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!

Father of the Bride

We've had posts about the Maid/Matron of Honour, The Best Man, Bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride, but have yet to cover the Father of the Bride.

The Father of the Bride is usually the most important man in a Bride's life, next to her future husband. He is the man that will walk her down the aisle and 'give her away' to the Groom. He typically offers a toast at the reception and can give a speech if he so desires.

What should The Father of the Bride say to his daughter, future son-in-law and guests?

Here are some topics to touch on:

Welcome - The Father of the Bride usually speaks first, or is the second to speak after the MC or the Best Man speech. He should welcome guests to the wedding and thank out of town guests for joining in the celebration. He should thank people that made the day possible and participating in the planning process and the overall upbringing of the Bride.

Ceremony - He should mention the union that took place at the ceremony and the love his daughter and the groom share for one another. A nice quote, bible verse or song lyric can help with expressing any emotions he may wish to share.

The Bride - The Father of the Bride should talk about the Bride, how proud he is of her and provide a few fun facts about her. Keep this brief as not many people care to hear long winded stories of her childhood like losing her first tooth, her awkward teenage years or the troubles she got into during College. Talk about some of her talents, skills and accomplishments, but keep it short and sweet.

Their Relationship - Mention the relationship between the Bride and Groom. How they met, how he felt when he knew his little girl was in love and his hopes for them for their future together.

The Groom - Welcome him to your family and provide him with a few tips and advice like family traditions, etc. You can poke a little fun at him if you have a good relationship with him, but keep it classy.  You don't want to embarrass him or your daughter. Be sure to make him feel special and accepted.

Wise Words/Toast - End your speech with a few relationship lessons and wise words. Offer an example from  your relationship with her mother if it's a healthy one. Tell them about your hopes, dreams and wishes for them and your excitement of what lies ahead for them as a family.

The Father of the Bride is an important role in a wedding, so be sure to take it seriously, but have fun with it as well. Weddings are an emotional day, so be sure to cherish every moment.

*Photo by Angela Devries Photography from the wedding of Natalie & Jason

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.

From Bridesmaid to Bride

When I met Erin in November 2011, she was a Bridesmaid for her sister Leigh's wedding.
Now, she's engaged to her longtime boyfriend Jeff and will see me again in September 2013 when she is a Bride!

We often get referrals from past Brides and Grooms, and typically it's their friends or co-workers - so this  is the first time that we're going to be executing another wedding for the same family! It will be such a pleasure to see Leigh as a Bridesmaid, and now Erin as the Bride! I'm so excited to be able to work with these two gals again, and to help Erin & Jeff keep calm on their very special day.

Stay tuned next year for a teaser post about their wedding and then for a re-cap after they've said "I do."

Erin as a Bridesmaid for her sister Leigh's wedding.
Photo by Red Lotus Photography

What do you love about weddings?

Someone asked me the other day why I love weddings. There isn't just one thing, but many. And it's not so much about the things as to why I love weddings, but more of how weddings make me feel. Weddings are about two people in love proclaiming their love and commitment to one another. They're about promises, hopes and dreams. What I love about weddings is in actuality, the love.

But, aside from the feeling and all the mush - I love other things about weddings too. Like, the atmosphere - all of the fine details coming together to form one big picture. If done right, your guests will walk into your reception and will smile, gasp or even laugh at all of the personalization and details you've worked so hard to bring to life on your special day.

What I love about weddings is the coming together of family and friends. Hearing the laughter during the speeches, seeing the tears being wiped away as the couple says "I do" and watching everyone get down and boogie on the dance floor! What I love about weddings are seeing the Bridesmaids care for the blushing Bride - making sure her hair is just so, and that she's comfortable and having a good time. I love to see the Groomsmen bonding with their buddy, the Groom. Watching them clink their beer bottles, pat him on the back and simply smile at him as he smiles at his Bride.

There are many things that I love about weddings. What do you love about them? Do they remind you of how lucky you are to have found your life partner, or do they provide you with hope for love that has yet to come? Do they make you smile, laugh and dance? Weddings are a beautiful thing. There's a reason why this tradition is still around to this day...weddings make people feel good.

