated Film could be the inspiration behind these wedding photos? Taking elements and ideas (fashion, colours, setting) from a movie is a great way to help formulate a theme/tone for your special event.
Black & White is elegant.
Cookie favours for a Bridal Shower.
Groom or Groomsmen cuff links. A great gift for your guy.
Giddy Up. Showing your personality through your Bridal Shoes
 is a trend that most Brides incorporate into their big day.
Purple = Royalty.

* Images found on Google Images & the Hip_Ink Blog
* From top to bottom: Black Swan, Social Network, The Fighter, True Grit & The King’s Speech

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Hole in One!

Hostess with the Mostess featured this 30th Birthday party from Michelle at Crazy for Design. This theme can be used for young and old, male or female – as long as the birthday girl or guy likes golf!

The elements, colours and textures used to create this themed party are pefect for a man. Simple, clean lines are far better choices than glitz and glam, especially for a 30th party for a dude.

Using original themed names for food & drink exentuates the theme

When planning a themed party think about the guest of honours likes, dislikes, hobbies and lifestyle. To save money, try incorporating items that you already own or can borrow from other guests. Make your own stationary/printables, or use an affordable online dealer like Etsy.

With the Oscars approaching this will be our last post about Birthday Parties for the series this month. We hope you enjoyed some of the theme ideas and have been inspired to host your own fete!

Need help? Mention you saw our “Birthday Party” series on the blog to get $100 off your first Consultation meeting with The Bride’s Butler.

* post gathered from information & images found on Hostess with the Mostess

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Yee Haw!

Tori from Thoughtfully Simple showcased a ‘Cowgirl’ themed Birthday Party on her blog and I thought it was so adorable that we had to feature it on ours. Purple was the main colour used as it’s the Birthday girl’s favourite colour. Bails of hay, toys, old cowboy boots and other DYI items were used to enhance the theme and bring it to life for the little gal and her friends.

Bails of hay were used as benches and each cowgirl got her own hat!



Cupcakes & Sherbert were the treats of choice.

The sunflower cupcake toppers are scrapbook stickers and wooden popsicle sticks!





Treats were had and games were played and all the kiddies had a grand ol’ time! Each child got to take home their own horse from the “Pony Corral” and parents were given a jar of ingredients for “Cowgirl Cookies” to make at home. As we’ve mentioned before, favours are one of our favourite elements from any kind of event. Great job Tori!
If you’re looking to host your own Birthday Celebration and need help with ideas, vendors and execution, give us a call or send us an email – we love to chat about any sort of celebration. Giddy Up!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

This party wasn’t for Charlie Brown, but for a grown man named Jeff. I came across this blog post over the holiday season and knew that I wanted to include it in our Birthday Party series. Created and hosted by the team at Piggy Bank Parties this party captures the famous cartoon to a T (-shirt! complete with the zigzag)!

  

Mock Invitation displayed for privacy sake. Created for the party by Autumn Writings.

The birthday boy (or should I say man) loves the Peanuts comic strip and his b-day is 2 weeks before Christmas, so the host felt it appropriate to tie the two together for this celebration. I’ve got to say, she did a fantastic job with the tablescape!


Combining the original Peanuts with “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown”

When planning and hosting a party based on a theme it’s best to try to incorporate as many elements of the theme as you can into your celebration. Food served at this party was inspired by the characters and by the food that Snoopy serves in “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Adding these kind of touches help bring the theme to life.

Chicken Wings was the food of choice for the guest of honor.
Woodstock was the mascot for this buffet complete with choice of dips!

DYI decor elements helped execute the theme as well as keep the budget fairly low. Comic strips were used to make garland for the room and the Christmas tree. Other ways to include a theme into your party is to pick a colour scheme and run it throughout the entire party – invite, decor, tablescape & favours.

One of my favourite things to create for a party are the favours. This is the thing that will bring the experience home with them, so you want it to match the ‘feeling’ of the celebration. I love the favours from this party – Snoopy fruit snacks (in the tree) and Peppermint Patties (in the doghouse).

Perhaps this party inspired you to think of a few birthday party themes. Remember, you’re never too ‘old’ to have a fabulous party filled with bright colours & cartoons!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

What do you love about weddings?

Someone asked me the other day why I love weddings. There isn’t just one thing, but many. And it’s not so much about the things as to why I love weddings, but more of how weddings make me feel. Weddings are about two people in love proclaiming their love and commitment to one another. They’re about promises, hopes and dreams. What I love about weddings is in actuality, the love.

But, aside from the feeling and all the mush – I love other things about weddings too. Like, the atmosphere – all of the fine details coming together to form one big picture. If done right, your guests will walk into your reception and will smile, gasp or even laugh at all of the personalization and details you’ve worked so hard to bring to life on your special day.

What I love about weddings is the coming together of family and friends. Hearing the laughter during the speeches, seeing the tears being wiped away as the couple says “I do” and watching everyone get down and boogie on the dance floor! What I love about weddings are seeing the Bridesmaids care for the blushing Bride – making sure her hair is just so, and that she’s comfortable and having a good time. I love to see the Groomsmen bonding with their buddy, the Groom. Watching them clink their beer bottles, pat him on the back and simply smile at him as he smiles at his Bride.

There are many things that I love about weddings. What do you love about them? Do they remind you of how lucky you are to have found your life partner, or do they provide you with hope for love that has yet to come? Do they make you smile, laugh and dance? Weddings are a beautiful thing. There’s a reason why this tradition is still around to this day…weddings make people feel good.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Engagement Season

Diamond_engagement_ring_on_woman_hand_6313

It’s engagement season! If you’re on Facebook you might notice that from about Christmas Eve until Valentine’s Day your newsfeed will include posts and pictures about engagements. Many couples get engaged between December and February with Christmas, New Years and Valentine’s Day offering holidays as a great backdrop to profess your love. Not wanting to piggyback onto a holiday? Then there’s the beginning of a New Year. Nothing says “I want to kick off 2014 right” like snagging a YES from your Bride-to-be.

We’d like to extend a big congrats to all couples that got engaged over the holidays (this means you, Caitlin _ Shaun and Rob _ Kaley) and major high fives to those of you that are about to pop the question!

The engagement season is an exciting time for us as we love hearing about how it happened and the plans for the big day – but most of all being engaged is an exciting time for you, so be sure to enjoy it! There is no need to rush into planning, give yourself at least a month or so to bask in the oohs and awes of your bling before you start diving deep into planning.

Once again, congrats to those that got engaged, and those that will seal the deal with a ring during engagement season!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: AUGUST 2011

A _ E tied the knot!

Alison & Eric got married in Ancaster, Ontario on August 6th, 2011. The ceremony was set to take place outside at 4pm when dark clouds rolled in and sent the guests and wedding party indoors so not to get wet. Despite the standing room only and the humidity of the warm summer day, the ceremony went smoothly and the two got married after 6 years of dating!

Alison was a very laid back Bride, but knew that she wanted her reception decorated a certain way. Fresh hydrangeas and ivory roses sat in mason jars upon the tables. Paper bird place cards perched atop wine glasses and candles lit throughout the room provided the elegance and romance she was going for.

There were a few rustic touches incorporated into the decor, such as twine wrapped around the mason jars, wooden boxes filled with roses on top of the fireplace mantel and a chalkboard used to direct guests to their seats. As a personal, DYI touch, Alison made homemade strawberry jam as the favour – complete with a gingham wrapped lid!

Alison & Eric didn’t want your standard clinking of the glasses to kiss, so instead they had a Scrabble board propped up with their names on it, then each table was given a small baggie of letters to create a word describing their relationship, marriage or personalities. All of the letters had double sided tape on them so that they could be properly placed and displayed. It was a fantastic idea and was thought of because they played Scrabble on their very first date.

Overall, this wedding was simply beautiful! Elegant, yet simple. Laid back, yet exciting and thrilling in all the right places. It was a joy working with Alison, Eric, their wedding party and immediate families.

Wishing them much happiness as they start their lives together. Congratulations once again!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Lisa _ Grant’s July Wedding

Weddings, like romance, are all about the little things.
Adding details and touches of personality to your wedding day is very important. All weddings, like all couples – are different. Lisa & Grant brought their lives, personalities and small details together beautifully for their July wedding.
These newlyweds love to go camping – so it was only right that each table was named after a Provincial Park. Instead of a table number, they displayed a photo of them in front of the sign of a park they visited or camped at. Instead of guests scanning a board or rows of escort cards, their names were presented in pots with the park brochure. When the guest got to their camp site (a.k.a table) they found their name printed on a place card against a hand-made Muskoka chair.

Since it was a hot July day, and the ceremony was outdoors, Lisa had mini water bottles on hand for her guests. Each bottle had a label with her and Grant’s initials and oh-so-adorable Celebration Facts.

Their initial monogram carried out throughout their wedding details – which is perfect as consistency is key! The monogram was on the handmade ceremony programs (tied together to form a fan for the summer heat), their menu cards and their cake.

Incorporating your personality and hobbies into your special day is a great way to stay away from being ‘cookie-cutter’. Another great way to be different is to incorporate family in a unique way. Lisa asked her florist, Christine from Designs by Law to recreate her Grandmothers wedding bouquet with a modern twist.
When I heard this detail, I thought that it was such an adoring way to include her Grandma into her special day.

Lisa and Grant had a fabulous wedding with beautiful weather, fabulous guests, delicious food and lot’s of love! All of their hard work planning, making and incorporating all the fine details paid off!

Congratulations again to Lisa & Grant. We were so honoured to be a part of your special day!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Calling all Singles!

Want to meet like-minded singles in Hamilton, Ontario? Well then, I’ve got an event you don’t want to miss out on!

This Singles Event is a gathering for singles aged 25-35. If you’re on Twitter, we encourage you to use #HamOntSE to tell others you are going!
You don’t need to be on Twitter to participate, but it’ll sure help to stay connected with some of the people you’ll meet.

Tickets are $10 (plus a minimal surcharge) and will include appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and door prizes.We’re looking for 25 guys and 25 gals to meet, mingle and tweet!

The event will be held on September 15th at 7pm – please see http://www.hamontse.eventbrite.com/ for more information and to purchase your ticket!

Gather your friends, and make a night out of this event! You just never know who you might meet! :)

Follow us on Twitter – @BridesButler for updates, wedding tips & info and plain ol’ fun!

PS – if you meet someone and things go down the right path, we’re offering 10% off our services to all couples created by this Singles Event.

* 15 tickets for each guys and gals must be sold in order for this event to take place. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Please do not drink & drive.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Alison _ Eric are getting hitched!



Tamahaac Club, Ancaster.



Tomorrow, the Bride’s Butler will be providing Day of Coordination services for the soon to be newlyweds. Alison works with a past Groom of ours, Jason and was referred to us for her special day. We’re always so thankful for referrals. Thanks Jason!!
Alison & Eric are getting married in Ancaster at the beautiful Tamahaac Club. The ceremony will be outside, if the predicted rain storm holds off – and the reception will take place inside the club.
JD from Unveil Photography will be on hand capturing the Bride & Groom as they say “I do” and celebrate their union.
Alison has gathered a lot of her inspiration for her special day from Pinterest. A site that offers all kinds of ideas from decor, food and crafts. This site is gaining popularity from couples planning their weddings and using it like one big vision board. She will have roses, hydrangeas, an old fashioned chalk board, homemade jam and paper bird escort cards. All of her small details will come together to create one big impact. We can’t wait to put it all together for her!

We’re looking forward to being with Alison, Eric, their family and friends and they celebrate getting hitched!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MARCH 2012

Ways to keep your guests entertained

There are many ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding. Two of the most popular are food and music. Serve delicious food, and play good music – easy. But, there are other ways to keep your guests entertained during your wedding.





Ceremony Fan & Word Search

If your wedding is outside, and in the summer – having a paper fan for your guests is a good idea. To keep them entertained while they wait for you to arrive, make the fan into a Word Search. You can pick words that pertain to the ceremony like vows, I do, etc….or you can pick words that describe you and your hubs-to-be.

