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Category Archives: Wedding Planning

Tips to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

May 7, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Flowers are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to your wedding. However, you don’t necessarily have to waste a majority of your budget in this category. Here are a few tips to save money on wedding flowers without compromising the decor you’re dreaming of:

Look for wholesalers. When purchasing flowers, search for wholesalers or a flower farm for the best prices.

Choose a naturally floral setting for your reception. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, there are probably tons of beautiful flowers and landscaping details in place already.

Choose in-season flowers. Opt to decorate with flowers that are in-season since they tend to be cheaper.

Artificial flowers. Faux flowers tend to be cheaper and are a great option if you’re looking to save money. If you opt for this, you can also always rearrange them and re-use them in your new home!

Choose an alternative. Who said centerpieces always have to be flowers? You can always choose an alternative centerpiece such as framed photos, desserts, candles, favors, etc.

Song Guide for Your Wedding Day

May 5, 2015 admin Leave a comment

No matter what style or type of wedding you’re planning, there’s a list of major categories that you’ll need music for. You’ll need to decide on different songs for specific parts of the day. Here is a song guide for your wedding day to make sure you don’t forget a soundtrack to any of your special moments.

Processional. You need to pick a song for your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to, and then another for when you walk down the aisle yourself.
Recessional. After you say your “I Do’s” you’ll need to have another song for your big exit.
Cocktail Hour. If you’re hosting a cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception, you’ll have to have a playlist of songs ready.
Reception entrance. A song to mark the bride and groom’s entrance as well as the wedding party. This is a good chance to set the tone for the reception.
The first dance. We’re sure you didn’t forget this one.
Father-daughter dance. You’ll need a song for the mother and son dance as well.
Reception playlist. Give your DJ an idea – and perhaps a list – of the music you do and don’t like.
Cake cutting. This song can be cute, sweet and upbeat.
Bouquet toss. This should be a fun and upbeat song.
Garter toss. This should be fun as well.

28 Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Signing a Contract

April 30, 2015 admin Leave a comment

When comparing wedding venue options, it’s important to make sure you understand all the details of each offer so you can compare wisely and choose the best option. After all, choosing the cheaper venue only to be later surprised by a bill with unexpected costs is no fairytale.

Here are some questions you should ask your wedding venue before signing a contract:

How many people can this location accommodate?
What dates are available in the month I’m considering?
What is the cancellation policy?
Do you have a weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?
How much is the deposit? When is it due? Is it refundable? Is there a specific payment plan for the entire bill?
Is there an added charge for using my own vendors? Sometimes wedding venues have their own coordinators, caterers and other professionals that are already included in their cost. It’s vital that you clarify these details so you know which responsibilities fall on you as well as to avoid double booking the same professionals.
Can I bring my own food, drinks and cake? If you have the option to bring your own, discuss how it affects the price they first quoted you. Do they charge extra for this option or does it bring the original price down?
Are party rentals included in this package? Chairs, tables, tablecloths, etc. Also be sure to ask what color linens are available so that you know when planning your colors and theme.
Are there set up fees?
Is there a charge for parking? If there is valet parking or a parking garage you should decide if you or the guests are responsible for the charges.
What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? How early can my deliveries be made?
Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated car or hotel room?
Is there a time limit? If so, what’s the cost of going over? Most venues only allow you to utilize the space for 4-6 hours.
Is there a coat check service?
What are the tax rates and other fees? State and local sales tax, hospitality fees, included gratuities, etc.
Price per person. If you are charged per person, make sure you clarify how they will arrive at the final number. Your hired professionals (photographer, videographer, band, etc) will also need to eat. You need to know if and how they will be counted. Do you get a discount rate for these vendors? Make sure you are aware of all taxes and service charges per person.
Do children have different pricing?
Can we do a food tasting prior to finalizing our menu selection? Is there an additional charge for this?
Do you provide cake cutting utensils?
Do you offer on-site coordination? If so, what services are available and is there an additional charge for them?
Do you offer any security services?
Do you have liability insurance? If the venue doesn’t provide it you should look into getting your own in case someone gets injured during your reception.
Do you provide overnight accommodations? Is there a discount for booking multiple rooms? Do you provide a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? What are the nearest hotels to the venue? (Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you block rooms off).
Do you have signage to direct guests to my event?
What is the last possible date that we can make changes?
Do you have sound equipment and speakers or will they need to be rented?
Are there decoration limitations such as candles?
Who will be our point person before the wedding? What about the day of the wedding? Can we meet them now?

