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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!
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.
Exploiting the Expo
January means bridal shows. With all the vendors, food and fashion shows, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. Here are a few tips to get everything you need from the expo:
Know who will be there
Most expos will have a list of vendors available on the website. Review the list ahead of time, and create a list of vendors that you would like to speak with. Make sure to speak with these vendors first to avoid the rush.
Check the rules for giveaways
Prizes are often given throughout the show. Find out how to qualify for the prizes and if you need to be present to win a prize. If so, try and stay throughout the entire show to increase your chances of winning.
Brides speaking with Andrea Knapp of Photographs by Andrea
Know your budget
Before planning a wedding, it’s important to know your budget and how much you can spend on each category. Ask vendors about pricing and how they can work within your budget.
Bring a camera
Bridal shows are great for getting ideas. There will be dresses, centerpieces, and much more. When you see something you like, take a picture. Later you can compile the ideas and see how they can work together.
Bring address labels
Most vendors will want your contact information for drawings, mailings, etc. Having your information printed on stickers will save you from writer’s cramp and you will have more time to explore the expo.
Make appointments
Many vendors will offer discounts to brides who schedule appointments at the bridal expo. Schedule appointments with vendors you are interested in working with. This could save you money and will keep you on track for planning your wedding.
Have fun
Bring your maid of honor or someone equally excited about your wedding. It helps to have someone to bounce ideas off of and someone to laugh with. Keep in mind that inviting too many people can be overwhelming with the contradicting opinions. Bridal shows are intended to provide a fun, easy way to meet with many vendors in one afternoon.
You’re Engaged…now what?
First and foremost Congratulations!
Enjoy your engagement! Take time to let everything sink in before you make any decisions. This is a time to celebrate being with your fiancé, so be sure to enjoy it!
Once you have taken time to enjoy this special time in your life sit down with your fiancé and everyone who will be helping financially and determine a budget and the guest list. This may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is important to be upfront and honest with everyone involved. Find out what everyone is willing to chip in and determine a dollar amount for the budget and stick to it. This makes things so much easier while planning!
Once you determine the wedding budget, you can calculate how much can be spent on the dress, decorations, etc. An easy-to-follow worksheet is available here. This is not a strict number. You can move money between categories, but it should give you a good place to start.
Determine what ideas you are willing to spend extra money on and what you are not. Come up with a list of non-negotiable, negotiable, and unimportant ideas for your wedding. This will help you decide how to prioritize your budget.
Now that you have a dollar amount in mind start a notebook full of ideas, pictures, etc. that you want to incorporate into your wedding. Begin to price your ideas with different vendors. Meet with several different vendors and ask for references!
Deciding on a budget and sticking to it is the first step to planning a wedding that is both beautiful and stress free.
For more information on planning a wedding, plan on attending the BRAVO! Bridal Expo on Jan. 8th.
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