Wedding Budget | LocalPartyPlanner Blog

Tag Archives: Wedding Budget

Yes, You Can Have an Ice Cream Cake at Your Wedding

May 7, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Everyone will have an opinion on what kind of food you should have at your wedding. Try to remember that it is your day. If you are looking for wedding menu ideas that will have people talking on your big day, you need to pick items that will stay in the hearts and minds of both you and your guests for many years to come. Many will tell you that you need to stay within the restraints of tradition, I say, you can have your cake and eat it too, especially ice cream cake. Speaking of pure indulgence, there are few things more delightful than a well planned wedding menu.

Afraid of breaking too far away from tradition? Remember that all brides have the right to what they want, especially when it comes to the food served at their event. Your caterer will have several items to choose from. It is important to plan your event properly in terms of food presentation and timing. For example, if you do decide to have an ice cream wedding cake, you will need to have a regular cake to display during the event. Be creative, there is no reason you cannot have a his and her cake. Why not? Whose day is it? Chances are your bridegroom will defer to your decision on most things for the day. Even the most conservative of person is likely to have no qualms telling you, “Yes, you can have ice cream cake at your wedding.” Or “What a fabulous idea!”. It is the perfect complement of your favorite cake flavor delicately layered with a select ice-cream flavor and is nothing short of a divine treat for the taste buds.

With a wide range of rich and delicious foods available and an almost endless array of appetizers, you will be overwhelmed with the task of choosing the ultimate menu for your guests and yourself. Choose wisely and make sure there are plenty of your favorites on the menu.

Remember that if you want a sweet ending that absolutely takes the cake for your big day, you now know that the your best bet is the ice cream cake.

Enjoy!

Bridal Shows are Valuable Resources for a Bride-to-Be

February 2, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life, but thinking about wedding planning can be one of the most stressful. How do you choose flowers? A venue? A dress? Decorations? And which of these decisions do you make first? One of the most convenient and smart ways that a bride-to-be can take stock of all her options is to attend a bridal show.

Some brides are eager to attend bridal shows, and others are afraid to set foot in one. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you have to understand two things. The first is that bridal shows can expose you to more companies than it’s possible to see in months, all in the same place – so it’s almost always worth it to go! The second is that you have to be savvy and know how to get the most out of your time.

Start of by thinking like an expert party planner and drawing up your to-do and to-find lists before you go. If you’re starting from scratch, this can be overwhelming, but first think about venues for the ceremony and reception. If you’ve already made some choices, think of everything you have left to decide and rank these items according to importance. If you have a dress, bring a swatch or a good photo along so you can look at jewelry, veils, and bouquets. Prioritize. Getting music for the reception should come before you look at cake toppers, no matter how adorable they are.

Also, make sure you don’t take on a bridal show alone. A good friend can help you sort through your variety of options, and they can help you avoid impulsive decisions. Once you’re at the show, make sure you get contact information for every florist, caterer, and photographer you meet. Remember to ask if they oversee the wedding themselves or if you’ll end up working with a colleague or assistant. Asking for references is always acceptable. Best of all, many of them offer discounts to brides who book through a bridal show.

In the end, you’ll come home with business cards and brochures, and you’ll have a much better idea of all your exciting wedding choices. Instead of grasping in the dark, every future bride should attend a bridal show. You’re guaranteed to walk away with more than free samples of cake.

Wedding Planning in Winter

December 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Even though June may statistically be the most common month for weddings, it does not mean it is the only appropriate time of the year for a great celebration. Winter weddings are a popular option that can create a magical memory that is unlike any wedding held any other time of the year. Before anyone commits to a wedding during this time of year, there are many things they should consider first.

Just a quick visit to any party planning site will reveal that there are an endless amount of ways to decorate and plan a winter wedding. The decorations for this time of year are available everywhere, because a lot of Christmas and New Year’s Eve decor is perfect for a wedding celebration. Banquet halls with warm fireplaces and silver and blue or red and gold decorations are all perfect backgrounds for some stunning wedding photos.

During the winter, families are often in town visiting already because of the holidays. This makes it more affordable for out of town guests to attend weddings since they will not have to make a second trip in the summer for the event. However, holiday parties and busy schedules may make it difficult for friends to attend, and that should be remembered when making plans.

Money could be another issue because many are financially strapped during the winter. There are higher heat and utility bills, the holidays and an upcoming tax season. This is important for the bride and groom to consider too, because it could eventually restrict how they are able to celebrate their winter anniversary in the future.
Another concern, at least for those in northern climates, is winter weather. Just as a rain storm can ruin an outdoor summer wedding, snow and sleet could cancel a winter event. It could cause guests to be delayed or have their flights cancelled and could even lead to a honeymoon departure being delayed.
Winter weddings may not be for the excessive worrier or the faint of heart, but when they are planned correctly and make full use of the beauty of the season, few summer weddings can compare. Make certain to be aware of the pros and cons and use all of the party planning tips available to make a winter wedding a party that no one will ever forget.

Good Luck!

How to Plan the Perfect Event

October 26, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Whether you’re preparing for a wedding reception, family party or business function, careful planning leads to a successful event. Dealing with all of the different details might seem overwhelming, but you can plan the perfect event by following these basic steps.

