Tick tock...don't watch the clock!

When I meet with clients for Day of Coordination meetings to discuss all of the plans, logistics and requirements for their wedding day, I always tell them there's no such thing as too much information. I want to know every single detail, your vision for the day and the timing of the event. It's always best for your Coordinator to have more information than not enough. Part of DOC services includes assistance with formulating your wedding day timeline. This is the document I will use the most that day and it helps me stay organized while executing the wedding. It tells me when items/services are being delivered or dropped off, when vendors are starting/finishing, how long dinner will be and so on. I'm a big believer that the vendors and myself should be the only ones that have this timeline. We're the ones making the magic happen, so we need to work together in a timely manner to ensure that the wedding goes off without a hitch!

What I'm not a fan of is this:

The only times your guests need to be aware of is your ceremony start time, cocktail hour and when dinner is to be served. All other things like photos, cake cutting, bouquet toss, first dance, etc are not necessary. Things will change throughout your big day - this is a guarantee. Anytime you are executing a large event with lot's of people the timing will not be exact. This is my job to concern myself with - not yours or your 100+ guests. Remember, 'what they don't know, won't hurt them'. I'll make sure to give you heads up when it's time for your speech, to cut the cake, have your first dance and toss your bouquet.

So my advice, leave the timeline with me and let everyone else, including you and your Groom enjoy the day.

Managing Expectations

Let's consider this post a little pep talk....or free advice per say.

Your Day of Coordinator can only be as organized as you are. Plain and simple.
It's our job on your wedding day to assist with tasks that you are physically unable to do yourself. For example; set up your reception area with your centrepieces, favours, escort cards, etc. Not only do we do the so-called 'grunt' work for you, but we also do our best to keep every one and every thing on time.


It's our job to reduce your workload and amount of stress. Now, let me reinstate what I've already said...we can only be as organized as you are. We'll provide you with useful documents like a timeline and vendor information sheets to guide you, but ultimately if you're not organized, we won't be either.


The best weddings we've executed Day of Coordination services for are the ones that the Bride has checklists, pictures and instructions for set-up and decor, labeled containers/boxes with all the little details and copies of all vendor contracts. With these items we are able to bring your vision to life, without them we're walking into your event blind.


Upon booking Day of Coordination with The Bride's Butler, we give you tools to help you be organized, and we offer continuous support via email or phone two months prior to your big day. Use this time to ask any last minute questions, air your concerns about a specific vendor and fill us in on family or guest drama (cause no matter what, there's always a little of that). When we meet for our final meeting prior to your big day, typically 1 week before, have all your information ready. We'll remind you of what items we'll need just so you don't feel overwhelmed or lost. Having a floor plan and all of your check lists handy for this final meeting helps us in getting your big picture plan.


I always tell my clients, there is no such thing as too much information. Saturate us with it - I want to be able to see the dream wedding you've been planning these past 12-18 months in my mind.


Day of Coordination services are for the Bride that plans her own wedding, chooses and secures her own vendors, and   knows what she wants. This package is perfect for Brides that want to be able to step away from delegation and the so-called Bridezilla role and simply enjoy her day with her new hubby, friends and family.


Having a Day of Coordinator on site is something you won't regret, when done right. Ask any vendor who's worked with us, or previous clients and they'll agree. If you're organized, you'll get the wedding you always wanted.


Happy planning!

A Saaweet Wedding!

Natalie got married to the love of her life, Jason on June 16^th and we were there to coordinate their special day.

It was a beautiful, yet hot summer day when these two love birds said “I do.”  Both the ceremony and the reception was at Liberty Grand in Toronto (on the Exhibition grounds). Natalie is all about the fine details, she had a complete vision in her mind of how she wanted her day to look and feel, I think we did a pretty good job bringing it all together for her and her hubs.

From the rose petal aisle, to the lemonade stand for guests after the ceremony – to the homemade cookie favours, cupcake tree (or rather tower) and small personal touches like a picture frame stand with little pictures of loved ones passed, to a note card detailing their flower choices, this wedding was simply beautiful!

On top of all the beauty that was in the details and décor, there’s Jason, Natalie and their wedding party too! A great looking group of people that were such a pleasure to work with. Not one person complained, or didn’t offer to help out in some way. This couple was truly blessed to have been surrounded by such great family & friends on their wedding day.

With Natalie owning Cupcake Diner, it was expected that there’d be some sweet treats available! The late night buffet consisted of homemade goodies like cupcakes (chocolate mint, lemon, red velvet just to name a few) and cookies. In conjunction to the sweet table, there was a buffet of French fries – a perfect snack for party!

