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

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.

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!

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

Lasting Love

'A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.  The order varies for any given year.'  ~Paul Sweeney

Weddings are a beautiful event, but even more beautiful is to see the same couple year after year still in love. As you travel through life, you'll grow and change with your partner, and hopefully you'll see that true love never dies.

My parents celebrated their 33rd Anniversary yesterday and their relationship is a true testament that love can last. My parents have a union that is one to honour, respect and admire. They make me think that fairytales actually do exist.

May your wedding day be the beginning of many Anniversaries to come with your partner - your best friend.

Good luck to all of The Bride's Butler's newlyweds, and congratulations to clients celebrating anniversaries. And, congratulations to my parents.

'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.'  ~Mignon McLaughlin 

The Bride wore white...& so did the Maids.

I saw this post last month on The Knotty Bride & although the Bride looks stunning, I just couldn't help but think...Bridesmaids wearing white?!?!

To me, that is the colour reserved for the Bride, and only the Bride. I'm actually quite against guests wearing white as well, or any shade resembling it - champagne, ivory or pale silver.

Am I totally old fashioned or what?    

Would you want your Bridesmaids to wear white for your wedding?

*inspired by post writen by Alison on The Knotty Bride. Pictures taken by Max Wanger.

 

12 Days of Sharing

This is a special post to get you involved in our

"12 Days of Sharing" promotion! Starbucks is having a promotion from December 1st to 12th, so we thought that we would too!

If you're already a fan of ours on Facebook, then you probably know about this contest - but if you're not yet....what are you waiting for?!? (Ahem, a good bribe perhaps? Well, this is it.)

For existing fans of The Bride's Butler on Facebook:

All you have to do is tell your friends and family to officially 'like' us on Facebook and you could win a $20 gift card. As the winner you get to choose if you want your gift card to be from the LCBO, Beer Store or Starbucks. To be entered to win, you must have your friend or family member write on the page wall that you sent them. For example "Stacey Smith sent me" or "Referred by Stacey Smith" and volia, you (a.k.a Stacey Smith) will be entered to win the gift card of choice. The winner will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page on Monday, December 13th.

To make it even easier for you, copy and paste this in a message to your friends:

Hi,
I’m a fan of The Bride’s Butler on Facebook and you should be too! You could win a Starbucks gift card by supporting this Hamilton based Wedding & Event company. Just “Like” the page and write on the wall that I sent you and you’re entered to win!

Chances of winning depend on how many people you tell about us. So start sharing, you’ve got 12 days to spread the love!


For the newbies:

If you've been referred to our Facebook Fan Page between Dec 1-12, you are a NEW fan. Let us know who sent you and you could win a Starbucks gift card. There are 1 a day to be won, so as long as you 'like' us between December 1st to 12th, you're good for an entry. All 12 winners will be announced on the wall following the promotion on December 13th, 2010.

Questions? You can reach us through email, info@bridesbutler.ca, or @Bridesbutler on Twitter or message us on Facebook.


Thanks for supporting The Bride's Butler - and good luck!


Happy Holidays!


Rules, Regs and all the legal mumbo jumbo:
Contest starts at 7:30am EST December 1st and ends December 12th at midnight (12am EST).
Existing fans are encouraged to promote the Fan Page and will be rewarded with a contest entry for a $20 gift card from their chosen vendor - LCBO, The Beer Store or Starbucks. New fans are anyone that 'likes' the Fan Page during Dec 1 -12 and posts who referred them. Only by posting on the wall are they eligible to win 1 of the daily prizes of a Starbucks gift card. There are 12 Starbucks cards in total. The Starbucks gift card is valued at $5. All prizes are as promoted. Prizes can not be exchanged for cash. If the 'existing fan' gift card winner is American, a substitute prize will be awarded at equal value.

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

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

$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.

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!

Paparazzi

Everyone at one time or another wants to feel like a celebrity. At your wedding, you and your Groom are the celebrities - and your Wedding Party are like your groupies - and your guests are your fans.

A popular trend at weddings and events has been the Photo Booth (or Photo Shoot). A backdrop is set up with proper lighting and a designated photographer (aside from your main photog) to take photos of you and your guests. You can offer these photos as a favour or as an additional keepsake.

Alexis & Kevin had a Photo Shoot at their 'surprise wedding' on October 10th. With a secluded location away from the 'hub' of the party and the red coloured carpet upstairs at Swing Restaurant, their "red carpet + grand affair" backdrop worked wonderfully! Alexis made the backdrop and it really made everyone who got their picture taken infront of it feel like a super star!

 Alexis & Kevin used the Photo Shoot photos taken by the lovely Sarah from Indigo Stars Photography as part of their Thank You cards. Each guest could fill out a ballot size info sheet with their names and select if they wanted a picture of just themselves, or a picture of the Bride & Groom mailed to them. You could select both if you wanted to make sure you got one of the  new husband and wife as they were the 'main attraction' afterall - even though the guests didn't know it! LOL!

Before the event started and guests began to arrive, Sarah captured a shot of me on the 'red carpet' and it helped excentuate the excitment I was already feeling. This wedding was truly one of a kind - and I've got the photo to prove it!!

Surprise...it's a wedding!

We were on-site for Alexis and Kevin's SURPRISE wedding! It all took place at Swing Restaraunt at Lochness Links in Welland on October 10th.

How did they pull off a surprise???

