"Reality" vs. Reality

Okay, I admit it! I am a wedding planner and all those reality television shows that chronicle those in this profession . . . ? I watch them all. Yup! From My Fair Wedding to Platinum Weddings, and when I’m in the mood for a chuckle, even Bridezillas. I must admit that even though I am immersed in this industry on a daily basis, I find it validating to see others take on similar challenges, struggle through the stressful “oh crap” moments and, of course, experience the rush of a completed and successful event.

However, I also must admit that I’m beginning to lose my love affair with wedding reality shows. Quite frankly the reality on these shows doesn’t seem to mimic the reality I see each day. More and more of these programs seem to show weddings only through diamond encrusted glasses . . . as if all brides and grooms have a bottomless bucket of wedding money. And the wedding planners seem to be playing the role of Fairy Godmothers (or fathers) rather than practical and organized professionals whose role is to work with the constraints that they’re given.

Case in point. I happened upon a new show the other day. I won’t name names. Here’s the jist . . Three wedding planners competed for a booking. When I heard the concept I was thrilled. Now here is a show that will display what really goes on, right? The couple gave the planners their preferences and their very modest budget. I couldn’t wait to see these three seasoned planners pitch their individual proposals of how they were going to give this couple the wedding they envisioned without breaking their budget. This is my challenge everyday. What happened in the end? The couple picks the “celebrity” planner who clearly called in every favor he could to give them a wedding that, from what I could tell, cost at least triple their budget. Now I don’t fault a couple for getting a bunch of freebies to make their dream wedding a reality. Who wouldn’t? But for once, I’d like to see a reality show tell the story of a couple and their planner working together to bring their vision to life under realistic circumstances.

Reality is that “real” couples have “real” budgets and “real” constraints. A planner’s role isn’t just to wave their magic wand and find a way to get people things that cannot otherwise afford. Unless there is a television studio behind it, this does not happen. But planners can make magic with real couples by getting to know them and calling upon their own creativity and extensive knowledge of the industry. Our relationships with local vendors, negotiating skills and creative ideas of how to do more with less can provide couples with significant savings and fantastic events. I make it my goal to bring savings to my clients at least equivalent to my own fee.

What I want every bride out there to know is that you don’t have to have a bottomless bucket of wedding money and a “fairy godmother” to have a fabulous wedding. Wedding planners are accessible to all kinds of brides. Most have flexible services and are accustomed to working within the guidelines given by the clients. And most importantly, they can help you create a fantastic wedding that is uniquely you!

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and contact us to schedule your complimentary initial consultation at (518) 487-8128 or inspiredoccasions@yahoo.com.

No chamapgne and roses at this party . . . Red, white and blue and lots of yellow ribbons

Taking a break from weddings, I had the honor to be a part of a very special event . . . the surprise birthday and farewell party for Sgt. 1st Class Michael Horner of Clifton Park, New York who is being deployed to Kuwait just after the holidays. With 17 years as an Army National Guardsman and 18 years as a member of the Clifton Volunteer Park Fire Department, this brave man was truly deserving of a special sendoff.

My involvement all began over the summer when Michael’s wife, Christine, contacted me for advice on choosing the perfect venue for this family and community affair. What better place than the firehouse, a second home to her husband? Compelled to help this family and to honor a man who serves my country AND my local community, I jumped in with both feet and offered to help Christine plan the entire event. Over several months, Christine and I had a great time putting together a party full of patriotic flair.

Of course the room was bathed in red, white and blue . . . everything from balloons to cupcakes reminded guests of Mike’s service to our country. Guests were given favors of yellow ribbon car magnets and pins to symbolize a collective hope for Mike’s safe return. Adding a little humor to the event, the custom designed cake featured a bomb with a fireman extinguishing its flame.

One of Christine’s main goals in planning this event was to ensure that the large number of kids attending this event would really enjoy it. I am happy to say that we didn’t disappoint. I called in a unique entertainment company called Games2U who provided a mobile gaming van, hamster ball and laser tag for kids (of all ages) to enjoy and with the gorgeous weather we had that day . . . enjoy they did!

