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

They like me, they really like me!

I'm honoured and beyond excited to announced that I have been nominated for a Hamilton Readers Choice Award! Not only was I, Diane Morris nominated, but so was The Bride's Butler - which oddly means I'm competing against myself!! Two other local Planners are also competing along with me for the award.

Being recognized for this means that I'm doing what I set out to do - provide excellent service and support to my clients. It's a wonderful feeling to know that past clients are happy and thankful for the services I provided on their most special day.

Voting has begun and wraps up at noon on February 26th. If you'd like to vote, please select
"The Bride's Butler" under Best People - Wedding Planners. It's free to vote, you just need to register.

Thank you again to those that nominated me, and for those that voted. Since it's Award Season and all with the Oscars ahead, I'll go and prep my acceptance speech now....

Taking care of your vendors

Attention almost newlyweds! We know that a wedding is a major expense, and the planning process can be a major pain in the you know what – but, you should be sure to think about how you’re going to treat your vendors.

Sure, they are there to provide a service for you, and they are being paid for that service, so what more do we want, right? Well…there are a few things that vendors are very appreciative of.


There is no such thing as too much information.

Especially if you have a Wedding Coordinator. We want to know all of the details, the timing and your big picture plans for your special day. We want to know who’s where, when and for how long. We want to know who needs to be paid, how much and for what. We want to know your weather back up plans, your set-up plans and your tear down/clean up plans. We want to know it all – and please, tell us!

We will provide you with helpful tools to keep you organized and to help you relay this information to us, but I always tell all my clients – “there is no such thing as too much information.”


Tips.

Tips aren’t always manageable, especially if the couple is on a tight budget, but they are always welcomed.
Be sure to check your contracts as most vendors roll in gratuity in the final bill. If not, it is always nice to say "thank you" to the vendors that go above and beyond your expecations.

Here is a guideline from Real Simple, and if you're still unsure, ask your Wedding Planner/Coordinator:

Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill (to be split among them)

Catering manager: $200+

Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest

Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent

Hotel chambermaids: $2 to $5 per room; $10 to $15 if you used a suite as your dressing room

Limo or bus drivers: 15 percent

Makeup artist: 15 to 20 percent

Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for reception

Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100

Wedding planner: 15 percent of fee

Fuel the engine.

Your vendors are working hard for you, so be sure to give them the fuel they need by providing them with a meal. If your vendors are on site during dinner, then they should eat too. You don't have to serve them the same meal as you serve your guests, but do provide them with something. Also, make sure they know how they can get a drink (non-alcoholic, any good vendor will not drink while on the job) so that they can stay hydrated and alert and execute fabulous services for you.

Also, note that your Wedding Coordinator will most likely want to sit in the room that your dinner and speeches are occuring in. We know that this isn't always possible as seating is limited, but it is beneficial to help us keep a watchful eye on the time. So, it's best to have a vendor table for your DJ, Photographer, Videographer and Coordinator. But, like mentioned, if you don't want them in the same room, be sure that there is a lounge or somewhere they can sit and grab a bite to eat.

Saying Thank You.

Yes, you gave them a tip, and you fed them, but a really great way to say 'thank you' is to include your vendors in your list of cards to be sent out. A lot of vendors use these cards in their portfolio or display them in their office/showroom/store. If you don't want to mail them an actual card, send them a nice email telling them how they helped you on your special day and include a photo too if you have one!
Saying thank you the old fashioned way goes a long way.


Referrals.

In keeping with saying 'thank you', one of the biggest ways you can do this and show your appreciation is to recommend them to a family member or friend that is getting married. We always love booking new clients who've been referred to us from previous clients. It's a pat on the back and confirmation that we left a positive impression and did a good job.
Plus, we always love seeing clients from the past at the wedding of the referal.


*Blog post is generated from personal opinion. Picture provided by Diane Morris from Kelly & Mike's wedding 2010.
*Tip list formulated by Real Simple. Visit their website for more suggestions as some were removed for this post.

Planner vs. Coordinator

You're getting married and you're not sure if you need a Wedding Planner or a Wedding Coordinator because you don't know the difference. Here is a little information about both to help you seperate the two.

A Wedding Planner is someone that assists you in planning your entire wedding. This service is typically called Full Wedding Planning. Planners keep you within budget, they source your vendors and they guide you every step of the way - and are also with  you for your rehearsal and wedding day. Wedding Planners can be your negotiator, decision maker, therapist and friend. A Planner is typically booked 12-18 months before your set wedding date.

