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?

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.

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.

*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

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.

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.