Wednesday, January 30, 2008

New Website LAUNCHED!!!

Well, Bride Ideas has done it again! Last week, I launched my second site for Bride Ideas - www.rhondaweddings.com.

I invite all of you to check out the new site, and let me know your thoughts!

Until next time, happy planning...

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Budgeting basics

I've been meeting with a lot of newly engaged couples lately, and their biggest concern is their budget. How much should they be putting aside in total for their wedding? How much should every vendor charge? These are valid questions, and very real concerns!

I think the average US wedding costs around $28,000. However, I know that the average northern NJ weddings costs around $40,000. That's for about 100 guests! That IS a lot of money!

To be honest, I've worked with budgets from $20,000 to $150,000 -- and every couple has to really identify the most important aspects of their wedding and allocate their dollars accordingly. Even the highest budgets will choose less expensive alternatives to stay within their monetary framework!

The first thing to keep in mind is to NOT, I repeat NOT, spend more than 50% of your budget on the reception. And when I say 50%, that INCLUDES taxes, service charges, gratuities! If your budget is $50,000, then you have $25,000 TOTAL to spend at your reception venue. And if you have 200 people attending your wedding, that breaks down to $125/person, inclusive. So, when you're going to look at places, I recommend looking at those places that charge $100/person, just so you know you'll be at or below the $125/person mark when all the "extra charges" (tax, tip, service charges) are added in.

Once you've allocated 50% for your venue, place dollar figures for the rest of your vendors. Then, when you go and meet with vendors, stick to your line items! Of course, if you go over or under in one category, you must adjust your budget accordingly down the line. Hope this advice helps!

Until next time, happy planning...

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

What is a wedding coordinator and why do I need one?

The title of this post is a common question that I am continually get asked. What does a wedding consultant do? Why do I need one? The short answers are: (1) anything and everything related to a wedding; and (2) because you don't want to be directing vendors on your wedding day. But, there's a lot more to it than that.

First, a wedding consultant, or a wedding coordinator, or a wedding planner (there are numerous names that we use in the industry, but -- essentially -- all hats provide the same service) is, basically, your wedding's project manager. She (or he) will keep you on track about when to book the vendors and how each vendor fits into your overall budget. She will make recommendations for the best vendors at your price-point. She will run interference with well-meaning but perhaps overzealous friends and family. As your wedding draws closer, she will prepare a wedding day timeline, coordinate with all of your vendors, attend your rehearsal and oversee all aspects of your wedding day. Obviously, I'm just giving a very broad overview of what I do! Consider this: most people wouldn't think of doing their taxes on their own, so why wouldn't you hire a professional wedding consultant to ensure your wedding day runs perfectly?

Second, you do need a professional wedding consultant to point out potential pitfalls, steer clear of less-than-quality vendors, educate you on etiquette issues and work behind-the-scenes for you on your wedding day. You can hire most wedding consultants to come in for the final month before your wedding to tie up all the loose ends and be the go-to person on your wedding day. So why not take advantage of what a professional can offer you?!

Until next time, happy planning...

Monday, January 7, 2008

Reception venues - where to start?

One of the first things on your wedding planning agenda (after you hire a wedding consultant!) is to find the perfect place to celebrate your wedding. Every couple has their ideal venue in mind -- some based upon price, others upon location, style, decor, food, etc. There's a facility out there for everyone!

Here in NJ, we have all sorts of venues. Traditional ones like banquet halls and hotels, more unique locations such as mansions and museums, we have them all! Your first step should be to check out their websites. While not all websites are created equal, they at least give you a flavor of the facility. Once you've selected some facilities to visit in person, give the banquet manager a call to confirm that your date is available and to set up an appointment. Don't just show up and expect someone to show you around!

When you walk through the doors, take in all of the atmosphere, ambiance, decor, etc. Remember, this is exactly how your guests will be introduced to your wedding reception! Make sure you see all of the facility that will be used by you and your guests, just to get a proper feel for the place.

After visiting a few facilities, I'm sure one will become the gold standard, upon which all others are judged. When that happens, you know you've made your decision!

Until next time, happy planning...

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy 2008

Watched the ball drop last night from Times Square -- what a great sight! I actually went to a ball drop many years ago, pre-9/11 and all of the new restrictions. My friends and I were having dinner uptown NYC and finished around 11:3o. We decided to jump in a cab and go down to Times Square. We ended up somewhere near to the ball drop, and saw it go down and usher in a new year, after being outside for only 10 minutes or so! Right after, we jumped in another cab and returned to a friend's apartment on the Upper West Side. It was so much fun!!!

I wish all of you a happy, safe and healthy new year, filled with wedding plans whose celebrations exceed your expectations!!

Until next time, happy planning...