BRAVO! Event & Party Rental’s Blog
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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!
We Have Some Exciting News!
With every new season there are always new trends. It is our job to stay on top of all the latest happenings so your event will set the standard among your guests. In 2012 we have some exciting additions at BRAVO! and can’t wait to start working with you.
1) Event Design and Coordination
We are thrilled to announce our newest addition to the BRAVO! Team Rachel Briggs.
Rachel graduated from the College of Charleston with a BA in Corporate and Organization Communications. She has 5+ years of experience in Special Events Marketing and Design in the Charleston event industry. There she specialized in corporate and social event design, production and sales.
Her passion lies with special event floral and event design focusing on custom production. Rachel will be heading the Event Design Department at BRAVO!
By working with BRAVO! you will have a full service experience. Not only can we handle your rentals but your event design, coordination and floral as well.
2) S’mores Bar
We have all seen the candy bar or cookie bar trend pop up at weddings the past couple of years but nothing compares to the comfort of the S’mores bar. It made its debut at the BRAVO! Bridal Expo in January and it was an immediate hit!
Collin M Smith
You can even mix it up by offering Kit-Kat, Reese’s or Snickers s’mores.
3) Colored Chiarvari– This new trend is popping up everywhere and BRAVO! is the first in the area to rent these brightly covered chiarvaris.
Whether they are for a dinner party or a wedding these chairs will make any event pop!
4) Bounce Houses
Now at BRAVO! you can rent a bounce house for your next birthday party, festival, or family reunion.
Don’t forget the snow cone and popcorn machine.
5) Farm Benches
These benches are a great seating option that flows well with our recently added farm tables. They also make a great look for the ceremony.
6) Chandeliers
Lighting is an important part of setting the mood at your next event. BRAVO! now offers a variety of options no matter what your style or theme may be.
We took our out of date brass chandeliers and transformed them to funky, one of a kind lighting for your next shindig!
7) Mason jars
No need to go out and buy a ton of mason jars for your special rustic themed event BRAVO! now rents mason jars! Use them for that specialty drink, as table decor or use them as lighting and hang them from trees.
What trends are you thinking of incorporating into your event this year?
Will you be my Man of Honor and Other Current Trends
Will you be my Man of Honor?
Recently, in pop culture, I have noticed a new trend among brides when picking their bridal party. More and more brides-to-be opt for a Man of Honor or a Brides-Man instead of a Maid of Honor. Some girls are just closer to that guy friend or a lot if times it could be a brother. There are certain responsibilities for your Man of Honor just like your traditional Maid of Honor. Check out Wedding Bee to get more tips.
Man Caves
During a BRAVO! Bridal Expo we saw how successful it was to have a room for the groom so it doesn’t surprise me that this trend is on the rise. These man caves will consist of items like a cigar station, a poker game, a Wing Bar or even a Brandy Bar.
Simple Wedding Cakes
For awhile there we were seeing over the top wedding cakes. It seemed with all the new shows on T.V. the more over the top the better. However, lately we are seeing wedding cakes being toned down quite a bit.
I am LOVING the new ruffled trend!
Very Recently I have seen some brides like Hilary Duff opt for Non-Icing cakes
Non-Traditional Wedding Favors
Why waste your money on something that your guest will never really enjoy? Instead couples are choosing to provide their guests with a dessert bar, a candy bar, cigars and/or souvenir photo booth picture strips in lieu of the traditional wedding favor. Check out the girls at Flash Photo Booth Rental for a local vendor.
Non-traditional Reception Seating
We are seeing more and more couples using different shapes and sizes of tables at the reception to create a more casual lounge feel. Some are using a mix of farm tables and tables with linens. Some couples are even using hay and blankets for a picnic feel.
What new trends are you seeing and liking?
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