Paying for a Wedding

I entered into this business partially because it pained me to see couples fret over money when planning a wedding. You've heard me say it before, the absolute first thing you should do when planning your wedding is map out your budget (with realistic numbers, not just guesses of what you want to spend on each category). That being said, here are some general tips for figuring out both who pays for what and how much total you have to spend:

*It really is a grab bag when it comes down to who pays for the wedding. It may be the couple, the bride's parents, the groom's parents, or other close family members contributing to the budget. As many couples today wait until they are established in their careers before getting married, they are chipping in more and more. Also, with the economy being the way it is, I tend to see more and more 'group' contributions where each involved party contributes what they can. The days of set percentages or 'traditional' contributions are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

*Have an open and honest conversation with both families before planning anything. Know how much each person is willing to contribute financially and when. Be up front about the fact that you, the couple, will have to decide the final guest list and that budgetary constraints may limit who can be invited. If the groom's side of the guest list is 3x more people than the bride's but the budget doesn't have any room to budge, then you will have to stick to family and your closest of friends. Be realistic, and be clear with everyone from the start that while you would like to include as many people as possible, you may need to make it a more intimate affair. Being honest and upfront will save you many headaches down the road.

Are you wondering how much you should save for your wedding? Money shouldn't be the determining factor as to when you get married. Truly, all you need is enough for a marriage license. A wedding is about a lifetime commitment and not about a single day. Keep that focus in mind and it will take you a long way. I've seen beautiful weddings for under $10k. I've also seen so, so weddings where the couple has spent more than 3x that amount.

A wedding should never put you in debt or add to your debt. If you can't make your credit card payments in full each month or are not meeting other debt obligations, then you shouldn't be shelling out a bunch of money for your wedding. When it comes to things like saving for your first home, it is really a case by case basis depending on what your goals are and what stage of life you are in.

Some of this advice might be hard to swallow. Just remember, your wedding will last one day. Your marraige is a lifetime investment.

Cheers,

 

Having An Open Mind

It seems like almost every bride these days is asking me how to save money. While it's important to keep quality at the forefront, having an open mind can save you a lot of money. When you go to a vendor, be prepared for them to inspire you. Tell them what you like, but if you are looking to cut costs let them suggest creative ways to develop your theme. For example, if you go to the florist only wanting lilies but you also want them to give you an amazing deal, don't hold your breath. Their hands are tied when it comes to price. But, if you go in desiring an elegant, white bouquet you may just be surprised what they can come up with for you.

Keep this philosophy in mind when talking to your baker, caterer, bar tenders and more. And especially, don't be afraid to share your visions with your wedding planner and let her come up with ways to implement your inspirations for less. For me, this is one of my favorite aspects of planning!

Alert! Time to hit the sales!

In the blink of an eye Christmas is over. That means, everything Christmas is on sale. If you are a bride, now is the time to go out and stock up on ribbon and all things on sale. If your wedding colors include white, red, silver, green, blue, or gold you are sure to find some great items to use for decor. Go with an open eye and look for containers, fillers, and papers that you can utilize in your wedding arsenal without it looking like it came from Christmas. And hurry, because of their incredible prices everything will be gone from the shelves in the blink of an eye. Who knows, you might even find things for a fun DIY project that you can complete over the break! I suggest trying Pier 1, Target, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Anthropology, Michael's, and JoAnn Fabrics. But, don't forget to hit up clothing stores as well. Do you need shawls for your bridesmaids or guests? Now is the time to pick them up!

Wishing you a 2010 wedding made of amazing deals and lots of love!

Happy Shopping,

Dollar Stores Can Equal Wedding Deals Without Sacrificing Taste

Let me be clear, a dollar store is not the place to buy most of your wedding supplies and decor. Some things you shouldn't buy for your wedding - no matter how tempting that $1 price is -include fake flowers, self-stick, giant, white bows, and tealights. The first two are self explanatory. I say 'no' to tealights from a dollar store because burn time is important. You don't want your candles to burn out long before the party is over.

Now that you have been properly warned, here are some great steals for every bride...