I'd like to ackowledge my intern, Leah, for a job well done and all those vendors donating or discounting their services to make this event a huge success. . . Heather Madeline Photography (http://www.heathermadeline.com/) and Games2U (http://www.g2u.com/). Thanks to reporter Glenn Griffith for his coverage of this event in the Community News.

It was truly a pleasure and an honor to be a part of this special day. It was a reminder to me that there are some very heroic people in our communities who are deserving of our gratitude. Please join me in keeping Sgt. Horner, his family and all of our troops and emergency personnel in your thoughts and prayers each day.

Negotiate (Tip #5: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

This tip is a biggie that can result in big savings! Negotiating terms with wedding vendors can take on many forms. It is not always as simple as asking for a lower price for any given service.

The first step to negotiation is doing your homework. Know what the going rate is for services in your area and make sure that you talk with more than one vendor so that you can make valid comparisons between them. Once you do this, you’ll have a better idea of who you are in a position to negotiate with.

Next is determining who has more “chips” in any given negotiation. If you choose to have your wedding during an off-peak season or day, your negotiating power can be pretty high. The vendor may really need your sale and with the pool of customers smaller for your date, they may be more willing to accommodate you. However, make sure to use great tact and diplomacy when negotiating. Demanding a lower price may not get you far. Instead, a great way to begin this discussion with a vendor would be . . . “we chose to have an off-season wedding because we have a limited budget. This is what we had in mind to spend. Is there any way that we can get the price closer to this number?” This respectful request provides the vendor the opportunity to make a proposal to you that may be more enticing.

In the contrary situation, having your wedding on a Saturday during the peak season, your negotiation power can be limited. After all, it is likely that the vendor could have their pick of brides and grooms for that date. However, if you aren’t able to negotiate a lower price for a service, try requesting modifications to their package/service in a way that works for your budget. For example, if you’re wanting to have an extra hour of open bar at your venue but cannot afford the extra expense, try to find an opportunity to exchange some other part of the package such as the champagne toast or the dessert and have guests toast with what is in their hand and enjoy the wedding cake as dessert. For photographers and videographers, try shortening the coverage period or cutting down on the number of DVD’s or prints. This form of negotiation may not lower your bottom line, but makes sure that you’re getting what is most important to you for the money that you spend.

The most important thing to remember about negotiating is not making demands but instead inviting a vendor into a mutual discussion of how to structure services to meet your particular needs and budget. If you find a vendor completely unwilling to accommodate you, don’t be afraid to keep looking for someone else who will.

So . . . get out there and negotiate!

Retail, Recycle and Recoup (Tip #4: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

It takes a special kind of bride to really capitalize on this tip. If you love to shop and find bargains, this tip is for you. Use it wisely and save big bucks!

With elaborate craft and party stores in almost every neighborhood and endless online resources for wedding and party supplies, purchasing items directly instead of renting or purchasing them through a vendor can add up to huge savings. The basic idea is this, figure out what items you can buy directly at a lower price than what you would pay a vendor. After the wedding, sell those items to another bride looking to do the same thing, recouping a portion of your funds.

For example, glassware for floral arrangements can be a significant line item in your floral bill. Instead of renting them or purchasing them from your florist, buy them yourself at your local craft store. To really capitalize on your savings, make sure you use the handful of coupons that are in the weekly newspapers. Usually you can get 40-50% off of one item and most stores accept competitors’ coupons. Go a few times a week taking a new coupon each time or take a few friends to the store, giving them each a coupon to use, and walk away with your glassware at half the price. Better still . . . when your wedding is over, list the glassware for sale on a website such as Craigslist, Ebay or Weddingbee and get some or ALL of your money back!

You can use the same strategy with online shopping for items such as linens, lanterns, candy bar supplies, etc. However, there are a couple of things you should be aware of when ordering such items online. Be sure to review the return policy. Since you are not able to inspect the quality of items until they arrive at your door, make sure there won’t be a large expense for returning those items if they are not up to snuff. Also, don’t forget that a significant portion of online pricing is in the shipping and handling cost. When trying to determine your savings, make sure you account for those expenses.