A Wedding Coordinator is someone that aids you near the end of your planning process. You've planned your wedding yourself but you want a professional to execute all of your hard work and plans so that they are just so.  A Coordinator guides you with timeline preparation and logistics about 2 months before your big day and is typically with you for your rehearsal and about 10-12 hours on your wedding day. Most Coordinators are booked 6-12 months in advance, and the service is typically called Day of Coordination.

What about a Venue Coordinator? Refer to a previous blog post about the difference between them and a Wedding Coordinator here.


Hopefully knowing the difference between Planners and Coordinators will help you when searching for the right service for you for your wedding day.

A walk down memory lane....

Sometimes it's nice to revisit an idea, so that's exactly what we're going to do with this post.
Here are a few past posts from us that we still find relevant, and we hope you do too!

Why Hire A Planner

Choosing a Wedding Dress

Choosing your MC

What Not to Wear to a Wedding


Do you have a topic that you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you!

Wedding Planners

Not really sure what a Wedding Planner does?

Here are the basics of what we, The Bride's Butler can do, and how we help you with your most special day.

• We're experts in the Wedding Industry and are in the know of todays trends. Our knowledge can help you save money, time and stress searching online, in magazines and with vendors.

• We've got connections. We can help you secure trusted professionals (Friendors) that often extend discounts to clients of certified Wedding Planners.

• We're there for you. A Wedding Planner works for you - not for your venue, or your photographer, or for your crazy Auntie Carla - we are working for you - the happy couple. Your wish is our command (within reason of course!)

• Wedding Planners will take time to discuss your needs, ideas and wants for your wedding. We help you problem solve, answer questions, point you in the right direction and help guide you through a fun, yet often  stressful planning process.

• We do not plan your entire wedding and make it our own. It is your wedding day, and we make sure that your personalities shine through in all of your decisions. There are lot's of choices when planning, in fact you will make over 177 decisions before you walk down the aisle.

• We're organized. We can provide you with spreadsheets and timelines to help you stay organized too.

• We can be your personal therapist. Like we've said, wedding planning can be stressful, and when other opinions are involved (mothers, sisters, cousins, bridesmaids, etc) it can get frustrating. We are here for you - for an ear to vent to, a shoulder to cry on and to play the role of 'negotiator'.

• Wedding Planners can be hired for Full Wedding Planning where we are with you every step of the way. We help guide your decisions, source vendors and resources and work towards saving you time, money and stress.

• Wedding Planners can also be Wedding Coordinators. This role is for Day of Coordination services - where you plan your wedding, but we make the magic happen. You can't be too places at once. We take care of all the details so that you can enjoy being a blushing Bride.

• We are affordable. Wedding Planners aren't as expensive as you think. Ask any Bride who didn't hire a Planner and they would tell you that they wish they did. Hindsight is 20/20. In comparison for what you pay for your photographer, florist, dress and cake - we are very affordable for the services we provide.

So, think you have a better idea as to what a Wedding Planner does? Still not sure? Check out our website, or come visit us tonight at the Ancaster Wedding Show.

Questions? We love meeting with Brides-to-be and their Grooms for a complimentary coffee & chat so we can discuss how we can work together and be your official "Bride's Butler".

Keep Calm...

And Hire A Planner.

A relaxed Bride is what we aim to achieve when assisting couples with our popular "Day of Coordination" services. A calm Bride is one that trusts their Planner and enjoys their day.

Stress Less. We just can't say it enough.

More and more couples are turning to Wedding Planners to help them with their wedding plans because there are simply too many options, decisions and things to do before your big day.

Come visit us this Friday, March 25th from 4pm to 9pm at the Ancaster Wedding Show at Night.
We'll be on hand to answer questions, give advice and inform you about the services we offer to help you "stress less". Plus, only at the show will we be offering you the chance to WIN additional savings on our services - with our "Choose a Love Quote" game. You might select a famous "love quote" or you might get a "service quote" - saving you money on our packages and services! We'll have prizes like $200 off Full Wedding Planning, $100 off Day of Coordination, free Bride & Groom T-shirts and free online Consultations!

Visit http://www.ancasterweddingshow.com/ for more information.

Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

*Special thanks to @tailoredpants from Twitter for this taking my idea and making this fabulous image! Love ya Samantha!

"I Do" over.

A lot of times you will hear a Bride say "if I could do it over again, I'd....fill in change here."