12 Mistakes Brides Always Make

April 28, 2015 admin Leave a comment

The journey from getting engaged to saying “I Do” is filled with hurdles and mistakes. Here 12 mistakes brides always make and how you can avoid them.

You announce your engagement on social media too soon. Tell your family and closest friends first, and in person, if possible. Grandma and Grandpa will be more appreciative of finding out in person than through a distant relative who happened to see your engagement first on Facebook.
You don’t account for hidden costs. Sales tax, cash tips and last-minute extra charges can wrack up hundreds in extra fees.
There’s a large time gap between the ceremony & reception. Do your best to minimize the in-between time between the ceremony and reception. If this isn’t possible, make sure your guests are entertained or have a place to lounge and mingle, like a cocktail hour.
You cheap out on wedding party gifts. It’s definitely not cheap being a bridesmaid. Make sure you don’t skimp when buying the bridal party their gifts. A rule of thumb is to spend between $75 and $200 to show gratitude for their time and money that they’ve spent helping you with your big day.
You don’t consider your guests. Friends and family who are traveling to attend your wedding are spending a considerable amount of money. Be sure to arrange group activities the night before and the morning after the wedding. Go the extra step and make sure you block out hotel rooms for them and provide transportation.
Don’t spend all your time greeting guests. One of the biggest regrets brides have is spending a majority of their day greeting guests. Long post-ceremony receiving lines and table rounds at the reception can drastically reduce the time you’re actually having fun. Be sure to make the most of your day – don’t get held up at one table for too long.
You don’t do your flower research. Make sure you research floral costs. Don’t put strong scented flowers like lilies on your table since they can overpower the food. Hydrangeas may wilt in the hot summer heat if you’re having an outdoor wedding. If flowers aren’t in season they could cost you more than you think.
Don’t purchase your gown before choosing a venue. It’s your day and you can wear whatever you want. However, if you choose to book The Plaza for your wedding venue, you’ll most likely regret buying a low key wedding dress fit for a rustic outdoor wedding.
You don’t consider your venue when planning your décor. If you’re having an outdoor wedding at a venue that’s already graced with gorgeous landscaping you may be able to forgo spending a large sum on flowers.
You don’t leave schedule enough time for your hair and makeup. The last thing you want to do is be overwhelmed and rushing to get to the ceremony. Or worse-be hours late to your own wedding!
You opt for a trendy bridal look. Skip the trendy seasonal look when it comes to your big day. Today’s red carpet look is tomorrow’s awful wedding photo regret.
You get carried away with Pinterest DIY ideas. Sure, Pinterest is a wonderland for geniously-creative ideas. However, make sure you’re being true to your talents. Remember that tackling your own décor can also mean that you’ll be arranging details up until the last minute before you walk down the aisle!

How to Put Together The Ultimate Wedding Planning Notebook

April 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

When planning your wedding, organization is key. Having a wedding planning notebook where you can keep everything in one place is extremely helpful to keeping your sanity. With so many different kinds out there, it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the perfect wedding planning binder for you. With these tips on how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook, you can channel your inner DIY expert and create your own!

