Check out what they're saying about us!

Having the opportunity of working with so many great couples, we get some wonderful feedback and thank-you's from them. Here are some of the many comments from some of our previous clients.....

"Hi Liz! The day was just fabulous! You made the day run so smoothly, it not only gave me more time to enjoy the day with friends and family, but for my family as well. I loved the little extras that you did (so please don't think they went unnoticed!), including the candles for the head table. You helped the guests with the disposable cameras, timing of the night and general questions. It was perfect, I couldn't have asked for more! Thanks for helping us put together a MOST memorable day!! All of the guests keep on commenting on how great the night was and how wonderful a time they had." Carolyn - July 2008 Bride

"Hiring Bridal Solutions took the pressure off us and provided us with the peace of mind that Liz and her staff would have everything under control. We were actually able to enjoy the experience rather than running around to schedule appointments with the photographer, florist, videographer etc. We were speechless when we saw the decor for our reception venue. Many of our guests echoed that this was “the wedding of the century”! It was a most elegant affair and like no other wedding we had been to. Thanks again for making our wedding day so memorable and perfect!" Elpi and Andy - November 2007 Bride & Groom

"Liz, you guys were amazing!! Our guests are still talking about it. I can't believe how you guys were able to keep everything on track with over 350 guests! The decor, backdrop and everything throughout the day was PERFECT!! Thank-you so much!!" Melissa - October 2007 Bride

"Outstanding job Liz; thank-you for everything! All we had to do was show up from L.A. and have a great time. Thanks again!" Lee - May 2007 Groom

"Thanks Liz for your great service. All went wonderfully well and smooth and we had a wonderful marriage, in large part thanks to you and your staff. Your staff did an amazing job of managing over 200 people; pretty impressive to watch!" Albert - father of the Bride, July 2008.

"Hi Liz, I'm just getting back now. The wedding turned out beautifully!!! The decorations were stunning!!! Thanks to you and your team. All the feedback we got from our guests was so positive, many of them said it was the most beautiful wedding they'd been to. You guys were so professional and confident. Thanks again!" Izabela - August 2008 Bride

If you're interested in becoming one of our many happy brides and grooms, feel free to give us a call for your free consultation. Enjoy your wedding day the way it's meant to be - stress free and seamless!

Happy Planning!

Liz B.

Bridal Solutions Inc.

Wedding Planning & Event Production

613-866-7935

Carina and Eric Get Married! - August 2, 2008

Hello Everyone!

It's been a while since I last posted as we've been busy with the wedding season and in fact on August 2, 2008 we were fortunate enough to work three weddings! Here is a link to Carina and Eric's wedding which took place at the Norte Dame Cathedral, followed by an amazing reception at the Marriott Hotel. http://www.mivphotography.com/clients/slideshow/carinawedding/

Miv from Miv Photography once again wowed us with his talent and Jerry from the Silver Rose did a spectacular job on the centerpieces. We provided the decor, ice bar, linens and special touches such as orchids tucked into the napkins and had a great time working with Carina and Eric. Carina has great taste and talent in knowing what she wants and envisioning it. Thanks guys for the opportunity to work with you, we enjoyed every bit of it and wish you both continued success and happiness!

Happy Planning!

Liz B.
Bridal Solutions Inc.
Wedding Planning & Event Production

Thank-you!

I received this wonderful e-mail from Carolyn's mother (see previous post Carolyn & Garrett get married) and I thought it was worth sharing with all of you. So for those of you considering hiring a wedding planner or at least a coordinator for the day, here is something you might want to read and for those of you who have decided you defiantly don't want to have a coordinator on the day of your wedding; well you definitely have to read this! :0
Happy Planning!
Liz B.



Good morning Liz,

The wedding is over, makes me think of the little cartoon fellow on ' Just for Laughs ' where at the end he cries..." Mommy, its, O VER ! "

Reflecting back there are things I wished I had done, or said to people but the evening vanished so quickly. So, I cannot turn back the clock.

Carolyn and Garrett are now happily on their brief cruise. I know they had a fabulous day enjoying their wedding day which only went ultra smooth because of you ! I still feel guilty making you go running around to find the ' PINK ' bag to locate Ernie's glasses... and you did it with a smile ! Thank you.... We could not have enjoyed the day as we did, if it were not for your expertise, and you also created an enchanting room by adding your own personal touches. ( which I noticed ) When a speech was trying to be said but the Quality entertainment fellow was not there to turn off the music.....You also came to the rescue, and knew in a flash which buttons to push to shut off the music so speeches could commence . You truly are amazing ! Everyone we spoke to felt it was necessary to mention how fabulous our Wedding Planner was ... Oh and how very good looking hee heee !!! I have had the chance to look at some photos which have been sent via e-mails, and the table cloths were beautiful and showed a special elegance to the room.

