Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Wedding Planning on a Budget

Dream wedding nightmare economy. Planning your wedding in the climate of a down economy doesn't mean you can't feel like a princess. It just means planning smarter. The first step is to have a reasonable budget. Count the cost of everything and then plan according to your budget. Contacting a wedding planner is a very wise choice, they can put you in touch with quality vendors in your price range. Determine what is most important to you and your fiance(flowers,decor,a good menu, venue) and plan around that. Honest and open communication is very important in the beginning stages of planning, but beautiful weddings can happen on a modest budget.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Move It Monday

Develop your style of your wedding and stick to it. Keep it warm and personal.

Friday, March 6, 2009

The Wedding Date

Help! How do I pick the perfect wedding date?

Congratulations, get used to the word, you will hear it a lot. Enjoy the moment and attention of being a blushing bride. The first question that you may have to answer is “When’s the date?” Selecting the date is one of the most important steps in planning your dream wedding. The right date doesn’t just involve you and your fiancé, but involves family and friends. Giving your date some very careful considerations will help you choose the most appropriate time for all involved. Here are a few considerations:

  1. How much time is needed to prepare your dream wedding? If you have considered hiring a wedding planner and want to plan it successfully, give the planner at least one year. The planner will appreciate the time and will have access to the best vendors. The early bird gets the worm!

  1. Check for any conflicts for your parents, family, potential attendants and close friends. Are there any graduations, another wedding, vacations, or a pregnancy/birth that conflict with your date? I am sure that as soon as you are pronounced “Husband and Wife” that you and your nine month pregnant matron of honor would not enjoy her water breaking?

  1. Are there any significant dates that are special to you and your fiancé? You might want your wedding to have sentimental value commemorating your parents’ or grandparents’ anniversary, or the day that you met.

  1. Certain times of year are more expensive than others. Popular wedding months will mean (June, October, August, and September) vendors book early. If you are a budget conscious bride, consider getting married in the off-season months (Nov. and Jan-April) Many vendors and venues’ offer discounts and specials incentives to book/use their products and services. Some caters/banquet halls offer specials on Fridays and Sundays.

  1. Should you have your wedding on a holiday weekend? There are many pros and cons to this idea. A holiday weekend wedding might give out of town friends and family more time to travel to your affair, however without advance notice; they may have booked their own vacation plans. If you are asking friends and family to travel over the holiday weekend, will you plan other activities for them to share in? (This is where a very organized planner will help with other planned events) Weddings over the holiday can be very special and fun for all to share.

When selecting a date that is suitable for you and your fiancé, please remember to have a plan B and C date in mind, just in case the venue of your dreams is booked. During this planning process, please remember flexibility is the key to success and to keeping that blushing bride smile! After all dates are just that, and the goal is to be married on one of them.