He Says, She Says Game
Print out a page that offers quotes, one-liners or facts about the Bride & Groom and let your guests guess who said (or did) what. This game is great for the cocktail hour, or during dinner.
5 Things About
A great way to get your guests talking during dinner is to offer 5 (or 10) things about yourselves. Where you met, first date, who said I love you first, etc. Not only will this table talker get your guests chatting, but it will help those that are plus-one’s feel a connection to you as well.
I Spy
Create a list of pictures that you would like captured from your special day and give it to your guests. You can give this to your guests when they arrive, or place it on the tables. You should include an email address you want the pictures captured sent to, or offer a few disposable cameras to each table. The quality won’t be that good, but you’ll know your guests were entertained tracking down the shots.
There are many ways to entertain your guests, just be sure that you factor this element into your planning. Your wedding is a full day for most of your guests, so make it fun and worth their while. Plus, you want to be the wedding that they brag about to their friends as the best wedding they went to.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Family Matters

As your Day of Coordinator, it is my duty and responsibility to make sure that your plans and ideas for your wedding are brought to life. It’s my job to make sure that the timeline that we agreed upon together is followed to the best of our abilities. It is me who will communicate updates and changes on your behalf with your vendors such as your DJ, Photographer, Venue Coordinator and Florist. I’m the middle man between you and well, pretty much everyone else….including your family members.

If you have an over-bearing parent, or an Aunt/Uncle/Wedding Party Member that has to have their say, please do us all a favour and inform them about me prior to your wedding day. You should tell your immediate family and wedding party that you’ve hired a Day of Coordinator so that your wedding goes smoothly and on time. To be realistic, things will change, the timeline will become a guideline, but in the end, that’s my worry – not yours, or your parents.

I understand that parents and family members want the best for you for your special day, but assure them that we’ve discussed your wedding in length and that everything is taken care of. Tell your family and wedding party that you want them to enjoy the day as well, and that if they have a suggestion or concern that they should see your Coordinator. It’s our job to be quick thinkers, problem solvers, negotiators and mediators.

If you have someone that you think will interfere on your wedding day, it is definitely a good idea to hire a Day of Coordinator. Let us be the bad guy, so that you can be the blushing Bride and simply enjoy your wedding day with your husband.



** We are currently offering $200 off remaining dates in April, May & June for Day of Coordination **

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

$200 off Day of Coordination services

We’re offering a discount on our popular Day of Coordination services!
If you’re getting married this April, May or June, book with us and save $200
We’d love to hear from you about your up-coming wedding and help you stress less.

What’s included in a DOC package?

  • A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements
  • An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding
  • Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day
  • Timeline preparation & execution
  • Rehearsal coordination
  • Wedding party & family management
  • Vendor coordination
  • Use of our wedding day emergency kit
  • Wedding Day Management (set-up, ceremony coordination, photos & reception)
Day of Coordination us a combination of all of our coordination services and provides approximately 30 hours of service, with 8-12 hours being executed on your wedding day.











Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Can you BIELieve it?

The teenager inside me is crying a little over the official display of the engagement between Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Like a lot of gals, I had a mad crush on JT – and well, I still do. Who am I kidding, he’s gorgeous. Right?

Justin is a relationship man – he stays with his women for about 4 years, and then gets the itch to move on. Britney, Cameron and now Jessica. In true Timberlake fashion, these two did break up after 4 years together only to reunite last year and then seal the deal with a proposal over Christmas. I was hoping that he’d be like Clooney and never settle down, but it looks like there will be a summer wedding after all.

So, not only has Jessica snagged an attractive, multi-talented guy, but she got herself a huge rock as well!
Take a look at her diamond. What’s your thoughts? Too big? I think it looks like an heirloom, but I hear it was custom made.

If you’re not into celebrities and their weddings, then you likely don’t care for this post, but since I love weddings and enjoy the odd gossip magazine, I know that this engagement/wedding will be one that I’ll follow. Since they are such a private couple, you likely won’t see too much from their “I do’s” – but I’m so curious to see how it all unfolds. They say the planning has begun…stay tuned.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JULY 2010

Find the ‘lime’ to relax _ enjoy the summer….

Bud Light Lime’s motto right now is “The Summer State of Mind” – and we recommend that you try to do just that – enjoy the moment, enjoy the summer, and enjoy good food with friends.
If you’re heading up to the cottage this long weekend, or going camping, or are about to host a bbq, birthday party, or even a bridal shower, I’ve got some yummy recipes made easy with the help of Bud Light Lime.

Bud Light Lime Braised Shrimp

Makes 36 pieces

½ cup Olive Oil (Light)

10 cloves Garlic (large, diced)

12 oz. Bud Light Lime

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
36 pieces shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined)
6 limes cut in half
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 oz. Extra Dry Vermouth

In a large skillet, on high heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, season with cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes and then add the Bud Light Lime and limes. Finish cooking the shrimp, about 5 more minutes or until shrimp are firm and white inside. Add the Vermouth and serve.

Wok Seared Lime & Teriyaki Sea Scallops

Serves; 4

12 large, fresh Sea Scallops
5 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Hot sauce to taste
Teriyaki sauce to taste
Sea salt to taste

1 Red Bell pepper, julienned

½ lb. Sugar snap peas, trimmed and cleaned
½ lb. Bean Sprouts
2 tsp. Lime juice
6 oz. Bud Light Lime

You will need to cook the Scallops in two batches, so the wok does not get crowded.

Heat the wok over high heat; add two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot add six scallops, a couple dashes of hot sauce and a couple dashes of teriyaki. Sear both sides, about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from wok and repeat cooking process for the next batch of scallops.

Turn heat down to medium, add to the wok one tablespoon of olive oil and red bell peppers, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas, sprouts, lime juice, Bud light Lime and several generous dashes of teriyaki. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Return all the scallops to the wok, gently toss, season with sea salt to your taste and serve.
When I think of kickin’ back in the summer, I can’t help but think of “Toes” by the Zac Brown Band.
Cheers to great food, good times and enjoying a “summer state of mind”.

* be responsible, don’t drink and drive
* recipes courtesy of Edelman PR for Bud Light Lime

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

My Fair Lady

Came across these beautiful wedding photos on Love & Lavender while perusing the ‘Wedding Blog’ circuit. How adorable are these shots from a Winnipeg, Canada wedding?
Photos were taken by Simply Rosie Photography.
Enjoy!

Take your wedding to the location of your choice for your photos – somewhere that speaks to both of you, one that you’ll have fun at, and a location that you’ll remember your entire life.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

‘What not to Wear’ to a Wedding

As a woman, I’m sure you’ve seen the show “What Not to Wear” on TLC. If I were to host an episode, it would be about what not to wear to a wedding. Instantly, I can think of some major “no no’s” and a few fashion faux pas.
If you’re attending a wedding, here’s 4 things you need to know when you’re picking out what to wear.
#1 – Don’t wear white!
It’s majorly frowned upon to wear white to a wedding – that colour should only be worn by the Bride. You should also stay away from colours such as ivory, champagne, pale peach or light silver (these colours can look white in photos). If you want to wear white, it should be in a patterned dress either as the pattern itself or as the foreground colour.

#2 – Keep the length reasonable

Short dresses are very popular these days, but you shouldn’t wear a dress that is more than 1 inch above your knee to a wedding. Cocktail dresses are a better choice than long dresses. The length of your dress should be either 1” above your knee, at your knee, or just below your knees.

#3 – Coordinate with the time of day & season
Black dresses shouldn’t be worn to daytime weddings. Summer dresses shouldn’t be worn in the winter (unless paired with a pretty cardigan that will stay on through the entire wedding) – and choose your shoes properly too. This is common sense stuff.

#4 – Mind your straps
According to an article featured in The Spectator, you should avoid strapless and spaghetti straps. Choosing straps that are 2 fingers in width is best – and obviously more classy. But, times have changed, and I know that strapless dresses are worn often – so if you go with a strapless or spaghetti strap, be sure that the dress fits – don’t be adjusting your top all night, don’t show any signs of a bra (although you MUST wear one, we just don’t want to see the straps or the back of it) and make sure the spaghetti straps don’t slide off your shoulders. A good fit goes a long way.

Be conscious of other guests and the theme of the wedding when picking your outfit. Be mindful of cultural traditions, and do research if you’re not sure – for example, Chinese traditions frown upon guests wearing red as that colour is typically reserved for the Bride. If you’re still not sure what to wear, and don’t want to cross any boundaries, the best suggestion I can give is for you to consult the Bride as she’s the one that has planned and envisioned her special day for months.

*post generated from personal opinion & articles featured in The Spectator & Project Wedding’s Blog
* pictures from Google images

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

‘The Versus Series’ Part II

Wedding Coordinator versus Venue Coordinator

You’ve booked your wedding at a venue that has a “Wedding Coordinator” so you think that you don’t need to hire another one, right? On most cases – wrong. A lot of  venues (like banquet halls & golf clubs) come equipped with their very own ‘Wedding Coordinator’ – but these people, whom might I say are fantastic and helpful, are there for the venue – not for you. They’re there to coordinate the logistics of their staff to ensure proper timing of menu courses. Your Wedding Coordinator is there to work for you.  When you have your own Wedding Coordinator (Day of Coordination services), she will work together with the Venue Coordinator for details such as lighting, set up and the menu.
A Wedding Coordinator is there for all aspects of your wedding – from the moment you get ready, to when you walk down the aisle, to your photo shoot and lastly at your reception (the venue).
A Venue Coordinator is only available to you during the last and final aspect of your major event – and even then, if you’re getting married in a venue that has more than just your wedding occurring that day, the Venue Coordinator isn’t 100% dedicated to your wedding – like your Wedding Coordinator is.
There are many logistics to a wedding, some guests see, others they don’t. Having a Wedding Coordinator just for you, your Groom & Wedding Party is a fantastic investment to ensure that all of your hard work, time and planning details are executed and taken care of. Your Wedding Coordinator is selected by you – so you can choose a Coordinator that you feel most comfortable with – unlike a Venue Coordinator who just comes as part of your ‘package’.

Having your own Wedding Coordinator (WC) relieves a ton of stress and allows you to enjoy your day. Just ask any Bride who hired one for their wedding and they’ll agree – hiring a Coordinator was money well spent.

Imagine your up-coming wedding day…….

While you’re getting ready, who’s making sure the ceremony site is set up fabulous? Your WC.

When guests arrive at the ceremony site who’s making sure your programs are being distributed? Your WC.

Who preps you to walk down the aisle and adjusts your train?
Your WC.

When you’re on the photo shoot who provides an Assistant to escort you to keep track of timing? Your WC.

Who works with the Venue Coordinator to ensure proper set up & placement of details? Your WC.

When vendors arrive (cake, DJ,) who greets them & makes sure they’re following the set contract? Your WC.

Who has an Emergency Kit full of items that will help with any issue that may arise? Your WC.

(things happen…like a ripped seam, or a broken boutonnière. You don’t want or need to worry about those things – that’s the Planner’s job)
You get the idea. You don’t want to have to worry or even slightly think about these finer details and logistics….that’s why you need your very own Wedding Coordinator.

Have some questions for us? Call or email, we’d be happy to meet with you to discuss our Wedding Services and how we can help you on the most important day of your life.

* pictures courtesy of Images of You Photography

* post inspired by post by Every Last Detail

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MARCH 2014

Tying the Knot

toupee for men

You’re tying the knot…yay! But, are you literally going to tie a knot? Many couples are incorporating tying a knot into their ceremony in place of other union traditions like lighting a candle or pouring sand into a jar.

When I fantasize about my big day, I thought about incorporating this into our “I do’s” but now that nautical weddings are quite popular, I’m not sure that I will. I like to be different, but with so many Brides and only so many ideas, it’s hard to be totally different.

If you haven’t attended a wedding where they’ve literally tied a knot, then why not do it at yours? Be the first!

A Unique Late Night Buffet

More and more couples are looking for ways to bring the WOW factor to all areas of their big day – from a unique venue, to homemade decorations, to incorporating favourite foods into their menu; couples want to be different. One way to stand out is to offer a unique late night buffet.

In the past, we’ve seen couples serve french fries, frozen sweet treats and ribs cooked over an open flame. There are so many choices for late night buffets now, that it’s hard to decide which would be the best to serve your guests.

The best thing to do is to start with the foods you like to eat. Is there something you and your Groom treat yourself to when you’re looking to indulge? Was there a go-to food you ate after partying during  your college days? Is there a food that you always seem to bring when attending family functions or potlucks? These are good places to start, but another place would be to check what local restaurants, food trucks and catering companies can offer your guests.

How about having a food truck pull up in the parking lot of your venue at 10:30 for an hour or so and serve half sizes of their most popular dishes? We have a couple looking into the southern treats served by The Dirty South Food Truck for their big day. We’ve also had a couple serve homemade frozen paletas from Ice Pop Art and homemade cookies from Cake _ Loaf with a shot glass of both white and chocolate milk.

Two-Tone Dresses

The choices are endless, just be sure to keep your budget in mind and if you’re bringing in someone for your late night, make sure your venue is okay with it. Some locations stipulate that you must use their catering staff for everything – and if that’s the case, talk to them about doing something different like sliders, s’mores or mini donuts with espresso shots.

