Bad Bridesmaids

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

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

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

- supporting the Bride & her decisions

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

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

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

- planning & attending a Bachelorette Party

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

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

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

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

Traits of a Bad Bridesmaid are:

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Friendor Spotlight

Foto Flare Photography: Lucas Shaughnessy

Choosing a Photographer for your wedding can be a stressful task as you want someone that is experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. The photos they capture will be ones you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Lucas is a Friendor of ours. Our Full Wedding Planning package includes referals to professionals in the Wedding Industry often times with discounts offered simply for being a client of The Bride's Butler.

I had the chance to interview Lucas about his services, specifically Engagement Sessions.

How long before the wedding should you have your engagement pictures done?
If you plan on using the images for your wedding invitations or save the date cards, have your engagement session as soon as possible. Otherwise you can leave your engagement session until just a few months (or days) before the wedding.

How do you suggest that couples incorporate their e-session pictures into their special day?
If you schedule your engagement session early enough, you could pick out your favorite photo and use it for your save the date cards – together we’ll design a custom announcement card that incorporates the photos.
Give your guests some eye candy and create a gorgeous guest signing book. That way, your guests will be able to leave their best wishes beside some of your favourite images.
A more traditional option is to have a framed print with a large mat that your guests can sign – that way you can hang it in your home after the wedding.

What do you like about Engagement sessions?
I love it when couples let me into their personal space so I can capture who they really are. When couples are relaxed, we can get some great photos that evoke emotion, passion and show your fun side. Use your engagement session as an opportunity to fall in love all over again and create images that represent you!

How long is a session, and what is your rate for them? Are they included in all of your packages?
Almost all of our collections include a 2hr engagement session. If they’re not included, they can be purchased for $340

What is your most favorite shot to capture on the wedding day? The vows, the first dance, etc....

I don’t really have a particular favorite shot, but I love moments with emotion - whether it is the father's first look at his daughter in the morning or the groom wiping away a tear while his soon to be wife walks down the aisle. Ultimately my favorite photos are when the couple and guests forget that I’m there and I can capture how they really felt at that exact moment.

What sets you apart from other photographers?
Who’s better to ask then some of my past couples. Here's what they have to say:

-“Not only are you very flexible & modern – you’re extremely creative & just different”

-“You had a way of listening to our vision for the wedding and then taking this and making it come alive in artistic and unique photographs”

-“You always manage to exceed my expectations. The final product is always more than I could have expected or imagined! This time proved it yet again”

Ancaster Wedding Show 2011

'Stress Less' is our motto.

We'll be at the Ancaster Wedding Show at Night on Friday March 25th from 4pm-9pm meeting Brides & Grooms who want to 'stress less' on their wedding day. We'll be joined by other vendors that want to help you too, so be sure to come by to say hello and take advantage of our "show only" specials!

Having a certified Wedding Coordinator work alongside you while planning your wedding can ease stress, save you time and reduce your spending! We'll be offering up to $200 off our Full Wedding Planning services only at the show.

If you're a DYI (Do It Yourself) Bride, that's great too! We're able to assist you with executing all of your fine details so that you don't have to worry (stress) about it on your special day. Why spend, plan and create the wedding of your dreams to not have it unfold the way you imagined? Chat with us at the show about our ever popular Day of Coordination package, and you might save up to $100 on the services!

For more information about the show visit http://www.ancasterweddingshow.com/

To find out more about why you should hire a Planner, visit our website.

March

Inspiration can come from anywhere.
Take the month of March for example. You know the saying "in like a Lion, out like a Lamb"?
Well, I took that and made two different inspiration boards for two different weddings.

When I thought of a lion I thought of champagne, gold and black. I also thought of a lion being strong, yet elegant. I thought of textures, and strong contrast.

Like a Lion by BridesButler

When I thought of a lamb, I thought of ruffles, brown and green. I thought of wool and satin, of country charm and of nature.

Out Like a Lamb by BridesButler

When you think of a lion or lamb what comes to your mind?
Pretty much anything can be inspiration for you when planning your wedding.

For fun, try making an Inspiration Board at Bridal Canvas, or give us a shout - we'd love to help you create one during a Consultation meeting.


PS: Pinch, punch - first of the month! All the best to you for the month of March.

Images from Bridal Canvas & Google Images

Best Picture

Can you guess which "Best Picture" Oscar Nominated Film could be the inspiration behind these wedding photos? Taking elements and ideas (fashion, colours, setting) from a movie is a great way to help formulate a theme/tone for your special event.

