While I am definitely a summer gal, Fall is my second favorite season of the year ~ apple picking, pumpkin carving, comfy cozy sweaters and watching the leaves turn are just some of the lovely things to look forward to in fall. That and the crisp weather. Oh, so excited Fall is here again!
A great interview with Abbey from Style Me Pretty by Calligraphy by Jennifer, very insightful!
Good tips on hiring a wedding photographer, a must read!
Some excellent tips on creating a functional registry ~ my bonus tip: if you plan on having children, get enough baking sheets, trays, pans and molds as possible, saves you from having to purchase them in the future!
My biggest pet peeve in wedding planning is the unattainable inspiration for your decor ~ there are so many beautiful ideas and images out there but never any pricing to go along with them, here's the honest truth about your chosen inspiration.
Deciding on where to break your budget down based on priorities? Check this out for some good tips!
Happy Fall Weekending!
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
You Can Negotiate With Caterers
Depending on the type of venue you have chosen, you may need to find a caterer for your wedding. If that is the case, also keep in mind that no costs are fixed. A good catering company will be willing to give you multiple options in food, beverages and pricing to try and work within your budget. Optimally meet with three caterers: you'll get a wide variety of menu choices and pricing. Then choose two that you would like to have a tasting with (always ask beforehand if there are charges for tastings). Once you've had your tastings, you'll be able to negotiate on a full stomach. Choose the elements most important to you: presentation, quality of food, inventiveness of food, whatever it is. Let the caterer know what you liked about the tasting/menu and what you didn't (perhaps nothing!). Ask where to trim to save. Perhaps you can change the style of dinner service which will free up some serving staff or if you know that your crowd just wants alcohol and doesn't care about top shelf drinks, perhaps moving away from pricier bottles is a smart move for you. Or ask if you bring in your own cake is there a cutting fee. Or, if you just do stations and nothing passed during the cocktail hour, how would that affect the overall price per head. Don't be afraid to think outside of the 'traditional' catering box, be adventurous!
(courtesy of cnib.ca)
This post was originally published on June 8th, 2009
(courtesy of cnib.ca)
This post was originally published on June 8th, 2009
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Game Plan on Wedding Vendor Negotiations
After all your hard work and research, you've picked a few venues that fit the bill for your wedding. Perhaps you've already narrowed it down to the most fantastic place for your wedding. How do you go about negotiating with the venue to ensure that you are getting the best pricing and deal for you? Firstly, ask. Even if its the most outrageous request in the world, just ask. The worst that can happen is the venue says no. If that happens, ask for something else. Aim to be reasonable though in your request (i.e. if its $195 per person for Food + Top Shelf open bar, don't say, our budget only allows for $50 per person. Rather, ask where you can trim off the menu + bar to bring costs down). Go into your negotiations with a game plan. What are your must haves (top shelf, lobster, outside cocktails, whatever it is) and work around your must haves with things you care less for (bathroom attendants etc). Once you've gotten a contract that you can live with, take time to read the contract that the venue provides (this is applicable to all vendors), the contract spells out the can do's and the cannot do's of the place and any other requirements that you must be aware of. You want to make sure you are comfortable with the venue's policies. If you don't understand any clause or term, just ask. I read contracts all the time and still ask lots of questions when I don't understand anything. You won't know until you ask. When you eventually sign the venue's contract, you want to be 100% aware of everything related to that location.
(courtesy of saweddingvenues.com)
This post was originally published on June 7th, 2009
(courtesy of saweddingvenues.com)
This post was originally published on June 7th, 2009
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Makings of Your Wedding Budget
Its no hidden secret: weddings cost money. Once you've gotten engaged, you'll need to figure out two large aspects of your wedding planning: whose paying for the wedding and how much you want to spend on the wedding. Keep in mind the following factors when determining your wedding number:
time of year
location
# of anticipated guests
Read as many wedding planning sites and blogs to get a feel for what "things" cost in your wedding destination. Food in Kansas is bound to be a much different cost to Food in New York City. I know that talking about money can make people uncomfortable, but don't let it. Its good to have your wedding budget out in the open ~ it will help hone in and make decisions on every other aspect of your wedding.
Regardless of what your wedding budget is, you will have a fantastic wedding, you and your fiancé are in it and that is, at the end of the day, all that matters to your friends and family.
(Courtesy of MIT libraries)
***TIP: If you are able to, try and pay for your wedding related expenses with a credit card that amasses miles, hotel points etc - you may just rack up enough points for a free honeymoon!***
This post was originally published on June 4th, 2009
time of year
location
# of anticipated guests
Read as many wedding planning sites and blogs to get a feel for what "things" cost in your wedding destination. Food in Kansas is bound to be a much different cost to Food in New York City. I know that talking about money can make people uncomfortable, but don't let it. Its good to have your wedding budget out in the open ~ it will help hone in and make decisions on every other aspect of your wedding.
