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

When it comes to stationary....

When it comes to stationary, I like to refer clients to professionals.

If you're not the DYI type and want to have someone else manage this task, then I suggest you check out Cheri from Invitations by SanSheira's. Cheri works with The Bride's Butler and is very creative and fun to work with. She makes all of her invites by hand, and dedicates her time to every couple.

When you meet with your stationary specialist, it's best to have your wedding colours and theme chosen. Knowing the style and feel you want for your wedding helps formulate the perfect invite. The invitation is the first thing from your wedding your guests see - so it helps set the mood and tone of the event.

Is it a formal affair? More casual? A candle light ceremony, or a bunch vow renewal? Weddings come in all shapes and sizes - and so do invites! Try to bundle your invitation order to include all pieces like the RSVP card, direction card, accommodation note and all envelopes. You may also want to order thank you cards along with your invites if your photographer doesn't offer it in their package. One thing to remember when choosing and ordering your wedding stationary is that it should all be consistent with one another. All pieces should reflect the same image/style/feel, etc of your wedding.

Will you be picking your invites based on your theme, cultural background, or just simply by your budget?

Work together with your Wedding Planner and your Stationary Specialist to create your own unique
and personalized invites. It's one of the many tasks in the planning process that is very fun and allows for creativity.

Shown is a Thank You card done by Veronica of Cinnamon Saturday who works with Cheri. This is a cute and whimsical way to take a wedding picture and make it unique.

How will you choose to inform your guests of the style and theme of your wedding? Colours? Textured paper? Ribbons or Jewels?

It's up to you....and your fiance too of course. :)

And the Oscar goes to.....

With the awards season upon us, I got a little inspired to put together an Oscar themed wedding on Bridal Canvas. Using gold, red and black - I created a collaboration of images to portray an elegant and sophisticated event where celebrities dine on the finest of foods, and drink the best of the bubbly. Getting married? Hosting an event?
Try making an inspiration board using magazine or online images. Have fun!

Oscar Winter Wedding by Diznee

The images for this canvas where sourced online from various sites.
These images are not from our portfolio.

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!

Happy New Year!!

Welcome 2010!

It's a new year. A fresh start? Or continued excitement? What's the beginning of your year looking like? Are you planning a wedding? Attending a wedding? What about resolutions? Got any?

As a bride, you probably have a few - check out the article on The Knot entitled "10 Resolutions for every Bride". for a few recommended resolutions.You may want to add some of them to your list of 'goals', or you may just find it a funny read. Here's hoping that whatever tasks you choose to add to your resolution list, you accomplish them, cause everyone loves the sweet smell of success.

Speaking of success, The Bride's Butler has a few goals for 2010.

1. Blogging! We want to keep our readers/followers/fans and clients up to date on what's happening within our company and the wedding & event industry. We aim to post every 5 days or so.
2. To have over 200 Facebook Fans by peak wedding season, June 2010. If you're a fan, thanks for the love...if you're not a fan yet, why not?

3. Keep offering clients the best service we can at the most affordable  rates! We are continuously working with other wedding/event vendors to give you exclusive rates and extras not offered without a referral. Saving you money  is just as important to us as it is to you.

4. And of course, this year, we want to continue to get noticed!! We want The Bride's Butler to be 1 of the top 3, or better yet, the only Wedding & Event Planning company you think of when dreaming, thinking and planning your wedding in the Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Look for our ad in the Wedding Guide 2010 by Toronto Life Magazine, and our listing in Today's Bride featuring WPIC certified planners.

We hope that you reach your goals and that we reach ours as well. In fact, if we can work together to reach our goals, that's even better!

In order to reach your goals, you'll have to have a plan with set tasks and due dates. You should do research - and lot's of it.

For all you brides who got engaged over the holidays and are just starting your wedding planning - we recommend that you take your time at the Bridal Shows, ask lots of questions and try not to forget that a wedding isn't about money, or flowers, or colour schemes - it's about the love you have for another and how you will share one of the most important days of your lives together expressing your commitment to each other among the presence of friends and family.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

Top Trends, Ideas & Inspirations..according to The BB.

