Insider Trading Secrets (without the prison part)

"Money is not the most important thing in the world.  Love is. Fortunately, I love money."   - Jackie Mason

photo: Huffington Post

The number one issue our clients find themselves concerned with is their budget.  Whether they have tons of help from family and a big, healthy budget or are bankrolling this shindig themselves and only have a modest one to pull from - all people want to get the best value for their buck.
Here are our top 3 ways to save money while still throwing a beautiful and personalized event:

1. Manage Your Headcount

Sure, you want everyone under the sun to be there to see you and your boo say, 'I do'.  It's quite possibly THE most important date of your life, thus far.  We get it.  But we always recommend having realistic expectations when it comes to how many people your budget can provide a steak dinner and open bar to.  We suggest organizing your guest list in 3 tiers:

1. MUST have.  These are your close family, best friends, and wedding attendants. People that you consider to have actually contributed to your success in life. The people you'd thank in your Oscar speech.
2. LOVE to have. These are people that you might have been close with previously, childhood friends who still hold a place in your heart, but you may not see or speak to them weekly like your "must haves". This also includes that Great Aunt with whom you've not spent any time, but it would be meaningful to have at the occasion. (Don't forget that cousin who can breakdance, we can always use a little b-boying to liven up the reception.)
3. LIKE to have.  These are people you have worked with and associates, friends of family, and distant relatives.  You like them.  You think they are a lot of fun.  And you might have even gone to THEIR wedding.  But that is in no way an obligation to invite them to yours.  Think to yourself, "would I go tomorrow and buy them a $100 meal just for kicks?"  If the answer is, "not likely", I'd keep that in mind.

Grouping your guest list this way makes it easier to decide what to do if you run into budget issues. The last thing you want to do is compromise on your photography package because your dad's old boss and his new wife took up valuable event real estate!

2. Double Duty

Now, if you have picked a central vibe to pepper throughout the wedding and you're watching your pennies, I suggest finding ways to make things work double duty.  For instance, if you have an outdoor wedding in a warm climate, use paper fans for your ceremony program.  Use food or wedding favors as centerpieces.  It might sound kooky, but a South of the Border theme would be adorable with a delicious salsa and some blue corn chips in brightly colored Fiesta bowls along with tiny bottles of patron arranged in the center of the table.  Or instead of splurging on a cake, make a cupcake tower at the center of each reception table.  It would look cute, free up money in the budget and who doesn't like cupcakes? (Don't answer that.  I don't want to know. I'm innocent and idealistic; don't ruin that.)

Macaron Tower by Etsy Shop: Swallow My Words

3. Handmade Touches

Everyone can agree that personal, handmade touches make a wedding more wonderful, but it will also save money. Utilize anyone in your court with a special skill who has volunteered to help.  Got an aunt who bakes the BEST cookies on earth? Enlist her help and package 3 of those suckers up as a gift for your guests.  An inexpensive idea for that South of the Border vibe we mentioned is to give a packet of jalapeno plant seeds and attach your best salsa recipe.  Or enlist our floral help with providing a single succulent in some painted dollar store pots for each guest. As much as we all love dolphin shaped bottle openers - if you aren't known for your love of flipper, you can probably pass on costly (and tired) ideas. Be creative and save a bunch of money! My 2 favorite things!!

These are just a few ideas to help save money on your wedding, but give us a call and schedule an appointment to see how we can specifically help YOU.  You know that's what we're here for, right?



'B' Stands For Budget. And Beautiful. And Brilliant. And...

Ok, so it's been a hot minute since I've posted. So much for my gallant efforts to change the blogosphere with my daily contributions of insight, humor and priceless tips. How do you people do it? How exactly does one work a full time job, start a business, care for a preschooler, spend time with a husband, maintain relationships with family and friends and still manage to find time for social networking and blogging? Short of cloning myself I'm not sure it can be done, but I aim to find out.

In the meantime, I wanted to share my excitement for the amazing direction budget wedding dresses are headed! Now, walk with me for a second. Even if you're not engaged...chances are you know someone who is. So, tell them this secret: David's Bridal isn't the only option for dresses on a budget! There are other choices that simply didn't exist 5 years ago. Some people have the money to spend on extravagant dresses and some either don't or simply don't find it practical. Well, before now it was unfortunate that unless you got a 2nd mortgage on your home the dress choices for budget conscious girls wasn't up to par. And Buffy Worthington isn't the only gal who deserves to look gorgeous on her wedding day!

Most everyone has seen the gowns and bridesmaids dresses at J Crew; they range from $350 to $3,000 and this silk chiffon Arabelle gown (image 3) is one of my favorites. At only $495 there is no reason why you can't feel like a goddess on your wedding day. I discovered that The Limited also has ridiculously low priced (no more than $400) and exceptionally stylish dresses to don to say you do. I think the lace and satin tier gown (image 2) is gorgeous! One of my absolute favorites to launch is the BHLDN line from Anthropologie (image 1)...romantic and poetic, these gowns are exactly what one would expect from them. While these are slightly more expensive with most of them in the $1600 range they do offer some sassy dresses for $600 and a couple of breath taking, red carpet worthy gowns for $4,000.

So, when you consider the websites that are selling used dresses such as www.preownedweddingdresses.com and www.oncewed.com coupled with these online stores there is really no reason why everyone of every budget can't find a beautiful gown and give Buffy a run for her money!

Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

When I first heard I was having a boy I was pissed. No lie. I know you're supposed to not care - "as long as it's healthy" blah blah blah...but I did. I was ready to write my congressman. Call the Better Business Bureau or something. Not much I could do as it turns out.

So, instead - I accepted it and just told everyone I was going to dress our son in dresses. (For the record, he's 5 and has yet to don a single frilly frock.)

And a beautiful thing happened...

I started to realize just how wonderful little boys were. They were crazy. And hilarious. Much less expensive than little girls. And if you don't know already - they LOVE their mommys.

So, as a convert to the joys of mothering little boys I have grown to love dirty trucks, bugs, spiderman costumes and sweet things like baseball themed parties.

I just had the opportunity to organize a baseball themed party for Camden who just turned 8. The party was at an awesome place: Sandlot Sports (baseball/softball facility) with batting cages and a private party room - you have to check them out. The staff was extremely helpful and I can't think of a cooler place for an 8 year old's party! Not to mention this particular 8 year old is especially deserving of such a party. I can only hope that one day my own little monster is as well behaved and sweet as the birthday boy.

Happy Birthday Camden!

Is This Thing On?

Let's do this!

Here is where you'll find all the things I truly love, completely loathe and everything in between. Bright ideas and possibly even some dim ones.

First up:

Brooch Bouquets.

I had one at my wedding last October, handmade with love and curses from my very own mother. It weighed almost as much as a Volkswagen, but it was well worth it.

If you want to add show stopping details to your own wedding - this is a great place to start!