Regardless of what your wedding budget is, you will have a fantastic wedding, you and your fiancé are in it and that is, at the end of the day, all that matters to your friends and family.
(Courtesy of MIT libraries)
***TIP: If you are able to, try and pay for your wedding related expenses with a credit card that amasses miles, hotel points etc - you may just rack up enough points for a free honeymoon!***
This post was originally published on June 4th, 2009
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fabulous Friday the 13th!
Its Friday the 13th! Let's hope that today is full of awesome inspiration and beauty, not horror film images!
Lots of articles this week around the web about hiring a wedding planner. Not to toot my own industry profession, but these are very insightful! Read on for knowledge:
Aisledash talks about affording a wedding planner ... before you contact one for a consultation, make sure your overall wedding budget includes a planner's fee.
I've talked a ton about why couples should consider hiring a planner even if your venue claims to have a coordinator: here is the lo-down on hiring a coordinator from the venue's perspective!
And yes, there is a planner that fits every couple's style, taste, budget, read here for more insights!
Happy Planning!
Lots of articles this week around the web about hiring a wedding planner. Not to toot my own industry profession, but these are very insightful! Read on for knowledge:
Aisledash talks about affording a wedding planner ... before you contact one for a consultation, make sure your overall wedding budget includes a planner's fee.
I've talked a ton about why couples should consider hiring a planner even if your venue claims to have a coordinator: here is the lo-down on hiring a coordinator from the venue's perspective!
And yes, there is a planner that fits every couple's style, taste, budget, read here for more insights!
Happy Planning!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hiring a Wedding Planner {Part 9}
Now you've had your consultation, received the proposal and ultimately you have to decide if you want to work with this person or not. Is this someone who are you are going to be beyond excited to meet with? Is this someone who you value and respect their opinion, advice, honesty and experience? Is this someone who you are confident will bring your wedding day to life in a manner that fits your vision?
In the best of all worlds, you'd meet, you'd love each other and you'd love the package. You'd work together, have a fabulous experience and the wedding day would be awesome. Not all relationships are fairy tales unfortunately, so spend a moment weighing the value of their services and your needs. If there's an ounce of doubt, perhaps this person isn't for you. If there isn't any doubt, move forward with them!
Keep in mind that this wedding planner or any wedding vendor for instance, may be receiving inquiries for your same wedding date, so it's only common courtesy to give them an answer {yay or nay} within one to two weeks of your meeting / receiving your proposal. Even if you do not want to work with them ~ let them know.
Next week: that's a wrap on this series + other morsels of info!
In the best of all worlds, you'd meet, you'd love each other and you'd love the package. You'd work together, have a fabulous experience and the wedding day would be awesome. Not all relationships are fairy tales unfortunately, so spend a moment weighing the value of their services and your needs. If there's an ounce of doubt, perhaps this person isn't for you. If there isn't any doubt, move forward with them!
Keep in mind that this wedding planner or any wedding vendor for instance, may be receiving inquiries for your same wedding date, so it's only common courtesy to give them an answer {yay or nay} within one to two weeks of your meeting / receiving your proposal. Even if you do not want to work with them ~ let them know.
Next week: that's a wrap on this series + other morsels of info!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Your Wedding Day Taste & Your Budget
Remember that show "lifestyles of the rich & famous"? Their tag line was 'Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams' ... a tag line that could to varying degree's describe a bride's taste for their wedding day. But what does one do when their taste and their budget don't exactly see eye to eye?
Firstly, sit down with your groom and go through each aspect of the wedding day and really take note of your priorities. If you are a foodie couple, spend more on the food, less on the decor. If you are into design, spend more on the decor and photography, less on transportation and music. Do you get my drift? Make your top 3 priorities and then weight them - #1 = highest priority of them all, you'd rather not get married if you can't make this the most important, #2 = it would be fabulous if you could spend more on this aspect and #3 = important but if it came down to it, you'd be fine with not having the creme de la creme in this category. Once you've gotten your wish list together, take a good hard look at your budget and see where you've spent or what you've allocated. For your #1 and #2, the bulk of your budget should be put towards these items. If you have to re-work the budget to fit them, do so. I've found over the years that couples who overlook their #1 and #2 because they allocated their money elsewhere have pangs of regret after the wedding day.
What sort of things are high priority for your wedding day?
********Please note, starting this coming Monday, July 26th, we will have new hours: Mondays: closed, will be responding only to time sensitive emails
Firstly, sit down with your groom and go through each aspect of the wedding day and really take note of your priorities. If you are a foodie couple, spend more on the food, less on the decor. If you are into design, spend more on the decor and photography, less on transportation and music. Do you get my drift? Make your top 3 priorities and then weight them - #1 = highest priority of them all, you'd rather not get married if you can't make this the most important, #2 = it would be fabulous if you could spend more on this aspect and #3 = important but if it came down to it, you'd be fine with not having the creme de la creme in this category. Once you've gotten your wish list together, take a good hard look at your budget and see where you've spent or what you've allocated. For your #1 and #2, the bulk of your budget should be put towards these items. If you have to re-work the budget to fit them, do so. I've found over the years that couples who overlook their #1 and #2 because they allocated their money elsewhere have pangs of regret after the wedding day.
