BRAVO! Event & Party Rental’s Blog
Just another WordPress.com weblogBusting the Budget Blunders
Busting the Budget Stigma
Everyday we have clients ask us for tips on how to handle their budget woes. This week’s Blog is going to be all about BUDGETS!…how to make a budget and stick to it!!
Step One: Making A Budget
The biggest problem clients seem to have is coming up with a realistic budget. Things to keep in mind while making a budget:
1. Industry rates range, depending on what state you are getting married in and if it is an urban or rural area. Having a wedding in a city versus a smaller town might end up costing you more in the end.
2. There is a price per guest for food and liquor. Remember to keep your Guest List in line with the budget.
3. Styles of weddings can determine the cost as well. If you want a more formal affair, you may be looking at a higher budget.
Check out the great Budget Builder at Real Simple Weddings Cost Calculator. You will find everything from the average cost of weddings in your area to budget worksheets to help you stay organized!
Step Two: Give Yourself A Cushion!
When creating your budget, be sure to put aside a percentage of your budget for emergencies. At the end of planning, you might want to use the money to upgrade your decor, food, bar or you might want to put it toward your honeymoon. But that little bit of money will ensure you never fully go over your budget!
Step Three: Talking Budget With Your Vendors
Once the budget is created it is all smooth sailing from there. I know talking budget with vendors can be intimidating, but follow these simple tips and it will be a breeze.
1. When picking a vendor, do your homework. Check out their websites or give them a call and ask what their price points are. Most vendors will discuss budgets right away.
“‘Be straight with the vendors and tell them your budget. If you have wiggle room, let them know. For the most part vendors are very honest and will tell you whether they can work within that budget and whether that budget is realistic,’ says Laura Wright of Laura Wright Events. ‘If they can’t work within your budget, ask them if they will give you the name of someone who can.’ You’ll save a ton of back-and-forth time if you’re on the same page from the beginning.”
-Article Planning Basics: How to Talk Money With Your Wedding Vendors, The Knot.com
2. You never know unless you ask! Tell your vendors what you want and ask what it would cost you.
”And trust us: It’s totally normal to experience sticker shock the first time you read through a pricing menu. Once you’ve learned that wooden farm tables are much more expensive than round tables and that even simple draping requires an entire team of pros, then you’ll really be ready to have a conversation. Additionally, when it comes to those intangible talents like photography, videography and design, Chenin Boutwell of Chenin Boutwell Photography points out that you have to remember that in some cases, you’re paying for “‘a unique eye, point of view and experience.’”
-Article Planning Basics: How to Talk Money With Your Wedding Vendors, The Knot.com
3. Make sure you have your vendor walk you through your contract and make sure to ask questions if you don’t understand. There is nothing worse than showing up the day of the event thinking you are getting one thing and really having another. Plus, Vendors are human, there might always be a mistake or adding error….it does happen!
For more tips on talking budget with your vendors check out this article on The Knot.com .
Step Four: Enjoy the Planning Process
Remember with the right vendors and the proper planning, no matter what size your budget, you really can have the wedding of your dreams.
Have questions or additional advice? We would love to hear it!
5 Unique Items for a Bridesmaid to Carry
Recently we have had some brides that are looking for ideas on non-floral pieces that their bridesmaids can carry down the aisle. Whether you’re wanting to express your style or you’ re wanting to be different these 5 unique ideas will help you reach your goal.
The Clutch
Your bridesmaids will be walking in style down the aisle. With the clutch you can leave it as it is or add a little floral to the mix.
Parasols
Parasols are not only a great way to block the sun but they can add an extra pop of color. Your photographer will also love to use them for a prop during pictures. 
Twine Balls
If you are going for an organic or rustic look these are for you. Theses are great because you can make them your own by adding something to the inside. Whether it is floral or lighting these can become uniquely yours.
Candle Light
Using candle light is always a romantic way to incorporate something for your bridesmaids to carry. You could use lanterns, mason jars or a simple votive and candle combo.
Balloons
Using balloons is such a fun and colorful way for your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle. When thinking about using balloons make sure it fits into your concept and venue for your wedding. Balloons add a great touch for an outside wedding in the spring and summer months. I like the giant 17inch round vintage balloons the best. They look sleek and simple.
Summer Design Series
Showcasing the South – Lakeside Love
Summer is such a beautiful time here in the south. Hot, but beautiful. We have so many wonderful and romantic places to act as backdrops for weddings and parties. Whether you want a beautiful sunset wedding on the beach or a mountain reception under the stars, the south has everything you need.
Our new Design Series will be showcasing these romantic places. This week we have chosen a lakeside retreat in conjunction with Amethyst, Blush and Charcoal. These colors have been pulled from Vera Wang’s New Collection, White, which was created for David’s Bridal.
Fourth of July Festivities
Fourth of July Fun!
Patriotism is at an all time high right now with the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday and this year’s Summer Olympics right around the corner. With all of this excitement, parties are bound to happen and we are here to help you prepare for your next USA Themed Party! Whether it is DIY decor or red, white and blue desserts, we have you covered!
