The Real Budget Breaker: Your Guest List

This post is looong overdue and I feel it very valuable to share it with you or anyone you know that is getting married.  Over the next few weeks, many wedding professionals will be consulting couples as they prepare for their upcoming Spring and Summer weddings.  I have had my share to come through my office and I how I like them, they have wonderful ideas for their upcoming nuptials.  I love to hear the unique ideas that come forth and how a couple met and why they need to do this and that to make their day extra special.  I love to see the many pictures cut and torn out of some of the most popular wedding glossies that brides keep tucked away in their new planning binders.  I also love to hear that they want their weddings to just be plain ol’ FABULOUS.  All of that is music to my ears.  So what’s the problem, you ask?!  There’s two problems actually, the budget and the guest list. 

Most surveys in 2010 found that the average wedding cost is $27,000. What?!?!  You’re probably thinking, “no way, I’ll never pay that for a wedding” But, wait.  You just may find yourself doing so when you are preparing to have an entire day of partying with close to 150-200 (or more) family and friends.  Let me make this clear, first of all, I’m not at all saying that in order to have the wedding of your dreams that $27,000 is what it will take.  I want to show you that the number of people that you are inviting will escalate the cost one way or another.

When you factor in the venue(s), attire (even if the groom’s tux is free), all stationery (DIY or custom), favors, catering (let’s face it food costs no matter how or who you conjure up to prepare it), decorations, transportation, cake, rings, photography, videographer, YOUR planner, and entertainment, you will be at around $80-130 per person.  It may sound good when you say out loud, “the food is only $16 per person”….well, when you do say it like that, it does sound wonderful.  But, that’s just for your guests to have a guaranteed plate for that particular price.  It doesn’t mention all of the other things that go into “wooing” your guests (and let’s not talk about taxes and staff fees, mmkay?!) And, if you are using flowers (real or faux), they cost, too.!  With more guests, the more tables and chairs you need, the more décor you will need, the more food and drink you will need, the more favors you will need, should I keep on?

So, before you look at your potential Planner’s fee (okaay?!) or your photographer’s quote (great quality photos will last a lot longer than the décor, food, and favors) and squawk with buck eyes, please note that these are the least of your worries.  It’s the ever-so-growing guest list that will cause you a headache at the end of the day.  You are paying so why not know the the truth and how to effectively save you money.

This I know all too well.  I’ve seen couples that took this advice and were pleased with the money saved by cutting their guests list in order to have what they wanted and I have witnessed couples that just wouldn’t budge and now are still paying the cost after the wedding is said and done because they wanted a LARGE wedding.  What’s the saying, more money more problems?  You better believe it.

So, if you are willing to take the advice from a professional, this is for you.  When working up that magical list, create an A-B-C list.  The As are the primary people that you know will be there like immediate family and close friends (even those that will certainly travel to be with you), the Bs are those that may possibly come but if they didn’t, you would understand (ie: ex-coworkers, co-workers), and the sweet Cs, these are the people that you have to dig deep to even remember.  The Cs are long lost school friends, friends of friends, old neighbors, facebook friends (even those that you haven’t even met in person), the entire church, your Greek letter organization, or people you just find on the street to come to your wedding (well maybe not the latter one) but you see where I’m going.

So let’s see what this can look like with a small budget (I hear this number a lot so I’m using it).  For a budget of $5000 and a guest list of 200 people, this is what the numbers will look like (I’m also including the average % for each category):

Reception (always the biggest chunk) (but actually close to 50%) 40%- $2000,

Attire-10%- $500

Photos/Video-12%- $600

Music-8%- $400

Flowers & Décor- 10%- $500

Stationery- 5%- $250

Rings- 2%- $100

Transportation- 2%- $100

Gifts (bridal party, wedding favors)- 3%- $150

Ceremony Site (donation and clergy fees)- 3%- $150

Other (tips, marriage license, taxes, hair/nails)- 5%- $250

You might be able to squeeze in a wedding cake for about $100.  And, with $10 per person allotted for the Reception, you will have to get very creative with your menu. *side note:  you and your bridal party have to be included in the 200 or else your budget is really shot*.  Not too realistic, is it?!

