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I was reading an interesting article about recycling wedding items and I could relate. A lot of couples buy wedding decor in an effort to save money and then find themselves stuck with a lot of items they have no use for. Some area able to sell them or even donate to their friends upcoming weddings while others end up donating them or repurposing them as home decor. If having DIY Decor is part of your design, then make sure you have an exit strategy.
1. Post the week of your wedding on social media groups about items you will be selling in the future 2. Donate to a friends wedding 3. See if your venue is interested in purchasing some of your items. Also, you may want to donate 4. Incorporate as part of your home decor or office If you do not want to bother with excess DIY items, you may want to rent them instead. Even though it may cost more, the end result is--you do not have to bother with it in the future. It is not cost effective, but it is less stress. The article for reference is:https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/tuesday-style-vows/recycling-wedding-decor_217105 What is the difference between a Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator or Venue Coordinator5/11/2020
We use these words a lot but really, what is the difference!
1. A Wedding Planner is your right-hand man(or woman lol) We are there from beginning to end. We assist with finding vendors, venues, design, decor, and handling all the details necessary to ensure only a smooth wedding planning experience but also a smooth wedding day. On the wedding day, we become the Wedding Coordinator so you can continue to relax on your wedding day. 2. Wedding Coordinator (Called Event Management, Day of and/or Month of coordinator) is the liaison between you (the bride and groom) and ALL of your vendors. We are assigned the task of Organizing and Leading your event. We can be hired anytime during the planning process but our main objective is to make sure your wedding DAY runs smoothly. Day of Coordination usually starts 2 weeks prior and Month of Coordination starts 4-6 weeks prior. We ensure setup and breakdown of the venue and vendors, draw up the timeline, become your personal maitre d, handle the ceremony rehearsal and ceremony and a wealth of other things to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly. 3. Venue Coordinator is your liaison between you and the hotel/venue staff. They are your first point of contact and probably the person you met with when you initially toured the venue. Their main objective is to make sure they have covered all aspects of your event as it pertains to their venue. All other aspects of your wedding technically do not concern them. They are not your wedding planners. They handle your tastings, room block and ensure on your wedding day, the room (s) are set up per your previous discussions and that the vendors are there per the information you (the bride and groom) have given them. After the cake cutting, they will leave your event and a maitre d takes over. The Knot discusses top Wedding Trends of 2020. Click link below www.theknot.com/content/new-wedding-trends  Justine Castle Photography Via The Knot.com  Crystal Cofie Photography After the excitement from your engagement wears off and the reality of wedding planning begins, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed. Here are a few tips.
 Crystal Cofie Photography One of the questions I hear a lot is, Why do DJ's cost so much?
The DJ will make or break your party. We have come a long way from putting a record on and saying a few words on the microphone. I asked 4 DJ/Entertainment Companies for their thoughts and cost and their response was article worthy. A professional DJ puts a lot of work into your events weeks, even months prior to your event. They must pull the music, program equipment, and coordinate with venues and other vendors (especially if there is not a planner or coordinator) Prior to your event, they must upgrade and maintain their equipment and also handle training sessions to ensure that all of their staff can handle your event with perfection. Your professional DJ isn't just pushing play, he must 1. Have the ability to control a room 2. Time Management 3. Posses Professional Equipment 4. Have Experience 5. Know the proper flow of your wedding and be able to quickly transition 6. Be well spoken and Professionally dressed I must quote one DJ who said to me, "If you hire someone who DJ's as a Hobby, you will wedding will be just that...a Hobby. Not everyone can afford a $1500.00 DJ or a $1,000 DJ but please make sure the DJ you choose possess the above stated qualities. I have seen a lot of bad bad DJ's that couples hired because he was a friend or he was cheap. Please do you research. Here are a few tips when searching for vendors.
Basic Tips
 Blue Sky Studios The Service Charges is the evil little charge that most couples despise. It hikes up your food and/or venue cost and is taxable. So what is this cost? Each venue or caterer charges for different reasons. If you are at a hotel, for example, you will notice the charge is 18% - 24%. These charges may include labor (kitchen staff, setup staff, event manager, etc. These charges also incorporate the use of their equipment such as chafing dishes, utensils, china, etc. If you are using a caterer, you will see the breakdown labor cost but sometimes you do not see the breakdown of their staff that cooks the food, load, and unload their trucks. For outside caterers, this charge covers fuel, transportation, and maintenance, along with equipment use such as chafing dishes, china, etc. At no time is this charge a gratuity. When planning your wedding, please be sure to incorporate these charges into your final budget.
