My favorite topic! I love to travel, and have been lucky enough to have seen many parts of this beautiful world, so I enjoy assisting my clients in selecting their honeymoon destinations.
There are so many places to choose, it's almost overwhelming at the beginning. When working with a client, I start with how they like to relax. Do they go hiking, skiing and scuba diving, OR do they go to the beach? In other words, are they active or more laid back? Another question I ask is whether they want to go sightseeing on their honeymoon, or want to go to a resort where everything is included and they don't have to leave the property. Also, do they want to stay within the US, or travel abroad?
Based upon their responses and budget, I make recommendations for places for them to consider. Beach bum? Think Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii. Sightseers -- Europe or South America. Adventurists, how about an African Safari? Resort-lovers should look at Sandals or even a cruise. Exotic locale? Try Bora Bora (where I spent my honeymoon), Australia or Asia.
Once we zero in on a location, I usually recommend a travel agent to help them with their booking. While online booking engines certainly can be expedient, I've found that, especially with a honeymoon, getting that personal touch with insider knowledge really enhances the experience! After all, your wedding day is filled with professionals - shouldn't your honeymoon be as well?
Until next time, happy planning...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Congratulations...the winners are
Thanks to everyone who sent me emails in response to my last post!! The answer is no more than 50% of your total wedding budget should be spent on your reception - and less is better!!
The winners, who each received 2 complimentary tickets ($40 value) to the Association of Bridal Consultants' bridal show, Before "I Do," coming up on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge are Kirby Henderson, Amanda Huckabee and Mike Luteran. I look forward to seeing them -- AND YOU -- at this amazing show!!!!
The winners, who each received 2 complimentary tickets ($40 value) to the Association of Bridal Consultants' bridal show, Before "I Do," coming up on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge are Kirby Henderson, Amanda Huckabee and Mike Luteran. I look forward to seeing them -- AND YOU -- at this amazing show!!!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Rhonda tapped to create "something special" for the ABC bridal show
As a senior member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, and a co-director for the North NJ networking group of the ABC, I have been asked to add a very special touch to the upcoming ABC bridal show on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge. Of course, the show will have lots and lots of ABC vendors (yes, the ABC has vendor members, despite its rather unfortunate name!) showcasing their products and/or services. The show also will have great food provided by Dolce Basking Ridge, and beautiful wedding gowns worn by models walking through the venue. And there will be an awesome gift bag for the attendees!
So, what more could a bridal show ask for? How about a chance for you to get up close and personal with leading ABC wedding consultants and vendors?! I set up "meet and greets" with a whole bunch of people on a variety of topics, such as getting your wedding in print, amazing honeymoons, personalizing your wedding, why you need an ABC wedding consultant.... The list goes on an on!!! In small groups, you'll be able to get tons of valuable tips from the experts, ask questions, and really take away important information to make your wedding even more amazing.
For more info about the show and to register, which is called Before "I Do" (catchy, huh?), go to the website at http://www.beforeido2008.com/. Tickets are only $40 for the first 2 people, and $25 for each additional person.
Now, for the added bonus: For the first 3 people who correctly respond to the following question, I'll give you 2 free tickets each! All I ask is that you find me during the show and introduce yourselves! So, here's the question: How much of your wedding budget should be allocated for the venue? GOOD LUCK!!
So, what more could a bridal show ask for? How about a chance for you to get up close and personal with leading ABC wedding consultants and vendors?! I set up "meet and greets" with a whole bunch of people on a variety of topics, such as getting your wedding in print, amazing honeymoons, personalizing your wedding, why you need an ABC wedding consultant.... The list goes on an on!!! In small groups, you'll be able to get tons of valuable tips from the experts, ask questions, and really take away important information to make your wedding even more amazing.
For more info about the show and to register, which is called Before "I Do" (catchy, huh?), go to the website at http://www.beforeido2008.com/. Tickets are only $40 for the first 2 people, and $25 for each additional person.
Now, for the added bonus: For the first 3 people who correctly respond to the following question, I'll give you 2 free tickets each! All I ask is that you find me during the show and introduce yourselves! So, here's the question: How much of your wedding budget should be allocated for the venue? GOOD LUCK!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
How much do you charge for a wedding?
I get this question at least once per week: "How much is a wedding?" Well, where do I begin???
The answer to this question is very complex, because every couple is looking for different assistance from a wedding consultant. I can do as little or as much as you need -- from simply creating an "engagement blueprint" (a monthly to do list and budget) to attending every single meeting with your vendors. I offer my clients a wide variety of options to fit their needs - both emotional and budgetary.
So, the better question to ask a prospective wedding consultant is not "How much for a wedding?" but rather "How can you help us achieve our wedding vision?" When interviewing wedding planners, focus on three things: how well you "connect" with the planner, what types of services the planner is offering and the planner's qualifications. It's very important that you and your planner get along well because he or she will be working very closely with you over the next months, and you'll need to be excited to be working together! As for the services being offered - if you want a filet mignon sauteed in garlic, you don't head to McDonald's, right? The same way, make sure the services being offered are customized to your exact needs, including your budget! Also, you want to hire a consultant who has been through training and is a professional in the industry - after all you are entrusting your most important day to this person!
Until next time, happy planning...
The answer to this question is very complex, because every couple is looking for different assistance from a wedding consultant. I can do as little or as much as you need -- from simply creating an "engagement blueprint" (a monthly to do list and budget) to attending every single meeting with your vendors. I offer my clients a wide variety of options to fit their needs - both emotional and budgetary.
So, the better question to ask a prospective wedding consultant is not "How much for a wedding?" but rather "How can you help us achieve our wedding vision?" When interviewing wedding planners, focus on three things: how well you "connect" with the planner, what types of services the planner is offering and the planner's qualifications. It's very important that you and your planner get along well because he or she will be working very closely with you over the next months, and you'll need to be excited to be working together! As for the services being offered - if you want a filet mignon sauteed in garlic, you don't head to McDonald's, right? The same way, make sure the services being offered are customized to your exact needs, including your budget! Also, you want to hire a consultant who has been through training and is a professional in the industry - after all you are entrusting your most important day to this person!
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Giants Win!
I have to admit - I didn't watch the football season. I did catch the Giants win over the Packers (in OVERTIME!). Well, I just watched the Superbowl -- WHAT A GAME!!!
I hope all you engaged couples out there took time away from planning to watch this great game. The Patriots really played well, but had the weight of their undefeated record. All I can say is "WOW"!
Until next time, happy planning ...
I hope all you engaged couples out there took time away from planning to watch this great game. The Patriots really played well, but had the weight of their undefeated record. All I can say is "WOW"!
Until next time, happy planning ...
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...
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...
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...
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