We're about to ring in a new year - where oh, where has the time gone?

2009 was a fantastic year for The Bride's Butler.
We had our first 'official' wedding as a certified, registered company, and executed 4 weddings in the year. Great start for a part-time business, I'd say. We also did some advertising like being an exhibitor at the March Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase, and by participating in word of mouth gatherings like Rona's Ladie's Night and a Hamilton Business Network meeting. This past year, The Bride's Butler created a Facebook group, which is currently being transformed into a Facebook Fan Page which is a better format for our type of business. Please become a fan if you aren't one already!

So, while looking back at our achievements this year, it got me thinking about some of my favourite Wedding & Event trends, ideas and inspirations from 2009. Below are some of my favourites from the past year.

#1 - ETSY.com

I just love this website! It's pretty much like an online flea market for all things homemade and vintage. Search for specific items, or simply pick a category like 'weddings' and see items like veils, cake stands, jewellery, invitations and more all available for purchase. If you like the DIY look, but aren't all that crafty, ETSY is definitely the way to go to save time and money.

#2 - Flowers & Fascinators

Most brides are wearing their hair in a more natural style for weddings, so to add a touch of personality and class, many are adding flowers or fascinators. Fascinators are typically flowers with beads, crystals, tulle, and feathers. Sometimes they can have a small headpiece with a veil. Simple, elegant and beautiful.

#3 - Eco Friendly Chic

Everyone should try to make as many elements of their special event green; like using recycled paper for your stationary and paper goods, or creating menu items with food from local suppliers and giving eco friendly favours. My favourite favours for guests are either ones they can eat with little packaging, donations to charities, or plant/tree seeds and bulbs.

 

#4 - Bird Themes

Bird themes for weddings and special events (like Baby & Bridal Showers) this year seemed to have taken flight. Peacocks, doves, sparrows and owls have popped up in many event details like; stationary, napkins, favours, decor items and even in attire pieces - like garters, ties and fascinators.

#5 - Colourful Shoes

Dress up any outfit with a pair of colourful coordinating shoes. Add a splash of colour to that little black dress with a pair of pink, yellow or even animal print heels! Many brides will wear shoes that are their favourite colour, or that matches their bridesmaid dresses for that extra added style and personality.

Those are just some of my favourite trends, ideas & inspirations from 2009.

I have plenty more, but one more that comes to mind, and will always be a favourite for each and every year are - Proposals!

I love hearing how someone proposed, where they popped the question and how they told their family and friends the fantastic news. The Bride's Butler personally congratulates Jenn & Brett, Nikki & Mark, Christine & Chris and Kayla & Kyle on their 09 engagements.

Let's celebrate 2009 on New Years with happy memories of the past year, and with hopeful ambitions for the year ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

BB Tip #7 - January is "Bridal" season. There are plenty of Bridal Shows to attend. You can find a listing at www.ontariobride.com. Wear comfy shoes, bring a reusable bag for all of the info you will gather and take labels with your name, address, phone number and wedding date for all of the contest ballots.

Remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed after meeting tons, and we mean tons of vendors, call us and we'd be happy to meet with you for a consultation meeting.

Pictures from: blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, blissweddingmarket.com, birdcageveils.com  & etsy.com

It's So Tinsle!

I saw a little bit of the Disney Holiday Special "Prep & Landing" the other night. I had it on when my good friends Jenn & Brett over - whom by the way got engaged two nights prior! Yay!

In the show one of the elves would say "That's so tinsel!" whenever he was excited - sort of like Paris Hilton's "That's hot" - or if you're an 80's child "Rad, tubular and wicked!" So needless to say, I've adapted the slogan this holiday season.

So, what do I think is "so tinsel"?? Themed parties - especially the ones where it's mandatory for you to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater (or vest). You know the ones....with the 3-D images, or lights that actually light up. Or how about the puffy paint, or the bedazzled Christmas trees? I like to refer to these wacky sweaters as "Cosby" sweaters - which if you don't know is due to Bill Cosby from the Cosby Show (yes, I'm an 80's kid if you haven't already figured that out) :)

Next time you are going to a holiday bash, raid your closet (or your parents) or even make a trip to a consignment shop and get yourself decked out in the ugliest, most tacky Christmas (or Cosby) sweater you can find! It'll be soooo tinsel!

