The majority of people hear the word budget and automatically we are horrified. In this economy, I hear people speak more about budget than I have heard in the last 8 years. The meaning of a budget is the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose. I know I need a new pair of boots, but I have a budget. I must admit that I did see a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots that cost $695.00. That is out of my budget and I will not even tease myself by trying them on.
My point is that all couples have a wedding budget. You need to confirm it and stand by it. You were certain of the person who you wanted to be your partner, this goes the same for your budget. Prior to setting a date set a budget. People tend to start spending without realizing that you could be blowing your budget on things that are unnecessary to the wedding.
Ladies think about spending $5000 for a dress when it may overextend your budget. My belief is don't even tempt yourself with items priced out of your range. You will be drowning yourself in debt. That is why the Stuart Weitzman boots will stay on the shelf in the store. Live within your means and you will have the wedding that suits you and not the Joneses. Fabulousity is the originality you put into your wedding. Listed below are items for your wedding and the average percentage for each one. I hope this assist you in making good budget decisions.
Reception - 50%
Ceremony - 2%
Attire - 10%
Flowers - 10%
Photography/Videography - 10%
Stationery - 2%
Wedding Rings - 2%
Parking/Transportation - 2%
Gifts - 2%
Miscellaneous - Honeymoon, in case of Emergency, etc… - 10%
Of course you can do more percentage on one and then go less on another. But using this as a guideline really helps. I have clients that will agree.
by Tuesdi Kelly on Tuesday October 19, 2010
no comments
I have had a chance to be a part of this industry for a few years and I see some of the most ridiculous to extreme mistakes. This normally happen to brides who pick up someone for day of or opt out of hiring a planner. The mistakes I notice can be costly in the short and long term.• The amount of the per person charge. Brides and grooms need to remember that the charge does not include the tax and gratuity. Go home and do the math to figure out how much of your budget is going to the venue.
• Think about selecting vendors from craigslist. Make sure they have references. Cheaper is not always better. Quality vs. Cost war!
• Taking on too many diy projects. Time is of the essence. If you have time that is great but if not you may want to purchase those items or remove from your wedding vision.
• Miscalculating the amount of tables you have. This could become costly and embarrassing if you do not have enough centerpieces and linens for the tables.
• Brides not having a fitting. Your weight can fluctuate. Your gown could be too big, short, or tight.
• Becoming intoxicated is unacceptable. Tipsy is fine but you and your guests becoming smashed is not good. People + Alcohol could equal to Altercation. Be careful and cautious on this one.
There are many more but these seem to be more prevalent Enjoy your day and remember try not to overdo it!!!!!
by Tuesdi Kelly on Wednesday September 29, 2010
no comments
by Tuesdi Kelly on Wednesday July 14, 2010
no comments
A party isn’t a party without some spirits on hand, especially at a wedding! How else do you toast the new, happy couple? With Champagne, of course! But, how about beer, wine and everything else in between? Do you spring for the full bar, maybe do a cash bar if you’re not a drinker or forgo the whole thing all together? How you handle the liquor situation can make or break your wedding, so listen up!
Tip #1. Liquor is a supporting player, not an extra!
First and foremost, a reception without spirits is a no-no! I have organized a few weddings where the couple didn’t drink and was adamant about not serving alcohol. What was the guests’ response? They left early! Without some alcohol available, many guests will take their party elsewhere.
Tip #2. Cash bars are tacky (like you didn’t know this already).
Cash bars are also on the no-no list. These are your guests. Treat them as such. They’re bringing their well wishes and, hopefully, gifts for this new chapter in your life. Don’t ask them to reach into their pockets. But there are some tricks so the bar doesn’t break your own.
Tip #3.Hello! Consumption bars still look like full bars!
This is a great option if you know a good percentage of your guests are non-drinkers or light drinkers, and it still gives guests a full bar. Arrange for a consumption bar with the venue and place a reasonable limit based on the average cost of drinks and how many drinks you believe will be served that night. A planner can really help with estimating for these types of numbers.
Tip #4. The Wine and Beer Combo
If you don’t want to be terrified throughout your reception about the bar tab, go for a wine and beer bar only. Of course, you don’t get the full range of liquors, but this is the cheapest option and you’ll know the cost ahead of time. The price will be based on a head count, which you’ll know at least a week before the wedding. Remember to give just an adult head count, and not to mistakenly include children.
Tip #5.Forego the “deluxe” and/or “premium” bars.
Upgrading to Grey Goose and Belvedere vodka is nice, but rarely will someone know the difference if you actually serve Absolut. Once people start “enjoying” themselves, one vodka or rum will begin to taste like any other.
Tip #6.“Shaken, not stirred” will cost you!
Mixing up a dirty martini is not included in any of these bars, premium or deluxe. Liquers (i.e. triple sec liquers, peach schnapps, etc.) are extra. The only items included are scotch, gin, tequila, rum, vodka, soft drinks, juices, and water. And one more thing… Don’t believe you’ll get off cheaper by pairing a wine and beer bar with a specialty drink. Sometimes this can become costly if your specialty drink require a liquer.
Tip #7. Timing is everything!