I urge you to take a look at your budget and your guest list.  These two bad boys can make you or break you.  Am I saying that you can’t have a really nice wedding on a budget, of course not!  Many of my couples are on a set budget and we make it realistically work and the style of their wedding is not compromised.  We just plan smart.  And, that’s what I want you to do.  Plan smart.

If you have to move your date down the road a little bit in order to save more or have more time to pay for the things that you want, by all means do it.  Many couples are now planning longer engagements so that they have the time and resources needed to plan their dream weddings. 

So, here’s to smart planning and beautiful weddings.  Just don’t let your guests compromise that for you.

Happy Planning!

Shopping for your Bridal Party…after Christmas!

Have you already decided on what you will get your bridesmaids as “thank you” gifts?  If you’re in the business of saving some cash, consider purchasing their gifts at the "after the Christmas" sale.  You can find some great gift ideas that will be marked 50%-75% off.   Most department stores (and our favorite discount stores) will have a large variety of cosmetic bags and totes, fragrance and cosmetic gift sets, bath and body products, and some jewelry that would be perfect for gifts.  Don’t forget the fellows, too!  This would be a great reason to bring along your boo so he can grab some items for his boys. 

Don’t wait to stand in a crowd of people to decide what you will purchase.  Browse the stores now when you’re out and about and make note of what you will look out for.  Use your camera phone to snap photos of the items that you want to remember to go back and purchase and jot down the price (it’ll be less after Christmas if it’s a holiday gift item).

Are you planning on taking advantage of after Christmas sales to purchase nice gifts for less for your Bridal Party?  

Tish B.

Pin-tiquette

Image

Have you ever wondered where the corsage or boutonnière should be pinned or who should where them? Well, read on...

Corsages are typically worn by women at weddings and special occasions. The proper place to pin these miniature beauties is on the left side about two to three inches above the breast.

Wrist corsages can also be worn in place of the traditional pinned piece. The proper place to wear the wristlets is on the left wrist.

Who should wear corsages? Mothers, grandmothers, aunts or special guests that have a special relationship with the bride or groom should wear a corsage. Some brides order them for their hostesses or servers but it is definitely not a must.

Who shouldn’t get one? Your DJ, musicians, videographer, photographer, pianist, hair Stylist, flower girls….your wedding planner. (I threw this in for me) If you are paying your participants and vendors for services, you should leave them off the floral list. This may save you a couple of bucks, too!

Boutonnieres, which mean “buttonhole”, are typically worn by men and are placed on the left lapel where a “buttonhole” would normally be.

Who should wear a boutonniere? Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, special guests, groomsmen, ring bearer, and ushers should receive a boutonniere.

Depending on what your officiant is wearing, he/she may or may not prefer to wear a floral piece. If a ceremonial robe or a Giorgio Armani suit is worn, the flowers may not be worn. Be sure to ask first if you can before ordering.

Tish B.

Want Some Cool Guests?

Weddings in the months of June through August pretty much have the same thing in common...the hot weather! There are many beautiful outdoor weddings this summer and fabulous outdoor summer weddings being planned for next year. As you plan your outdoor wedding, here are a few elements that can be added to help keep your guests cool as they celebrate this wonderful day with you. These summery and cool treats would be great for the ceremony and/or the reception.

Image: Dolce Sposa

Paper parasols are a great way to give the guests an opportunity to hide from the sun's heat. If you do choose this option, get with your planner to decide the best seating arrangements so that your guests will not have to fight for a good view of you at the altar.

Image: Daisy I Do

Colorful snow cones are a summer favorite. And, I think this nostalgic treat would be one of the many memories created at your wedding.

Image: Charming Weddings

Personalized fan programs can serve double duty when trying to fight off the heat waves and also keep your guests informed about the ceremony's happenings.

Image: Vermont News Wedding Magazine

Ice cream cones or cups will sure give them the cool sensation. I'm sure they would look great in your wedding colors.

Image: Bridal Guide

Glasses of yummy and sweet lemonade will sure keep them pleased. It would for me!

Image: Mom's Menu

Homemade or gourmet popsicles before or after the ceremony would add that cool element of surprise.

Image: Beau-Coup

Chilled personalized bottled waters would be just the right thing to keep your family and friends hydrated.

Tish B.

