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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!
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.
Kids Fest 2012 at BRAVO!
Come celebrate summer and bring your kids to BRAVO! on June 5th from 1-4pm for Kids Fest 2012.
Your kids will have a great time jumping on our brand new bounce house.
Nothing says summer like having a cold and tasty snow cone.
George’s Funnel Cakes will even be here with some good ol’ fashion carnival sweets.
Freeman’s Bakery will be here with some of their specialty desserts
Your kids will enjoy face painting and games. The Florence Humane Society will even have puppies up for adoption.
Your family will not want to miss this summer fun! Call BRAVO! for more information at 843-413-0525!
A Colorful Spring! 3.21.12
Pantone’s Colors of Spring
We wanted to celebrate the start of spring with a Design Series showcasing Pantone’s 2012 Spring Color Line. Over the next few weeks we will be combining colors from this year’s color forecast to create custom color schemes to inspire your next special event.
First up on the color wheel is Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango.
“Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward. Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
In this design board we are pairing Tangerine Tango, Cockatoo and Sodalite Blue.
Whimsical Wedding Trends 3.13.12
Whimsical Wedding Trends
Tuesday, March 13, 2011
We wanted to do something with a little touch of whimsy for today’s blog! Here are some whimsical wedding ideas we fell in love with!!
Incorporating color and your personality into your event will guarantee you a FABULOUS design! Whether you are bringing color into your décor or outfit!
Oh yea, you guessed it…Neon Ray-Bans for the bridal party! We love a fashion throw back with attitude!
It is all in the ingredients. King of Pops is the brain child of three brothers out of Atlanta. They create all natural hand made popsicles with a twist! With all natural flavors such as Strawberry Mojito, Cucumber Margarita and Arnold Palmer these guys make popsicles for kids of all ages!
Get your mustache on….one of the hottest trends in wedding photography is the mustache. Men, women and children are getting on the ‘stache train! So to reiterate… Get your mustache on….enough said!
Even catering is getting in on the fun!
DIY Party Favors We Love!
1) Scrapbook Paper Clipboards
Materials: Clipboard, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Mod Podge, Ribbon, and a Pen or Pencil
All you do is trace the outline of the clipboard onto the back of the scrapbook paper, cut it out and glue it to the clipboard with Mod Podge. Once it dries you can add the person’s initial or whatever you want to add to it! Then add a top layer of Mod Podge. Once everything is dry you can add a notepad and tie a pen or pencil to the clip with a ribbon. Perfect for a little girl’s birthday party!
2) Coasters
Materials: 4X4 Ceramic Tile, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Mod Podge, Clear Spray Paint, and Felt
Cut the scrapbook paper into 4X4 squares, glue it to the ceramic tile with the Mod Podge, once it dries spray the clear spray paint to seal it. After the spray paint is dry, glue the felt onto the bottom and Viola! you have coasters.
3) Scrapbook Paper Picture Frames
Materials: Inexpensive Unfinished Picture Frame, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Spray Adhesive, Foam Brush, Paint, Scissors, X-acto Knife, and Mod Podge
First trace the frame onto the scrapbook paper and cut out the template. Paint the frame whatever color would look best with your scrapbook paper. Once the frame is dry spray the back of the scrapbook paper with the spray adhesive. Then stick the paper to the frame. Use the X-acto knife to trim any excess paper. To seal the paper to the frame use Mod Podge.
4) Lip Gloss
Materials: Vaseline, Kool-Aid, Lip Gloss Containers, and Labels
Heat 1 cup of Vaseline in the microwave in 30 second increments until the Vaseline is liquid. Stir in one package of Kool-Aid (whatever flavor you choose) until the crystals are completely dissolved. The cherry flavor has a little tint to it! Pour the mixture into the lip gloss containers and let them solidify. Print labels with the different flavors and adhere them to the top of the containers.
5) DIY Crayons
Materials: New or Used Crayons and Silicon Baking Tray
Peel the labels off of the crayons and break them. Fit them into the silicon baking tray you are going to use. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes on 200 degrees. Silicone baking trays come in all shapes and sizes so you can have all sorts of crayons.
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.
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