Not all items you can purchase are appropriate for resale, but don’t let that stop you. Purchasing items directly such as favor boxes and fillings, candles, placecards, etc., rather than obtaining them through a vendor, will allow you the opportunity to get them on sale or with a coupon and without an upcharge often affixed by a vendor. Bear in mind that those same classified websites you can use to sell your items can also be a great place to purchase them.

Being a savvy shopper and giving yourself plenty of time to collect the items you need, will definitely help you stick to your budget. If you have the time and the bargain shopping skills, you’ll be amazed at what you can have and how much you can save!

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize (Tip #3: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking. Sometimes the greatest challenge is knowing where and how to begin. This tip really should be number one because it’s a simple way to get started planning a beautiful yet affordable wedding. All you’ll need is a piece of paper, a pencil and your fiancé (IF you value his or her opinion!).

FIRST, make a list of all the major elements of your wedding. Here is a basic list to get you started:

· Wedding Date/Season
· Location
· Food
· Bar Arrangements
· Flowers & Décor
· Attire
· Music/Entertainment
· Stationary (invitations, menus, programs, etc.)
· Favors
· Transportation
· Cake
· Photography
· Videography

NEXT, rank the items in the order of importance to YOU by re-writing the list in that order. For example, if you absolutely must have your wedding on a specific date or in a specific season, “Wedding Date/Season” would rank #1. If you then have your heart set on a specific band for your reception, that would rank #2 and so on.

FINALLY, start planning your wedding in order of your priority rankings. In the above example, you’d start by choosing a few “doable” dates, finding out which of those dates the band is available, and then finding a location that is also available on those final dates. In contrast, if location ranks higher than date, you’ll find your location and then choose an available date for that specific location. Continue booking your vendors and making your selections in the order of your list.

By using this basic guideline, you’ll ensure that you get first choice for most of the items that are most important to you. In addition, the majority of the money will be spent on those items. As you make your way toward the bottom of the list, you may find that money is starting to get tight or your choices are limited. But lucky for you, any compromises that must be made will be ones that matter the least to you.

In the end, you get what you want . . . a wedding that is uniquely you and peace of mind knowing that the money was well spent. Happy prioritizing everybody!

Kill two birds with one stone! (Tip #2: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

Finding dual purposes for elements of a wedding is one of my favorite ways to reduce spending.

For example, perso

nalized favor boxes filled with an edible treat can double as escort cards when you simply add the table number. Guests will find their box on the escort "card" table, use it to find their seat and then enjoy it as their favor.

A huge money saver is finding a way incorporate elements of your ceremony décor into your reception. Alter arrangements can double as centerpieces at reception buffet tables and smaller hanging arrangements from the pews can be the perfect adornment for bars and restrooms. You can even make use of your beautiful wedding party bouquets. Simply pop your bouquets into vases and instantly decorate the head table.

So put on your thinking cap, get creative, see "double" . . . and save, save, save!

D.I.Y. (Tip #1: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

DIY! That’s right . . . “do it yourself.” Let me preface this by saying, please do not make the mistake of doing it ALL yourself. There are so many great resources for DIY brides these days, but no matter how simple each project seems unto itself, try to do too many and you’ll soon find yourself buried in tedious projects, late night trips to the craft store and days of set up prior to your event.

That being said, there is a place in every wedding for one or two great DIY projects. For example, instead of hiring a stationer or printer to create all of your stationary elements, choose one to do yourself. If you are computer savvy and have a good quality printer, try using one of the high quality invitation kits out there. Add a few of your own embellishments like crystal appliqués or specialty ribbon to pump it up and make it unique while dramatically cutting your stationary cost.

Or try this DIY cost-cutter . . . instead of having menu cards at each place setting, order or create three per table, display them in frames you already have or on small inexpensive easels that coordinate with your décor and place them on the tables to add another visually interesting element to your tablescape. Displaying three of them on a round table will ensure that each guest can view it while cutting your menu card order by at least half.

When choosing which DIY project(s) to take on, carefully consider the amount of time, skill, tools and manpower you have available to you. Pick one or two that you can reasonably execute and, most importantly, will effect the bottom line. Happy crafting everyone!

Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget - Five MUST DO strategies for today's bride.

