Wedding Planning Made Easy!

Your Wedding Budget

2010-01-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

You want the celebration of your special day to reflect your personal sense of style and to make sure all of your guests have a wonderful time. So how do you accomplish that without breaking the bank? Determining your wedding budget is one of the most important decisions you will need to make. If you are lucky enough to have a large budget, that's wonderful. But even on a tighter budget, there are plenty of creative compromises you can still allow you to have the wedding of your dreams and stay withing your budget. Once your overall budget has been determined, you can then allocate how much to spend for the various expenses. Of course, there will always be unexpected expenses, but careful planning with your budget can help to keep things on track. This is where a good wedding planner book, online planners, and actual Wedding Planner Professionals are worth their weight in gold!

Different planning sources will offer guidelines of percentages for your budget, how much you should allocate to the different elements of your wedding (bridal gown, tux, venues, catering, entertainment, flowers and decor, guest favors, etc). Every couple will have different priorites and feel they should spend more money in one area over another. So remember, if is important to you to have really great food served at your reception, then it is OK to expand the budget in that category. You just need to know that you may need to reduce the budget in another area to keep within your budget.

It is very important to keep good written record of the break down of your wedding expenses. Not every item listed on the sample break downs you come across will apply to everyone. So take out the elements that will apply to you, and start your own list. Use an excel spreadsheet to help you keep track. This way you can easily see what has been paid, when, to whom, and any balances due to be paid at a quick glance.
Remember to include a miscellaneous category for all of the little expenses that come up, and do not forget to record them as well. A few dollars here and there might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can add up quickly over the months throughout the planning process. Keeping track of everything you spend will help to keep you withing your budget, and avoid financial steesses. If you find yourself spending more on certain elements than originally planned and budgeted for, early detection can allow you to revisit your budget to make adjustments.

Remember, planning your wedding can be a very fun and exciting time as you near a new phase in your life. Keeping track of your budget will help ensure a successful planning venture!

"Seal 'n' Send" Invitations

2009-09-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Seal'n'Send invitations are one way you can keep to a smaller wedding budget. These clever invitation/ announcement designs are printed on a single sheet which is folded to create a single mailer— no envelope is needed! This all-in-one invitation is printed on both sides and can include not only your wedding ceremony information, but, reception, accomodation/ lodging information, and more. The bottom panel is actually perforated for your guests to use as a detachable RSVP post-card, pre-printed with your return address on it!

Though these budget friendly invitations are simple in format, that doesn't mean you have to give up style. The Send'n'Seals are available in a variety of designs and color combinations to reflect many looks from simple and elegant, to modern and chic. To see examples of the Seal'n'Send, go to http://carlsoncrafts.com

Save-the-Dates?

2009-09-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

One of the industry's latest trends and tools in wedding planning is the Save-theDate Announcement. The announcement is a great way to let your guests know when your special day is planned for, and gives them an advance notice of the date, before the traditional wedding invitations go out. Though these are an optional item in your planning process, they can be an important item to include.

You may want to consider sending a Save-the Date if your wedding day is during a holiday week-end, or over the summer. These are times when people make special plans and having the announcement of your wedding day farther in advance, can allow many of your guests to plan around your date. Also, if you have out of state or out of the country guests, the Save-the-Date announcement allows them extra time to make travel arrangements.

Save-the-Date announcements are typically sent 4-6 months in advance of the wedding day, and can be ordered at your local stationer shops, online, or you can make them yourself. Have fun with your announcements, there is no need to be formal- save the formality for your invitations! Though the Save-the-Date is the first glimpse into your wedding for your guests, let your personality come through. Perhaps including your engagement photo, or have the announcement made as a magnet that can be placed on the fridge for a visual reminder. Basic information such as the date is all you need to include to let all your friends and family know of your upcoming nuptuals. However you may want to add an inspirational quote and mention that details of the wedding are to follow.

Get Organized!

2009-09-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Whether you are the "I can do it myself" type, or the "Oh my gosh, I need help" type- every bride- to- be needs to stay organized. For some, that may mean enlisting in the help of an actual Wedding Planner, for others, the purchase of a good wedding planner guide book may do the trick. Or maybe, you fall somewhere in between. In any case, staying organized will help to keep the planning process progressing, while checking off all of the items on your "to-do" list.

Professional Wedding Planners have access to a fountain of information from booking vendors to helping you bring your vision to life. An experienced Planner will have worked with many types of vendors from DJ's, caterers, florists, ice-sculpurists, and specialty lighting to cake bakers and photographers. The list goes on- if you need a vendor, they can help you to find one. Because the Planners have established relationships with the vendors they recommend, you can rest assured, they should be reputable and you should have a good experience with them. Most planner will help you to establish your budget, and keep you on track as well. Another great service provided by a professinal planner is the "Day-of" coordination. You've spent a long time planning the wedding of your dreams, and you want to be able to enjoy your day. Leave the details of pulling the day of the wedding to the planner. It will give you peace of mind, so you can savor the moments and dance the night away!

For those who cannot afford a professional, make the investment in buying a good Wedding Planner Guide. This will soon become your most valuable asset. It will outline all of the details associated with planning your wedding, and help guide you through the process. Also, you may want to purchase a notebook with folders to jot ideas in, and keep information and/ or pictures you collect along the way. Most brides are surprised at all of the details that need attention and decisions that need to be made. A good planner will help to ensure that nothing important gets overlooked.