Black & White is elegant.

Cookie favours for a Bridal Shower.

Groom or Groomsmen cuff links. A great gift for your guy.

Giddy Up. Showing your personality through your Bridal Shoes
 is a trend that most Brides incorporate into their big day.

Purple = Royalty.

* Images found on Google Images & the Hip_Ink Blog
* From top to bottom: Black Swan, Social Network, The Fighter, True Grit & The King's Speech

Hole in One!

Hostess with the Mostess featured this 30th Birthday party from Michelle at Crazy for Design. This theme can be used for young and old, male or female - as long as the birthday girl or guy likes golf!

The elements, colours and textures used to create this themed party are pefect for a man. Simple, clean lines are far better choices than glitz and glam, especially for a 30th party for a dude.

Using original themed names for food & drink exentuates the theme

When planning a themed party think about the guest of honours likes, dislikes, hobbies and lifestyle. To save money, try incorporating items that you already own or can borrow from other guests. Make your own stationary/printables, or use an affordable online dealer like Etsy.

With the Oscars approaching this will be our last post about Birthday Parties for the series this month. We hope you enjoyed some of the theme ideas and have been inspired to host your own fete!

Need help? Mention you saw our "Birthday Party" series on the blog to get $100 off your first Consultation meeting with The Bride's Butler.

* post gathered from information & images found on Hostess with the Mostess

Yee Haw!

Tori from Thoughtfully Simple showcased a 'Cowgirl' themed Birthday Party on her blog and I thought it was so adorable that we had to feature it on ours. Purple was the main colour used as it's the Birthday girl's favourite colour. Bails of hay, toys, old cowboy boots and other DYI items were used to enhance the theme and bring it to life for the little gal and her friends.

Bails of hay were used as benches and each cowgirl got her own hat!



Cupcakes & Sherbert were the treats of choice.

The sunflower cupcake toppers are scrapbook stickers and wooden popsicle sticks!





Treats were had and games were played and all the kiddies had a grand ol' time! Each child got to take home their own horse from the "Pony Corral" and parents were given a jar of ingredients for "Cowgirl Cookies" to make at home. As we've mentioned before, favours are one of our favourite elements from any kind of event. Great job Tori!

If you're looking to host your own Birthday Celebration and need help with ideas, vendors and execution, give us a call or send us an email - we love to chat about any sort of celebration. Giddy Up!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

This party wasn't for Charlie Brown, but for a grown man named Jeff. I came across this blog post over the holiday season and knew that I wanted to include it in our Birthday Party series. Created and hosted by the team at Piggy Bank Parties this party captures the famous cartoon to a T (-shirt! complete with the zigzag)!

  

Mock Invitation displayed for privacy sake. Created for the party by Autumn Writings.

The birthday boy (or should I say man) loves the Peanuts comic strip and his b-day is 2 weeks before Christmas, so the host felt it appropriate to tie the two together for this celebration. I've got to say, she did a fantastic job with the tablescape!


Combining the original Peanuts with "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown"

When planning and hosting a party based on a theme it's best to try to incorporate as many elements of the theme as you can into your celebration. Food served at this party was inspired by the characters and by the food that Snoopy serves in "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". Adding these kind of touches help bring the theme to life.

Chicken Wings was the food of choice for the guest of honor.
Woodstock was the mascot for this buffet complete with choice of dips!

DYI decor elements helped execute the theme as well as keep the budget fairly low. Comic strips were used to make garland for the room and the Christmas tree. Other ways to include a theme into your party is to pick a colour scheme and run it throughout the entire party - invite, decor, tablescape & favours.

One of my favourite things to create for a party are the favours. This is the thing that will bring the experience home with them, so you want it to match the 'feeling' of the celebration. I love the favours from this party - Snoopy fruit snacks (in the tree) and Peppermint Patties (in the doghouse).

Perhaps this party inspired you to think of a few birthday party themes. Remember, you're never too 'old' to have a fabulous party filled with bright colours & cartoons!

There's No Place Like Home

All this month we will feature ideas for birthday parties. At The Bride's Butler we aren't just involved with and interested in weddings - we love special events too!

Stroll down the Yellow Brick road and take a look at this Wizard of Oz party as seen on Amy Atlas' blog; Sweet Designs. The fine details to capture the movie and the exquisite work of the cookies and decorations make this a favourite of ours.