I just want to send you this quick note of thanks for making Garrett's and Carolyn's wedding day flow PERFECTLY !

The summer is probably your busiest time, and you may not be able to rest, but I hope this note conveys how strongly I appreciated all your amaZing efforts to make C & G's wedding day flawless, and they will remember this day as THE BEST DAY for the rest of their lives.

Thank you again,

Catherine Laporte

Carolyn & Garrett Get Married - July 12, 2008!

Welcome to a short recap of Carolyn and Garrett's wedding. Wow, what a great day and what a wonderful couple to work with, as well as their bridal party and families. We worked with her a couple of months before the wedding paying attention to all the little details, decorated the Lauier Room and coordinated the rehearsal and well as the wedding day of course. The day could not have been better, with a romantic ceremony at the Norte Dame Cathedral, a wonderful reception at the Laurier Room - Chateau Laurier and some of the nicest people to work with! Carolyn & Garrett surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance, which was just great and as I mentioned to her, she looked like a young Olivia Newton John dancing away...it really was great! Enjoy these beautiful pictures, compliments of Jennifer from Phillipson & Baum Photography; I will try to add more as I get them. If you're looking for a talented photographer, who is easy going and fun to work with, give her a call or check out her website at http://www.phillipsonbaum.com/

Enjoy and happy planning!

Liz B.

613-866-7935

Tamara and Bagha - July 12, 2008

While I didn't have the privilege of personally working Tamara and Bagha's wedding, (I was working another wedding) my staff, Dalila and Stephanie did. Tamara and Bagha were married at the Marriott Hotel, where they also had their reception in the Victoria Room. Robinson Limousine provided the limo service, while Orleans Bakery did a wonderful job with their cake and Quality Entertainment spun the tunes and kept everyone happy! We coordinated their wedding day, as well as their rehearsal. I have to mention that their wedding ran like clock work; Dalila and Stephanie actually kept them 10 minutes ahead of schedule! That was music to my ears when you consider that they had well over 200 guests!

Mark of Mark Cooper Photography did an excellent job capturing the beauty of the day. Follow this link and see for yourself: www.markshots.com/tamaraandbagha/show

Thank-you Tamara and Bagha for letting us be a part of your wedding day; it was fabulous!

Enjoy and happy planning!

Liz B.

Bridal Solutions Wedding Planning & Event Production

http://www.eventsbybridalsolutions.com/

Roles & Duties of the Bridesmaids & Maid of Honor

You’ve gotten engaged and have asked close family and friends to be a part of your wedding day! Now is the time to clarify the responsibilities of your bridesmaids and Maid of Honor, more specifically, what you expect from them and the assistance you will need. There are some traditional roles for these girls and I suggest tailoring the following list of responsibilities to your wedding and what you’re comfortable with.

Traditionally, before the wedding, the bridesmaid(s) is part of the emotional support team for the bride, helps the bride with pre-wedding tasks, such as addressing invitations, making wedding favors and running other such errands. They help shop for and may help choose the bridesmaids dress; but remember, this isn’t your wedding day, so you won’t necessarily get to wear the dress that you would have liked. You’re required to attend all pre-wedding parties, and don’t forget to collaborate with the maid of honor to plan and host the bridal shower or bachelorette party. Keep in mind that the party you would like, may not be what the bride would want; have a party that SHE would love! Before the bridal shower and as soon as the couple has registered, subtly let guests know where the engaged couple is registered or send a general e-mail to those they have invited to the wedding. Pay for your own bridesmaids gown and accessories, unless the bride insists on paying for this herself; if she has not mentioned it, offer to pay for it yourself. Ensure that you are available for and attend all gown fittings and rehearsals, contribute to a gift for the couple from all the bridal party, but also give a separate gift to the married couple. Last, but certainly not least, conduct yourself in a positive and constructive manner throughout the wedding planning process, even in stressful times. Remember, this is their wedding day and you’ve been chosen because they love you and want your support; so be as supportive as you can.

As the Maid of Honor, you will assist in the above mentioned areas, much like the bridesmaids, but you will also be responsible for helping the bride with all the minute details, from addressing envelopes to helping make final preparations, if she asks this of you. You might also be asked to help the bride choose the bridal party’s attire and arrange gown fittings before and on the day of the wedding. Most importantly, the Maid of Honor acts as the bridge in relationships, helping all the girls get along with one another even during the most stressful times. This includes maintaining a positive, focused and supportive outlook throughout the planning process. Consider your role as the “Lead” of the bridesmaids and the one that will help things run smoothly, should relationships or events start to unravel.