 

Holiday Cocktails

It's the holidays...time to whip up some feastive goodies, and serve some holiday inspired drinks!

While entertaining this year, reduce the costs of serving alcohol by offering signature cocktails. Give your guests 2  options, and use the same base alcohol (like rum or vodka) for both of them. Also, serve domestic beer and wine.

If you really want to limit your costs, ask guests to BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) and just offer your signature cocktails.

You can choose your signature cocktails either by the name - like a Christmas Cosmo, or Peppermint Stick, or simply choose them by colour - like Sour Appletini or Pomegranate Martini. There are plenty of cocktail recipes on the web, and also premade drinks can be found at the LCBO if you didnt want to shake or stir your own.

Match your drinks with your colour or theme of your gathering, and be sure to offer virgin drinks for those that are DD or under age. You want everyone to be able to celebrate the wonders of the season with you.

If you didn't want to serve alcohol at all, there are plenty of other options like holiday eggnog, mint hot chocolate and ciders.

Be sure to have fun this holiday season, but please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

Cheers!

Label with Mabel

To help stay organized and trendy this season invite Mabel into your home!

Mabel's Labels offer a variety of labels for the holidays and for the rest of the year.

During the holidays, kids will be getting plenty of new items as presents and to help keep those new, often expensive items returning to your home after they go to school or daycare be sure to label them with Mabel! Each label is personalized with a name and icon and come in a bunch of styles and colours.

This year, I purchased the Curbsides for our house and my parents house as stocking stuffers. These house shaped labels go on your blue box, garbage can and green bin so that if they roll down the street or get blown away they will be returned to the right house.

Also, John and I got personalized Address Return Labels for our many Christmas cards. Staying organized is one sure way to ease the stress of the holidays - and if you, like me are also planning a wedding for next year, you'll surely want to stay as organized as possible.

Dashing Through December

It’s December, the month of holiday festivities!

The days and weeks will fly by faster than those 8 little reindeer do on Christmas Eve, so we want to make sure that this holiday season you are prepared for all of your home parties, dinners and open houses.


Choosing a colour theme for your dinner party or event

You don’t have to stick to the traditional colours of green and red when it comes to decorating for Christmas – you can be as creative as you’d like!

Popular colours and themes this year are blue and silver (Winter Wonderland), gold and purple, or purple and teal (think peacocks) and even black and white (the ever popular damask).

Mix and match your two favourite colours, or pick a theme, like one of my personal favourites; Victorian and use colours like gold, pale pink and cream.
The possibilities are endless!

Take a look around in the shops for inspiration and know that you only need a few pieces of your colour choice to make a statement.

Colour accents can be displayed with:
- Napkins
- Place card holders
- Centrepieces
- Table setting pieces like glasses, bowls or chargers


To save money, browse your local thrift store for unique pieces for your table and mix and match different shades of your chosen colour or ask family and friends to borrow pieces from their homes for your event to be eco-friendly chic.

Here are some ideas showing colour for the holidays.

These photos are for inspiration purposes only, they are not from our portfolio.

The Bride's Butler can recreate these looks for your next party or event.

Photos from: hostess with the mostess

Ladie's Night @ Rona

Rona is 'Doing it Right' on Thursday, December 3rd for Ladie's Night.

Join me at the Kitchener location (730 Ottawa St S) for a night of special promotions, gift ideas and fun!

Other vendors joining me are Lucas from Foto Flare, Home Outfitters, Zellers, Boston Pizza, Curves and much more!

Visit me at my table and ask me some questions about your wedding, and let me tell you how The Bride's Butler can help you save time and money while planning your wedding.

Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter while at the show and be entered to win a Bride & a Groom

T-shirt with a fabric pen! These shirts are popular at Stag & Does and can be a fun memento from the night if you get guests to sign them!