Things you’ll need:

A binder
A clear zip pouch to include fabric samples, business cards, etc.
Post-it notes. Because who doesn’t love them?!
Dividers and tabs for the different sections
A whole puncher
Calendar printable

Label your dividers to create these categories:

Important
- Calendar with all appointments and dates marked
- Planning timeline & checklist
- Vendor contact list
- Vendor contracts
- Wedding party contact sheet
- Family & guest list contact sheet
- Wedding day emergency kit checklist
- Wedding day timeline
- Checklist of everything you need to buy for the ceremony and reception
- Checklist of all responsibilities
Budget
- Wedding budget worksheet. Include percentages for each aspect as well as a sheet for what has already been spent
- Important payment dates and deposits
- Splitting the wedding tab? Include a guideline for divvying up the costs.
Ceremony
- Copy of ceremony text
- Questions to ask your wedding officiate
- List of processional & recessional order
- Contracts
- Officiate contact information
- Costs & tips
- Music playlists, DJ and band contracts
- Décor
- Seating arrangements
- Program
Reception
- Timeline of reception (dance, cake cutting , toasts, etc)
- Music
- Rentals
- Décor
- Setup info and instructions
- Menu
- Beverage list
- Playlist with special songs
- List of people who are toasting
- List of people to thank at the reception
- Favors
- Cake
- Guest book
- Photo booth
- All relevant contracts
- Exit sparklers/flowers/bubbles
- Reserved seating signs
- Toasting glasses
- Band contact info, pricing, etc
Guests
- Mailing addresses & contact information
- RSVPs
- Dinner choices
- Gifts received
- Thank you notes sent list
- Guest hotel info
- Welcome bags
Attire
- Bride
  - Schedule of fittings
  - Dress
  - Jewelry
  - Bag
  - Shoes
  - Lingerie
  - Veil
- Groom
- Bridesmaids
  - Dresses
  - Accessories
- Groomsmen
- Mother of the bride
- Ring bearer
- Flower girl
Photographer
- Contract
- Must-have photo list
- List of everyone needed for photos
- Props
Florist
- Contract
- Pricing & budget
- Ceremony arrangements
- Reception arrangements
- Bouquet arrangements
- Boutonniere arrangements
- Family member flowers
Rehearsal
- Venue contracts
- Décor
- Caterer contract
- Menu
- Vendor contact list
- Rehearsal dinner planning checklist
- rentals
Miscellaneous
- Honeymoon plans
- Honeymoon planning checklist
- Transportation
- Gifts from bride and groom
- Registry info
- Registry checklist
- Best man and maid of honor duties

Amazing & Free Wedding Planning Printables We Love:

Wedding planning timeline printable from Russel and Hazel: http://www.russellandhazel.com/PDF/WeddingTemplate.pdf
Wedding planning binder printables from Botanical Paperworks: http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/blog/read,article/573/free-printables-wedding-planning-binder
Martha Stewart Wedding Planning Printable: http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf3/wedding_workbook.pdf
Buzzfeed Printables Every Bride Should Know About:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/free-wedding-printables#.epBPY5zDx7

NOTE: Plan your wedding or event on LocalPartyPlanner.com and make use of our bride’s workbook which allows you to:

Add your own vendors
Keep track of hired & pending vendors
Manage a to-do list
Keep notations on each vendor and the event planning process
Track all budgets
Keep track of multiple events all in one place (reception, rehearsal dinner, brunch, etc).

How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

April 16, 2015 admin Leave a comment

You’ve been dreaming about (and obviously planning) your wedding day since you were a little girl. Thanks to Pinterest, wedding planning is a whole new ballgame these days. However, all these endless ideas can really wreak havoc on your budget. Knowing wedding budget pitfalls and preparing for unforeseen costs is key to avoiding a minor heart attack when being presented with a swoon-inducing bill.

Plan the wedding you’ve always dreamed of without cleaning out your savings account with these tips on how to avoid the biggest wedding budget pitfalls.

Being unreasonable when setting your budget too low. Sitting down and planning a wedding budget is one of the first things you should do after getting engaged. However, many couples tend to experience sticker shock when they start talking to vendors and realizing how much it actually costs to have their fairytale wedding in the real world.Sound familiar? If this happens to you, make sure you revisit and reassess the budget conversation to be more reasonable. Don’t just start splurging because you think you need to.

Wedding Parties & Events. When you initially discuss your wedding budget, be sure to specify if that budget include all the other wedding parties and events (engagement party, bridal shower, engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, etc). Depending on the size of your family and friends, these parties can all add up to almost as much as your wedding!
Spending too much on extras. Be careful when you’re purchasing extra-nice favors, expensive bridesmaids gifts, jewelry, wedding programs and accessories. Although these extra details can start out as small expenditures, they can really add up to a large amount.