Circular Ceremony Seating

Out with the old and in with the new is the concept of this new style of ceremony seating. Circular ceremony seating gives mostly all of your guests the opportunity to have a better view of you and your groom exchange your vows.

This works best in a location where there are no bound seating and the space is fitting for such arrangement. This will definitely give your guests something to talk about....and imagine the great photos, too!

Image: Manolo Brides

Image: Anita Pagliaro

Image: The Knot

Image: Flickr

Tish B.

The Art of Chair Covers

Chair Covers can take a room from blah to beautiful! If you're working with a venue where the chairs will just not go with your decor or even your taste, chair covers are an inexpensive way to add that needed touch.

Most event rental companies offer chair covers in various colors and styles with sashes. If you're interested in renting chair covers and sashes for your next event, be sure to get a measurement of the actual chair that you will be covering so that you can order the right size. Your planner or banquet facility may have this information right at their fingertips for you.

Image: Special Events

Image: NJS Design

Image: A Party Center

Image: Creative Settings

Image: Creative Settings

Image: NJS Design

Image: NJS Design

Tish B.

Downloadable Pretties

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings, you can download a number of wedding pretties and customize them to your own soiree'.    To view more, click here.

All images from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Tish B.

Wedding Dress Style

Have you narrowed down your wedding gown search?  Having a bit of trouble knowing what style dress will work for you?  Do you know what to ask for you when you go to the bridal boutique?  I've provided a few links below to help you know the different styles of wedding gowns, sleeves, trains, and styles of veils.

Once you know the look that you're going for, you'll be able to give your bridal consultant your specifications to make your dress shopping trip a bit easier.

Wedding Solutions links:

Dress Styles

Necklines

Sleeve Styles

Trains

Veils

Happy Monday and Happy Shopping!

Tish B.

We're at the Show!

Pink Tea Rose Events is at our first bridal show today, Kiss the Brides Expo at the Alltel/Verizon Arena in Little Rock.  The show will end at 5 pm.  Be sure to stop by our booth and chat with us for a bit.

Wear comfy shoes and bring your calendar so you can be ready to book the best vendors for your wedding.  Great prizes are in store, too!

See you there!

Tish B.

Just in Case: Bad Breath Killers

It's about 5 minutes before you walk down the aisle and you forgot to pop the mint.  What do you do?  Or, you just enjoyed the great garlic pasta dish at your reception and you're wanting to spend time with your guests and there's no gum or mints available.  What to do?

No worries.  Here's a few foods that may be easy to access for you.

An Apple. A Lemon.  And Garnish.

Pack an apple or two in your wedding day bag and have your maid of honor slice it for you to munch on.  An apple?  Yes.  Apples and other crisp foods (carrots, celery, pears) are high in fiber and the chewing produces more saliva causing a scrubbing rinse for your mouth.  And, not to mention it helps fill your belly in case of an attack of nerves.

So, what to do at the reception?  If you're having sweet tea served with lemon wedges or water with lemon, these little guys work well.  Suck on it or chew the rind a few times.  Another great way to avoid bad breath is to chew on the parsley or mint garnish that is typically on your plate.  Chewing releases the breath freshening oils.  Now, remember it's not gum so don't go around with it in your mouth all night.

Tish B.

Kiss the Bride Expo-Little Rock

On Sunday, May 31, 2009, Pink Tea Rose Events will be at our first bridal show, Kiss the Bride Expo in Little Rock.  We are so excited about this opportunity to meet brides throughout Arkansas and see the awesome work of participating vendors.

Mark your calendars and make sure you come by and visit us.  We'll have some great giveaways for you!  Tickets are $8 online or $10 at the door.

Kiss the Bride Expo

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Alltel Arena

12:30p-5p

Our good friend, Tisha Kemp of Kemp Video Productions invited us to be a part of the Kiss the Bride Expo and we will also be neighbors. You must check out their work, too!

See ya there.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Plan Your Color

Undecided about what colors to use for your wedding or next event? Here's a little bit of help to inspire you, The Pantone Report.

If you're wanting to know about the hottest color trends for the Spring, go here.

And just so you'll know the Fall color trends are hot, you can see them here.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Need Words?

Don't quite know how to word your invitations? No matter the occasion, Verse It has some words for you...and for free.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

To Have and To Fold

...like an expert! Whether you're a bride or planner, you can always use a simple guide when you need a fancy schmancy napkin fold.

