Give your flowers meaning

Most Brides will pick flowers for their wedding based on the colour, size, seasonality (availability) and cost. Flowers can be expensive, especially if you're ordering ones that aren't in season during your special day.

To add more meaning to your flowers, and to give your guests something to talk about, why not post a list of your chosen flowers and their meaning like what my recent Bride, Natalie did?

Placed on her gift table, I thought this was a great way for her to showcase her love of flowers and why she chose what she did for the day she said "I do" to Jason.

Online you can find all kinds of meanings and symbols for flowers. Check out Flowers for Canada or The Language of Flowers.

Remember that if you're not all that into flowers, you can always incorporate plants, nuts and seeds. Or, if you're totally against using real flowers, why not go with a broach or button bouquet?


What kind of flowers are you planning on displaying at your wedding and in your bouquet?

No matter what you choose, be sure that the flowers you pick have some sort of meaning to you. Maybe you decide to pick flowers that were the kind he first gave you when you started dating. Maybe you chose your mother's favourite flower to honour her, or maybe you simply pick what you think are pretty. Whether you display the meaning of your flowers or not, you'll know that they were chosen with your special meaning in mind.

Congrats Natalie & Jason!

I am beyond excited to be coordinating the wedding of Natalie & Jason tomorrow!

Natalie is the owner of Cupcake Diner, Canada's first mobile cupcake shoppe. She's not only a local celebrity here in Hamilton, but she's also one of our favourite Friendors, so it's obvious why I'm super pumped about their big day!

Since 2010, Natalie has been planning her wedding to Jason and has a ton of fine details.
From an outdoor ceremony complete with a rose petal aisle, to honey & sugar sticks for tea and coffee, to homemade cookies for the favours - this gal has thought of a bunch of little things to bring together her event in a big way. It's always a joy to hear about how couples are incorporating their personalities, styles and ideas of romance into their wedding day.

Stay tuned to the blog for a recap post or two about Nat & Jay's wedding. You'll also be able to see it featured in an up-coming edition of the Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine!

Want to be a Power Bride?

All Brides think that they have the power. They feel that they have the power to make the decisions, to hand over the credit card (without fear or worry of the total) and the power to have the wedding of their dreams. But, let's be realistic - you will have a tough time making decisions. Someone, usually a family member will have something to say about something you decide. You'll also fret about how much things are costing, or have cost you so far. Weddings are expensive, get used to that fact - and fast. And lastly, you will have the wedding of your dreams, but with a few alterations. No wedding is perfect, but by the time you have your white gown on, you won't really care. What you might care about is how you will look in your wedding dress.

This is where the power truly comes in - to shed those 10-15 pounds you know you want to lose before your big day. I hear it all the time from clients....I can't eat this, I can't drink that, I have a dress fitting in x-number of months! Well, no fear because Tanya from Total Balance Health is going to help you get, gain and retain the power to be a Power Bride and lose the unwanted weight.

Now, now, I want to be clear here. You are beautiful just as you are - but as a gal, I know and can relate to the fact that you want to be your most gorgeous self on your wedding day - and even as a Coordinator that solves problems for a living, I don't have the magic wand to make that happen. YOU have to make that happen. With the help of Tanya and her dedicated and trained team, you can be a Power Bride in just 12 weeks. That's only 3 months, and we know how quickly that time can go!

So, check out her website, give her a call and go meet with her. What do you have to lose, other than the pounds?!

Be a Power Bride and feel awesome in your wedding dress standing next to the man of your dreams!

Be inspired by the Diamond Jubilee

The UK is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee today – 60 years of Queen Elizabeth on the throne.

When a gal gets married, she feels like a Princess, or better yet – Queen for a day. If you like the Royalty, Britain or simply the colour scheme of the Union Jack, perhaps the Diamond Jubilee can provide you with some inspiration for your up-coming wedding!

What comes to mind when you think of the Queen, Royalty, and the UK?

