tips-from-us-to-you

Craigslist a big No NO!!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:19:57 +0100

When selecting you vendors you should always try and avoid craigslist. This is a place where you can get lucky or you could face disaster.

1. choose your vendors carefully. Make sure they are reputable. they don't always have to be the most experienced but they should be advertising where everyone else is. i.e. wedding wire, the wedding guide, the knot, San Antonio weddings, perfect party planner guide etc...... Other Vendors at least some of them should have heard of them or at least know who they are. It's a big industry the new guy isn't always known by every one but should atl east be know n by a few that you come into contact with.

2. Always have a contract. if there isn't a contract detailing the terms, conditions and payment it's probably a bad idea and red flag

3. you should never have to pay anything all up front. there should be a deposit and a payment plan. If they are asking for payment in full at the time of the signings... red flag. don't sign and walk away

4. If there isn't a contract at all and they ask for a deposit.... walk away!! they probably won't show up or only half of who you pay for will show up or they will show up and say they are to be paid more then agreed upon. then your in a real pickle because you don't have a contract and not enough to pay them. And there is no recourse to go after the original person you paid money to.

and last but not least

5. Your wedding planner can only do so much. If something goes wrong they will try t fix it. But if someone other then them takes control while they are directing and they don't know about it until after they have lost control and can't regain it, don't come back later and be mad when someone you invited takes over and doesn't let them do their job. We do our best to our jobs, but sometimes interfering forces get in the way of that and there is nothing we can do once your wedding has been hijacked from us.

How to choose your coordinator for your wedding

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:45:45 +0100

Do You Need a Coordinator?

We're not going to tell you the answer to that because we can't. Only you know if you need one or not. Will you be getting help from others around you, your mother, bridesmaids, fiancé, friends or will you have to do it all by yourself. Can you do it by yourself? Do you want to plan your wedding by yourself? Only you know.

What Can a Wedding Coordinator Do For Me?

The list is long but here are a few of the duties you can expect:

Help you to create the type of wedding you want. With that knowledge you'll be able to pick your venue, vendors, colour scheme, theme, music, etc.
Help you create a budget sheet and keep track of where your money is going and how much is still owing.
Help keep you on your budget and not go over...too much!!
Suggest vendors that fit your budget and ideas.
Make a wedding planning schedule so that you know what you've done and what still needs to be done.
In most cases a coordinator can save you money because of their connection in the industry.
Take care of any emergencies that arise.
Create a wedding day schedule.

How Do I Find a Good Wedding Coordinator?

As with all other wedding vendors, word of mouth is always good, bridal shows or ask other wedding vendors about coordinators that they've seen at other weddings. Call first and see if you like them over the phone. If you don't then don't bother wasting time with the appointment.

A professional wedding coordinator will have taken a wedding coordinator /consultant /planner course and have a diploma to show for it.
Call the organization on the certificate to make sure that it existsl.
Is the coordinator organized?
Do you feel comfortable with them?
Are they friendly?
Do they know their stuff?
Does they have any references?
How long have they been in business?
Are they within your budget?
Are they computer literate?
Do they have another job or do they coordinate full time? It's not necessary for your coordinator to only work at planning weddings but it is better because they will have to contact your vendors during business hours.

If you like them and the answers you get, great...if not go elsewhere. Make appointments to meet at least 2 coordinators. Never choose the first vendor you meet, you need to compare.

What Type of Packages
Do Wedding Coordinators Have?

Consultation only: This is like a mini wedding planning course, best taken at the beginning of your planning. The coordinator won't be at your wedding but will teach you the skills to planning your own day. Some will charge by the hour, others by the meeting. You can book one meeting only or go back as many times as you like.

Planning Preparation: Along with consultation they will save you time by listening to your needs and booking appointments for you with vendors, that meet those needs.

They contact these vendors and describe what you want, what your budget is, if they're available on your date. This way the vendors already know about you when you walk in the door.
They will help you put together a wedding binder, making it easier to keep track of things.
They will make a floor plan for the vendors and a wedding day schedule.

