HAVE FUN!

Planning a wedding is a little stressful with the MOUNTAINS of details that need to dealt with, however, I always find it sad when I see a future bride so stressed out that she is not having fun planning her wedding.

Even after they hire me, and have help and support, they still "freak out" over every little issue!

If you are planning a wedding.....and you are going it alone without a planner.....PLEASE try to make your planning experience fun. Don't take everything so seriously. Stay focused and organized......read my analogy on my website and take it one step at a time!!

Also.....use the budget calculator....that would help with your budget!

Remember....planing your wedding should be one of the most enjoyable things you ever to.....IT IS A REAL LABOR OF LOVE!

Money Saving Tips

Planning your wedding on a shoe-string?

Try these tips:

1. Hire a DJ instead of a band (This will save you approximately $2,000.00)

2. Try to keep your centerpieces to under $50.00 per table.

3. Select a reception venue that offers all inclusive pricing.

4. Instead of a limo, rent a town car just for the bride and groom.

Just making a few little tweaks will make a HUGE difference in your budget!

Food Tastings

Just yesterday I was asked if it was "standard" to have the reception site charge extra for additional people other than the bride and groom. I have been asked that question a lot lately!

Some places do and some don't, however, it is happening more and more. Some venues don't even offer a tasting anymore and if you insist, even the bride and groom will be expected to pay.

Tastings are meant to be just that, "TO TASTE THE FOOD" to help you with your selection. It is customary to invite the parents of the bride especially if they are paying for the wedding. The parents of the groom usually don't go unless they are also contributing to the cost of the reception. The least amount of people you invite the better!!

Most places will just bring out one plate of each entree that you choose to taste and everyone has a "taste" to see which chicken or fish they like better....again, it is not meant to be a meal.

If your venue is offering a tasting, tell them that you would like to see the "PLATE PRESENTATION." The way the food is presented is just as important as the taste.

Another thing that surprises most people is that most venues do not let you taste the Hors D' oeuvres or salads. Again it depends on the venue.

Also....DON'T FORGET....if you are going to have a tasting, make sure you do it in enough time to order your invitations. You will have to list your dinner choices on the response cards.

Suits vs. Tuxes

The latest trend for the"GUYS" in your wedding are suits.

The big question is....which looks better?? In my opinion, they both look great, however, suits are much more practical and cost effective.

Men's Warehouse often has sales 2 suits for the cost of one. Initially, even with a good sale, the suit will probably cost more than renting a tux, however, everyone needs a suit in their wardrobe and it will be worn for years.

A tux with a vest, shoes, etc...will cost approximately $100.00.....for one day! A suit will cost approximately $150.00- $200.00 and will be used over and over.

The suits don't all have to be the same style, as long as they are all the same color, so if you want everyone to wear black suits and everyone in the wedding already have a black suit, that is fine, they can just wear what they have. You can bring it all together by having them wear the same shirts and ties.

Another concern are the shoes. As long as everyone wears black dress shoes, they don't have to match....in fact...I have never been a fan of the shiny black rented "tux shoes.":)

RECEPTION TIME LINE

When you are planning your time line for your reception you should allow 2 .5 hours for your cocktail hour, introductions, toasts, and dinner.

Below is an example for you to use as a guideline:

6:00 PM Cocktail Hour
6:45 PM Guests are seated and will have a little time to get one last drink before dinner
7:00 PM Introductions, special dances, toasts, blessing
7:30 PM- 8:30 PM Dinner
8:30 PM - Midnight Dancing!

It is important to have a structured time line until dinner is over.....then you are free to just have a GREAT TIME!