-          Crowns and jewels

-          Union Jack flag

-          Beatles

-          Fascinators and hats

-          Tea, scones and jam

-          Champagne and scotch

When incorporating a theme into your wedding, remember that it doesn’t have to shout it out loud. Subtle details are best, so pick a few things that speak to you and your hubs-to-be and go with it. Here are some ideas inspired by the Diamond Jubilee celebration.

Menu cards, place cards and favours
Courtesy of Delightfully Engaged

Union Jack Bunting
Courtesy of Delightfully Engaged

Fascinator & Lace
Courtesy of Onewed

20% Off = less money & less stress

Save 20% on our popular Day of Coordination services for your September, October or November wedding if you book before July 31/12.

Fall is the season that more and more Brides are choosing to say “I do.” We want you to be able to save money and stress less on your most special day.

Typically, clients will book Day of Coordination services 6-12 months prior to their wedding, but if you’ve been thinking that you can handle everything on your own up until now, then that’s okay!

We have a few Fall dates still available, so book now and save!

As your Day of Coordinator, we’re there to work for you, to make sure that your plans are executed as envisioned and that you are able to enjoy your day as a Bride and not as a Bridezilla. LOL!

We’ll meet twice prior to your wedding, chat on the phone and send many emails back and forth – all preparing you and your vendors for a spectacular day!

Let us manage your wedding party, guests and vendors. Let us set-up your décor details like your gift table, candy buffet, escort cards and centrepieces.  And let us communicate with your vendors to make sure that the services they are providing match with what you ordered.

We don’t offer a discount this large often, so do yourself a favour and hire a vendor that will work for you, have your back and make sure that you get the wedding you’ve been working so hard to plan!

You said Yes

Who doesn't love a great proposal story?

Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!

You said YES, but 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. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!

Next, hire a Wedding Coordinator. Planning a wedding takes lots of time, patience, money and compromise. You'll want to make sure that a dedicated professional is working for you on your special day to ensure that every little detail and personalized touch you planned comes to life.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Typically couples pay 1/3 with both sets of parents. Staying within budget is hard - do your best to not spend too much!

Lastly, do your research! Check out online blogs, websites and magazines for ideas and inspiration. Attend Bridal Shows, and ask newlywed friends for referrals. Ask questions, get a second opinion and try to meet or consider 2 to 3 vendors at a time.

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
* Updated, but originally posted in 2010

Paying in full may cost you

One of the best things you can do is book a vendor that was recommended from your Coordinator or a family/friend. Positive referrals are fabulous for a vendor, and for a Bride, is one of the best ways to reduce stress.

Recently I've heard from two of my summer Brides (Day of Coordination services) that they're working with vendors (both florists) that are asking or had asked for payment in full. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT pay upfront. I understand that some vendors like florists, invitation specialists and bakers need to purchase items prior to your wedding day to fulfill your purchase, however, I believe that this should be something that they factor into their business model and how they conduct their services.

Most vendors, like myself, require a deposit to secure the services and date. The deposit is usually non-refundable and is likely 50% of the total. If this is the case, you should pay the remaining 50% on the day of your wedding. Remember, you have not bought a gift card that you pay upfront for to use at a later date - you have reserved (via a deposit) services that are to be executed on your wedding day, therefor the vendor should be paid then.

Oftentimes if the total cost of the services is quite large, i.e: over $2,000 there may be a 2nd payment due prior to your wedding (25%). This payment shows your commitment to the contract, and their promise to fulfill. This 2nd payment not only reduces balance yet to be paid, but helps pay for any work, communication and time the vendor has put forth to date.

When you have a Day of Coordinator working with you on our wedding day, it's best to give them the remaining balances to give to the vendors when they show up and or deliver your order. It's always best to pay the florist once the centrepieces are placed and the bouquets are delivered. It's always best to pay the baker once the cake has been delivered and set up on the cake table as stated in the contract. It's always best to pay the DJ once they have arrived, set-up and conducted a sound check. A contract is a legally binding document, but if the services executed or delivered are not the same noted, then you have reason to request a refund or a change in the total price.

