Easiest way to manage your budget!

When you look at your budget, the easiest way to cut down on your budget is my controlling your guest count. Most couples struggle with who they should and shouldn't invite, and they can't seem to find a good place to draw the line. Do you invite your entire office? Your Mom's sister's best friend? Your babysitter's family? Once you look at your bottom line, making the guest count manageable becomes a big priority.

 

The guest count controls the amount of food, wait staff, seating and rentals that you will need for your wedding. These factors all bring up the cost very quickly, so we came up with a few ways you can make your guest list a bit more manageable:

-For quicker responses from guests, include postage for RSVPs. They are more likely to throw it back in the mail if it doesn't require any extra effort from them. Anything that makes it easier for them to respond is a must.

-If you have guests you are unsure about inviting, wait until you get some responses from guests who are unable to attend. Once you have a base count, you will have a better idea of how many of your "possible extra" guests you can invite. Phasing your invitations is smart and it allows you to send a second round.

-If you are trying to keep a small guest count, do not include an option on RSVP cards for additional guests. Make sure that the invitation doesn't infer that people can bring a date. If it is for a family, just be sure to address the envelope to the family, or the individual it is intended for, and keep a count of how many people were invited. 

-If your RSVP date has passed, simply call your guests to see if they will be able to attend. It is a little extra effort, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to end up paying for guests that will not be there. If your going to pay the price, you might as well have someone else in their spot.

There are always easy excuses for not inviting guests, such as budget and venue constraints, and most of the time, that is an issue anyway! It’s your wedding and you need to enjoy your company, so don’t feel obligated to invite anyone you don't want It should be a memorable day with your best friends and family! Happy planning!

Just when you think the hard part is over...

My elders have always told me that getting married is the easiest part…the difficult part is changing your name and everything that comes afterwards haha. Many people make the process out to be much harder than it actually is, so I am going to give you a step-by-step guide to changing your name without all the hassles that everyone seems to talk about. Just take things one step at a time and the changes will be made before you know it.

Marriage Licenses: Before you start the name changing process, make sure you have at least 3 certified copies of your marriage license.

1. Social Security Card - The first thing you should change is your Social Security Card. To apply for a new Social Security Card, complete an application online (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm) and mail it to your local Social Security Office.
2. Passport - Next, I recommend updating your passport. This is how you can get around state laws that restrict two middle names on drivers' licenses. Some DMV’s require you to list your name on your Drivers' License exactly as it appears on your Passport, so if you update your passport first, the DMV has to list your name that way.  Fill out the correct forms and mail them in as directed. (http://travel.state.gov/passport/correcting/ChangeName/ChangeName_851.html)
3. DMV - Then, change your name with the DMV. Contact your local DMV to find out what the paperwork requirements are, but I would recommend bringing every form of identification that you can find (birth certificate, marriage license, old license, passport, etc.)
4. Everything Else - Most of the other changes you will need to make can be taken care of by completing this process. .

1. Open up a word document.
2. Use the Following Template:

Date:

«Company»

«Address», «Address_2»

«City», «State» «Zip»

Re: Request to change name on account # «Account_»

Dear Sir or Madam:

My account is carried under my maiden name: <     >. However, I have recently married and now am legally known as: <     >.

This letter is my formal request that you change your records of my account to reflect my new name. Below I have listed the pertinent information you can use to update my account record:

Pre-marriage information	Updated information

If you have any questions about these changes, you can contact me by mail at my new address or by telephone at .

I am enclosing a copy of my marriage license. This will verify my name change and ensure accurate spelling on my updated account record. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to my request.

Sincerely,

Enclosure: marriage license (copy).

3. The letter can be updated to include other information that may need to be changed.
4. Include a photocopy of your marriage license with each letter (do NOT sent your certified copies unless it is specifically requested).
5. Mail the letters and you're all set.

Items that may be handled (some of these items may require additional information) include (but are not limited to):

• Employer information
• Credit Card Accounts
• Financial Accounts
• Mailing Address
• Utility Companies
• Homeowner/Rental information
• Attorneys
• Medical accounts
• Voter Registration
• Schools
• Insurance accounts
• Subscriptions

 

Budget Battle

Each and every wedding is different, and requires very special attention...especially to the budget! We have compiled a general list of how the budget should be distributed, and a few tips to help keep you on track! :)

Wedding Budget Breakdown:

·         Reception (Food, Beverages, Rentals, and Site): 40 percent to 50 percent

Flowers: 10 percent

Photography/Videography: 10 percent

Bride's and groom's attire: 5 percent to 10 percent

Music: 5 percent to 10 percent

Planner or Coordinator: 10 percent to 15 percent

Miscellaneous (Favors, Transportation, Etc.): 10 percent

Cushion: 5 percent to 15 percent

Budget No-No’s

1.       Never go into debt to pay for a wedding. Instead, consider throwing an intimate gathering and put off the big reception until you've saved up for it.

