10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Weddings

Thought these were interesting and fun...had to share!

Photo by Studio Blue

Bouquet by Michéll Events

1. One of histories earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, when she was 2 years old.

2. The most expensive wedding ever recorded to date was in May 1981,in Dubai, coming in at $44 million.

3. Peas instead of rice are thrown at Czech brides.

4. Queen Victoria started the white wedding dress trend in the western world in 1840.

5. 17 tones of gold are used to make wedding rings in the US.

Photo by Danielle Luc Photography

6. There are over 110,000 weddings in Australia every year.

7. The groom traditionally carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits.

8. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck in the Hindu tradition, however Egyptian women pinch their brides for good luck!

9. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was originally thought that finger led the blood directly to the heart.

10. Henna is painted on the hands of Middle Eastern brides to ward off the evil eye.

Photo by Palmieri Photography

Source :: Texoma Bride Guide

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Venue Rental

Your venue can be anything from a very basic blank space to an exquisite all-inclusive resort. While a basic venue may be cheaper to rent, you may have to outsource additional things such as tables, chairs, china and glassware that the all-inclusive venue already has for you. Make sure to find out everything the venue offers (or doesn't offer) before you book so you'll know what extras you'll need.

The suggested amount for your venue rental is 5% of your budget . As I always explain....if you're budget is $20,000, your budget for your venue rental would be $1,000. Keep in mind, if your venue offers things such as linens, chairs/chair covers, onsite catering or other things, you may be able to decrease other areas of the budget and/or add it to the venue rental budget. Compare everything included in your venue rental to other categories to see how much you can save in other areas.

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

:: TIPS ::

1. Make sure to find out what's included with your venue rental before you sign on the dotted line. See if things like tables, chairs, china, tableware, glassware, linens, lighting, dance floor, on-site kitchen, valet, bridal room for getting ready, coat check and other items are included in your venue rental. If not, you may be required to source and rent them on your own, which will add to the overall budget.

2. Most venues charge a per person charge with additional or optional fees on top of that. Make sure to inquire about any additional fees that are not included in the per person charge such as security, clean up, cake cutting fee, corking fee, valet, bathroom attendant, over-time...make sure everything is listed out in your contract so you know what to expect before signing.

3. Is there an approved vendor list you must choose from, or are you able to choose your own vendors? Some venues require that you select your vendors from their list of approved vendors. If you have your heart set on a certain caterer but the venue won't allow them because they're not on the list, you'll have to change plans...

4. Make sure to get the timeline of your venue rental in your contract. Some venues allow you time throughout the whole weekend, and some only give you one day with specific times and limits. Be sure you have the timeline ironed out so you don't incur additional charges for going over.

5. Your wedding photos will be taken in and around the venue you select, so inquire as to what's available on their property for photographs. It doesn't matter if you're in the country or in the city, the venue can give you suggestions on great spots for photos, both on-site and nearby.

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

If you're not from the DFW area or just need assistance finding your perfect needle in the haystack, we offer a Venue Tour package in which we assist you in finding and booking your venue. You give us the details of what you're looking for, we cut the venue list down to what falls in your category and budget, and we schedule tours with three venues you select. You get to see each one, gather up all information, and have our assistance through the entire venue booking process. Contact us if you'd like more information! info@michellevents.com or (469) 475-7089.



Previous Post :: Budget Breakdown :: Photo + Video.

Happy Anniversary :: Tina + Justus

Tina + Justus

October 30

Tina + Justus had a Halloween themed wedding that was amazing from beginning to end! The Buddhist ceremony was held at House of Blues, and a Halloween themed reception followed. There was a Halloween candy station, plenty of fun props in the photo booth, and the pumpkin and candelabra décor topped it off! Such a fun day with a wonderful group of people! Happy Anniversary Tina + Justus, wishing you many more!

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

  

Photo by Digital504

Photo by Digital504

  

  

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Photo + Video

Pictures are worth a thousand words! Your photos and videos of your wedding will stay with you forever...so don't be afraid to get what you want and pay what you need to! Photo and video is suggested to be at 8% of your budget. For example, if your budget is $20,000 then your photo/video budget would be $1,600. Always keep in mind the budget can be shifted...if you want to spend less in another category, move the extra to your photo/video budget to increase it.

Questions to ask when booking:

Insurance: What kind of insurance do you have? Some venues require liability insurance to shoot there.

Contract: Can I review your contract before I sign? Don't ever book a photographer without a contract stating everything included in your package.

