20% Off = less money & less stress

Save 20% on our popular Day of Coordination services for your September, October or November wedding if you book before July 31/12.

Fall is the season that more and more Brides are choosing to say “I do.” We want you to be able to save money and stress less on your most special day.

Typically, clients will book Day of Coordination services 6-12 months prior to their wedding, but if you’ve been thinking that you can handle everything on your own up until now, then that’s okay!

We have a few Fall dates still available, so book now and save!

As your Day of Coordinator, we’re there to work for you, to make sure that your plans are executed as envisioned and that you are able to enjoy your day as a Bride and not as a Bridezilla. LOL!

We’ll meet twice prior to your wedding, chat on the phone and send many emails back and forth – all preparing you and your vendors for a spectacular day!

Let us manage your wedding party, guests and vendors. Let us set-up your décor details like your gift table, candy buffet, escort cards and centrepieces.  And let us communicate with your vendors to make sure that the services they are providing match with what you ordered.

We don’t offer a discount this large often, so do yourself a favour and hire a vendor that will work for you, have your back and make sure that you get the wedding you’ve been working so hard to plan!

You said Yes

Who doesn't love a great proposal story?

Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!

You said YES, but now what? You tell the masses about your proposal, that's what!
Share your exciting and happy news with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and with whomever you want - flash that rock and your ear to ear smile all over the place! You deserve it, you're getting MARRIED!!

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?

Brainstorm with your fiance the type of wedding you both want.

Will there be a theme? How do you want to express your own seperate personalities as well as your togetherness? For some couples it's through colours, unique details or the style of attire and venue.

To help you brainstorm, we suggest that you pick up a few magazines. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!

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.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Typically couples pay 1/3 with both sets of parents. Staying within budget is hard - do your best to not spend too much!

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.

We're so glad you said YES! and are on your way to planning your

Happily Ever After.

*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

Paying in full may cost you

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.

A bit about Me

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.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Our last post focused on The Rehearsal and all that it entails, so now we’re going to chat about The Rehearsal Dinner. 

Typically hosted by the Groom’s parents, this event occurs after the rehearsal of your ceremony. This is an event that you hubby-to-be might want to be involved in a bit more, and if it’s alright by you, you should let him pick the place, type of food and if there will be a theme. For some ideas, check out this article on The Knot. 

Most couples will have a semi-formal Rehearsal Dinner at a local restaurant or even at the venue if they have on site catering or a restaurant. The dress is business casual and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. Everyone is excited, and a little nervous as they await the wedding that is about to take place. The rehearsal dinner is the best time to present your parents and wedding party with their gifts and to thank them for their support, participation and love during your engagement. If you don’t like to make grandiose speeches, take the time to chat to each person and thank them – as you likely won’t have the time or the proper thought process to do it on your actual wedding day.

Who pays for the Rehearsal Dinner? Usually the Groom’s parents, but this is quite old fashioned as it was because the Bride’s parents paid for the wedding. Nowadays, couples are paying for their own wedding, or pitching in a 1/3 with both sets of parents. So when discussing the wedding budget, be sure to factor in the Rehearsal Dinner. Work out a total and method of payment that works for all parties involved.

Be sure to have fun at your rehearsal dinner, but we advise that you keep alcohol consumption to a minimum and try to limit your salt intake. You don’t want to be dehydrated or bloated on your wedding day. Enjoy the company of your family and friends and be sure to enjoy the moment.

So, who’s invited to the Rehearsal Dinner? Parents, Grandparents, the wedding party and their significant others and your officiant (specifically if you’re a member of a church). If you have guests coming from out of town for your wedding, it’s a nice gesture to invite them to the dinner as well.

Whomever is hosting the event should send out the invites about 3 weeks prior to the wedding. It’s usually assumed that there will be a rehearsal followed by a dinner, but you should still send out a formal invite. Need some ideas? Check out these rehearsal dinner invitations by the Wedding Paper Divas.

Wishing you a fabulous time at your Rehearsal Dinner!

The Rehearsal

You know when you were in dance class as a little girl and they had many rehearsals for the recital? Remember  you practiced your dance steps repeatedly and how to smile big for the audience in front of your mirror? As the recital grew closer, you probably even had a dress rehearsal - well, you won't get that for your wedding, but  you should at least have a rehearsal.

The ceremony is the most important part of a wedding, heck, there is no wedding without the exchange of the vows and rings. Once more than one person is involved in something, it becomes a bit of a production, therefore you need to practice. And practice makes perfect, right? Well, not really, but close.

Having a rehearsal will help put everyone on the same page as to how the ceremony will play out. When they are to arrive, to what location, how they are to dress, what they should say and do and so on.
The rehearsal is also a good time for you to ask any questions you might have to your Officiant, Coordinator and venue.

Typically the rehearsal is held the evening before your wedding and consists of the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and immediate family members. You should try to have it at your church/venue if you can - even if there is a slight up charge. Being able to walk down the aisle a few times prior to your big day will help ease your anxiety of doing it in front of a few dozen people.

Have fun at your rehearsal, but not too much (ahem, Groomsmen, this means you). You'll want to listen carefully to whomever is directing it be your Officiant or Coordinator. You'll want to pay attention to the cues and to where you are to stand.

After the rehearsal is the Rehearsal Dinner usually hosted by the Groom's parents. This is the time you can let loose and have some fun.

So, we suggest that you have a rehearsal for your wedding. Even if it has to occur a week or a few days before. It's a great way to get everyone together in a less formal way, but still be able to cover the important aspects of what lies ahead for the most important day of your life.