Bridesmaid Gifts

You might know exactly what to get your Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids for being your right hand gals during your wedding planning and celebrations. Or, you might be completely stumped. There are so many options and ideas, it can be baffling.

Tried and trued is jewelry. You can get them a necklace or earrings that they can wear on your wedding day, or you can do something different. Maybe you want to get them all something a little different to match their personalities - maybe one likes wine, while the other likes cooking. Maybe one is a bookworm, and the other is more of a tomboy.

Giving personalized gifts always adds that extra touch and says 'thank you' far better than a standard gift - but that's just my opinion. Just be sure to give yourself a budget, and get creative!

Here are a few websites that I like for unique gifts:

Etsy - homemade, unique items that can be bought as is or customized to suit your needs.

Candied Soap Bakery - soap that looks almost good enough to eat!

Beaucoup - gifts that can be personalized and tend to be practical.

Always a Bridesmaid?

Gosh, I don't like that saying...and I bet you don't either.

It's our job to make couple's wedding dreams happen, and now, we're going to make couples happen.

We're in the planning stages of a Singles Event - a gathering of singles, aged 25-35 that live in the Hamilton, Ontario area. If you're on Twitter, we encourage you to use #HamOntSE to tell others you are going! You don't need to be on Twitter to participate, but it'll sure help to stay connected with some of the people you'll meet.

Tickets will be $10 (plus a minimal surcharge) and will include appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and door prizes.We're looking for 25 guys and 25 gals to meet, mingle and tweet!

We'll post more information about this event as it comes available.
For now, follow us on Twitter - @BridesButler for updates, wedding tips & info and plain ol' fun!

* 15 tickets for each guys and gals must be sold in order for this event to take place. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Please do not drink & drive.

Bridesmaids: How to pull it off

We've said it before, and we'll say it again - being a Bridesmaid (or Maid of Honor) is hard work.
If it was all fun and games like the newest movie to hit the theatres; Bridesmaids, then no one would ever gripe about being one.

As a Bridesmaid you've got to have the dress, shoes, hair, make-up, nails, accessories, gifts, showers, possibly a stag & doe, a bachelorette party, the rehearsal and the wedding itself. Then on top of all that you should provide support, guidance and a shoulder to cry/lean on.

Bridesmaids want to look good on the wedding day, we get that - but you have to make sure that you do not purposefully try to upstage the Bride. It is her day. As a member of the wedding party you should consider yourself a "co-host" for the festivities, especially the ceremony & reception. Be polite, gracious and not overbearing. Do as you are asked, be flexible and simply put; be a good friend.

Still not sure what to expect as a Bridesmaid? Ask the Bride.

You can however be sure of the following:

Money - expect to spend it. If you can't afford $500 upwards to $1,000 to be a Bridesmaid, then respectfully decline. The couple (specifically Bride) should inform you what is expected in the role as soon as she invites you to join the wedding party. By no means should you feel bad or guilty for having to decline.

Attire - the likely hood of you actually liking the dress and wearing it again is slim. There are more styles offered now that able to remain in your wardrobe, but again, it's unlikely. A lot of Brides are opting for black dresses so that the Bridesmaids can wear them again. What you won't see too often are white bridesmaid dresses, although it's more popular in the UK as seen in the Royal Wedding.

Participation - you will need to attend any wedding related meetings, rehearsals, showers, and events. Enjoy each of them to the fullest. Weddings are a great excuse to celebrate and enjoy life.

If you've been asked to be a Bridesmaid, perhaps you might consider giving a gift to the couple from all  members of the Wedding Party. If you all chip in a little bit for a gift, it will help all of your pocket books. And if you want to do the Bride a big favour, hire us for Day of Coordination. Having us there on the wedding day will allow you and everyone at the wedding to simply enjoy the day for what it is - a gathering of family & friends to celebrate a union of love. No Bridesmaid I've ever known wants to feel like an employee of the Bride on her special day. You are her attendants, there to take part in the occasion with her.

Have fun!

Friendor Spotlight

Designs by Law: Christine Law

Did you know that bridal bouquets were originally meant to ward off evil spirits? Now bouquets are a popular item for Brides & bridesmaids to add femininity, elegance and colour.