2.       Don't charge your wedding bills unless you can pay off the balance in full as soon as you get each statement. Credit-card interest rates and finance charges can add hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to your bill, even if you carry a balance for only a month or two.

3.       Don't agree to any upgrades (colored table linens, fancy chair covers) without first asking if they cost extra.

4.       Don't spend more than you'd planned in one area unless you can cut that cost in another area.

5.       Don't budget for fewer guests than you invited. It's better to overestimate

How to Stay on Budget:

1.       To arrive at a realistic budget, start by researching the price of weddings in your specific area. The average varies wildly across the country—from around $20,000 to $75,000-plus.

2.       If you have your heart set on a specific site, florist, or band, call that vendor to get a sense of their fees. During this preliminary planning stage, you'll also need a ballpark figure for the number of guests you'd like to invite. All this early deliberation and fact-finding will give you a more accurate estimate of how much your fantasy wedding will cost.

3.       You and your fiance need to have an open, respectful talk about how much you can actually afford. Whether to include others in this conversation depends on who will be contributing to the wedding. If your families are willing to open their checkbooks, it's crucial to get their input up front, and to be mindful of your hosts' limits and gracious about their choices.

4.       Once you've settled on a hard number, the next step is setting your top priorities. Perhaps your top priority is a gourmet dinner, a breathtaking location, or mind-blowing live music. Once you can determine that, it will tell you where you should put most of your budget.

5.      Although it's always tough to realize you can't have everything, there are all kinds of creative ways of saving money that don't look like you're saving money. Some of them are sneaky and simple, like cutting down on the number of tables at your reception, which translates into fewer expensive centerpieces. Some of them aren't quite so pain-free.

6.       Remaining within your budget also means staying organized. Track your expenditures by saving receipts and recording your spending. File copies of every vendor estimate in a folder so you can refer to them if need be. And remember to keep a cool head and just say no to things you can't afford.

How to Buy Engagement Rings that are Wallet Friendly

Getting engaged is such an exciting time for a couple! It is something they will remember forever, and a story that will be passed down for generations, so of course it needs to be special. But with all of the expenses that come with starting a life together (wedding, new home, etc) the engagement ring budget can be a stressful thought. People generally say to spend about two month’s salary, give or take, depending on your comfort level. But there are some tricks that can help keep you within your budget, while still scoring your bride to be a gorgeous ring.

·         Put a ring around it- You know the saying, "strength in numbers"? The same holds true for enhancing a stone. A ring with a halo setting (a circle of smaller diamonds around the center stone) can make the diamond in the middle look bigger. And it's not just a great way to create the illusion of additional carats- a halo can also completely change the appearance of diamond by giving it a vintage look.

·         Opt for an Emerald Cut- An emerald cut has fewer facets (the surfaces that reflect light and make the diamond sparkle), so it won't be as shiny, but the shape allows the diamond to cover more surface area than other cuts of the same carat weight do. It will look bigger. And it's a timeless style, so your ring will never seem passé.

·         Skip Eternity Bands- Diamonds all the way around the band are not for the frugal ring shopper. Instead, look for a band that focuses on the center stone, like one that's embellished with twists or engraving. If you still want a little extra sparkle, add baguette diamonds on each side of the center stone for a lower cost.

·         Go Color Crazy- Consider a colored gem for the center stone. Pink sapphires have a similar rosy hue to pink diamonds, while citrine creates the same effect as yellow diamonds.

·         Pick a Prong-Less metal means a lower cost, so go for a prong setting (which secures the diamond like a tripod above the band) over a bezel one (a metal ring holds the gem stone in place). This setting is a great way to highlight the diamond, and there's a maintenance upside to this one too: Since more of the stone is visible, it's easier to clean.

·         Make it a set: Sometimes you can score a deal if you buy the engagement ring and the wedding band at the same time. You might even be able to get the groom's wedding band at the same time for even more savings.