The new Mr. & Mrs will be featured in an up-coming edition of the Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine, so be on the lookout for that! In the meantime, check out some pictures here of the happy couple on their special day. It was a pleasure and an honour to have been a part of Natalie & Jason’s day. We hope that they had a fantastic time with memories to last a lifetime.

Congratulations!

To see more pictures, like us on Facebook, or you can also go here.

Venue: Liberty Grand 

Florist/Décor: Sue Gallo Designs 

Cupcakes & Cookies: Cupcake Diner

Photographs: Angela Devries Photography  

Family Matters

As your Day of Coordinator, it is my duty and responsibility to make sure that your plans and ideas for your wedding are brought to life. It's my job to make sure that the timeline that we agreed upon together is followed to the best of our abilities. It is me who will communicate updates and changes on your behalf with your vendors such as your DJ, Photographer, Venue Coordinator and Florist. I'm the middle man between you and well, pretty much everyone else....including your family members.

If you have an over-bearing parent, or an Aunt/Uncle/Wedding Party Member that has to have their say, please do us all a favour and inform them about me prior to your wedding day. You should tell your immediate family and wedding party that you've hired a Day of Coordinator so that your wedding goes smoothly and on time. To be realistic, things will change, the timeline will become a guideline, but in the end, that's my worry - not yours, or your parents.

I understand that parents and family members want the best for you for your special day, but assure them that we've discussed your wedding in length and that everything is taken care of. Tell your family and wedding party that you want them to enjoy the day as well, and that if they have a suggestion or concern that they should see your Coordinator. It's our job to be quick thinkers, problem solvers, negotiators and mediators.

If you have someone that you think will interfere on your wedding day, it is definitely a good idea to hire a Day of Coordinator. Let us be the bad guy, so that you can be the blushing Bride and simply enjoy your wedding day with your husband.




** We are currently offering $200 off remaining dates in April, May & June for Day of Coordination **

Looking back on Leigh & Derek's Day

Leigh & Derek got married on November 5th in Ancaster. We were with them for Day of Coordination services to make sure that all of their details and visions came to life.

Leigh was a very organized Bride that had a lot of personal touches and details. From the handmade aisle runner to her colour coordinated shoe laces and to their very own wedding 'logo' of two cats with their tails entwined; she had it all figured out and planned. I love when my Brides ( & Grooms) know exactly what they want!

Here are some pictures from the talented team at Red Lotus Photography of L & D's special day!

Thank you Leigh, Derek and their families for inviting us to be a part of your special day and to bring your wedding plans to life! We wish you much love as you begin this new chapter in life together.

Lisa & Grant's July Wedding

Weddings, like romance, are all about the little things.

Adding details and touches of personality to your wedding day is very important. All weddings, like all couples - are different. Lisa & Grant brought their lives, personalities and small details together beautifully for their July wedding.

These newlyweds love to go camping - so it was only right that each table was named after a Provincial Park. Instead of a table number, they displayed a photo of them in front of the sign of a park they visited or camped at. Instead of guests scanning a board or rows of escort cards, their names were presented in pots with the park brochure. When the guest got to their camp site (a.k.a table) they found their name printed on a place card against a hand-made Muskoka chair.

Since it was a hot July day, and the ceremony was outdoors, Lisa had mini water bottles on hand for her guests. Each bottle had a label with her and Grant's initials and oh-so-adorable Celebration Facts.

Their initial monogram carried out throughout their wedding details - which is perfect as consistency is key! The monogram was on the handmade ceremony programs (tied together to form a fan for the summer heat), their menu cards and their cake.

Incorporating your personality and hobbies into your special day is a great way to stay away from being 'cookie-cutter'. Another great way to be different is to incorporate family in a unique way. Lisa asked her florist, Christine from Designs by Law to recreate her Grandmothers wedding bouquet with a modern twist.
When I heard this detail, I thought that it was such an adoring way to include her Grandma into her special day.

Lisa and Grant had a fabulous wedding with beautiful weather, fabulous guests, delicious food and lot's of love! All of their hard work planning, making and incorporating all the fine details paid off!

Congratulations again to Lisa & Grant. We were so honoured to be a part of your special day!

Wedding Details: The Menu

Everyone has to eat.

Planning your wedding menu can be fun if you are a foodie, but can be daunting if you aren't. What type of fare do you want to serve? Dinner? Most weddings occur in the evening with dinner being the meal of choice. Other choices are to have a Brunch wedding, or a Cocktail Reception. But, most people stick with dinner.