How Many Shooters/Backups: How many shooters will photograph my wedding? What happens in an emergency? Is there a backup shooter?

When will I receive my images/prints? Turnaround time should be anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the amount you're waiting on.

Photo by Trump Photography

Photo by Trump Photography

::TIPS ::

1. You can always deduct from other categories to add to this percentage and raise the amount you have for photo and video. Maybe you can cut back the guest list a bit, or you won't be using that expensive limousine...you could move that extra over to photo and video budget to be able to get a larger package or more extras.

2. Find a photographer/videographer you love and stick with them for everything; engagement, rehearsal, wedding, bridal photos...this way you get to know them (and how they work), they get to know you (and what you want)...and you may even get a discounted rate for booking the entire package.

3. You can find great companies who provide both photo and video services. Sometimes getting a package with both from the same company can save on your overall cost. Plus, it's always great to work with a team who has worked together before!

4. Make sure to know what's included in your package and what is additional before you book. Ask for all additional fees up front so you can budget for them from the beginning. This will include things like prints, books or albums, parents albums, ordering reprints, etc...

Photo by Trump Photography

Photo by Trump Photography

Previous Post :: Budget Breakdown :: Entertainment

#SignatureSaturday :: Watermelon Margarita

To create salted glasses for these watermelon margaritas, place 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice on a small plate, and 1/2 cup coarse salt on another. Dip rims of four glasses in lime juice, then in the salt to coat. 

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

3 wide strips orange zest

12 ounces watermelon cubes (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

3/4 cup white or silver tequila

Lime wedges

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, and orange zest to a boil over high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves, 3 minutes. Let syrup cool in a bowl. In a blender, puree watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids, into a pitcher (you should have about 1 cup juice). Stir in syrup, lime juice, and tequila. Fill salt-rimmed glasses with ice, then pour margarita mixture over top. Garnish with lime wedges.
                             

                  

See the original post at MarthaStewart.com.

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Entertainment

Entertaining your guests is an important part of any event. Give them something memorable to look back on! The suggested budget for entertainment is 10%, so for example, a $20,000 wedding would have a $2,000 entertainment budget. Keep in mind that you can lessen or not use other portions of the budget that you don't want or need and add that to your entertainment budget.

Entertainment can include the following types of vendors:
-DJ
-Live band for the Reception
-Live musicians for pre-ceremony, ceremony entrance and exit
-Live painter to paint your event as it happens
-Caricature artist to draw your guests 
-Live dancers to put on a show
-Fireworks show and a sparkler exit

Here are some ideas for FREE or extremely inexpensive entertainment:

- Create a scavenger hunt for your guests. Print the list for your guests and include it in your programs or at each place setting so they can join in the fun throughout the evening.

- Get social! Create a #hashtag and/or Snapchat filter for your wedding. Put out signs or cards asking guests to snap photos and post them using your #hashtag and filter. Entertainment plus memories to keep!

- If you have an outdoor venue, set up lawn games for your guests. Hula Hoops, Horseshoes, Lawn Dice, Cornhole, Giant Jenga, etc... If you don't have the ability to put these together on your own, they can be rented rather inexpensively....or maybe even borrowed from a friend.

-Surprise Dance! Whether it's the bride & groom, bride & her father, or groom & his mother...a surprise fun and funky dance will be loads of fun for the guests! Start out slow and then surprise the guests by switching it up into something fun! You can even invite the guests to join in and increase the fun!

- Flash Mob! Plan it with family and friends in plenty of time before the event. Pick a song and dance, teach it to some family and friends, and create your own surprise flash mob at the reception!

:: TIPS ::

1. Combine portions of your budget to get extra bang for your buck:
Fresh Made Cotton Candy Cart with Take Home Bags (entertainment/favors)
Photo/Video Booth with Props (entertainment/photography)
Surprise Late Night Food or Dessert Truck (entertainment/food + beverage)
Chocolate Fountain and Hands-On Desserts (entertainment/food + beverage)

2. Be sure to check your contract for start and end times and any additional fees or requirements. Know what the overtime charges are so you can plan accordingly just in case.

3. Make sure any musician, bands or live entertainment will deliver and set up themselves, and make sure they come with all necessary resources needed to perform (sound system, a plan for power access, etc...). You don't want to have surprises at the last minute!

4. If you're having multiple musicians (for example, a harpist for the ceremony and a band for the reception) see if you can book them all through one agency. This makes coordinating much easier, and you may even save a bit when booking this way.