Kate from Kate Landers Events with the help of Kim from TomKat Studio created these goodies for the party.

Always incorporate the theme into your favours. It adds a special 'take home' touch.



Any little girl who loves watching this classic movie would love this theme for her soiree. There are a lot of ideas for birthday parties and we like to make each one memorable. For ideas and execution for your birthday celebration drop us a line, we love chat about parties big and small!

* post inspired by submission on Sweet Designs blog

* images taken byAndrea Winchenbaugh of  Open Shade Studios.



Hubba Hubba

Be my Valentine, my love,

As I will be for you,

And we will love the whole day long,

And love our whole lives through.

Valentine's Day is in a few weeks and you may be thinking about ways to show your love and affection without spending a fortune. If you're getting married this year, you're probably working within a "we're getting married" budget. To help you out, here are a few 'stay at home' ideas to get romantic with your fiance without breaking the bank.

Faux 'take-out'

Rather than ordering in which can be pricey and greasy (ahem, wedding dress to wear in the near future) why not make your own? Make your own pizza, panini's or even chinese at home. Whip up a tasty stir fry and put it in chinese take-out boxes and eat with chop sticks. You can find the take-out boxes at a craft, paper or dollar store. Top off this meal with a selection of fortunes you made and placed into a pretty vase and then you and your hunny can pick one and read it aloud to each other.

Cuddle on the couch

Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean that you have to watch a romantic comedy - in fact, you should probably watch your guy's favourite flick. Select a movie from his collection, pop some popcorn and cuddle on the couch. Since you won't be all that interested in his flick choice, use this time alone to behave like you first did when you started dating. A little make-out sesh on the couch never hurt anyone.

Lights Out

It's not what it sounds like. Once in a while it's good to 'unplug' all the technology and just spend some quality time together. Light candles, turn off the computer, cell phone, tv and ipod and just enjoy spending time together. Do a crossword or puzzle by candlelight, or read each other poetry. Take a bubble bath together, or give each other foot rubs.

Learn from each other

Are you a good baker? Does he kick butt at Poker? Spend an afternoon or evening teaching each other what you're good at. You might find out something new about your significant other through this exercise.

Get Active

Again, not what I mean here - get your mind outta the gutter. A great way to bond and spend time with your love is to get active together. Go for a hike, an evening stroll with the dog, play a few rounds of Wii Sport or get out your yoga mats and follow an instructional video together.

Something Blue

You made sure you had your something old, new, borrowed and now....you're blue!

It's been known that some Brides will experience post wedding blues. It makes sense to feel this way. All of the build-up and hype of your big day has simmered down, and if it's been a few months since your wedding day, the excitement and chatter has probably vanished.

The day that took you 18 months or longer to plan is gone, and that can make anyone quite sad.

It's not surprising that Brides feel depressed after their wedding, as this is a day they have waited for and looked forward to since childhood. After the wedding and the honeymoon a lot of Brides think there isn't  much to look forward to regarding your nuptials except viewing the wedding photography proofs. Before the big day there's lot's of planning, decision making, organizing, festivities and talk about YOU (and your fiance of course). But, now - life is going back to how it was before your wedding - and well, you might be bored.

When I meet with clients for our "Day of Coordination" services, I tell them that they must manage their expectations for their wedding day as things are going to happen - things they will not be able to control or avoid. With any major event, you must look at the big picture; people who love you gathered to celebrate with you and wish you all the best for your marriage. The same goes for after the wedding - look at the big picture; you had a wonderful party filled with love, laughter and happiness - and now, you're married!!

Marriage like any relationship consists of respect, love, compromise and dedication. Being married means that you are part of a team - a union of two people who love each other, so no matter how sad you feel that the wedding is over, know that you have a partner that has vowed to stick by you through the good and bad.

Settling into married life can take time - so be sure to give yourself time to adjust. Remember that life isn't perfect, so don't be bummed out when life doesn't turn out to be the fairytale you imagined it would be when you walked down the aisle. But, what you can remember is the wonderful day you had when you said "I do".
Look at your pictures often, reminisce with your hubby and friends about funny stories from the day, and look down at your left hand and smile at the ring that symbolizes your marriage.

Here are some things to do to help you beat the post wedding blues:

1) Recycle your stack of Bridal Magazines. You don't need to look at them and see all the ideas of things you didn't do. No "if only's, but I could have, or I wish I'd done", just toss 'em, or give them to a newly engaged friend.