According to The Wedding Report, the average spending on weddings dropped 14% alone in the second quarter of this year. Obviously brides, grooms and their families are really feeling the pinch of a down economy when it comes to planning their weddings.

But after dreaming about your wedding for months, years or even decades, how do you compromise between what you've always wanted for your wedding and what you can now afford? With the right strategies, you may not have to. Follow this series of articles and you’ll learn my five favorite tips for having a champagne wedding on a boxed wine budget!

When it comes to event vendors, the correct answer is "Yes we can!"

If you're in the process of planning your wedding or another event, I don't have to tell you that there is no shortage of vendors in any given area. How do you determine which one is best for you? Of course, with budget being such a large factor for most, it is tempting to compare vendors using two main criteria: 1) the services being provided and 2) the price.

Although these are both important factors to consider, you cannot underestimate the important of "attitude" when comparing and contrasting your vendor options. Make sure that before making your selection that you have a face to face conversation which each vendor. You'll soon find out that vendors vary greatly when it comes to the issue of flexibility. Weddings and events are like people . . . no two are exactly alike. The event should be a unique reflection of those being celebrated and great event vendors will work hard to make sure that it is. If during your initial meeting with a vendor he or she responds to your specific requests or ideas with explanations of why it won't work or why he or she can't do it or seems to dismiss such requests with their own alternatives, beware! Often this is a red flag for a vendor who is more interested in doing it their way rather than going above and beyond to create something special for you, the client, so keep looking. Trust me, there are plenty of great and talented vendors out there who are passionate about their craft and about giving their clients the best service experience they can.

So when selecting your vendors, follow these steps:

1. Research. Look for vendors for each service area and find out what each one has to offer. Be sure to read reviews and ask friends and other vendors for their recommendations. Do not hesitate to contact a local event planner for their assistance. Planners have extensive knowledge of what vendors are out there and can put you in touch with some that meet your criteria that you may not even be aware of.
2. Narrow it down. Identify 2-3 vendors in each service area that meet your criteria for quality and price.
3. Meet them. Arrange to meet the vendors prior to making a choice. Develop a list of questions ahead of time that specifically pertain to your event and pay close attention to how they answer.
4. Go with your gut. Do not underestimate your own intuition. Vendors who not only are open to your ideas or suggestions but show genuine excitement about your event and how they can enhance it are your best bet!

Happy planning everyone!

A twist on the treat buffet that is sure to be "pop"ular!

By now, most everyone has been to an wedding or event featuring a candy buffet. Don't get me wrong. It's still a trend that I love. You can never go wrong offering guests the opportunity to be a "kid in a candy store" and indulge in the forbidden! However, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this twist on the treat buffet concept . . . a gourmet popcorn buffet. Fill a table with different size and shape containers filled with many different varieties of this sweet and salty treat. Make sure to provide guests with personalized bags or containers so they can fill up and take their goodies home as their favor.

A wide variety of gourmet popcorn sold in bulk may be more difficult to find locally in certain areas, so it's time to surf the web. There are many companies out there with a quality product and reasonable prices, but my choice is Vic's Corn Popper (http://www.vicspopcornomaha.com/). The popcorn is delicious, their prices are right and the popcorn arrives fresh. Give this a try and you are guaranteed to get rave reviews from your guests!

After meeting wedding planner, Jenny Orsini of Style Network’s “Whose Wedding is it Anyway” at a specialized industry training last year, I recently had the honor of working with Jenny and her Pampered Bride Weddings team on the wedding day of the elaborate celebration of Lauren and Geoff. The ceremony was held at the majestic Saint John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, New York and guests were treated to a most fabulous reception at the Inn at Erlowest in Lake George.

No stone was left unturned for this platinum wedding with a color palette of peach, ivory and touches of green and gold. The décor was grand with alternating high and low centerpieces featuring an abundance of romantic blooms and sparking crystals, but the show stopper was the dramatic and decadent crystal tree on the head table. These exquisite floral designs were courtesy of New Jersey's A Touch of Elegance. Complimenting the flowers were the stunning place settings featuring gold rimmed plates, crystal adorned round menu cards and custom made napkins and rings.