You know she's worth every penny, but you don't have to break the bank to buy a stunning ring. Follow these engagement ring budget tips to get a ring she'll love at a price your wallet can handle.

 

How to choose your wedding colors

The colors you choose for your wedding day set the style and tone for your entire event! What do you want your guests and you to remember?! You can use color in your bridesmaids' dresses, decorations, cake, favors, flowers, accessories, table linens and even the invitations! Choose colors you love, but also keep in mind:

·         Where is the wedding and reception? Choose colors that complement the setting if you can. Consider the carpeting, drapery and decor, etc.

·         What mood do you want to create? Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more romantic atmosphere.

·         What time of year will you marry? The season may influence your color scheme. Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while fall and winter colors are generally darker.

There has been a lot of research done on how colors affect our moods and emotions. Colors mean different things in different cultures, so avoid focusing too much on them, and choose the colors that you like. The following two tools can help you choose a coordinated color scheme.

·         Color Wheel - A color wheel helps you choose coordinating colors. There are three color-choosing strategies that will ensure you pick a well coordinated, beautiful color scheme.

o    "Complementary" colors means choosing colors that are opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green. The contrast is usually has good visual appeal.

o    "Analogous" means the colors lie next to each other on the wheel, such as red, red-orange, and orange. Since they are so similar in tone, they will blend well.

o    "Monochromatic" means variations of the same tone, such as bright red, dark red, etc..

·         Color Palette Generator Tool - This handy (and fun!) tool allows you to upload your favorite photo and generate an instant color palette. You can then print and select your favorite colors from the chart

Tips: Try to limit your main colors to two or three so as not to look too jumbled and stay consistent with your colors throughout the wedding site. Use a few subdued colors for an elegant look.

2012 Wedding Color Trends

The table below includes popular wedding color choices for the upcoming seasons:

	aqua	tangerine	lilac	mustard	antique blue
	deep red	latte	lavender	charcoal	sage

 

Do Me a Favor

Tired of getting the same old wedding favors? Your wedding guests deserve the cutest favors, from the cutest wedding! Here are some unconventional wedding favors that we know will be a hit.

We love the idea of doing favors that really mean something. If you have guests coming from near and far, how about sending them home with not only a favor, but also a souvenir? This Bride was from Georgia and sent everyone home with a jar of homemade peach preserves and the south's best kept breakfast secret: Grits! 

The perfect hangover kit for your guests the next morning 

Heartfelt favors are something everyone will enjoy and want to take home. This couple sent their guests home with a baseball cap, blackberry jam made by the bride, and coffee from the groom's hometown. 

"Mint to Be"

 These white orchids are beautiful. We've also seen Mint and Thyme favors. ("Mint to Be" "Thyme of our lives"etc.)  Gorgeous, elegant, adorable.  Something guests can enjoy for a long time. 

Sending your guests home with ready to make
chocolate chip cookies: um, YES PLEASE 

 

Goodie box full of herbal tea and shortbread cookies to compliment.

For more unique favor ideas, visit http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/

Happy Planning :) 

To toss or not to toss?

If you are a bride who is interested in forging your own path, and you prefer to avoid the bouquet toss, there are many new alternatives that still engage your audience and will leave a lasting impression! That IS the whole point of throwing your expensive flowers at a group of rowdy girls, right?! ;)

Some brides think that tossing the bouquet comes across as silly and childish, so they'd prefer to do something else, which is totally acceptable. A very popular option is the anniversary dance, which is a very cute way to involve the audience and show the value of commitment! The DJ will ask all the married couples to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. They will play a romantic song (or fun- depending on the mood you're going for) and eliminate couples depending on the amount of time they've been married. The last couple remaining on the dance floor, the one married the longest, would then be presented with your bridal bouquet! Some girls feel much better about passing on their bouquet in this manner.

Another cute idea is to give your bouquet to someone who is extremely special to you, or someone who was a huge impact in your marriage...maybe even the person who set you up! Some brides want to spread the wealth, so they will chose to break up their bouquet into many smaller groups and give them to their bridesmaids or special wedding guests. This is something they will all remember and definitely cherish.

If you want to do something a little less traditional, and are going for a "fun" vibe, you could use a pinata and have all the single guests (or ALL of the guests if you prefer) take a whack at it! The inside can be filled with candy, the bouquet, the garter, party favors....etc, or all of the above! This will be talked about for years to come.

Have fun with it...it's all about engaging the guests and enjoying yourself, so find something that channels your personality and you can't go wrong!!!