Wedding Expenses You Should Never Skimp On

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Wedding Expenses You Should Never Skimp On

This is your wedding, this is the day you’ve planned perhaps since you were a little girl!! Hopefully this will be your only wedding and it will be worth the investment. Many brides look back and have regrets.  The day should be about you and your fiancé.

Top of Form Bottom of Form Photography – These are your memories!!!! Even if your friend or a family member took a photography class and offered to do it for free for you, you want to hire a professional who will get the “important moments”. Do not give guest disposable cameras and hope for the best! A professional knows how to capture those “memorable moments”.  A great photographer can turn an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary wedding  Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, but it will be a whirlwind. When its over, the flowers will be gone, the food will be eaten, and your dress will be packed Food – You do not need to serve lobster and filet mignon, but you also do not want to service hot dogs and beans. Hiring a professional caterer can discuss with you different meal options that will fit your budget. You also want to have enough food to feed all of your guests. Guests with an empty stomach tend to get unpleasant, cranky, short tempered, and perhaps a little tipsy if serving alcohol. If you need to save money, cut the guest list not the caterer!!!!   Wedding DJ or Band-  The music gauges the audience's energy and works to create an exciting atmosphere for guests. Do you want your guest to be bored and just sitting at their table? The goal is to get your guests up and dancing or tapping to the beat with a smile on their face! It is important to keep in mind that your guests are expecting a great party and you should give them one, after all it is your party and you want them walking away with happy memories! Bridal Gown – This is your day, the day you waited for possibly since you were a little girl. You want to look nice and feel good! When you look back at your pictures, you want to fondly remember wearing your bridal gown and how it made you feel. You should feel like a princess and wearing a dress you love that looks good on you, will make you feel like  a princess!!! Hair and Makeup – This is your day and you want to look your best for the day and for the photographs you will look back at. There are many makeup artists and hair stylists who can make you look even more amazing! A good makeup artist can highlight your best features while making sure you still look like you!! Makeup shows up lighter in pictures than it does in real life and makeup artist know how to adjust the right amount of makeup. You also want to feel pampered and relaxed on your wedding day, it will also help to relieve some stress! I also suggest using professional beauty services rather then doing each other’s hair and makeup. If you are thinking about using drug store makeup to save money, think again because only professional makeup will last long and show up well on high definition cameras.  This is your chance to look like a movie star and remember everyone will be looking at you in persona and you’re your photos and videos. Don’t shortchange your self on the most important day of your life! Professional hair and makeup will make you look polished and stylist. I would recommend doing a trail run before your wedding.

Venue – It does not mean you have to spend a lot of money on your venue, it means you should be smart about the venue you choose. Make sure your venue has plenty of room for your guest and the ceremony can be done in a separate location then the reception. If you are thinking about an outdoor ceremony, make sure there is not a lot of loud noises from street traffic or airplanes. Make sure if you have it outdoors there is a plan b in case of bad weather! The venue is also the hub where everything else revolves around. Higher end more experienced venues also tend to give better service which will make guests more comfortable. 

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Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

Wedding Etiquette

Wedding Etiquette 

Etiquette Tips for Creating Your Wedding Guest List

Creating a wedding guest list can be extremely stressful because you may be worried about hurting someone’s feelings. Here are some tips on how to create your wedding guest list:

·      Figure out your budget and know how much money you can spend on food at the reception

·      The bride and groom need to each make a list of friends, co-workers, and family

·      The parents need to make a list also

·      Break down each of the list with “must invite”, “should invite”, “could invite” – this will prioritize each person in case the list needs to be cut due to budget (remember it is very important to stick to your budget!

·      As a general rule, always invite family first, less close friends, then co-workers

·      If you are planning to invite single friends or family members, remember your budget before offering the option of bringing a guest; but if your single friend or family member is in a long term relationship, etiquette does call for inviting their significant other even if they are not married.

·      Don’t feel obligated to invite co-workers but if your budget allows, there is an unwritten rule that says to invite co-workers and business acquaintances

·      Deciding whether to invite children can be a tough decision to make. If you are having a black tie affair, you may not want a lot of children especially if it is at night and children tend to become tired and cranky. If you are having a casual wedding in the afternoon, the more children the merrier, but again remember your budget when considering on whether or not to invite children. If you are having young children as your flower girl or ring bearer, remember to invite them! If you or your fiancée has children, they should be at your wedding and if immediate family; sisters or brothers have children, they should be invited at your wedding also!