Love these garden hooks for ganging lanterns.

Flip flops for your guests on the dance floor really show you care.

There are always lots of signs to be made (menus, instructions, storyboards...). These little easels are a great way to display them.

If you're having a toss garter, might as well throw one that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

White tissue paper is great as an unseen filler in the bottom of baskets and other containers.

I encourage you to walk the whole store and see what you find to fit your needs. Just say no to tacky. Also, keep in mind that some things they sell are cheaper elsewhere. For example, I saw small bags of river rocks during my shopping trip. However, if you need a lot to fill a bunch of vases, buying them in bulk would be cheaper.

Happy deal hunting,

Make Money Off Boxes From Your Wedding

Tip: take the boxes and packaging you have left over from all of the gifts that were shipped to you. Break them down, bundle them up, and list them on Craigslist. There are actually people out there who want to buy them, and you can make some easy cash out of your trash. It's not like winning the lottery, but it can be enough for a date night for you and your new spouse.

Check Out CB2 For Decor For Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

I love Crate and Barrel, so when I heard about CB2 I was excited to check out their wares. CB2 is Crate and Barrel's new 'affordable modern' store. Their most recent opening is in Los Angeles, and while I haven't made it there in person yet, I already found some great items on their website to decorate both wedding ceremonies and receptions. Did I mention that their prices are pretty reasonable?

This hanging candle holder would be stunning hanging in the trees of a garden wedding. These modern vases can take your flower arrangements to a whole new level.

Forget traditional glass cubes (although I love those too), and add a splash of silver.

These whimsical balls were too cute not to include. Toss them on a staging table to add pop.

Happy shopping!

All Inclusive Honeymooning

In my last post I talked about the importance of giving yourself little breaks form all the crazy wedding planning. Well, even better is the big 'break' that comes after you say 'I do' -- the honeymoon!

There are lots of routes you can go with the honeymoon, and you should do what suits you and your spouse best. That being said, I'm going to take a moment to praise all-inclusive resorts for the best rest of your life. I think they are something every couple should consider. Doesn't this look amazing?
During the year we were engaged, the hubs and I were not only finishing up our college degrees and working, but he was designing a large scale project and I was publishing my thesis. Graduation came exactly 1 month before our wedding day, and then came Christmas and New Years. It was a crazy busy time.

We decided to honeymoon with Palace Resorts in Playa del Carmen. Best choice ever! Neither of us have ever been so relaxed in our lives. The room service was limitless, our fridge and bar were stalked daily, the hammock on our balcony was perfect, and laying on the beach with people tending to our every need was unbelievable! You know I'm a sucker for a deal. Did I mention that they have great rates? Once you book, you don't have to worry about a thing because everything is included. They aren't even allowed to accept tips. It's a very nice change of pace after planning so many details leading up to the wedding. Oh yeah, every single room has an ocean view and a spa tub.

Are you jumping out of your skin yet just wanting transport yourself this paradise? Well, whatever you decide to do remember to treat yourselves well. Happy wedding planning, happy honeymooning, and happy ever after...

Wedding Stimulus

Many assume having a wedding consultant is a luxury. We don't see it that way. No bride, nor her family, should be running around stressed. The day goes quickly; you should be afforded the right to take in every moment. Having a planner can ensure that you are not the one finding the cake knife or getting a stain out of your bridesmaid's dress. That being said, we know that many are trying to stretch their budgets as far as possible, and many brides are feeling stressed with their summer weddings quickly approaching.

I started this business because I have a strong desire to see everyone fully enjoy and take in their wedding day. This is why I am currently offering 1/2 off our 'Celebrate the Day' day-of-coordination package for any available summer 2009 dates. I truly believe every bride deserves a consultant.

Please contact us for further details or to set up a complimentary initial consultation. Congratulations to everyone getting married this wedding season!

Marriage and Taxes

As we all know all too well, April 15 is tax day. Not a day any of us look forward to - unless it's your birthday? However, now is a great time to take into consideration how your married status will affect your tax status. Don't fret! I know that many don't find it fun to talk about money. However, with some careful planning from the get go, you can avoid a lot problems.

