I've been doing a lot of weddings this season, and one constant -- no matter the size of the budget -- is the concern about money and expenses that seems to grow exponentially as the wedding day draws nearer. Given the amount of money being spent for the wedding, I can totally understand my clients' concerns; the average wedding in my neck of the woods is about $40,000. However, budgeting from the beginning, and being disciplined enough to stick to the budget, is the key to relieving this sort of stress at the 11th hour.
As soon as a client hires me for full-service assistance, I give them a survey that I've created over the years. This survey asks all sorts of questions, from the general (how much do you have to spend on your wedding?) to the specific (do you want disposable cameras at your wedding?). This survey helps me create what I've deemed an "engagement blueprint." Based on their answers, I develop a budget that breaks down the overall amount into each vendor category. That way, when I recommend vendors, I only recommend those that fit within their budgetary parameters. And, every month, I send out an email that includes an updated budget based upon actual, contracted amounts.
That said, clients still go over-budget. Why, you ask? Human nature!! Really, when a client goes and meets with a band, for example, I remind them of their budget for music for everything (ceremony, cocktail hour and reception). The entertainment company also asks for this figure so they only show the bands that fit within their budget. But, of course, they are salespeople and they show the 8-piece band that is totally fantastic and fits right in their budget. The next thing, though, is they show the same band with an extra percussionist, horn section and singer, making it a 12-piece band -- the couple falls in love with them and hires them, knowing they are over their budget but figuring they will "make it up" with another vendor. But they never do!
So, my advice is to figure out how much you have to spend on your wedding from all sources -- parents, grandparents, your own savings, etc. Take that total number and divide it among all of the vendors that will be involved in your wedding, leaving a line for "misc." and another one for "tips." Then, try your hardest to stick within each line item!!! As time goes on, it gets more difficult to "make up" any overages and then you find yourself stressing about money the day before you walk down the aisle. I'll write more about this topic next time.
Until then, happy planning...
Monday, July 30, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bride Ideas Turns 5!
It's so hard for me to believe that Bride Ideas is now in its 5th year of helping engaged couples on their way to being married!
Back in 2002, I was working full-time as an attorney in a large NJ law firm in its civil litigation department. I was not happy with my job - stressed all of the time and not feeling any fulfillment even when my client won and, with my help, actually was paid $2 million. I just didn't get any satisfaction out of my job. So, I returned to the exploration of wedding planning as an alternate career. I had started this research a few years before when I was getting married in 1998, but at that time, we were just buying a house and I had only been practicing law for 4 years in NYC. Fast-forward to 2002 and the time seemed right to make the move!
I created Bride Ideas in July of 2002 and began taking a correspondence course from the Association of Bridal Consultants. I attended a couple of one-day seminars and in November attended the 3-day national conference for the Association of Bridal Consultants which was held in Phoenix that year. I did all of this while maintaining my full-time position as an attorney and billing the required 180 hours a month. When it came time for me to start working with my first bride, I was very lucky - she was another attorney at my firm who agreed to keep my secret while I helped her plan her wedding!
Since then, I "went public" at the law firm - and went to part-time status for a while before finally leaving altogether in 2004. Believe me, I never looked back! I find helping you, guiding you, recommending new ideas to you, all the while being creative yet very detail oriented to be my calling. I feel like a million bucks when my brides walk down the aisle (on time!), looking absolutely radiant, knowing that the only thing she has to remember is to say "I do!"
So, looking back on the first 5 years of Bride Ideas is fun - especially since I can see how far I've come. But I'm more excited looking ahead to all of the new and wonderful people that I will meet and assist along their wedding journey! Like you!
Until next time, happy planning...
Back in 2002, I was working full-time as an attorney in a large NJ law firm in its civil litigation department. I was not happy with my job - stressed all of the time and not feeling any fulfillment even when my client won and, with my help, actually was paid $2 million. I just didn't get any satisfaction out of my job. So, I returned to the exploration of wedding planning as an alternate career. I had started this research a few years before when I was getting married in 1998, but at that time, we were just buying a house and I had only been practicing law for 4 years in NYC. Fast-forward to 2002 and the time seemed right to make the move!
I created Bride Ideas in July of 2002 and began taking a correspondence course from the Association of Bridal Consultants. I attended a couple of one-day seminars and in November attended the 3-day national conference for the Association of Bridal Consultants which was held in Phoenix that year. I did all of this while maintaining my full-time position as an attorney and billing the required 180 hours a month. When it came time for me to start working with my first bride, I was very lucky - she was another attorney at my firm who agreed to keep my secret while I helped her plan her wedding!
Since then, I "went public" at the law firm - and went to part-time status for a while before finally leaving altogether in 2004. Believe me, I never looked back! I find helping you, guiding you, recommending new ideas to you, all the while being creative yet very detail oriented to be my calling. I feel like a million bucks when my brides walk down the aisle (on time!), looking absolutely radiant, knowing that the only thing she has to remember is to say "I do!"
So, looking back on the first 5 years of Bride Ideas is fun - especially since I can see how far I've come. But I'm more excited looking ahead to all of the new and wonderful people that I will meet and assist along their wedding journey! Like you!
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, July 8, 2007
What to Expect at Your Initial Meeting with Bride Ideas
I'm so happy to meet you! During our initial meeting, we'll discuss a variety of things -- your hopes and dreams for your wedding, where you are in your wedding planning process, even how you met! I try to ask questions that allow me to begin to get to know both of you, and your preferences for your big day. Do you want a band or a DJ? Have you thought about a color scheme? Believe me, there are no right or wrong answers to my questions - even "I don't know" is perfectly right! I treat this initial meeting as a "getting acquainted" session.