The Etiquette of Writing and Addressing Wedding Invitations

• Spell out professional titles, such as Doctor and Reverend, and all military titles (General, Major, and so on.) for names on your invitations. Acceptable abbreviations are the nonprofessional titles of Mr., Mrs., and Ms. Don’t include academic titles, such as PhD, on the invitation unless the person is a minister with a theological degree. Nicknames should not be used; address David instead of Dave, Jeffrey instead of Jeff, and so on
• Spell out street names, such as Avenue, Boulevard, and Street, on all invitations. Also spell out days of the week, dates, months, times, and numbers in addresses for invitations to black tie and formal weddings. For invitations to semiformal and informal weddings, you can use numbers freely.
• Do not include gift registry information or gift suggestions on your invitations. And never, ever, handwrite anything on the invitation.
• Address the inside envelope with exactly whom you’re inviting. For example, writing “Mr. and Mrs. ” tells your guests that just the Mr. and Mrs. are invited, not their children .
• When inviting single friends and family members; address it as Mr., Ms., or Miss and only write and guest if your budget allows. If your budget does not allow, tell the guest.

Etiquette of who pays for what?

As mentioned previously, budget plays an important part of who pays for what.  Another important factor is if the wedding is formal or informal. It is not like it was decades ago, there is nothing that is set in stone; but there is a general guideline;

The Brides Family

            Wedding gown, veil, headpiece and accessories

            Flower bouquets for the bride and the bridesmaids

            Flowers for the ceremony and the reception

            Canopy/Carpet/Candelabras/Candles

Items for the ceremony such as sand and glasses for a sand ceremony, wine and glasses for a break the wine ceremony, etc.

Rentals for the ceremony or reception

Invitations, Announcements, Programs

Napkins, Matches, Printed items

Fee for the venue

Band/DJ/Photographer/Video Photographer

Caterer

Wedding cake

Wedding Favors

Bags of rice

The Bride

            Wedding ring for the groom

            Wedding gift for the groom

            Bridesmaid’s gifts

The Groom

            Wedding ring for the bride

            Wedding gift for the bride

            Groomsmen/Usher gifts

            Corsages for the Mothers and Grandmothers

            Boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen and ushers

            Marriage License

            Wedding Officiant

            Limousine Service

            Honeymoon

Bridal Party

Dresses, Tuxedos, shoes, and accessories 

Children in the Bridal Party

         Their parents pay for dresses, Tuxedos, shoes, and accessories 

Out of town guests

            Their own accommodations

Again who pays for what is not set in stone! It is not the same as it was decades ago. Today, the Grooms family helps to pay for many of the grooms expenses, the bride and groom share many of the expenses, and sometimes the brides family pays for more than is listed above. The key is for the bride and groom to see if they can afford to pay for any or all the expenses then ask their families to see who will pay for what.

Wedding Tipping

Tipping has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated. Many times gratuities are added to the final bill for caterers. It is considered proper to tip the servers, sometimes their tip is already in the contracted price. Other people who should be tipped if not already in the contracted price include catering managers, banquet managers, bartenders and bridal consultants. The customary amount to tip a server is 15%. If someone has gone above and beyond, additional tips may be added even if the final bill includes gratuities.

Limousine Driver usually get tipped 15%, your contract may already include the gratuity.  Photographers, florist, musicians, officiants and bakers are generally tipped for extra special services 

How To Write a Thank You Card

·       Thank you cards should be personalized

·       Never preprint thank you cards

·       Thank you cards should be handwritten

·       Send a thank you card to thank people for gifts, arranging bridal showers, and bachelor parties

·       Mention what the gift is in the thank you card

·       Thank you cards should be sent for shower gifts within ten days of the party

·       Thank you cards should be send for wedding gifts within two weeks after returning from the honeymoon

·       Use blue or blank ink 

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430
 

What Brides say are their biggest regrets; don’t let this happen to you

·      Not having a professional photographer

·      Not having a videographer

·      Not having an open bar

·      Not personalizing the ceremony

·      Not wearing comfortable shoes during the reception

·      Not having enough food

·      Not getting makeup and hair done professionally

·      Not paying attention to details

·      Not doing what the bride and groom wanted

·      Not researching venues

·      Not setting a budget

·      Not sticking to the budget

·      Not buying the dress she really wanted

·      Not having a “must” play list for the DJ/Band

·      Not having an emergency kit

·      Not eating before the ceremony

·      Not drinking enough water during the ceremony

·      Not getting enough sleep the night before

·      Too much partying the night before

·      Putting more focus on the marriage instead of the wedding

·      Feeling pressured to have everyone in the bridal party

·      Drinking too much during the ceremony

Number 1 Regret Brides have:

Not slowing down and cherishing her Wedding Day
My advice to you is to take a few deep breaths many, many times during your wedding. Take the time to cherish your guests, all the special moments, and especially, your groom!!!