Hindsight is 20/20 and we bet if you ask any Bride if she could do it over again, she'd have at least one thing if not more she'd do differently for her wedding.

Here are a few things that Brides would have done differently if they could have said "I Do" over again:

• Hire a Wedding Planner (even if for Day of Coordination) to reduce their stress and day-of workload. No Bride wants to be setting out favours while they should be getting pampered.

• Cut back on the guest list. Bigger isn't always better. More guests equal more money spent. Try to stick with just your "A" list.

• Hire professional vendors. Unless family or friends have their own business specializing in 'said task' then you should politely decline - pay the additional money and hire a professional baker, florist, photographer, etc. You can't recreate your special day, and you'd hate to feel resentment towards your family/friends if their services aren't top quality.

• Not thinking outside the box. Most Brides want their wedding day to be personalized and unique - no one likes cookie cutter weddings anymore.

• Drink less. It's a long day and you need to stay hydrated, so drink water and skip most of the alcoholic beverages. No one likes seeing a Princess Bride morph into the Paper Bag Princess!

• Reserve locations and vendors early. Weddings are booked 24-18 months in advance, so to reduce disappointment, you should try to book your vendors early.

Remember though that no matter what, after your wedding you may think - "if I only", or "if I could have" - this is perfectly normal. However, try to do your best to think of all aspects of your big day ahead of time to minimize disappointment - as your Wedding Planner we can help you with this with our Full Wedding Package.

Chat with other Brides and ask them what they would have done differently. You never know what you might learn from someone else's experience. Overall, your wedding day will be the most special day to you because it is your day - and no one or no 'woulda coulda shoulda' can take away from that.

"The Versus Series" Part I

Full Wedding Planning versus Day of Coordination.

Both are services provided and executed by a Wedding Planner (sometimes also known as a Wedding Coordinator). Depending on your budget, personality and expectations for your special day will depend on what service you choose.

Full Wedding Planning is a service that’s best suited for couples that know what kind of wedding they want, but have little time (and sometimes patience, energy and desire) to get it all completed in a set timeframe.

Sometimes, we see Brides who are very laid back choose this option, as they’d rather have someone make all the decisions for them. Other Brides that like the Full Wedding Planning service are ones that don’t have any family or friends living in the city they will wed (thus your Planner becomes your new BFF), and sometimes this service is used by Brides whom are getting married away – either in another city (perhaps the Groom’s hometown) or in another country (beach wedding).

Wedding Planners (WP) are hired for this service to help Brides & Grooms with all of the event logistics, details and decisions. From aiding in theme development, to choosing vendors – this service is typically started 12-14 months from the wedding date. Your Wedding Planner can arrange meetings with vendors, review contracts and help you create your budget & timeline.

This service also includes your Wedding Planner being on-site for your wedding day. She’ll be with you as you get ready, and for the ceremony, pictures and reception. She’s there to troubleshoot any logistics that may go array, and they most likely will – a wedding is a major event – stuff happens. Having a Wedding Planner working for you ensures that you can enjoy your day as a Bride and savor each moment with your Groom.

Then, there is Day of Coordination. This service is great for DYI Brides whom have planned their entire wedding themselves but want a Planner make their wedding planning dreams a reality.

This service is typically booked 8-12 months in advance, but the real ‘magic’ doesn’t start until 3-4 months before your big day. Your Wedding Planner will meet with you for a logistical meeting consisting of gathering all components of your event. You will work together to form a timeline for the day, and will go over every detail with a fine tooth comb – from your venue floorplan, to the placement of your favors, guest book and menu cards. She will get all of your vendor information and copies of all contracts, and will get information for ‘key’ players in your wedding like the Limo Driver, Officiant and Best Man. The Wedding Planner (WP) is there to work for you to ensure that all of your hard work, time and money are executed in a way that you’ve always imagined.

If you have any questions about either of these services, please send us and email or give us a call. We’d love to meet with you to decide which service is best suited for you.


* pictures courtesy of Images of You Photography
* post inspired by post by Every Last Detail

Will you marry me?

Proposals!

Who doesn't love a great proposal story?

Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!

I love how in the movies, men usually state the girls entire name -

first and middle while on bended knee. "Mary Margaret, will you..."

And, for some reason I think that about 85% of the time, the girl answers with "of course!"

I wonder if there's a way to find out what the most common phrase uttered after a proposal is?

"Seriously?" or "Oh, my God!", and 'of course' there is the big one, the one the guy wants to hear..."YES!"