Bridal Accessories. If you’re a fashionista bride and want to wear Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks as you strut down the aisle, remember that you’ll probably never wear those white shoes again. If you wouldn’t have it any other way, think about at least opting for a nude pair so that you can wear them again after your big day.

How To Look Effortlessly Pretty On Your Wedding Day

April 8, 2015 admin Leave a comment

makeup ideas to look effortlessly pretty on your wedding day

Looking perfect on your big day is one of the biggest goals any bride-to-be strives to achieve. With so many new hair and makeup trends coming out, it can be difficult to decide on a single look to wear on your wedding day. One of the best pieces of advice about bridal hair and makeup is that it’s always best to go with timeless classics. The minimalist look is always a great look to go for if you want something that will always look good, be it on your wedding day or in the coming years when you look back at the photos. Here are some tips on how to look effortlessly pretty on your wedding day:

PICK YOUR MATCH – Picking out a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly is vital if you want to achieve a gorgeous bridal look on your wedding day. Ask for the help of a friend who is knowledgeable about makeup or get the help of store assistants if you don’t know where to start. Mix foundation shades if you must. Starting off with a great canvass that is your face is key to achieving a stunning minimalist look.

ONE PART NEUTRAL, ONE PART BOLD – Just because you’re doing a minimalist look doesn’t mean you have to stick with a plain, dull and boring look. There are two main things to focus on when doing any kind of makeup and that is the eyes and the lips. Choose which one you would like to do in neutral and then make the other one bold. A neutral eye makeup look, for example, can be paired up with a really bold lip and vice versa.

AVOID EXCESSIVE USE OF BRIGHT AND LOUD COLORS – Having a hint or a pop of one bright / loud color throughout your look is fine but making it the dominant hue is not. Make sure to avoid using too many bright colors for your bridal look and opt for soft and subtle shades.

GO FOR THE DEWY LOOK – How do you pull off the minimalistic look without it falling flat? Simple. Just add a little sheen and a lot of that healthy glowing look by using a great highlighter. The dewy finish on your bridal makeup will help keep you looking fresh all day long. It will also give you that radiant glow every bride covets.

STEER CLEAR OF COMPLEX ‘DOs – The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have to redo your whole hairstyle just because you accidentally pull on one strand by mistake. Make sure to steer clear of any hairstyles and hairdos that are too complex. Braids, curls and waves are all really simple and easy to do and they’re perfect for achieving that romantic look as well.

Not sure what kind of makeup look is perfect for your big day? Check out these 77 gorgeous makeup looks you can recreate!

Top 5 Dress Styles For Your Flower Girls

March 25, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Top 5 Dress Styles For Your Flower Girls

She may be small, but your flower girl has a big job; leading the way for your walk down the aisle. Because of her unique role, a lot of thought is put into the flower girl’s dress. Many brides opt to have these darlings dressed in miniature versions of their wedding gowns. Other flower girls are outfitted in white dresses with sashes to match the bridesmaids. From tiered skirts to floral accents, each option is cuter than the next. Move over, Suri Cruise; these trends will have your flower girls looking like little fashionistas!

Sashes

A colorful sash adds a beautiful pop of color to a white flower girl dress. Match the color of the sash to the bridesmaid dresses for a look that ties in the entire bridal party together.

Floral

A flower girl can never have enough flowers. These textures look absolutely divine and add a fun, youthful element to these adorable dresses.

Tiered Skirts

A tiered skirt adds the perfect amount of volume to a flower girl’s dress. It creates a lovely shape and adds a princess-like effect – every girl’s dream!

Sleeves

Considering that flower girls are generally between the ages of three to eight, it’s appropriate for them to be wearing dresses befitting their ages. Sleeves add a demure look to the dresses and, if possible, make the girls look even sweeter.