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

What Every Bride needs to know

Wedding Advise Every Bride Needs To Know

Book your vendors early

Top of Form Bottom of Form Plan the day for yourself, not for others Get the groom involved, it’s is wedding too Pamper yourself before your wedding, want an excuse to go to the spa?  Your wedding!!! Remember to allow time to visit tables during your reception Seat older guest away from loud music Pick a song for your first dance that has meaning for both of you Remember evening weddings are more formal than day time weddings Have someone else do your hair and makeup, you will be too nervous Consider having your wedding and reception at the same location, its easier for everyone Send your invitations out 6 – 8 weeks before the wedding Send thank you notes out no later than 3 months after the wedding Don’t invite guest you really do not want to see at your wedding Stick to your budget Go over the types of pictures of want with your photographer ahead of time Go over a do not play and do play song list with your DJ or Band Take dance lessons for your first dance together Select dresses that will flatter everyone in your bridal party Don’t forget to offer a vegetarian option on your menu If you have guests who keep kosher, have a kosher option on your menu Do not seat divorced parents at the same table Make sure you are comfortable with your choice of vendors If working on a tan, start early so you are not red or peeling on your wedding day Consider offering sparkling cider for guests that do not drink alchol Decide ahead of time how many children you both want, who is doing the finances, who is doing the cooking, laundry, cleaning and other household chores. Attend bridal shows Order a small bouquet for the bouquet toss, keep your bouquet as a momento Have a tasting for your reception food and your wedding cake If you have an outdoor ceremony be sure to have a backup in case of bad weather Pay all vendors in a timely manner Wear waterproof mascara Get a good nights sleep the night before Do not let friends and family talk you into something you do not want for your wedding Make sure you eat something on your wedding day Do not drink too much at your wedding, you want to remember everything Do not get a haircut too close to your wedding Enjoy yourself

Why hire Wedding Professionals for your Wedding Day

Hire Professionals: They Are Worth Their Weight In Gold

Professionals are Committed to YOU!!!
Using friends and family to do the jobs as professionals can ruin relationships. When you hire a professional, many times you need to pay a deposit to hold that date. That is a HUGE commitment. The deposit guarantees they will be there for YOU. Friends and family may change their minds months before, not show up when they said they would, and this is not a time to find out if your friend really cares at all.


Professionals have EXPERIENCE!!!
Hiring professionals with experience will help reduce your stress level before and during the wedding! If you use friends and family, your may worry if they do the job that is expected from them.  Experienced vendors provide advice and knowledge that is priceless. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and help you spend your money more wisely and effectively. 


Professionals help with glamours weddings!!!

If you are wondering if you should hire a professional, think about all the beautiful weddings you see on TV and in magazines, even if it looks simple, it’s not simple, professionals just make it look that way! You may be asking yourself; “Why does everything cost so much?” Most people do not understand what a business owner needs to pay because most people work for a business, does their job, and earns a salary. Wedding vendors are like a CEO of a business  and CEOs need to factor in costs like paying rent on office space, taxes, advertising, insurance, education, labor, talent, software licenses, phone,  cable internet lines, and more before the business owner may collect a salary.

Professionals can save you money!!!

Hiring a professional equals value and value can often save you money in the end. Professionals pay attention to details, have the knowledge, and the resources that keep you from making unfavorable mistakes so you and your family can enjoy your special day.

Why hire a professional wedding officiant

A trained, experienced, professional wedding officiant can help you design a wedding ceremony that is right for you. It is important to find one that is not just willing but is eager to perform the kind of ceremony you dream of.  You need to find an officiant that is willing to work with you to design, write, and edit your ceremony. A wedding officiant sets the tone for the entire wedding day.  Couples should have a ceremony that is memorable and meaningful.

Questions you should ask your

wedding officiant:

Is the officiant available on your wedding date?

Can the officiant travel to your chosen wedding site?

How long has the officiant been performing weddings?

Are the ceremonies customized to fit your needs?

Can you write your own vows?

Can family members or friends do prayers or special readings?

Can the officiant include religious touches if desired?

Will the officiant allow you to specify details such as music, vows, and readings?

How flexible is the officiant to change parts of the ceremony?

What is the process for creating your ceremony?

Is there anything they will not say or do?

Will the officiant marry you if you are of different faiths?

Are there any restrictions as to your attire or the bridal party’s attire?

Can the officiant legally wed people in your state?

Is the officiant available for the wedding rehearsal?

Are there any hidden charges?

Does the officiant require a microphone and if so, what kind does the officiant prefer?

Are there any restrictions on photography or videography?

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

5 Wedding Flower Mistakes to Avoid reposted from theknot

We asked top wedding florists from around the country for the most common mistakes brides make -- here's what your florist wishes you knew.

