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Need More Money to Cover Your Wedding Expenses? Manage it with a Side Hustle

7/6/2021

1 Comment

 
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If your wedding date is on the horizon and you need funds to make your dream wedding by Events Unleashed a reality, a side hustle might be the ideal option for you. More than 48 percent of people use their side gig money for extra spending.

Manage Your Side Gig Wisely to Make More Money 
Side hustles are any type of employment that is undertaken besides a full-time job. Side gigs have become more accessible in the last few years, and it's primarily due to the gig economy and developments in technology. If you already have a side job but have a hard time with money or managing the job, here are a few tips on how to do that.

Choose the Right Side Hustle 
Every hustle is different, and whether or not a side job is a nightmare or a dream gig will depend on various factors that include your goals, personality, and skills. Consider freelancing, which allows you to create your own hours and work whenever you can. Freelancing is perhaps the ideal side gig as it provides a lot of flexibility, often more money than a regular part-time job, and can eventually become your primary source of income.
 
Numerous industries — including IT, accounting and finance, sales and marketing, and more — will always need freelancers. Web development, digital marketing, or grant writing are fantastic freelance job ideas. Being a grant writer, for instance, requires experience in proposal writing, as well as good communication skills. On the other hand, developing websites or other media requires design skills and a good eye. Whether you're a creative person or a salesperson, finding a side hustle that you enjoy doing is the key to success.

Market Your Skills and Outsource 
You need a virtual platform to get the word out on your services. Whether it’s a website or an online job board profile (or both), this will get you more exposure and expansion opportunities. Today, you can choose a website builder yourself, create a web page, upload your content, and market it with a few clicks. This method is cost-effective and time-saving, as well as user-friendly for a freelancer. Numerous freelance websites and online job platforms also allow you to create a profile, market yourself, and bid for your desired jobs. This makes it easier for you as you don't need to spend time advertising your services in other places.
 
Master the Concept of Energy Management 
With a side hustle, how do you find the extra time to work it out? It will help if you experiment with everything — from getting up earlier to using your spare time to focus on your side job. Use tech tools like Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar to block off time dedicated for it and reclaim some of your weekends. If you’re concerned about how the extra work might encroach on your wedding planning, Events Unleashed has wedding planning packages that can take a lot of time and worry out of your hands so you can be sure to get the wedding you deserve and are working hard for.
 
More important than time management is energy management. If you're a morning person, work on your side job done early in the day, if possible, when you're more focused. If you're a night owl, you may be more productive in the evenings.

Do Something You Enjoy 
It's great to earn an extra income to pay for your wedding, but remember that side gigs are more enjoyable when you do what you like. Overall, to be able to manage your side gig is to choose the right side hustle, outsource, and market yourself thoroughly. Above all, learn to manage your time wisely. Contact Events Unleashed to start planning your big day.

Article Credit: virginiac@learnaliving.co | https://learnaliving.co.uk/
Image Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/1HzaqbBpxBs
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Micro Weddings— How tiny weddings make for perfect days

3/13/2020

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Cassie Ventura & Alex Fine's Intimate Reception
According to Wedding Wire's 2019 NewlyWed Report, the average couple spends $38,700 for their wedding ceremony and reception, rings, and honeymoon. With the ever-so-increasing cost of having a wedding, some couples are opting to micro-weddings. Micro-weddings are a way to simplify planning and decrease costs while still having the pinterest and instagram-worthy wedding of your dreams. 

Intimacy
Planning a wedding can be stressful when it comes to not only how many people to invite but who. When you only include immediate family and your closest friends, 
your ceremony and reception will be filled with intimate, close-knit love and support.

Personalization
Having a guest list of 20 vs 120 allows for more freedom and choice when it comes to your wedding day. When catering to a smaller guest count, you may have the room to splurge on those smaller details that you wouldn't have been able to before. 

Budget
Nowadays it's less common to have parent's cover all or even half of the wedding costs. With student loans and demanding jobs, a sure way to keep a small wedding budget is by decreasing the guest count.

Simplicity

Not having to keep track of 150 RSVP responses never hurt nobody, right?! A tiny guest count makes daunting wedding planning tasks more simple.