What kind of treats do you like to see at weddings? What’s been your favourite? You can always borrow ideas from others and still have the idea be unique by adding your own personal touch to how it’s displayed or the ingredients used to make it.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MARCH 2011

2011 Trend Alert: Broach Bouquets

I’ve seen them pop up on wedding blogs and in magazines. They are stunningly beautiful, elegant and colourful. A broach bouquet is a great way to incorporate your ‘something old’ into your wedding as well as pay homage to family heirlooms. Having a bouqet made with broaches is also eco-chic.
A broach bouquet is a delightful pairing to a more casual dress. Rather than beading, jewels and details on your gown, your bouquet is your ‘wow’ factor while walking down the aisle – other than your beaming smile of course!

To see some broach bouqets, how to’s and learn about how much it will cost you to make one of these beauts, visit The Vegas Wedding Planner Blog, Belle: The Magazine or Calgary Bride Blog.

Also gaining popularity are Button Bouquets which offer more of a rustic, do-it-yourself feel.
If you don’t want to make these bouquets yourself, check out Miss Jennifer Rae for Button Bouquets on Etsy. This website has fabulous vendors that you can order from and get items shipped right to your door step!

We think that this trend will crop up more and more this season. Email us if you are making or buying a broach or button bouquet, or if you know a friend who is. We’d love to see the pictures and feature them on the blog!

*Thanks to the above mentioned blogs for inspiring this post
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Wedding Planners

Not really sure what a Wedding Planner does?

Here are the basics of what we, The Bride’s Butler can do, and how we help you with your most special day.

  • We’re experts in the Wedding Industry and are in the know of todays trends. Our knowledge can help you save money, time and stress searching online, in magazines and with vendors.
  • We’ve got connections. We can help you secure trusted professionals (Friendors) that often extend discounts to clients of certified Wedding Planners.
  • We’re there for you. A Wedding Planner works for you – not for your venue, or your photographer, or for your crazy Auntie Carla – we are working for you – the happy couple. Your wish is our command (within reason of course!)
  • Wedding Planners will take time to discuss your needs, ideas and wants for your wedding. We help you problem solve, answer questions, point you in the right direction and help guide you through a fun, yet often  stressful planning process.
  • We do not plan your entire wedding and make it our own. It is your wedding day, and we make sure that your personalities shine through in all of your decisions. There are lot’s of choices when planning, in fact you will make over 177 decisions before you walk down the aisle.
  • We’re organized. We can provide you with spreadsheets and timelines to help you stay organized too.
  • We can be your personal therapist. Like we’ve said, wedding planning can be stressful, and when other opinions are involved (mothers, sisters, cousins, bridesmaids, etc) it can get frustrating. We are here for you – for an ear to vent to, a shoulder to cry on and to play the role of ‘negotiator’.
  • Wedding Planners can be hired for Full Wedding Planning where we are with you every step of the way. We help guide your decisions, source vendors and resources and work towards saving you time, money and stress.
  • Wedding Planners can also be Wedding Coordinators. This role is for Day of Coordination services – where you plan your wedding, but we make the magic happen. You can’t be too places at once. We take care of all the details so that you can enjoy being a blushing Bride.
  • We are affordable. Wedding Planners aren’t as expensive as you think. Ask any Bride who didn’t hire a Planner and they would tell you that they wish they did. Hindsight is 20/20. In comparison for what you pay for your photographer, florist, dress and cake – we are very affordable for the services we provide.

So, think you have a better idea as to what a Wedding Planner does? Still not sure? Check out our website, or come visit us tonight at the Ancaster Wedding Show.

Questions? We love meeting with Brides-to-be and their Grooms for a complimentary coffee & chat so we can discuss how we can work together and be your official “Bride’s Butler”.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Keep Calm…

And Hire A Planner.

A relaxed Bride is what we aim to achieve when assisting couples with our popular “Day of Coordination” services. A calm Bride is one that trusts their Planner and enjoys their day.
Stress Less. We just can’t say it enough.
More and more couples are turning to Wedding Planners to help them with their wedding plans because there are simply too many options, decisions and things to do before your big day.

Come visit us this Friday, March 25th from 4pm to 9pm at the Ancaster Wedding Show at Night.
We’ll be on hand to answer questions, give advice and inform you about the services we offer to help you “stress less”. Plus, only at the show will we be offering you the chance to WIN additional savings on our services – with our “Choose a Love Quote” game. You might select a famous “love quote” or you might get a “service quote” – saving you money on our packages and services! We’ll have prizes like $200 off Full Wedding Planning, $100 off Day of Coordination, free Bride & Groom T-shirts and free online Consultations!

Visit http://www.ancasterweddingshow.com/ for more information.

Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

*Special thanks to @tailoredpants from Twitter for this taking my idea and making this fabulous image! Love ya Samantha!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Bad Bridesmaids

Bad Bridesmaids – it’s more common than you think.

You ask your friends to be in your wedding party because you want them to take joy in your special day. Most will say ‘yes’ because they are honoured and couldn’t imagine not being by your side for when you say “I do” and others say ‘yes’ because they want to show you love and support during a very stressful time. Then there are some who say ‘yes’ simply out of obligation – whether that be because of past history with them, or because they are family. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes Brides will ask family, future family-to-be and friends to be Bridesmaids because they feel obligated to do so, but either way, once you say ‘yes’ and become a Bridesmaid you have accepted a position – you have given your word – you have made a commitment to what most consider an honour.

As a Bridesmaid (BM) or Maid or Matron of Honour (MOH) you have a few responsibilities, including but not limited to:

– supporting the Bride & her decisions

– planning and hosting of a Bridal Shower, helping with food & assisting with games

– tag along to as many vendor meetings as possible as requested by the Bride to give your support
– remembering that this is your friends day, so showing respect & tact in all you do

– coordinating a Stag & Doe, selling tickets and attending the event

– planning & attending a Bachelorette Party

– other tasks requested by the couple (within reason of course!)

– As MOH you are the signing witness at the ceremony and you hold the Bride’s bouquet for her

Being a bridesmaid is truly an honour and a job to take seriously. Being in a Wedding Party can be expensive, most Brides know this and try to accommodate the best they can by providing payment for hair or make-up on the day of, but mostly as a Bridesmaid you will incur most of the costs. You will likely need to pay for the dress, shoes, accessories (unless given as a thank you gift from the Bride), hair, make-up, Bridal Shower expenses, travel, accommodations, and a gift (typically given by all members of the wedding party to save money). On average you can expect to spend $500 plus when accepting to be a BM or MOH.

If you are unsure of your role and your duties, ask the Bride. Organized Brides will offer you an itinerary, or a friendly budget breakdown as a guide. If you don’t think you can handle the responsibilities, time and expenses after you have said ‘yes’ don’t feel bad about talking to the Bride and seeing if you can respectfully decline. Most Brides will understand and will place you in a role like Program Attendant, or they can be a reader during your ceremony so that you can still participate in the event. Whatever you do, don’t become a Bad Bridesmaid.

Traits of a Bad Bridesmaid are:

– Not getting along with other members of the Wedding Party.

– Showing up late or not at all to wedding related festivities (Shower, Stag & Doe, Rehearsal)

– Dismissing the requests of the Bride (“No, I will not wear those shoes”)

– Blatantly trying to upstage the Bride in any way, shape or form. It is her day, not yours.

– Getting rip roaring drunk at any wedding related festivities, especially the wedding.

– Talking poorly about the Bride, Groom or family members to other members of the Wedding Party, or anyone else for that matter.

So Brides, how do you deal with Bad Bridesmaids? There are many ways, but the best way is to be respectful, tactful and truthful. Tell (don’t ask) them to discontinue their role. If this ends the friendship, better to find out now and move on. If it doesn’t, as she may feel relieved to have the duty taken away, then place her among other guests so that she can still enjoy your wedding day. For more help on how to deal, give us a call for a Consultation or scour the Internet for tips.

No matter what, there are going to be people that will put a damper on your wedding planning process.
Try not to stress out too much, and keep in mind what you can do for your Bridesmaids to make the experience pleasurable for them and everyone else that’s involved.
Good luck!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MAY 2013

Wedding Porn

Yep, I said it…porn. You’ve heard of food porn, so why not have wedding porn too?

When I’m looking to invest a few minutes looking at nothing but beauty, love and fine details, I turn to a few of my favourite sites. They are free to visit, you won’t see any annoying pop ups, and you will leave with a smile on your face!

If you want to view some wedding porn, then I suggest you run along to one or all of these sites!!

100 Layer Cake
Green Wedding Shoes
Style Me Pretty Canada
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Black is back!

While in the process of the re-brand for Bride’s Butler I’ve been looking at all kinds of designs, layouts, colours and fonts the past few months and let me just tell you, it’s been hard to decide! There are so many beautiful designs out there, and waaaay too many fonts! But, it seemed that no matter how much I looked, and how much I saw that I liked, I always seemed to be drawn to the chalkboard style.

So then for fun, I started looking at invitation styles on Wedding Paper Divas and ta-da! Found some designed with the chalkboard style. Here is one of my favs..

And then I kept looking, and I saw so many beautiful invitations I just couldn’t stop clicking through from one page to the next. I noticed that there were quite a few invites that were black and it got me thinking…I know that black has made a major come-back into weddings through the bridesmaid dresses, details and embellishments on the Bride, but I wasn’t sure if it would make it’s way to the stationery. But, why wouldn’t it? Black is classic. Black makes a statement. Black is back!

What I love most about these invites is that you don’t need a whole lot of colour, or any at all to show your style and get your message across in a beautiful, artistic and classy way.

What do you think? Do you think wedding invitations need colour? They are the first thing guests see from the wedding and help set the tone for the event…but from looking at these invites, I say go for it! Black is back, and I like it!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Backyard Weddings

This summer we have 3 backyard weddings booked for Day of Coordination services. We’ve had a few weddings hosted on property of the couple or their parents in the past, but not like what we’re seeing for this year. Is it a trend or a coincidence? I think tented weddings set in the summer are becoming more popular as it offers your guests a more intimate atmosphere for your big day. Depending on your budget, you can host a wedding on your property, but know that they can sometimes be just as expensive, if not more than your average wedding at a venue.

Watch this blog as we head into fall for recaps and images from all 3 of our backyard weddings!

*Images from our friends and recommended supplier at Special Event Rentals

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Add a little sparkle…

Sparklers from Sparkle

I’m a fan of things that sparkle…diamonds, glitter, stars, you name it. But one thing that I’ve always liked since I was a kid that sparkles in a different way, are sparklers. If you’re having a summer wedding, or are planning a summer wedding for next year, how about adding sparklers to your special day?

A nice way to incorporate sparklers into your wedding day would be to offer them to guests to hold during your first dance or to have a sparkler send off. Another way to use them would be to give them to your wedding party during a night time photo shoot.

Provide your guests with sparklers, matches and or lighters and a place to put the sparklers after they have gone out. A good place for them would be a pot filled with sand, or a wooden box. You don’t want to place them in a trash can/bag or anything plastic as they may still be a tad hot and you don’t want to start any fires. Also, be sure to check with your venue first if sparklers are allowed on site as they are a conductor of heat and fire and can be potentially dangerous and hazardous if not handled properly.

Do you like things that sparkle? Are you planning on using sparklers at your wedding?

First dance sparklers – photo by InBloomPhotography
Sparkler Send Off – photo from wedding featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs
Wedding party photos – photo found on Google

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

It’s amazing how fast time flies by! As a Newlywed, you’ll understand just how fast time goes – before you know it, it’s your wedding day – and then poof! it’s over. As a Bride-to-be, you will come to see how fast the months fly by, and how quickly your special day will go too. So, it’s very important to enjoy it the best you can (help from a Coordinator typically helps with that).

I can’t believe it’s been a year for two of our summer 2012 couples, and we’re approaching the 1st Anniversary for two more.

Last August we were on hand for the weddings of Morgan _ Adam and Mary-Anne _ Anthony. Both couples had amazing days with beautiful weather. I can still remember most if not all of the fine details and conversations and visits I had with the couples like it was just last month! Since Mary-Anne _ Anthony’s wedding, they have welcomed a little boy! It’s so amazing to hear from past clients just how much their lives have changed in their first year as Newlyweds.

In September 2012 we executed the weddings of Margarita _ Sergio and Brooke _ Richard. Again, both days were blessed with beautiful weather and the days went smoothly. I became pretty tight with both of these Brides – we email every couple of months and keep in touch via social media like Facebook and Twitter. Since their wedding, Margarita _ Sergio caught the travel bug and have been enjoying spending their first year as a married couple by adventuring out into the world. And, it’s been announced that Brooke _ Richard are expecting a little one this year as well!