The Menu:

When choosing your food, you have to think of dietary restrictions, seasonality, presentation, cultural or religious beliefs and overall taste. Also keep in mind that food is expensive, especially when you are serving 100+ people. You want it to be affordable, but not cheap. No one wants to get sick from your wedding, or go home hungry.
When thinking about what to serve for your wedding, think about what you and your Groom like to eat. No one says that you have to stick with the basic meat, potato, vegetable option. Do you like Chinese food? Add chicken balls or lo mein to your menu. Or what about chocolate? Adding an element of chocolate to each course is a neat way to incorporate your favourite food into your special day.

Chat with your caterer or chef at the venue to discuss all of your options. We like it when couples take the standard buffet and flip it to offer guests customized stations! Think meat cutting station with a variety of different cooking methods (smoked, fried, grilled, etc), a pasta station with your choice of pasta & sauce, or what about a baked potato station complete with all different types of toppings! Delicious!

Provide your guests with some choice, and tell them through a menu card what they will be enjoying. Work together with your Groom for this detail, and it will most likely be one of the only elements in the wedding he will want to have a say about.

Be creative & think outside the box! Bon Appetite!

Wedding Details: Escort Cards

Details aren't just about placement of decor and the colour you choose - they are also about logistics and flow.

When planning your wedding you have to take into account how you want your guests to move around your event. You give them an invite so they know what time and where to show up. You give them a ceremony program to help guide them along through the nuptuials, and you lay out escort cards to direct them to their seats.

Escort Cards:

Sometimes your Invitation Specialist can produce a package for you that includes all the stationery items you need for your wedding: save the date, invites, menu cards, programs, escort cards and thank you notes. You can have the escort cards hand written (by you or a calligrapher) or typed in the same font as the rest of your pieces.

We like it when we see different and unique escort cards. Like these:

Wooden airplane cards



Winery Wedding? Use corks!

Image from the Knot.

Spice Rub Escort Cards + Favors courtesy of Ruffled

How are you planning on tying your theme, colour and style of your wedding into your escort cards?

This is a detail where you can have fun and creative! This is also a detail that all of your guests will see....as there are plenty of details that they simply won't see or notice.

Need ideas for your escort cards? Visit our Friendor page and shout out to one of our recommended Invitation Specialists. They'd be happy to chat! Be sure to tell them we sent you!

 





Wedding Details: Invitations

"It's all in the details."

This is so true when it comes to weddings - or any major event for that matter. It's the small things that count; from the consistency of the colour scheme, the placement, size and height of the centrepieces, to the font on the invitations....weddings are all about the details.

Over the next few posts, we'll cover a few aspects of weddings that we think you can't skimp on the details.

Invitations:

They are the first thing your guests see regarding your wedding. The invite sets the tone, feel and look of your wedding. Some Brides want to make their own invitations, usually to save money, but that's not always the case with DYI. Factor in the materials, tools and time and you are pretty much riding even with what it would cost to outsource. We suggest that you hire a professional for your invites....let them take care of the details.

When putting together the information for your invites you need to think about the follow details:

Colour of paper(s)
Weight (thickness) of paper(s) - remember, the heavier the paper, the sturdier, but more expensive to mail.
Texture of paper(s)
Font type & colour
Style of invite - pocket fold, gate fold, tri-fold, etc
Size of invite - 4x6, 5x7

Then there's the details of wording. You need to give your guests all the information they need, like:

The basics - who, when, what, where and why
Time - of ceremony & reception
RSVP - phone, email or card
Directions
Menu choice (optional)
Attire requirements (optional)

Once you've made your decision on all those details, then it's time to put it all together. Working with an Invitation Specialist can make this wedding detail less daunting. Once the invites are completed, you will see, it's all about the little things....

 * Invitations by:

www.hipink.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.

Perfect Picnic

I simply adore this idea of a ‘picnic wedding’. What a perfect idea for a spring or summer wedding – or even for a Bridal Shower or Rehearsal lunch.

Pick a few of your favourite food items (that are packable, and not easily perishable) and put together a delectable ‘basket’ for each of your guests. If you’re working with a caterer, they can put all this together for you using your instructions.

It’s the little touches of this simple idea that make it so perfect – customized labels, colour coordination with ribbon & tissue paper and oh-so-pretty packaging. Adorable!

To see how this was put together visit Project Wedding for details.

Wanting to do something like this for your next event? We'd love to help - we're chalk full of ideas!!

"The Versus Series" Part II

Wedding Coordinator versus Venue Coordinator

You've booked your wedding at a venue that has a "Wedding Coordinator" so you think that you don't need to hire another one, right? On most cases - wrong. A lot of  venues (like banquet halls & golf clubs) come equipped with their very own 'Wedding Coordinator' - but these people, whom might I say are fantastic and helpful, are there for the venue - not for you. They're there to coordinate the logistics of their staff to ensure proper timing of menu courses. Your Wedding Coordinator is there to work for you.  When you have your own Wedding Coordinator (Day of Coordination services), she will work together with the Venue Coordinator for details such as lighting, set up and the menu.