We interviewed Christine, a Friendor of ours who owns Designs by Law. She works together with Brides to create beautiful bouquets, boutonnieres and floral arrangements for their wedding. We're pleased to recommend our clients to Christine for her friendly, affordable and professional service.

How did Designs by Law come to be?
Designs by Law came to be in 2001 after the birth of my middle child. My parents have greenhouses, and my mom gave me the idea to grow fall mums on their farm, and I sold them at a local market. While at the market, I sold cut flowers too. Someone approached me to ask if I did arrangements, I said yes and really enjoyed it! In 2004 I started design courses, and what started out as 1 wedding a year, turned into 8 , into 20, into 30... and now, I do approximately 50 - 60 a year!

What is your favourite type of bouquet or arrangement to make?
I love to do bridal bouquets, and make them personalized for the Bride and the theme/style of the wedding.

What is the trend for flowers/bouquets for 2011?
Continuing on from 2010 are the hand tied bouquets. I only get a few requests for cascade/arm bouquets. Much like last year, purple is the most popular colour, as well as white (as always).

When should a couple book your services for their wedding?
I prefer to have a few months (4-6) notice. I have done weddings a few weeks in advance, but it can be tricky if you need unique/out of season flowers that aren't readily available. The more time in advance, the better.

Do you have any specials right now that you’d like to feature?
Sure I do, it's my most popular package! It consists of:
Bridal Bouquet (roses only)
3 Bridesmaids bouquets (smaller version of Bride's)
Groom's boutonniere
3 Groomsmen boutonnieres
A toss bouquet
2 Mother corsages (wrist or pin)
2 Father boutonnieres
With delivery to one location (within servicing area) for $399.00 plus taxes.

That's a fabulous deal! What if the couple has more than 3 Bridemaids?
Each additional bouquet is $75.

How does it make you feel to know a couple is working with a Coordinator?
I think working with a Coordiantor keeps a bride on track, less stress and worry. It's nice to know as a Florist, that there will be someone at the venue to give direction, input and extra help.

Do you have a success story you’d like to share?
One time a hall refused to put out the cupcakes, so since I was there dropping off flowers, I spent an extra 1/2 hour setting them up for the couple. I don't think they ever knew that I did that for them, and I didn't tell them.
If that couple had hired us, we surely would have done it and saved you the 1/2 hour Christine!

When choosing your Florist, be sure to ask questions about the type of flower you want. How do they stand up to heat, wind, cold? How long will they last out of water? Your florist is there to help you create your wedding bouquets and arrangements.

To learn more, visit her website. To find out if you can get added discounts from Designs by Law, contact us regarding our Full Wedding Planning services.

*Images provided by Christine Law

Bad Bridesmaids

Bad Bridesmaids - it's more common than you think.

You ask your friends to be in your wedding party because you want them to take joy in your special day. Most will say 'yes' because they are honoured and couldn't imagine not being by your side for when you say "I do" and others say 'yes' because they want to show you love and support during a very stressful time. Then there are some who say 'yes' simply out of obligation - whether that be because of past history with them, or because they are family. Don't get me wrong, sometimes Brides will ask family, future family-to-be and friends to be Bridesmaids because they feel obligated to do so, but either way, once you say 'yes' and become a Bridesmaid you have accepted a position - you have given your word - you have made a commitment to what most consider an honour.

As a Bridesmaid (BM) or Maid or Matron of Honour (MOH) you have a few responsibilities, including but not limited to:

- supporting the Bride & her decisions

- planning and hosting of a Bridal Shower, helping with food & assisting with games

- tag along to as many vendor meetings as possible as requested by the Bride to give your support
- remembering that this is your friends day, so showing respect & tact in all you do

- coordinating a Stag & Doe, selling tickets and attending the event

- planning & attending a Bachelorette Party

- other tasks requested by the couple (within reason of course!)

- As MOH you are the signing witness at the ceremony and you hold the Bride's bouquet for her

Being a bridesmaid is truly an honour and a job to take seriously. Being in a Wedding Party can be expensive, most Brides know this and try to accommodate the best they can by providing payment for hair or make-up on the day of, but mostly as a Bridesmaid you will incur most of the costs. You will likely need to pay for the dress, shoes, accessories (unless given as a thank you gift from the Bride), hair, make-up, Bridal Shower expenses, travel, accommodations, and a gift (typically given by all members of the wedding party to save money). On average you can expect to spend $500 plus when accepting to be a BM or MOH.