Less Stress
By making things more simple, having more freedom to personalize your day, having your closest friends and family by your side, and spending less money, you can make for a less stressful, more joyous day.
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Intimate Ceremony Inspiration from Ruffled
And remember, having a smaller wedding doesn't mean that your wedding can't be just as fun!

Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​

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Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding DJ

2/11/2020

3 Comments

 
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Photo by Caio Resende from Pexels
Music is the lifeblood of any celebration. So it's only natural that you put your wedding day tunes in the hands of a professional DJ who knows all the songs you like (and more importantly, the ones you don't). 

DJ's are a great get for wedding ceremonies and receptions alike because:
  • A professional wedding DJ reads the crowd and tailors her music to the present energy
  • An experienced wedding day DJ will adhere to your wedding day timeline, making sure to hit all the key points that you specify, such as key dances, toasts, and anything you deem important. Plus, a true pro will know to wrap it up when the timeline indicates, not whenever they feel like it.
  • A DJ can also make announcements throughout the wedding reception or ceremony, ensuring your guests are always where you need them to be.

But just like songs, records, and Spotify playlists, no two DJ's are alike. Here are some helpful questions to help cut through the noise and find a wedding DJ who will bring some much needed harmony to your special day.

1. What is their wedding DJ experience?
Hiring a regular ol' DJ with no wedding experience is like being half asleep and pouring orange juice on your cereal. You're going to be very surprised, and not in a fun way.

A professional wedding DJ may come at a higher price, but you're paying for their wealth of knowledge when it comes to the topic at hand. A wedding DJ knows how to stick to her cues, keep the crowd energy up, and keep the proceedings moving along at a good pace. These are attributes you will most likely not find in a club DJ or someone who is just starting out.


2. What are your favorite wedding songs?
It's simple, but this question goes a long way in finding out if you and your DJ's tastes match up. If you're truly dealing with a pro, conflicting tastes shouldn't matter; your DJ should cater to your tastes and those of your guests. Still, it's always a great boost to your confidence if you know you have someone whose musical opinions you can trust behind the turntables.

What are your least favorite wedding songs?
We get it. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" is a really nice song. It has also been played at more weddings than we'd care to count.
Learn early if your DJ leans heavily on these cliche wedding songs or if she plans on keeping the sounds fresh.

Make sure also to provide your DJ with a pair of lists -- one of songs that you absolutely want played, and one with songs you absolutely don't want played. Does the "Cha Cha Slide" grate on your every nerve? Then put it on the second list and none of your wedding guests wil have to "Charlie Brown,: whatever that is.


3. On a scale of 1-5, what is your level of crowd interaction?
Like most things on your wedding planning journey, this one is a matter of taste. You may want a DJ who is reserved and just plays the music. But you may want someone who is lively, engaging the crowd and making event-related announcements along the way. Just make sure you know your DJ's style before booking. Nobody wants a DJ practicing their stand-up comedy routine in between songs.

Make sure to ask your DJ-to-be for a sample before you book them. This could be a mixtape, video clip, or anything that gives you a flavor for their style. 


4. What is your policy concerning guest song requests?
When a party gets going, sometimes your guests will want to hear a song that isn't on the list. Be prepared to ask your DJ how they plan on handling this situation. Some DJ's will not take requests, while others are happy to do so as long as the song is appropriate and in line with the songs you requested beforehand. Still others will only do so if the song matches the kind of energy they're going for. Every DJ is different, so be sure to learn their process for this before you put pen to paper.


​5. Are you using turntables or a computer?
Sometimes, a DJ is more of a fella with a laptop and some wires. While some might think that's totally fine, be aware of what the DJ is charging. Chances are, if they are just bringing a laptop to the event, you could probably control the music yourself and just cut out the middle man.
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Photo by Marlene Leppänen from Pexels
Sometimes, a DJ just isn’t in the budget. It happens. Next time, we’ll show you how to DIY DJ your own wedding while still getting to enjoy every moment.

Remember, help booking DJ's, florists, cake decorators, and anything else you might need for your wedding day is just a free consultation away. Click here to book yours today.

