Easy Tips for Planning Your Big Day

These are some easy tips to help you plan your Big Day.  These may be basics but if you don’t have them on your list of things to do, you may end up frustrated and stressed as you plan your wedding day.

1) Determine what is your vision for your day.  Do you want a simple wedding, or something big and bold or maybe you’re looking to achieve an elegant look and feel for your wedding day.  Decide on what you’re anticipating your day to be and you’ll start heading in the right direction to achieve it.

2) Be Realistic about your Budget.  It’s easy to spiral out of a control while you’re planning your wedding, there are so many options, so many choices and yes, those choices can be costly to your bottom line.  Try to set an amount for each category, as this will help you maintain control of your expenses.  Stick with it! I know it’s easy to have an over the top wedding, but if your budget doesn’t allow for it, do your very best with your established budget. Going into debt for your big day may not be how you choose to start your married life, so always write up your budget and work hard to stick to it.

3) Plan your choice venue ahead of time.  A lot of venues book 1 or possibly 2 years ahead of time.  So have a back venue you like, just in case.  Again, we go back to your budget and what those options are within that budget.

4) Bring in a “Day of Coordinator”.  The expense will pay for itself multiple times over. The bride and groom and their families should not have to worry about all the details, the vendors, delivery and set up times and any problems which may arise.  And if they do their job right, you should never know there were any issues.  I like to call this “be a guest at your wedding”.

5) What’s the easiest way to control your budget? Control you guests count.  It’s that simple.  The more guests you invite, the more your wedding day will cost at the bottom line.  It’s simple math.  So if you’re looking for an intimate wedding and reception, keep your guests count down.  If you’re looking for an elegant and over the top event, invite your guests away.  Either way, it’s the best and easiest way to control your budget

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer, Fairy Tale Weddings & Events – http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

Making Your Wedding Day Special

Most little girls dream of a big wedding, with a large ball gown and extravagance.  So how do you achieve that and not have the same cookie cutter wedding you see so often?  By making it your own.  What do I mean by that?  Make sure you’re doing things that reflect your personalities.  Do you absolutely love tacos or cheeseburgers?  Then why not bring in a food truck for late night guests to enjoy?  After dinner you’re dancing, drinking and having a great time.  It works up an appetite, so why not enjoy a little snack off your local food truck before the end of the night?

If you’re thinking I don’t like food trucks, that’s okay, there’s all kinds of things that can do to make your day special.  Are you a pastry student at your local culinary college and love baking? Bring in your own take on a dessert bar…your colors, your flavors, your style.  Remember ladies, this is about you and your groom, so be sure he’s involved in these decisions too.  It can be so much fun!

How about a hot sundae ice cream bar with all the toppings! Maybe a Cappuccino bar to ensure everyone makes it home safely.   Whether you want a photo booth for great fun pics, like the new whoopi pies or donut towers, the old staple of a cupcake tower or simply love a brooch bouquet in lieu of real flowers…the skies the limit.  Don’t be afraid to fly, after all this is your day!

Happy Planning.

Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

Top 5 Edible Wedding Favors for 2014

The wedding season is upon us as we move through June and into July and August.  If you’re like alot of people, you will be attending at least one wedding this summer.  When you think of wedding favors, you probably think about the typical picture frame, chocolates or a wine stopper.  But rest assured there are new and creative wedding favors for you to choose from.

The newest edible wedding trends for 2014 include:

-Zeppole. Powdered and bagged while still warm just before the end of your reception will make these desserts a crowd pleaser. Guests tend to eat them in their car on their way home.

-Mini donuts. The donuts craze is still a top trend in wedding favors, whether it’s traditional styles or you order custom donuts iced in your wedding colors.  Bakers are always happy to accommodate your color scheme or style.

-Popcorn. Placed in containers or bags on a popcorn display table for guests to take home are available in almost any flavor you can imagine.