Full Wedding Day Package: A coordinator can be hired for the wedding day alone. She will direct the events of the day and make sure everyone around you is doing their job. Should any emergencies happen she will take care of them. Although a coordinator is hired for one days work, in actual fact they have been working on your wedding, anywhere from 30-50 hours before the day actually get there, getting prepared. You should meet with the coordinator at least once if not twice to go over the details of your wedding. Any coordinator that says no meeting are needed isn't a professional.

What Does a Coordinator Charge?

Wedding coordinators can charge 3 different ways and you will have to ask your's how they work out their prices:

by a percentage of the total cost of your wedding,
by the hour; or
a flat fee.

What Questions Should I Ask
When I Meet a Coordinator?

How long have you been a wedding coordinator?
What coordinating organization do you belong to and do you have a diploma?
How do you charge? (percentage, flat fee, hourly)
How much will you charge us for the services we need?
How many times will we meet and how long will each meeting last?
Will you meet with our vendors and look over their contracts?
Are you computer literate and do you own a computer?
Do you have a backup in case of emergency and can't make our wedding and who are they?
Will you be at our rehearsal and is there an extra charge for this?
How will you be dressed?
Can you help plan a wedding within our budget?
Are you a registered business?
Have you worked at our venue before?
Have you worked with our vendors before?
Will you contact our vendors before the wedding?
Is there an extra charge for phonecalls and e-mail correspondence between us?
Do you have a preferred vendors list?
If our officiant can't make it, will you direct our rehearsal?
Can you handle last minute changes and emergencies?
What is the deposit requirement?
If we cancel our contract, will we get all or any of our deposit back?
What time do you arrive on the wedding day and what time do you leave?
If we give you the payments for our other vendors, will you pay them?
Are you discreet or are you like Martin Short from the movie "Father of the Bride"?

Coordinator's Contract

If you are only going to see a consultant for planning lessons then you will probably just get a bill. It is impossible to have all details on a coordinator's contract, for the simple fact that they are dealing will all aspects of your wedding day and have many duties.

The contract should at least have the following:

How the coordinator charges (percentage, flat fee, hourly).
How many meetings will there be and if the consultant will visit vendors with you.
A service description.
The total cost of their services.
Your contact information.
Your wedding date.
Your's and their signature.
The amount deposited and still owing, and the due date for last payment.
Cancellation policy (if you cancel).
No show policy for the consultant.

By Darsi Pizzolato from dreams by darci

How much should a wedding planner cost?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:38:57 +0100

While many bridal consultants used to charge a percentage of the wedding budget -- usually 10 to 20 percent -- most now prefer to use an hourly, or more commonly, a package rate. Most planners have at least three types of packages: day of service, consulting and full-service planning.

Typical costs:

For about $1,500, a day-of planner will help create a wedding timeline, confirm with vendors and handle the wedding day.
For about $3,700, a planner will handle the wedding day and offer planning advice and guidance, but will make the couple do the pre-wedding footwork, such as making phone calls.
For about $5,000, a full-service planner will plan the wedding and handle most details and the wedding day. That rate sometimes goes much higher -- possibly$10,000 or more for an in-demand planner with ten years or more experience, according to i-do Weddings.
The cost varies greatly by region. The average total cost for a wedding consultant is $3,636 in the northeast and $2,635 in the south. The national average is$3,262, according to The Association of Bridal Consultants.

What should be included:

For a day-of package, a planner usually will confirm with vendors, help the couple create a wedding-day timeline and handle wedding-day details from start to finish.
For a consulting package, a planner might recommend venues and vendors, offer advice on colors and style, provide etiquette advice and help the couple stay on track with their planning -- but will not handle legwork and small details. On the wedding day, though, the planner will interact with vendors and make sure the day goes smoothly.
A typical full-service planners help set the style and colors, help find ceremony and reception venues, recommend vendors, accompany the couple to food and cake tastings and screen vendor contracts. Some will even send invitations and track RSVPs. On the wedding day, the planner usually puts in a full day troubleshooting, handling last-minute details and keeping the event on schedule.
Tip: Since packages and services vary from planner to planner, it is important to clarify in writing exactly which services are included.

