Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: The Dress

The dress is important enough that it gets it's own section of the budget! Suggested budget for your dress is 4% of your total budget, so if you have a $20,000 budget your dress budget should be $800. As with all of the other categories, if you want to spend more on your dress you can shift the budget and decrease other areas to add to the dress budget you have available.

Photo by The Mamones :: Gown from Terry Costa

Remember that alterations need to be included in your dress budget. If you want to purchase a dress that needs alterations, bustling, or other touches...keep in mind that's an added expense. Undergarments, veil, tiara, shoes, or any other attire additions would be under the "Accessories" category which is coming soon in the next few posts.


:: TIPS ::

1. Browse the gown designers online and in magazines before you head out to shop. Get an idea of which designers you like and what styles of gowns you like (sweetheart neckline, mermaid, ballgown, etc...). This will help you narrow your choices down quickly once you go to shop.

2. If you have questions about what dress style would look best on your body, one of the consultants at any bridal shop will be able to make suggestions for you. They can answer any questions you have about sizing, fit, fabrics, etc... They'll measure you and assess sizing onsite! You can try on different styles right there to see what looks and feels best.

3. Once you know the size and style you're looking for, it's time to shop! Hit the sample sales and trunk shows. Buying off the rack is almost always less expensive. Start with the lowest prices and work your way up. You may find an inexpensive dress that you fall in love with that you might not have found if you went straight to the haute couture! 

4. After the wedding, be sure to have your dress cleaned, preserved and packaged if you want to keep it. It's definitely worth the expense!


Previous Post :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Cake

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Cake

For some, the cake is the most important part! The suggested budget for your cake is 5% of the overall budget, so a $20,000 wedding should have a $1,000 cake. Keep in mind that you can subtract from other areas of the budget you're not using if you'd like to add to the cake budget and make it higher.

Remember that if you're serving desserts other than cake at the wedding, you can order a smaller cake. or even cupcakes If the wedding cake will be your only option for dessert at the event, be sure to order enough servings in your cake for every wedding guest. If you're having other desserts available, the suggestion is that  you can cut your cake by 30%. (If your wedding has 100 guests and your caterer offers a dessert with the meal, then you can order a wedding cake for 70 guests.) With an additional dessert included, you should be covered so everyone has what they want!

Photo by Becky's Photography

:: TIPS ::

1. Meet with several bakers to find exactly what you want. Schedule tastings and sample what they offer, compare cost per person, and see what different ingredients and styles they offer. Each baker can make suggestions to you as to options to keep your cost down. Fake tiers, fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers, sheet cakes in the kitchen for additional servings versus a huge wedding cake...each baker will have many suggestions! 

2. If you're getting a groom's cake, see if the baker offers a package deal. Also, make sure to inquire as to any delivery fees or set up fees for your cake (or cakes).

3. Occasionally a venue or caterer offers wedding cakes included in or available in addition to their packages. Be sure to inquire when you book your venue and your caterer if wedding cakes are available, optional or included in your package.

Photo by Lambert Photographs

Previous Post :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Wedding Planner

25 Classic Father-Daughter Dance Songs

Looking for suggestions for your Father-Daughter dance? Here are a few popular suggestions from all genres of music:

Photo by LMAC Photography

John Mayer - Daughters

Fleetwood Mac - Landslide
Billy Joel - Lullaby
Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father
Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely
Paul Simon - Father and Daughter
Frank Sinatra - I Wish You Love
Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long
Natalie and Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me
The Temptations - My Girl
London Wainwright - Daughter
Edwin McCain - Walk With You
The Beatles - In My Life
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Steven Curtis Chapman - Cinderella
Rascal Flatts - My Wish
Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
Louie Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
Heartland - I Loved Her First
Tim McGraw - My Little Girl
Bruce Springsteen - When You Need Me
Eric Clapton - My Father's Eyes
Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are
Michael Buble - Daddy's Little Girl

Photo by Lambert Photographs

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Wedding Planner

Some people tend to think a wedding planner is an added expense when budgeting for a wedding. I'd have to say both yes and no to that idea! While the suggested budget for a wedding planner is 5% of your total budget, it is technically an expense....however, a good planner will be able to help you save some if not all of that 5% in other areas you may not have known about!

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by Danielle Luc Photography

In addition to the industry knowledge that you acquire when booking a planner, they will also oversee your contracts with other vendors to avoid any unnecessary or negotiable charges which will save you money in the long run. They will also work within their network of vendors to get discounted products and services for you, they will do a lot of the running and errands that will save you time and travel, and they will make sure all details are covered and carried out on the day-of.

:: TIPS :: 

1. Make sure you know everything your package includes before signing on the dotted line.  Know exactly what is included in your package. Is there an hourly limit on meetings? Is there a limit on communication? Different planners offer different levels of services, so make sure your package details are all laid out before you make a decision.

