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. 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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Identify with your partner who you want to ask and why.
Come up with a plan to ask. As you plan to ask people for help financial help with your wedding, considering sharing the overall costs related to your big day, share your plan with the funds and the importance/value to you and your partner, allow time for input/feedback, and set your mind to be prepared for a no. Consider the following ways to ask for money:
Clearly and Concisely Ask. “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 financially 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.” Get Creative. If they can't help financially, perhaps they can offer you their time, which can be just as valuable. Follow Up, Thank You and Acknowledge After you have a commitment or a consideration, be sure to follow up and say thank you. A phone call and handwritten note are a must. Adding them to your website or the back of a wedding program with special shout-out is a good way to show your appreciation. As you think about your wedding day journey, there are several factors that a client must consider before booking their wedding florist. There are some basics that you should expect your wedding florist to know or you can kindly consider them as red caution flags. This information will also ensure that you are on the right track. You should expect your wedding florist to know: 1. Wedding Flower Care and Seasonality 2. Estimated Standard Price Range 3. Personal Design Strengths Wedding Flower Care and Seasonality Your florist should know if your flowers will stand up to your wedding in the ever-changing Texas weather and beyond. With temps in the summer months in the 100's, it is very important that your florist knows how to care for the flowers and if the flowers offered/selected fit the season. Estimated Standard Price Ranges Most florists know their hard costs allowing them to set a standard range for your flowers. It is not uncommon for a bride to ask their florist an average price for a brides bouquet, bridesmaid bouquet, and corsages. This gets tricky when you have a flower request that is pretty unique and/or out of season. Personal Design Strengths Most florists have a specialty and it shows! It is totally appropriate to find out their style and ensure that you are a great fit for one another. It would be better for you to find out that they can deliver on the look and feel that you are going for up-front versus having a disaster waiting for you on your wedding day. Not gonna lie, we have some florists that we absolutely love! Comment below if you would like us to share our favorites with you! 10 Ways to Liven Up Your Holiday Party
It's so worth it to do it right! Checkout our perfect tips for making your holiday party more festive: Give Out Festive Party Favors Make sure your flair for the festivities stands out this holiday season. Put your own spin on timeless traditions with personalized gift bags or keep the jolly times flowing with these stemless wine glasses. There’s no limit to how creative you can get with your party favors, but if you don’t have time to work your magic this year, there are so many more amazing creations waiting for you over at Etsy. Make A Menu of Signature Holiday Cocktails Spirits beget spirit, and that’s even more true for the holiday kind. Be the merry mixologist at this year’s bash with some seriously flavorful and refreshing cocktails, like jingle juice, or a Santa Clausmopolitan. Yup, that’s a thing -- a very delicious thing. Bust Out the Christmas Karaoke Once the cocktails have been flowing for a while, your guests might not be able to contain their merrymaking much longer. Why not line up a few of your favorite holiday instrumentals and sing your hearts out? Most songs even feature videos on Youtube with the lyrics, like this Mariah Carey classic. Send Out Themed Invitations Nothing tends to get partygoers more psyched than themed invitations. There’s no shortage of themes to go with, from an ugly sweater soiree to something a little bit sweeter, you’re bound to find something that gets your guests in the mood. Go All Out with the Decorations The song tells you to “deck the halls,” but this year, really, really deck them. You can even personalize your ornaments to give your party that added custom touch. Get Creative with the Treats From stencils to molds and everything in between, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with your yule tide confections. Satisfy every sweet tooth in the house while serving up holiday cheer at the same time. Play White Elephant or Secret Santa Whether you’re trying to save a little cash this year, or you just want to spice up your gift-giving, White Elephant or secret santa are both great ways to kick things off. And best of all, gone are the days of writing everybody’s name on a paper and picking one out of a hat. Site’s like Elfster take all the hassle out of the process, letting you draw guests’ names online. And you can even set drawing restrictions, just to make sure mom and dad don’t get each other again this year. Incorporate Themed Dress or Costumes Have you ever served Rudolph a cup of eggnog? Have you ever square danced with a snowman? Why not this year? Encourage your guests to don their finest holiday garb. If you really want to up the ante, hold a costume contest. You’ll be surprised how many reindeer stop by to visit. Have A Fire Christmas Playlist Keep