A & E tied the knot!

Alison & Eric got married in Ancaster, Ontario on August 6th, 2011. The ceremony was set to take place outside at 4pm when dark clouds rolled in and sent the guests and wedding party indoors so not to get wet. Despite the standing room only and the humidity of the warm summer day, the ceremony went smoothly and the two got married after 6 years of dating!

Alison was a very laid back Bride, but knew that she wanted her reception decorated a certain way. Fresh hydrangeas and ivory roses sat in mason jars upon the tables. Paper bird place cards perched atop wine glasses and candles lit throughout the room provided the elegance and romance she was going for.

There were a few rustic touches incorporated into the decor, such as twine wrapped around the mason jars, wooden boxes filled with roses on top of the fireplace mantel and a chalkboard used to direct guests to their seats. As a personal, DYI touch, Alison made homemade strawberry jam as the favour - complete with a gingham wrapped lid!

Alison & Eric didn't want your standard clinking of the glasses to kiss, so instead they had a Scrabble board propped up with their names on it, then each table was given a small baggie of letters to create a word describing their relationship, marriage or personalities. All of the letters had double sided tape on them so that they could be properly placed and displayed. It was a fantastic idea and was thought of because they played Scrabble on their very first date.

Overall, this wedding was simply beautiful! Elegant, yet simple. Laid back, yet exciting and thrilling in all the right places. It was a joy working with Alison, Eric, their wedding party and immediate families.

Wishing them much happiness as they start their lives together. Congratulations once again!

Lisa & Grant's July Wedding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calling all Singles!

Want to meet like-minded singles in Hamilton, Ontario? Well then, I've got an event you don't want to miss out on!

This Singles Event is a gathering for singles aged 25-35. If you're on Twitter, we encourage you to use #HamOntSE to tell others you are going!
You don't need to be on Twitter to participate, but it'll sure help to stay connected with some of the people you'll meet.

Tickets are $10 (plus a minimal surcharge) and will include appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and door prizes.We're looking for 25 guys and 25 gals to meet, mingle and tweet!

The event will be held on September 15th at 7pm - please see http://www.hamontse.eventbrite.com/ for more information and to purchase your ticket!

Gather your friends, and make a night out of this event! You just never know who you might meet! :)

Follow us on Twitter - @BridesButler for updates, wedding tips & info and plain ol' fun!

PS - if you meet someone and things go down the right path, we're offering 10% off our services to all couples created by this Singles Event.


* 15 tickets for each guys and gals must be sold in order for this event to take place. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Please do not drink & drive.

Alison & Eric are getting hitched!



Tamahaac Club, Ancaster.



Tomorrow, the Bride's Butler will be providing Day of Coordination services for the soon to be newlyweds. Alison works with a past Groom of ours, Jason and was referred to us for her special day. We're always so thankful for referrals. Thanks Jason!!

Alison & Eric are getting married in Ancaster at the beautiful Tamahaac Club. The ceremony will be outside, if the predicted rain storm holds off - and the reception will take place inside the club.

JD from Unveil Photography will be on hand capturing the Bride & Groom as they say "I do" and celebrate their union.

Alison has gathered a lot of her inspiration for her special day from Pinterest. A site that offers all kinds of ideas from decor, food and crafts. This site is gaining popularity from couples planning their weddings and using it like one big vision board. She will have roses, hydrangeas, an old fashioned chalk board, homemade jam and paper bird escort cards. All of her small details will come together to create one big impact. We can't wait to put it all together for her!

We're looking forward to being with Alison, Eric, their family and friends and they celebrate getting hitched!

Always a Bridesmaid?

Gosh, I don't like that saying...and I bet you don't either.

It's our job to make couple's wedding dreams happen, and now, we're going to make couples happen.

We're in the planning stages of a Singles Event - a gathering of singles, aged 25-35 that live in the Hamilton, Ontario area. If you're on Twitter, we encourage you to use #HamOntSE to tell others you are going! You don't need to be on Twitter to participate, but it'll sure help to stay connected with some of the people you'll meet.

Tickets will be $10 (plus a minimal surcharge) and will include appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and door prizes.We're looking for 25 guys and 25 gals to meet, mingle and tweet!

We'll post more information about this event as it comes available.
For now, follow us on Twitter - @BridesButler for updates, wedding tips & info and plain ol' fun!

* 15 tickets for each guys and gals must be sold in order for this event to take place. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Please do not drink & drive.

Are you a Pie Bride?