Most vendors should not have a problem with being paid the remaining balance upon arrival. If they do, perhaps that should be a sign that you look elsewhere. When meeting with a vendor for the first time, discuss their payment method and timeline. Do they only accept cash or cheque? Can you pay your deposit using credit or debit and then give the remainder in cash? Do they want it all upfront, or in 2 to 3 amounts?

No one wants to pay in full and then not get the services or product they paid for. So, my advice to you is, wait to pay on the day of if you can. If you do pay upfront, get everything in writing, hang on to your email communications and be sure to review the contract in length prior to signing off and handing over funds.

A good vendor will work with and for you - not against you.

For our Day of Coordination services, we are more than happy to provide our clients with a few vendor referrals. Nothing makes us happier than to work with other industry professionals that we know, trust and have faith in.

A bit about Me

I feel that maybe it's time for a blog post about me, the Owner & Lead Coordinator for The Bride's Butler. What do ya think?

So many times when I meet potential clients for the first time, I feel like it's a blind date. I don't know what they look like, but if they've been on my website, they'll have a good idea as to how I do. I know a little bit about them - like their wedding date, venue location and sometimes I know how they met and a bit about their love story. To them - I'm just another Coordinator. Well, I want to give you a little insight into who I am...here goes:

I love the ideas and gestures of love and romance. It's what got me started in Wedding Coordination in the first place. I was able to blend my passion for events with love and romance. Perfect combo.

Me & My Nephew

My favourite place in the world is Walt Disney World. I've been 19 times I think...I don't really know, I've lost count. My favourite theme park is Epcot and my favourite resort is Port Orleans Riverside.

My nephew is one of the most important people in my life. He has me smiling and laughing every time he's near.

I came up with the name The Bride's Butler while driving on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway in Hamilton. It truly was an "ah ha" moment.

I'm not an overly girly girl. I don't wear nail polish too often, I rarely wear heels and I keep my accessories to a minimum. 

Meeting with my clients at any stage of their planning process brings me such joy. There's just something about hearing an excited couple talk about their big ideas and plans that get me all warm and fuzzy....and excited to execute their day!

Showing off that Royal Ring!

I was a huge N Sync fan in High School. Yes, I was one of those girls. Still to this day I have a soft spot for Justin Timberlake, I just can't help myself.

The Royals have always been intriguing to me. Must be the whole "Princess" fantasy or something. Halloween of 2011, I even dressed up as Kate Middleton. 

Mabel's Labels is my home from 9-5 and I love working with such an amazing group of people. The Bride's Butler is my part time job, and I make sure to dedicate my evenings and weekends to my clients.

I drive a Nissan Cube. It's not your typical car, but hey, I'm not your typical girl.




So, there you have it - a little bit about Me. I hope now when we meet for our first chat about your special day, you'll feel more comfortable - like two friends talking about weddings, love and romance.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Our last post focused on The Rehearsal and all that it entails, so now we’re going to chat about The Rehearsal Dinner. 

Typically hosted by the Groom’s parents, this event occurs after the rehearsal of your ceremony. This is an event that you hubby-to-be might want to be involved in a bit more, and if it’s alright by you, you should let him pick the place, type of food and if there will be a theme. For some ideas, check out this article on The Knot. 

Most couples will have a semi-formal Rehearsal Dinner at a local restaurant or even at the venue if they have on site catering or a restaurant. The dress is business casual and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. Everyone is excited, and a little nervous as they await the wedding that is about to take place. The rehearsal dinner is the best time to present your parents and wedding party with their gifts and to thank them for their support, participation and love during your engagement. If you don’t like to make grandiose speeches, take the time to chat to each person and thank them – as you likely won’t have the time or the proper thought process to do it on your actual wedding day.