No matter when you get married in the year, your marital status on December 31 is your marital status for all of 2009. Thus, if you get married in 2009, you will be 'married' on your next tax return. Regardless of this 'married' status, it is up to you and your spouse to decide if you want to file jointly. While in most circumstances it will be of greater benefit for you to file jointly instead of separately, check now with your financial advisor. Don't wait until it comes time to file your taxes next year, because you may want to adjust your withholding. Who knows, you may even end up with more cash in your hands.

Either way, the best way to keep things from becoming a problem is to talk about them early and openly. This goes for all aspects of your marriage, and not just your taxes and money.

Postage Increase May 11, 2009

This is a reminder that the United States Postal Service will be increasing rates on May 11th. The cost for the first ounce will increase from $0.42 to $0.44. Keep this in mind when considering postage for both your wedding invitations and reply cards. Don't forget, you can purchase Forever Stamps now to save some money later.

Budget Travel For Your Honeymoon

I did a little digging on Google and found that honeymoons date back to Biblical times. Check this out from Wikipedia: "Possibly the earliest reference to a honeymoon is in Deuteronomy 24:5 'When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married.'"

Your honeymoon is not just a chance to take an awesome vacation as Mr. and Mrs., but it also gives you both some much needed time to unwind together after months of planning. Now, back to the reason I started this post in the first place...

Many couples receive help paying for their wedding but not their honeymoon. Remember, while it is nice, no one is truly obligated to pay for anything. With the economy the way it is, everyone is looking for a deal. The good news is, there are great deals on travel.

I've been doing a bit of research the past few days, and while there are lots of helpful travel sites out there, I would like to point you all in the direction of Budget Travel. How does a vacation package in Hawaii, including airfare, for under $700 sound? Or $67 per night in the Caribbean? Europe anyone? I'm finding their site to be the end-all-be-all of discounts. They are really staying on top of all of the current deals, and you may just find one perfect for your post-wedding getaway.

Happy honeymooning!

What To Ask Yourself When Hiring a Wedding Consultant

Today we wrap up our series about including a wedding consultant in your plans. I hope you have all enjoyed it!

Here is what you should ask yourself when hiring a wedding consultant:

1. Do your personalities mesh? No matter how talented she is, she needs to be someone who can share your vision.
   
2. What is your first impression? There are a lot of people in this industry. If something turns you off, don't wait. Look into hiring someone else.


3. Does she listen to what you have to say, or does she think this is her wedding? A good consultant should blend into the background and make sure you are the star of your day.


4. Is she looking out for your best interests, or is she referring you to vendors who pay her a cut? While there may be nothing wrong with those vendors, I believe that the best wedding consultant is one who does everything possible to put your needs first. This includes not taking kickbacks.
   
5. Can she take authority? You don't want someone who is a drama queen. However, you do want someone who can gracefully assert herself when necessary--whether she has to be firm with another vendor or tell an out-of-line guest to cool it.


6. If she has not worked with your venue in the past, is she going the extra mile to familiarize herself with the area? Southern California has endless locations for events, so it's normal for a consultant to have not worked with a venue before. However, she should be going out and meeting with the on-site coordinator and scoping everything out before your big day.


7. Is she established in the community? Does she hold the proper papers with her city and the state? Is she fully invested or just doing this as a hobby?


8. Does she respond to your inquires in a timely manner? This person is supposed to make your life easier. If it takes more than 24 hours for her to get back to you, you should be concerned.


9. What does your intuition tell you? You know if you are uncomfortable with something. If so, speak up.


10. Is she passionate about your wedding? Does she make you feel as if you are her only client? It's your special event, and you should feel important and taken care of.

We would be honored to be a part of your day, and we are happy to meet with you for a consultation. However, the most important thing to us is that you find good vendors who mesh with you and that you have an exquisite celebration that runs smoothly. Congratulations, you're getting married!

Why Should I Hire a Wedding Planner

As I recently mentioned on our blog, we've added a few things to www.megankocher.com. One area I'd like to take a moment to focus on is why you should hire a wedding planner. Yes, it's good for my business. However, in all seriousness there are many reasons as to why this is one vendor you shouldn't leave out --even if you don't hire us.