What sort of things are high priority for your wedding day?
********Please note, starting this coming Monday, July 26th, we will have new hours: Mondays: closed, will be responding only to time sensitive emails
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hiring a Wedding Planner {Part 8}
Once you receive the proposal, don't do what we all inherently want to do: look for the bottom line. Instead, use willpower and start at the top ~ go through the proposal line by line, taking in each detail and description. If something in that line or description doesn't make sense to you: write down your question. The last thing that any wedding vendor wants is for you to need clarity but not ask for it ~ we are here with a wealth of information and want to share it with you!
Ultimately, you'll get to the bottom line of the proposal, its just inevitable. Now three things can happen with the $ figure on there ~ you think its reasonable, you think its absurd or you think its too cheap. None of those choices are the right answer. That proposal amount is about value. Do you think there is value to this vendor and therefore they are worth the amount that they are charging? Remember the old saying: quality versus quantity? Its totally applicable when it comes to hiring a wedding vendor. If you value their expertise and the services they offer, then regardless of what the $ on the proposal is, chances are slim that you'll get sticker shock. {Note: some proposal's you can with work with the vendor to tweak which may bring down the cost ~ but that doesn't take away from the value of their services}. Don't get me wrong: you are working within a budget and don't want to go hog wild, but in the end ~ if you value a wedding vendor's services chances are you that number on the proposal won't scare the pants off of you.
Next week: proposal received, now how to act?
Catch up on Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII
Ultimately, you'll get to the bottom line of the proposal, its just inevitable. Now three things can happen with the $ figure on there ~ you think its reasonable, you think its absurd or you think its too cheap. None of those choices are the right answer. That proposal amount is about value. Do you think there is value to this vendor and therefore they are worth the amount that they are charging? Remember the old saying: quality versus quantity? Its totally applicable when it comes to hiring a wedding vendor. If you value their expertise and the services they offer, then regardless of what the $ on the proposal is, chances are slim that you'll get sticker shock. {Note: some proposal's you can with work with the vendor to tweak which may bring down the cost ~ but that doesn't take away from the value of their services}. Don't get me wrong: you are working within a budget and don't want to go hog wild, but in the end ~ if you value a wedding vendor's services chances are you that number on the proposal won't scare the pants off of you.
Next week: proposal received, now how to act?
Catch up on Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wediquette: Vendor Meals
Right now I am planning on providing my vendors with a vendor meal. My catering company has told us the entree will be chicken with a starch and vegetables of the chef's choosing. At $25 a vendor meal, I feel like this is fine and providing our vendors with a good hot meal. We are providing a total of 8 vendor meals and the cost of providing 8 extra guest meals to our vendors would be expensive - are vendors okay with receiving something other than what we serve the guests?
Firstly, check each and every contract you've signed for your wedding day vendors - all of them should have a clause regarding a meal - which means you are legally required to provide them a meal. The clause should say something similar to this:
A meal is required for each attending member of the team. If no meal is provided, it is understood that the members of the team will have a one {1} hours leave from the event to purchase a meal.
Its obviously beneficial to you to have your vendors remain on site for the duration of your event, as they don't miss anything major, so enquire with your catering company about vendor meals. The meal that your vendors receive should be priced well below the price per head for your guests meal - typically $25 to $45 per vendor. While some caterers provide more of a 'boxed lunch', some cook a full entree - its really the caterers choice. If your vendors have any food allergies or restrictions, they must be communicated to the venue / chef when you provide them with the number of vendor meals that are required.
Keep in mind that you aren't responsible for feeding or paying to feed the waitstaff - that is normally the responsibility of the catering company itself.
And lastly, a hungry vendor usually means you aren't getting the best out of them, so make sure you feed your vendors!
Firstly, check each and every contract you've signed for your wedding day vendors - all of them should have a clause regarding a meal - which means you are legally required to provide them a meal. The clause should say something similar to this:
A meal is required for each attending member of the team. If no meal is provided, it is understood that the members of the team will have a one {1} hours leave from the event to purchase a meal.
Its obviously beneficial to you to have your vendors remain on site for the duration of your event, as they don't miss anything major, so enquire with your catering company about vendor meals. The meal that your vendors receive should be priced well below the price per head for your guests meal - typically $25 to $45 per vendor. While some caterers provide more of a 'boxed lunch', some cook a full entree - its really the caterers choice. If your vendors have any food allergies or restrictions, they must be communicated to the venue / chef when you provide them with the number of vendor meals that are required.
Keep in mind that you aren't responsible for feeding or paying to feed the waitstaff - that is normally the responsibility of the catering company itself.