Who pays for the Rehearsal Dinner? Usually the Groom’s parents, but this is quite old fashioned as it was because the Bride’s parents paid for the wedding. Nowadays, couples are paying for their own wedding, or pitching in a 1/3 with both sets of parents. So when discussing the wedding budget, be sure to factor in the Rehearsal Dinner. Work out a total and method of payment that works for all parties involved.

Be sure to have fun at your rehearsal dinner, but we advise that you keep alcohol consumption to a minimum and try to limit your salt intake. You don’t want to be dehydrated or bloated on your wedding day. Enjoy the company of your family and friends and be sure to enjoy the moment.

So, who’s invited to the Rehearsal Dinner? Parents, Grandparents, the wedding party and their significant others and your officiant (specifically if you’re a member of a church). If you have guests coming from out of town for your wedding, it’s a nice gesture to invite them to the dinner as well.

Whomever is hosting the event should send out the invites about 3 weeks prior to the wedding. It’s usually assumed that there will be a rehearsal followed by a dinner, but you should still send out a formal invite. Need some ideas? Check out these rehearsal dinner invitations by the Wedding Paper Divas.

Wishing you a fabulous time at your Rehearsal Dinner!

The Rehearsal

You know when you were in dance class as a little girl and they had many rehearsals for the recital? Remember  you practiced your dance steps repeatedly and how to smile big for the audience in front of your mirror? As the recital grew closer, you probably even had a dress rehearsal - well, you won't get that for your wedding, but  you should at least have a rehearsal.

The ceremony is the most important part of a wedding, heck, there is no wedding without the exchange of the vows and rings. Once more than one person is involved in something, it becomes a bit of a production, therefore you need to practice. And practice makes perfect, right? Well, not really, but close.

Having a rehearsal will help put everyone on the same page as to how the ceremony will play out. When they are to arrive, to what location, how they are to dress, what they should say and do and so on.
The rehearsal is also a good time for you to ask any questions you might have to your Officiant, Coordinator and venue.

Typically the rehearsal is held the evening before your wedding and consists of the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and immediate family members. You should try to have it at your church/venue if you can - even if there is a slight up charge. Being able to walk down the aisle a few times prior to your big day will help ease your anxiety of doing it in front of a few dozen people.

Have fun at your rehearsal, but not too much (ahem, Groomsmen, this means you). You'll want to listen carefully to whomever is directing it be your Officiant or Coordinator. You'll want to pay attention to the cues and to where you are to stand.

After the rehearsal is the Rehearsal Dinner usually hosted by the Groom's parents. This is the time you can let loose and have some fun.

So, we suggest that you have a rehearsal for your wedding. Even if it has to occur a week or a few days before. It's a great way to get everyone together in a less formal way, but still be able to cover the important aspects of what lies ahead for the most important day of your life.

Did Brides really Copy Kate?

Yesterday marked the 1st Anniversary for William and Kate. I find it hard to believe that it's been a full year since I woke up at 4:30am to watch the Royal Wedding with my Mom. We had homemade scones with jam and cream and created a memory that will last.

There was lots of talk surrounding the Royal Wedding and whether or not Kate would impact the industry and   create trends. Personally, I don't think she's made a huge impact, but what I do know for sure is that she's made sleeves on dresses cool again, has brought Lily of the Valley into the mix for requested flowers, and made lace more modern and less like Grandma.

As the 2012 Wedding season begins, I'll be paying attention to see just how many Brides really did Copy Kate.

To see some of our suggestions on how to Copy Kate, check out these old posts.

#1 The Dresses
#2 The Invitation
#3 The Bouquet

Hip Ink Custom Invitations

One of our Friendors, Sarah of Hip Ink has recently launched an Etsy store. If you're a Bride planning your wedding and you don't know what Etsy is, I suggest you check it out. The website is like an online flea market and you can visit a bunch of different suppliers of almost any product! Many Brides and Planners turn to this site for favours, wedding party gifts, unique jewelery and stationery.

