Tag: venue

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.

Trends To Consider for Spring and Summer Weddings

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Spring and summer weddings are quite popular. In fact, statistics state that a vast majority of weddings in the United States occur between May and September. This makes sense, especially if you plan on having the reception outdoors in any capacity. If you are figuring out the date of your big day and want to plan around the warmer months, then you might want to ensure your event reflects the mood and aesthetic of the season. Take a look at these tips and learn about a variety of trends that couples are utilizing when it comes to planning their weddings.

The Attire

First and foremost, consider what you would like guests to wear to your wedding. If you are going to host a big event in the thick of the summer, then you are going to be dealing with guests who are hot, irritable, and ready to cool down. One way to make matters more manageable from the start is by encouraging family and friends to wear outfits that are a bit more casual. If you’re having an outdoor summer wedding, for example, cotton or linen formal wear can make for a perfect choice. 

You can also encourage guests to wear colors that reflect the dazzling beauty of the season. A springtime wedding where guests capture the colors of the budding blossoms in their attire can make for a wonderful event.

The Decor

A wedding in the spring or summer doesn’t need to be outdoors. In fact, you can easily capture the energy of nature by using the right decor in your planning. These days, couples are enthralled by decorations that look like they were plucked from outside. A perfect example of this is a “green chandelier.” This is a light fixture that is covered in moss, flowers, and other elements from nature. Couples who love the outdoors and are looking for simple ways to include nature in their weddings will adore this idea.

There are many ways to include nature in your decorating. Looking for items that are as stylish as they are functional? Use potted plants to create boundaries in your venue. One way to achieve this is by creating aisle markers by placing large, flowering plants at the end of each row of chairs in the ceremony space. 

The Texture

Textures have become a very popular focal point for weddings in recent years. Consider the last time you attended an event in a space similar to a refurbished barn or factory. What stood out the most? In most cases, what will be remembered is the way the building appeared and felt. Touching an old piece of restored wood is incredibly different than touching a piece of wood that has been mass-produced in a factory. Textures have a way of grounding people, creating a calming effect that also adds a robust element to the visual atmosphere.

The Lighting

The right lighting is key to any event and weddings are no different. For an affair held in the spring and summer, soft lighting is the way to go. In fact, you may want to opt for ambient light choices over practical ones. Small features like strings of faerie lights, twinkling lights, or even Christmas lights, can make for a phenomenal addition to any space. Some couples are even using vintage indoor lamps as centerpieces, which gives the tables in the reception space the feel of an old supper club or cabaret. 

The Choice

No matter what time of year you decide to tie the knot, there are many details to sort out before you walk down the aisle. For anyone planning on getting married in the spring or summer, there are some extra steps to take to put together an affair that perfectly reflects the tone of the season.

Five Ways To Help Guests Who Attend Your Destination Wedding

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Have you always dreamed of a destination wedding? Have you always wanted to leave the confines of your small town and get married somewhere luxurious? If this has always been your plan and you can afford it, you should make it happen. First, however, there are several things you should do to help make the trip easier for the friends and family that you would like to attend.

Limit the Guest List

Chances are most people in your life won’t be able to come to your wedding if it isn’t local. Whether it’s because of money, time, or lack of child care, it’s hard for people to get away. For this reason, you should limit your guest list as much as possible. Instead, aim for close friends and family who you think will be able to and want to make the trip. Doing this gives you a better idea of who can attend, which will make planning much easier for everybody.

Offset Costs However Possible

Your guests will likely spend a lot of money when paying for travel, lodging, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. See what you can do to help offset the costs of your wedding. Even things such as providing some of the meals can go a long way.

In addition, you can rent a larger space where your guests can stay. This shouldn’t cost you too much money but would help with the affordability of your guests’ trip. If you can’t afford that, call around and see what deals hotels in the area offer. You may save some money by booking several hotel rooms at once, and you can find some at different price points so that guests can stay within their lodging budget.

Tell Them As Soon as Possible

Let your guests know the date and location as soon as possible. The more time they have to plan, the easier for them to come. Solidifying a date and place should be the first thing you do to give your guests as much time as possible to make travel arrangements.

In addition, provide them with an itinerary you plan to stick with. This shows them the more specific times they will need to be available. For example, if you have family who will need to be in photos, giving them that information will be helpful for them.

Reach Out to Those Who Can’t Come

Some guests simply cannot afford the time or money to attend your wedding. Ensure you clarify that this is not an expectation and that you completely understand if they cannot come. Consider having a brunch or party locally that they can attend to celebrate your wedding, so they feel like they were still a part of your special day. During this event, you can share photos and tell stories about your wedding day and the days surrounding it.

Put Less Expensive Gifts on the Registry

Many of your guests will be spending a lot of money to attend your wedding. For this reason, consider putting some inexpensive items on your wedding registry. This will help if they cannot afford both the trip and an expensive wedding present. You may also consider letting them know that they do not have to get you a gift but that their presence at your wedding is enough.

These are several ways you can make the experience for your guests a bit easier, which makes it more likely that you will have a good turnout. By doing what you can to help prevent this from being a stressful experience, you are helping ensure that your wedding will be a wonderful time and a great vacation for anyone who can attend.

Tips for Including Your Pet at Your Wedding

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

1. Check with Your Venue

Before diving into pet-related plans, check with your favorite wedding venues about their pet policies. Some places may have restrictions, so it’s crucial to confirm that they are pet-friendly. If they are, inquire about any specific guidelines they may have for bringing animals onto the premises. Alternatively, you may choose an outdoor or backyard venue to accommodate your four-legged pal.

2. Choose the Right Role

If your heart will be happier with your pet by your side on this momentous day, pick a role for them to play. Popular options include:

  • Ring bearer
  • Flower pet
  • “Best Dog” or cat, etc.
  • Guest greeter

Consider your pet’s temperament and training to determine the best fit. If your furry friend is calm and well-behaved, then walking down the aisle will be a breeze.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearse with your pet leading up to the big day. Familiarize them with the venue, and train them to do the specific actions they’ll be performing during the ceremony. Regular practice will help them feel more comfortable and confident on the actual day.

4. Pick Pet-Friendly Attire

Design their outfit early. A cute bowtie, floral collar, or even a tiny tuxedo can add charm to your pet’s appearance. Ensure that whatever you choose is comfortable for them to wear and won’t cause any distress.

5. Designate a Pet Handler

Assign someone you trust to be your pet’s handler on the wedding day. This person can be responsible for bringing your pet to the venue, taking them for bathroom breaks, and ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved throughout the celebration. Having a dedicated handler allows you to focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about your pet’s well-being.

6. Capture the Moment

Work with your photographer to plan shots that include your pet. Discuss specific poses or shots you have in mind to ensure nothing is missed.

7. Embrace a Pet-Related Theme

To let your guests know how much your pet means to you, add in some pet-themed decor, reception goodies, and signature cocktails that display your love of animals. Including your pet in the overall theme of the wedding adds a cohesive and personal touch to the entire event.

8. Pet-Safe Treats

Offer safe treats for your pet to enjoy during your event. Whether it’s a special cake, dog-friendly cupcakes, or treats they love, having something to reward them for their good behavior is a thoughtful touch.

9. Plan for Breaks

Pets, like humans, can get tired or overwhelmed. Plan for breaks in your pet’s schedule to allow them some downtime. This is especially important if your celebration lasts for an extended period.

10. Inform Your Guests

Let people know that your pet will attend your wedding. This is particularly important for guests with allergies or fear of animals, but it may also inspire your friends to bring their companions along too.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.

Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.