2. Meet with them before booking to meet them and discuss details before booking. The most important part of hiring a wedding planner is having a good relationship with them and feeling like you're able to communicate successfully with them. Choose someone you feel a good fit with on a personal level so you're comfortable working with them for a long period of time.

3. Check their reviews and recommendations. Previous clients are the best window into the level of products and customer service you'll receive from a wedding planner. Ask for their references, most planners are happy to provide their contact information upon request.



Previous Post :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Tipping + Extra Cushion

#SignatureSaturday :: Lavender Whiskey Sour

This recipe for a lavender whiskey sour and lavender sour syrup was featured in the Fall 1999 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. Still a classic!

Ingredients
                                          

Ice cubes

2 ounces whiskey

1 tablespoon Lavender Sour Syrup (recipe below) 

Fresh lavender sprig, for garnish

Directions

Fill an 8-ounce glass with ice; pour over whiskey. Fill with lavender sour syrup; stir to combine. Garnish with lavender sprig and serve immediately.

Lavender Sour Syrup Ingredients

                                          

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup dried lavender

Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lavender Sour Syrup Directions

1. Bring sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low and add lavender. Cover and let steep 15 minutes.
2. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Add lemon juice to taste. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

See the original post at Martha Stewart Weddings.

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Tipping + Extra Cushion

The extra cushion portion of the budget is for unexpected pop ups, and mainly to be a buffer to keep you from going over budget. If it's not used, you can put it towards another area of the budget...or maybe even the honeymoon! Suggested amount for your cushion is 5% of your entire budget.

Tipping is a section of your budget you don't want to overlook. Make sure to include it when making your budget plans. It's suggested that 5% of your budget be put aside to cover tipping and gratuities. Suggested tipping is as follows (this percentage is of their fee):

Caterer/Banquet Manager :: 15-20%

Waitstaff :: 15-20%

Limousine/Transportation Drivers :: 15-20%

DJ :: 15%

Bands :: $50 per band member

Hair & Makeup :: 15-20%

Lady in Waiting :: 10%

Parking Attendants/Valet :: $1-$2 per car

Wedding Planner/Design Coordinator :: 15-20%

Photo by Trejo Photography

Previous Post :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Lighting

Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Lighting

Lighting is an element that will drastically change the look of your wedding! I know this will be my longest post yet, because it's my fave! With all of the different aspects of décor you could incorporate into your wedding day, this is always my first suggestion. The suggested amount of your budget to put towards lighting is 5%, so a $20,000 wedding budget would have a $1,000 lighting budget. You can always shift things around with your budget categories if you want to add or take away from that amount.

Photo by Z Media :: Lighting by Michéll Events

Photo by Z Media :: Lighting by Michéll Events

First off, candles are always a wonderful way to add romantic ambiance to your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception without breaking the bank. You can dim the lights in any room and let the candlelight take over! Be sure to verify that your venue allows candles before you plan to go this route. If you're allowed, use them every chance you get!

A professional lighting package will get you some ooh's and aah's from your guests. Spotlights for important things like the dance floor for your first dance and special moments, cake table to highlight the beautiful masterpiece, color wash lighting on the walls to give the room ambiance, and you can even have individual pin spotlights on your centerpieces to highlight them! Adding a lighting package can really add to the wow factor, so look into it any way you can!

Lighting by Michéll Events

A gobo is another great lighting addition you could include. It could be your names, monogram, a logo for your event., anything...and it's displayed on the wall, dance floor, or any other blank surface you want to display your detailed design on. Most lighting companies can provide an in-stock gobo or you can order one personalized with your names or initials.

Lit paper lanterns are a wonderful and inexpensive option for lighting and décor. It creates a great effect and they can be hung over any space or area that you want to accent. Over the dance floor, entry way, cake table, gift table, or a number of other places.

String lighting is another great choice for both indoor and outdoor events. With so many colors and sizes available, you can create some amazing looks with string lighting!

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

Gobo Lighting by Rock the House

Photo by Leach Photography :: Lighting by Michéll Events

:: TIPS ::

1. Check with your venue to see if they offer a lighting package. Some have lighting already installed and permanently in place, but if they don't you can always rent your own lighting company to bring in. If you venue has them, see if they are included in your package or if they are additional.

2. If you're hiring an outside lighting company, make sure to coordinate with the venue so they have access to enter and setup. Lighting setup usually takes longer than other vendors setup time. Make sure your lighting company can have access to the venue and that they can bring in any equipment they need to setup and operate.

3. Before booking, have an in person meeting with the lighting company and ask to see the lighting effects in person. When you ask for pink lighting, their idea and your idea may be different. Make sure you schedule an appointment to see the lighting you're interested in before you book and make any adjustments together so you're on the same page.

4. If you're having a complicated lighting scheme and not just a few strings of lights, ask if the lighting company provides an onsite attendant to supervise the lights and make any adjustments needed. You should also inquire about if there will be any setup or tear down fees.




Previous Post :: Budget Breakdown :: Venue Rental