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@bridesbutler.ca
905-516-9060

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.

Losing Weight for your Big Day!

I hear it all the time from clients, friends and family - they want to lose weight before their big day.
Sometimes it's not just the Bride that wants to lose a few pounds for her trip down the aisle, but it's also Bridesmaids, Mothers of the Bride or Groom and even guests.

Recently I started replacing 1 or 2 of my meals a day with protein shakes from Arbonne. And in just one week, I lost 5 pounds! They are easy to make, are completely vegan and gluten free and taste so good!
Seriously, they taste nothing like a regular protein shake. They are smooth, delicious and good for you!

If you're looking to shed some inches, let me know and I can order you products from Arbonne to get your body and skin in tip-top shape for your special day! As an Arbonne Consultant I can get you discounts and special offers on any of their awesome plant-based products.

Check out the line of health & fitness products here.

Wedding Videos

The word 'video' makes me think of a VHS - an old school way to capture memories. These days technology is so high end that you can end up with a wedding video that looks like a mini-movie.

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with the team from Captivate Bridal for the wedding of Natalie and Jason this past June. Now, I've gushed quite a bit about their wedding here, and here and have bragged about ther 2 page spread they got in the Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine - and once you see this video you'll know why this wedding is one of my all time favourites. Not only are Natalie and Jason adorable, oh-so-good-looking and in love, but their wedding was full of beautiful details, precious moments and many smiles.

Click here to watch the film.

I love how it starts out with the boys kickin' back and having a game of road hockey. What a great way to let off some steam that accompanies the nerves of a wedding day.

And then at 1:44 you get a look at how Natalie spent her morning getting ready with her best girlfriends.

If you're a Daddy's girl, you'll get choked up at around 3:10 when her Dad enters and you can hear parts of his speech to his daughter and her new husband. Sigh.

Also, take note of how many times Jason looks at Natalie so adoringly. I found myself smiling along with him and even getting a little misty eyed.

Kudos to Captivate Bridal for capturing their wedding in such a beautiful and memorable way.

Do you want your big day captured on film? Then check out Captivate Bridal so you too can have such a fabulous keepsake.

*Photos by Angela Devries Photography

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.

Lights, camera, action!

I'm so excited to be the Day of Coordinator for Lizzie & John's big day in February! They've planned a movie themed wedding and I can't wait to hear all of their fine details when we have our final meeting in a few weeks.

I was connected with Lizzie through Twitter (man, I love Twitter) when looking for bartenders for an August 2012 couple. Lizzie & John were on hand for Mary-Anne and Anthony's wedding and they were fantastic! They are such a cute pair - they are they type of  kind, genuine people that go above and beyond for others. Since the August wedding, they've also provided bar services for a Holiday Party I coordinated for my full-time gig at Mabel's Labels. Simply put, I adore these two and am so looking forward to assisting them on their most special day!

Photos captured by Lindsay Taylor Photography

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?

Love in Print x 2!

If you want inspiration for your wedding you can look to weddings you've attended, search through blogs, or hunt of ideas on Pinterest. There are lot's of ways to get ideas for your big day, but nothing compares to flipping through the pages of a Wedding Magazine.

Grab the 2013 edition of Hamilton Halton Wedding Magazine, make yourself a tea and cozy up on the couch for a good read filled with local vendors, ideas, inspriational shoots and real weddings.

We are over the moon excited to have 2 of our Day of Coordination weddings featured in the magazine!

On the cover you'll see Morgan & Adam, their wedding was in August and the photo was captured by the lovely and talented Beth Kay. Big thanks to Morgan for the shout out to us in the blurb about their beautiful day! xo

Mosey on in a little further and you'll find a two-page spread of Natalie & Jason's June wedding. This wedding was full of romance, pink, fine details and of course, cupcakes! Thank you so much to Nat & Jason for inviting us to be a part of your special day and for the kinds words. Here's what Natalie tweeted about working with us; "Our vision for our wedding day would not have been brought to life without you!" For more about their wedding check out the feature in the mag, or our re-cap here.

DISCOUNT Alert! Book with us before May 1st, 2013 and tell us that you saw these Real Weddings in the Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine and save 10% on Day of Coordination Services!

Happy New Year!

It's 2013!!

Where has the time gone?! If you've been planning a wedding that's to take place this year, you'll know what I mean about time flying by - there just never seems to be enough of it!

2012 was a fabulous year for The Bride's Butler. We executed 9 weddings, had a few mentions and articles in The Hamilton Spectator, won the Diamond Readers Choice Award for Best Wedding Planner in Hamilton and had TWO of our Day of Coordination weddings featured in the Hamilton Halton Weddings Magazine!

Each year I get to meet new vendors, as well as work with some old favourites. I'd like to thank a few of them for their continued support, assistance and wonderful service in 2012.

Elizabeth In Love - Morgan & Adam (August)

Angela Devries Photography - Natalie & Jason (June)

Golden Horseshoe Photo Booth - Brooke & Richard (September)

Designs By Law - Brooke & Richard (September)

This Chick Makes Cakes - Mary-Anne & Anthony (August)



Langdon Hall - Porsha & Will (July)



Also I want to give big hugs and many thank you's to the gals that assisted me this year; Brittany, Melissa, Teresa & Krista. Your help, dedication, support and friendship do not go unnoticed. Thank you. xo

Lastly, thank you to the couples that invited me to be a part of their special day. Working with each of you was a pleasure and I'm so glad that your wedding was a day of love, laughter and happiness.