Morgan-Adam-Wedding-0325

Morgan _ Adam – Tamahaac Club, Ancaster

maryanneanthony

Mary-Anne _ Anthony, Ruthven Park, Cayuga

MargaritaSergioMartinsWeddingCC 385-L

Margarita _ Sergio, Old Mill Inn, Toronto

BrookeRich-379-M

Brooke _ Richard, Paris Grand Golf Club, Paris

Time sure does fly, things change and we continue on in this adventure we call life. I’m so blessed to be able to be a part of my client’s special day, and become more than their Coordinator, but also become their friend along the way.Wishing these 4 amazing couples a Happy 1st Anniversary and may the rest of your days bring smiles as bright and beautiful as you smiled on your wedding day.

 

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: NOVEMBER 2009

Ladie’s Night @ Rona

Rona is ‘Doing it Right’ on Thursday, December 3rd for Ladie’s Night.

Join me at the Kitchener location (730 Ottawa St S) for a night of special promotions, gift ideas and fun!

Other vendors joining me are Lucas from Foto Flare, Home Outfitters, Zellers, Boston Pizza, Curves and much more!

Visit me at my table and ask me some questions about your wedding, and let me tell you how The Bride’s Butler can help you save time and money while planning your wedding.
Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter while at the show and be entered to win a Bride & a Groom
T-shirt with a fabric pen! These shirts are popular at Stag & Does and can be a fun memento from the night if you get guests to sign them!

I look forward to seeing you on December 3rd from 6pm to 8:30pm in Kitchener at Rona!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Choosing a Wedding Dress

Will you Say Yes to the Dress?

Most Brides are familiar with the TLC show that showcases the many ups and downs of finding that ‘perfect’ wedding dress. Although the people are real, and the store does exist, the show is merely a glorified reality show. The average bride will not spend upwards of $10,000 to $25,000 on a dress (like some brides on the show do – that’s just insane!).

Hamilton area brides are a bit more budget conscious when it comes to finding the dress they will wear on their wedding day.

There are many bridal boutiques in Hamilton, and my favorite is Juliz’ Bridal on Brucedale Ave.
There is a wide selection of dresses, the store is always clean, bright and organized, and Zsuzanna and her staff are always so helpful. Check out their website to view the collections they offer, or stop by the store to see them first hand. Juliz’ also offers a good selection of “off the rack” sample dresses for usually just a few hundred dollars.

Another place to look for a wedding dress is on sites like Kijiji, Craigslist and recycledbride.
Most used wedding dresses are in very good shape, and will be a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a new one. Plus, if you are conscious of being Eco Friendly, a ‘recycled’ dress may be the perfect fit for you.

They say that when you put on the dress of your dreams you “just know” – kind of the like the same as when you met the man of your dreams. .

Won’t it be nice to hear from your Groom just how beautiful you look in your dress? Your dress must be one that you not only look and feel beautiful in, but one that is comfortable, matches your style, personality and budget, and one that compliments the theme and season of your wedding.

Wishing you the best of luck in finding your perfect dress!

BB Tip# 6 – Be sure to order your dress at least 9 months before your wedding.  This allows for ordering, shipping and alterations.

Me at Juliz’ Bridal in Hamilton. :)
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MARCH 2013

Toast Do’s and Don’ts


Last June I was asked by The Hamilton Spectator for some Do’s and Don’ts for wedding toasts.

Here are my suggestions for a flawless toast to the Bride & Groom:

DO
Keep it short. Don’t ramble on, three minutes max. “People have a short attention span as it is.” Five minutes is definitely pushing it. “Rehearse, practice and time yourself.”

Have notes. It seems more natural to just have points of interest to refer back to. “It’s always good to have something written down because your emotions are running high. You don’t want to just fly by the seat of your pants because that’s when the rambling starts.”

Be yourself and be original. Maybe you want to make it rhyme or incorporate a poem that’s fitting. “It shouldn’t be something generic you got online.”

DON’T
Don’t roast the couple. “Keep it classy.” No one wants to hear about an embarrassing moment on such a special occasion. That includes roasting guests, too. “Avoid calling people out on past mistakes in general.”

Don’t toast yourselves. This is more for the bride and groom. If someone says ‘and cheers to the bride and groom” you’re just supposed to just “take it and smile for the cameras.” Do not clap or clink your glasses or raise your glass. “It’s considered poor taste. You’re just supposed to graciously accept the toast.”

Don’t apologize for being nervous. Most people already expect you to be somewhat uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups. “You don’t need to point it out to make it more noticeable.”
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Father of the Bride

We’ve had posts about the Maid/Matron of Honour, The Best Man, Bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride, but have yet to cover the Father of the Bride.

 best wedding veil

The Father of the Bride is usually the most important man in a Bride’s life, next to her future husband. He is the man that will walk her down the aisle and ‘give her away’ to the Groom. He typically offers a toast at the reception and can give a speech if he so desires.

What should The Father of the Bride say to his daughter, future son-in-law and guests?

Here are some topics to touch on:

Welcome – The Father of the Bride usually speaks first, or is the second to speak after the MC or the Best Man speech. He should welcome guests to the wedding and thank out of town guests for joining in the celebration. He should thank people that made the day possible and participating in the planning process and the overall upbringing of the Bride.

Ceremony – He should mention the union that took place at the ceremony and the love his daughter and the groom share for one another. A nice quote, bible verse or song lyric can help with expressing any emotions he may wish to share.

The Bride – The Father of the Bride should talk about the Bride, how proud he is of her and provide a few fun facts about her. Keep this brief as not many people care to hear long winded stories of her childhood like losing her first tooth, her awkward teenage years or the troubles she got into during College. Talk about some of her talents, skills and accomplishments, but keep it short and sweet.

Their Relationship – Mention the relationship between the Bride and Groom. How they met, how he felt when he knew his little girl was in love and his hopes for them for their future together.

The Groom – Welcome him to your family and provide him with a few tips and advice like family traditions, etc. You can poke a little fun at him if you have a good relationship with him, but keep it classy.  You don’t want to embarrass him or your daughter. Be sure to make him feel special and accepted.

Wise Words/Toast – End your speech with a few relationship lessons and wise words. Offer an example from  your relationship with her mother if it’s a healthy one. Tell them about your hopes, dreams and wishes for them and your excitement of what lies ahead for them as a family.

The Father of the Bride is an important role in a wedding, so be sure to take it seriously, but have fun with it as well. Weddings are an emotional day, so be sure to cherish every moment.

*Photo by Angela Devries Photography from the wedding of Natalie _ Jason

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

How NOT to ruin your wedding photos

Your wedding photos will be one of the most important mementos from your wedding day. The day will go by so quickly, and you’ll be having so much fun that you’ll need good, quality photos to refresh your memory of what a fabulous day you had!

Choosing a Photographer is a tough decision. I always tell my clients to go with who they feel most comfortable with and who’s style they prefer. Do not try to cheap out on your photos. This doesn’t mean you have to spend $5,000+, but it surely means you shouldn’t be spending less than $500 or asking a friend to do it for free. I saw a fabulous and oh-so-true quote the other day; “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” This quote is bang on – let the professionals take care of you on your wedding day. We have many reasons to call ourselves such.

You’ve hired a professional and you know they will deliver, but what can you do to make sure that you don’t ruin your photos?

Here are some tips on how NOT to ruin your wedding photos:

Create a wish list

Work with your Photographer via email or a face-to-face meeting to discuss the kind of photos you want. Most times you’ve selected them because of their style, poses, layouts, etc – but if there is a certain pose or location you want, be sure to tell them!
Some popular shots on a wish list are; gown on hanger in window, picture with grandparents, photo of rings/invitation and your something old/new/borrowed and blue.

Have your Photographer stay 

To save money some couples will send the Photographer home after the receiving line or just before dinner. This is a mistake if you want to capture emotions from you, your groom, wedding party, family and guests during dinner, speeches and when the party starts. They don’t need to stay all night if money is tight, but have them stay at least until you’ve cut the cake and had your first dance.

Book in advance

Photographers and Coordinators are two of the first vendors to get booked early. We advise you to do your research and book with your selected Photographer at least 12-14 months in advance. Some times you can get away with as little as 9 months, but don’t be surprised if our #1 choice is booked already.

Schedule enough time

Chat with your Photographer and your Day of Coordinator about how much time is needed for your photo shoot. We will be realistic with you and factor in travel time, set-up, people management and weather (sunlight, etc). You want to make sure you have enough time to be relaxed and having fun, but not too much time that your guests awaiting your arrival back are bored.

Feed your vendors

Vendors that get fed are happy vendors, and happy vendors will work better than hungry ones. If you have vendors working over your dinner hour (Photographers, Coordinator, DJ, etc) we highly recommend that you have a vendor table for them and feed them dinner as well. Your wedding day is a long one although it seems to go by so quickly and most of your vendors will be working well before you start to get ready and long after you’ve gone home.

Look fresh

On your wedding day you will look so radiant and happy because it’s your wedding day, but do yourself a favour and eat and sleep well the day before. Same goes for your wedding day, stay hydrated, eat throughout the day and don’t get intoxicated.

Have fun

Stuffy photos are a thing of the past. Sure, you’ll have the traditional family and wedding party shots, but make sure you’re having fun, laughing and enjoying yourself. Don’t worry about the small things – this is your Day of Coordinators job. A smiling Bride looks best from all angles.

*Photo by JClay Photography from Helen & Jason’s big day

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: MAY 2012

20% Off = less money _ less stress

Save 20% on our popular Day of Coordination services for
your September, October or November wedding if you book before July 31/12.

Fall is the season that more and more Brides are choosing to
say “I do.” We want you to be able to save money and stress less on your most
special day.

Typically, clients will book Day of Coordination services
6-12 months prior to their wedding, but if you’ve been thinking that you can
handle everything on your own up until now, then that’s okay!

We have a few Fall dates still available, so book now and
save!

As your Day of Coordinator, we’re there to work for you, to
make sure that your plans are executed as envisioned and that you are able to
enjoy your day as a Bride and not as a Bridezilla. LOL!

We’ll meet twice prior to your wedding, chat on the phone
and send many emails back and forth – all preparing you and your vendors for a spectacular
day!

Let us manage your wedding party, guests and vendors. Let us
set-up your décor details like your gift table, candy buffet, escort cards and
centrepieces.  And let us communicate
with your vendors to make sure that the services they are providing match with
what you ordered.

We don’t offer a discount this large often, so do yourself a
favour and hire a vendor that will work for you, have your back and make sure
that you get the wedding you’ve been working so hard to plan!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

You said Yes

Who doesn’t love a great proposal story?
Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!
You said YES, but now what? You tell the masses about your proposal, that’s what!
Share your exciting and happy news with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and with whomever you want – flash that rock and your ear to ear smile all over the place! You deserve it, you’re getting MARRIED!!
Most couples get engaged and right away they are changing their facebook status from In a Relationship to Engaged. They are tweeting about the proposal, and even possibly sending an announcement to the local paper. What did you do? Did you create a wedding website, or did you happen to have your proposal taped and then uploaded onto Youtube? How did you spread the news?

Once the news is spread, and the congrats and well wishes are graciously recieved, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of planning your wedding. But, we do stress (before you start to stress) that you take time to enjoy being engaged before you dive deep into the planning process. :)

So, what do we suggest are some of the first things you do after the engagement, but before the planning?


Brainstorm with your fiance the type of wedding you both want.

Will there be a theme? How do you want to express your own seperate personalities as well as your togetherness? For some couples it’s through colours, unique details or the style of attire and venue.

To help you brainstorm, we suggest that you pick up a few magazines. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!
Next, hire a Wedding Coordinator. Planning a wedding takes lots of time, patience, money and compromise. You’ll want to make sure that a dedicated professional is working for you on your special day to ensure that every little detail and personalized touch you planned comes to life.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Typically couples pay 1/3 with both sets of parents. Staying within budget is hard – do your best to not spend too much!

Lastly, do your research! Check out online blogs, websites and magazines for ideas and inspiration. Attend Bridal Shows, and ask newlywed friends for referrals. Ask questions, get a second opinion and try to meet or consider 2 to 3 vendors at a time.

We’re so glad you said YES! and are on your way to planning your
Happily Ever After.

*even Wedding Planners sometimes need inspiration. Today’s post was inspired by a blog post at www.weddingaces.com
* Updated, but originally posted in 2010

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Paying in full may cost you

One of the best things you can do is book a vendor that was recommended from your Coordinator or a family/friend. Positive referrals are fabulous for a vendor, and for a Bride, is one of the best ways to reduce stress.