Additional costs:

While it is not expected, some couples tip a wedding planner about15 percent for excellent service -- but a gift of a restaurant or spa gift certificate is more common than a cash tip.

Discounts:

One option is do-it-yourself planning, using online checklists or a book as a guide. TheKnot.com offers a 12-month checklist.
Half.com offers a number of used books on wedding planning, and Amazonoffers new books.
Some brides link up with another local bride through message boards on sites such as TheKnot.com or IndieBride.com and trade day-of coordination services. Trusting a non-professional can be risky, but it saves money.
Tip: According to the Association for Wedding Professionals International, many wedding professionals can lower their fees if you bargain.
Some wedding planners can get discounts from vendors, and most pass those along to their clients.
Wedding planners sometimes give a 10 percent discount for couples who get married in a slow month, such as January or February.

What is a wedding planner?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:39:41 +0100

A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of a client's wedding.

Weddings are significant events in people's lives and as such, couples are often willing to spend considerable sums of money to ensure their wedding is organized as perfectly as possible.

Professional wedding planners exist throughout the world, most notably in the USA, UK and Western Europe. There are various wedding planning courses available to those who wish to pursue the career.

Planners generally charge either a percentage (10-15%) of total the wedding cost, (which can range between $20,000 to $2 million in relatively affluent communities in USA) or a flat fee. In USA the fees typically range between $1500 to $5000 depending on the services provided. In the UK, fees range from £1,500 to around £7-10,000, depending on the planner's experience.

Wedding planners are often used by couples who work long hours and have little spare time available for sourcing and managing wedding venues and wedding suppliers.

Planners are also popular with couples planning a destination wedding, where the documentation and paperwork can be complicated. Any country where a wedding is held requires different procedures depending on the nationality of each the bride and the groom. For instance, US citizens marrying in Italy require a Nulla Osta (affidavit sworn in front of the US consulate in Italy), plus an Atto Notorio (sworn in front of the Italian consulate in the US or at a court in Italy), and legalization of off of the above. Some countries instead, have agreements and the couple can get their No Impediment forms from their local registrar and have it translated by the consulate in the country of the wedding. A local Wedding Planner takes care and guides through all the different procedures for each different case.

The services of a wedding planner can include:

Interviewing the couple and the parents to identify their needs.
Budget preparatio
Planning detailed checklist (from about a year in advance to a few days after the wedding)
Attendee list preparation
Identification of event venues (hotels, wedding manor etc.)
Identifying and hiring of wedding professionals and service providers (caterers, photographers, videographers, beautician, florists, bakers etc.), and preparation and execution of contracts.
Coordination of deliveries/services on the wedding day.
Have a back-up plan in the event of a disaster.
Assist and prepare legal documentation and translations - especially for destination weddings

Resources can be found in various books and publications and on websites that can allow a couple or a family to do the planning on their own. Many planners also run their own blogs to help provide inspiration and creativity.

Is this your mom? Some ways to ease your day for her

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:07:57 +0100

How to Handle a Momzilla

By Joanna Posner

///

Source

Spring 2005 Inside Weddings

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A mom who takes control of their daughter’s wedding day is nothing new. In fact, from the beginning, a mother’s traditional role was to plan the wedding. But in our current wedding climate, 21st-century trends come into play and can turn what’s supposed to be a beautiful union into a monster's ball.

Controlling Moms
Today, a mother’s eagerness to have a piece of the wedding planning pie comes from a different place than it did when it was her sole responsibility. Sharon Naylor, wedding expert and author of The Mother of the Bride Book, explains, “One type of mom is the controlling type that is trying to plan the wedding she never had.” Whether consciously or unconsciously, these moms start demanding that their daughter’s wedding fit into a certain mold -- one that was missing at their own wedding. Kristen Harrington, a marriage and family therapist in Kingston, NY, has seen plenty of mothers who attempt to re-create their wedding day vicariously through their daughter. “The mother had disastrous things happen at her wedding and has now vowed that she is going to have the wedding of her dreams -- which is her daughter’s wedding,”notes Harrington.

