I expected that this post would be quick easy to write, and then my thoughts began to run wild.  As I recalled some of the most bizarre, distressing and implausible conversations I’ve had with both clients and potential clients regarding the “B”-word, I realized that talking budget is never easy.  { Truth be told, I am not alone in what I’ve experienced. When the wedding planner convention comes to town, stories about wedding budgets will be shared.}

Wedding Budget Advice

My best advice regarding a wedding budget is: have one.  The second piece of advice is: be sure it’s realistic.  This is where things get a bit sticky.  “Why?” you ask.  Because realistic is a subjective term – that’s why.

It’s always interesting when people ask me how much I think their wedding will cost.   Or conversely, they will ask if $XXX is enough to cover their wedding.  Seriously – it happens all the time, and typically on the first phone call.  It’s an impossible question.  “Why?” you ask.  Because I don’t have nearly enough information about the client’s situation or expectations to provide a reasonably accurate or relative answer.   Occasionally we receive the answer that every event planner loves to hear: “We don’t have a budget” or “Money is not an object”.  Unfortunately,when we ask if they are comfortable with a 100k working budget, more often than not, they answer no.

All weddings are not the same.  Even if you had two weddings with the same number of guests at the same location the final tabs would likely not even be close because there are so many variables.

I wanted to share this nifty wedding trivia and bridal budget infographic.  It highlights some average costs which I find to be pretty much in line with typical central Florida wedding expenses.  Can you have a wedding in Central Florida for less than $26,984? Absolutely!  Is it possible that you wedding will cost more than $26,984?  Absolutely!

click to view larger

Getting Started

Before you can do anything, you need a figure to start with.  Most planners with a few years experience have developed a few budget calculating tips.  For example:  Take a look at that number of $194 per guest.  $194 multiplied by 50 guests is not the same wedding as $194 multiplied by 150 guests.   While a smaller guest list will, or should I say can, result in lesser food and beverage costs, other expenses (DJ, photographer, wedding gown) will remain constant – meaning they are unaffected by guest count.  That being said, I can tell you my thoughts on what I think $194 per guest will buy you, and you can let me know if that’s what you had in mind.  (Alas, that’s where the free advice ends.)

I think people are reluctant to give a budget figure because they have some impression that the planner will make them over spend or charge a higher fee.  This could not be further from the truth.  An ethical planner is looking out for the client’s best interests, regardless of their budget, and wants every client to have the best wedding or event they can afford.

Destination weddings are so much fun!

Last week we welcomed Stacy and Matt from Ann Arbor to sunny Florida!  In a few short months we designed all the elements of their destination nuptials which took place in the town of Celebration.   It was an intimate affair, but the energy was high – there was no doubt everyone was ready to celebrate!

{Pro pics are forthcoming}

Bride Stacy was stunning in her figure flattering wedding gown, and her attendants looked breezy and beautiful in aqua tea length dresses.  Professional hair and makeup styling made the ladies picture perfect!

Gorgeous floral was a key element for this destination wedding.  The bridal bouquet was exquisite, as were the floral trees which were used at both the ceremony and reception.  Guests enjoyed a fabulous plated dinner followed by dessert and dancing.  The couple made a grand exit with a classic car.

Loved our team for this wedding: Raining Roses, Horizon Entertainment, Rhodes Studios, Visual Effects by Seth, Your Wedding Makeup, Party Flavors, and the Bohemian Hotel Celebration

It’s no secret that Florida is a popular destination wedding location – statewide we offer historic hotels, glorious gardens, beautiful beaches and amazing attractions!  Should you be considering a wedding here, we’ve prepared a few Destination Wedding Tips to help you get the most from your out-of-town wedding:

