Everyone likes games, and what better time to play some then at your wedding?

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.

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!

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.

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.