Choosing Your Wedding Party

Many brides struggle with deciding which friends to have in their wedding party. Here are a few tips to make it a little easier. Consider the size of your guest list when deciding on the number of bridesmaids you want. If you’re having a small, intimate wedding, you don’t want the bridal party to be almost as big as the guest list. And if you’re on a tight budget, don’t forget that you will be paying for each of their bouquets. Remember, that just because you were in someone’s wedding, they do not have to be in yours. You can always have other close friends do readings or hand out programs. True friends will understand if they are not asked to be a bridesmaid!

Drink Up!

When planning the drinks for your wedding, don't forget to think about the children attending and the guests who will choose not to drink alcohol. A simple way to accommodate them is to make a self serve drink bar with a few different drinks. You can set up containers with drinks like lemonade, punch, and sweet tea, something that everyone can enjoy. This way, there are not extra people around the bar and everyone can quench their thirst! Here are a few pictures we found for some ideas.

Why hire a planner?

A lot of girls are so excited to begin planning their wedding but quickly realize they don't know where to start. From linens, flowers, catering, rentals, music and photographers there are so many things to think about. People don't realize how many different vendors come together for a wedding and it can get a little overwhelming. That is where your planner comes to the rescue. Your planner will be there to guide you in the right direction with the best vendors around and ensure that you do not overpay for anything. It takes all the stress away and you can just enjoy being engaged and your wedding day!

Tips for Tipping

When the big day rolls around, many brides are left wondering what is considered an appropriate gratuity for each of their wedding vendors. Here is a helpful guide for tipping the people who help make your wedding a success:

Hair and Makeup Stylists- 15 to 25% of the service bill, similar to any hair salonOfficiant- a donation to the officiant’s church is a kind gesture and the typical protocol.

Musicians or DJ- $15 to $25 is typical, depending on the service. A reception musician would normally perform for a longer period than the ceremony musician and should receive a proportional tip

Delivery and Setup Crew- $10 for each staff member is appropriate. This includes anyone who delivers or sets up any rentals, florals, etc.

Wait Staff- $20 to $25 for each waiter or bartender is a reasonable amount. You could also tip as a percentage (15 to 20%) of the total food and beverage bill, just like you would in a restaurant.

Photographer- Though this is not a standard tip as many photographers are the studio’s owners, $50 to $200 is general tip range.

Transportation- 15 to 20% of the total bill

Of course, gratuities depend on the quality of service, but is always a nice way to thank vendors for their contributions. A nice note or gift can also be appropriate, especially when you are using family or close friends as vendors. Hope you find this “tips for tipping” helpful!

Seating Your Guests

Need some creative ideas to display your seating chart or table numbers? Take a look at a few of these ideas we found. Old windows and chalkboards are very popular right now and you can find them very cheap. Once you find one, all you need is a chalkboard pen and some creativity. As for your table numbers, make sure that they can be incorporated within your centerpieces. If you don't want to use traditional numbers, think of something that is significant to you and your groom. It could be different types of flowers, assorted cities, or even different classes if you met in school. Whatever it may be, just make sure it goes along with your decor!