A lot of couples are opting out of having the typical wedding cake. Oftentimes the cake sits there all night as a glorified centrepiece only to be cut by the Bride & Groom and served to the guests - who most likely won't eat it. Trust me when I say, 2 out of 3 times we're packing up half if not more of your cake and sending it home with you. So, if you're a Bride who knows she can leave the cake behind and try something else, I've got good news - pies are a welcome alternative at weddings.

You can get pies in regular size, or mini...and now, even on a stick! You can also get pocket pies, which are like modern turnovers. You can offer a variety of flavours to satisfy the tastebuds of your guests and you can easily pack them up and ship them off with your guests at the end of the night so that you aren't left with all that sweetness before you jet off on your honeymoon.

Pies are more rustic than cute. They provide a certain down-home-country feel than your typical desserts like creme brule, or even cupcakes. Pies can be made openfaced or with a lattes top or with a full top and a heartshaped cutout. And you can choose your flavours depending on the what's available during the season you get married. Apple and pumpkin in the fall - peach and cherry in the summer.

Oftentimes I think that Brides know whether they are a Pie Bride or a Cake Bride (this includes cupcakes). You either like cute, fluffy, iced desserts, or you like sweet, flaky, classic desserts.

Are you a Pie Bride?

First Dance

What is your first dance song?
Is it the song you first heard while together, or a song sung at a concert you went to on a date?
Is it just a song that everytime you hear it you think of your sweetie?
Or do you have to search for your song so that the lyrics are just right for your first dance together as husband & wife?

There are many love songs out there to choose from.

Some of the most popular first dance songs according to Project Wedding are:

•Unforgettable by Nat King Cole


•The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

•What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

•Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley

•At Last by Etta James

•It had to be You by Harry Connick Jr.

•A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Michael Feinstein

•Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

•A Whole New World by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle

•Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
 
Don't have a song picked out yet? Don't stress - chat with your DJ for recommendations.
 
Also, think about songs that aren't necessarily for weddings, but any love song or fun song will do.
One of my favourite songs is "And then he kissed me" by the Crystals. It's a fun song about being in love - and falling for the man of your dreams I first heard it while watching "Adventures in Babysitting" as a young girl. I'm not sure if anyone has used this as their wedding song, or if anyone ever will....I'm still waiting.
 
 

 

B is for....

I get lots of emails asking if I am hiring. These girls want to know if they can be my Assistant - my helper - my right hand gal. Well, for the past 9 months I've had a sidekick that I adore; Brittany.

It's almost too fitting that Brittany starts with B, like The Bride's Butler. It was simply a coincidence that she emailed me and I just happened to need help at that time. Well, perhaps it wasn't coincidence, maybe it was fate - depends on how deep we wanna go here. LOL!

Either way, I'm thrilled to have Britt working with me, learning alongside me and being there to help me bring Bride's dreams to life.

Brittany's also certified by WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), so she's a perfect match for The Bride's Butler as I'm certified as well. She is passionate about weddings & events and has a keen eye for details. She enjoys making things pretty, and making people feel special.

She truly is a gem to have as an Assistant, and a friend.

Thank you Brittany for choosing me to introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
I look forward to executing many more "I do's" with you as my right hand gal!

You Light Up My Life

I was at my Brother & SIL's trailer for the Canada Day long weekend and took in some fabulous fireworks! They were amazing - big ones, small ones, loud ones and bright ones! At the end of the firework display they lit a dozen Sky Lanterns. These paper lanterns, similar to a hot-air balloon soared up above the lake and across the sky. Simply beautiful!

Seeing them got me thinking - how awesome would it be to light and release a few of these during your 'send off' at your wedding? Some couples leave through a group of guests clapping or holding sparklers - but why not gather everyone and send off some lanterns? You could even write your names and wedding date on them before you release them to the sky!

The lanterns are very affordable and can be ordered online.
They soar for about 15 minutes before the flame goes out.
Perfect for a summer wedding so that you can tell the world that your partner lights up your life.

*Image found on Google

Lisa & Grant are getting married!

Lisa and Grant contacted us back in December for Day of Coordination services for their July 2011 wedding. Lisa is a very organized Bride that knew that she would want an extra pair of hands, and another set of detailed eyes for her special day.

Saying "I do" at Maplewood Hall in Ancaster this Saturday, I can't wait to see how all of her hard work of planning will come together. An outdoor ceremony followed by a family-style dinner inside the hall; this summer wedding is sure to make everyone in attendance warm and fuzzy with love.

Lisa did quite a bit of DYI for her details like the invitations and programs, and I've seen them - they are beautiful!

My Assistant Brittany and I look forward to aiding Lisa & Grant on Saturday and wish them fantastic weather, a seemless execution and a day filled with dreams that become reality.

