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!