-Save Money: A lot of people think having a coordinator is a luxury. While we cannot make any guarantees, a good coordinator's fees are typically outweighed by her expertise in the industry. It's our job to know the ins and outs and to find you good deals.

-On-Site Coordinators Are Not Wedding Coordinators: Your venue contract will typically list an on-site coordinator. It's easy to confuse this person with a wedding coordinator. However, there are important differences. An on-site coordinator is a very important person. They are a liaison for the venue, and they are there to oversee the venue's interests. When you are arranging everything leading up to your ceremony and reception, it's important to have one point of contact for the location. A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, is there to be the point of contact for the big day. You don't have to go hunting anyone down for anything. Your wedding coordinator makes sure everything is taken care of from the vendors being setup to the presents making it to the proper vehicle for transport.

-Creating a Quality Team: I cannot say it enough, great vendors make for great events. As wedding consultants we are here to offer personalized research in order to help you find the deejay, caterer, photographer, florist, and so on who will be the perfect match for your day.

-Creating a Timeline: How are you supposed to know how long it will take for 5 girls to get updo's and makeup done? How long will photos take? Who should prompt the caterer to bring out the champagne toast or when to cut the cake? It's a wedding coordinator's job to map it all out and see that it all gets taken care of.

-Keeping the Pace: In addition to the timeline, a coordinator is there to keep an even pace throughout the day. No matter how much planning is done ahead of time, there are always going to be surprises. It's our job to make sure your guests aren't sitting around during a lull and that you aren't rushing from one thing from the next. Keeping a consistent flow throughout the day will keep things happy for both you and everyone involved.

-All the Little Details: It's your day to shine. You shouldn't be worrying if the place cards have been alphabetized or if tips have been given to the proper vendors. There are countless little details that need to be taken care of, but none of them should be the concern of you, a family member, or a bridesmaid.

-Point Of Contact: Going back to the beginning of this post, having a wedding coordinator creates a single point of contact. There are going to be people with questions on the big day, and you can't stop to answer all of them. Your coordinator should be familiar enough with all of the day's details that she can handle directing the florist as to where the centerpieces go and notifying the deejay as to when you are ready to make your grand entrance as Mr. and Mrs.

-Is That My Stomach Growling?: Most importantly, we make sure you don't go hungry. Weddings tend to be a time where you catch up with a lot dear family and friends. It's next to impossible to make it to the bar or over to the hors d'oeuvres. Don't worry, we make sure you're taken care of.

-The Big Picture: Not only are we there to help you with the big day, but we are really good at taking a look at the big picture and making sure that all of the planning before the big day comes together to create one big magical moment.

-Emergencies: We hope they don't happen, but if they do were are there to calmly step in and do all we can to fix things. A good coordinator can take a stain out of a dress, put a centerpiece back together, and even gracefully break up that loud conversation going on between your aunt and cousin.

-Awesome People: Lastly, we like to think we're a pretty fun bunch of people.

Still not sure? The proper coordinator will meet with you for free the first time to make sure that her services match up with your needs. And, check back later this week when I talk about what to look for when hiring a wedding coordinator.

Luxury Weddings Without the Luxury Price

It was an honor to be quoted on TLC's Slice of Life last week, and we loved reading all of the advice from others across the industry. We know a lot of couples are on tight budgets, and we want to see you get the most out of your wedding day. That is why we are digging out some of our timeless tips. (You'll notice our photography advice in there as well.) Enjoy!

1. Centerpieces: Forgo flowers and use other elements like fruit, various vases, and candles. If you must have flowers, use them on every other table. However, be sure to tie the tables together with one common accent or theme.

2. Cake: No, I do not recommend baking your own cake. Instead, rent a fake cake. There are lots of companies popping up with gorgeous foam-based cakes. They look just like the real thing but will save you a lot. When the cake is taken to the back to be cut, your caterer can swap in pieces of sheet cake. And yes, the foam cake still has a portion of real cake that you and your groom can cut into.