Alexis and Kevin have been together for a while and wanted as little fuss as possible to surround their planning process. In February I met with Alexis to hear about her idea and I was instantly intriqued and wanted to be a part of this event. In the months leading up to her big day she sourced vendors and made all the plans herself - all the while telling people she was planning a surprise 35th birthday party for Kevin.

It wasn't until 3 weeks before their wedding that they informed their mothers and siblings - and it wasn't until the morning of October 10th that friends were asked to be in the wedding party! They kept everything a secret (well, except from me and the other vendors hired) - and they pulled it off!!!

Here's how it all went down....

• Alexis & Kevin got engaged and wanted a different wedding that wouldn't be filled with "but you know", or "I had/ I did" or "you should/ I would"...they wanted a wedding their way and without all the fuss of showers and stags.
• Alexis realized that she couldn't execute this event on her own, so she hired us for Day of Coordination.We help 'you' be at 2 places at once.
• Vendors were hired (Venue, DJ, Photographer, Officiant, Florist, Baker & a Band)
• Multiple meetings were had - with Alexis & I - and with Alexis, Kevin, myself, my Assistant & Adam from Swing Restaruant - we planned, we coordinated and we hoped that their secret stayed a secret.
• Email invites went out to their guests "You're invited to Kevin's 35th Birthday Party" - rsvp's came in.
• Phone calls and texts were had leading up to the big day - some changes made to timeline, plans, etc

And then, it' was the day of....

Kevin's friends think they are taking him to Toronto for the day as a 'party' decoy - they arrive at his house to be told "today is my wedding boys, suit up!"

Alexis is at The Keefer Mansion getting ready with her Mom, sister and friends.

She looked beautiful, don't you think?

My Assistant Samantha and I stopped in with Alexis to see how she was doing and to get the Marriage Licence and other final documents. We then headed over to Swing to set up for the event. We placed centrepieces out. We made sure the Vanity Care baskets were in the washrooms. We made sure everything was were it was meant to be placed/set-up and that the Chocolate Bar was displayed according to Alexis' plans.

The Chocolate Bar was a replacement for a Wedding (or should I say, Birthday) cake. I think that it was a fabulous idea and since the couple love chocolate, it was a perfect detail for their special day!

Flowers arrived, cupcakes arrived, the DJ came, and so did the Band. The Officiant showed up - and all we had to do was wait for the Bride & Groom.

It was pretty funny to see guests arrive in semi- formal and casual clothes bearing birthday presents for Kevin. Some people were whispering and wondering if something was up, but Samantha, myself, the rest of the vendors and the Swing staff kept the story straight - it was Kevin's birthday party.

When the Bride & Groom and wedding party arrived, I met them outside while Samantha told the Officiant that it was 'show time'. Howard, their Officiant made an announcement that "the guest of honour" had arrived and then.....SURPRISE!..and in walked Kevin & Alexis hand-in-hand in their tux and gown! Guests were shocked, but everyone cheered in such delight - it was AWESOME! Immediately the couple conducted their ceremony in the middle of the dance floor. Once they were pronounced Husband and Wife there was a flood of applause and everyone couldn't wait to congratulate them and of course ask how they pulled this off.

Congratulations to Alexis and Kevin for planning and hosting a fabulous party! You both did a stellar job in planning one of the most unique and memorable events. I'm so pleased and honoured that we were included.

Thank you.

*Photos provided by Robert Collins of Adjusting Light

Next blog post will showcase the Photo Op that Alexis & Kevin had set up for guests after the 'surprise' was revealed.

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!!

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!

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

"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.

We got a makeover!

"To accompolish great things, we must not only act,

but also dream; not only plan, but also believe"

~Antatole France

The Bride's Butler website got a makeover! Check out our new layout and let us know what you think!

We hope that you find our site informative, useful and easy on the eyes. :)

If you have any questions about the services we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us - we'd love to hear from you!

Happy planning!

Thanksgiving

This weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving, and The Bride's Butler will be really busy with 2 weddings. That's right - 2. One on Saturday, and another on Sunday. Holidays and long weekends are becoming very popular for weddings. Since I'll be absent from being able to have dinner with my family, I thought I'd devote this post to giving thanks.

Pictured is the Angel of Thanks - I have a few of these, but have yet to obtain this one. Perhaps I should, as I have much to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for.....

- my parents...their constant love & support is so appreciated, and I love them with all my heart.
- my brother, sister-in-law & nephew...they always make me smile everytime I see them.

- my best friend, who has supported me, guided me and been by my side through thick and thin.

- mabel's labels....for providing a fun, safe, loving and supportive work environment.

- lessons learned...life will never give you anything you can't handle.

- my awesome car.

- a great pair of jeans, a comfy hoodie and a lived in baseball hat.

- the feeling and smell of fall in the air. The sights, the smells & the tastes.

- my clients....who with their help of positive promotion brings me more clients. I love my job.

- my health, and the health of my family and friends

- fond memories of people and experiences that induce an instant a smile

- buttered toast, earl grey tea, ice cream and chocolate

- a fantastic country song that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs.

- prayers....the good kind, the wishful kind, and the kind that gives karma a little nudge.

- a glass of red wine shared with friends

- what lies ahead....I'm thankful for each and every day.

May you all be thankful for something or someone this Thanksgiving.

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

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.

For more inspiration and ideas check out Khris Cochran's  The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding and The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown: 40 Fabulous Projects to Make in the Months, Weeks & Hours Before Your Special Day.

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....

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.