I look forward to seeing you on December 3rd from 6pm to 8:30pm in Kitchener at Rona!

Choosing a Wedding Dress

Will you Say Yes to the Dress?

Most Brides are familiar with the TLC show that showcases the many ups and downs of finding that 'perfect' wedding dress. Although the people are real, and the store does exist, the show is merely a glorified reality show. The average bride will not spend upwards of $10,000 to $25,000 on a dress (like some brides on the show do - that's just insane!).

Hamilton area brides are a bit more budget conscious when it comes to finding the dress they will wear on their wedding day.

There are many bridal boutiques in Hamilton, and my favorite is Juliz' Bridal on Brucedale Ave.
There is a wide selection of dresses, the store is always clean, bright and organized, and Zsuzanna and her staff are always so helpful. Check out their website to view the collections they offer, or stop by the store to see them first hand. Juliz' also offers a good selection of "off the rack" sample dresses for usually just a few hundred dollars.

Another place to look for a wedding dress is on sites like Kijiji, Craigslist and recycledbride.
Most used wedding dresses are in very good shape, and will be a fraction of the cost you'd pay for a new one. Plus, if you are conscious of being Eco Friendly, a 'recycled' dress may be the perfect fit for you.

They say that when you put on the dress of your dreams you "just know" - kind of the like the same as when you met the man of your dreams. .

Won't it be nice to hear from your Groom just how beautiful you look in your dress? Your dress must be one that you not only look and feel beautiful in, but one that is comfortable, matches your style, personality and budget, and one that compliments the theme and season of your wedding.

Wishing you the best of luck in finding your perfect dress!

BB Tip# 6 - Be sure to order your dress at least 9 months before your wedding.  This allows for ordering, shipping and alterations.

Me at Juliz' Bridal in Hamilton. :)

Off Beat Brides

Dance to the sound of your own drum....that is the tune of Off Beat Bride - a website dedicated to unique, creative and sometimes outlandish weddings.

The website also features ideas for ceremony and reception themes - like Halloween, 1930's, rockstar, gothic and fantasy.

Check out the site...if there isn't anything on it that interests you and your style, you will at least have fun looking at some of the wild and kooky ideas of other real brides.

I always find something on this site that I like....check out the picture below. When Carolyn (the Bride) didn't know what to put on the back of her programs, she added different styles of mustaches. She says this way when she looked out into the crowd gathered to witness her vows she didn't imagine them all in her underwear to calm her nerves - instead they all had mustaches!! Creative, silly and unique!

Themed weddings have much more and often different elements than a "regular" wedding, so if you have the budget to hire a Planner, I recommend you do. It'd be a shame to have put so much time, effort, money and creativity into a themed wedding only for it to not all come together as planned.

Enjoy being offbeat, it is afterall Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

TRICK OR TREAT???

TREAT!!! When you book your 2010 Day of Coordination package with The Bride's Butler and you quote the word "mustache" in  your inquiry email (when you ask us to help you cause you want a professional to assist you with your wedding) - we will knock $100 off the total price!!!

Now, that's a good treat if you ask me! :)

Foto Flare Photography

Everyone say cheese!

Taking a picture with a professional on your wedding day isn't like getting your school photo done. There usually isn't too much of the "say cheese", or "smile!"anymore. Most photographers like to take what they call 'photojournalistic' pictures.

Photojournalism is a particular form of journalism that creates images in order to tell a story...like the events of your wedding day. You want your pictures to convey timeliness, objectivity, detail, narrative and emotion.

The Bride's Butler works with a few photographers that all have the ability, experience, knowledge and equipment to capture all of the moments from your special day.

We like to refer Lucas from Foto Flare to our clients. He has his own studio in Hamilton (302A Brucedale Ave E) - and has many packages available to meet the photography and budget needs of every Bride and Groom.

Any clients of The Bride's Butler that are refered to Lucas and decide to use him as their photographer will recieve a discount depending on the photo package you choose. We also have a discounted rate for clients of Foto Flare - so visit the studio to find out how you can save money!