And while I'm getting to know you both, you are getting to know me as well. I'll admit it right here in print: I'm a terrible, horrible saleswoman! I don't try to do the hard sell, because I hate that done to me. I don't try to scare you into thinking you can't live without me for the next year while planning your wedding. Pretty much what you see is what you'll get from me during your engagement period. I'm pretty low key with a good sense of humor. I try to give you all the options and then let you choose how you want to go. I'm not the Wedding Police, but I do let you know the "proper" way to do things - then let you decide whether to ignore etiquette's rules. During this meeting, I'll also go over the packages that I've developed over the years and give you all the options to create your own custom package of services from me.
I love meeting with prospective clients - because I know that, hopefully, we'll soon begin planning your wedding and I'll get to know another wonderful couple embarking upon the most exciting journey of their lifetime. I feel that I can offer a stress-free planning and wedding (well, as stress-free as possible!), and I truly want to share my knowledge with you. So, when we meet and I say that I'm happy to meet you, I hope that you know I'm being sincere!
Until next time, happy planning...
And while I'm getting to know you both, you are getting to know me as well. I'll admit it right here in print: I'm a terrible, horrible saleswoman! I don't try to do the hard sell, because I hate that done to me. I don't try to scare you into thinking you can't live without me for the next year while planning your wedding. Pretty much what you see is what you'll get from me during your engagement period. I'm pretty low key with a good sense of humor. I try to give you all the options and then let you choose how you want to go. I'm not the Wedding Police, but I do let you know the "proper" way to do things - then let you decide whether to ignore etiquette's rules. During this meeting, I'll also go over the packages that I've developed over the years and give you all the options to create your own custom package of services from me.
I love meeting with prospective clients - because I know that, hopefully, we'll soon begin planning your wedding and I'll get to know another wonderful couple embarking upon the most exciting journey of their lifetime. I feel that I can offer a stress-free planning and wedding (well, as stress-free as possible!), and I truly want to share my knowledge with you. So, when we meet and I say that I'm happy to meet you, I hope that you know I'm being sincere!
Until next time, happy planning...
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
NY Times article about wedding planners
A week ago on Sunday, the NY Times ran an article about wedding planners. It starts: "Saying 'I do' to a wedding planner can be the second most important vow a newly engaged couple makes." The article goes on to describe the good and the bad about wedding planners -- how some planners truly assist the engaged couple, while others hinder the process. The focus of the article leaned toward the latter, as that's more "newsworthy"; however, I totally agree with what the article said.
One couple hired and fired 2 wedding planners, calling them "planzillas." (This couple eventually successfully used a 3rd planner for their wedding.) One issue this couple pointed out was the fee for one of the planners was a percentage of the total wedding budget; the couple felt that as their budget went up, so did the planner's fee, and there was no incentive to keep costs under control. This is true - I have struggled with my fee structure (and continue to do so!) over the years, but I have always maintained that a flat fee is the most appropriate way to go, for just this very reason. Another couple in the article complained about their planner's lack of accessibility and that her ideas were all about the planner rather than the couple. I believe this goes to the professionalism of the planner, and her training and passion for the industry. When you truly love what you do, you want to be there for your clients - to guide them through the wedding planning process and bring out their ideas, which may be 180 degrees different from your own!
The article also pointed to a sad fact in the wedding planning industry - Marcy Blum, a NY planner, was quoted as saying "a lot of wedding planners are entering the field with no training, so buyer beware." I could not agree more! I've heard many a bride say that she is ready to be a wedding planner to others with nothing more than her own wedding as experience! Wedding consulting should not be considered a "hobby" or "side job." As a wedding professional, I take my full-time job very seriously. I have taken many courses through the Association of Bridal Consultants and other organizations, and built an extensive vendor network over the past 5 years. My company is run as a small business, with all the legal, insurance and tax implications that brings. When you are looking for a wedding consultant to guide and assist you, don't be penny wise but dollar foolish! This is only the most important day in your life thus far -- hire a true professional to make your dreams come true!
Until next time, happy planning...
One couple hired and fired 2 wedding planners, calling them "planzillas." (This couple eventually successfully used a 3rd planner for their wedding.) One issue this couple pointed out was the fee for one of the planners was a percentage of the total wedding budget; the couple felt that as their budget went up, so did the planner's fee, and there was no incentive to keep costs under control. This is true - I have struggled with my fee structure (and continue to do so!) over the years, but I have always maintained that a flat fee is the most appropriate way to go, for just this very reason. Another couple in the article complained about their planner's lack of accessibility and that her ideas were all about the planner rather than the couple. I believe this goes to the professionalism of the planner, and her training and passion for the industry. When you truly love what you do, you want to be there for your clients - to guide them through the wedding planning process and bring out their ideas, which may be 180 degrees different from your own!
The article also pointed to a sad fact in the wedding planning industry - Marcy Blum, a NY planner, was quoted as saying "a lot of wedding planners are entering the field with no training, so buyer beware." I could not agree more! I've heard many a bride say that she is ready to be a wedding planner to others with nothing more than her own wedding as experience! Wedding consulting should not be considered a "hobby" or "side job." As a wedding professional, I take my full-time job very seriously. I have taken many courses through the Association of Bridal Consultants and other organizations, and built an extensive vendor network over the past 5 years. My company is run as a small business, with all the legal, insurance and tax implications that brings. When you are looking for a wedding consultant to guide and assist you, don't be penny wise but dollar foolish! This is only the most important day in your life thus far -- hire a true professional to make your dreams come true!
Until next time, happy planning...
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