-Retro candies. A candy bar filled with colorful candy may feature retro candies that guests remember from their childhoods, like cinnamon candies, Pop Rocks, root beer bottle tops and others.

-Cookie or brownie mixes in mason jars. Mason jars have been a top wedding décor trend, and are now holding as the top wedding favor. You layer the ingredients for an easy ‘pour into the bowl and mix with eggs, oil, etc.’ baking project to make your own baked dessert.

Always remember edible favors never go wrong and are always on trend!

Happy planning!

Mary Homer Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

 

Wedding Insurance – Do I Need It?

I’ve noticed in the wedding industry lately alot of interest in wedding insurance for clients.  So with this in mind, I thought I might share my thoughts on the subject.  Wedding Insurance is meant to “help make things right when something goes wrong”.

As we all are aware a wedding is an investment, regardless of your budget. So why not consider an insurance policy for your wedding?  Policies for wedding insurance typically start as inexpensive as $160 without a deductible.  The policies are intended to cover a variety of situations you may encounter along the way to your wedding day including:

–  Lost of rings. Should the bride’s or groom’s wedding bands be lost or damaged, coverage may be provided for repair or replacement, if warranted.

-Lost deposits.  Insurers will reimburse for deposits if a vendor goes out of business, declares bankruptcy before their wedding or simply fails to show up and meet their obligations.

– Severe weather conditions.  Should you need to postpone your wedding due to severe weather, insurers will typically provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.

-Damaged gifts.  Clients may receive the cost of repair or replacement, if warranted should their gifts be damaged.

-Sudden illness.  Should you need to postpone your wedding due to sudden illness which prevents one of the engaged couple or their immediate family from attending, they may receive reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.

– There are additional expenses coverage, venue requirement insurance and liquor liability insurance available as well.

The costs of a wedding insurance policy in comparison to the expenses associated with your wedding far outweighs each other.  At the end of the day, if you’re spending a substantial amount of money on your wedding, it may be worth your time to inquire, learn about and invest in wedding insurance.  After all, no one knows when the next big storm or hurricane may rear it’s ugly head or when unforeseen obstacles may occur.  Peace of mind on your wedding day is worth a million bucks!

Disclaimer:  The material in this article is for informational purposes only.  All statements are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy.  For an actual description of all coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the insurance policy in question. Coverage is subject to the individual insured meeting a company’s underwriting qualifications and to state availability.

Contributions for this blog content courtesy of Meagan Philips, Wedding Protector Plan and Southern Glam Weddings & Events, Tampa, Florida

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer, PBC – Fairy Tale Weddings and Events

 

Creating a Romantic Wedding-Top 5 Tips

You’re working to make sure your wedding has all the romance you’ve always dreamed of.  But how do you do that?  I want to share the top 5 tips to create your romantic wedding.

1) Start with your lighting. There are never too many candles and twinkle lights or chandeliers.  This will add that touch of glamour you’re looking for.  Soft candle light and twinkle lights help set the mood for your event.

2) It’s all in the details.  Make your guests comfortable by making their surroundings feel familiar.  Try using sheer draping, whether at your entrances or around your room.  Don’t be afraid to add in a mix of comfort from home.  Use everyday things in unique and unexpected ways.

3) Add an element of surprise.  Whether it’s in your decor, your entertainment or in your first dance at a touch of surprise. Why not choreograph your first dance and possibly include your wedding party?  Do you love flowers? Bring them on. Flowers smell wonderful and make a huge statement when used in large quantities. Make a statement, make it your own and own it.

4) Keep flowers out of the line of conversation.  Does that mean you can’t have tall centerpieces? Of course not, but place them randomly(or look like their random) to allow your eye to move effortlessly around the room and have conversations with your guests.

5) Have fun and enjoy yourself.  After all this is your day, after months of planning.  Enjoy your beautiful background, your wonderful guests and dance the night away!

Happy Planning

Mary Homer-Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com