I invite you to visit Lucas' website, blog and studio to see his photojournalistic photos. http://www.fotoflare.ca/

When you're looking for a photographer for your wedding,

do you know what questions to ask him or her?

Here are just a few......


Are you the only photographer in this company? If I hire you, am I guaranteed that you will be the one showing up to shoot my wedding?
Can you show me 3 or more complete weddings you’ve done?

Is color and B/W photography included or is there an extra fee for B/W?
Are you willing to come extra early to get shots of us (the couple) before the ceremony if we choose to do that?
Do you work with an assistant?


How many and what kind of cameras do you use? 


Do you offer a website and CD of my images? 


Ask your photographer plenty of questions, they should always be glad to answer them - it shows your care about their service and the product that they can create for you.



BB Tip #5

When compiling a list of photos that you 'must have' for your wedding, remember to keep it simple.
Immediate family, wedding party shots, and details (dress, shoes, cuff links, etc).
Your photographer will do their very best to capture every moment and emotion...and you as the Bride do your best to relax, enjoy and SMILE! :)

Creative goodies....

Mmmmm......

One of the most important aspects of a wedding (other than the vows of course) is the food.
As more and more couples are trying to make their wedding unique, and sometimes in crazy off the wall ways, I went looking for ideas on how to be different, yet still remain classy.

I was on a wedding blog the other day and came across a few ideas for favours and buffets that I thought were very creative...and also looked very yummy!

Cookies & Milk

What a great idea this is instead of your typical late night buffet. Serve shots of cold milk (you could have strawberry and chocolate flavoured ones too) and pair them up with homemade cookies - perhaps the Grooms favourite? Serve this idea either laid out on a table with some cookies wrapped 'to-go' with the recipe attached on a nice label with ribbon, or have this comforting treat served to guests on a tray (pictured) - only be sure each guest gets a napkin with their homemade treat.

This idea would also be a good one if children are at the reception. What child wouldn't like some milk & cookies before they are shuttled home to bed by mom and dad?

Ice Cream Sundae Bar     

This would be fantastic for not only a summer wedding, but for the theme of a Bridal Shower. It's a little messier than some regular dessert/snack options, but can be personalized by your guests by what they top their ice cream with! Offer all kinds of different toppings - ranging from the classic like coloured sprinkles to the not so classic like pretzel pieces. Display all of the toppings in nice dishes and be sure to have title tags for each so your guests know what they're eating. A sure way to eliminate some of the mess would be to have your venue

pre-scoop ice cream into dishes for your guests.
What a fantatsic idea....and don't forget the cherry on top!

S'mores

When I saw this idea I wanted to whip out my fondue set and try it right then! What a wonderful idea! I think this idea would be best suited as a dessert, where each table would have their own fondue set and goodies needed to make the yummy summer treat! Can you imagine the sight of all of your guests huddled around the centre of their tables making s'mores? Fantastic pictures!

Along with this treat, you have to have wet naps available as it could get a little messy.

There are plenty of different ways to have your favourite dessert or snack available at your wedding for your guests to enjoy along with you.

Think about some of the things you enjoyed as a child, or about treats you shared with your fiance during your courtship. Almost any idea can be brought to life these days. Use your imagination!

Ask your Wedding Planner for some ideas if you're having troubles thinking of something different and creative. We at The Bride's Butler can find almost anything you need to satsify your sweet tooth.

Bon Appetite!

Pictures provided by www.bridalpartytees.com/blog.

The Bride's Butler would be more than happy to recreate these images for you for your wedding or event.

Congratulations Liz & Devon King!!

Liz and Devon got married over the Thanksgiving weekend. John's sister has been planning her wedding for the past 18 months, and asked me to help her along the way. We met a few times for a few hours in the months leading up to her big day, and I acted as their Wedding Planner on the wedding day.

Liz and Devon got married at Town Hall in Ancaster, and took an old fashioned fire truck (cause Devon is a firefighter) down to the reception at The Art Gallery of Hamilton. It was an awesome sight - and a great photo opportunity for guests! The wedding was a cocktail reception with approximately 165 guests.