And lastly, a hungry vendor usually means you aren't getting the best out of them, so make sure you feed your vendors!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tips on Tuesday: Taking Back Control Of Your Wedding Budget
I've said over and over again on this blog that once you're engaged and you set a date, figure out your budget. I know, I am beginning to sound like a broken record BUT, there's a reason for it. A budget is going to help keep whomever is paying for the wedding out of debt and won't give them sleepless nights. Who wants to lose sleep over one of the best days in a persons life? Not me!
Once you set your budget {and be sure to give it a bit of cushioning for last minute necessities}, make an active effort to stay within your budget. Don't hire some fancy band because you love them and use a huge chunk of your budget - be mindful of your spending. Be realistic in your spending. If you think you've gone overboard, be prepared both mentally and emotionally to sit down and trim items off with each vendor. Your vendors want to work with you and be as helpful as possible but in order to bring the cost down, you have to let something go. You can't have it all for nothing, it just doesn't work that way. You must be okay with letting something go, if you are really passionate about having the budget not get blown out of proportion. I know its hard to trim, but in order to regain control of your budget, it must be done.
Once you set your budget {and be sure to give it a bit of cushioning for last minute necessities}, make an active effort to stay within your budget. Don't hire some fancy band because you love them and use a huge chunk of your budget - be mindful of your spending. Be realistic in your spending. If you think you've gone overboard, be prepared both mentally and emotionally to sit down and trim items off with each vendor. Your vendors want to work with you and be as helpful as possible but in order to bring the cost down, you have to let something go. You can't have it all for nothing, it just doesn't work that way. You must be okay with letting something go, if you are really passionate about having the budget not get blown out of proportion. I know its hard to trim, but in order to regain control of your budget, it must be done.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Do You Pay For What You Get In Wedding Planning?
At Eventology last week, there was lots of discussion surrounding getting paid what you are worth and how the price cutters who charge sub $1,000 for their services {yes, full planning included} are de-valueing the wedding industry as a whole. Saundra Hadley, a planner and marketing / sales guru wrote two posts earlier this week regarding pricing {see here & here} and its sparked a big debate in the social media world {just check out her comments}. This got me thinking - all the professionals have been talking about their value and their services but what does the bride truly value? What are you, as the bride, willing to spend more on? Are you paying for quality or are you looking for a deal? Where does value / quality experience come into play when you see a wedding planner who charges you $1,000 vs. another wedding planner who charges you $10,000? Forget the "gucci taste on a target budget" mentality for a second. Everyone loves a deal, loves to save money but when it comes to your wedding, what do you value more? Someone who is professional, experienced and charges accordingly for what they offer or someone who gives you a great deal on the package but then minimally plans your wedding.
As a bride, what do YOU value? What are you willing to spend YOUR money on?
As a bride, what do YOU value? What are you willing to spend YOUR money on?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tips on Tuesday: Your Wedding Vendor Is Not a Scapegoat
It's always so much easier to lay blame on someone else when you feel you've been wronged. And, every wedding publication will tell you that every wedding vendor is out to empty your bank account simply because you are getting married and therefore they have a right to charge you every penny you've ever collected. Well, the fact of the matter is that its simply not the case. No vendor I've ever come across has said to me "oh, I don't care what their budget is" - in fact, every vendor I work with or send a client to for a proposal has worked within their budget. So please, stop using your vendors as scapegoats when your budget gets stretched to the point of being unrecognizable.
Your vendor isn't out to rake your budget over the coals. Your vendors are working towards creating the most incredible wedding day for you. They want you to enjoy every aspect of the big day, not look at the flowers and cry because you spent six times what you wanted to. What good does a vendor get from doing that? Some vendors are fixed at what they must charge in order to survive - I know its hard to forget sometimes but vendors are people to. Vendors have to make a profit in business {just like any other retail store} or they won't exist anymore. Even a small business owner who works from home isn't taking your money and running out and buying Manolo's and going to St. Barth's - there are costs associated with running a business that need to paid in order to have a business.
I promise to get off my soapbox, but just keep in mind that you as the engaged couple need to manage your budget, not blame your vendors for when the spending gets out of control.
Your vendor isn't out to rake your budget over the coals. Your vendors are working towards creating the most incredible wedding day for you. They want you to enjoy every aspect of the big day, not look at the flowers and cry because you spent six times what you wanted to. What good does a vendor get from doing that? Some vendors are fixed at what they must charge in order to survive - I know its hard to forget sometimes but vendors are people to. Vendors have to make a profit in business {just like any other retail store} or they won't exist anymore. Even a small business owner who works from home isn't taking your money and running out and buying Manolo's and going to St. Barth's - there are costs associated with running a business that need to paid in order to have a business.
I promise to get off my soapbox, but just keep in mind that you as the engaged couple need to manage your budget, not blame your vendors for when the spending gets out of control.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Business & Wedding Planning: Bartering
Every good business relationship is filled with some sort of give and take, a bartering of sorts if you will. I'll provide knowledge and expertise in exchange for something else. Its natural that in business, people help people or make a barter in exchange for something. So why aren't more brides and grooms bartering in their wedding planning?
