BRAVO! Event & Party Rental’s Blog
Just another WordPress.com weblogArchive for Event Vendors
Busting 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!
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.
To Sit, Stand or Graze?
Of all of the wedding shows on TV one of my favorites is Four Weddings on TLC. Brides attend each others weddings and rank their competition’s wedding on dress, venue, food and over all experience. At the end of the show the bride with the most points wins a honeymoon to some tropical place. One thing I have noticed on every show is that the other brides have strong opinions on which way the food should be served. There are advantages and disadvantages to both but most importantly it depends on the event and the ambiance you are trying to convey.
1) The Buffet
Most casual bridal couples prefer a fun and relaxing reception by having wedding guests serve themselves from a variety of foods. This is a great option for wedding reception food because the nature of a buffet offers something for everyone.
Pros-
- Food is generally less expensive
- No need to pay for a wait staff.
- More causal
- Wide variety of food choices
Cons-
- The fear of running out of food
- Long wait lines
- To causal for some couples
Helpful Hints:
- Have two buffet lines to cut down on wait time
- So that it doesn’t look as causal, use nice polished aluminum to add a more formal presentation
- Use different shape and size tables to look less causal
- Release the room in sections to cut down on lines
2) The Sit-Down Dinner
Elegant traditional bridal couples often take the opportunity to have waiters serve their guests so that everyone eats and finishes at the same time which allows more time to socialize.
Pros-
- Will appear as if you went all out
- Considered to be more formal
- Less chaotic
- Guests don’t have to do much work
Cons-
- Fear the food will get cold
- Fear that dinner will seem to “stuffy”
- Limited on what you can eat
- More for the bride and groom to figure out beforehand ( specific guest count, place cards, who is eating what, etc..)
Helpful Hints:
- Hire a caterer that will prepare the food during the reception so food will be fresh and hot
- Give a variety of menu options for different taste buds
3) FOOD STATIONS
Most adventurous bridal couples like the style of this reception because it provides a lot of fun and variety for guests to sample foods from each station. One thing’s for sure–wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!
Pros-
- Will get your guests to mix and mingle
- Stations offer many food options for a variety of guests
- No need to pay wait staff
Cons-
- Each station will need its own china and silverware
- Serving dishes and presentation can get expensive
Helpful Hints:
- Stations can be positioned across the venues to maximize flow
- Use polished aluminum to add a formal feel
- Spend a little extra money and have people behind the stations to explain the food or cook it live
5 Ways to Make Your Guests Feel Special
1. Flip Flops
When it’s time for the reception everyone is ready to kick back and let their hair down. In order to have a good time you want your guests to be comfortable. Some people’s feet will be hurting by the time of the reception but by offering flip flops more people will get on the dance floor and involved. The guests would definitely appreciate it and it would be the talk of the town for days.
2. Sober Rides
A lot of people offer alcoholic beverages at their reception, but offering sober rides for the guests will ensure that all of your guests are safe upon arrival and departure. By offering sober rides it will allow everyone to have a good time and not worry as much because they know they will get home safe and sound.
3. Bathroom Baskets
Your guests may not be prepared for a spill on their shirt, a broken heal or nail or maybe they just need to freshen up a bit. Having sample toiletries’ like deodorant, lotion, mouthwash, soap, body spray, etc. will ease their mind.
Next to the basket prepare a cute poem to go along with the gesture.
So happy you’re here to share in our special day!!!
But should something happen to go astray,
Please help yourself to the contents within,
Hair spray (or Wet wipe), hand lotion, gum and even aspirin,
Use only what you need and leave the rest,
It may be useful to another guest.
So repair the damage that may have been done,
Then hurry on back and join the fun!!!
Compliments of the Newlyweds
4. Games
Set up games at several tables and see how much fun everyone has. This would be most helpful for the guests with children because they can easily be entertained.
5. Photo shoot
Everyone wants to take pictures to catch the most memorable times of their lives. You probably have a photographer but having a section at your reception where your guests can take pictures and use props is always fun too. Whether you rent a photo booth or make your own this is a sure way to capture great moments.
The 2012 BRAVO! Bridal Expo
We are excited to announce the 2012 BRAVO! Bridal Expo! The event will be held at the Florence Civic Center on Sunday, January 8th 2012. The expo will include passed appetizers, fabulous giveaways, musical entertainment, fashion shows, and most importantly a chance to meet with vendors and brides-to-be.
"You guys were so organized and on top of things in the weeks leading up to the expo. Very Supportive!"
"Wonderful job!"
"Everything was very professional!"
"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"
"I am very pleased with this event. I have listened to the comments from the brides and all of them were wonderful. We booked parties and met great potential clientele. Thank you. Can’t wait to work with you again at the next one."
If you did not participate in the Expo in 2011, the vendor feedback was exciting -100% were either extremely satisfied or satisfied of that 25% were satisfied and of that 75% were extremely satisfied with the results of the event- 100% said they would participate again and would recommend the Expo to another vendor. We are moving the Expo in 2012 to the Civic Center as it will be bigger than 2011. We have added surprises in the planning stage so register early!
"Planning, coordination, advertising, and helpful friendly planners help make the expo successful!"
"This was my first expo and I enjoyed myself very much!"
"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"
"I have never attended a show where we had a vendor networking hour. I thought it was very informative."
"The show was amazing, the best Florence has seen in the 10+ years I have been participating in shows. Thank you again for giving Florence the show they deserve!!"
Our website, BRAVOBridalExpo.com will be live later this week. You will be able to register and pay online. In the mean time you can request vendor forms by e-mailing Bridalshow@ BRAVOeventrentals.com.
*Quotes above are from our 2011 survey results and not from the people reflected in the pictures.
EEVA Launches with a Membership Social
We were busy bees last week as we were preparing to throw a party (its what we do best!)
Last Thursday we hosted EEVA’s (Eastern Event Vendors Association) Launch Social. EEVA was a group that formed at the beginning of 2011. It is dedicated to promoting the event industry, enhancing the professionalism and quality of member’s businesses and providing opportunities for learning and networking within our industry.
Victor’s Bistro provided an amazing food selection and Planning Our Day provided the handmade invitations. We also heard some entertaining music from Pee Dee DJ Service.
Victor's Bistro
Victor's Bistro
Planning Our Day
EEVA President Andrea Knapp stated “”We are excited about the opportunity to connect with a talented and diverse group of vendors that offer quality services in our field. We all see a number of small businesses going out of business in this economy. It is so difficult to focus on what you do best and manage the business side of the equation too. We are entering this non-profit arena to work together help businesses in our industry not only survive, but thrive.””
EEVA President Andrea Knapp
EEVA gave away two valuable prizes. Scotty G won an EEVA membership for the rest of the year. The grand prize, a year membership, went to Veronica Law from Your Sacred Moments.
...and the winner is....
Scotty G is so excited about his membership!
It was a great evening of networking, laughter and excitement for a new group filled with fabulous vendors. If EEVA is a group that you are interested in, find out more on their website EEVA or on FACEBOOK .
Caitlyn ( BRAVO!) and Morgan ( Elegant Events by Stephanie Forte)
Andrea Knapp(EEVA President/Photos by Andrea) and Stephanie Forte(EEVA Secretary/ Elegant Events by Stephanie Forte)