Given the fact that they had an 18 person bridal party...>gasp<...I know, that's a lot.. the day went well with very little issues. With such a large Wedding Party (WP), it was quite the task to keep them all focused, doing their duties (ushering guests most specifically) and keeping them out of the ceremony hall before it started!

Once we all got to the Art Gallery, again it was hard keeping track of where all of them (WP) where, and were going - outside for a smoke, to grab a drink, to talk with family/friends...it got a little frustrating chasing them around to prepare for their 'Grand Entrance' - but in the end, everything went well and was beautiful.

Liz looked fabulous, and I've got to say, was quite the calm bride. She was always smiling, and just wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time - and they were!

Her colours were ivory, purple and yellow - so both venues (ceremony & reception) had sunflowers, gourds and mini pumpkins placed throughout for the 'fall' theme.

This was my first Cocktail Reception wedding, and it's a good concept - very relaxed - but I do stress that you must have enough food on hand. Guests could choose from appetizer sized items that consisted of cheeses, breads, cold meats, antipasto, pasta and veggie/meat skewers. I noticed that many guests went up to the food table more than once, more than twice - sometimes 3 or 4 times!!  They even ran out of coconut shrimp within the first 20 minutes... they must have been a favourite! Thankfully Liz & Devon were saved some to enjoy later by the Catering Manager.

 The bar was open right from the get go, and the dance floor was always hopping.

Once the speeches were taken care of, I tried my best to be there as a guest and enjoy the wedding with my family, but my Planner instincts kept clicking in. I made sure that the bouquet toss, garter retrieval and the cake cutting were all done on time. Devon even said to me - "oh, thanks for reminding us, we would have forgotten!" And that happens - Brides and Grooms sometimes will forget to follow timelines because they are enjoying themselves so much and having fun. Just another excellent reason to have a Wedding Planner.

 

Congratulations Liz & Devon...you had a beautiful wedding filled with love, laughter, family & friends!

All the best!!

BB Tip # 4:  Only ask close friends and family to be in your WP. More than 3 or 4 on each side will most likely be unmanageable. Remember, just because you have more hands does not necessarily mean you will get more help.

Congratulations Leah & David Craig!

Yesterday The Bride's Butler was on hand to help Leah & David with their wedding at The Edgewater Manor. The ceremony was to take place outside, but given the overcast and wind, we decided to have it indoors - and thankfully so, as they were saying their vows it started to pour!


My assistant for the day was Ashley, she's in college for Tourism & Events and would like to be a Wedding Planner. She currently works part-time at Invitations by SanSheira’s in Burlington, so when it came time to decorate the wedding and tie bows - she was my savour! She did a great job all day!

Since the ceremony was held indoors, that left us with just a little over an hour to flip the room over into the reception dining hall for 70 guests. With just Ashley, myself and 2 staff members from the venue, we managed to do it with 10-15 minutes to spare! Because of the limited staff from the venue, Ashley and I even set the tables with the dinnerware and napkins! Anything goes when you have a deadline...as a Wedding Planner you need to wear plenty of hats, and look good in all of them!

Leah's vision for the day was beautiful - inspired by nature and quite unique. He colours were green, brown and ivory. Her menu consisted of locally grown vegetables, and her favours for her guests was a white spruce tree planting kit. Her and David also donated to Tree Canada as part of their favour. Fantastic idea!

One aspect that was the most fun in setting up was displaying the Candy Buffet. David likes salty treats, and Leah likes Sweet - so the table was a mixture of both! Guests were encouraged to fill take out Chinese boxes with goodies prior to their departure.

The cake was magnificent and the aroma of the vanilla could be enjoyed anywhere with a ten foot radius of the cake table!

Overall, the wedding was fabulous. Her bridesmaids were very helpful with the initial set up (flowers, outside decorations, and taking care of Leah) - and her MC was wonderful and easy-going.

The Edgewater Manor was a great venue for this romantic intimate wedding.


Wishing Leah & David all the best!


BB Tip #3 -
Have your wedding on a Sunday like Leah did - it will be less costly than a Friday or Saturday.