Emotional Moms
With a mother who has controlling tendencies, you’ll be able to anticipate how she will approach the planning process. But it’s the gentle, caring mom-turned-momzilla that can really take brides by surprise. Unassuming moms who then become obsessed with planning their daughter’s wedding, Naylor maintains, is a common theme. It’s important to realize, however, that these sweet, loving moms really do have your best interest at heart and they are not coming from an evil place. While you’ve been thinking about your wedding since the day your fiancé slipped that ring on your finger, your mom has been thinking about your wedding ever since she knew she was having a girl. Your mom has an emotional investment in her vision for the wedding. “It’s one of those things that come from a really benevolent place,” says Naylor.

Angry Moms
Divorce – one family dynamic that you can expect to see surface while you’re making plans – adds a whole new set of emotions to the wedding paradigm that could have your mom spinning out of control. “There’s this competition with the dad to be the best parent,” says Harrington. “I find that comes up over and over again.” For that reason, divorced mothers may overcompensate and try too hard to outdo their ex-husband, letting deep-seated insecurities about the divorce carry over into the nuptials.

What’s worse is when a significant other enters the picture and the situation is exacerbated, as Diane Johnson*, a graphic designer who lives in Phoenix, AZ, quickly found out. Four months prior to her March 2004 nuptials, Johnson’s dad proposed to his then girlfriend, Julie. It wasn’t until two days before the wedding, though, that her mother learned Julie would be sitting in the second row, next to Johnson’s father, at the ceremony. “My mom freaked out, told me she was not coming, packed her bags and left. It was a mess,” says Johnson. “My wedding was turning into an event all about Julie, and I was sick of it.” Rather than relishing in her leap into matrimony, the days leading up to Johnson’s wedding were filled with her mother’s divorce issues.

What You Can Do
This is a defining moment in your mother/daughter relationship and you have to find a way to talk to your mom using the same people skills you have with a difficult co-worker, or, as ironic as it may sound, with a child. It’s a great time to learn something new about people management and communication – not only to better the relationship with your mom, but also to make you more effective at work.

Above all, it’s critical to be strong and protect your plans for the wedding that you want. “It’s all about being diplomatic and assertive and knowing how to best talk to your mom,” says Naylor. With all the different feelings that a mother experiences during this pivotal point in her daughter’s life, everybody is really emotionally tweaked. And Naylor stresses that you have to take it upon yourself to be the leader in negotiating how things are going to go. “It’s important to set your foundation from the very beginning.”

So how do you find the fine line between being respectful and still efficient? Harrington recommends sandwiching all the issues that are hard to chew on in between two loving statements. For example, the first part of your discussion can be reflective of the fact that you do really love your mom, even if you are momentarily at odds. Then comes all the dirt, where you can rattle off the baggage you’ve been carrying around about your mom’s intrusive behavior. Be aware, though, that using “I” and not “you” will be much more productive. You can describe what you are feeling by saying, “I’m experiencing this kind of feeling and it’s becoming a problem for me and I need your help in resolving it,” rather than, “Mother, you are driving me crazy.” Once you’ve let it all out, close with another loving comment that encourages your mom to embrace a solution – one that will allow you to have the wedding of your dreams.

If a divorce and a step-mom are causing your mother to forget who should be the focus of your wedding day, keep in mind that her fear may be that she is being replaced by another mom. “You can make the whole thing better by saying things that will directly and indirectly assure her that she’s not going to lose you,” says Naylor.

However challenging your confrontation might be, don’t lose sight of whose wedding day it is. Ultimately, it’s your time to shine and you have the ability to create the environment you want to shine in. Harrington emphasizes, “You really are the one who has the choice, it’s your wedding.”

10 hidden Costs of your wedding

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:41:00 +0100

1. The Band equipment

Why it's hidden The cost of the wedding band includes fees for the musicians' time and the minimum amount of equipment needed. If your reception space is extra-large, then additional speakers and microphones could possibly be required to project the best sound quality.
The cost Anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars
How to avoid it Before booking your wedding band or DJ, you need to clearly explain the layout of the space (or have them check it out, if they're willing) so the vendors know exactly what they're working with. If they want to add in extra equipment, you should have them explain why it's necessary before you sign a contract or agree to pay for anything else.