Recently I’ve heard from two of my summer Brides (Day of Coordination services) that they’re working with vendors (both florists) that are asking or had asked for payment in full. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT pay upfront. I understand that some vendors like florists, invitation specialists and bakers need to purchase items prior to your wedding day to fulfill your purchase, however, I believe that this should be something that they factor into their business model and how they conduct their services.

Most vendors, like myself, require a deposit to secure the services and date. The deposit is usually non-refundable and is likely 50% of the total. If this is the case, you should pay the remaining 50% on the day of your wedding. Remember, you have not bought a gift card that you pay upfront for to use at a later date – you have reserved (via a deposit) services that are to be executed on your wedding day, therefor the vendor should be paid then.

Oftentimes if the total cost of the services is quite large, i.e: over $2,000 there may be a 2nd payment due prior to your wedding (25%). This payment shows your commitment to the contract, and their promise to fulfill. This 2nd payment not only reduces balance yet to be paid, but helps pay for any work, communication and time the vendor has put forth to date.

When you have a Day of Coordinator working with you on our wedding day, it’s best to give them the remaining balances to give to the vendors when they show up and or deliver your order. It’s always best to pay the florist once the centrepieces are placed and the bouquets are delivered. It’s always best to pay the baker once the cake has been delivered and set up on the cake table as stated in the contract. It’s always best to pay the DJ once they have arrived, set-up and conducted a sound check. A contract is a legally binding document, but if the services executed or delivered are not the same noted, then you have reason to request a refund or a change in the total price.

Most vendors should not have a problem with being paid the remaining balance upon arrival. If they do, perhaps that should be a sign that you look elsewhere. When meeting with a vendor for the first time, discuss their payment method and timeline. Do they only accept cash or cheque? Can you pay your deposit using credit or debit and then give the remainder in cash? Do they want it all upfront, or in 2 to 3 amounts?

No one wants to pay in full and then not get the services or product they paid for. So, my advice to you is, wait to pay on the day of if you can. If you do pay upfront, get everything in writing, hang on to your email communications and be sure to review the contract in length prior to signing off and handing over funds.

A good vendor will work with and for you – not against you.

For our Day of Coordination services, we are more than happy to provide our clients with a few vendor referrals. Nothing makes us happier than to work with other industry professionals that we know, trust and have faith in.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

A bit about Me

I feel that maybe it’s time for a blog post about me, the Owner & Lead Coordinator for The Bride’s Butler. What do ya think?

So many times when I meet potential clients for the first time, I feel like it’s a blind date. I don’t know what they look like, but if they’ve been on my website, they’ll have a good idea as to how I do. I know a little bit about them – like their wedding date, venue location and sometimes I know how they met and a bit about their love story. To them – I’m just another Coordinator. Well, I want to give you a little insight into who I am…here goes:

I love the ideas and gestures of love and romance. It’s what got me started in Wedding Coordination in the first place. I was able to blend my passion for events with love and romance. Perfect combo.

Me & My Nephew

My favourite place in the world is Walt Disney World. I’ve been 19 times I think…I don’t really know, I’ve lost count. My favourite theme park is Epcot and my favourite resort is Port Orleans Riverside.

My nephew is one of the most important people in my life. He has me smiling and laughing every time he’s near.

I came up with the name The Bride’s Butler while driving on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway in Hamilton. It truly was an “ah ha” moment.

I’m not an overly girly girl. I don’t wear nail polish too often, I rarely wear heels and I keep my accessories to a minimum. 

Meeting with my clients at any stage of their planning process brings me such joy. There’s just something about hearing an excited couple talk about their big ideas and plans that get me all warm and fuzzy….and excited to execute their day!

Showing off that Royal Ring!

I was a huge N Sync fan in High School. Yes, I was one of those girls. Still to this day I have a soft spot for Justin Timberlake, I just can’t help myself.

The Royals have always been intriguing to me. Must be the whole “Princess” fantasy or something. Halloween of 2011, I even dressed up as Kate Middleton. 

Mabel’s Labels is my home from 9-5 and I love working with such an amazing group of people. The Bride’s Butler is my part time job, and I make sure to dedicate my evenings and weekends to my clients.

I drive a Nissan Cube. It’s not your typical car, but hey, I’m not your typical girl.

So, there you have it – a little bit about Me. I hope now when we meet for our first chat about your special day, you’ll feel more comfortable – like two friends talking about weddings, love and romance.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2014!

If you got engaged over the holidays – Congratulations! Do you think he read this post on ‘picking out a ring’ first? We hope so!

The planning process is not only exciting, but can be a bit daunting. Be sure to check out some of our tips found on the blog here, and here. And come back often as you plan your wedding – you just might see a Real Wedding that captures your ideal vision for your big day. We’d love to be able to work with you this year or in 2015 so we can assist in executing your plans, details and oftentimes stressful event logistics. Hosting a wedding is the biggest party you will ever throw in your life – so we want to help make sure it’s a memorable and stress-free one.

So, with the New Year comes resolutions and goals. Do you make a list each year of things you want to accomplish or see/do/taste? When planning a wedding you might have the typical goals like; stay within budget, lose 10 pounds and book your favourite photographer (even if that means you have to change your wedding date to snag them) – but you might also find that when planning a wedding there may be goals that you just didn’t plan on writing down on January 1st. For example, you didn’t think that you’d have to make sure that you don’t forget about your other interests (the gym, reading, SITC marathon days, etc) as Bride Brain can often takeover all of your thoughts. Don’t lose sight of your friendships and relationships too – other people in your life will have big life moments as well this year, so be sure to spread your wedding talk around and make sure you listen to what they have to say about their life. And I’m sure you won’t be thinking that you might have to make a resolution to not let your future-Mother-In-Law get under your skin. Yeah, you know the woman that you don’t mind now? Well, that may change once the planning begins and she starts telling you what she wants you do to for your special day. Or it may not be your future MIL, it could be your Groom’s sister, your cousin or even  your best friend! There is typically at least one ‘wedding vampire’ in a group that will suck all the fun of planning and decision making out of you. Now, this isn’t to scare you, it’s just to give you a bit of a reality check. Although planning a wedding is fun and exciting, it is also a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Remember; “Nothing that is worthwhile ever comes easy.”

So, what can you do to make sure that at least some of the planning comes easy? Add hiring Bride’s Butler to your list of goals for this year. Our Day of Coordination services commence two months prior to your wedding; the final weeks that everything just seems to come together and seem ever so overwhelming. Picking and choosing vendors, colours and dresses is fun – but getting all of those decisions and details together to form an event is like entering into a math test without even knowing what 4 x 4 is. Really, it can be very confusing and stressful – which is not how  you want to feel just weeks before your big day. That’s why we step in 2 months before to help you formulate a timeline, confirm details with your vendors and basically get into your head of how you want your wedding to be. So, add us to your goals this year so that you can focus on other things this year that will bring you happiness and let us take care of the execution of your wedding day so all you have to do is show up, smile and have the time of your life! We guarantee that your wedding day will be the best day for you this year!

Dates are booking fast (August is completely booked!), so be sure to Say Hi or drop us an email at info@ to set up a time to chat about your big day!

Best of luck with your goals and resolutions this year!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: SEPTEMBER 2010

Your Fairytale Awaits…

Your Fairytale Awaits…for a pretty penny of course. Who said money can’t buy happiness?

In Disney World, happiness is around every corner. As you read this, I’m in the ‘most magical place on earth’ for a much needed, much deserved vacation. So, I figured what better time than now to post about Disney’s Wedding Couture Gowns.

Created for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings by Kirstie Kelly these stunning dresses are named after Disney Princesses. Here are a few of the gowns offered – can you imagine yourself wearing one surrounded by blue birds, flowers and of course, your Prince Charming?

The Ariel gown has halter straps and a jewel on the bodice. The fabric is a shimmery silk with a mermaid-like “wave” hem. (shown)
The Belle gown is strapless and incorporates lace, ribbon and bands of satin. The ballgown skirt features taffeta and tulle flowers.
The Jasmine gown is a champagne-colored column dress channels the exotic, fiery beauty of this princess, complete with chiffon and satin with beadwork clusters. It also features an empire waist, appliquéd lace, embroidery, and draping.

The Cinderella gown is elegantly simple. It takes the form of an iconic bridal dress, and is made of silk tulle and duchesse satin with scattered crystals and embroidered beading.
(shown)

Also just announced, Alfred Angelo is teaming up with Disney to offer Wedding Gowns too! Check out a video about the partnership here.

 Images found on About.com

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Are you a DIY Bride?

DIY = Do It Yourself.

You know you’re a DIY kind of gal when you like to paint, draw or illustrate (in pencil or using computer software). You also like to make homemade gifts for friends and family, and take pride in your skills. Whether you sew, scrapbook, cook, bake or create – you like to do it all by yourself.
When in comes to planning your wedding and all the little details, you might want to go the DIYroute simply to ‘save money’ – but this isn’t always so as you will have to buy all the materials and tools needed, plus factor in some time to make everything – and depending on your ideas, if it’s for each guest, that could be a quantity upwards of 100+. We like to recommend vendors to our clients to take care of these things, but if you’re adamant that you must make it all yourself, here are a few DO’s for DIYers according to DIY expert, Khris Cochran.

1. DO be decisive. Nothing will sabotage your DIY experience more than being wishy-washy about your projects. Once you get a solid theme or project idea down, stick with it, or you’ll waste precious time and resources (and drive yourself crazy).

2. DO start early. Most DIYers vastly underestimate the time needed to complete big projects and end up stressed, over budget, and completely burnt out. My handy little tip: Expect each project to take double the time you expect to complete it and budget that into your calendar.

3. DO get help. DIY ≠ DIA (do it alone). Enlist friends and family to lend a hand with the big stuff. There’s no better way to get the party started early than with some craft nights with your nearest and dearest. Pour your favorite beverages and get cozy with your crafty selves.

4. DO shop around for supplies. Spending a few hours comparison shopping can save you hundreds of dollars on tools and materials. Look for store coupons, sign up for retailers’ newsletters (a good source for advance notice of sales and discounts) and always check shipping costs when shopping online, because that can often make an online purchase more expensive than if you bought locally.
5. DO forget perfection. The beauty of DIY items is that you made them by hand. Little flaws are absolutely okay. Embrace the fact that you’re not a machine!
* This post was inspired and based on The DYI Bride’s Top 10 Tips for a One-of-a-Kind Wedding on asiledash.com.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Shhh….

….it’s a surprise wedding!

If you’re a Bride that wants as little ‘hoopla’ has possible to surround you before and during your wedding day, then having a surprise wedding is one way to achieve that. No fussing over you, no fighting over all the little decisions, no ‘hoopla’.

Clients of The Bride’s Butler are having a surprise wedding. I can’t tell you who, or when, or where – but I can tell you that we are so excited to be a part of their unique event! Having a surprise wedding includes a bit more logistics then the ‘average’ wedding, but it can be done. We’re looking forward to this ‘experiment’ as we’ve yet to provide Day of Coordination services for such an event.

Most surprise parties are for birthdays or retirements, but surprise weddings are happening more often as couples want to make their day more personalized, unique, memorable – and of course make their day more about the gathering and celebration than about the “Bride & Groom”.

Stay tuned for a post after the surprise wedding for details….

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Falling in love with Fall

As a Bride you either know that you want a Fall wedding or you don’t. Some Brides would prefer the bright colours and sunshine of the summer, or some would rather have a pastel infused spring wedding, and then there are others that want the crisp, romantic feeling of a winter wedding. Pick a season that speaks to you.  I love Fall.
It’s so rustic – so natural and just oh-so-awesome!
Pumpkins, hay bails, leaves and corn stalks
Gold, brown, sage green, orange and red
Cider, apple pie, cinnamon and cream
I love the season of Fall…..for me, it’s the perfect time of year to fall in love or say I do.
* Image from Google images.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: APRIL 2013

The First Look

 

Most Brides see their Groom for the first time on their wedding day as they walked down the aisle, but now that’s not always the case. Many couples are choosing to have a “First Look” to ease their nerves and spend more time together on their big day.

Sometimes the Bride wants to keep the tradition alive of her future hubby not seeing her until she’s escorted down the aisle so she asks her Groom to face his back to her so she can simply touch him and talk to him without him seeing her, or sometimes the Groom gets blindfolded.

evening dresses AU

Past clients of ours, Leigh and Derek met in the hallway of the hotel they were getting ready at prior to their ceremony to hold hands and exchange gifts. They didn’t look at one another, but being able to connect before they said “I do” helped these two connect and feel at ease.