#austinweddingplanner #atxweddingplanner #atxweddings #austinweddings #austinluxuryweddings #austineventplanner #atxeventplanner #engaged #weddingadvice #weddingtips #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanning #weddingDJ #DJadvice  #weddinginspo #eventsunleashed

Post Written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed

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The Peace of Mind That Comes With Hiring a Wedding Planner

2/4/2020

24 Comments

 
Planning a wedding is a big commitment of both time and money, that often comes with a lot of stress. Considering most weddings take a year of planning, countless hours, phone calls, and possible headaches– hiring a planner gives you peace of mind knowing all the details and logistics are being taken care of for you. We believe letting the planner take all the work off of your hands, allows you to be fully present and enjoy your engagement and wedding. Trust us, being stressed out by wedding planning instead of blissfully enjoying being engaged is no fun! Here are some of our top benefits and reasons why investing in a wedding planner is so worth it:
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Planners Are Well Connected
Planners oftentimes have connections with local vendors. They will usually have a tried and true list of vendors that they know to do business well. Maybe you have your heart set on a certain caterer, but your planner knows that caterer has shown up late to two weddings she’s planned. Information like this could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. 

Planners Know What To Expect
It’s hard to come up with a realistic budget when you don’t know the normal, industry pricing for wedding vendors. Wedding planners know the pricing, allowing them to come up with a realistic budget and help you stick to it. If they don’t know the price off the top of their head, they save you the headache of trying to find it out yourself. 

Planners Keep Things Stress-free
Planners act as your vendor point-of-contact, which is awesome! No busy couple wants to be bothered by multiple vendors coming to the bride and groom suites asking last-minute questions- and no vendor wants to have to bother the couple. Your wedding planner will conduct all communication with them, so you won’t have to think twice about things running smoothly.

Planners Are There To Support You
Some couples are hesitant to planners because they want to be heavily involved in the planning or worry that the planner may take over their vision. Don’t worry, planners are here to support your vision and your vision only! A planner’s job is to support the bride and groom, reduce stress, offer knowledge, and enhance the overall wedding experience.

Planners Save Relationships
Although it may be tempting to let your aunt or a friend plan your wedding, it may not always be the best option. Planning a wedding can be stressful and you don’t want any tension created as a result of the stress. Also, when the person has a personal connection to you, they may be more inclined to push what they think is right, even if it’s unintentional. Planners want you and all of your family and friends to enjoy the event!

Planners Can Save You Money
Having built-in relationships with vendors, wedding planners can help to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Wedding planners are often repeat customers to the local vendors so maintaining a positive working relationship is important to both parties. We all know the saying “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know”. 
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Photo by Joshua Dwain
A wedding planner can definitely play a big role in reducing and eliminating worry or anxiety leading up to your wedding day. Giving clients peace of mind is a big goal for wedding planners. An investment in a professional planner is one step closer to achieving your dream wedding. 

Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​

#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #weddingplannerbenefits #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanningbudget #weddingplanning #atxwedding #weddingplanningadvice #planningtips #weddingexpenses #weddingplanner

Post and Video by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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Wedding Bands: Things to Consider

1/29/2020

3 Comments

 
Do you know what type of wedding band your fiancè wants? How involved in the process would your fiancè like to be? Is he/she the type to be ok with whatever you get or can afford, or does he/she want that diamond “bling-bling” like yours? To my surprise, my fiancè explained to me with a straight face the type of ring he wanted. “You got diamonds, so why shouldn’t I,” he asked? It was a good question…but man, I was thinking I could get away with spending less than $100.00 on his wedding band. Oops, was I wrong!

Let’s break down some important things to consider when it comes to wedding bands, so you won’t make the wrong assumption as I did!
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Photo by Alex Hussein from Pexels
Price
One of the first and most important things to consider when it comes to wedding band shopping is how much you’re willing to spend. Establishing a budget before going ring shopping will help set realistic expectations and ensure you don’t overspend. 


