Tag: money

Wedding Gift Ideas All Couples Will Adore

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

While being invited to a wedding can be an honor, it does come with a handful of responsibilities. Above all else, you will be expected to bring a gift to the event. Though it can seem like a simple task, some couples are harder to buy for than others. Thankfully, there are plenty of fantastic ideas out there to get your wheels turning. When there is no registry, and you want to provide more than a simple cash present, these gift options will be sure to please even the most discerning of couples. 

Start With the Kitchen

According to experts, the kitchen tends to be the room that sees the most use in any home. If you’re looking for a practical present that the couple will actually try out, kitchen gadgets are the way to go. Consider something classic like a cutting-edge toaster that offers a variety of finishes for warmed bread. If you want your present to stand out, then an idea like a home pizza oven might be the perfect fit. From measuring cups to a French press, there are countless kitchen appliances and gadgets that make for excellent wedding presents. 

Think Outside the Box

Items that can be used around the house tend to make for the best wedding gifts. However, sometimes you need to think outside the box in order to find the perfect fit. For example, you can help the married couple feel safe and sound in a new space by gifting them a smart video doorbell from a trusted brand like Ring, Google, or Arlo. Similarly, a digital photo frame is a perfect present for a couple with a lot of images to share and limited wall space to hang pictures on. 

Offer a Touch of Luxury

A present does not always need to be practical in order for it to be a perfect fit. In fact, some of the best gifts you can offer a married couple are those that provide a touch of luxury to their lives. A towel warmer is a great example of this, helping couples to stay nice and warm after a shower by delivering toasty towels. Another great choice is a new set of sheets for their bed. New linens can completely transform the way a bed feels, which can be perfectly symbolic after a couple ties the knot. 

Improve the Honeymoon Experience

To really help your gift stand out, consider providing the couple with an item that they can put to immediate use while traveling for their honeymoon. Bluetooth speakers are ideal for this arrangement, allowing couples the chance to play their favorite tunes while soaking up some sun on a tropical beach. A GoPro camera can be a wonderful item to give adventurous couples. These durable digital cameras are made for people who love to live on the edge and are a perfect fit for anyone who wants to document their wild and exciting excursions. 

Deliver a Chance To Make Memories

When a couple already has everything they need, it can be difficult to figure out what kind of wedding gift to buy them. Instead of looking at physical items, it can be a better idea to offer a unique experience. For food lovers, grab a gift certificate to a local restaurant you think the couple will enjoy and provide them with a chance to have an intimate date night after the excitement from the wedding has worn off. Consider the interests of the couple, and you’ll easily find an experience-based present that will make them smile. 

Discover the Perfect Present

Finding a gift for a couple you care about can often prove challenging. As long as you take time to research your options, you should have no trouble discovering a perfect present the couple will be sure to adore.

Everything You Need To Know About Picking a Signature Wedding Drink

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Customizing your wedding with small details is a great way to showcase the unique personalities of both yourself and your partner. While there are many ways to go about this, one simple and effective choice is coming up with a signature drink. Whether you opt for a classic mixture like a tequila sunrise, a clever mocktail, or a completely original blend, the right refreshment can go a long way to bring your big day together.  

Explore the Reasons for a Specialty Drink

Creating a specialty cocktail for your event is a fun way to express yourself, but it’s also very practical. Paying for an unlimited open bar can be a huge expense. When you settle on serving signature drinks, you can limit the liquor that is offered at the bar and save some money without denying your guests options beyond wine and beer. This choice can also be a lot of fun, allowing you to come up with silly and clever names for your drink. 

Consider Your Favorite Liquors

When going about the process of choosing your signature drink, you want to begin with the basics. Namely, you should think about your favorite liquor options. Do you enjoy clear spirits like vodka or gin? Do you prefer darker intoxicants like whiskey and spiced rum? Once you have selected the right alcoholic base, you can start looking at mixers and herbs that perfectly complement your choice. 

Create the Drink Based on Your Life

One way you can create your cocktail is by having it reflect your love story. If you took a walk along the beach on your first date, then consider a bay breeze, which is made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cranberry juice. If you spend a lot of time in a big city together, Manhattan could prove to be a perfect drink choice. This simple mix is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry. 