In the past few years, every magazine and wedding blog has drilled into newly engaged couples that they should negotiate and they should ask for discounts. While I agree that negotiating is a great strategy - straight up asking for a discount isn't. Why? What does your vendor get in return from giving you a discount? And, why should you get a discount to begin with? Because you're engaged and planning a wedding? Vendors are providing their skill, knowledge, expertise and passion with you in their services ... you wouldn't walk into a shoe store and just demand a discount simply because you need a pair of shoes. All of the vendors that I work with and know aren't out to screw the engaged. I hear it time and time again at consultations "don't tell x,y and z vendor that its a wedding - they'll jack the prices up!" ... um, usually not so much. Vendors know their market, know what things cost and like every other company that exists, needs to make a little extra in order to actually stay in business.
If you really fall in love with a vendor but know you can't afford their services, sit down with them and be open and honest. Flattery does help. Offering a barter or exchange may work in your favor. Do you have amazing writing skills? Offer to re-write all their marketing material. Do you have the time to come in and cut flowers for them on the weekends? Let them know. Be offering something of yourself, you're much more likely to get a vendor whose willing to give you a break on the cost of your proposal, or at least work with you to bring the cost down. Use your expertise to trade with the vendor in an area that you feel they can benefit. In everyday life, we make exchanges with people based on our needs and their needs - this should apply to wedding planning rather than just demanding a discount.
Figure out what you have that a vendor needs and then exploit it! Bartering is a years old tradition and in many cultures is the way of life - time to employ it into your wedding planning process.
In the past few years, every magazine and wedding blog has drilled into newly engaged couples that they should negotiate and they should ask for discounts. While I agree that negotiating is a great strategy - straight up asking for a discount isn't. Why? What does your vendor get in return from giving you a discount? And, why should you get a discount to begin with? Because you're engaged and planning a wedding? Vendors are providing their skill, knowledge, expertise and passion with you in their services ... you wouldn't walk into a shoe store and just demand a discount simply because you need a pair of shoes. All of the vendors that I work with and know aren't out to screw the engaged. I hear it time and time again at consultations "don't tell x,y and z vendor that its a wedding - they'll jack the prices up!" ... um, usually not so much. Vendors know their market, know what things cost and like every other company that exists, needs to make a little extra in order to actually stay in business.
If you really fall in love with a vendor but know you can't afford their services, sit down with them and be open and honest. Flattery does help. Offering a barter or exchange may work in your favor. Do you have amazing writing skills? Offer to re-write all their marketing material. Do you have the time to come in and cut flowers for them on the weekends? Let them know. Be offering something of yourself, you're much more likely to get a vendor whose willing to give you a break on the cost of your proposal, or at least work with you to bring the cost down. Use your expertise to trade with the vendor in an area that you feel they can benefit. In everyday life, we make exchanges with people based on our needs and their needs - this should apply to wedding planning rather than just demanding a discount.
Figure out what you have that a vendor needs and then exploit it! Bartering is a years old tradition and in many cultures is the way of life - time to employ it into your wedding planning process.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Approaching Parents About The Wedding Budget
At some point {hopefully before any major planning happens} there needs to be a very open conversation regarding the wedding budget with whomever will be paying or contributing to the wedding finances. It's not a pleasant conversation but it is one that must be discussed. If you're asking your parents for money, go to them with either a firm number or specific items that you want them to responsible for. When coming up with these numbers, do your research. Come to the meeting prepared with your thoughts on what you want for the wedding day, places you've reached out to and a rough number of ideal guests. The more prepared you are, the more likely it is that the conversation won't become an overly emotional occasion.
Finances are a sticky subject to begin with, so use the appropriate discretion. Be understanding and supportive of not only what you want but what your financiers can afford. No one needs to go into debt to pay for the wedding. While you may not walk away with your desired outcome, you've opened the door to understanding. Perhaps now your financiers have a better understanding of what you and your fiance envision for the wedding day, or perhaps you've found out something you didn't know was important to your parents or in-laws. Open lines of communication during the wedding planning will lead to a much less stress for all.
Happy Planning!
Finances are a sticky subject to begin with, so use the appropriate discretion. Be understanding and supportive of not only what you want but what your financiers can afford. No one needs to go into debt to pay for the wedding. While you may not walk away with your desired outcome, you've opened the door to understanding. Perhaps now your financiers have a better understanding of what you and your fiance envision for the wedding day, or perhaps you've found out something you didn't know was important to your parents or in-laws. Open lines of communication during the wedding planning will lead to a much less stress for all.
Happy Planning!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned: When Your Wedding Funding Disappears
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned
While I would hate for this scenario to happen to anyone, what if during the midst of your wedding planning, the money that you thought would pay for your big day disappeared. Either your parents or other contributors were now unable to give you money that you had been promised {for whatever reason} or you yourself were now unable to pay for the wedding that you have been planning. How would you react?