Well best of luck girls and in the meantime, if I can be of any assistance, feel free to drop me a line at bridalsolutions@xplornet.com.
Happy Planning!

Liz B.
Bridal Solutions Wedding Planning & Event Production

Another Great Show

It's been quite a while since I wrote, and I think the snow and LONG winter might have something to do with it!! Wow, will it ever end?? Fortunately we were able to get away at the beginning of March and enjoy a week cruising many beautiful Caribbean Islands and taking in the sun in Miami as well. Now, it's back to reality and getting ready for wedding season as things start to pick up in April. In fact on April 26th we'll be working Carey-Ann and Nick's wedding at the West Carleton. They have been a great couple to work with and were the lucky couple to win the full planning package at the Wedding Palace Bridal Show....see it pays off to go to these shows! :)

Well, if you were at the Ottawa Bridal Show this weekend, at Lansdowne Park, you know it was a busy one! I had a great time meeting many of you and getting a chance to chat with you. If you were at the show in the morning, you might have stopped in for my seminar on Etiquette and Effective Wedding Planning Tips. It was a blast, I was blessed with a fun crowd both times that was able to appreciate my 'tell it how it is' approach. I was approached by many couples and moms afterwards who seemed to appreciate the seminar and had some follow up questions. If any of you have any questions regarding your planning or need a little guidance in the right direction, feel free to drop me an e-mail at bridalsolutions@xplornet.com I'm happy to help were I can!

Happy Planning!
Liz B

Tour and Taste - Byward Market

Well last night I and the staff at Bridal Solutions had the pleasure of joining Estrelita (marketing consultant), as well as a few other vendors from the Ottawa area on a tour and taste of Kiki, Mambo and Helsinki; all located in the Byward Market. We had a great time sampling some fabulous appetizers and cocktails. These three spots are hot and if you're looking for some great sushi, then Kinki is the place for you. With their unique decor and accomidating menu, even those that aren't crazy about sushi will love this place. Next we stopped in at Mambo. I have to say this was probably my personal favorite, being latin of course, I couldn't resist the food and great music. Again, a wonderful atmosphere, a fantastic private room that can accomidate up to 40 people comfortably and delicious food. For all you latin lovers out there, this is the place to go if you enjoy live entertainment while you dine, great food and terrific drinks, then beinvenidos amigos, go to it. Our last stop was at Helsinki. This is a great hot spot if you want a swanky, funky place, with a great dance floor, colourful lights and high energy. All three spots are super accomidating and will cater to private parties, functions and weddings. Yes, weddings! Best of all, they don't charge a fee for 'closing' the place down for you or taking over the private room at Kinki or Mambo...how great is that? If you've ever thought about having your ceremony in the Courtyard down in the Market, then Helsinki is the place for you as it backs onto the Courtyard. You could have a completely private reception and dance the night away in their lower level, while some of your more laid back crowd might want to hang out upstairs.

Next time you're down in the market check them out, you don't need reservations and who knows you might want to start planning your next event there.

Happy Planning!

Liz

Bridal Solutions Wedding Planning & Event Production

http://www.eventsbybridalsolutions.com/

Great Bridal Show Turnout!

Hey Everyone,

This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting many of you at the Wedding Palace Bridal Show. WOW! What a busy weekend it was! We had a great turn out at our booth, with so many of you stopping by and asking questions, getting information and even booking at the show.

I hope you found it informative and now I imagine you're busy going through all the many bags and handouts you received, sorting through what you'll need for your wedding. Now that you've got all that information on the wedding industry, what are you going to do with it? A great wedding planner with knowledge in the industry can help guide you to the vendor that meets your taste, style and budget. We've done the homework for you already and can help save you hundreds of dollars. In fact, we've been known to save our clients not only time, but also money; in most cases the same or more than what they've paid for our service. In short, we end up paying for ourselves.

As you comb through all the business and comp cards, I always suggest you create a binder, with tabs of course, of all your chosen vendors, or depending on where you're at in the planning stages, of potential vendors. Once you've sorted out who interests you and who you want to meet with, then book an appointment ASAP! You'd be surprised how quickly vendors start to book up after a wedding show. At Bridal Solutions, we've had brides want to book us a few weeks after the show, only to find out we're booked and can't help them at that point. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, check us out at http://www.eventsbybridalsolutions.com/

So brides and grooms, if the vendor is within your budget, if you have a contract and have a good sense about the person or company, than don't hesitate....later may be too late.

Happy Planning!

Liz

e-mail me at: bridalsolutions@xplornet.com