Look
There are A LOT of different styles when it comes to a wedding band. Once you have a price in mind, you can narrow down rings based on the look. You can get ring inspiration from looking at jewelers online or in person, or on Pinterest,
of course. The photos below show just a few styles of rings for men and women, but these aren’t even close to all— remember there are different colors too! 

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Photo From Bridal Musings
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Photo from With Clarity
Upgrades
Consider saving some money while in the midst of wedding planning by going with a cheaper priced ring (this doesn’t always mean you have to compromise on the look). Set a goal with your partner to upgrade to your dream bands on a future anniversary. 
​


Whichever ring you and your partner decide to go with, they will be the right ones for you. There is no right choice when it comes to wedding bands, as they are a personal symbol of love. Remember, communication with your partner is key, even with something as simple as wedding bands! Good luck & happy planning!


Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!

#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingbands #weddingrings #howtochoosearing #weddingbudget #weddingbudgeting #austindestinationwedding #atxwedding #weddingtipsandadvice #planningtips #weddingexpenses


Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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Asking for Support With Your Wedding Without Sounding Like You're Begging

1/3/2020

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Let’s face it, weddings are more expensive now than ever before. The average US wedding now costs $35,329! That’s a whole lot of money for only two people to come up with. There is no shame in asking family and friends to help support this cost (remember-- the families used to be the ones who foot the bill for this special day). Asking for money from friends and family for your wedding doesn't have to be difficult at all. Follow these easy steps to make sure that you do it the right way.
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Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels
Step One
Identify with your partner who you want to ask and why.

Think about the people that are closest to you, that you highly respect, and know want to support you and your fiancé. You might be surprised at how much others want to see you have a spectacular wedding.

Step Two
Come up with a plan to ask.

In-person: Inviting friends and family over to discuss your plans for the wedding may help them see your vision and increase their chances of assisting you. 
Over the phone: For friends and family that don’t live nearby, asking over the phone is much more realistic than in-person. Take the time to call those that you plan on asking. Tip: Write out a short script that you can read so that you don’t get flustered while trying to make your request. 
By Mail: Never underestimate the power of a handwritten letter. Not only will it make the person you’re asking feel special, but it also conveys how important the request is to you.
Virtually: Consider emailing your friends and family your request. You can include the overall cost and what you plan on doing with the funds so that they see you have a clear and reasonable plan.

Step Three
Ask!  

It could sound something like, “We want to properly manage our expectations as we move towards the planning phase of our wedding. We would like to know if you plan on contributing to our needs for our special day. We have/haven't spoke about this before, but I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

Step Four
Don’t Get Discouraged and Get Creative!
​

Sometimes your friends and family may want to help but can’t afford it. If you know that someone would like to help but can’t financially, you may want to see if they can help by offering their time or skills. If you know one of your family members can bake, ask if they will make the desserts for your wedding if you supply the ingredients. You can even get creative by asking family and friends for a “donation” towards your big day in place of any upcoming birthday or holiday gifts. Don’t be discouraged if you get a couple no’s, because the one person that says yes may contribute in more ways than you could imagine. There are endless ways to reach your magical wedding goals! Good luck and happy planning!
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Photo by Abie ZeroSix from Pexels
Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​

#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanningbudget #weddingplanning #weddingbudget #weddingbudgeting #austindestinationwedding #atxwedding #weddingvenues #venuetips #weddingtipsandadvice #planningtips #weddingexpenses #howtoaskforweddingsupport #weddingcontributions

Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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Negotiating Like a Boss for Your Wedding

12/31/2019

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For your wedding, you deserve the best VALUE for your money. Negotiating for your big day is the best way to understand costs and get the best value. Notice that we didn't say you should have the CHEAPEST anything, after all, you get what you pay for. 
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Photo by energepic.com from Pexels
Keep In Mind Vendors Are People Too
When you negotiate for your wedding with vendors, please keep in mind that the people you are negotiating with aren't driving $100K cars or living in million-dollar homes or  mansions. They are moms, dads, sisters, and friends who have turned their passions into a businesses. It may seem nerve-wracking to question the vendor’s service or price for goods, but remember that the vendors need big days like yours to keep their businesses thriving. When you negotiate to get the best value and not the cheapest price, you and the vendor will be happy. 