Unfortunately I had this occur to one of my couples and while it was a very big shock to their system, I was humbled by their reaction and I can only hope that others would react this way as well. Instead of crying, canceling the wedding or getting angry, they simply changed direction in their wedding planning process. They went back to all the contract vendors and explained the situation. Most were amenable to cancelling contracts {we were about 11 months out from the wedding at this point}.
The bride and groom sat down and thought about what was the most important aspects of the wedding: 1. Getting married & saying their vows 2. Being with their closest 24 people instead of their non-closest 150 people and 3. Not going broke over one day of their life. With those as their top three priorities, we started to plan their real wedding, one that was much more true to them. They chose their favorite local restaurant as the venue, decided to do a meaningful ceremony in a park 5 blocks from the restaurant and they whittled down their guest list to the people that truly meant something to them.
Their wedding day was one of the best that I have been a part of. The bride wanted no frou frou fluffiness on the day, so she didn't have any of that. They didn't do any traditions {first dance, parent dances etc} because they felt that those traditions weren't them. Their wedding day was about their love for each other and the group of people there. It was so refreshing to see that despite their wedding day taking a potential turn for the worse, it wound up being so much more meaningful. I applaud them for not letting a monetary setback impede their plans for getting married.
How have you taken a set back in your wedding planning and turned it into a positive?
While I would hate for this scenario to happen to anyone, what if during the midst of your wedding planning, the money that you thought would pay for your big day disappeared. Either your parents or other contributors were now unable to give you money that you had been promised {for whatever reason} or you yourself were now unable to pay for the wedding that you have been planning. How would you react?
Unfortunately I had this occur to one of my couples and while it was a very big shock to their system, I was humbled by their reaction and I can only hope that others would react this way as well. Instead of crying, canceling the wedding or getting angry, they simply changed direction in their wedding planning process. They went back to all the contract vendors and explained the situation. Most were amenable to cancelling contracts {we were about 11 months out from the wedding at this point}.
The bride and groom sat down and thought about what was the most important aspects of the wedding: 1. Getting married & saying their vows 2. Being with their closest 24 people instead of their non-closest 150 people and 3. Not going broke over one day of their life. With those as their top three priorities, we started to plan their real wedding, one that was much more true to them. They chose their favorite local restaurant as the venue, decided to do a meaningful ceremony in a park 5 blocks from the restaurant and they whittled down their guest list to the people that truly meant something to them.
Their wedding day was one of the best that I have been a part of. The bride wanted no frou frou fluffiness on the day, so she didn't have any of that. They didn't do any traditions {first dance, parent dances etc} because they felt that those traditions weren't them. Their wedding day was about their love for each other and the group of people there. It was so refreshing to see that despite their wedding day taking a potential turn for the worse, it wound up being so much more meaningful. I applaud them for not letting a monetary setback impede their plans for getting married.
How have you taken a set back in your wedding planning and turned it into a positive?
Monday, December 14, 2009
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned: When Your Wedding Budget Is Out of Control
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned
Regardless of what number your wedding budget is; you've put a budget in place to make sure that you don't start wildly spending here and there and start putting the person who foots the bill in future financial jeopardy. Remember that while the wedding day is a very important day in your life, its one day, while your marriage is forever.
In an ideal world, you'd find vendors that fit into your budget from the get go, rather than booking vendors that begin to stretch your budget, forcing you to start scrambling on where you can cut and delete to reign the spending in. When you are interviewing vendors and gathering ideas, keep in mind that regardless of what you plan for the day - your guests won't know what you spent on the day unless you tell them. So, if there is a way to bring costs down but still be classy: DO IT.
I had one such wedding this year - it was simply a divine affair, but they very much had a budget and they very much had to stick with it. But yet, throughout the planning, the spending started getting out of control and a month before the wedding we had to sit down and go through proposals and contracts and figure out what adjustments needed to be made so that they could actually afford the wedding day {I was the DOC for it}. It wasn't the most pleasant day in their wedding planning process simply because I had to be the non-emotional voice of reason aka "the bad guy" saying that this, this and this had to be cut and this, this and this had to be changed. At the end of our meeting, we had reigned in the spending but the stress of going back to vendors and re-negotiating contracts wasn't exactly what the bride and groom wanted to be doing during their final month of engagement. Had they not spent so freely when they were choosing vendors, they wouldn't have been put in the scramble position. Everything worked out for the wedding weekend - but free spending = more stress in the end. They also decided to cut some labor costs from certain vendors that were passed along to the waitstaff which wasn't appropriate - so please, if you've hired a florist, pay for them to do the arrangements - its a part of their job.
If you've got a budget, aim to stick to it and keep in mind - when you come up with the number - pad it a bit for last minute things!