The guests were pampered with an elaborate cocktail hour on the terrace which included a martini bar, ice luge, chef attended stations and an abundance of other hors d’oeuvres. The sit down dinner and dance reception featured food by Mansion Catering and the dynamic sounds of The New York Players. Following the meal and some dancing, fireworks lit up the sky and guests wandered between the cigar roller and expansive candy buffet.

I must commend Jenny, her team and all the wonderful vendors for putting on a fantastic event for Lauren and Geoff. It was an honor to be a part of it and learn from the best!

Think small to save BIG

In today's economy, I meet with more and more couples who are struggling to plan their dream weddings and not break the bank. Although I am always full of tips on how to multipurpose items or create inexpensive "DIY" decor, the bottom line is that the best way to lower your cost is to downsize your guest list. One great rule of thumb . . . This will be the best party you've ever been to in your life. If you're not prepared or wanting to take at least five minutes out of your evening to have a conversation with the person, you may want to leave them off the list.
The best way to conceptualize the "cost of people" is to actually figure out your per person cost for the wedding and multiply that number by the number of people that you might be on the fence about. How much could that amount buy you in additional special elements of the wedding such as upgrades in food or decor or better yet how many cocktails could it afford you on your honeymoon? The most important thing is that on your wedding day you are surrounded by those people who love you, have influenced you the most and will be a part of your new life as a married couple. Some of the best weddings I've ever been to are the ones that are relatively small yet elaborate in the details. With a smaller guest list, you can afford more of the extras that really make a wedding "WOW". The bonus is that with a scaled back guest list you have much greater flexibility in selecting a unique venue and the event itself takes on a cozier and more intimate feel that guests appreciate and remember. The bottom line . . . Think small and you'll save BIG!!!

VIDEOGRAPHY -- WORTH THE $$$?

I read an interesting statistic today from The Wedding Report. Apparently 81% of wedding couples procure photography services for their big day; while only 37% of couples seek the service of a videographer; a disturbing statistic I’d say. I happen to think that videography is one of the most underestimated and overlooked wedding services of them all, (aside from wedding planners, of course).

Sure it is traditional to hire a photographer and have the beautiful album on your coffee table for a year or two or at least until the soon to follow babies start cruising and drooling all over it. However, no matter how talented your photographer may be, there is a snapshot in time created with a video that two dimensional images can never capture. Some examples . . . the voices and expressions of loved ones who will one day depart this world; the excitement and animation of children who will soon grow, change and be almost unrecognizable; the crack in the best man’s voice when he gives his traditional toast and even when the guest with a big frizzy head of hair gets too close to the candles and guests start asking, “What’s that smell?” (True story!)

Obviously it’s a time when budget is of big concern to many couples planning such an expensive event. Videographers in a wide range of price exist in most areas. Do some comparison shopping and then inquire directly with those videographers that you’re most interested in. If you are still concerned about the expense, ask the videographer directly if there is any way to modify their packages to fit your budget. Often times removing special features like a photo montage, guest interviews or hi-tech editing effects can lower the overall cost. Even completely raw footage is better than no record of the day at all.

A side note for brides . . . remember this . . . you’re the last one in the room during the ceremony. Don’t you want the opportunity to see the expression on the face of your groom when he enters the room, the way your bridesmaids gracefully flow down the aisle or the snot streaming from the frightened ring bearer’s nose as he tentatively heads down the aisle toward the safety of his Mommy? Any couple’s wedding day is a blur. It’s amazing that months or years are spent planning an event that passes in what seems like an instant and couples are paying a hefty price for such an event. A lifelong account of such a sacred event; one you can relive on every anniversary; one you can share with your children and your children’s children . . . priceless!

STERLING SUMMER PROMOTION--Save big on last minute dates

Book the Sterling Package for any available date in the months of June, July or August, 2009 and receive full "day of" wedding plus rehearsal coordination at a deep discount of $500. Upgrade your package to Gold, receive full "month of" planning and coordination a low flat fee of $800. All packages include a minimum of two staff members on your wedding day.

Download complete package descriptions at
www.inspired-occasions.com and contact us to schedule your complimentary initial consultation at (518) 487-8128 or inspiredoccasions@yahoo.com