Do you still want the full bar, but can’t afford the cocktail hour and a 4-hour reception? Then stop trying. Close the bar down during the dinner hour of your reception and have a wine pour instead. The wine pour may be included in your package. Want to go a step further? Close it down a half an hour before the party ends. You’ll now only pay for 3 and ½ hours and no one will suspect a thing. The end.
Happy planning!!
by Tuesdi Kelly on Wednesday June 30, 2010
no comments
Whether it’s by the ocean, on a bluff at sunset, or in an overflowing garden during the afternoon, weddings in the summertime are just more picturesque and can provide the ambiance any blushing bride would need on her big day. But the excessive heat and blazing sun can make your special day unbearable for both you and your guests. How to deal without sacrificing your dream summer wedding? Below are some helpful tips.
During the ceremony and cocktail hour, have glasses of water ready and waiting. The relief will be almost instant and can last for up to one hour. Present them with slices of cucumber, lemon or orange to refresh your guests in true garden style. Serving soft drinks and alcohol, especially, will only dehydrate the crowd.
While giving out paper fans have been the go-to method for keeping guests cool, these are overdone and hardly effective in staving off the heat. Get electric mini fans that can also serve as your party favors. Your wedding won’t be the only event your guests will attend this summer, so the mini fan will be something they can take to any barbecue, beach, or campsite. Check out Inkhead.com for personalized fans for as low as $1.70 per for 150 guests. Keep in mind these promotional products websites always have a minimum number you must purchase to order.
A few other quick tips to consider are having only cold hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and offering mint-infused products to guests throughout the night. Serving sushi or cold soup shooters will be a welcomed treat compared to a hibachi or carving station that will only add to the heat. And for the cooling mint effect, you can stick products like Bath & Body Works’ Nectarine Mint Antibacterial Hand Lotion or Clean Well Spearmint Lime All Natural Hand Sanitizer in the ladies’ and men’s restrooms. You can buy up now during their clearance sale.
Last but not least, if you believe the heat will still be too much to bear, consider adding tent and air conditioning rentals to your budget. While this option can be expensive ( avg. price is $2500 - $3000) when considering catering, table and chair rentals, lighting and flooring will all be separate charges, it will keep guests from running to their cars after your nuptials. A wedding coordinator would be especially helpful in these types of weddings as all the details can become very overwhelming. If rentals will stretch the budget too much, it would be best to find a venue that accommodates both your dream outdoor ceremony and provides an indoor reception space as well.
Happy Planning!!
During the ceremony and cocktail hour, have glasses of water ready and waiting. The relief will be almost instant and can last for up to one hour. Present them with slices of cucumber, lemon or orange to refresh your guests in true garden style. Serving soft drinks and alcohol, especially, will only dehydrate the crowd.
While giving out paper fans have been the go-to method for keeping guests cool, these are overdone and hardly effective in staving off the heat. Get electric mini fans that can also serve as your party favors. Your wedding won’t be the only event your guests will attend this summer, so the mini fan will be something they can take to any barbecue, beach, or campsite. Check out Inkhead.com for personalized fans for as low as $1.70 per for 150 guests. Keep in mind these promotional products websites always have a minimum number you must purchase to order.
A few other quick tips to consider are having only cold hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and offering mint-infused products to guests throughout the night. Serving sushi or cold soup shooters will be a welcomed treat compared to a hibachi or carving station that will only add to the heat. And for the cooling mint effect, you can stick products like Bath & Body Works’ Nectarine Mint Antibacterial Hand Lotion or Clean Well Spearmint Lime All Natural Hand Sanitizer in the ladies’ and men’s restrooms. You can buy up now during their clearance sale.
Last but not least, if you believe the heat will still be too much to bear, consider adding tent and air conditioning rentals to your budget. While this option can be expensive ( avg. price is $2500 - $3000) when considering catering, table and chair rentals, lighting and flooring will all be separate charges, it will keep guests from running to their cars after your nuptials. A wedding coordinator would be especially helpful in these types of weddings as all the details can become very overwhelming. If rentals will stretch the budget too much, it would be best to find a venue that accommodates both your dream outdoor ceremony and provides an indoor reception space as well.
Happy Planning!!
by Tuesdi Kelly on Tuesday April 20, 2010
no comments
Do you have out of town guest coming to your big day? Have you thought of where they will stay? How many rooms will be needed? How much will it cost? I can assure you a pop up tent in your backyard will not be a great solution to this problem. Or even consider asking friends and family members to take them in their homes. As you are planning your wedding make sure you consider your out of town guests. Remember everyone can not afford to stay at the Ritz Carlton. Pick 3 options that will give your guests an affordable choice of the hotel they can stay in.
The way you can get this accomplish is by notifying your local Convention and Visitors Bureau. I have used them for a few clients. They will send out a RFQ (Request for Quote) to the hotels in the area. You will get their quotes without much effort on your part. Also remember if you are having your wedding at a hotel they will give you their best possible rate. Keeping your guests comfortable will make the experience that much nicer. This is one thing to check off the list.
Search
Recent Posts
Tags
beer blue bride caterer charger plates color daisies decor dinnerware diy etiquette fabric favors flatware flowers food gerbera daisies glassware groom guests hydrangea invitations linen menu cards napkins orchids pew programs red ribbon rose petals roses rsvp table runners tablescape table tuxes wedding wine