 Seth Snider Photography. Gown from Hayden Olivia COMMON MISTAKES BRIDES MAKE WHEN GOWN SHOPPING:
Inspired by: http://www.bridalguide.com/fashion/wedding-dress-shopping-guide/wedding-dress-shopping-tips?page=1 1. BRINGING AN ENTOURAGE: Keep it Simple. The more people you bring the more confusing selecting your gown gets. Keep the numbers down to under 3 2. SHOPPING TOO EARLY: It is natural to want to start shopping for gowns soon after you become engaged. The problem is, you try on so m any that you may forget what you really like. Try to keep gown shopping at 12 months prior or when you are READY to purchase. 3. TRYING ON TOO MANY GOWNS: Again, the more you try on, the more confusing it becomes. Try to try on no more than 10 4. BEING SWAYED BY DEEP DISCOUNTS: It’s hard to resist the huge discounts from trunk or sample sales. Remember, most of these gowns have been worn by many brides-to-be and may be worn, missing embellishments, dirty, etc. Thoroughly check out your gown before purchase 5. DEMANDING THE WRONG SIZE: What bride doesn’t say she is losing weight before the wedding. Either way, buy a gown that actually fits you. You can alter it later. Buying a gown in a size smaller than you are will just frustrate you if you never lose the weight. 6. STICKING WITH ONE STYLE: You may really want that mermaid look but you may not have the body for it. Be open with your styles. You may find you like another style better. 7. BUYING A DRESS YOU DON’T LOVE: Some buy dresses because of price but the disappointment from your purchase will be evident on wedding day. 8. TRYING ON DRESSES YOU CAN’T AFFORD: We all want that designer gown, but trying on gowns you cannot afford may leave you disappointed, especially if it becomes your favorite gown. Please stick within your price range 9. NOT ACCOUNTING FOR EXTRA COST: After purchasing your gown, remember to add things like delivery and tax, alternations, bustle, undergarments and veil. Original post date, December 2017.
Getting engaged and planning a wedding is probably the happiest time of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful times of your life. Sometimes, brides get so caught up in the moment and the wow factor that they begin to make serious mistakes. The following 5 mistakes are ones that I see time and time again. Forgetting the Purpose. Don’t forget the purpose of your wedding. Its not to impress or out do your girlfriend. It’s not about keeping up with the Jones’s. It’s a public display of your love for one another. Remember, the Ceremony is the main event. Your reception is the party celebrating the main event. Don’t neglect the details of your wedding like the vows, meaningful music, etc. The Budget Your budget is your Guideline. Make every effort to stick with it. You have spent a year or so saving your money and in some cases, receiving help from your family. Make sure you do not fall victim to useless, wasteful spending. If your wedding and reception is at the same location, why do you need a limo or luxury car? Do you really need a champagne toast? Do you really need 200 people at your reception? Just because it appears on the WE channel or David Tutera made it happened does not mean it’s in your budget. The last thing you want is to be in debt after your wedding. This is not the time for being impulsive. Spend Wisely. Forgetting the Wedding is WE not ME. Ok Brides, I know “Its your day”. But the wedding is about you and your groom. It takes two to get married. Make sure you involve him in the planning process. Make sure the celebration is a reflection of the both of you. Not Hiring Professionals: This day and age, we are watching our penny more and more. Sometimes you can get away with DIY projects. I have worked with many talented brides that did a lot of their own things like stationary, gift baskets and centerpieces. But some things you really need a professional. (1)Photography is first and foremost. These pictures will last a lifetime. This is what you will show your children and grandchildren. (2) DJ. For some reason, DJ’s do not get the proper credit they deserve. Their equipment is not cheap and it takes special talent to keep your reception guest entertained throughout the entire event. Your DJ needs to be a great MC as well.(3) Catering. This alone is another article. Check your references.(4) Coordinator. These days, everyone is either a planner or an aspiring planner. Do your research. Not reading the contract: If I had a dollar for every couple that did not read their contracts, I would be rich beyond my wildest dreams. This point cannot be stressed enough. You need to know what you are getting, how much time, unspoken charges (service charges, cake cutting fees, corkage fees, taxes). Were all of the services discussed in the meeting put on the contract? Is there a refund policy? Rain Policy? I can go on and on. There are so many other things that brides forget but this is my top 5. What is so Hard about Planning a Wedding
