Wedding Budget Blues......or.......Wedding Budget Bliss?

TACKLING THE WEDDING BUDGET
Quite a contradiction in terms, right! Well it is; it's the kind of thing that can bring both blues or bliss (personally I would opt for the bliss, as I think most couples would!) but to achieve this we must be realistic every step of the way. There is nothing wrong with having a "dream wedding" providing it is within your budget. 
                                
After meeting with a couple and discussing their "perfect day" I am often the one who has to bring the subject of money up and it's quite funny to me that as a planner this is the part of the wedding planning process that we tend to lose the "bride to be" for a while, it begins with the rolling of the eyes, the heavy sighing and the automatic flipping of "another" bridal/wedding magazine that has mysteriously appeared! However it is the "groom to be" who becomes attentive and is quite astonished as to what things actually cost when it comes to all things weddings, the furrowing of the brow becomes more visible particularly if he/they are shouldering the the entire bill or at least quite a big chunk of it. 


I really try to tackle this subject very tactfully as people tend to get quite defensive when discussing money, and let's face it ~ it's never really the right time to bring it up! My approach is to be non partial and make sure they get "the best value" for money and hopefully have some money left over for the honeymoon! It's all about being creative and making that hard working dollar stretch as far as it can go as well as trying not to lose the style and class that is synonymous with hiring me as their planner. 


Ideas of a fantasy wedding are often brought down to earth by the issue of money so it is important to discuss this pretty much after the engagement; because as any bride to be would know as soon as you get engaged on come the blinkers and its "wedding mode" all the way till you walk down the aisle. Setting a budget for your wedding is the second thing you need to do after the engagement. Your budget will be determined by the style of your wedding, number of guests and the type of reception you are wanting to have. Everything you do from now on will affect your wedding budget. By keeping accurate records/receipts of wedding expenses as you go along it will help you stay within your budget.


HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
As part of the many services my company provides budget preparation is fast becoming one of the things I assist couples with the most, aside from on the day coordination etc. I suggest to my couples that you both discuss what is important to each of you separately and try to find common ground  and then to decide what will be the area that you wish to spend a higher % of the budget on. The reception generally takes 40 -50% of the budget with the remainder of the funds being allocated to your priorities.


HIDDEN COSTS
Un-budgeted costs an result in unexpected higher wedding bills and being aware of the "details" will help avoid any hidden costs. Things to keep in mind are: corkage fees cakeage fee (fee for cutting and serving cake at the venue), any late fees to suppliers, church/celebrant fees and parking costs associated with guests attending your wedding etc.


WHO PAYS FOR WHAT
Today there are no rules about who pays for what. Times have changed and what it really comes down to is the financial ability of the bride & groom and their families.Don't be afraid to discuss money so early in the planning process as this will hold you in good stead when dealing with financial issues in married life (and boy there are plenty!) Establish good communication with your partner and family if they are contributing to the wedding and always be truthful about your financial situation. Often couples find it difficult to discuss money with their parents, however in the long run if they are willing to contribute it's best to know up front so everyone is on the same page.

                                               
My aim for writing this blog was so that all couples can enjoy the wedding planning process, open the lines of communication when it comes to finances and by discussing this "taboo" subject of a "wedding budget" we can avoid the pitfalls of the "wedding budget blues" and have "wedding budget bliss" instead ;)


Happy planning...........Natalie

Vintage vs Retro vs Antique

Lots of brides to be use the word "vintage" fairly loosely these days to describe the look they are trying to achieve; however I often wonder if they actually mean "retro" or "antique". To try and de-mystify this dilemma I have decided to blog about this topic because as a planner it's my role to understand what it is they really want so I am able to translate that into their ideal wedding theme.

VINTAGE

If you decide to plan for a wedding that is inspired by the Roaring 20's, 30's etc my advice would be to get into that 1920's flapper fashion by dressing in a drop waist vintage beaded french lace will capture old time romance & accessorise with vintage crystal and diamond brooches. For the guys a suit with tails and top hat will compliment the bride just perfectly. Styling your vintage themed event with touches such as feathers, birdcages with silk flowers, venetian mirrors and candlelight will set the reception shimmering. You can even add antique silver bowls filled with flowers as centrepieces and have vintage cars as your transportation.                                                          

RETRO

When planning a "retro" style themed wedding, think about "all-american classic", "1950's rock'n'roll", "Happy Days" era of bobby socks and the big full tea length skirt, with the big  1950's cadillac.

ANTIQUE

This period is generally referred to as the Edwardian or Victorian Era. With this in mind, it's best to describe this theme as rich, romantic, old fashioned etc. Colours that are generally used are those in the pastel palette; ivory,pink,gold etc.Intricate victorian lace, beading and pearls are at the heart of this romantic wedding theme which just shouts "pretty & romantic".

I hope I have been able to at least shed some light on this topic and by having a clearer understanding of what each terminology is you will be able to exactly describe to your wedding planner/supplier what it is you want and get the wedding of your dreams with your own personality shining through.

Happy Planning..............Natalie

Little Red Riding Hood Wedding Inspiration

Growing up in a family that loved reading (and I mean really "love") was a tradition I wholeheartedly embraced and it became a part of who I am so it was inevitable that I be a fan of the written word. I was always fascinated how you could immerse yourself in a world of mystery, history, fantasy or romance and be transported to another place and time without having to leave your room. This is where as a planner it is crucial that you be able to be see inspiration and have imagination when no-one else does.

Which leads me to the newest movie that has hit the cinemas: "Little Red Riding Hood". Having been quite familiar with this classic tale, I found it quite refreshing that there is some wedding inspiration that can be take from it, despite the dark and ominous storyline surrounding it. The robust and decadent colour palette of black & red may not scream wedding to some, but if done correctly it can say "decadent & romantic". 

Pictures by Tab MacCausland

Always remember that you can take inspiration from anywhere , be it a fairy tale or not and by putting your own personal twist, ensures that it is all about you.

Happy Planning.................Natalie

Hearts Desire

Hmmm......what does this mean? Could it mean your dream wedding? Could it mean all your dreams coming true for your special day? Well sort of........this blog is about wanting everything possible thing and not really paying for it! How is this possible you may ask? Well the answer is easy.....I'm writing about tips for your Bridal Registry. Where you can literally shop till you drop and not pay a cent - not a bad deal, hey.

Creating a wedding gift registry can be a daunting task, so I've assembled the best advice to get you started.....

1. Have a PLAN 

Firstly draw up a list of what you want and what you need. Don't be afraid to choose larger, expensive items as it gives guests a chance to buy a group gift. Select gifts that cater for different budgets. Give guests plenty of choices at different price points.

2. Go back to BASICS

Move through the store thinking of each room of the house. List essentials including: glassware, dinnerware, towels and bedlinen.

3. Adding a touch of FUN & LUXE

Popularity  of Wedgewood & Royal Doulton is growing as designs become more modern. Wii consoles are also finding their way on a number of registries, its fun and both bride & groom can play. If travel is a priority to the couple, luxe luggage can also be included.

4. Living together

Don't worry this is a chance to either complete a set of dinner plates, glasses or upgrade to more sophisticated homewares

TOP 10 Wedding Gifts

• Coffee Machine
• Wine decanters
• Formal Cutlery set
• Set of LUXE wine glasses
• Pots & Pan set
• Digital camera/video
• Complete formal dinner set
• Set of quality cook books
• Gift Voucher for Couples Day Spa
• Cooking class voucher for bride & groom

I hope this these handy tips make shopping for wedding gifts loads of fun and hope that you get everything in your wish list!

Happy Planning.................Natalie