(Btw, if you find this percentage, holler at me will ya? Thx)

So, you said YES, 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. Our favourites are Martha Stewart Weddings, Today's Bride, Weddingbells and Toronto Life's 2010 Wedding edition. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!

Next, hire a Wedding Planner. Whether you're a DYI Bride, and you want to plan every detail of your wedding on your own, or you're a full-time professional with little time or desire (gasp) to plan your own wedding, a planner can help you get the wedding you've always dreamt of. Planning a wedding takes lots of time, patience, money and compromise. Yes, even though it's all about the Bride, remember that there are mothers & mother-in-laws that will have input about your wedding ideas. A Planner can be your right hand woman, your rock, your therapist, and your saving grace when the going gets tough.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. Sometimes the creation of a budget involves you, your fiance, both sets of parents, and your Wedding Planner. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Be prepared to use your compromising skills. :) Your planner can also aid you with making proper decisions in regards to sticking to and within your budget.

Lastly, do your research! If you only want to hire a Wedding Planner for DOC services, thus eliminating your chances of getting industry discounts, extra value and referrals of trusted professionals usually only offered through Full Wedding Planning services, make sure you do much research before you book any vendors. Ask questions, get a second opinion and try to meet or consider 3 vendors at a time. Basically, pretend you're Simon Cowell of American Idol - only much nicer, and way prettier, and choose the vendors you want to see go to Hollywood (a.k.a your wedding) with you!

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

Choosing your Master of Ceremonies

You've announced your engagement, you've set your wedding date, you've found your dress, you've ordered your cake, flowers and transportation, you've made your guest list, and now all you need to do is make it all come together on one day - one big day - one day that will be considered the most important day of your life.

You have the starring role on that day, you're like celebrities actually.
Your Wedding Planner is your Director, Producer, Stylist, Engineer and even your Therapist - but who is the Conductor? Who announces you and your wedding party and who ties all of the various elements of the evening together?
Who has this honour? Your MC!

Choosing an MC is sometimes an easy task, and other times it can be daunting for the couple. Who do you know that likes to talk in front of a crowd, but isn't a class clown or major attention seeker? Who knows you well enough to be able to tell stories about you individually and as a couple? Who can work well with your Wedding Planner to ensure proper timing and execution of the many event logistics? Your MC!

Suggestions for whom to pick as MC are typically the Best Man, a close friend or a family member. To learn more about choosing and or being a Wedding MC you should read the book "The Wedding MC" by Tom Haibeck, or talk to your Wedding Planner.

Your Wedding Planner should meet your MC prior to your wedding day, most likely at the rehearsal if not before. The two of them will work together during the wedding reception in regards to timing. Almost 95% of the time the set timeline/agenda for the reception changes based on food preparation, service and consumption, guests arriving late and speeches going over or under time. Your MC should be able to 'roll with the punches' and be able to maintain a sense of professionalism (a.k.a maturity) as the night unfolds.

Your MC should have fun, and aim to keep the celebration exciting, positive and memorable. They should try to engage guests in interaction, and strive to make sure everyone is having a fabulous time.




What does an MC 'typically' do?
- Requests the guests to take their seats if needed
- Announces the wedding party & the Mr & Mrs.
- Welcomes your guests and introducing him or her self
- Toasts the couple (if desired)
- Says Grace (or introduces the person saying a blessing)
- Announces the dinner (in most cases only if a buffet)
- Thanks the catering staff on behalf of the couple after dinner
- Presents the "kissing game" to your guests
- Makes jokes and announcements throughout the evening
- Introduces special guests for their speeches
- Announces other events throughout the evening (first dance, cutting of the cake, late night buffet, bouquet toss, etc)

As the Bride & Groom, you should meet with your MC throughout your planning process, keeping them involved and up to date with your plans, ideas and hopes for the evening. Feel free to give your MC guidelines in regards to the content they wish to share with your guests and feel free to ask them to read what they have prepared. Most Brides do not like surprises on the day they've taken months to plan to perfection. :)


Being an MC is an honour, and officially makes them part of the "Wedding Party".

Images of You

This is an image of my friends Rhiannon and Jenn ( a Bride-to-be) and myself at the Hamilton Bridal Show this past Saturday. The image of the 3 of us was taken at an exhibitor that was showcasing a mobile photo booth for events and weddings. (Sorry Jenn that you're sort of cut off, but being the stooge that I often can be I wasn't looking at the camera for the first take. LOL). The 3 of us had a good time together. The Bridal show was really busy and had plenty of '10 and '11 brides scrambling around to find the best of the best for their big day.