3. Photography: Find someone who will give you a CD or the negatives of all of your images. The talent you are looking for from your photographer is her shooting, not her printing.

4. Location: Have the ceremony and reception at the same location. You'll typically get a better overall price.

5. Toasting Glasses: Instead of buying 'wedding' glasses, register for champagne glasses. If someone buys them for your shower you can use them at the wedding and then continue to break them out for special occasions.

6. Cake Knife: Is there a knife that is always used in your family to cut birthday cakes? Dress it up and use it for your wedding. If not, this is another item you can register for and use time and time again.

7. Something Blue: No need to buy anything new. Have a friend or family member who is good with a needle hand-stitch your wedding date and initials in blue on an under layer of your wedding dress.

8. Drinks: Serve a signature drink instead of a full bar. It's classy, especially when passed on trays, and you can usually work out a better deal on the liquor.

As always, my two standbys:

9. Less Is More: Keep it simple, and never be afraid to take away elements from your design. You can always save those ideas to use elsewhere.

10. Stay True To Your Budget and Yourself: Set your budget before buying anything. As you can see, with some careful planning you can get a fabulous look for less. And who doesn't love saving money? No matter what, always stay true to your desires and personality. That is what truly makes your event great.

Michael's Coupon

I don't know of a bride who hasn't bought something (unity candles, ribbon, invitations, thank yous, votives, favor tins, guest books, bubbles...) for her wedding from Michael's. Everyone is always looking for their fabulous coupons. Well, I want to alert you to a coupon I came across for 25% off. Unlike many of their coupons, this one is valid for your entire purchase! It's in the current edition of Modern Bride. Granted, if you don't already have the magazine you'll have to factor in the cost of purchasing it. However, if you're doing a big trip to stock up on all of your goodies it could be well worth it. Enjoy!

Featured on TLC's Slice of Life

We are absolutely honored to be featured on TLC's new blog entitled Slice of Life. Check out #20 in their 'Weddings for Less Money, But Lots of Style' post! Yes, you can have an absolutely elegant wedding no matter your budget.

Inspiration From Colin Cowie

Colin Cowie said on Today this morning, 'Style doesn't have to cost a lot of money.' I couldn't agree more. As he is one of the world's most respected event designers, I always love Colin's segments. Click play, and allow your mind to wander. Below the clip you'll find my Top 10 Notes of Inspiration that I jotted down while watching...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Top 10 Notes of Inspiration:

1. Buying Clearance: Now's the time to buy up table decor for your wedding. You may have to go to several store's locations to get enough of what you're looking for, but in the end the savings will be worth it. Check out places like Ikea, Pottery Barn, Target, and Crate and Barrel.
2. Sea Salt: Something as simple as sea salt can add a lot of pop. FYI: salt can easily be dyed to match your color scheme.
3. Candles, Candles, Candles: Can't say it enough, candlelight can add elegance to any room. Just remember, don't use scented candles around food. Lastly, invest in long burning candles. You don't want the twinkle to burn out during your celebration.
4. Flowers: I absolutely love flowers. So much so, I grew my own flower garden as a kid. However, when you're thinking centerpieces, don't think you necessarily have to include flowers. Unless you can afford lavish arrangements, your flowers might not add the punch you're looking for. Another bonus - you don't have tor worry about wilting if you forgo flowers on each table. Lastly, you can add dimension to the room by trading off centerpieces - every other table with flowers, and another (nonliving) centerpiece for the rest. Just make sure to tie the room together with some sort of consistent element throughout all the tables (i.e. candles, color scheme...)
5. Ribbon and Accents: As I always say, the littlest of details can make the biggest impact.
6. Fresh Fruit: If you're looking to add warmth to the room, fresh fruit is always a great choice. You can leave it whole, but you can also use pieces to dress things up. For one anniversary party we took round lemon slices to fill the outer edge of a vase. Then we filled the center with daisies.
7. Fabric: You have to be careful when picking boldly colored linens for your table. If you're not careful, color can become obnoxious. However, fabric accents are a great way to dress up more subtle linens without going over the top.
8. Carnations: I love time and time again when Colin uses carnations. This centerpiece he did only cost $25 and adds a lot of pop. Not to mention, carnations are a very hardy flower.
9. Less Is More: Keep it simple, and never be afraid to take away elements from your design. You can always save those ideas to use elsewhere.
10. Stay True To Your Budget and Yourself: Set your budget before buying anything. As you can see, with some careful planning you can get a fabulous look for less. And who doesn't love saving money? No matter what, always stay true to your desires and personality. That is what truly makes your event great.