Previous Post: Budget Breakdown :: Flowers + Decor

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Flowers + Decor

Flowers and décor show your personality and help set the ambiance for your event, but they can be a significant portion of your budget. Here is the breakdown of what you need, some additional options, and cost saving tips to help ease the cost of your wedding flowers!

Suggested percentage of the budget for your flowers and décor is 15%. If you're wedding budget is $20,000, your floral and décor budget would be $3,000. Keep in mind that if you're not accessing other areas of the budget (for example, if you're not using hired transportation for the event...add that percentage of the budget to your floral and décor percentage so you can have a higher budget for flowers.

Photo by EM Event Photography :: Bouquet by Michéll Events

Bouquet by Michéll Events

Personal Flowers
Bridal Bouquet
Tossing Bouquet
Maid of Honor Bouquet
Bridesmaids Bouquets (x number of bridesmaids)
Junior Bridesmaids Bouquets (x number of Jr. bridesmaids)
Flower Girl Accessories (Crown, Basket, Petals, etc...)
Corsages for Women (x number of corsages needed)
Boutonnieres for Men (x number of boutonnieres needed)

Photo by Rosen-Jones Photography :: Wreath by Michéll Events

Cake Flowers by Michéll Events

Additional Flowers (Optional)
Aisle Décor
Archway/Alter Arrangements
Table Centerpieces
Cocktail Tables
Escort Card Table
Buffet Tables
Bar Arrangements
Foyers/Entrances
Restrooms
Stage Décor
Sweetheart Table
Cake/Cake Table

Centerpiece & Linens by Michéll Events

Photo by LMAC Photography :: Centerpiece by Michéll Events

:: TIPS ::

1. To cut down on centerpiece costs, use a mix of small and large arrangements. Not only does it save on the overall cost, but it adds dimension and variety to the décor of the reception which is always a good thing!

2. See if it's an option to re-use your ceremony flowers at the reception. If you're not required to leave them or donate them at the ceremony location, you can have your florist, wedding planner, friend or family member move them to the reception location before the guests arrive.

3. Check to see if there are any delivery fees for your florist or décor. These charges will be in addition to the flower cost and should be taken into consideration for your budget.

4. Make sure you're using seasonal available flowers in your arrangements to be most cost effective. If you have a certain look or style you like but it's over your budget, check into having arrangements made from more cost-effective seasonally available options of the same color or shade.



Previous Post: Planning Tips :: Budget Breakdown :: Food + Beverages

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Food + Beverage

We're featuring a breakdown of the wedding budget on the blog this week, and we're starting with the largest section of the budget; the food + beverages! Our suggested percentage for food & beverage is 30% of your total budget. If you're budget is $20,000 overall, this means that your total budget for food + beverages would be $6,000.

Guest Count

X charge per person for Food & Beverage

+ Tax

+ Service Charge

+ Gratuity

= Total Food + Beverage Cost

Elmbrook Catering Co.

www.elmbrookcatering.com

Elmbrook Catering Co.

www.elmbrookcatering.com

Elmbrook Catering Co.

www.elmbrookcatering.com

If grabbing the budget by the horns is something you're struggling with as a bride, groom, mother of the bride, etc... please feel free to reach out to us! We offer budget consultations where we quickly help to establish a realistic budget for your event and give you tips and instructions on how to stay within that budget once it's established!

Citrus Events

www.citrus.events

Citrus Events

www.citrus.events

Citrus Events

www.citrus.events

:: TIPS ::

1. Keep in mind that your guest count is what will drive your budget up quicker than anything! The easiest way to remedy being over budget is to cut the guest list. Try to keep your guest list to a minimum from the beginning... 

2. Book your catering and bar service for your minimum guest count. You can always increase the number at your final cut off date, but you can't un-book what you've already contractually reserved.

3. To keep your bar tab down, offer something other than a full open bar. Greet your guests with a signature cocktail as they arrive...then offer a beer and wine bar for dinner and dancing. Signature drinks where you only have certain options available are another way to keep bar costs down. Check out the difference between top shelf and well costs as well for liquor purchases.

4. Remember to budget for service fees, tax and gratuity. Those are charges in addition the per person cost of catering and bar service.

5. Always ask what's included in your per person cost for your catering package. It may include desserts which could allow you to get a smaller cake. It may include fees you weren't aware of which could affect your budget (linen rentals, china rentals, corking fees, cake cutting fees, staffing, etc...). Always ask what the additional charges are beyond the per person cost so you can budget accordingly.


Watch for the next Budget Breakdown post coming up.... Flowers + Décor! Happy wedding planning!


Original Post: Planning Tips :: Budget Breakdown