Working with a Wedding Planner can help you save the stress of going to Bridal Shows - unless of course you like to go. Sometimes the vendors we recommend can offer bigger discounts than the ones offered at bridal shows.

Images of You Photography is a vendor that we just love, and recommend to our clients. Deb will be at the Burlington/Oakville Bridal show on Jan 23-24 at the Burlington Convention Centre. While there, she'll be showcasing her work and offering a show discount on her services. If you're planning on going to the show, stop by, say 'hello' and tell her that I sent ya. She can show you her Bridal Show package price and show you the $150 Guest Book featuring your own enagement pictures that is her gift to you if you're a client of The Bride's Butler!

But, wait...there's more! Not only do the vendors I recommend offer discounts to my clients, but I also offer discounts to clients of my vendors! If you book your 2010 wedding with Deb, you can receive Day of Coordination services  (DOC) with us for 50% off! What a spectacular deal! We're not offering this with any other vendor!

For only $300 you'll get DOC services that include:

- An hour long meeting prior to the Wedding to discuss details

- Continuous support through phone calls or emails leading up to your big day from the moment you book with us.

- Coordination at Wedding Rehearsal (if desired)

- Wedding Day Management including set-up, ceremony, photo shoot, reception & clean up (from 8 to 12 hours on site)

We don't ever offer deals like this!

Remember though, if you book with Images of You first and then book with us to get the 50% off special, you'll not receive the complimentary Guest Book. Added value and discounts from our vendors are only for clients that book with The Bride's Butler and need assistance with choosing vendors for their wedding.

Most Wedding Planners will only refer vendors to their clients if booked for Consultation meetings or Full Wedding Planning services, but we believe that if you book us for Day of Coordination services well in advance (min of 6 wks) and need some guidance choosing a few (not all) of your vendors, we'll throw you some contact information at no charge, cause afterall, we'll be working with your chosen vendors on the day of, so why not have it be with people we know and trust?

So, what will you're image be while attending the Bridal Shows

 this month?

Happy? Excited? Tired? Stressed?

Let us know, leave a comment, send us an email, or post on our Facebook Fanpage.

Good luck & have fun!

Why hire a Planner??

There are many reasons why couples should hire a planner. When you are planning your wedding and you're reading the magazines, websites and the books for "how to's" and "do's & don't's" most likely  you will see the suggestion to hire a Wedding Planner. There is a reason why they mention this idea...it's a good one!

Here are a few reasons why I think Bride's should hire a Planner.....


#1 - The Bride’s Butler can save you money

We can provide discounts that are only offered through working with a Planner.

I work with plenty of vendors like florists, invitation specialists and photographers - all ready to offer you a value add or discount you couldn't get being a 'walk in' client.

#2 - Less Stress

Take ease in knowing that a professional is working with you to plan the most important day of your life.

As a WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada) certified Planner, I can take care of all of the problem solving and hiccups for you during your wedding so you don't have to. You'd be surprised by the amount of "behind the scenes" work that goes into executing a wedding....it's a major event!


#3 -You have little time to properly plan your wedding

It takes on average 250 hours to plan a wedding.

With most couples working full time, part-time, shift work or raising kids, it's hard to find the time and dedication to plan your wedding. By hiring The Bride's Butler, we can do some of the leg work for you!
Full Wedding Planning services include having the planner set up meetings with vendors and then attend the meetings, aid you in contracts and agreements, and also be your "go to" person for all the small details....including securing all your favour tags on the gifts, or helping you stuff envelopes, anything that will help you out for your big day!

#4 -You are a detail oriented and organized individual

You cant be 2 places at once on your wedding day.

As the Bride you simply can't set up your hall during the morning because you are to be getting ready for your special day! With a lot more weddings taking place on Fridays & Saturdays, your venue needs to be set up the morning of your wedding - thus not allowing you to oversee the details and the set up instructions. That is the job of the Planner. We are with you for up to 12-14 hours during the day of your wedding.
It's a great feeling to know that all you have to be on your wedding day is the Bride (and not the janitor, decorator or coordinator)!

# 5- Hindsight is 20/20

Ask almost any bride, and she’ll tell you that if she was to plan her wedding again, she would have hired a Planner.

Self explainatory. :)

BB Tip #2 -
When hiring a planner, ask for references, portfolio pictures and check to see if they are certified.