the music coming this year with a music service like Spotify. Whether you’re looking for timeless Christmas carols to something a little more modern, you’re bound to find the perfect mix for your get-together. Give Back When it comes down to it, we love the holidays because it gives us the warm fuzzies on the inside. Nothing makes you feel warmer or fuzzier than the knowledge that you gave back at the end of another year. Make it count this year by making a donation to groups like Make-A-Wish, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or the American Cancer Society. There are really no wrong choices here, as long as you’re doing your part to spread a little cheer far and near. If you want to plan the perfect holiday soiree, we'd love to help! Contact us today! So you’ve said “yes to the dress” and, after some intense shopping sessions, your wedding day ensemble is complete. Time to step back and catch your breath. Just not for too long. There’s still plenty of beautifying to do. It might be the prettiest garment you ever wear, but that dress you spent hours picking out is far from the be-all end-all when it comes to your wedding wardrobe. Here are just a few things to think about to make sure your budget stays looking good, too. Engagement Photos Let’s be real. Nobody likes an outfit repeater. Who wants to be wearing the same thing in your engagement photos as in your actual wedding? Whether it’s a new outfit, a new hairstyle, or the whole beauty bonanza, you’re going to want to set a slice of your budget aside for what should be your most memorable photo shoot ever. Wedding Party We’re not talking about the kind of party that will go down the aisle with you on your big day. We’re talking dancing, cocktails, and, if you’re doing it right, a whole lot of karaoke. Whether it’s an engagement party, a bachelorette party, or a “I still can’t believe I’m getting married in six months” party, bomb budgeting skills will take you far. Remember to take into account all you’ll need for the party. What will you wear? What will you be serving? Will you have a DJ or your friend’s son’s band that you sometimes hear practicing next door? Answering questions like this are essential to setting real expectations for yourself and making sure you don’t go over-budget too soon. Bridal Shower We would lump this in with parties above, but keep in mind sometimes brides have more than one bridal shower. And if that’s you, do you. You deserve it. But keep in mind the costs associated with every wardrobe choice and hairdo. The Wedding Weekend Your wedding weekend is a lot more than a ceremony and a fancy dinner. It's a celebration of true love with all of your closest friends. So you better look damn good for it, right? How expansive you want to make your weekend wardrobe is entirely up to you. Just remember you’ll have:
Finally, Glamorize and Accessorize.
We’ve been talking mostly clothes, but behind every great outfit there’s an armada of accessories. From game-changing makeup to refreshing mani-pedis for every occasion, do style your way. 2018 has given us a lot of great things: Black Panther, the iPhone X, Beychella and the list goes on! There has also been an abundance of songs perfect for all the moments during your wedding. What do you think about our “Hit 15” list of the best wedding songs of 2018 so far?
1. Beyoncé “Die With You” 2. James Arthur “Say You Won’t Let Go” 3. Calum Scott ft. Leona Lewis “You Are the Reason” 4. Harry Styles “Sweet Creature” 5. Ella Mai ft. John Legend “Everything” 6. Bruno Mars “24K Magic” 7. John Legend ft. Bloodpop “A Good Night” 8. The Carters “SUMMER” 9. Jason Aldean “You Make It Easy” 10. Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B “Girls Like You” 11. Ella Mai “Bood’ Up” 12. Drake “Nice For What” 13. Ariana Grande “sweetener” 14. Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé “Perfect Duet” 15. Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin“I Like It” Let’s be honest for a minute: Putting together that wedding gift registry is low-key the bane of any newly wed-to-be’s existence. Sure, you can cram it chalk full of every gravy boat and gourmet popcorn maker in the store, but there’s always that nagging feeling you’re missing something a lot more important. Here are five fire ideas for gifts that belong on your registry. And no worries, you can totally thank us later. Reliable Baking Ware It’s not the most exciting wedding gift idea, but it is the one that will keep on giving. Whether you’re serving up sweets at the next neighborhood bash or you’ve decided to treat yourself as part of a quiet night in, you’ll find a sturdy, elegant baking ware set comes to the rescue every time. You simply can’t go wrong requesting this killer 10-piece set from the queen of the kitchen, Rachael Ray herself, especially because it’s non-stick. You’ll be thanking your lucky stars you put this bad boy on your registry. Self-inking rubber stamp Speaking of giving thanks, once the cake has been cut and your wedding day has reached i fairytale ending, you’re going to find yourself with an awful lot of thank-you notes to write. It’s no wonder they leave this part out of all the stories. Who wants to read about Cinderella and Prince Charming pouring over a guest list, trying to personalize each note of gratitude? Make the post-wedding postage a little less tedious with this clever self-inking rubber stamp, complete with interchangeable plates so you can send multiple messages. Plus, you get to upload your own personalized artwork, so guests will know