Some of our favorite event accents are as simple as planting coordinating floral, accenting a plain centerpiece with patriotic themed fabric or creating one of a kind desserts. Below we have a few must try recipes and tutorials that will be sure to make your next event unforgettable. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Ingredients:
- Strawberries, sliced
- Blueberries
- Pineapple, cut into star shapes
- 2 bottles dry white wine
- 1 cup Triple Sec
- 1/2 Cup berry-flavored vodka
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
Recipe courtesy of Punchbowl.
Patriotic Luminaries
Materials Needed:
- Empty vegetable or soup cans, cleaned out and labels removed
- Water
- Nail
- Hammer
- Scrap paper
- Ruler
- Tape
- Spray paint in red, white, and blue
1. Begin the tin can luminaries by filling the cans up to the top with water, then place them in the freezer until the water is frozen solid. This will allow you to hammer a nail into the side of the can without the can denting.
2. Draw out designs on the can in permanent marker.
3. Using a nail and hammer punch out the design. Start at one end of the pattern and place the nail along the line. Gently pound the nail in with a hammer. The nail will go through the can into the ice.
4. Allow the ice in the can to melt, and dry the can completely.
5. Now either paint the can or leave silver! Either way they will look great!
6. If you want to further decorate the tin can luminaries, this is the time to do it. If you would like the designs you punched to show up better you can paint them a different color, such as black. When you are ready to illuminate, add a little sand to weigh down the cans and add a tea light candle. Your guests will love them!
For complete instructions, including step by step pictures, please visit here.
Kid’s Fest Recap
BRAVO! hosted Kid’s Fest 2012 yesterday and it was a BLAST! We wanted to have a day to give back to the community and to celebrate the start of summer. A lot of great local vendors helped us with this event and through partnership with other local businesses in the Florence community we all grow!
Rachel did a great job making sure that every kid had their checks painted.
Kid’s got to choose from a whole sheet of art work! It was a tough choice even for the staff!
We had several games set up like Bean Bag Toss, Go Fish, Duck Pond and a Hula Hooping Contest
We also had several activities like our Bounce House, Side Walk Chalk, Puppies from the Humane Society and a bubble machine.
After all that playing the kids were ready for some food!
All of the kids and adults enjoyed Rita’s Italian Ice! They brought Mango, Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum!
Freeman’s brought some of their favorite treat! Check out the push pop cake. You can even reuse the container for ice cream or frozen yogurt!
BRAVO! Provided the popcorn and Pepsi provided the drinks!
We had a GREAT Day at Kid’s Fest! We want to thank Rita’s Italian Ice, Freeman Bakery, Pepsi, the Florence Area Humane Society and all the volunteers for helping make our first Kid’s Fest a success!
Pinterest Party Recap and Facebook Contest
We had a blast last night at the Pinterest party! The best part was the FOOD. I know whenever I am looking through Pinterest the pictures of the food are what always catch my eye. Last night was no exception.
Guests brought Oreo Layer Dessert
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip
5 layer Greek dip (hummus, cucumber, olives, feta, red bell pepper, dill)
Individual Caprese Appetizers
Butterfinger Cheese Cake Dip
On top of all the food we drank Pinterest inspired cocktails.
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail
Blow Pop Martinis
After everyone’s bellies were full we got crafty with our Pinterest inspired summer wreaths 
All you need are small paper umbrellas and a grapevine wreath.
Just stick the umbrellas in the wreath and presto! You have a summer accent for your front door!
Everyone got to make a wreath and mine is proudly hanging on my front door waiting for summer!
We had a great time and hope to have another Pinterest Party soon! In the mean time go to our BRAVO! Fan Page and like us to win your very own Summer Wreath!
A Softer Side of Pantone
A Little on the Rustic Side
Today we have the third installment of our Pantone Design Series! For this series we have been combining colors from Pantone’s 2012 Spring Color Forecast to create custom color schemes to inspire your next special event. Since our last installment was such a big hit we have included yet another wedding trend to accompany today’s colors.
As most of you are aware, with the help of wedding blogs, pinterest and other forms of social media, the Rustic Trend has taken over in the last few years.
“Glamorous is always in, and satin-draped chairs aren’t going away, but an increasing number of brides are choosing a different approach to their wedding style: rustic beauty.
Farm settings, wildflowers, wood tables (sometimes of varying shapes) and local game are just a few of the rustic touches being incorporated into modern weddings. Rural charm is especially suited to summer affairs, when outdoor events are easier to arrange, sunlight can supplement soft, old-style lighting into the early evening, and it would not seem out of place for the bride to ride in on horseback.”
TLC’s Julia Layton ‘TLC Weddings, 10 Summer Wedding Trends”
Today we have chosen to play with this incredibly popular trend and some of the more muted Pantone Spring Colors:
Sodalite Blue
Starfish
Driftwood
Sweet Lilac
Remember, the key to rustic beauty is to create something unique to you. Don’t be afraid to play with textures and colors. If it occurs in nature – USE IT! Mother Nature has a wonderful sense of style!