A Wedding Coordinator is there for all aspects of your wedding - from the moment you get ready, to when you walk down the aisle, to your photo shoot and lastly at your reception (the venue).

A Venue Coordinator is only available to you during the last and final aspect of your major event - and even then, if you're getting married in a venue that has more than just your wedding occurring that day, the Venue Coordinator isn't 100% dedicated to your wedding - like your Wedding Coordinator is.

There are many logistics to a wedding, some guests see, others they don't. Having a Wedding Coordinator just for you, your Groom & Wedding Party is a fantastic investment to ensure that all of your hard work, time and planning details are executed and taken care of. Your Wedding Coordinator is selected by you - so you can choose a Coordinator that you feel most comfortable with - unlike a Venue Coordinator who just comes as part of your 'package'.

Having your own Wedding Coordinator (WC) relieves a ton of stress and allows you to enjoy your day. Just ask any Bride who hired one for their wedding and they'll agree - hiring a Coordinator was money well spent.


Imagine your up-coming wedding day.......

While you’re getting ready, who’s making sure the ceremony site is set up fabulous? Your WC.

When guests arrive at the ceremony site who’s making sure your programs are being distributed? Your WC.

Who preps you to walk down the aisle and adjusts your train?
Your WC.

When you're on the photo shoot who provides an Assistant to escort you to keep track of timing? Your WC.

Who works with the Venue Coordinator to ensure proper set up & placement of details? Your WC.

When vendors arrive (cake, DJ,) who greets them & makes sure they're following the set contract? Your WC.

Who has an Emergency Kit full of items that will help with any issue that may arise? Your WC.

(things happen...like a ripped seam, or a broken boutonnière. You don't want or need to worry about those things - that's the Planner's job)

You get the idea. You don't want to have to worry or even slightly think about these finer details and logistics....that's why you need your very own Wedding Coordinator.

Have some questions for us? Call or email, we'd be happy to meet with you to discuss our Wedding Services and how we can help you on the most important day of your life.

* pictures courtesy of Images of You Photography

* post inspired by post by Every Last Detail

True Colours

"But I see your true colors shining through. I see your true colors and that's why I love you, so don't be afraid to let them show your true colors, true colors are beautiful like a rainbow." ~Cyndi Lauper

Choosing your colour palette for your wedding is one of the most pivotal components of the planning process – other than choosing a date and venue. The colours (or colour) you choose will help set the tone, mood, theme and style of your wedding. This decision may come easy, but for others choosing a colour theme might be somewhat daunting.
Below are some helpful hints on how to choose colours for your wedding day.


Big Picture

Take a look at your surroundings. What colours does your venue already have within in it? Is it a yacht club with nautical accents? A golf & country club with naturalistic elements, or is it a banquet hall with gold pillars? For inspiration to get you started, look to the prominent colours of your site or setting.

Maybe the Season is your reason

Perhaps you will choose red, silver and grey for your winter wedding. Or maybe you’re getting married in the fall and you want to play up the colours of the leaves (red, orange, yellow, brown). Whatever the season may be when you get hitched, let the environment help be your guide when choosing your colours.

Trends
Every wedding season has its most popular wedding colours. Check out wedding blogs, magazines and television shows for ideas and inspiration. One of our favourite blogs for colours inspiration is The Perfect Palette. We also like this fun colour palette - you just might find something new about yourself.


Hue do you think you are?
All of the colours of the rainbow have a variety of offspring called ‘hues’. Sure, there is red – but then there’s Scarlett, Maroon, Salmon, Tomato, Cherry, Blush and Coral. Be sure to find out what your colour choice is called. Find a fabric swatch or paint chip if you can that is similar to the colour you’ve envisioned. This will help you when choosing other elements – most specifically stationary.


Consistency is key

Whichever colour you choose, be sure to stay consistent with your choice throughout all of your wedding details. For example, if you decide to have brown as your sole colour, you can incorporate different hues and textures of the colour into your event – but if you have 2 or more colours that aren’t from the same ‘hue’ family, say hot pink and navy, you should try to stay as close to the original colour as possible. Consistency is key and helps maintain the theme, mood, tone and style of your wedding.

Overall, have fun with your colours – make them mean something to you and your groom. Maybe they are your high school colours cause that’s where you met, or maybe they’re derived from your birthstones, or even the national colours of the country you’re visiting on your honeymoon. The choices are endless, and you pretty much have the scale of the rainbow to choose from.

This blog post was inspired by an article featured on www.theknot.com.
“15 Tips for choosing your wedding colours” by Amy Keith.
Images from Google search.