Folded napkins adds a bit of pizzazz to the table. So, if your chosen venue doesn't delightfully fold the napkins for you, pull out the handy dandy folding guide and show 'em what you can do.

Photo from Napkin Folding Guide.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

They’ll Cry if They Want To

photo credit

Okay, the picture above is of the crying little girl on American Idol who was in love with Sanjaya (remember)? Well, her frowning face and tears are suitable for this post.

Some brides tend to want every little kid of every age in their wedding without realizing that it can cause some unforeseen distractions. What kind of distractions? Crying, kicking, and screaming down the aisle and possibly in the "photos for a lifetime”.

I usually tell my brides to use the little ones that are the closest to them and am mindful that they may or may not go down the aisle without a fight. To me, that sometimes makes for some cute photos. Don’t beat yourself up if they don’t rehearse it how you’ve planned it. Kids are kids and that’s that. They may walk, they may run, they may cry…it’s ok. Don’t force them to walk down the aisle, or for that matter, stand up if they don’t want to. And, to be honestly truthful, you don't really have to have children in your wedding if you really don't want to. It's totally up to you and your fiance'. If you have to search for kids to be in the wedding, you don't need them.

My suggestions are to limit the number of smaller kids in the wedding so that your bridal party doesn’t end up babysitting at the altar and the scream time is limited.

It’s not even necessary to have all of your gal pals children in the wedding or for that matter all of your relatives’ kids. Keep it to a minimum. Younger kids really don’t know the real reason they are all dressed up and have to stand up for a long period of time in front of a room full of strangers. So, when you go to planning your wedding party just keep the little guys in mind when you're doing so.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

To Cover or Not To Cover

photo credit

Are you planning to show your tattoo on your wedding day? Are you wondering if it will be appropriate or not?

Whether or not you show your tat will probably be dependent on the style and formality of your wedding. If you’re getting married in a church or synagogue, you may have to consider covering up. Or, if you have something that may be a bit offensive for the occasion, you also may want to temporarily cover it. Before you decide to cover your tattoo with your regular pressed powder or DIY concoction, try a professional product first.

After doing some research, there are several concealers on the market that are said to be good for temporarily cover up tattoos. Dermablend was the most commonly heard and the application is quite simple. You can purchase it at any Macy’s store. ColorTration is also another commonly used cover-up makeup. It can be purchased online.

So whether you decide to cover or not to cover, rock it however you decide to do it…with class.

By the way, doesn't this bride's tattoo look great in her bridals? When I saw this photo, I had to share it.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Conway Bridal Fair

Keep your appointment books out. There’s another bridal event for you to attend, especially if you missed the Bridal Fair in Little Rock. The Conway Bridal Fair will be on Sunday, February 22 from 1pm-5:30pm at the Don Owen Sports Complex.

Just in case you need a reminder of how to successfully participate in the show, read a previous post. Have fun!

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Warning Comes Before Destruction

Bride-to-bes, please prepare yourselves for this post because this is not a post that some of you have crossed my path (physically and virtually) would not want to read right now. I really want you to know the facts of some costly decisions that you can run into without "real" professional opinion...okay facts.

I am surprised at the number of brides that want to save money by letting a friend, family member, co-worker, church member, best friend's auntie, etc. "plan" their wedding. It is great that the volunteered person stepped up to help you plan your dream wedding. But please be warned that this can result in an expensive, store bought, chaotic, unorganized mess! Now, there are some nonpros that tend to get the job done but the chance is very slim to none that they will really know how to get it done.

Wedding planning looks like a glamorous job, but only at the end of the meticulous planning, roundabouts with venues, endless vendor negotiations and contract reviews, long hours charting timelines and budgets, extensive last minute problem solving, and sore feet is it a somewhat glamorous job. These sweet people that enjoy the fact that they get a chance to implement what they saw on TV or read in tons of magazines should probably read this, too. TV, magazines, and baby's birthday parties does not qualify one to be a wedding and event planner. Even if you only planned your wedding and it turned out great doesn't qualify you to be a wedding planner. What does? Experience, Knowledge, and Discernment.

