Wedding cost's add up fast, but don't let these small details take you by surprise and make for unforeseen costs....
- Mail cost: Most people don't realize how expensive oddly shaped and over sized envelopes cost to ship, a fee that is not included in the stationers cost. Be sure to check before hand on the individual prices for postage before deciding on an invite look.
- Overtime: Be aware of overtime charges for vendors like photographers, dj's, videographers, catering staff, etc.... When originally booked, they quote an overall price, but when overtime kicks in, they usually begin charging an hourly rate. Most times that hourly rate is pretty expensive so check this one out!
- Rentals: Rental companies don't always include transportation of rental equipment in their original quote, be sure to always ask them for a final quote before booking, and a transportation fee specifically.
- Wedding dress: Often people forget about alterations needed for both wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses, be sure to factor in this cost because most of the time it is not included with the price of the dress
- Taxes: When budgeting for a wedding, most don't remember the additional cost of taxes that will be added to everything.
- Tips: Some people don't realize that tips are not included in the costs of the servers provided, be sure to allow for 15-20% gratuity after the event.
Just don't forget about the details that can add up and put you over the intended budget!
Showing posts with label eco friendly weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eco friendly weddings. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Personalizing your Wedding Vows
Writing your own wedding vows can be a personal way to make them very special. Whether the bride and groom want to write their vows together or separately, it's important to make the decision early.
To help focus before writing your vows, try answering some of these questions:
-At what point did you realize you loved each other?
-What qualities of his/hers do you consider the most special?
-What is your ideal life together look like?
-What makes him/her so important to you?
-What does the significance of marriage mean to you?
-What do you think about when you hear the words love and commitment?
Pros and Cons for talking topics:
Pro - trying to write your vows when you can really concentrate
Con - forgetting to ask your officiant about anything that may have to appear in the vows
Pro - trying to start your vows by using a traditional wedding vow line
Con - writing everything in one sitting. Write, think about it, and write again
Pro - trying to use your favorite lines from love songs, poems, or other readings
Con - using too private stores that will make guests feel uncomfortable
Pro - showing the officiant your final copy
Con - forgetting to practice reading your vows aloud, speak clearly so everyone can hear you
I hope this helps when the time comes!
To help focus before writing your vows, try answering some of these questions:
-At what point did you realize you loved each other?
-What qualities of his/hers do you consider the most special?
-What is your ideal life together look like?
-What makes him/her so important to you?
-What does the significance of marriage mean to you?
-What do you think about when you hear the words love and commitment?
Pros and Cons for talking topics:
Pro - trying to write your vows when you can really concentrate
Con - forgetting to ask your officiant about anything that may have to appear in the vows
Pro - trying to start your vows by using a traditional wedding vow line
Con - writing everything in one sitting. Write, think about it, and write again
Pro - trying to use your favorite lines from love songs, poems, or other readings
Con - using too private stores that will make guests feel uncomfortable
Pro - showing the officiant your final copy
Con - forgetting to practice reading your vows aloud, speak clearly so everyone can hear you
I hope this helps when the time comes!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
One Year Planner until the Big Day
A planner leading up to the day of your wedding is always a great way to keep organized and on track right up until the day of your event. Here's a draft of the things that should be done starting one year to the day of your wedding.
12 months - Dress shop in magazines, decide on a budget, and pick the date
10 months - Start browsing websites for caterers, DJs/bands, wedding planners, and florists. Start a rough draft of your guest list, and find your officiant
8 months - Book and put deposits on those hired to help make your day that much more special, make the final decision on your dress, and maintain your current physique
6 months - Make the honeymoon plans, place an order for your wedding rings and invitations, schedule meetings with vendors, and begin registering for gifts
4 months - Make final decisions on bridesmaids dresses and purchase them, schedule time/place for rehearsal dinner, make last minute changes to guest list, and finalize groomsmen attire
2 months - practice your hair and makeup, check information for marriage license, run through all the details for the ceremony, and send our the wedding invitations
6 weeks - Proof your vows and make final draft, send the newspapers your wedding announcement, and make copies of the program
2 weeks - Complete last minute details like getting your marriage license, last dress fitting, sending our play list to the DJ or band, and making speeches for the reception
1 week - Pack a separate bag for the honeymoon, wear your shoes around to avoid blisters on your big day, make plans to pick-up your dress, and touch base with vendors for final confirmation
The Day before - Have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner scheduled, and get a manicure and pedicure (do not wax earlier than 4 days before an event!)
The Day of - check all honeymoon details, eat lightly throughout the day, and have a fantastic time!
12 months - Dress shop in magazines, decide on a budget, and pick the date
10 months - Start browsing websites for caterers, DJs/bands, wedding planners, and florists. Start a rough draft of your guest list, and find your officiant
8 months - Book and put deposits on those hired to help make your day that much more special, make the final decision on your dress, and maintain your current physique
6 months - Make the honeymoon plans, place an order for your wedding rings and invitations, schedule meetings with vendors, and begin registering for gifts
4 months - Make final decisions on bridesmaids dresses and purchase them, schedule time/place for rehearsal dinner, make last minute changes to guest list, and finalize groomsmen attire
2 months - practice your hair and makeup, check information for marriage license, run through all the details for the ceremony, and send our the wedding invitations
6 weeks - Proof your vows and make final draft, send the newspapers your wedding announcement, and make copies of the program
2 weeks - Complete last minute details like getting your marriage license, last dress fitting, sending our play list to the DJ or band, and making speeches for the reception
1 week - Pack a separate bag for the honeymoon, wear your shoes around to avoid blisters on your big day, make plans to pick-up your dress, and touch base with vendors for final confirmation
The Day before - Have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner scheduled, and get a manicure and pedicure (do not wax earlier than 4 days before an event!)
