Ways to Save

We are always looking for ways to save our Clients money when it comes to planning events.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Try to locating a venue that is already ornate. You may not need decorations. The beauty of the venue may  be enough.

2. When it comes to flowers, make sure they are in season

3. Is there an event before yours? See if you can gain their contact information and maybe both of you can share in the costs of some of the vendors (i.e., flowers, music,)

4. Do you really have to have your event on a Friday or Saturday night, which is prime time? Why not a Sunday or weekday evening? Sometimes this can save as much as 50% when it comes to the venue rental and vendors.

5. Depending on the type of event you are having, why not use online invitations?

6. Try to purchase items in bulk

7. Start planning early so that you can take advantage of sales as they come about

8. Plated dinners are often times less expensive than buffets. Attendees have a tendency to eat more when there is a buffet. Extra dishes, flatware and staff are also often needed for a buffet.

9. Ask the venue if you can bring in your own liquor. Even if there is a corkage fee, often times you will still come out ahead.

10. Want to have a Photographer or Videographer, but running close to the end of your budget? Check out a Photographer or Videographer school. There are some great student Photographers and Videographers out there. Catch them while they are still students before they begin charging at least $350/hour.

Hope this helps in saving you a few dollars!

Happy Planning!

The Art of Tipping

It takes many to make any event successful.  You want to thank those that have helped you make your event memorable.  I am often asked what to tip and who to tip?  Find the answers below:

Caterer and/or Banquet Manager - 15%

Bartenders - 15% to 20% of the liquor bill

Powder Room and Coat Room Attendants - 50¢ per guest or arrange to pay a flat tipping fee instead.

Clergy members - $20 or more donation, depending on the length of the ceremony.  Some will not accept, so it is appropriate to make a donation to the church.

Civil Ceremony Officials - $10 and up. However, look into this first. Some judges cannot accept money.

Florist - 15% directly to the driver who delivers the flowers.

Photographer - 10% to 15%

Videographer - 10% to 15%

Cake Decorator - 10% to 15%

Musicians or D.J. - 15%

Limousine Driver - 10% to 15%

Please note that some vendors include the gratuity in their quote, so be sure to ask!

Happy Planning!

Two Important Words When Planning an Event

Budgeting and Flexibility

There are many things to consider when it comes to your event. Your budget is the most important. No money. No event...

However, I always like to ask any client that I meet with:

"What is your dream event or wedding?"

”If you could have everything you wanted, how would it look?"

Of course everyone has a budget. Very seldom are unlimited funds available.

Many times my clients look at me strangely because the words budget and dream usually do not coincide. I ask for the dream because I try to find a way to incorporate that dream into the event, but on a smaller scale. Sometimes making small adjustments can make a large difference. When it comes to budgeting, one of the biggest things that can help you to get where you want to be is flexibility.

Flexibility: the quality of being adaptable or variable

Change the day of your event, Friday and Saturday evenings are prime time which means prime pricing. Would a weekday evening or weekend afternoon work? There are several tricks of the trade and money saving ways.

My best advice is that being flexible can many times get you what you want.

Happy Planning!