2) Make a list of goals you want to accomplish. When planning your wedding you had a hefty "to-do" list, so keep that pattern alive by setting new goals for yourself and your hubs. This will help keep boredom at bay.

3) Go out on weekly or bi-weekly dates with your husband. Spending time together as a married couple will keep your union strong and remind you of all the reasons you said 'yes' to this special guy.

4) Relax. Wedding planning is one of the most stressful times in a woman's life. Take time to enjoy being a newlywed rather than a Bride-to-be.

Post generated with help from ehow.
Picture from Google Images.

Grooms are people too

This may come as a shocker, but....it's not all about the Bride.

It's known that the Bride tends to make most if not all of the decisions for the wedding, but the Wedding Industry is saying that Grooms are going to be speaking out more in 2011 and making more decisions.Your wedding day is afterall for both you and your Groom.

With blogs and websites like Ben the Groom, The Plunge and The Man Registry - guys have a place they can go to for advice, funny stories and even some educational content concerning their title as the "Groom".

Ben the Groom offers a checklist that offers "to-do's" from your Engagement to the night before your wedding. Knowing what to do before you are told to do it will make you look like an All-Star to your Bride.

The Plunge gives you a guys perspective and tips to prepare you for taking 'the plunge' into married life. From "How to: Replace a fallen Groomsman" to "Making a good impression with the In-laws" this site is a must for Grooms.

The Man Registry is an American site so you won't find local Canadian vendors there, but you will get awesome ideas for Bachelor parties and gifts for your wedding party dudes.

In 2010, Groom cakes made a bit of a comeback and I bet you'll continue to see more of them in weddings to come so that the Groom has something special to call his own. These cakes are usually personalized for the Groom with his hobbies, favourite sports team, movie or musician.

So, let's hear it for the boys and take joy in the fact that if you have a Groom that wants to participate and make decisions concerning your wedding and festivities - let him. Just be sure he doesn't get carried away and become a Groomzilla.

Newlywed "To Do" List

Now that you've said "I do" there are a few things you have "to do" as a newlywed.

Enjoy being Mr & Mrs

Go on your honeymoon, spend time together, make love and enjoy your new beginning.

Clean & Store your Wedding Dress

Within 6 months get your dress dry cleaned and properly packaged for storing. If you don't plan to keep your dress, put it online for another Bride to use it for her happy day.

Check out sites like Bravo Bride, Yes Bride & Kijiji.

Change your status

And we don't mean just on Facebook! You'll need to change your last name and possibly your home address after you get married. Insurance, Licence, Health Card, Income Tax, etc.

For Ontario Brides, check out the Service Canada website for assistance.

Send your Thank You's

You've got 2 mths before you're considered inconsiderate. Sit down once a week and get through the pile of 'thank you's'. If you need more time, take it - but get those cards out no later than 6 mths after your wedding. You and your hubby will feel really good knowing that your guests are thanked promptly.

Pick your photos

You'll be given a whack load of photos to pick once your photographer has tweaked them. Enjoy this process no matter how stressful it may seem. Enjoy reminiscing about your wedding.

Celebrate your Anniversary

Congratulations!!!



*post inspired by an article found on The Nest

Friendors

Vendors are business people/companies that offer services in a particular field. The Bride's Butler is a Wedding Vendor. A Photographer, Baker, Banquet Hall and Make-Up Artist are also Wedding Vendors. These people are the ones that help you create and form your event - unless of course you are going the "Do It Yourself " route on all accounts..and that to us = too much stress for you!

The Bride's Butler works with Vendors, whom we refer to as Friendors. These Friendors offer discounts and value add-ons to clients that are working with us for our Full Wedding Planning package.
Working together with a Planner and their Friendors can and will help you save money.

Often times Brides book us for Day of Coordination well before they've chosen any vendors - and we're pleased to suggest vendors for their wedding during the initial consultation meeting. Getting referrals from another professional, especially a Wedding Planner can help ease the decision making stress every Bride feels. There are also many Friendors that we're connected to that aren't listed on our site just yet.  

All vendors work in different ways, and I for one prefer to execute a wedding  alongside a professional that I know and trust, instead of with someone I'm meeting for the first time - or worse yet, someone I've heard unpleasant reviews about. Sometimes wedding vendors don't know what it's like to work with a Wedding Planner/ Coordinator - and that can be tough. We try our very best to communicate with all vendors at minimum the day before your wedding so that they are aware of our role, and of your (and our) expectations.