Ivy Honeycutt The Silk Veil Events by Ivy | Charlotte, North Carolina 2017 https://theweddingvision.com/what-is-so-hard-about-planning-a-wedding/ That is a loaded question. Most people think planning a wedding is easy because all they have to do is find vendors and then deal with a few details. In reality, it takes a lot of time, energy, stress, and budgeting to planning a wedding. Experts say it takes over 400 hours to plan a wedding. A major problem is the fact that many do not realize just how much a wedding costs. Statistically, the average wedding in this area for 150 guests is about $25,000-$30,000. For some this is a drop in the bucket, but for others, it is a lot of money. Note, there are weddings ranging $10,000-$15,000 and also $50,000-$250,000 in this area but pricing seems to be based on your wedding costing a minimum of $25,000-$30,000. (This budget does not include the rings, honeymoon or bridal gown) Once you get over the sticker shock, you then decide you want a planner to help with this process. The internet leads you to believe that you can afford a full wedding planner for 10% of your wedding budget. This only applies if your wedding budget is over $25,000.00. Remember, 400 hours to plan a wedding. Many couples do not realize that the average planner is $2500-$5000. Now you must ask yourself: How many people will we invite? How many of our friends and family will be in the wedding party? This has such a huge impact on your budget and most do not realize that until it's too late. The more guests you invite, the bigger the venue, and the higher the cost. The bigger your wedding party, the more you will spend on flowers and let us not forget rehearsal dinner and their gifts. The hunt for a venue is time-consuming. You must look at the venue, amenities, location, parking, service charge, and taxes. Does the venue cater? Can we bring our own alcohol? It's a game of comparing pricing and value. Many couples will spend months just finding the perfect venue that meets their needs, their style, and budget. Now it's time to research vendors. For every vendor category (photography, caterer, dj, band, cake, florist, videography) there is a minimum of 200 options. These options have different styles, price points, and specialties. Some seem to base their decisions on price, which can be very dangerous. Cheaper is not always better. I have seen a lot of bad videos and photography, heard a lot of bad Djs, and have tasted a lot of bad food (some made me sick and some I did not eat as the caterers did not practice proper safe food handling procedures) It is at this point that most of your budget is blown and you are left wondering what to do or ways to cut back. It is also at this point that many will start making irrational decisions that make their event look less than what they wanted or expected. We now have to deal with a wedding party that doesn't want to purchase their dresses or tuxedos, deal with hair and makeup, jewelry, alterations, ceremony and reception decor that is not provided by a florist or designer (table numbers, escort cards, stationery, guest book, wedding favors, etc.) and more. You must also deal with RSVPs, your wedding registry and thank you gifts, and payment schedules. I suggest, when planning your wedding, do your research. Take a hard look at what you like and what the average cost is. Then have a real heart to heart with your fiancé about what you can really afford. Also, READ! Read everything. It seems like bride and grooms-to-be have a new trust factor with wedding vendors or hear one thing, but that is not what is in writing. If you cannot afford a wedding planner, then hire one as your consultant and pay them by the hour. They can save you so much time and stress when it comes to making sound decisions. Then, hire a coordinator (either day or month of) to help bring all those details together so you can finally relax and enjoy your day. If you cannot afford 250 guests, have only 150. Only invite those you have seen in the past 6 months. With decor, remember, sometimes less is more. If you can't afford tall, elegant centerpieces, then have a few of them and have small elegant centerpieces. If your parents are not financing the wedding, then properly estimate how long it will take to pay off your wedding. If you and your fiancé can pay for the wedding in one year, then set your wedding date one and a half years out. Remember, you cannot make everyone happy so don't stress the menu but make it enjoyable for the majority. Remember, this is the first party you are hosting as Husband and Wife so be mindful of your guests. Remember, you do not want to go into your lifelong journey with your soul mate in debt so make wise choices and know that you may have to compromise because sometimes, you cannot have everything you want. At the end of the day, you are marrying the man or woman of your dreams and it is that thought that should remain throughout your wedding planning process. Ivy HoneycuttThe Silk Veil Events by Ivy | Charlotte, North Carolina 2017 |
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