All the best to everyone this year - may it be a fabulous year!

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.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas 

& all the best for 2013!

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!

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

Set Up Services

This past August we had the pleasure of working with Mary-Anne and her hubs Anthony for their summer wedding (a post featuring their special day will be coming up as soon as I get some pics from the Photographer). 

As part of their services, we assisted with the set-up of their venue, Ruthven Park in Cayuga. This is a beautiful historical site that offers an outdoor ceremony location and a fabulous reception area.

If you're a Bride that doesn't feel Day of Coordination services are necessary, although we beg to differ - read our take on that here...and here - you can hire us for Set Up Services. This service is perfect for couples that need set-up of tables, chairs, linen, dishware, etc on the day of their wedding. No need to ask your family or wedding party to haul furniture and decor prior to the ceremony when we can do it for you!

Save yourself and your family/friends the stress and sweat and book with us. Here's proof of what we can do in about 3-4 hours.

Venue: Ruthven Park
Rental Company: Special Event Rentals

The Best Man

"May the Best Man Win" - and he can by following some simple rules. The Best Man is the guy in the wedding party that I tend to either really like, or dislike. They can being doing so well taking care of the Groom, keeping him on time for photos, etc and then - BAM! mess up the speech and his score depleats.

As the Best Man you want to make sure that everyone likes you - that they simply think you are the 'best' man. It is your job to ensure that the Groom is calm, dressed, on time and sober on his wedding day.  You carry the rings, and you give a speech. Pretty simple, and yet we've seen the worst of 'em.

Here are some tips for you as the Best Man to help your friend the Groom have a stellar day:

- Be on time, be sober and be ready to get dressed for photos.

- Be a little nicer than usual to the Groom, he'll be very nervous so you're support & humor will be welcomed.

- Be even nicer to the Bride. Even if you're not her biggest fan, treat her with the utmost respect on her wedding day.

- Don't flirt excessively with a Bridesmaid or guest - unless of course they are your wife. Remember that you're not attending the wedding - you're kind of on the job.

- Give a speech that is short (less than 5 mins), kind and thoughtful. No one likes inside jokes, roasting of the Groom, or 'before he met her' stories. Save that for the Stag.

- Hold the rings and don't lose 'em.

- Assist with any clean up at the end of the night, including taking gifts in your car.

Overall, be kind and have fun. Be social and enjoy the role of being the Best Man in the room.

*Photo by Elizabeth in Love

What to Wear to a Wedding

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. Although a new trend is to have Bridesmaids wearing white as well, it's still best for you not to wear it too.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. Believe me, I've seen my share of too short dresses! If you can't sit without having to constantly pull your dress/skirt down, it's too tight. Be classy.
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 season

Long statin gowns look funny in the summer, and short patterned dresses look odd in the winter. This is common sense stuff - dress for the season.


#4 – Mind your straps

Strapless dresses are popular, but we suggest that if you go that route, take a cardigan you can wear at the ceremony and over dinner. If you wear a dress with straps, be sure that they fit well and won't slide down your shoulders all night. You want a good fit, and to be comfortable while celebrating.


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

Saying "I do" in Disney

As you read this I'm in Disney World.
Jealous, right?

I have been to Disney more times than taking my age and cutting it in half. I have stayed at more Disney Resorts than the average person even knows exists. Disney is like my 2nd home. So, it's only fitting that I've fantasized about a Disney wedding. If and when I finally say "I do" I'm not sure it will be in Disney, but a girl can dream.

For some swoon worthy photos of some lucky gals that did get hitched in WDW, check out this blog.

Have a great week! M.I.C...See you real soon!

Morgan & Adam Part II

Time to soak in all the loveliness that was Morgan & Adam's wedding....

Beautiful, right?

Big thanks and much love to Beth from Elizabeth in Love for capturing such beauty.



Morgan & Adam Part I

In August I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth from Elizabeth in Love. I had heard about this awesome and lovely gal many times through the wedding grape wine, and then had the pleasure of meeting her at a friends wedding in June. At that wedding we were able to chat briefly about how excited we were to be working together for Morgan & Adam's big day.

Morgan & Adam got married in the beginning of August on a nice, warm (okay, kind of hot) summer day at one of my favourite venues in the Hamilton Area - the Tamahaac Club. Their theme was vintage romance, and they planned their big day with such detail. Morgan knew exactly how she wanted the venue to look, and it turned out beautifully.

Using baby's breath (the Groom's favourite), roses and hydrangeas, the tables welcomed guests for a dinner that was simply mouth watering. The bridesmaids wore white, and the groomsmen grey. The Bride & Groom had a first look photo session prior to uniting in a Jewish ceremony.

Here are some photos that display just how beautiful their wedding was.

It was so nice to have worked with Beth, and I hope that we'll be able to work together in the near future to capture and execute more weddings that are beautiful.

Next blog post will feature Part II: the details.