Hello Butterflies!

As wedding season is fast-approaching, I have met with several couples cutting it very close when it comes to securing their vendors.  In some cases these weddings are anywhere from weeks to a few months away.

For myself as a planner I like to be on my P’s and Q’s when it comes to tying up loose ends or helping my clients put together their dream wedding, and with such late notice there will definitely be things that can be missed at your wedding.

Be sure that not only are the vendors you choose, are in your price range but that they will meet all of the qualities and needs you require. Your wedding day is special and you don’t want to miss a moment of it. Have fun planning your wedding and remember to always ask for help, do not overwhelm yourself with all of the work

This week has been pretty stressful. I have a wedding this weekend and the groom along with his parents live in London, England. If anyone has been following the news, they know that there were no flights leaving Heathrow and the wedding is this Saturday!!!

 Thank goodness for prayers and hoping for the best. Received an e-mail  yesterday morning that the groom and his parents made their flight and are on their way to the Bay Area.

The brides is e-mail was so cute, “The wedding is On”!! No postponement for these lovebirds. Now all I need to know is that they made it. Once I find that out, I will be able to breathe.

I will keep you posted with pictures from the wedding this weekend at the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose if the groom makes it!

With the internet and everything being DIY nowadays many brides that contact me say, “Oh never mind, I can have my cousin help me” or “I can do it myself”. I just want every bride out there to know that no matter how much you DIY everything before the wedding, you will need someone completely no apart of the wedding (family) to be your eyes and ears.

I have had my fair share of brides call me within days after the wedding, saying that they should have used me or if not me taken my suggestion of having someone else help them. Everything you can imagine from, photographers not showing up, to the food not being brought out or all the vendors were calling the bride because no one knew where to go or what to do once they got to the venue. Trust me when I say that I am not trying to scare you into getting a planner.

But for a couple getting married with well over 100 guests, I think you may need help. I try to explain to my clients that; you and your mom (family members) can all do the planning before hand, but at least you need to have a “Day Of” coordinator. Your family can enjoy the wedding and so can you with that special person you love right by your side the whole night.

One of my favorite weddings from last year was when a GROOM called me. His bride was in school, working a full-time job and trying to plan the wedding herself. I was in contact  met with the bride months before hand and she hesitated to sign. Luckily, I keep in touch with all couples who contact me and she sounded like she was very intersted so, needless to say the bride and groom met with me 3 days before their wedding. (Good thing I wasn’t booked-November wedding) and signed with me.

All in all, they are a very sweet couple and I loved every minute (although crazy) trying to finalize all of their small details to make sure the night went without stress. There were lots of small fires that they didn’t even know about until the end of the night and they said they would have never known because of the way I handled everything.

TIPS:

• Check to see if the planner you want to use offers a FREE consultation
• Check with all references given (phone numbers, e-mail, yelp)
• If you’re budget can’t handle their price, see what else they can offer you. I like to offer A la carte/hourly rates or some couples pick a smaller package and add to it gradually.
• If a friend of a friend is your “planner” make sure they know to work for you and not party the night away. Everything to make sure you’re night runs smoothly is in their hands.
• Schedule that FREE consultation. The consultation gives you a chance to see what type of person you are meeting. Do your personalities clash or match? If for anything it’s FREE and a planner is more willing to give you more information in person rather than on the phone.

If all else fails RESEARCH planners in your area, and even some with a 50 mile radius. Because they could possibly be the right person for you.

Butterfly Brides, is proud to announce that we will walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk for Breast Cancer. All donations would be greatly appreciated in helping fight this battle. If you would like to make a donation please click and donate. All donations are a tax donation. We would like to thank you in advance for your help and support.

We have currently been having problems with receiving quotes on our “Quote Request” form and if you have sent in a request please accept our apologies. You can always give us a phone call or e-mail directly. Thanks for your patience!

Hi,

In 2009 we had the pleasure of working with many wonderful couples, but the last couple of 2009 touched my heart. Nettie & Angelo were a true reflection of the love that we are supposed to have for our significant other. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with this couple. Below you will find some pictures from their special day.

Special Thanks to the Vendors who helped make this wedding beautiful.

Photography: Nada Nekrep-www.themagicoflight.com

Cake: Mazzetti’s Bakery-(650) 355-1007

Catering-La Tapatia Mexicatessen:www.latapatiassf.com  (650) 589-5881

Design/Wedding Coordination:Butterfly Bride-butterfly-bride.com (510)517-3488

Welcome toButterfly Brides 1st blog; Butterfly Speaks. This is our first post, so I just want to say Thanks for see what we have to offer and hope you enjoy!