Sarah is known for her Couture line of custom invites. She designs each one with the clients requests in mind and creates unique one-of-a-kind invitations and stationery for their special day. Having a specially made invite can get expensive, so to accommodate and continue to share her love of design, Sarah launched the Etsy store.

There are a variety of pre-designed invitations available on her storefront that you can choose from and then edit to display all of your details. We especially like these two:

Check out all the other designs she offers here. And, if you want to meet with Sarah to design your very own stationery line for your special day, visit her website and drop her a line or email.

Your invitations are what sets the tone, mood and theme for your wedding, so be sure that they are personalized, unique and display your personalities.

Good things come in three's...

Wedding Trend Alert!

I've seen it on blogs, I've heard about it from clients, and now I think it's official to say that Trio Cakes are in for 2012.

Many Brides don't want to forgo the traditional wedding cake for cupcakes, pies, cookies and other sweet treats, so instead, they're reinventing the way a cake is displayed.

Rather than get a tiered cake, many Brides are ordering 3 individual cakes. This option can not only offer your guests more choice regarding flavours, but it can also be less expensive. Yes, three cakes are better than one.

If you choose to keep your design and decoration simple, and the size of your cake to 6"-10" each without tiers, you can get 3 cakes for the same price, if not lower than a 3-tiered cake.

Displaying 3 cakes is more fun too! You can group them, separate them among the dessert table (or even the room) and you can place them on stands, plates or anything else that matches your theme & decor.

Check out some of these Trio Cakes...don't they look fabulous?

We invite you to contact one of our favourite Friendors, Kristy from This Chick Makes Cakes for a meeting on how you can incorporate Trio Cakes into your special day!

*Images from Google

Gearing up for Wedding Season!

The Bride's Butler is gearing up for a busy wedding season!

We're so thrilled to be working alongside many wonderful couples this year, and assisting them with both Full Planning and Day of Coordination Services.

With permission from my clients, I'll do my best to feature their special days on the blog to share with you.
I can't wait to see all of their ideas come to life!

We kick off the season with Angie & Serge on May 26th, and continue through until September 29th with Brooke & Richard.

If you want to book with us, we're offering $200 off remaining dates in May & June.

Stress Less & Save Money

Weddings are expensive and stressful and we know that all Brides want to stress less, and save money.

To help you achieve both, we're offering a discount on our popular Day of Coordination services for remaining dates in April, May and June.
Book your 2012 wedding now and save $200!

We'll work together with you those final weeks of your planning stages to aid you in formulating a proper timeline, staying organized with vendors and making sure all of your ideas and visions come to fruition.


Day of Coordination services are a great fit for Brides that have planned their entire wedding but want a professional on site to ensure that the day runs smoothly, vendors are paid remaining balances and show up on time and that all of your plans and decor are just so.

We provide 30+ hours of service, with 8-12 of them being executed on your wedding day. We're there with you from morning to midnight, making sure you get the best wedding possible.

For more information on how we can work together, send us and email or give us a shout. We'd love to chat over a complimentary coffee about how we can help you stress less and save money.


*Offer only valid on remaining dates in April, May & June, 2012

#Weddings on Twitter

We're on Twitter (@BridesButler) and often while executing Day of Coordination Services will send out a tweet or two of the wedding. I'll include pictures, updates and usually attach a hashtag so that my followers can, well, follow along. You must know though, that I always ask my clients first if they are comfortable with it.

Just this past weekend, I saw a tweet that was an RSVP to a wedding. At first, I'll admit, I was a little concerned. As a Wedding Coordinator, I do my best to aid my clients in staying true to traditions and proper wedding etiquette, but also know that times have changed and social media is a part of almost every one's life. I say almost everyone, because there's still a generation that doesn't use it (IE: Grandparents). You may beg to differ with me here, as even seniors are hip enough to tweet, pin and post - but when it comes to weddings; especially invitations, I suggest to follow the wishes of the couple.