Setting Your Budget

You may have massive or meager amounts of money to spend on your wedding or event. That doesn't really matter. You can have an exquisite occasion. However, to do so, you've gotta set your budget first and foremost.

Once the high of being newly engaged starts to even out, to-be-weds usually dive into planning. They may check out websites or flip through magazines. A vision begins to form and they want to start booking things. Wait! First, you've got to create a budget. It doesn't matter what that budget is, it just matters that you have one.

Once the budget is created, then you can start fulfilling your visions. And trust me, if you hire the right professionals you can get the day you're looking for regardless of your cash flow. No, I'm not promising that you can wear those diamond encrusted shoes that you saw in a magazine. However, what I am saying is that you can have an event that envelops your desires.

Step one to planning a wedding: set a budget.

Step two (in my humble opinion): hire a wedding coordinator who will make sure your dollars are spent wisely...

One of the reasons I started planning weddings was because I'd been to too many weddings where the bang for the buck was lacking. Two brides, with the same amount of money, can have vastly different affairs. You just have to make sure you know the ins and outs before doing anything.

Once your budget is set, relax a little. Not all of the planning can be done overnight, but with a lot of hard work the details will all come together.

Wedding Dress Savings

Heads up brides. Are you looking for discounts on Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Amsale, and more? Here's part of an email I recently received about Glamour Closet's new and permanent Los Angeles location!

Glamour Closet, the famous sample sale boutique, is now open permanently in LA! Samples from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Amsale, and many more marked 25-75% off their original prices every day!

• Designer samples normally priced $3,000 and up are now 25-75% off!
• Walk-in basis (first come, first served) only; no appointments taken.
• Large selection of off-the-rack gowns every day!
  

Visit http://www.glamourcloset.com/ for store hours and to learn more about our store.

Happy shopping to you all!

Target $1 Deals and More

I ran into Target last week to pick up a few items--yeah right, who can resist stopping to look at all of their cute stuff? Always on the lookout for great savings and possible wedding flare, the dollar deals grabbed my attention the moment I stepped in the door. Here's my PSA for all of you:

They currently have a large assortment of novelty ribbons in a variety of colors. just $1 per set. Now, maybe they don't suit your color scheme, but maybe they do? Either way, here's just one of the rolls. And yes, I am so devoted to helping you out that I stopped and took pictures of everything. I don't want you to make an extra trip if it's not what you're looking for. Then again, who wouldn't want to stop in Target?
They also have loads of scrapbooking papers and red and white tissue paper. If you are a Valentine's Day bride, or using the color red, this could be a good deal for you. Granted, if you need a tone of tissue paper we can find it for you in bulk from other sources.
Even more, the dollar bins also had an assortment of felt bags--perfect favors if you are inviting kids to the reception. They are just the right size to fit some crayons, a coloring book, and a few other novelties. Keeping the kids occupied will always contribute to the makings of a great reception. Oh, and did I mention that the children's parents will love you too?
There were also different 'boy' and 'girl' themed sticker books that you could include in the activity bags.
Lastly, everyone is pulling out their new digs for 2009. No matter what store I'm in, I always duck into the bridal and party sections. Something new to Target that you might be interested in are these OOT (out-of-town) bags. If you don't have the time to make themed bags or simply don't desire to, they now offer these simple yet elegant totes that say 'Thanks for being part of our day.' You can use them to welcome guests to their hotels, or you may also want to use them for bridal party gifts. Either way, they are $9.99 for 12.
Happy shopping to you all, and remember that we are also always more than happy to handle the shopping for you!