Missed Opportunities | A Bride’s “Should Have….”

We have had the pleasure of working with plenty of couples over the past decade and we always like to hear what the couples would change if anything. I thought I would share two things with you today on what most would say they would have done differently.

The top decision is usually is “I would have hired a videographer” there are so many wonderful points of the entire day that you may wish that you had the opportunity to play back and enjoy. We had a bride in the Fall of 2012 that wanted to see the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer’s adorable dance for the introductions and was a little sad that no one captured this.

While the wedding was gorgeous and just simply wonderful, she splurged more on décor & food while cutting back in other areas. The reality is that guests are not going to remember the type of flowers that you selected; they just know that it looked nice. If you can shave off a few savings in the correct areas to fit everything that you truly want in the budget then do so!

The second we would like to share with you is “I would have started planning earlier”

This second feedback is very interesting, based on time and our customer service commitment we limit the number of full planning weddings that we offer each year. Therefore we have many clients that book with us for partial planning and month of coordination. We find that many couples begin the planning process and get overwhelmed with securing the right vendors that fit within their budget. It is easy to put things off until ‘next week’ and by the time you realize you may be just a few months away from the wedding!

Although you may feel that you have lots of planning time, there are so many other weddings, milestone parties & events, and special occasions taking place in the lives of other that may be planning at the same time. For example, during the late spring is a peak season with weddings, proms, graduations, and other events. Event professionals usually book pretty fast. Start planning as early as possible so you have time to think about all the details and logistics your wedding involves.

Have fun planning, plan ahead and weigh the pros and cons about hiring a videographer for your special day!

Planning Checklist, What First? - The Venue Selection

Greetings and welcome to our blog. 

Planning a wedding can be stressful at times when there seems to be endless details and decisions to make. There are so many checklists and timelines to read, which one is right for you? The reality is you have to pace yourself base on order of importance and your finances. In this blog we will focus on the venue selection and guest list.

Each individual has their own top priorities when planning their wedding…Is the venue one of the most important essentials of the day to you?

The best thing to do is not set your date first. You may fall in love with a venue, however your ideal date is not available…then what do you do? If you have an open mind during the search for a venue, their available date can determine your wedding date. The rental rates and per person cost per guest may be cheaper to host a wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday. In 2012 we had a handful of Thursday evening weddings as well. Have your ideal date/month….however also have an open mind this can save you some money. Some venues are currently booked going in 2015 so don’t wait on securing the one you love with a deposit. During the planning process you will learn that deposits and contracts are the key items to secure your date. 

Have you thought about the number of guests that you plan of attending your wedding? This will play a role in the venue as well.  Your venue should be able to accommodate your estimated guest count comfortably. Remember the more guests you add the more tables, line, centerpieces, etc…

Be prepared putting together the guest list can be a headache! You may have to set a specific amount of guests that you will allow your parents to invite and also come to an agreement with your fiancé on the absolute final number of guests that you will accommodate. Remember the numbers add up pretty quickly. 

Consider meeting with a planner and getting some fine points on planning your wedding. Before you rule out hiring a planner at least meet with one whom is well knowledgeable in planning weddings professionally. 

Happy Planning!

You Can't Do It All!

The endless to-do-list that you review and add items to daily…… needs to be revised and become a strategic plan on a calendar. I know that sometimes you may think if you don’t do it…it won’t be done right!

Don’t increase your stress levels. Evaluate if you have the time, dedication, and the discipline to stick to your plans and execute your vision. If you must interview your friends and family members to determine who is a good fit for your “team” as you would with a vendor….then do so. When you determine who is going to help you just make sure that they understand your vision and that you can work well together for the ultimate results.

For those whom are working on a tight budget and relying on extra hands to help out with the decorations, be sure to set up one table as an example of what the table should look like and your team can follow behind you to set the rest. The key to utilizing your volunteers that would like to truly help you is communication. Be sure to share your vision and intentions with everyone that is working with you.

Don't plan your own party....get help.

Be a guest at your own event.

Happy Planning!

Planning to plan.....then Failing to plan

Okay the title of the blog says it all, and if you scratched your head then your right also. Planning any event can be an overwhelming task if you don’t take the time to think things through. Stop keep telling yourself that it will all come together and get organized.

While you have a vision in your mind it is important to plan things out in stages. Whether writing your plan on a calendar, using a spreadsheet or using Microsoft Outlook. Be specific with your complete planning timeline and incorporate time to rest and relax. You should not eat, sleep, and breathe your special occasion….at that point it becomes overwhelming and not exciting to plan.

If you have the time, focus on one to two items per week or bi-weekly. Planning any occasion should not be a burden, think about the details before hand and if need help enlist an event planner. Don’t think you cannot afford a planner, many charge hourly, by a percentage or a flat rate. It just may be worth the headache to hire a professional to execute.

Depending on how formal your event is and the amount of guests if you don’t have the true help of others from the beginning then think about a planner.

Tip: Enlist a planner at the right time and don’t worry about the logistics, let your planners execute and you relax. Professional event planners are able to create your vision and assemble additional wow factors to a fantastic event

Budget: Timing & Venue

Some clients during consultations wonder….how much money will I be spending for what I want?

Your wedding budget is completely essential for planning your marriage. It should be prepared well in advance, start saving as soon as you say YES!
Prices can easily spiral out of control so have a budget and stick to it. Give preference to the important things first .Make a priority list.

Let’s talk about budgeting do’s and don’ts for weddings ….. This information will be helpful to you with your planning efforts.

Timing & Site

Please DO
1. Consider dates that fall out of busy wedding seasons (May-October)
2. Think about having your wedding on a Friday, Sunday or a day other than Saturday.
3. Consider have a daytime reception or a brunch.
4. Seek a venue that has the tables, chairs, and possibly the linens you would like. This will help save on the rental cost of these items.
5. Consider a venue that does not require you to use their preferred vendors. In many cases this is more expensive because you will be choosing from one list. Are outside companies allowed?
6. Inquire about the service fees and any other fees associated with the service being provided.
7. Inquire if candles prohibited?
8. Think about additional expenses; is there a charge for the cake cutting, early/late set up, and any surprise guests?
9. Consider a professional planner to manage your day and let your family relax and enjoy the day.

Please DON'T
1. Don’t get married during peak times for the hotel business if most of your guests will be traveling out of town.
2. Please don’t forget to take in consideration the distance from the ceremony to the reception.
3. Don’t overlook having your ceremony and reception in one venue convenient for all.
4. Don’t forget to set your budget and establish who will be paying for what, in the event that others are also assisting with the finances.
5. Start shopping for your décor until you find and secure your venues.
6. Include a variety of friends and family members in your planning and day of wedding; too many opinions can become stressful.
7. Don’t think you can’t afford a professional planner; many planners will work with your budget. You should at least have a DOC (Day of Coordinator) to lead your team of vendors.

Here are some tips for keeping your budget under control:

* Limit the number of guests to friends, family and close acquaintances only.
* Don’t just invite a person for the sake of inviting or just because he/she is a colleague. * Book your venues at least 8 to 12 months prior the wedding so that you can pay it over a period of time.
* The more items you are able to pay for before the wedding and over a period of time the better and less stress for everyone as you get closer to your big day.



Prestigiously Yours,
Kay