If the invitation includes a self-addressed envelope with a pre-paid stamp, then you should fill out the reply card and send it the good ol' fashioned way. Including these pieces in their invite states that that's how the couple wants to be communicated with. Plus, invitations are quite expensive and adding a reply card with postage is an added expense that shouldn't go to waste.

Now, as I said before, modern times are here and we all need to get on the bandwagon - so if the couple is tech savvy (or wants to eliminate the cost of the reply card) they can request that their replies are sent via email (kimandkevin@gmail.com), phone or via Twitter. If the couple uses Twitter often, they might want to create a hashtag (#KimandKevinsWedding) for any tweets concerning their big day.

If the couple has a wedding website, they can include the URL in the invite and list the ways to RSVP there.  Note though, that you should only have 2 channels in which guests can give you a yay or nay...any more and you'll likely miss a few.

So, getting back to #weddings on Twitter - you can most definitely include your wedding on the popular social site like this Groom did (pictured), but I advise that you do with caution. You should be leaving the tweeting to others, because you should be enjoying your day as Hubs and Wifey. If you want your guests to tweet during your ceremony and reception, include that info in your programs. If you're really tech savvy, have a live stream of the tweets displayed on a screen in your reception venue. Like anything that is captured, these tweets will be a good reminder of the fun everyone had. Just be careful what you tweet (and this goes for Facebook too) - have respect for the couples privacy (not everyone was invited, so not everyone need the details), be courteous to the Bride (aka, post only flattering pictures) and refrain from using profanity - a wedding after all is a formal event - not a house party.

If you don't want everyone tweeting, you can say that as well in your program. Some couples aren't showy and don't want their special day posted to the masses whether it be on Twitter or Facebook. But, if you don't mind - perhaps you can ask a close friend or family member and enlist them as your "Tweet of Honor." Check out this article for more info on what I'm referring to.

So, to sum this all up - I suggest that you ask first and or follow the given instructions. If the RSVP doesn't say tweet your response, then don't. If you still want to tweet or post your attendance anyway, ask the couple first if it'd be okay to do so. Yes, Social Media is the future but, having proper social manners is not the past. At least not yet (here's hoping!)

Happy tweeting!

We won!

The Bride's Butler has won 1st Place (Diamond Award) for the Hamilton Readers Choice Awards!

I was so excited, and a tad shocked to have been nominated, but to win, wow! I'm beyond happy and proud of how far my little business that could has come.

Thank you to everyone that voted, to past clients that have trusted me to assist them on the most important day of their lives and to my present clients that have invited me to take part in their day this year.

The Bride's Butler is heading towards it's 4th year of assisting, coordinating and loving all things weddings!
Thank you for your continued support and business!

Ways to keep your guests entertained

There are many ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding. Two of the most popular are food and music. Serve delicious food, and play good music - easy. But, there are other ways to keep your guests entertained during your wedding.

Ceremony Fan & Word Search

If your wedding is outside, and in the summer - having a paper fan for your guests is a good idea. To keep them entertained while they wait for you to arrive, make the fan into a Word Search. You can pick words that pertain to the ceremony like vows, I do, etc....or you can pick words that describe you and your hubs-to-be.

He Says, She Says Game

Print out a page that offers quotes, one-liners or facts about the Bride & Groom and let your guests guess who said (or did) what. This game is great for the cocktail hour, or during dinner.

5 Things About

A great way to get your guests talking during dinner is to offer 5 (or 10) things about yourselves. Where you met, first date, who said I love you first, etc. Not only will this table talker get your guests chatting, but it will help those that are plus-one's feel a connection to you as well.

I Spy

Create a list of pictures that you would like captured from your special day and give it to your guests. You can give this to your guests when they arrive, or place it on the tables. You should include an email address you want the pictures captured sent to, or offer a few disposable cameras to each table. The quality won't be that good, but you'll know your guests were entertained tracking down the shots.

There are many ways to entertain your guests, just be sure that you factor this element into your planning. Your wedding is a full day for most of your guests, so make it fun and worth their while. Plus, you want to be the wedding that they brag about to their friends as the best wedding they went to.