Think About More Than One Choice

If you’re having a difficult time choosing just one drink for your big day, it’s OK to pick more than one signature beverage. People can be particular when it comes to the liquors they prefer, meaning you don’t want to offer only bourbon to a crowd that heavily prefers vodka. However, you don’t want to go overboard and offer too many drinks. According to industry experts, you should have no more than four signature drinks. Offering too many options can put unnecessary pressure on your bartenders and defeat the purpose of serving a limited selection of drinks. 

Play With Names

After you’ve come up with your cocktails, it is time to devise some cute names that describe the drink and reflect your relationship. Puns will be a lifesaver in this scenario, so get as wacky as you’d like while brainstorming ideas. If you’re doing a basic vodka and cranberry, the name could be something like “Berry Much in Love.” Any drink that incorporates mint could easily use the name “Mint To Be.” 

Use Bar Menu Signs

Finally, don’t forget to have signage for the drinks. Guests will need to know what you’re offering, what’s in each cocktail, and the special significance the beverages hold to your relationship. Cute signs that feature the colors and theme of your wedding can help to tie the entire experience together. 

Find the Ideal Drink

Though concocting a specialty cocktail is not a requirement for your wedding, it can be a fun way to enhance the festivities. Consider what ingredients will best encapsulate the relationship you’ve built with your partner and provide your family and friends with a delicious refreshment they will keep coming back to

How To Create a Wedding Budget

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Knowing how to craft a well-thought-out budget is one of the most important skills you can have as an adult. You’ll use financial planning at many different times in your life, especially for big events such as moving to a new city and getting married. Once you’re engaged, you and your partner might wonder how and where to start with estimating the costs of a marriage ceremony and reception. Here’s a helpful guide you can follow to create a wedding budget.

Determine Your Total Resources

Before you get emotionally invested in a specific vision for your big day, you need to determine the total amount you’ll have in your pool of resources. This figure may come from your salary, what you have in savings, and contributions from your family. 

Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford. You can plan for an intimate ceremony or discuss eloping if you have limited resources. The most effective way to budget is to spend within your means.

Set Your Priorities

Sit down with your partner to discuss your priorities. What aspects of the wedding are most important to you? Is it the venue, the photographer, the guest list, the food, or the entertainment?

Once you’ve identified the things you can’t sacrifice, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these elements. This sets the tone for the entire budgeting process.

Break Down Your Expenses

The most tedious part of the process comes next, where you will create an itemized list of expenses. A traditional wedding involves these categories:

  • Venue and catering
  • Decorations and flowers
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Photography and Videography
  • Entertainment
  • Transportation

If you’re planning to elope, your expenses will look a little different. You won’t have to worry about catering for a large group or decorating a party hall. However, you might spend more getting to a special destination. 

Allocate Funds to Each Category

Next, you’ll allocate funds based on your priorities. This step requires some trade-offs. For example, if your venue and catering are at the top of your list, you might need to trim expenses in other areas. Use a spreadsheet or budgeting tool to keep track of allocations, and ensure that you don’t exceed your total budget.

Research and Comparison

As you navigate your budget, collect quotes and estimates from potential vendors and services. Get multiple quotes and don’t hesitate to negotiate. This is an area where you can potentially save a significant amount of money.

Compare the options available within your budget, and be sure to read reviews and check references for vendors to ensure the quality of their work. You might also discover alternative solutions, such as a friend or family member who can provide a service.

Monitor and Adjust as Needed

A wedding budget is not a static document, and there’s no point in making a budget if you don’t monitor what you spend along the way. The reality of planning a complex event is that there will always be costs you didn’t plan for. Similarly, you may decide to change your priorities along the way. This may be particularly true if you’re planning the wedding over several years. 

Keep track of all your expenses, even small ones, to avoid overspending. Be prepared to adjust your allocations if necessary. Maintain an open mind and stay focused on the big picture, which is the fact that you’re getting married to the love of your life.

Remember that a well-organized budget is the key to a stress-free and enjoyable wedding planning process. With careful preparation and discipline, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.