Regardless of what number your wedding budget is; you've put a budget in place to make sure that you don't start wildly spending here and there and start putting the person who foots the bill in future financial jeopardy. Remember that while the wedding day is a very important day in your life, its one day, while your marriage is forever.
In an ideal world, you'd find vendors that fit into your budget from the get go, rather than booking vendors that begin to stretch your budget, forcing you to start scrambling on where you can cut and delete to reign the spending in. When you are interviewing vendors and gathering ideas, keep in mind that regardless of what you plan for the day - your guests won't know what you spent on the day unless you tell them. So, if there is a way to bring costs down but still be classy: DO IT.
I had one such wedding this year - it was simply a divine affair, but they very much had a budget and they very much had to stick with it. But yet, throughout the planning, the spending started getting out of control and a month before the wedding we had to sit down and go through proposals and contracts and figure out what adjustments needed to be made so that they could actually afford the wedding day {I was the DOC for it}. It wasn't the most pleasant day in their wedding planning process simply because I had to be the non-emotional voice of reason aka "the bad guy" saying that this, this and this had to be cut and this, this and this had to be changed. At the end of our meeting, we had reigned in the spending but the stress of going back to vendors and re-negotiating contracts wasn't exactly what the bride and groom wanted to be doing during their final month of engagement. Had they not spent so freely when they were choosing vendors, they wouldn't have been put in the scramble position. Everything worked out for the wedding weekend - but free spending = more stress in the end. They also decided to cut some labor costs from certain vendors that were passed along to the waitstaff which wasn't appropriate - so please, if you've hired a florist, pay for them to do the arrangements - its a part of their job.
If you've got a budget, aim to stick to it and keep in mind - when you come up with the number - pad it a bit for last minute things!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned: The Valueless Meaning of the Unlimited Wedding Budget
2009 Wedding Lessons Learned
I know that talking about money is like talking about a dirty little secret. No one feels comfortable doing it, BUT, when it comes to planning your wedding, its a conversation that absolutely MUST HAPPEN! Whenever I have a consultation, its one of the first questions I ask, simply because as a wedding planner, knowing what your threshold is, makes me do my job better. I will recommend vendors that are appropriate to your budget, so no one's time gets wasted. So, please don't think I am being nosy, I am just trying to do my job!
When you sit down to discuss your budget - please be reasonable. There is no need to have a wedding that will start your marriage off in debt. Remember that a wedding lasts for one day, a marriage lasts forever. On the flipside - if you have unlimited funds for the wedding day - set a limit. Its actually not helpful to any of your vendors if you say the budget is unlimited. Unlimited and Wedding mean very different things to each person. Unlimited could mean $50,000 to one vendor, or it could mean $1,000,000 to another vendor. I know those are two extremes, but they get my point across, unlimited does not hold the same value for every person. Set a limit.
I ran into this budgetary conundrum with one of my couple's this year. They were adamant that unlimited meant unlimited, no expense spared. When we started getting quotes from vendors for every aspect of the day, unlimited came to have a very defined number that was near where close to Unlimited. They had quickly realized that if you say "unlimited" to your vendors, they will create very pricey proposals. We had to scale back every vendor to fit into their definition of unlimited - something that could have been avoided if a budget had been pre-determined.
For more budget information, please read this post!
I know that talking about money is like talking about a dirty little secret. No one feels comfortable doing it, BUT, when it comes to planning your wedding, its a conversation that absolutely MUST HAPPEN! Whenever I have a consultation, its one of the first questions I ask, simply because as a wedding planner, knowing what your threshold is, makes me do my job better. I will recommend vendors that are appropriate to your budget, so no one's time gets wasted. So, please don't think I am being nosy, I am just trying to do my job!
When you sit down to discuss your budget - please be reasonable. There is no need to have a wedding that will start your marriage off in debt. Remember that a wedding lasts for one day, a marriage lasts forever. On the flipside - if you have unlimited funds for the wedding day - set a limit. Its actually not helpful to any of your vendors if you say the budget is unlimited. Unlimited and Wedding mean very different things to each person. Unlimited could mean $50,000 to one vendor, or it could mean $1,000,000 to another vendor. I know those are two extremes, but they get my point across, unlimited does not hold the same value for every person. Set a limit.
I ran into this budgetary conundrum with one of my couple's this year. They were adamant that unlimited meant unlimited, no expense spared. When we started getting quotes from vendors for every aspect of the day, unlimited came to have a very defined number that was near where close to Unlimited. They had quickly realized that if you say "unlimited" to your vendors, they will create very pricey proposals. We had to scale back every vendor to fit into their definition of unlimited - something that could have been avoided if a budget had been pre-determined.