Family Matters

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

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

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

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




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

$200 off Day of Coordination services

We're offering a discount on our popular Day of Coordination services!

If you're getting married this April, May or June, book with us and save $200! 

We'd love to hear from you about your up-coming wedding and help you stress less.

What's included in a DOC package?

• A complimentary coffee & chat to discuss your wedding day requirements
• An hour long meeting to finalize all details, logistics and plans for your wedding
• Continuous support via phone or email 2 months prior to your big day
• Timeline preparation & execution
• Rehearsal coordination
• Wedding party & family management
• Vendor coordination
• Use of our wedding day emergency kit
• Wedding Day Management (set-up, ceremony coordination, photos & reception)

Day of Coordination us a combination of all of our coordination services and provides approximately 30 hours of service, with 8-12 hours being executed on your wedding day.

Can you BIELieve it?

The teenager inside me is crying a little over the official display of the engagement between Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Like a lot of gals, I had a mad crush on JT - and well, I still do. Who am I kidding, he's gorgeous. Right?

Justin is a relationship man - he stays with his women for about 4 years, and then gets the itch to move on. Britney, Cameron and now Jessica. In true Timberlake fashion, these two did break up after 4 years together only to reunite last year and then seal the deal with a proposal over Christmas. I was hoping that he'd be like Clooney and never settle down, but it looks like there will be a summer wedding after all.

So, not only has Jessica snagged an attractive, multi-talented guy, but she got herself a huge rock as well!
Take a look at her diamond. What's your thoughts? Too big? I think it looks like an heirloom, but I hear it was custom made.

If you're not into celebrities and their weddings, then you likely don't care for this post, but since I love weddings and enjoy the odd gossip magazine, I know that this engagement/wedding will be one that I'll follow. Since they are such a private couple, you likely won't see too much from their "I do's" - but I'm so curious to see how it all unfolds. They say the planning has begun...stay tuned.

Revisiting 10 secrets...

10 Secrets to a fun Reception....

Originally posted in April 2010

10. Plan a Surprise - Unexpected entertainment such as dancers or a magician. Or by adding theme friendly add-ons like a cigar roller, photo booth or dove release.

9. Keep Your Guests Fuelled - As the party continues and drinks are consumed you'll want to make sure there is some late night food available. Check out our post about unique treats here.

8. Give Out Party Favours - Just like you would for a child's birthday party, give your guests something fun to play with! Party hats, crowns and tiaras, noise makers, sunglasses or even have a sparkler send-off as you leave as Mr. & Mrs.

7. Add a Lounge to your Reception - Give guests a spot to relax and kick up their heels before and during your reception. This set up is very popular for cocktail receptions and tent weddings.

6. Make sure you and your DJ have the same tastes - No one wants to hear DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning' tunes from Barney's sing-a-long, or the hokie pokie!

5. If you've hired a Band, plan their breaks - You don't want your party to be at its peak then stop because the band leader has to go pee now do you? See if the band members can take breaks in shifts allowing for songs to be played sans that member, or at least have them play up tempo filler music to keep the party going.

4. Have a Game Plan for Kids - If you have kids at your wedding be sure there are things for them to do at a separate table or even a separate room (with a chaperone), like colouring books, playdoh, puzzles and even handheld video games.

3. Keep the Toasts short - "Quality over quantity." "Short and sweet." "Less is more."

These are popular sayings for a reason people.

2. Order Good Food - Get creative.

There are tons of options now other than your standard chicken, beef or pasta. Talk with your caterer or Banquet manager and see what they can produce for you that would be different and unique. If you want to stick to the classic meat and potato - try having a baked potato bar and or a meat carving station. Be different. I dare ya!

And the #1 Secret to a fun Reception is.....

Hire A Day of Coordinator - Having a professional on site for your wedding is one of the smartest decisions you'll make in regards to making your Reception stress free, seamless and fun!

After all, you've thought about all aspects of your wedding in fine detail including the top 9 secrets, right?