Knowing that a vendor has worked with a Planner/Coordinator before is comforting, as they will most likely respect our role as 'ring leader' for the day and will touch base with us and communicate any changes with us. Your vendors must act like a team on your wedding day - for we are there to work together for you; the Bride & Groom.

 
When a Vendor is a Friendor it's great for all parties involved.

Beginning in March we will have a monthly "Friendor Spotlight" on the blog. Stay tuned!

Welcome 2011!

Happy New Year!

We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones.

At this time we want to extend a big "thank you" to all of our Facebook Fans that took part in our "12 Days of Sharing" contest. It was a great way to let others know about us, but also to thank you for your support in 2010. We hope that the Fan Page and our Blog are keeping you intriqued and up to date about what's going on with us, with the wedding industry and with other local vendors.

The winner of the contest was Amanda Knight Kinnard. She introduced us to 12 new members. Thanks!


With each new year, we like to make goals for the following months ahead. This year we plan to:

1) Continue to assist Brides & Grooms with their wedding planning needs. Our popular and affordable "Day of Coordination" package is fabulous for DYI Brides that want to plan all their own details but have a professional onsite to execute their ideas and vision. You can't be 2 places at once.

2) Keep on blogging. We post every 5 days and will continue to do so. If there is something you'd like us to blog about please send us an email. We'd love to answer your questions and discuss topics you want to read about regarding weddings and special events!

3) Friendor Spotlights. Friendors are Vendor Friends of The Bride's Butler - more on this in our next post. This year we're going to try our very best to feature a selected friendor once a month on the blog. Stay tuned, this feature will kick off in March.

4) Gain more Facebook Fans and followers on Twitter. We'd love you to join us on social media, and be sure to tell your friends!

We have other goals that we'd like to meet - but those 4 are our top "must do's" - and we feel confident that we will be able to achieve them.We've enjoyed our start into the world of Wedding Planning (we began in '08) and we look forward to what lies ahead this year and the many that follow.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah Winfrey

Happy New Year!

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding, or going to a party, or hosting a party this New Years, may it be a fabulous event filled with great laughter, love, fun & excitement!

~ All the best for a fabulous start to 2011 ~

* Image from Google image search - Braden Harris

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!

Merry Christmas!!

"A Christmas Story" has been one of my favourite holiday movies since I was a child. I remember watching it on VHS with my family in the late 80's and it seemed like no one else had ever heard of it. Classmates thought I was weird, and you just couldn't find movie memorabilia anywhere. Now, this movie is a fan favourite and a cult classic. My Dad & I are huge fans, we know almost every line!

Last weekend I travelled to Cleveland, OH to see the actual house from the movie. It's staged to be just like the house was during the movie, and to my delight, Ian Petrella (who played kid brother Randy) was on hand for a meet & greet! Although our meeting was brief, it was a moment I will always cherish.

Being able to see and feel places in the house that were shared by the actors in the movie was an unbelievable experience! The current owner of the house has done a fantastic job with props like furniture, wallpaper and antiques to make it feel like you're at the "Parker's".

As well as the house, there's a museum dedicated to actual movie props like wardrobe pieces, scripts and toys used in the film.

To have visited "A Christmas Story" house was a fantastic way to start off my holidays! I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with fond memories of the past, and wonderful memories made for future reminiscing with family and friends. I also hope that like Ralphie in the movie, you get what you wished for this Christmas.

Love is all around

Merry Christmas!

Christmas movies are a must-have in my household. Each year I watch the same ones over and over. My favourites are "A Christmas Story", "The Santa Clause" and "Home Alone".

If you're going to curl up with your fiance and loved ones this season, why not watch a Romantic Christmas movie? Nothing says "I love you" more than the holidays.

Love Actually (2004)

The Holiday (2006)

The Family Stone (2005)

Serendipity (2001)

White Christmas (1954)


December is almost over, be sure to book our "Day of Coordination" services for your 2011 wedding before Dec 31/10 to save $100!

10 things your Registry shouldn't be without

Tis the season for shopping for and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time where the malls are full and your wallet is empty. Christmas is also a time of year when some limited edition items are available, especially dishware and entertaining pieces. If you're getting married next year, perhaps you can add some of your "must have weddings gifts" that are only available this time of year to your Christmas wish list. Tell Uncle Wallace what you would like for Christmas instead of him guessing and you get his and her matching sweaters!