A lot of couples are choosing to have their photos done prior to the ceremony as well. This allows for more time as time is usually somewhat limited between the ceremony and reception. Also, this enables the everyone, especially the Bride to have a fresh look as their make-up was recently applied and they likely haven’t shed many tears yet.

First Looks have become more popular and more acceptable the past few years. I think they are a great idea if time allows. But, if you do stick to tradition and wait to see your Groom until you walk down the aisle, check out this slide show that has some things Grooms thought/felt when they saw their Bride for the first time.
Are you planning on having a First Look?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Planning perspectives…

 

angel cut waterfall wedding veil

Planning a wedding is the second most stressful life event, followed by the death of a loved one. Crazy, right? While planning your wedding, be sure to have look at it from all perspectives. From your point of view, to your mothers/future mother-in-law, even from your friends and co-workers. Not everyone will want to constantly hear about your plans, but those that love and support you will do just that – give you love and support.

There are going to be issues during your wedding planning  – difference in opinions – and I can guarantee it, there will be spats (between you _ your Groom, between you _ his family /your family and between you _ your friends).

Here are a few issues that may arise and my tip on how to deal with them.

You and your Groom ‘chose’ to be with each other. People in your life are going to have their say/opinion – about you, about your ideas, and about your wedding. No matter what is said, the two of you need to stick together – this is very important. Family is family, you don’t pick them – but you picked who you want to spend the rest of your life with – make that choice count.
TIP: If he doesn’t have your back, and tells you that he feels like he’s “in the middle” of any issues that arise – that might be a sign that he doesn’t view the two of you as a unit. 
Working together should be easy and fun – not a battle.

May you remember that you can’t please everyone, so aim to please just you and your Groom.
Weddings are all about 2 people joining together – and not about what family traditions have to be included, where relatives should be seated _ when to have the first dance. A wedding should only be about you and your fiance – your wants, needs, desires and dreams. Now, this doesn’t mean you should be selfish and not be considerate of others (your guests) but it does mean that if your mother insists that you have your first dance to the song she and your father danced to and you don’t like that song, then you don’t have to. You are creating new memories and traditions so just be yourselves!
TIP: Be tactful and compromise the best you can. Try to put yourself in the shoes of others simply for a ‘reality check’ as planning your wedding can become all encompassing, but don’t settle for a wedding that isn’t what you always envisioned.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. You can plan until you’re blue in the face, but things will still go wrong on your wedding day. Of course having a Wedding Coordinator on site helps with this, but if you don’t have us working with you, try to focus on the reason you are gathered – for a marriage, not just a party. There’s no wedding without the vows.
TIP: Keep a clear perspective. Keep it simple. You, him, marriage, life.

Try to keep your perspective about your wedding planning as sweet as possible. Be respectful, but don’t be taken for granted. Be heard, but not overbearing. Be you – and if that’s an issue for anyone, then they don’t deserve to be a part of your special day.

Overall, try not to get too stressed out – and if you do, that may be telling you more than you think. Take a step back and look beyond the wedding, beyond the ‘one day of celebration’ and make sure that you’re having a party for all the right reasons, because in the end – it is just one day whereas a marriage is forever.

Good luck!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Sneak Peek!

I had mentioned in a previous post that exciting things are happening and here is a sneak peek of what is going on with Bride’s Butler…

We are in the process of a re-brand and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the new logo and look that my talented and beautiful friend Ashley from Ashley and Malone is creating for me! Incorporating my personality and love of rustic items and decor, country music and romance; she is helping me build a brand that I am truly happy with and proud to call my own.

Aside from the look of the logo and website, we are changing a few things. For example, “the” will no longer be a part of the business name and logo, and we’re revamping our services to better meet the needs of our clients.

Stay tuned for more to come as we unveil our new look and celebrate our 5th Anniversary in July.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Tying the Knot

toupee for men

You’re tying the knot…yay! But, are you literally going to tie a knot? Many couples are incorporating tying a knot into their ceremony in place of other union traditions like lighting a candle or pouring sand into a jar.

When I fantasize about my big day, I thought about incorporating this into our “I do’s” but now that nautical weddings are quite popular, I’m not sure that I will. I like to be different, but with so many Brides and only so many ideas, it’s hard to be totally different.

If you haven’t attended a wedding where they’ve literally tied a knot, then why not do it at yours? Be the first!

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: DECEMBER 2010

Happy New Year!

Whether you’re getting married, attending a wedding, or going to a party, or hosting a party this New Years, may it be a fabulous event filled with great laughter, love, fun & excitement!
~ All the best for a fabulous start to 2011 ~
* Image from Google image search – Braden Harris
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!

Merry Christmas!!

“A Christmas Story” has been one of my favourite holiday movies since I was a child. I remember watching it on VHS with my family in the late 80’s and it seemed like no one else had ever heard of it. Classmates thought I was weird, and you just couldn’t find movie memorabilia anywhere. Now, this movie is a fan favourite and a cult classic. My Dad & I are huge fans, we know almost every line!

Last weekend I travelled to Cleveland, OH to see the actual house from the movie. It’s staged to be just like the house was during the movie, and to my delight, Ian Petrella (who played kid brother Randy) was on hand for a meet & greet! Although our meeting was brief, it was a moment I will always cherish.
Being able to see and feel places in the house that were shared by the actors in the movie was an unbelievable experience! The current owner of the house has done a fantastic job with props like furniture, wallpaper and antiques to make it feel like you’re at the “Parker’s”.
As well as the house, there’s a museum dedicated to actual movie props like wardrobe pieces, scripts and toys used in the film.
To have visited “A Christmas Story” house was a fantastic way to start off my holidays! I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with fond memories of the past, and wonderful memories made for future reminiscing with family and friends. I also hope that like Ralphie in the movie, you get what you wished for this Christmas.
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Love is all around

Merry Christmas!

Christmas movies are a must-have in my household. Each year I watch the same ones over and over. My favourites are “A Christmas Story”, “The Santa Clause” and “Home Alone”.

If you’re going to curl up with your fiance and loved ones this season, why not watch a Romantic Christmas movie? Nothing says “I love you” more than the holidays.

Love Actually (2004)

The Holiday (2006)

The Family Stone (2005)

Serendipity (2001)

White Christmas (1954)

December is almost over, be sure to book our “Day of Coordination” services for your 2011 wedding before Dec 31/10 to save $100!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

10 things your Registry shouldn’t be without

Tis the season for shopping for and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time where the malls are full and your wallet is empty. Christmas is also a time of year when some limited edition items are available, especially dishware and entertaining pieces. If you’re getting married next year, perhaps you can add some of your “must have weddings gifts” that are only available this time of year to your Christmas wish list. Tell Uncle Wallace what you would like for Christmas instead of him guessing and you get his and her matching sweaters!

If you haven’t registered yet for your wedding (you can register anywhere from 1 yr to 6 mths before your wedding) then here are 10 things your Registry shouldn’t be without according to “Registry King” Jorge Perez of the popular wedding website, Aisle Dash.

1. Quality Tableware (stemware, china and flatware)
2. Good Cookware
3. A Powerful Blender

4. A High-Powered Microwave
5. Superior Knives
6. Luxurious Sheets
7. Thick, Plush Towels
8. A Barbecue Grill
9. Luggage
10. A Flat-Screen TV

Happy Scanning!

*Images provided by Google Search

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JANUARY 2010

Will you marry me?

Proposals!
Who doesn’t love a great proposal story?
Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!
I love how in the movies, men usually state the girls entire name –
first and middle while on bended knee. “Mary Margaret, will you…”

And, for some reason I think that about 85% of the time, the girl answers with “of course!”

I wonder if there’s a way to find out what the most common phrase uttered after a proposal is?
“Seriously?” or “Oh, my God!”, and ‘of course’ there is the big one, the one the guy wants to hear…”YES!”
(Btw, if you find this percentage, holler at me will ya? Thx)
So, you said YES, now what?
You tell the masses about your proposal, that’s what! Share your exciting and happy news with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and with whomever you want – flash that rock and your ear to ear smile all over the place! You deserve it, you’re getting MARRIED!!

Most couples get engaged and right away they are changing their facebook status from In a Relationship to Engaged. They are tweeting about the proposal, and even possibly sending an announcement to the local paper. What did you do? Did you create a wedding website, or did you happen to have your proposal taped and then uploaded onto Youtube? How did you spread the news?

Once the news is spread, and the congrats and well wishes are graciously recieved, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of planning your wedding. But, we do stress (before you start to stress) that you take time to enjoy being engaged before you dive deep into the planning process. :)

So, what do we suggest are some of the first things you do after the engagement, but before the planning?

Brainstorm with your fiance the type of wedding you both want.

Will there be a theme? How do you want to express your own seperate personalities as well as your togetherness? For some couples it’s through colours, unique details or the style of attire and venue.

To help you brainstorm, we suggest that you pick up a few magazines. Our favourites are Martha Stewart WeddingsToday’s Bride, Weddingbells and Toronto Life’s 2010 Wedding edition. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!
Next, hire a Wedding Planner. Whether you’re a DYI Bride, and you want to plan every detail of your wedding on your own, or you’re a full-time professional with little time or desire (gasp) to plan your own wedding, a planner can help you get the wedding you’ve always dreamt of. Planning a wedding takes lots of time, patience, money and compromise. Yes, even though it’s all about the Bride, remember that there are mothers & mother-in-laws that will have input about your wedding ideas. A Planner can be your right hand woman, your rock, your therapist, and your saving grace when the going gets tough.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. Sometimes the creation of a budget involves you, your fiance, both sets of parents, and your Wedding Planner. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Be prepared to use your compromising skills. :) Your planner can also aid you with making proper decisions in regards to sticking to and within your budget.

Lastly, do your research! If you only want to hire a Wedding Planner for DOC services, thus eliminating your chances of getting industry discounts, extra value and referrals of trusted professionals usually only offered through Full Wedding Planning services, make sure you do much research before you book any vendors. Ask questions, get a second opinion and try to meet or consider 3 vendors at a time. Basically, pretend you’re Simon Cowell of American Idol – only much nicer, and way prettier, and choose the vendors you want to see go to Hollywood (a.k.a your wedding) with you!

We’re so glad you said YES! and are on your way to planning your
Happily Ever After.

*even Wedding Planners sometimes need inspiration. Today’s post was inspired by a blog post at www.weddingaces.com

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

When it comes to stationary….

When it comes to stationary, I like to refer clients to professionals.

If you’re not the DYI type and want to have someone else manage this task, then I suggest you check out Cheri from Invitations by SanSheira’s. Cheri works with The Bride’s Butler and is very creative and fun to work with. She makes all of her invites by hand, and dedicates her time to every couple.

When you meet with your stationary specialist, it’s best to have your wedding colours and theme chosen. Knowing the style and feel you want for your wedding helps formulate the perfect invite. The invitation is the first thing from your wedding your guests see – so it helps set the mood and tone of the event.

Is it a formal affair? More casual? A candle light ceremony, or a bunch vow renewal? Weddings come in all shapes and sizes – and so do invites! Try to bundle your invitation order to include all pieces like the RSVP card, direction card, accommodation note and all envelopes. You may also want to order thank you cards along with your invites if your photographer doesn’t offer it in their package. One thing to remember when choosing and ordering your wedding stationary is that it should all be consistent with one another. All pieces should reflect the same image/style/feel, etc of your wedding.

Will you be picking your invites based on your theme, cultural background, or just simply by your budget?

Work together with your Wedding Planner and your Stationary Specialist to create your own unique
and personalized invites. It’s one of the many tasks in the planning process that is very fun and allows for creativity.

Shown is a Thank You card done by Veronica of Cinnamon Saturday who works with Cheri. This is a cute and whimsical way to take a wedding picture and make it unique.

How will you choose to inform your guests of the style and theme of your wedding? Colours? Textured paper? Ribbons or Jewels?

It’s up to you….and your fiance too of course. :)

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

And the Oscar goes to…..

With the awards season upon us, I got a little inspired to put together an Oscar themed wedding on Bridal Canvas. Using gold, red and black – I created a collaboration of images to portray an elegant and sophisticated event where celebrities dine on the finest of foods, and drink the best of the bubbly. Getting married? Hosting an event?
Try making an inspiration board using magazine or online images. Have fun!

The images for this canvas where sourced online from various sites.
These images are not from our portfolio.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: AUGUST 2013

Wedding Resources for Hamilton Couples

Guest Blogger: Marie Nash

Having been a Hamilton bride myself, and writing a magazine which focuses on everything weddings in the region, I have learnt that getting married in Hamilton can be an amazing experience, especially if you just take advantage of all the fabulous resources available. I feel that one of the first steps in planning any event is educating yourself about all the options available to you, and when it comes to weddings in particular, that means attending exhibits, shows, open houses and picking up reading material. Here I have compiled a list of resources to help you plan your very own #HamOnt wedding!