How To Negotiate
Negotiating with a wedding vendor may sound something like:
“In evaluating our budget and reviewing the quote, it looks like this falls outside of our budget by approximately $___X___. Are there requests that we have selected that take us over budget that we should re-consider? Are there areas that we could make adjustments to help it fit within our budget?”

Most vendors are happy to work with you when you keep the line of communication open. 

Negotiating doesn’t have to be scary and shouldn’t feel like a battle. Be clear about your budget and precise about your needs and you will be negotiating like a BOSS in no time. 
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Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels
Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​

#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanningbudget #weddingplanning #negotiating #negotiatingwithvendors #weddingbudget #weddingbudgeting #austindestinationwedding #atxwedding #weddingvenues #venuetips #weddingtipsandadvice #planningtips #weddingexpenses  #askingforweddingcontributions 

Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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Most Commonly Missed Wedding Venue Expenses

12/20/2019

3 Comments

 
PicturePhoto by Tae Fuller from Pexels
​Let’s be honest… you may have considered your wedding budget, but with various unanticipated expenses⁠-- it’s hard to consider ALL of what your wedding will cost you. These sneaky costs can put any wedding budget in danger. We’re here to fill you in on exactly what those costs are, so you’ll be prepared to handle your wedding budget like a BOSS. 














​




​Venues can be a HUGE area where couples make big mistakes, but
you don't have to. Here’s what to consider when budgeting for your wedding venue. 


Service Charges, Sales Tax, and Gratuity
Most venues have a service charge, sales tax, and an automatic gratuity that aren’t included in the advertisted price. What you don't know can easily take you from a comfortable venue budget to an additional $2,000 to over $6,000 at your venue in no time. Make sure to ask what these charges look like at your prospective wedding venue to avoid any hiccups in your budget.

Food & Beverage Minimums
Some venues may have a food and beverage (F&B) minimum. This F&B minimum allows you to utilize their space as long as you guarantee that you will spend at least X amount of dollars on the food and beverage associated with the wedding. This can get tricky if you don’t truly understand what you’re guaranteeing.
 
Let's say the F&B minimum requirement for the venue is $5,000. This amount is not the total that food and beverage will cost you. This means that you have to spend AT LEAST that $5000 on food and beverage alone. So if you have 60 guests and the menu item you want to go with is $45.00/person, you’d be at $2,700. This means you’d have to add food or beverage until you get to the minimum, even if it’s not necessarily needed. On the other hand, say you have 100 guests and the lowest menu item is $58.00/person, the total would be $5,800 and would not be reduced to the F&B minimum.

In other words, the F&B minimum is just the start of the cost. 
The formula looks more like this: 
F&B minimum 
+ Service Charge 
(F&B minimum * 20-25%)
+ Taxes (F&B minimum * 8.25%)
​
= TOTAL VENUE COST

A practical real wedding example:
F&B Minimum = $5,000.00
+ Service charge = 24%
+ Tax = 8.25%

$5,000.00 + ($5,000.00 * 24%) + ($5,000.00*8.25%)= 
$5,000.00 + ($1,200) + ($412.50)  = $6,612.00

PRO TIP:  Always remeber that your food and beverage minimum is the least amount you have to spend, NOT what your actual wedding will cost. 

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Photo by Bashir Olawoyin from Pexels
Bonus Venue Fees to Consider:
1. Bartender - Some venues require you to use their bartending services if alcohol is being served and these fees can range from $75 to $175 depending on the venue. 
2. Parking/Valet - Is there self-parking for your guests? Valet might be a requirement.
3. Food Station - Ask about any hidden fees associated with food stations.
4. Cake Cutting- Some venues charge an extra fee for staff to assist with cake cutting.

The more you know about hidden or unexpected fees, the easier it will be to plan, stick to,
and crush your wedding budget goals. 


Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanningbudget #weddingplanning #weddingbudget #weddingbudgeting #austindestinationwedding #atxwedding #weddingvenues #venuetips #weddingtipsandadvice #planningtips #weddingexpenses

Post written by Lahoma D. and Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.
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