Shortly after their wedding, I will be posting pictures to show you just how beautiful their wedding will be!

Wishing Lisa & Grant much happiness and they begin their new lives together!

12 to 18 months of Planning

Quite a few Brides are planning their 2012 Summer & Fall weddings now. It takes on average 12 to 18 months to plan a wedding. Think of how many hours you'll have to commit to your grand affair over that time. It's about 250 hours in total - that's 6 straight weeks of devoting your 9-5 schedule on your wedding!

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the idea of planning your wedding, rest assured - there are many options available for ideas and inspirations like blogs, websites, magazine and even television shows. If you think that you might need a professional perspective in planning, we offer Consultation meetings. These are fabulous one hour long meetings that are executed with your needs and requirements in mind. Sourcing vendors, choosing a venue and securing a budget plan is perfect material for a Consult.

Think you need more help that just a chat? Our Full Wedding Planning Package is perfect for the couple that doesn't have time to focus on the planning of their special day, or simply don't want to make major decisions without friendly professional guidance. Full Wedding Planning also includes perks like added value and discounts only offered through working with a certified Planner.

Want to plan on your own, but know that you will want everything brought together as you've envisioned it? No worries - our most popular service is our Day of Coordination Package and it includes 8-10 hours of services on your wedding day, plus rehearsal coordination and an hour long meeting. You do the work before, we do the work day of so that you can be the blushing Bride you've always wanted to be.

Questions? Call or email us, we're always excited to hear from Brides whom are in all stages of their planning process!

Wedding Details: The Menu

Everyone has to eat.

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

The Menu:

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

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

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

Be creative & think outside the box! Bon Appetite!

Wedding Details: Escort Cards

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

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

Escort Cards:

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

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

Wooden airplane cards



Winery Wedding? Use corks!

Image from the Knot.

Spice Rub Escort Cards + Favors courtesy of Ruffled

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

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

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

 





Wedding Details: Invitations

"It's all in the details."

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

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

Invitations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 * Invitations by:

www.hipink.com

Bridal Showers: Games & Gifts

Continuing on with chatting about Bridal Showers....

I like events – so much so it’s my passion and part-time gig, but there are 2 parts of a Bridal Shower that I don’t like very much; games & gifts.

Games:

They are bound to take place at a Shower, they almost always do. The toilet paper dress, guessing the number of jellybeans and quizzing the Bride about her Groom. These games are time fillers and ways to have your guests socialize with one another – we get it. But, what about thinking of other ways to have your guests ‘play’ with one another and have fun? What about having karaoke, or have your shower at a bowling alley or driving range? Think about things that you like to do and ask your guests to participate with you. You don’t have to have the ‘typical’ Bridal Shower.

Different ideas:

Butterfly Conservatory (tour & tea)

Manicures & Martinis (best for smaller groups, all of age of course)

Batting Cages (hot dogs & ice cream)
Outdoor Picnic (play boccie ball or badminton)

Gifts:

The only gift I’m interested in watching the Bride open is mine. I’m sure everyone else is on the same page as me – it’s boring to sit there for an hour (sometimes more) while the Bride ooh’s and ahh’s over her gifts.  Sometimes though, this ritual is tolerable when combined with a game. I know, I said I don't really like them much at Showers, but the Bridal Bingo game makes watching the Bride open her plethora of gifts more fun.

Anyways, I know that the gifts is the main reason to have a Bridal Shower, but I think that there is a better way to do this than have everyone sit and watch. How about you ask all of your guests to take their gift with them to their seat, and then throughout the Shower, the Bride can stop by each table and open the gifts of the guests seated there? This way, you can see what others gave her, and she can spend some time with you during the event. So often guests go to showers and don’t say a word to the Bride who is busy socializing and mingling with others.

Don’t be afraid to try opening your gifts this way. For guests who are curious as to what you got, get a Bridesmaid to gather them up from each table and place them on a large table for viewing.

Need some ideas for your Bridal Shower? We’d love to meet for a Consultation Meeting. Or how about we do all the work, and you & your Bridesmaids just show up? Ask us about our Bridal Shower planning package.

Bridal Shower Etiquette (for hosts)

This seems to be the time that many Brides are having Bridal Showers gearing up for their July, August & September weddings. A Bridal Shower is another festivity that is held to celebrate the marriage, much like the Stag & Doe, Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties and Rehearsal Dinner. The Bridal Shower is typically just for the Bride, although some couples now are having co-ed showers so the Groom can be 'showered' with gifts as well.

