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...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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...
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...
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...
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...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Happy Holidays!!
Hi everyone reading this blog! I just wanted to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!!!
I hope all of you out there were able to relax and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!
Until next time, happy planning...
I hope all of you out there were able to relax and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!
Until next time, happy planning...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Choosing the Perfect Date
Since I'm assuming that you're reading this blog because you are engaged, the title of this week's post is referring to when you're going to get married - not to whom!
For some couples, choosing when to have their wedding is easy. Some couples have a special anniversary that they want to cement. Others know that their school or work schedules will only allow for a certain period of time in which to celebrate.
For others, selecting a date can be more difficult. I try to help them narrow down the choices by asking questions about their preferences -- Do they absolutely hate the heat? Then, the summer months are out. Do they have guests travelling to their wedding via airplane? Then, skip the winter when the weather can be more iffy.
Sometimes, we will go to various venues and if the couple falls in love with one of them, they will ask the venue's availability and select from those dates. Or, they may be members of a church and ask when the priest has openings to perform the wedding. Couples also may choose their date based upon "how" the date sounds -- 7/7/07 was a very popular wedding date!
Just remember, no matter which date you choose, you will always remember it!
Until next time, happy planning...
For some couples, choosing when to have their wedding is easy. Some couples have a special anniversary that they want to cement. Others know that their school or work schedules will only allow for a certain period of time in which to celebrate.
For others, selecting a date can be more difficult. I try to help them narrow down the choices by asking questions about their preferences -- Do they absolutely hate the heat? Then, the summer months are out. Do they have guests travelling to their wedding via airplane? Then, skip the winter when the weather can be more iffy.
Sometimes, we will go to various venues and if the couple falls in love with one of them, they will ask the venue's availability and select from those dates. Or, they may be members of a church and ask when the priest has openings to perform the wedding. Couples also may choose their date based upon "how" the date sounds -- 7/7/07 was a very popular wedding date!
Just remember, no matter which date you choose, you will always remember it!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, December 10, 2007
'Tis the time to ... Get Engaged!
Congratulations!! The "engagement season" is in full swing -- more engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year's than any other time during the year. I, myself, got engaged on December 13th many moons ago!
So, now you've already said "Yes!!" to your fiance (get used to that term!), received a ring, and told your family and friends the great news. You're basking in the newly-engaged euphoria. And you should! This is a great time for you and your honey -- treasure it!
Because, soon enough, you will get the inevitable questions: "So, when's the date?" "Where are you having your reception?" And many other like questions offered by well-meaning family members and close friends. Just remember, your family and friends want to help you down the path to wedded bliss, even if their questions just bring you agita!
My recommendation to you is to do a few things. When you're ready to begin the planning process, you should first think about how many guests you want to invite to share in your day. Next, you should come up with an overall budget for your wedding, including money to be received from all sources including contributed by you and your fiance. Armed with these 2 pieces of information, you should contact a wedding planner and take it from there. S/he will help you define your style and theme, and help you locate the perfect venue(s) for your celebration.
Until next time, happy planning....
So, now you've already said "Yes!!" to your fiance (get used to that term!), received a ring, and told your family and friends the great news. You're basking in the newly-engaged euphoria. And you should! This is a great time for you and your honey -- treasure it!
Because, soon enough, you will get the inevitable questions: "So, when's the date?" "Where are you having your reception?" And many other like questions offered by well-meaning family members and close friends. Just remember, your family and friends want to help you down the path to wedded bliss, even if their questions just bring you agita!
My recommendation to you is to do a few things. When you're ready to begin the planning process, you should first think about how many guests you want to invite to share in your day. Next, you should come up with an overall budget for your wedding, including money to be received from all sources including contributed by you and your fiance. Armed with these 2 pieces of information, you should contact a wedding planner and take it from there. S/he will help you define your style and theme, and help you locate the perfect venue(s) for your celebration.
Until next time, happy planning....
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