Hamilton/Halton Wedding Show

Taking place twice annually at the Careport Centre, this wedding show has been a go-to for brides for over 40 years. What this show certainly provides is variety, with hundreds of exhibitors, allowing you to sample or see numerous vendors in one day. This show is a great starting point as it provides you with a great overview of the area’s vendors. My personal advice: You will feel overwhelmed at such a large show. Take a card or brochure from every vendor, head home, and continue your research online. Then book consultations with the vendors you are most interested in.

Ancaster Wedding Show/ Ancaster Wedding Show at Night
This small boutique-style show happens twice annually at the Ancaster Fair Grounds. Like most wedding shows, the AWS has great vendors covering every category of wedding essentials and a great fashion show showcasing the areas numerous options in wedding apparel. However, what sets this show apart from the rest is its small, intimate feel, allowing you a better chance at having longer chats with potential vendors. My favourite feature of this show is the Cupcake Dive, where five brides are chosen to tear through a huge pile of cupcakes to find a hidden ring.

The Vintage Marketplace

Debuting in 2013, this two-day event is not wedding specific but definitely a “must-attend” for any bride seeking that vintage vibe on their big day. You can find fabulous vintage wedding dresses, vintage-inspired invites, props, cakes and even favour ideas! Heck, even if you’re not getting married, this show is way too much fun!

Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine

And to finish off, I would suggest anyone planning a wedding pick up a copy of Hamilton Halton Weddings! As editor of the current edition, I sought out to showcase the best this region has to offer. Inside, you will find two styled shoots, which feature the work of over 20 local vendors, along with two Real Weddings to help you get inspired! I also included a Neighbourhood Shopping Guide, for advice on where to find anything you’ll need right here in Hamilton. You can find a copy of the magazine at Chapters/Indigo locations, at the Hamilton Halton Wedding Show, at the Ancaster Wedding Show or e-version found here

Happy Planning!

marienashMarie Nash is the Editor of Hamilton Halton Weddings and the Creative Coordinator for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of McMaster University twice over, having completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and her Master of Arts in Communication and New Media. Being born and raised in Hamilton, Marie loves everything the city has to offer, especially when it comes to weddings, having planned her own weddings in the city two years ago. In her time away from work, Marie loves to spend time with her husband Nathan and daughter Lola.

Who’s an “Expert?”

For a while there you’d see the word ‘epic’ being used for all most anything. From a tasty burger to accomplishing a skill testing task and even for photographs – everything was ‘epic’. I had always disagreed with the wide use of this word, for in my mind, things that are epic are to be life changing, mind blowing and essentially unforgettable. I’m not sure if 10 years down the road you will remember how delicious that burger was, or how cool you thought that photo was.

Another word that I think is used quite often is “expert.” There is no way anyone can truly be an expert if as humans, we are always learning. Learning from our past, our present experiences and situations and also from lessons yet to be learned. If you have one child, does that make you a parenting ‘expert’? What if you have three? Then you must be a parenting whiz. If you’ve ever eaten an entire pizza in one sitting (come on, admit you have), then does that make you an expert in telling others how you accomplished it? Perhaps you were just hungry.

My point here is that many professionals call themselves or are referred to by others as experts, and I want to get real with you here for a moment… no one can truly be an expert in any given field. We can be educated and knowledgeable about the subject or task. We can be passionate and creative and we can be skilled in executing said profession or position. I have been referred to as a Wedding Industry Expert before, and although flattering, I’m not an expert. The Wedding Industry, like most things in life is constantly changing and growing (sounds like people, eh?). Trends change, new businesses are formed and others fold. To be an expert in this field is a hefty title, and I’m okay with not referring to myself as one. What I can say is that I’m in love with being a Wedding Coordinator – I treat it like I would any relationship. I take pride in it, I nurture it and I grow along with it. I learn from my choices and I continue to network, educate myself and simply give it my all.

So, who do you think is an “Expert?” Do you agree with me that we’re all just simply doing our best with the talents and skills we are given? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, leave a comment below!

Surviving Wedding Season

This post isn’t for the Bride, or the Groom. It’s for those people that get invited to a bunch of weddings in one year and frankly don’t have a soft spot for them. It’s okay not to like weddings – I don’t necessarily understand it (tee hee), but it’s a fact of life – not everyone likes them.

Often you’ll find that you’ve got more wedding invites than you had Christmas cards, but that’s typical. You might notice every 3 years or so you’re going to more wedding then you did the year previous. If you dig weddings, then all these RSVP cards don’t phase you, but if you dislike them, you might want to simply push the invite aside and forget about it.

We suggest that you make your decision within the first 3 days of getting the invite – it’s the best form of proper etiquette and most respectful to the couple. If you don’t really want to attend said wedding, then don’t. As a guest you don’t have an obligation to attend – it’s an invitation, so you can always decline. Think about your relationship with the couple and how much you are about to dish out to attend (gift, attire, etc) before you reply.

If you do say yes, but aren’t overly stoked about it, here are a few tips to keep you sane…..

Get a good nights sleep the night before, drink lot’s of water throughout the day before and the day of the wedding to stay hydrated. Nothing will kick you on your butt faster than dehydration on a summer day.

Find out who else is going to the wedding. If you were invited with other co-workers or friends, then you will likely be seated with them and that can always help the dinner conversation be comfortable and fun.

Don’t watch any movie related to weddings at least two weeks before. If you think weddings are silly (gasp!), then stay away from anything wedding related to reduce your ticking time bomb. No Bride or Groom wants to hear someone tell them they are sick of hearing about weddings, especially theirs. Plus, we all know there is more to life, so be sure to take part in activities you enjoy prior to attending the wedding – it will help you feel less like you are missing out on something by attending. (This is typical for guys attending a wedding of their gf/wife’s friends).

Play “I Spy” with your plus one during cocktail hour. Don’t know anyone there and or you aren’t very social? Make a game of simply people watching or taking in the beautiful decor and venue.

Into pictures? Immerse yourself into capturing moments throughout the day. The Bride _ Groom may thank you for it.

And lastly, just keep cool. Most times when you attend something that you didn’t really want to attend, you end up having a blast. So go with the flow, enjoy the food and drink and above all, celebrate with your friends on their special day.

 

 

 

New Package!!

OMG! We’re squealing with delight over here! We’re so excited to announce that we’re offering a new package to our already awesome list of services…..DIVORCE PARTIES!

So far, three of our previous couples have filed for divorce and have contacted me about planning and executing a divorce party for them.

One is for the guys and will include a pig roast, belly dancers, sick beats from a DJ and jellybean poker.You heard that right – jellybeans. The dude can’t afford to play with real money now that he owes her half of what he has.

Another is for a beautiful previous bride who is getting together with her friends (and previous Bridesmaids) for a trash the dress session. The Bride will wear her gown, and the Bridesmaids will wear their dresses from her wedding and the other gals can wear whatever dress they want! They are going to play paintball in their dresses and have the entire thing filmed and photographed. What a way to make a memory!

The third still isn’t sure how she wants to celebrate, but together, I’m sure we’ll think of something fantastic.

Packages start at $1,200 and include 2 meetings and 5 hours of execution on the day of your divorce party.

As much as I love weddings, divorces can be fun too!

*Okay, okay – before you get your panties in a bunch, take a look at today’s date. Happy April Fools! There is no way I would ever offer services for divorce parties – and NO, none of my clients have separated (that I know of).*

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: APRIL 2011

30% off Day of Coordination services!!

To celebrate today’s Royal Wedding, the most talked about and watched in 30 years, we’re offering 30% off our most popular service – Day of Coordination!
Feel like royalty on your wedding day with assistance from The Bride’s Butler!

This package includes:

•A complimentary coffee & chat to meet and discuss your wedding plans
•Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day
  • An hour long “workshop” meeting 1-2 weeks before your wedding to discuss all details & logistics 
•Coordination at the wedding rehearsal (optional)
•Wedding day management (set-up, ceremony, photos & reception)

The Bride’s Butler will devote their time on your special day to the fine details so you don’t have to. It is extremely reassuring to know that a trusted professional will ensure that your day feels like a fairytale.
Book before June 1st to get this package for only $490!
Rehearsal is an optional service that has an added fee if needing to travel 30km or more

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Royal Wedding Traditions

As William & Kate get married this Friday they will be following some Royal Wedding traditions. And, because they are young, and it’s modern times, they will also not be partaking in some common wedding rituals.

Traditions they are following:

  • Kate’s gown will have sleeves due to both Royal and Church of England protocol
  • A white dress is a must as it’s a Royal tradition that dates back to the very first white wedding dress worn by Queen Victoria
  • Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue
  • Kate’s wedding band will include Welsh gold, a Royal tradition
  • The bouquet will have a sprig of myrtle in it
  • Her bouquet will be left in Westminster Abbey at the grave of the “unknown warrior”
  • Once married they will share a kiss on the balcony
  • Prince William and his Bride will sleep in separate residences on the eve of their wedding
  • Their wedding procession will follow the tradition Westminster route

Traditions they are not following:

  • Kate will arrive to the ceremony by car rather than by ceremonial coach
  • Three different clergymen will conduct the marriage instead of just one
  • William will not wear a wedding band, he’s simply not a jewelery wearing kind of guy

Will you be watching on Friday to see the dress, the decor, the glamour and the love? We will be up at 3am taking it all in as I was asked to write a piece for The Hamilton Spectator giving a Planner’s prospective on the grand affaire!

We look forward to writing a few posts about the wedding, the first being featured on the 30th.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

the Royal House of Love

Prince William will marry Catherine Middleton in 9 days!

As a Bride-to-be you might be just as excited about this wedding as we are! We’ll be watching the Royal Wedding on April 29th, taking in all the glitz & glam!

It’s been known that the Royals can be a bit stuffy. I hear that Kate & Wills aren’t even allowed to kiss after their “I do’s” within Westminster Abbey. But if you watch this “wedding rehearsal” video, it will show you that the Royals know how to cut loose and have a good time…..

*Video is a spoof from T-Mobile
* These are actors, not the Royals – although, wouldn’t it be fab if this really happens? LOL!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Rain on your Parade

They say that rain on a wedding day is good luck.

We say, if you think that it’s going to rain, you should be prepared. Spring weddings have a higher chance of rain than Summer or Fall weddings – although, lately, Ontario weather has been so hard to predict. Therefore, we suggest you be prepared and roll with the punches, or storm clouds… the best you can.

Overcast and rainy days can sometimes make for the best wedding pictures! Just ask your Photographer for his/her thoughts. I bet they will agree. They may even be able to show you some examples which will ease your mind if rain should fall.
Outfitting your wedding party (WP) with rain boots and umbrellas is not only a popular trend for Spring weddings, but is also very smart. Match the umbrellas and boots to your wedding colours or personality (plaid, stripes, polka dots).
Be sure to get large umbrellas for two members of your WP to use (golf size) and have a few on hand for your guests. The only time you want your face to get wet is when you shed a few tears of joy – so try to stay dry the best you can. Having rain boots and umbrellas also make for fabulous and unique photos. And, if it doesn’t rain, you can always use those items simply as props.

No matter what Mother Nature throws at you on your wedding day, be prepared, have fun, and smile!

*Images found on Google search

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: SEPTEMBER 2012

That’s a wrap!

Our 2012 wedding season has come to an end, and we are very pleased with how this year rolled out.

We executed a total of 9 weddings, with 3 being Full Wedding Planning services – so for this part-time business, we’re giving ourselves a little pat on the back for a job well done.
All of the weddings we executed were memorable in their own way, and there were aspects and details from each that were very note-worthy. To share just a few, we’ll start with Natalie, our June Bride who had a sign displayed for her guests that detailed the meanings behind her flower choices. We thought that this was very unique and gave purpose to her flowers rather then them just being simply decor.
Another neat thing I saw this year was the use of Scrabble letters to form the table names for Porsha & Will’s big day. Or the fact that Mary-Anne, our August Bride had not just one cake, but three! She got on the trend wagon and had a cake trio for the day she married her hubby Anthony.
This year was our busiest to date, and we couldn’t have been as successful without the help of my fabulous Assistants. Big hugs and thank you to Brittany, Melissa and Teresa. You guys rock!
Also thanks to some of the fabulous vendors we had the chance to meet and work with for the first time, and to those that we’ve worked with before and some more than once just this year. You guys help in making my job so enjoyable – thank you!
Stay tuned for blog posts in the next few weeks and months that will show Porsha’s, Mary-Anne’s, Margarita’s and Brooke’s wedding day in a recap with details and photos.