If you are a bride on a budget and/or limited planning time, you really need to raise your hand so a professional wedding planner can come your way. It's enticing to hear "the promises" of what a close person or for that matter, a wedding planner, has for your invitations, decorations, and favors. But will they deliver with the spirit of excellence. Will your wedding be a mere copycat of another's wedding or the dreadful style of an unorganized wedding that you have been going to since you could remember?

Here are just a few questions that you should ask yourself before ruling out hiring a professional wedding planner: (now that I look at it, ask these questions before hiring a specific wedding planner, too) Please beware of bogus "planners"as well.

1. Have you seen previous work?
2. Will your "volunteered" planner (VP) know how to minimize costs without looking cheap and "homemade"?
3. Will you see the decorations before the big surprise on your wedding day?
4. When looking for a dress, is the only store that pops into your VPs head, David's Bridal?
5. Does your VP know the visible format of a ceremony and the reception? What's the invisible format? The stuff that is bound to go wrong behind the scenes. Despite distractions, will VP still be able to begin on time?
6. Vendors. Who in the world do they know to use? Do they have various vendors that are within your price range and style?
7. Does VP even know that round and banquet tables are not referred to as circle and rectangle?
8. Will you see the timeline and format of the reception before you're at the reception and they're still setting up?
9. No contract with VP, you say? Uh-Oh. Enough said.
10. How "really" available will VP be to you when he/she has to take their kids to soccer, go to the grocery store, take a nap, or who knows what else?
11. SCENARIO. The day of the wedding, one of your bridesmaids broke the zipper on her dress, the flower girl lost one of her shoes, the programs have not arrived at the church, your father is lost in traffic, the cake arrived at the church because the reception venue is locked, and guests are steady arriving and walking around talking and your maid of honor is woozy from the wild night before. First question: Will you (the bride) know that any of this mess is going on? Second question: What in the world will your VP discreetly do about it? keyword discreetly.

I, along with fellow planners, has had to step in and rectify a huge mess when a bride has relied on her volunteered planner to get things done. You end up spending more money cleaning up a mess that could've been prevented. I do feel bad when I get a phone call of a teary bride that has tons of questions and unmarked checklists because of the inexperienced doings of the VP. But, like the title of this post suggests, warning comes before destruction and you need to be in the know before you have horrific memories of your wedding for years to come.

Consider yourself warned.

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Let Him Eat Cake

I had a bride ask me, "what's a groom's cake?". It was kind of surprising to me because being in the South, that's a given. But for those of you who have never heard of it here goes. A groom's cake is a Victorian wedding tradition. It was said that if a single woman took a slice of the cake home with her and placed it under her pillow, she would dream of her future husband.

Today, the cake is typically served on the wedding day in addition to the bride's cake or can be served at the rehearsal dinner the night before. The groom usually has a say in the flavor and style (i.e. favorite sports, colors, employment).

A groom's cake is not a "must have", especially if you're wanting to cut costs and use the money elsewhere. Be sure to check with your beau to see if he wants his own cake or prefers to use that extra money towards other wedding expenses.

Tish B.

Sweet Delivery

Wanna send your invites off with the name of a sweet town? Huh?! I was browsing through a collector's edition of our girl, Martha Stewart and saw where towns will cancel your stamps for you and will imprint their "sweet" names on your envelopes.

All you have to do is enclose your stamped, addressed invitations in a padded envelope or box, and include a note detailing your request. Address it to "Postmaster", followed by the name of the town, state, and ZIP. Allow enough time for your invitations to be delivered, postmarked, and remailed.

Make sure you have your package weighed to prepare for postage and call the post office in advance to confirm requirements. You want to send your invites through this process way in advance so ask the postmaster how long will it take in order for you to know when you should begin mailing.

This is also an awesome idea for Valentine's Day weddings, showers, and parties.

Towns of Bliss:
Bliss, New York 14024 {585-322-7740}
Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010 {503-695-2380}
Darling, Mississippi 38623 {662-326-8408}
Harmony, Rhode Island 02829 {401-949-2745}
Kissimmee, Florida 34744 {407-846-0999}
Lovely, Kentucky 41231 {606-395-5848}
Loving, Texas 76460 {940-378-2259}
Luck, Wisconsin 54853 {715-472-2079}
Romance, Arkansas 72136 {501-556-5911}
(this one I didn't even know about)

Happy Planning,
Tish B.