For more budget information, please read this post!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day 4: The Money Matters ... Wedding Budgets
Day 4: 30 Days: A Guide to Stress Free Wedding Planning
Its no hidden secret: weddings cost money. Once you've gotten engaged, you'll need to figure out two large aspects of your wedding planning: whose paying for the wedding and how much you want to spend on the wedding. Keep in mind the following factors when determining your wedding number:
time of year
location
# of anticipated guests
Read as many wedding planning sites and blogs to get a feel for what "things" cost in your wedding destination. Food in Kansas is bound to be a much different cost to Food in New York City. I know that talking about money can make people uncomfortable, but don't let it. Its good to have your wedding budget out in the open ~ it will help hone in and make decisions on every other aspect of your wedding.
Regardless of what your wedding budget is, you will have a fantastic wedding, you and your fiancé are in it and that is, at the end of the day, all that matters to your friends and family.
(Courtesy of MIT libraries)
***TIP: If you are able to, try and pay for your wedding related expenses with a credit card that amasses miles, hotel points etc - you may just rack up enough points for a free honeymoon!***
Its no hidden secret: weddings cost money. Once you've gotten engaged, you'll need to figure out two large aspects of your wedding planning: whose paying for the wedding and how much you want to spend on the wedding. Keep in mind the following factors when determining your wedding number:
time of year
location
# of anticipated guests
Read as many wedding planning sites and blogs to get a feel for what "things" cost in your wedding destination. Food in Kansas is bound to be a much different cost to Food in New York City. I know that talking about money can make people uncomfortable, but don't let it. Its good to have your wedding budget out in the open ~ it will help hone in and make decisions on every other aspect of your wedding.
Regardless of what your wedding budget is, you will have a fantastic wedding, you and your fiancé are in it and that is, at the end of the day, all that matters to your friends and family.
(Courtesy of MIT libraries)
***TIP: If you are able to, try and pay for your wedding related expenses with a credit card that amasses miles, hotel points etc - you may just rack up enough points for a free honeymoon!***
Monday, May 18, 2009
Buying in Bulk ...
While I have always been a huge fan of Costco and Target for everyday needs, turns out they are excellent places for wedding related items that look great and cost less. Stationery, favors, flowers, jewelry can all be had for much less than at higher end retailers. The drawback to buying in bulk is that you normally have to put in more effort into the DIY aspects of whatever project you take on using one of these super saver stores ... but labor is a small price to pay for letting your creativity and budget savvy win out!
Check out this fantastic article on SmartMoney about using Costco and Walmart for your every wedding need (I am also extremely thankful to be quoted in it!)
There are some great ideas in the article that you can certainly adapt to your wedding planning needs.
Check out this fantastic article on SmartMoney about using Costco and Walmart for your every wedding need (I am also extremely thankful to be quoted in it!)
There are some great ideas in the article that you can certainly adapt to your wedding planning needs.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pomp & Circumstance
For me, the most important aspect of a wedding is the ceremony. Its why you're doing all this wedding planning! No wedding ceremony = no wedding reception. The ceremony is the heart & soul of your wedding - its publically declaring "hey, i love this person". So, in the wake of a recent client discussion AND el economia ... it got me thinking.
Ceremonies these days are more spiritual, more about the couple and include more cultural traditions than ever. But, ceremonies are getting shorter and shorter ... they are more to the point it seems. Which begs the question - how much should you 'dress up' the ceremony? Floral arrangements for ceremonies are always beautiful and so elegant and tasteful, but, if you're guests are going to be at the ceremony for less than 30 minutes, do you really need to spend $1,000's on arrangements? This is where my practical side chimes in and says, No. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying forgo any florals at the ceremony - on the contrary - I am saying - do florals that are tasteful and economic, no one is around long enough to appreciate the time and effort that went into them. Stick to one or two dramatic arrangements - perhaps something to demarcate the alter area, or choose something fun to drape on the rows of seats. And, if you can reuse these florals at your reception, even better.
Point in case - I spent a loooong time figuring out our ceremony arrangements with our florist, and to be honest, I don't remember them at all. Its a shame, because I know they were beautiful. And, if I don't remember them as the bride, its doubtful your guests do.
Ceremonies these days are more spiritual, more about the couple and include more cultural traditions than ever. But, ceremonies are getting shorter and shorter ... they are more to the point it seems. Which begs the question - how much should you 'dress up' the ceremony? Floral arrangements for ceremonies are always beautiful and so elegant and tasteful, but, if you're guests are going to be at the ceremony for less than 30 minutes, do you really need to spend $1,000's on arrangements? This is where my practical side chimes in and says, No. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying forgo any florals at the ceremony - on the contrary - I am saying - do florals that are tasteful and economic, no one is around long enough to appreciate the time and effort that went into them. Stick to one or two dramatic arrangements - perhaps something to demarcate the alter area, or choose something fun to drape on the rows of seats. And, if you can reuse these florals at your reception, even better.
Point in case - I spent a loooong time figuring out our ceremony arrangements with our florist, and to be honest, I don't remember them at all. Its a shame, because I know they were beautiful. And, if I don't remember them as the bride, its doubtful your guests do.
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