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.

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?

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

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?

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.

Congratulations Brooke & Richard!

After assisting Brooke & Richard  in planning their wedding in just a week shy of a year, it was so awesome to have seen it all come together fabulously on the 29th of September. Tying the knot on a beautiful fall day, these two love birds were surrounded by family and friends and had a fabulous party!

Going with a rustic chic theme, we incorporated twine, homemade wooden boxes for the centrepieces, hydrangeas, kale, mason jars, lanterns, twine and crates. Using the love bird theme to bring it all together, you could spot them ontop their cake, on the menus, gift table, bunting and even with the favour as they were heart shaped birdseed ornaments.

Here are some photos from Brooke & Richard's wedding day....

Photography: Unveil Photography

Venue: Paris Grand Golf & Country

Flowers: Designs by Law

Cake/Cupcakes: This Chick Makes Cakes

Full Planning & Styling: The Bride's Butler

Officiant: Kettle Creek Weddings

DJ: Pynx Productions

Photo Booth: Golden Horseshoe Photo Booth

Make-Up & Hair: Gibson Glamour