If you haven't registered yet for your wedding (you can register anywhere from 1 yr to 6 mths before your wedding) then here are 10 things your Registry shouldn't be without according to "Registry King" Jorge Perez of the popular wedding website, Aisle Dash.

1. Quality Tableware (stemware, china and flatware)

2. Good Cookware

3. A Powerful Blender

4. A High-Powered Microwave
5. Superior Knives
6. Luxurious Sheets
7. Thick, Plush Towels
8. A Barbecue Grill
9. Luggage
10. A Flat-Screen TV

Happy Scanning!

*Images provided by Google Search

Lasting Love

'A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.  The order varies for any given year.'  ~Paul Sweeney

Weddings are a beautiful event, but even more beautiful is to see the same couple year after year still in love. As you travel through life, you'll grow and change with your partner, and hopefully you'll see that true love never dies.

My parents celebrated their 33rd Anniversary yesterday and their relationship is a true testament that love can last. My parents have a union that is one to honour, respect and admire. They make me think that fairytales actually do exist.

May your wedding day be the beginning of many Anniversaries to come with your partner - your best friend.

Good luck to all of The Bride's Butler's newlyweds, and congratulations to clients celebrating anniversaries. And, congratulations to my parents.

'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.'  ~Mignon McLaughlin 

The Bride wore white...& so did the Maids.

I saw this post last month on The Knotty Bride & although the Bride looks stunning, I just couldn't help but think...Bridesmaids wearing white?!?!

To me, that is the colour reserved for the Bride, and only the Bride. I'm actually quite against guests wearing white as well, or any shade resembling it - champagne, ivory or pale silver.

Am I totally old fashioned or what?    

Would you want your Bridesmaids to wear white for your wedding?

*inspired by post writen by Alison on The Knotty Bride. Pictures taken by Max Wanger.

 

12 Days of Sharing

This is a special post to get you involved in our

"12 Days of Sharing" promotion! Starbucks is having a promotion from December 1st to 12th, so we thought that we would too!

If you're already a fan of ours on Facebook, then you probably know about this contest - but if you're not yet....what are you waiting for?!? (Ahem, a good bribe perhaps? Well, this is it.)

For existing fans of The Bride's Butler on Facebook:

All you have to do is tell your friends and family to officially 'like' us on Facebook and you could win a $20 gift card. As the winner you get to choose if you want your gift card to be from the LCBO, Beer Store or Starbucks. To be entered to win, you must have your friend or family member write on the page wall that you sent them. For example "Stacey Smith sent me" or "Referred by Stacey Smith" and volia, you (a.k.a Stacey Smith) will be entered to win the gift card of choice. The winner will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page on Monday, December 13th.

To make it even easier for you, copy and paste this in a message to your friends:

Hi,
I’m a fan of The Bride’s Butler on Facebook and you should be too! You could win a Starbucks gift card by supporting this Hamilton based Wedding & Event company. Just “Like” the page and write on the wall that I sent you and you’re entered to win!

Chances of winning depend on how many people you tell about us. So start sharing, you’ve got 12 days to spread the love!


For the newbies:

If you've been referred to our Facebook Fan Page between Dec 1-12, you are a NEW fan. Let us know who sent you and you could win a Starbucks gift card. There are 1 a day to be won, so as long as you 'like' us between December 1st to 12th, you're good for an entry. All 12 winners will be announced on the wall following the promotion on December 13th, 2010.

Questions? You can reach us through email, info@bridesbutler.ca, or @Bridesbutler on Twitter or message us on Facebook.


Thanks for supporting The Bride's Butler - and good luck!


Happy Holidays!


Rules, Regs and all the legal mumbo jumbo:
Contest starts at 7:30am EST December 1st and ends December 12th at midnight (12am EST).
Existing fans are encouraged to promote the Fan Page and will be rewarded with a contest entry for a $20 gift card from their chosen vendor - LCBO, The Beer Store or Starbucks. New fans are anyone that 'likes' the Fan Page during Dec 1 -12 and posts who referred them. Only by posting on the wall are they eligible to win 1 of the daily prizes of a Starbucks gift card. There are 12 Starbucks cards in total. The Starbucks gift card is valued at $5. All prizes are as promoted. Prizes can not be exchanged for cash. If the 'existing fan' gift card winner is American, a substitute prize will be awarded at equal value.