The Day of - check all honeymoon details, eat lightly throughout the day, and have a fantastic time!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Finding your Perfect Wedding Dress
--Don't hesitate, start early - Finding your perfect wedding dress can take time. Buying off the rack does require less time, but the rule of thumb is to order your dress eight months before the wedding with plenty of time to make tweaks and additions if need be.
--Who should accompany you - Find a few people, like you mom, maid-of-honor, or soon to be mother-in-law, to come with you to find your dress. Too many people will make your decision much harder.
--Frankness is key - Be very straightforward with your consultant. Telling her about your budget and your style desire will make things much faster and easier.
--Be open to new possibilities - When looking for your dress, don't turn down anything that may not be exactly what you want. Try on several gowns of different styles to see what will look the best on your body.
--The little extras - Don't forget about your shoes, headpiece, jewelry, and alterations. These little things will add up, so don't forget the details!
--Who should accompany you - Find a few people, like you mom, maid-of-honor, or soon to be mother-in-law, to come with you to find your dress. Too many people will make your decision much harder.
--Frankness is key - Be very straightforward with your consultant. Telling her about your budget and your style desire will make things much faster and easier.
--Be open to new possibilities - When looking for your dress, don't turn down anything that may not be exactly what you want. Try on several gowns of different styles to see what will look the best on your body.
--The little extras - Don't forget about your shoes, headpiece, jewelry, and alterations. These little things will add up, so don't forget the details!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Make Your Wedding Flowers Last
Here are a few ways to get the most out of floral decorations on your wedding day:
-Use the natural surroundings to your advantage by getting married in a space already blooming with flowers, such as a garden.
-Always use flowers that are in season, the prices are the most affordable.
-Make the center pieces simple, and use more green in the arrangements; a few flowers go a long way!
-Take advantage of flowering branches such as dogwood, apple, and cherry blossoms; the cost is almost half the amount of standard flower arrangements.
-Get creative...If there is a wedding before or after your party, contact the bride or coordinator of the event and see if the two of you have any of the same interests in flower arrangements, if so, split the cost of the arrangements, and reuse the flowers two weekends in a row!
-By avoiding major holidays, you can avoid the increase in flower prices due to high demand
-In addition to reusing flowers between different bridal parties, you can also reuse flowers involved in the wedding ceremony to decorate the reception area.
These are just a few things that can be helpful when deciding on a budget for floral arrangements, as well as the best way to get your money's worth!
-Use the natural surroundings to your advantage by getting married in a space already blooming with flowers, such as a garden.
-Always use flowers that are in season, the prices are the most affordable.
-Make the center pieces simple, and use more green in the arrangements; a few flowers go a long way!
-Take advantage of flowering branches such as dogwood, apple, and cherry blossoms; the cost is almost half the amount of standard flower arrangements.
-Get creative...If there is a wedding before or after your party, contact the bride or coordinator of the event and see if the two of you have any of the same interests in flower arrangements, if so, split the cost of the arrangements, and reuse the flowers two weekends in a row!
-By avoiding major holidays, you can avoid the increase in flower prices due to high demand
-In addition to reusing flowers between different bridal parties, you can also reuse flowers involved in the wedding ceremony to decorate the reception area.
These are just a few things that can be helpful when deciding on a budget for floral arrangements, as well as the best way to get your money's worth!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Eco Friendly Wedding Tips
It seems like I'm getting more & more requests for eco friendly wedding tips. I think it's absolutely fabulous everyone is getting into the "green" spirit. Here's a few of my favs:
Print your invitations on recycled paper
Wedding invitations consume thousands of tons of paper each year. Using recycled paper for the invitations and envelopes reduces paper and tree consumption. If you're planning a "save the date" reminder, you might also consider creating an email presentation in lieu of another mailing. Recycled paper can be purchased at most organic supermarkets and some bookstores, as well as at copy shops and printers. There are some really great options out there!
Serve organic food
In its simplest definition, organic food is prepared without the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and chemical additives. Free range meat and chicken, prepared without chemical growth hormones, are also a staple of the organic menu. You can also request that the produce come from local farmers.
Recycle the bar empties
Empty glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans can quickly pile up during larger receptions.
Send leftovers to charity
Many cities now host "food rescue" operations that bring clean, fresh, but unwanted food to local charities. Giving your wedding feast leftovers to such organizations ensures the food will reach an appreciative audience and not generate waste.
Print your invitations on recycled paper
Wedding invitations consume thousands of tons of paper each year. Using recycled paper for the invitations and envelopes reduces paper and tree consumption. If you're planning a "save the date" reminder, you might also consider creating an email presentation in lieu of another mailing. Recycled paper can be purchased at most organic supermarkets and some bookstores, as well as at copy shops and printers. There are some really great options out there!
Serve organic food
In its simplest definition, organic food is prepared without the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and chemical additives. Free range meat and chicken, prepared without chemical growth hormones, are also a staple of the organic menu. You can also request that the produce come from local farmers.
Recycle the bar empties
Empty glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans can quickly pile up during larger receptions.
Send leftovers to charity
Many cities now host "food rescue" operations that bring clean, fresh, but unwanted food to local charities. Giving your wedding feast leftovers to such organizations ensures the food will reach an appreciative audience and not generate waste.
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