So, make sure that your wedding goes as planned and put your trust in a dedicated professional that wants you to have the day you always dreamed of.

Leap Year Proposals

Yesterday was Leap Year, an extra day that only occurs once every 4 years. It's been said that on this day, women can propose to their men without judgement.

Old stories will tell you that if the man declines, he must buy you a gift, specifically gloves so that no one will know if you are or aren't engaged. For more stories, check out an article featured on The Huffington Post website.

What about you, what's your take on women proposing? Would you ever get down on bended knee if your man was taking too long to ask?

Hairspiration

I just made up a word. That's right, Hairspiration. Ya dig, it?

With the Oscars being tomorrow, I thought why not look to them for inspiration for your bridal hairstyle?  A lot of women like to watch the Red Carpet to see who's wearing what, by whom and what accessories did they choose to glam it up? Some may be jewelery, others may be their date...hello, Stacy Keibler, I mean you.

Here are some hairstyles from past Oscars. Would you pick one of these for your special day? No? Then tune in tomorrow to see what's hot for hair and be inspired.

*Images from Google

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....

How to Prioritise

When it comes to planning a wedding, you have to prioritise. But how do you do that you might ask?
Well, here are some tips to remember when it comes to prioritising.

Ask yourself what MUST be done today, and what can wait until tomorrow or the next day?

If you have a deposit due or a vendor meeting, then that is a priority and must be executed. If you need to return an item you bought for your wedding and then changed your mind about it, you can do that task another time.

Try not to let interruptions hinder you from completing your priority task

Hubbie-to-be wants you to watch the game with him but you need to finish the seating chart? Make a compromise with him that during commercial breaks you BOTH work on the chart together. Do your best to stay on task for you'll find there is always a reason or excuse to not do some wedding work.

Plan ahead and make time for checking items of your to-do list

When planning a wedding it might seem like every task is a priority, but that's not true. There are certain goals you need to achieve by specific time frames (see this checklist from Real Simple here for help) and in order to complete these on time you have to make time. I like to recommend to my clients that Wednesday evenings become "Wedding Wednesdays." In the beginning stages of your planning (first  few months) have this evening set aside every other week to talk about your ideas, make phone calls, send emails and check items of your to-do list. As your wedding gets closer, you may find you use every Wednesday to tie ribbon on favours, fold programs, and other tasks for your special day.

Don't forget to make you and your fiance a priority

Try to make time for the things you used to do before you got engaged (because sometimes you'll find you might stop doing anything that doesn't involve the wedding). Spend time with your friends (sans wedding talk), get a pedicure and have a monthly (cause really, weekly is a little unrealistic) date night with your man. Make sure to spend alone time as well - take a bath, read a book or go for a walk.

Using Pinterest for inspiration

Are you on Pinterest? You should be.

This site is free and a fabulous way to build your ideas for your wedding. Need some inspiration? Search by Weddings & Events and see all of the beauty that others have found. You can also type in what you're looking for and voila; cakes, dresses, tablescapes, favour ideas, etc!

Follow us on Pinterest for our favourite wedding ideas.

Love is Sweet

I'm a big believer in edible wedding favours. If you're not going to donate to a charity, give a plant or seeds, then you should make it edible. You'll find that most guests don't 'favour' the trinket kind like candles, picture frames or wine stoppers.

One of my clients will be providing her guests with a custom made sugar cookie for her wedding. Made by Natalie from Cupcake Diner, this cookie will display the words "Happily Ever After" and incorporate the wedding colours. Customized cookies allow you to bring your personalities, hobbies or simply your wedding theme into another detail of your special day.

These cookies range from $3-$9 a piece depending on the detail, size and amount ordered.

Here are some of our favourites that we found when searching for these sugar cookies that are sure to remind your guests that love is sweet.

Love art?
Image from The Knotty Bride

Are you movie buffs?
Image from Martha Stewart

Bride & Groom Hearts.
Image from Bridal Guide