If you're a family member of the Bride-to-be or in the wedding party and are hosting a Bridal Shower,
here are some etiquette tips to help you:

1. Immediate family members should not host the event

Mothers, Future Mother-in-laws and sisters should not host the event. A cousin, Aunt, family friend or best friend should be the ones to host. Usually a Bridesmaid, or the Maid of Honour hosts the Bridal Shower.
The reason why this is frowned upon is because a Shower is given with the expectation of receiving gifts and it's in poor taste to host a party that between the lines is read as "give my daughter/sister some gifts please".

2. Only those that are invited to the wedding should be invited to the Shower

As mentioned above that Showers are a 'required gift' event, it is proper to only invite those that are invited to your special day. Ask the Bride for the wedding guest list, and perhaps go through it together with her to help build the invite list. If the Shower is a surprise, chat with the Mother of the Bride & Groom for guest names.

3. Write the Thank You card envelopes yourself

So many times we see guests arrive to a Bridal Shower and are instructed to write their name and mailing address on an envelope. We get that everyone wants an easy task concerning the wedding, but it's not very respectable to the guests. If the couple has sent, or will send a wedding invite to them, they already have their mailing address, so encourage the Bride to take the time to write the envelopes herself, or make labels. Think about the effort her guests have put into being at the Shower - they have shopped for a gift, wrapped it, signed a card, drove to the event, socialized with people they might not know very well, played corny games, watched her open up gifts and most likely dressed up. Don't you think that after all of that, the Bride (with your help) can write the envelopes?
This is one of our hang-ups...can ya tell? We're just saying that a little goes a long way.

4. Say Thank You

Not only should Thank You cards be sent within the week following the Bridal Shower, but the Bride should make sure that she says thanks to each guest whether it be after she's opened their gift, or as they are leaving. No one likes an ungrateful Bride.

5. Pony Up

If you are hosting the Bridal Shower, be prepared to spend some money. Most likely the Mother(s) will offer to pay for the shower, but you should still offer to pay for some aspects as the host. You can offer to have it at your home, or to provide a few menu items, or to pay for the decorations. No matter what, try to contribute to the cost of the event, even if the Mother(s) won't allow it.

6. Dress and behave appropriately

Do not try to upstage the Bride by any means. Dress according to the season and for the location of the event. If you are a member of the wedding party, keep in mind that you are an attendant to the Bride and are there for her. By no means are we saying you are her slave or lackey, but you should always keep in mind that the Shower and any other wedding related event is for her. Enjoy being the sidekick; the conductor in the background.

Do we have you nervous now about hosting a Bridal Shower? Don't be scared - it should be fun and exciting to host an event for the Bride.

Good manners should come naturally, and because for some they don't - we offered a few tips. Whether you are hosting a Shower or attending a Shower, we'd like to know what you think about these tips. Do you agree? Did you abide them? Have you witness them being completely ignored? We'd love to know!

Last Chance to Save!

Save 30% off any remaining 2011 dates for

Day of Coordination services

Why do you need a Coordinator for your wedding?

So you can stress less, and enjoy your day!

It's simple - you can't be two places at once. Most venues don't allow you to set up the night before like they used to, so who's going to set out your centrepieces, escort cards, money box, guest book and candles? We are.

As your Day of Coordinator we are with you for 8-10 hours on your wedding day ensuring all of the fine details you've planned are executed the way you wanted and envisioned. Together with the officiant, we manage and coordinate your ceremony. We assist with the photo shoot, and we are there at the reception keeping everything on schedule.

We remind you that it's time to cut the cake, have your first dance, and throw your bouquet. While you're busy being a blushing Bride & newlywed, we are in the background putting it and keeping it all together.

A wedding is a major event - and the logistics and details should be treated as such.

Save now on our most popular service - book before June 1st and stress less!


Didn't book soon enough? That's okay - our Day of Coordination services are still very affordable. We'd love to meet with you for a complimentary coffee & chat so we can discuss how we can work together on your special day.

Congratulations Rebecca & Tom!

Rebecca & Tom are married!

Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for these two newlyweds after all! We were so happy that the sun shone brightly, it was warm out and that this wedding went off without a hitch!

Rebecca was very organized, which always helps. She chose to work with wonderful vendors who arrived on time and executed professional services. We had the chance to work with Michael Coombs of Prodigy Entertainment and Sandra Valente of Seize the Moment Photography.

The ceremony was at 4pm at St. James Cathedral Church in Toronto and was an Anglican service. The choreography of the ceremony was rehearsed the night before with the help of the Priest. It was seamless!

Pictures were taken outside the church with both families - including cousins, aunts and uncles! Thankfully, my Assistant Brittany was on point and had everyone coordinated.

The reception was at the Rosewater Supper Club and the staff there was wonderful to work with! They were helpful, friendly and went above and beyond for the happy couple.