1. Marry off peak. Weekday weddings are by far the most affordable.  Don’t compete with the locals for prime dates and Saturdays; opt for a weekday instead. Vendors and wedding professionals often reserve discounted rates for mid-week weddings.
2. Whenever possible, decor should be ‘multi-purpose’.  For this wedding, two of the floral trees were used at the wedding ceremony and then moved to the reception
3. Work with what you have. The venue was so well appointed, there was little need to bring in linen, decor for the cocktail reception, etc.
4. Don’t leave anything to chance. You can’t simply rely on websites (things are not always as they appear).   Working with an experienced Planner will give you piece of mind; trust them to advise you and guide you to qualified wedding professionals.   (We’re so glad Stacy & Matt chose A Flair for Affairs; if we can help you please let us know!  Otherwise, the Association of Bridal Consultants can be an excellent resource.)
5. Keep It Simple Sweetie. Don’t bog yourself down with too many things to pack (such as cake knives, or favors, etc.), and don’t over-schedule yourself – leave plenty of time for last minute errands, driving to and from various locations, and photo sessions.

James Allen

Your wedding day is your day to shine!   You’ll want to pay close attention to the details – especially since everyone else surely will!

Rock that bling!

Clean your wedding jewelry and engagement ring a few days before the wedding so it sparkles like brand new!  This is simple enough to do at home – here are some great tips that will work great on gold jewelry and most precious gemstones:

1. Soak the jewelry in small bowl of warm sudsy water with a mild liquid detergent.  A soft toothbrush can be used to gently brush the jewelry while it is in the suds.  Rinse jewelry items in warm water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth or tissue paper.

2. Soak the jewelry in small bowl of cold water and household ammonia (half and half) for thirty minutes.  Once again a soft toothbrush can be used around the mounting.  Swish in the solution again, then rinse and air dry on a soft cloth.

3. Use a brand name liquid jewelry cleaner and follow the instructions given on the label.

4.  Using a baking soda, add a small amount of water to create a paste.  Brush on the paste with a soft toothbrush, rinse under warm running water and let air dry.

Some people swear by a solution of vinegar and warm water, while others prefer to use vodka.  I have also read about using toothpaste as a cleaner, but jewelers seem to discourage this. (Note: Toothpaste and other abrasive substances can scratch your jewelry.)

Swarovski bridal necklaces are very popular as they are much more affordable than diamonds and precious gemstones. Cleaning of your Swarovski crystal jewelry should be done on regularly basis by using warm soapy water. You can also use ultrasonic jewelery cleaner on occasional basis. After this, it should be rinsed with warm water and air dried. It’s recommended that you keep your Swarovski bridal jewelry away from make-ups, hair sprays, perfumes and other strong chemicals.

Sparkling Crystal and Glass

I have seen so many incredibly gorgeous crystal and glass pieces at weddings: from Tiffany and Wedgwood to Baccarat and Swarovski! It always surprises me that these items are often not properly cleaned before they are displayed at the wedding ceremony or reception.

All of your personal items – unity candle sets, champagne flutes, picture frames, candy decanters, etc – should be cleaned of finger prints and filmy residue, and all stickers and tags should be removed.

Tips for removing tags and merchandise labels include GooGone (my favorite), WD-40 (be careful where you use this) and the age old ‘soaking’ technique. Heating the labels with a hairdryer is also helpful in loosening the adhesive glue. Whenever possible, use cotton gloves to handle the items.

Note: Take special care when cleaning heirloom pieces. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler.

© 2010 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Add to Technorati Favorites

Q & A with Wedding Planners as seen in Orlando Wedding Magazine

Orlando Wedding 2010

The debut issue of Orlando Wedding magazine is absolutely enchanting! I would even go so far as to declare it a ‘must read’ for engaged couples in Central Florida!

Among many terrific articles and features was “Q & A with Wedding Planners” by Megan VanWaus.  Not only was I delighted to be quoted in Megan’s piece, I was elated to be featured alongside fellow Association of Bridal Consultants members Kerline Docteur (Joie de Vie Weddings and Events) and Heather Snively (Weddings Unique). I’m proud to share a common bond with these ladies:  Heather and I are both Senior ABC members, and Kerline and I regularly work together on  ABC meetings and projects geared toward educating local association members and wedding professionals.

Good things come in threes they say, and in this case I certainly agree!