Cakes by This Chick Makes Cakes
Now, we’re in planning mode for next year by meeting with Brides. If you’re getting hitched, or know someone that is, feel free to give us a call. Even in the off season, we’re still eager to keep talking about and executing weddings!!
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

4 days to go!

4 days to go until Brooke & Richard are Husband and Wife!

Since last year I’ve been working with this awesome couple to help them plan their wedding. They have been wonderful to work with and I can’t wait to bring all of our ideas, plans and hard work to life on Saturday!

Getting hitched in Paris, Ontario, this couple chose some of the finest vendors to work with, and I will definitely be posting pictures and details about their big day in the upcoming weeks.

If you want to stress less like Brooke & Richard, book us for your 2013 wedding. We’re offering 30% off Day of Coordination services on all bookings prior to Nov 30/12.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

The Art of Calligraphy

Is the art of calligraphy a thing of the past? Your mother, aunt and maybe even your older sister or cousin might remember hand writing all of their escort cards, place cards, etc for their wedding. Nowadays computers print most things for us as a variety of fonts, sizes and ink colours are available. So I gotta ask, would you use calligraphy? It’s timeless and sets the tone for an elegant affair. It’s what the Royals would use, and is oh-so-classy.

If you live in Hamilton, Ontario you can reach out to the Hamilton Calligraphy Guild to see if they have a member that could work with you for your wedding stationery. Or, you could hire a professional like Diane from “Calligraphy by Diane” who’s located in Toronto and has hand written calligraphy for many Brides for their menu cards, programs and more.

With vintage weddings remaining popular, you might just want to consider calligraphy over the computer. Just a thought.

Happy planning!!

*Images from Calligraphy by Diane

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

School Sweethearts

The DIY Bride

With School back for the year it got me thinking about School Sweethearts. I can’t even count how many crushes I had throughout school – all the different boys names I doodled in my notebooks and wondering if I’d ever be any of their Mrs.

Wedding Programs from Etsy

For some couples they are in fact School Sweethearts. They might have been in the same class in elementary school, or went to the same school and didn’t hook up until later in life. Or sometimes, they are High School Sweethearts who’ve been together 5, sometimes 10 years before they tie the knot.

If you met your sweetie in school, check out some awesome ideas from some of the below fabulous sites.





Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: JANUARY 2013

Tick tock…don’t watch the clock!

When I meet with clients for Day of Coordination meetings to discuss all of the plans, logistics and requirements for their wedding day, I always tell them there’s no such thing as too much information. I want to know every single detail, your vision for the day and the timing of the event. It’s always best for your Coordinator to have more information than not enough. Part of DOC services includes assistance with formulating your wedding day timeline. This is the document I will use the most that day and it helps me stay organized while executing the wedding. It tells me when items/services are being delivered or dropped off, when vendors are starting/finishing, how long dinner will be and so on. I’m a big believer that the vendors and myself should be the only ones that have this timeline. We’re the ones making the magic happen, so we need to work together in a timely manner to ensure that the wedding goes off without a hitch!

What I’m not a fan of is this:

The only times your guests need to be aware of is your ceremony start time, cocktail hour and when dinner is to be served. All other things like photos, cake cutting, bouquet toss, first dance, etc are not necessary. Things will change throughout your big day – this is a guarantee. Anytime you are executing a large event with lot’s of people the timing will not be exact. This is my job to concern myself with – not yours or your 100+ guests. Remember, ‘what they don’t know, won’t hurt them’. I’ll make sure to give you heads up when it’s time for your speech, to cut the cake, have your first dance and toss your bouquet.

So my advice, leave the timeline with me and let everyone else, including you and your Groom enjoy the day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Award winning hair style?

Watching the 2013 People’s Choice Awards the other week I noticed that tight up-do’s were popular and wondered if we’ll see styles like that this year for weddings? They can be sleek, but also fun by incorporating braids. What do you think about these 3 styles worn by celebs at the Award show?

Which is your favourite and how are you planning on styling your hair for your big day?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: DECEMBER 2011

Last chance to save $100!

Book Day of Coordination services for your 2012 wedding before tomorrow (Dec 31/11) to save $100!

This popular service is a real stress saver, so do your self a favour and book it now – you’ll not only stress less, but you’ll pay less!

Day of Coordination services include:

•A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements

•An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding

•Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day

•Timeline preparation & execution

•Rehearsal coordination

•Wedding party & family management

•Vendor coordination

•Use of our wedding day emergency kit

•Wedding Day Management (set-up, ceremony coordination, photos & reception)

Day of Coordination provides approximately 30 hours of service, with 8-12 hours being executed on your wedding day.

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

We’re offering NEW services!!

We’re so excited to announce that we’re now offering NEW services to better meet the needs of Brides & Grooms in the Hamilton, Ontario area.

Our most popular service, Day of Coordination will continue to book quickly, but to help those couples that don’t think they need a professional on site ALL day, we’re happily offering other services such as;

Set-Up:

Because you can’t be two places at once, we’ll take care of the set-up for your reception. While you’re getting ready for your big day, you won’t need to worry about the fine details like placing your escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menus, favours and any other elements you’ve planned.

Ceremony Coordination:

Weddings are all about bringing people together to celebrate the love and union of the Bride & Groom. Ceremonies are like a small production with a director, a choreographer and cast. We’re there to assist you for when you say “I do.”

Reception Coordination:

We drastically reduce stress for you, your Groom, wedding party and family members by managing the logistics that are included in hosting a reception.



Our website is currently being referbished by the lovely and fabulously helpful team at Lea Tea Designs, so be sure to check back soon for the refreshed look highlighting our NEW services!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Are you a book lover?

If you love books, or if you’re fiance does, or heck, if you met in a library or college – here are a few great ways to incorporate books into your wedding day!
Guest Book
As seen on Every Last Detail Blog and Wedzu.
Centrepieces



As seen on 2000 Dollar Budget Blog & Offbeat Bride.



Invitations/Programs





Escort Cards
As seen on United With Love & Deb Lindsey Photography
“True love stories never have endings”
Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES: NOVEMBER 2012

Me like Cookies

Cookies were served as a late night sweet treat in June 2012

It looks like Cookie Monster is helping set a trend for the 2013 wedding season. Cookies are set to be cropping up at weddings next year for favours and desserts.

Entering the wedding circuit in 2011, cookies made an impact, but weren’t as popular as cupcakes, cake pops, candy buffets and even pies. But if you or your hubs-to-be is a cookie monster, then you’ll be happy to know the cookie is here for 2013!

Sugar cookies can be decorated any way you like, and can also be packaged in a variety of different sizes and shapes – making for a unique and personalized favour or treat.

Two of my clients last year had cookies for their guest takeaway. Giving an edible favour is a great idea because everyone always likes something to eat. Most times the edible favours will be eaten or taken home so you know you’ve spend your money well, unlike some of the other offerings like candles, soap or picture frames.

Angie & Serge had Cupcake Diner make them themed cookies
for their May wedding.
Natalie & Jason gave a simple sugar cookie for their
June 2012 wedding.

If you want to have cookies at your wedding, just remember that you don’t have to go with the decorated sugar cookie. You can pick your favourite from your childhood, or choose one because you like the name (i.e: snickerdoodle) or ask a Grandma or Aunt to bake their signature cookie for you.
There are so many options! Also, think outside the box on how to serve your cookie(s) if you’re not having them as a favour, but as a sweet treat. Will you serve it with milk? Hot chocolate?

Photo from Postcards & Pretties

What do you think about this 2013 wedding trend? Do you like cookies?

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Don’t miss out!

Did you know that planning and hosting a wedding is the 2nd most stressful life event? Ranking right up there with the loss of a loved one is what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?


We’re offering 30% off Day of Coordination services for 2013 weddings booked before November 30th, 2012. Having a dedicated Coordinator on site for your wedding will help reduce the amount of stress you and your hubby to be might be feeling.

Finishing off the evening with a photo
with newlyweds Brooke & Richard.

Here’s what you’ll get with DOC services:

  • A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements
  • An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding
  • Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day
  • Timeline preparation & execution
  • Rehearsal coordination
  • Wedding party & family management
  • Vendor coordination
  • Use of our wedding day emergency kit
  • Wedding Day Management (set-up, ceremony coordination, photos & reception)

Day of Coordination provides approximately 30 hours of service, with 8-12 hours being executed on your wedding day. 


Other than your DJ & Photographer, no other vendor will spend that many hours with you on your wedding day. We are there the whole day to ensure that all of your hard work planning pays off.


Don’t miss out! Call or email us today to set up a date for the complimentary chat!




* Photo by Unveil Photography

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.

Selecting your venue

This Saturday I’m going with my clients Brooke and Richard to look at a venue for their 2012 wedding. Do you know what to look for when deciding on a venue? Here are some helpful tips:

Dates:
Do they have your specific date available? If not, are you willing to change yours? Perhaps any Saturday in July is okay with you – or maybe you want a Friday. Check first – this will help you narrow your venue selection if you are dead set on a specific date.

Décor:
A lot of Brides & Grooms will fall in love with the décor and want to book right away. Be sure not to get caught up in the looks of it all. Remember; don’t judge a book by its cover. You want your venue to meet other needs as well.

Electrical:
What is the lighting like? Can it be lowered or altered? Will you need extra lighting? Also, check out the number of outlets in the room. This will come in handy for your DJ, Photographer and Decorator (if you hire one).

Candles:
Are you allowed to have candles lit during your reception? If so, can they be open flame, or must they be contained within a vase or jar? What about sparklers or fireworks?

Food:
Do they provide the food through in-house catering? Or do you have to hire an outside company? If they provide the food, what are your options and can you build from the existing packages – for example, make the filets bacon wrapped, or swap out mashed potatoes for baked. Also, can you bring in outside food? This is an important question if you have religious or traditional beliefs you need incorporated into your special day.

Drink:
Is alcohol (bar) included in the menu cost? Will you need to bring in your own drinks and bartender? If so, you’ll need to incorporate a liquor licence into your budget.

Extras:
What’s including with your booking? Some venues offer discounts at local hotels, or other wedding vendors such as limo and cake. Do they include linens and dishware in the price, or is that extra? Find out exactly what the “packages” offer.

Bathrooms:
Be sure to check the bathrooms. Are they easily accessible? Are they clean and well maintained? How many bathrooms and stalls?

Room layout:
Are you on the main level, or the second floor? Lot’s of stairs? Is there a room for you and your Wedding Party to freshen up in? Is there enough room for all of your guests and a dance floor?

Costs:
Is there a minimum you must spend in order to have your wedding at the venue? Is it slightly cheaper to have your wedding on a Friday rather than a Saturday? Are you able to cut costs by removing items from their “packages”? Also, keep in mind that 50% of your budget will be spend on the venue, including food & beverage.

Payment:
What kind of payment schedule do they follow? What percentage of your total cost is the deposit, and also find out if you have to pre-pay for your event, or pay the night of (balance owing). Also, find out about any hidden costs – this translates to read the contract!

Photographs:
When looking at the lighting, think of your pictures – although most Photographers should bring adequate equipment for this. Will you be taking pictures on site? Where, and will you need a permit or permission or are the grounds included in the booking of the venue?

Staff:
Meet the Manager/Owner and the Chef if possible. If they have an Event or Venue Coordinator, they will likely be your main contact. This person is key for your Wedding Planner, as we work together on your special day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Remember, a Venue Coordinator is not the same as a Wedding Coordinator.

Parking & Transportation:
Is the parking free, or will you have to pay per car? Is there enough parking for your guests and is it accessible? Will they have to park away from the location and walk? Will it be well lit at night? Is your venue near any hotels? Is your venue easy to find via a street map or road signage? If you’re ceremony is held at a different location, how far is this venue from it? You shouldn’t have your guests drive more than 30-45 minutes if possible.

Weather:
If you’re planning a summer wedding, does the venue have A/C? If not, how many windows open and to what degree? If in the winter, does the heat work and or is there a fireplace? If you’re having your ceremony at the venue and you want it outside, will it be tented, or do they have a room that can be used if it rains? How do they plan to maintain the grounds in wet weather such as rain or snow? Do they plough, drop ice melter, etc?

As you can see, ask lot’s of questions. If you’re working with a Planner, they will be able to guide you through the selection process of finding the right venue for your wedding. Don’t wait too long to find, select and book your venue. Some places are booking 16-24 months in advance!

Visit us at www. for more information on how we can work together to help you plan a memorable wedding or special event.