Photo: Kris Drake Photography

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Flower Mistake 1: Not seeing the big picture

"Couples tend to see the centerpieces and the table setting but do not visualize the whole reception room with their guests in it. For example, couples pay for a room with a wonderful view of the ocean or scenic surrounding and want tall, large centerpieces that will obstruct this view."
-- Faith Cass, Cass the Florist, Inc.

Flower Mistake 2: Not trusting your florist

"Communicate your vision, likes, dislikes, and expectations but have a little flexibility and be comfortable with substitution. We want to make your wedding absolutely breathtaking. So relax, put trust in your vendors and remember why you hired that amazing talent!"
-- Alana Guglielmo, Mixed Greens Event Design

Flower Mistake 3: Not reusing ceremony arrangements

"Aisle flowers can become centerpieces and altar pieces can be moved to the buffet table. The ceremony usually only lasts about half an hour -- it's a shame to see so many flowers only being used for that amount of time when they could easily be incorporated into the reception decor!"
-- Paula Pritchard, Paisley Petals

Flower Mistake 4: Booking your florist last

"Couples should begin the process of booking vendors by speaking to one vendor from each category before booking anyone. This way they can get an idea of what things cost and perhaps they could budget better."
-- Douglas Koch, Douglas Koch Designs ltd

Flower Mistake 5: Refusing to compromise

"The biggest mistake is for a bride to have her heart set on specific flowers and not be flexible. A florist can do a much better job if the bride asks for an overall look, feel, and color scheme and let the florist create it."
-- Jana Stall, Events in Bloom

Flower Mistake 6: Ruling out pricey blooms

"Don't be scared of the expensive flowers. Flowers like cattleya orchids and peonies are more expensive, but they also cover more space and have a greater impact. One cattleya orchid can have a greater impact than a bouquet of roses."
-- Erin Drake, Enlighten Events International

Flower Mistake 7: Not communicating with your florist

"Knowing what you like is just as important as knowing what you don't like. Bring lots of pictures -- it is the best way to help convey what you do and do not want your floral designs to look like."
-- Danielle Childress, McKannix Floral Studio

Flower Mistake 8: Using only one color

"A lot of brides try to match the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses. A bridesmaid in a lavender gown with lavender flowers will make for very disappointing pictures. Flowers are a great place to choose an accent color -- for example, a lime green against a lavender gown will bring out the best in both colors and make for fabulous photos."
-- Linda Maggert, One of a Kind Events

Flower Mistake 9: Choosing strongly scented flowers

"Choosing highly aromatic flowers for centerpieces may sound like an amazingly romantic idea, but it will drive your guests insane if they are prone to allergies. For highly aromatic arrangements -- stick to your bridal bouquet and the altar arrangements."
-- Katie Martin, Elegance & Simplicity

Flower Mistake 10: Not taking care of your blooms

"Everyone loves hydrangeas, especially in bouquets. However, hydrangeas need to stay hydrated, and the average lifespan out of water in temperate conditions is about three hours. They might not even make it through your ceremony if you're out all day taking pictures." -- Esther Galantowicz, Scarlet Petal

Flower Mistake 11: Forgetting to budget for flowers

"Most brides find that flowers are an important part of their day but forget to include them in the planning from the start. When I have a budget and a theme, I am really able to advise them better right from the beginning."
-- Georgianne Vinicombe, Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co

Flower Mistake 12: Taking on too much DIY

"Brides [who try to DIY their flowers] will purchase dozens of glass vases for centerpieces, only to become overwhelmed. We receive many frantic calls, asking to take over the stress of these DIY projects, which oftentimes becomes more expensive than hiring a professional from the start."
-- Natalie E. Willett, Zuzu's Petals

Flower Mistake 13: Ordering your flowers too late

"Flowers come from South America, Holland, and all over the world, so it is very hard to contact farms across the world and have flowers arrive within one or two weeks. Leave at least a six-week window ahead of your wedding week to be able to line everything up. Your flowers will be cheaper if you can give us the time that we need to order."
-- Brenda Sterk, J's Fresh Flower Market

Flower Mistake 14: Choosing an oversized bouquet

"Brides often think: ‘The larger the better!' What they don't realize is that the larger the bouquet, the more it covers and fights with the overall design of their dress. Further, do you really want to carry something that is huge and heavy? Think about the size and comfort when it comes to your bouquet."
-- Shawn A. Rabideau, Shawn Rabideau Events

Flower Mistake 15: Overlooking the reception table linens

"What's underneath a centerpiece is as important as the arrangement itself. Linens don't just complement the look of your centerpieces; they complete them. From runners to underlays and overlays, the right ‘undergarments' can make flowers flourish on a table."