A special Bridal Shower gift

A dear friend of mine is getting married in a few short weeks in Cuba. We have been friends since we were 3 and 5 years old. She is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know. She's the kind of friend that when my life was falling apart before my eyes, she was the first one there to hug me and tell me everything would be okay. So when she asked me to be a Bridesmaid for her May wedding, I said yes. Little did I know at the time that I simply wouldn't have the money to travel to Cuba (as a single gal, it's expensive!). Since I am unable to attend her special day, I wanted to make sure that I gave her a heartfelt gift that displays to her how much I appreciate and cherish her friendship.

Many times at client's weddings I will see personalized items, ribbon and handkerchiefs wrapped around the Bride's bouquet, so it got me thinking....if I can't stand beside my friend on her wedding day, then I have to make sure she knows that I am there in thought and will be thinking of her that day. I went to Michael's and bought black satin ribbon, a frame charm and a faux bouquet. Inside the frame I placed a picture of the two of us from our 2009 vacation to Cuba. Both of our lives have changed so much since that picture was taken, but the thing that has remained the same is our friendship and love for one another. I know I have let her down by not being able to attend her wedding, but I hope she knows that she has my full support as she marries a fantastic guy. They are a great pair and I couldn't be happier for her.

Ribbon tied around a bouquet with a photo of us.

Inside the card I wrote;

Because I can't stand beside you on your wedding day,
I ask that you take me with you on your bouquet.
Wrap the ribbon around your flowers tight,
I'm so happy that you found Mr. Right.
Even though we're far apart,
Our friendship is always in my heart.

I also gave her a homemade chalkboard with Household Labels for her pantry. Her and her hubs-to-be just bought a new house, so I'm sure she will put the chalkboard up in the kitchen so he can leave her love notes instead of dinner menu requests. LOL!

Household pantry labels from Mabel's Labels.

I'm glad that I was able to celebrate with her on Saturday at her Bridal Shower and look forward to the party they will host at their new home when they arrive back as Mr. & Mrs.

Wishing Katie & Adam all the best on their wedding day! I love you guys!

The First Look

Most Brides see their Groom for the first time on their wedding day as they walked down the aisle, but now that's not always the case. Many couples are choosing to have a "First Look" to ease their nerves and spend more time together on their big day.

Sometimes the Bride wants to keep the tradition alive of her future hubby not seeing her until she's escorted down the aisle so she asks her Groom to face his back to her so she can simply touch him and talk to him without him seeing her, or sometimes the Groom gets blindfolded.

Past clients of ours, Leigh and Derek met in the hallway of the hotel they were getting ready at prior to their ceremony to hold hands and exchange gifts. They didn't look at one another, but being able to connect before they said "I do" helped these two connect and feel at ease.

A lot of couples are choosing to have their photos done prior to the ceremony as well. This allows for more time as time is usually somewhat limited between the ceremony and reception. Also, this enables the everyone, especially the Bride to have a fresh look as their make-up was recently applied and they likely haven't shed many tears yet.

First Looks have become more popular and more acceptable the past few years. I think they are a great idea if time allows. But, if you do stick to tradition and wait to see your Groom until you walk down the aisle, check out this slide show that has some things Grooms thought/felt when they saw their Bride for the first time.
Are you planning on having a First Look? 

Planning perspectives...

Planning a wedding is the second most stressful life event, followed by the death of a loved one. Crazy, right? While planning your wedding, be sure to have look at it from all perspectives. From your point of view, to your mothers/future mother-in-law, even from your friends and co-workers. Not everyone will want to constantly hear about your plans, but those that love and support you will do just that - give you love and support. 

There are going to be issues during your wedding planning - difference in opinions - and I can guarantee it, there will be spats (between you & your Groom, between you & his family /your family and between you & your friends).

Here are a few issues that may arise and my tip on how to deal with them.

You and your Groom 'chose' to be with each other. People in your life are going to have their say/opinion - about you, about your ideas, and about your wedding. No matter what is said, the two of you need to stick together - this is very important. Family is family, you don't pick them - but you picked who you want to spend the rest of your life with - make that choice count.
TIP: If he doesn't have your back, and tells you that he feels like he's "in the middle" of any issues that arise - that might be a sign that he doesn't view the two of you as a unit. 
Working together should be easy and fun - not a battle.

May you remember that you can't please everyone, so aim to please just you and your Groom. 
Weddings are all about 2 people joining together - and not about what family traditions have to be included, where relatives should be seated & when to have the first dance. A wedding should only be about you and your fiance - your wants, needs, desires and dreams. Now, this doesn't mean you should be selfish and not be considerate of others (your guests) but it does mean that if your mother insists that you have your first dance to the song she and your father danced to and you don't like that song, then you don't have to. You are creating new memories and traditions so just be yourselves!
TIP: Be tactful and compromise the best you can. Try to put yourself in the shoes of others simply for a 'reality check' as planning your wedding can become all encompassing, but don't settle for a wedding that isn't what you always envisioned.

Don't sweat the small stuff. You can plan until you're blue in the face, but things will still go wrong on your wedding day. Of course having a Wedding Coordinator on site helps with this, but if you don't have us working with you, try to focus on the reason you are gathered - for a marriage, not just a party. There's no wedding without the vows.
TIP: Keep a clear perspective. Keep it simple. You, him, marriage, life. 

Try to keep your perspective about your wedding planning as sweet as possible. Be respectful, but don't be taken for granted. Be heard, but not overbearing. Be you - and if that's an issue for anyone, then they don't deserve to be a part of your special day.

Overall, try not to get too stressed out - and if you do, that may be telling you more than you think. Take a step back and look beyond the wedding, beyond the 'one day of celebration' and make sure that you're having a party for all the right reasons, because in the end - it is just one day whereas a marriage is forever.

Good luck!

Sneak Peek!

I had mentioned in a previous post that exciting things are happening and here is a sneak peek of what is going on with Bride's Butler...

We are in the process of a re-brand and I couldn't be more thrilled with the new logo and look that my talented and beautiful friend Ashley from Ashley and Malone is creating for me! Incorporating my personality and love of rustic items and decor, country music and romance; she is helping me build a brand that I am truly happy with and proud to call my own.

Aside from the look of the logo and website, we are changing a few things. For example, "the" will no longer be a part of the business name and logo, and we're revamping our services to better meet the needs of our clients.

Stay tuned for more to come as we unveil our new look and celebrate our 5th Anniversary in July.

Two years in a row!

I'm so excited to announce that I won the Diamond Award (1st Place) for the Hamilton Community Readers Choice Award for "Best People - Wedding Planner" for the second year in a row!

Thank you so much to everyone that voted and for your support! I'm so flattered to be recognized as a leading provider of exceptional service in the wedding industry in Hamilton.

The Bride's Butler has grown so much these past 5 years and we can't wait to show you what we have up our sleeve to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in July!

Thank you again to everyone! xo