If you are unsure of your role and your duties, ask the Bride. Organized Brides will offer you an itinerary, or a friendly budget breakdown as a guide. If you don't think you can handle the responsibilities, time and expenses after you have said 'yes' don't feel bad about talking to the Bride and seeing if you can respectfully decline. Most Brides will understand and will place you in a role like Program Attendant, or they can be a reader during your ceremony so that you can still participate in the event. Whatever you do, don't become a Bad Bridesmaid.

Traits of a Bad Bridesmaid are:

- Not getting along with other members of the Wedding Party.

- Showing up late or not at all to wedding related festivities (Shower, Stag & Doe, Rehearsal)

- Dismissing the requests of the Bride ("No, I will not wear those shoes")

- Blatantly trying to upstage the Bride in any way, shape or form. It is her day, not yours.

- Getting rip roaring drunk at any wedding related festivities, especially the wedding.

- Talking poorly about the Bride, Groom or family members to other members of the Wedding Party, or anyone else for that matter.


So Brides, how do you deal with Bad Bridesmaids? There are many ways, but the best way is to be respectful, tactful and truthful. Tell (don't ask) them to discontinue their role. If this ends the friendship, better to find out now and move on. If it doesn't, as she may feel relieved to have the duty taken away, then place her among other guests so that she can still enjoy your wedding day. For more help on how to deal, give us a call for a Consultation or scour the Internet for tips.

No matter what, there are going to be people that will put a damper on your wedding planning process.
Try not to stress out too much, and keep in mind what you can do for your Bridesmaids to make the experience pleasurable for them and everyone else that's involved.
Good luck!

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.

 

Bride's Maid, meet Bride's Butler.

"Nice to meet you."

The Bride's Butler has dealt with a few Bridesmaids in the past year since we started the business. So far, almost all of our experiences with Bridesmaids have been good ones.

When you're asked to be a Bridesmaid (BM), or Maid/Matron of Honour (MOH) for your friend's, relative's or sister's wedding - it is an honour, and one that if you accept, the responsibilities shouldn't be taken lightly. As my best friend has said before, "being in a wedding party doesn't mean that it's all fun and games, it's not an excuse just to party - it's hard work" - and she's right. Although there will be plenty of partying and fun had during the planning process and leading up to the wedding day, there is a lot of work to be had.

Do you know some of your responsibilities as a Bridesmaid?

Sure you do... help the bride find her dress - offer advice and opinion on favours, flowers, colours, etc - help with the Bridal Shower, Stag & Doe and Bachelorette Party - and of course support her on her wedding day.

As a Bride, do you know what you can do to make the role of a Bridesmaid a pleasant one?

Respect Their Responsibilities
Be respectful to their lives outside of your wedding, and try to keep a good balance of duties between Bridesmaids - you don't want one thinking they are pulling more weight than the other. The only one with a bigger 'to do' list might be your MOH.

Dress Them Well
Consider each of their body types, skin tone, hair colour and personality. If they are all different, maybe have the same colour but in different dress styles. You want them to be comfortable and feeling confident in their dress. And realistically, they probably will not ever wear the dress again.

Mind Their Budgets
Be mindful as to how much time and money a Bridesmaid will spend on your wedding. The dress, hair, make-up, shoes, purse, the parties, the gifts - you name it, there is a price tag attached.

Give & Receive Graciously
Remember your manners. Be sure to thank your BM's and MOH for their hard work and dedication over the past 12-14mths. Whatever they do for you is out of the kindness of their heart, so don't complain if your Bridal Shower theme/decor wasn't exactly as you planned or hoped for - it was a gift from your BM's, and they should be thanked for it. This is usually second nature for most people to be gracious...let's hope.

Be A Good Friend
Just remember the first bit of advice in this blog - 'remember that they have their own lives'. Even though it's your wedding "year", be sure to talk about their lives, problems and successes too. You can only talk about your wedding so much.

*Source: The Knot.com