Set a Budget
Setting a budget isn’t the most glamorous part of event planning, but it is a necessary evil. When you set a realistic budget, you can make purchases without feeling guilty about overspending.
Setting a budget also ensures that your event will be well-balanced. You don’t want to book an incredible band and then find out that you don’t have enough money for food. Separate your budget into categories, and determine a realistic figure for each area. It’s also a good idea to add in some extra funds for unexpected expenses.

Brainstorm Ideas
Once you’ve determined your budget, the fun of event planning can really begin. When you’re first starting out, don’t be afraid to brainstorm a wide variety of ideas. Check out your favorite party planning blog for inspiration, and make a list of everything that comes to your mind. After your list is complete, you can start choosing the best ideas and decide on your event’s theme.

Determine Your Priorites
Unless you’re dealing with an unlimited budget, you’ll have to choose your priorities when it comes to planning your event. If you’re determined to have each guest enjoy a gourmet sit-down dinner, the majority of your dollars will likely go towards food. Other planners might prefer to spend their money on incredible decorations or unforgettable entertainment.
Once you decide what is most important about your event, you can focus your time and effort on the areas that matter the most. Book the things that are most important to you first, and then move on to other areas.

Delegate
Even if you have mastered the list of party planning tips, it’s vital to remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself. If you try to take care of every little detail without assistance, you’ll end up being burnt out and unable to really enjoy your event.
There are many people around you who want to give their assistance, but you just have to ask. Ask your cousin to owns a bakery to provide the cake, request volunteers to help with set up and tear down, or hold an invitation-addressing party with a few of your friends.

All of the above will help you have the perfect day. Most importantly, relax and enjoy. You are going to remember this day for the rest of your life, so do your best to make it enjoyable for both of you.

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

May 26, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life – not the day that drove you into the ground financially at full speed. Whether your budget is little or limitless, there are few ways you can save money on your wedding without compromising what you really want.

Get married on a Friday or Sunday.
Saturday is the most expensive day of the week to get married – especially in the Spring and Summer. If you get married on a Friday or Sunday you could save yourself some big bucks – especially if you schedule your wedding in the late Fall or in the Winter.

Skip the champagne toast.
People can toast with anything they’re drinking. If you’re not keen on ditching the classic toast, you can also opt for prosecco which is still bubbly but less expensive than champagne.

Stick to seasonal items.
Choose fruits that are in-season to save yourself some money on the catering. Thinking seasonally is also important when choosing your flowers. You’ll be surprised at how much choosing in-season items will save you!

Serve signature cocktails.
Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding. Most wedding venues have a “you open it, you bought it” policy which will leave you paying for a bottle even if you only had one sip out of it. Consider offering a limited bar with signature cocktails that all use one type of liquor. You can also choose to serve just beer or wine.

Shop designer or sample sales.
You can save up to 70 percent on wedding gowns, veils and accessories by shopping at sample sales. Your favorite designer’s websites might have a touring list of their sample sales or you can contact a local bridal gown salon to inquire about events.

Combine place cards with the favors.
Add guests’ names to the favors to save on the cost of printed escort cards.

Make your own favors.
Making your own chocolate covered almonds and bagging them as favors is an inexpensive and delicious way to save money on favors.

Rent a house for the wedding and lodging.
Renting a house can act as a wedding venue, housing for out-of-town guests, and a secluded honeymoon venue for when the guests leave.

Unexpected Wedding Expenses to Watch Out For

May 12, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Unexpected wedding costs to watch out for.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes… THE BILL… (Input dramatic music here). A common mistake that most couples make is not leaving a little extra wiggle room for unforeseen wedding expenses.

As you prepare your wedding budget, avoid getting heart palpitations upon receiving that hefty bill by being prepared for the unexpected. Here are the top unexpected wedding expenses to watch out for:

Uncle Sam. When checking all your vendors’ estimates, clarify if the sales tax is included in that price.

Delivery Fees. Almost anything and everything you need on your big day can be delivered – for a price. Be sure to ask what the deliver fees are ahead of time so you can budget wisely and be prepared.

Gratuities. Most of the time gratuities are not included in the initial wedding budget. Make sure you read the fine print in your contracts and estimates to see if your caterer is already adding that extra 20%. Make a list of all the people you need to tip included the band, DJ, photographer, florist, caterer, hairdresser, coatroom attendant, drivers, bartenders, servers, etc. Also make sure you have cash on hand on the day of your wedding. It’s a good idea to prepare tip envelopes ahead of time in order not to forget anyone.

Postage. Special envelopes – like the kind you’re probably sending your fancy invitations in – usually have an extra surcharge. If you’re including stamps for the RSVP envelope that’s also another added expense most couples forget about. Don’t forget about the stamps and envelopes for the thank you notes!

Wedding Party Gifts. It’s customary that you show gratitude to your bridesmaids and groomsmen for all their time and hard work. On average, it’s recommended that you spend between $75-$150 per person. This can quickly add up, so include this cost in your budget.

Set-up fees. Even if you’re bringing your own liquor you’re still likely going to end up paying a bar set-up fee or a cork fee. If the venue is helping set up your event on the big day, ask if they have a set-up fee as well.

Cake Cutting Fee. You can have your already overpriced cake..but if you want to eat it too, you’re probably going to have to pay a cake cutting fee first. These costs are a provision for the plates, forks and servers.

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.

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.