2. Postage Stamps

Why it's hidden Stationers don't advertise the shipping costs; if they did, you might decide to go with simpler (read: cheaper) invites.
The cost Oversized, awkwardly shaped and bulky invitations will most often run you as much as $2 each to mail.
How to avoid it Skip the fancy boxed invitations and multilayer cards, which can bulk up quickly and cost a lot more than you bargained for.

3. Wedding Dress Alterations

Why it's hidden Wedding dresses are pretty pricey and stores don't want to scare away clients by listing alterations as part of the total cost.
The cost A simple hem can be less than $100, but completely rebuilding a bodice or moving zippers can send the price soaring.
How to avoid it Ask about what the store charges for every alteration you may need before you purchase the gown.
If it's too much, don't be afraid to take your dress to a less expensive seamstress to have alterations done.

4. Photo/Video Overtime

Why it's hidden Your wedding photographer and videographer are booked for just a certain amount of time, so if your wedding runs a little longer than you expected, they'll charge per hour.
The cost Starting at $250 per hour
How to avoid it When planning the day, factor in extra time for getting dressed and taking photos. You'll get a realistic sense of how long everything should take. Refer to this itinerary when booking your photo/video vendors.

5. Welcome-Bag Delivery

Why it's hidden Most hotels don't factor in a welcome-bag delivery fee when you block rooms. And they may fail to mention the rate unless you ask -- they'll just add it to your final bill. Inquire within; they may even charge you a fee for holding the welcome bags if you drop them off before the guests arrive!
The cost Up to $7 per bag
How to avoid it During the booking process, ask about the hotel's policy on receiving and delivering welcome bags to guests' rooms. It may be free or cheaper if they hand the bags out at the counter as guests check in. If you don't want the extra charge, you can distribute them at the rehearsal dinner.

6. Rental Transport

Why it's hidden You'd assume that the rental companies would include these extra fees in the per-item costs (do they honestly think you're going to fit 150 chiavari chairs in your own car?), but surprisingly, they don't.
The cost From $50 up to more than $500
How to avoid it Ask the rental company what their shipping and packaging fees are up front -- if the cost is too high for your budget, shop around a bit. You just might find that you'll actually save some money by renting items from a more expensive company that includes delivery costs at no extra charge.

7. Taxes

Why it's hidden Even though these aren't exactly hidden -- we all know that there are taxes on almost everything -- most couples don't think about how much they'll end up owing during the planning process.
The cost This will depend on the total amount of money you're spending as well as the location of the event (taxes vary in different areas).
How to avoid it There's no getting around paying taxes, but paying the entire bill in one lump sum can help lower the overall price, especially in the winter when vendors have fewer weddings to cover their bills.

8. Cake-Cutting Fee

Why it's hidden If you use the cake provided by your reception site, the charge is typically wrapped into the cost. Going with an outside baker can jack up the price. Why? Because your venue's workers are responsible for slicing and serving each piece, then cleaning the dishes. This means more work for their staff!
The cost From $2 to $5 per guest
How to avoid it Go with the site's cake baker. Don't worry: They'll likely be able to work with your vision. If you're set on a particular cake baker, then call your venue and find out what the fee is before you sign a contract.

9. Coat Check

Why it's hidden When you book your venue in the summer, it's easy to forget just how cold it'll be in winter months like December.
The cost The damage starts at around $200.
How to avoid it Union rules may dictate the number of people who are required to work the coat check (and the amount they get paid). Have a good approximation of your total guest count when you book the coat checkers.

10. Gratuities

Why it's hidden Many couples often think that the "service charge" is a tip for the event staff when it's actually an additional fee that the catering halls charge. For what? To cover their own cost for hiring servers.
The cost Typically 15 to 20 percent of the event's total food and drink fee
How to avoid it Once you get the proposed fee, add the service charge percentage so it's already accounted for before the event. The last thing you want is to get hit with an unexpectedly huge bill that just about breaks the bank.

-- Tia Albright, The Knott Posted on: Feb 19, 2009