Rebecca looked wonderful in her white dress with her blond curls. She was a very calm Bride and enjoyed every moment of her special day! The Bridesmaids wore dresses by TwoBirds, it was neat to see them all wearing dresses with sleeves for the ceremony and then changing the style for the reception.

Lily-of-the-valley was used for all bouquets, boutonnieres and centrepieces - one of the more expensive aspects of the wedding. The cake was 2-tiered and had a bird design on it to match the program, menu cards and favours.

Once the party started after dinner and speeches, Rebecca had me hand out props for specific songs. There were cowboy hats for country tunes, sunglasses for "I wear my sunglasses at night", light-up rings for Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and inflatable guitars for "Summer of 69". All of the guests loved the props and thought they were great fun!

Overall the wedding was beautiful - great friends, wonderful family and lots of love. Rebecca & Tom are very lucky to have each other and to have had a lovely wedding on Friday, the 13th.

Thank you Rebecca & Tom for inviting us to be a part of your wedding. We wish you lot's of happiness as you start your lives together.


*Photos by Seize the Moment Photography

CopyKate #03: The bouquet

This is the last post in our CopyKate series. If you want to know how to mimic other elements of William & Kate's wedding that we didn't feature, call us for a Consultation meeting.

CopyKate #03: The bouquet

From the Official Royal Press Release:

The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.

The flowers’ meanings in the bouquet are:
Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happiness;
Sweet William – Gallantry;
Hyacinth – Constancy of love;
Ivy - Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection;

Myrtle - the emblem of marriage; love.

The bouquet contains stems from a myrtle planted at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and a sprig from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.

Khris from DYIBride.com featured a post on how you can make your own bouquet similar to Kate's. Check out her post here. She estimates that the grand total for a DIY copycat Kate bouquet is roughly: $1167.90

Ouch. Lily-of-the-valley is expensive.

If you decide to work with a florist for your bouquet ask them what other flowers they can recommend to get the same look of Kate's but for much cheaper. Perhaps you only want to have a few stems of Lily-of-the-valley and use white roses and cali lilies to bulk up the bunch. Your florist will be able to work within your requests and budget restraints.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post of our recent Bride, Rebecca. She had Lily-of-the-valley centrepieces and bouquets - for all of her Bridesmaids and herself! Simply beautiful, and classic - just like Kate.

Bridesmaids: How to pull it off

We've said it before, and we'll say it again - being a Bridesmaid (or Maid of Honor) is hard work.
If it was all fun and games like the newest movie to hit the theatres; Bridesmaids, then no one would ever gripe about being one.

As a Bridesmaid you've got to have the dress, shoes, hair, make-up, nails, accessories, gifts, showers, possibly a stag & doe, a bachelorette party, the rehearsal and the wedding itself. Then on top of all that you should provide support, guidance and a shoulder to cry/lean on.

Bridesmaids want to look good on the wedding day, we get that - but you have to make sure that you do not purposefully try to upstage the Bride. It is her day. As a member of the wedding party you should consider yourself a "co-host" for the festivities, especially the ceremony & reception. Be polite, gracious and not overbearing. Do as you are asked, be flexible and simply put; be a good friend.

Still not sure what to expect as a Bridesmaid? Ask the Bride.

You can however be sure of the following:

Money - expect to spend it. If you can't afford $500 upwards to $1,000 to be a Bridesmaid, then respectfully decline. The couple (specifically Bride) should inform you what is expected in the role as soon as she invites you to join the wedding party. By no means should you feel bad or guilty for having to decline.

Attire - the likely hood of you actually liking the dress and wearing it again is slim. There are more styles offered now that able to remain in your wardrobe, but again, it's unlikely. A lot of Brides are opting for black dresses so that the Bridesmaids can wear them again. What you won't see too often are white bridesmaid dresses, although it's more popular in the UK as seen in the Royal Wedding.

Participation - you will need to attend any wedding related meetings, rehearsals, showers, and events. Enjoy each of them to the fullest. Weddings are a great excuse to celebrate and enjoy life.

If you've been asked to be a Bridesmaid, perhaps you might consider giving a gift to the couple from all  members of the Wedding Party. If you all chip in a little bit for a gift, it will help all of your pocket books. And if you want to do the Bride a big favour, hire us for Day of Coordination. Having us there on the wedding day will allow you and everyone at the wedding to simply enjoy the day for what it is - a gathering of family & friends to celebrate a union of love. No Bridesmaid I've ever known wants to feel like an employee of the Bride on her special day. You are her attendants, there to take part in the occasion with her.

Have fun!