Tag Archives: Wedding Costs

Top Picks for Wedding Color Palettes

The wedding colors you choose for your event should be one of the first things you do when planning for your wedding décor. Determining the look and feel of the wedding style you wish to achieve is something that you will refer back to often to pull the event together. Color Palettes for the event are the first to decide on. You may choose to use bold modern colors to make a statement or stay with a traditional look with a combination of soft colors. Wedding style is a very personalized decision, and the different colors you choose will depend on the preferences you choose to focus on. We have put together a is a short list of some popular color palettes to help you narrow down your decision.

wedding-palette

Silver, Teal and Classic White. Think Tiffany & Co. Who doesn’t love that little blue box with the white ribbon? These colors are a classic color scheme for your wedding style. It can be used in table set ups and the cakes. These colors can be used in all-weather seasons, beautiful summers and winter wonderland both lend themselves to this tried and true color palette.  It is a classic look.

navy-green-wedding

Navy, Classic White and Spring Green. This is a sophisticated Spring-Summer color palette. You can choose a soft white and classic navy to balance each other with small shots of Spring Green to brighten up your theme in a fun way. This color palette naturally lends itself to beautiful flower displays using the natural green elements of nature to enhance all of the color of each floral centerpiece.  

pale pink-grey-white 

Pale Pink, Soft Gray, and Ivory. This is an elegant color scheme that turns out to be the best during the winter months. Picture the elegant invitations, beautiful table designs and exquisite floral displays with this soft palette. It is also very flattering for most people to wear, you can have the groomsmen have soft blush ties and your bridal party in pastel pinks. You can even offer a toast with pink champagne for that extra surprise coordination that is sure to make people smile.

pink-mint-white-wedding

Classic White, Coral Pink, and Mint Green. This is a nature-inspired look that can be used for a fun spring-time wedding. Choose carefree and light hearted ideas like a pink and green candy bar to keep the feeling of this palette upbeat. You can also showcase these colors by using a signature cocktail. This is a fun and very trendy look for your wedding.

plum-gold-wedding

Plum, Ivory and Gold. Picture a royal wedding, sophisticated and regal. Purple is actually associated with with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. All great attributes to have represented as you start a life together with someone. Of course the gold adds a hint of glamour to an already posh color palette. From your invitations to your table settings; this palette will be sure to impress even the most particular guests.

 

 

 

 

Wedding Planning in Winter

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!

 

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Wedding-photography

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.

Wedding Calendar

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.

Champagne Toast

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.

Wedding Flowers

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!

signature-cocktails-1

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.

Wedding Dresses

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.

Double up your escort cards as your favors to save money on your wedding

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

DIY Wedding Favors are a way to save money on your wedding

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 to save money on your wedding

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

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.

How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

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.

How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

  1. 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.

    How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

  1. 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!

    bridesmaids gifts.

  2. 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.

    Glittery jimmy choo shoes

  1. 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.

 

Talking To Mom & Dad About Contributing Towards Your Wedding

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. .

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.