Pastels

Flower girls don’t necessarily have to wear white. Lemon yellows, mint greens, and pretty pinks are popular choices for flower girls. Candy-colored frocks perfectly complement the sweetness of these little girls. You can even match the flower girl’s dress to the flowers at your wedding!

Planning a wedding is tough work – you have to consider every single detail in order to create ‘the perfect’ scene for your beautiful love. Too often, new brides forget that there are services like The Bridal Show Planner that can inspire and give direction for your big day so that things come together much smoother! We’re here to help!

Talking To Mom & Dad About Contributing Towards Your Wedding

March 24, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Money is an incredibly tough subject these days, especially when dealing with an expensive event like a wedding. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help lay out the rules of etiquette when it comes to talking to Mom and Dad about contributing towards your wedding. .

Talk to Your Fiance
Before saying anything to Mom and Dad, sit down with your fiancé and discuss your expectations. Make sure you get to a point where you both agree on your vision and how much it will cost. Be honest with each other about both families’ financial situations; you may find that you have to scale back on your original idea.

Be Polite

Whether you speak to Mom and Dad by phone or in person, you need to be very polite when asking for money. “Ask, ‘Do you feel comfortable making a contribution to the wedding?’ Then let them suggest what’s best for them.

Spell Out the Details
Once money is offered and accepted, other issues arise. Will your parents assume that they’ll have more control than you’d like? You’ll have to be clear that the buck stops with you and your fiancé. At the same time, be aware that their contribution does mean that they’re involved. Also, make sure they know that you’re asking for a gift, not a loan. Don’t borrow money. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt.

Avoid Hurt Feelings
Remember that there are two sides of the family now: yours and his. If your own mom and dad offer to pay for half the wedding, you should run it by your future in-laws before you agree. Bruised feelings may result whenever people are put in a position to pay more or less than other people. This isn’t always about wedding etiquette, make sure you’re comfortable with who pays for what at the wedding. The same goes for divorced parents—discuss asking for money with both separately in order to see what each is comfortable with.

Budget Wisely
Once you’ve accepted family contributions, create your wedding budget. Your job as a couple is to stay on track. It wouldn’t be proper wedding etiquette asking for money from your parents and then go over budget. If you’re planning to save up money yourselves during your engagement, decide how much you can set aside each month and keep a running total as you go; for each couple this will be different. For extra motivation, keep your tally displayed on your fridge. We suggest using a debit card for wedding-related purchases, so that these costs are immediately deducted from your account, making it easier for you to stay on top of what you have left.

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

March 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

Many brides decide they want to have a flower girl in their wedding, usually to include a younger family member, or to have a pretty sprinkling of petals down the aisle. But there is actually significance behind the flower girl. Her purpose is to lead the bride forward and symbolize the innocence fading away, and her role as a mother and wife coming forward.

The tradition began in Ancient Rome, where the flower girl serviced the bride and groom by carrying wheat and herbs. This was to bless them with prosperity and fertility. Throughout Western Europe, the only people who attended to the bride were those of youth. So all of the attendants in the wedding party were children. Finally, and the most notable of “flower girl visions” is the Victorian flower girl: a young, little girl in a white dress carrying a basket full of rose petals.

Today brides still use flower girls in their wedding, and a lot of the time they prefer to choose a flower girl that will mirror their own image. Sometimes the flower girl wears a small version of the bride’s gown, though most of the time she wears a dress similar to that of the other bridesmaids, whether it is in color, style or both. She is to symbolize innocence, beauty and even good luck!

Though there aren’t many alternatives to a flower girl, if you’re not having one, you could simply give your guests petal cones and have them sprinkle the aisle as you walk down it. Petal cones make a great alternative to rice or bubbles, but in this case they would be used during the ceremony rather than after.

And just in case you were wondering where the wedding ring bearer tradition originated? After a tireless search, it’s safe to say most have struggled to pinpoint the origin of the wedding ring bearer tradition. Some sources say the tradition was born in Ancient Egypt, where it was customary for treasured jewels to be carried on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies. Either way, it’s nice to have another young person included in the wedding party – if not just to make things super cute!

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