Wedding Budget 101

AF800EA2-232D-4287-8498-F51AD27307C5While there are some wedding etiquette “rules” that may feel outdated (for example, seating guests on opposite sides at the ceremony, depending on their relationship with the couple), there are some tried-and-true wedding etiquette standards that are still around for very good reasons.  The good thing is you have the freedom to pick and choose which traditions are important to you both.
Who pays for the wedding?
Yes, there are the traditional “who pays for what” items but couples nowadays rarely follow these wedding etiquette rules exactly. In fact, half of our couples pay for the majority of their wedding themselves. Parents or other loved ones can contribute in a variety of ways, from paying for the entire wedding to just paying for specific wedding-related products or services to paying for events like the rehearsal dinner to not contributing at all. But here’s the tricky part, remember that anyone who pays for the wedding does get a say in whatever it is they’re paying for. So if your parents are paying for your venue rental fee, you need to make sure they’re happy with the wedding location you choose.

How do I ask my parents/family to contribute to my wedding?
Very politely. Sometimes parents will willingly express their desire to assist with the wedding budget, but you may need to make the first move. Prepare your parents in advance for the conversation (not a topic for Thanksgiving dinner, for example). When asking your parents about this potentially sensitive subject, first ask them if (not how much) they would be able to contribute. If they say say yes, be prepared to discuss how much they would be comfortably be able to spend, or what areas of the wedding they’d like to pay for. It’s a good idea to have some knowledge of what certain wedding-related services cost, so that you can give your parents’ an idea at the initial conversation. Whatever the outcome of the conversation is, be as appreciative and grateful as possible. Once you have a budget established, meet with a wedding planner and determine how to invest your budget so you add value to your wedding and not just dollars.

 

2017 Trending Wedding Themes

It is time to start planning your 2017 wedding. We’ve been working hard this week checking out the hottest 10 wedding theme trends for 2017, and we think you’re going to love what we’ve come back with! They are all chic, sophisticated, fresh and completely fabulous! Take a look and be inspired.

As one of the biggest trends for year 2016, greenery wedding ideas will be continuously popular in 2017.

natural-greenery-wedding-trends-for-2017We adore a little shimmer and shine, don’t you? So happy to see this popping up in 2017.elegant-silver-and-ivory-neutral-wedding-colors-for-2017-wedding-trendsSoft tones, is there anything more romantic than a soft toned pastel themed wedding??elegant-and-romantic-pastel-pink-and-navy-wedding-color-inspiration

Too Blessed to Be Stressed!

It’s a universal truth – wedding planning is stressful. With an endless list of decisions to be made, from the décor to the dress to the catering and everything in between, the stress can pile on at lightning-fast speeds. One minute, you’re trying to choose between roses and ranunculus, and before you know it, you’ve fallen down the Pinterest hole, scrolling between 19 slightly different shades of pink petals while stress eating wedding cake samples.

With that being said, there are more than a few items on your wedding checklist that guests pay far less attention to than you think. Instead of driving yourself crazy over the teeniest details, save yourself the headache (and probably a few bucks, too) by knowing what really matters to your guests, and more importantly, what doesn’t.

LET’S START WITH THE DRESS – It’s not what you wear but how you wear it, so as long as you’re comfortable and feel like your best, most beautiful self, well, that’s sounds just PERFECT. When the  bride is rocking a beautifully tailored gown that makes her look and feel like the goddess she is its gonna be a great night. (same goes for the wedding party as well)

Bridesmaids -

Bridesmaids –

NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR FIRST DANCE- Tackle a few moves that you feel 100% comfortable performing, no matter how simple, and watch the pressure just melt away. Great for you, great for your guests and great for your wedding photos… Everyone wins!

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So what do guests care most about?

1) The Ceremony:

It goes without saying that guests will be overjoyed to watch the happy couple proclaim their love and be joined in wedded bliss – I mean, it’s kind of the whole point – but the crowd may start to get restless during a long, drawn-out ceremony. One of the most common guest complaints is having to sit through a too-long production, so keep it short and sweet (roughly 30 minutes or less) for a happy clan.8

2) The Food:

Enjoying a decadent meal with loved ones is a treat for guests, so make sure your food choices are crowd pleasers. A fantastic meal will keep those good vibes going, but a bad one could really bring down the mood. In addition, be sure to offer options for vegetarians or those with common allergies, like gluten and nuts.BridalifeStyle_Sping-Summer-2015-39

3) The Drinks:

Weddings and booze go together like peanut butter and jelly. Bottom line: Keep the drinks flowing, because there’s nothing that wedding guests hate more than the liquor well running dry. Forgoing the fully stocked bar is fine; an edited menu of Champagne, wine, beer and one or two specialty cocktails will keep guests in high spirits all night long.wine rack ice sculpture

4) The Music:

The tunes will be going strong from the first arrivals through the last dance, so make sure your music list is on point, especially once guests start hitting the dance floor. Skip the chicken dance and opt for fun, contemporary tunes that everyone is sure to know and love to unite the crowd and get people moving.amytimblog-63

5) The Venue:

Common sense is the key here. Skip the outdoor venue during the hottest, most humid days of summer, and likewise, choose an indoor spot during the fall and winter months when temps may be chilly. Outside of the climate, a unique venue is something they’ll also care about, particularly if the journey to your wedding is a trek for some of your far-flung guests. A seriously cool spot is much more of a draw than, say, Hotel Ballroom #3, don’t you think?

Hopefully this guide to what guests truly care about can seriously help refocus your energy during the planning process. When in doubt, take a breath, heed our advice, and above all else, remain calm!

 

Amanda + Trey Jazz Hall of Fame

Every detail surrounding this wedding was first class. Dripping chandelier centerpieces filled with a room drenched in a deep hue of purple. Love, love, love these photos. Such a fun idea to serve your guests family style at their tables instead of hassling with the long buffet lines.
Photos courtesy of Birdsong Photography

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