you’re not just mailing it in. Furniture care kit You want your wedding day to be perfect, but your furniture won’t always be. Dings, dents and scuffs happen. They’re unavoidable, like junk mail or bad Adam Sandler movies. Keep your favorite furniture pieces sparkling for years to come with this versatile furniture care kit. Whether you’re looking to give a wood finish some extra sheen or you’re looking to rejuvenate some worn out leather, this kit has everything you need to get it done. Wireless speaker system The music shouldn’t stop with the last dance of the evening. Keep the party jumping with a bumping speaker setup and make sure the dancing never stops. After all, any floor can be a dance floor if a song’s good enough. Make sure your registry includes this dynamic speaker setup from Sonos. Not only are you able to play your jams anywhere in your home, but you can control it with your voice and connect it to over 30 streaming services. It’s the audio equivalent to having your cake and eating it too. Ask for a donation Not quite sure what to ask for on this big day? How about you use your special day to make someone else’s a little special, too? Find a charity that really stands out to you, and request that your guests make a donation instead of a gift. It’s a great way to start giving back early, and you can bet you’ll ride off into the sunset feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and it won’t just be the champagne. You didn’t think it would ever happen. You thought your fella popping the question was about as likely as a humble Kardashian. But it did happen. The man of your dreams got down on one knee and asked you to spend the rest of your life with him, and everybody around you ugly cried a lot. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your girlfriends are squealing with delight. It’s not a dream. You know because you’ve pinched yourself five times in the last hour. And then, just like that, reality starts to set in. You’re getting married, and you’re going to have to plan your own wedding! We predict you’ve gone from 😌 To 😱 But don’t worry. Weddings have been a part of life since the beginning of time, and if your ancestors could pull it off, you definitely can. After all, you’re from the generation that invented the selfie stick. Here are a few tips to make the planning process pretty close to painless. Talk It Out Remember that everyone has a different vision of what they want their wedding to be. Some people grow up fantasizing about the big day, while others don’t really think about it until they have a ring on their finger. Some brides-to-be want an elaborate, fairytale extravaganza, while lowkey’s the name of the game for others. Before you start your next chapter together, make sure you’re both on the same page. Sit down with your partner and talk it out. Make sure to share your expectations for the big day, and make sure you listen to theirs, too. Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s everything when it comes to weddings. Make So Many Lists Top 10 lists aren’t just for Buzzfeed. They’re also a super tool for organizing your thoughts. Work with your partner on lists of:
Brainstorm a budget Nobody likes crunching numbers -- well except maybe Denise in accounting -- but when you’re talking weddings, it’s important to work together on a realistic budget that works for you both. Take the lists you put together earlier and start attaching dollar amounts to each item. You’ll be surprised how far a little perspective will take you. Create a Timeline Do you want to get married in three months? Six? Or maybe you want to take the James Cameron route and make everybody wait 10 years. Once you and your partner agree on a reasonable budget to spend on the wedding, start getting real about how much time it’s going to take coordinating it all. Will you enjoy your big day if you have it three months from now, or will you be too stressed to take it all in? Remember That Wedding Planners Are a Thing
Some of us thrive on making weddings happen. Others can’t stand the pressure and would much rather have somebody do it for them. That’s where a great wedding planner comes into play. Let’s call them professional worryers. Make worrying about your wedding cake their job. Let a planner work with you on choosing the perfect flowers, centerpieces, libations, and everything else, leaving you time to do the fun stuff like picking out the perfect dress. Our team at Events Unleashed are ready and willing to handle every aspect of your big day, and we’re just as prepared to step back and let you call the shots. Remember, no matter how big or small, it’s your day, and the best way to pull it off without any tears is to take it one step at a time. Make your wedding happen your way. Wedding planning breaks are so important for your mental health! Take one day this week to focus on what matters most, your relationship!
Kickoff date night with these questions: If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? Want more? Click here!
When we see the hashtag, #shesaidyes or #ido in our minds that means you can finally take your private and secret Pinterest board and make it official and public! You've probably created 7 different weddings within one board as you begin the process after you actually got the bling.... who cares, it doesn't have to be a secret anymore!
Now what? Start Here: 1. Talk to your fiance about the most important aspects of the wedding in their opinion and create a list of your own. 2. Prioritize the list, narrow it down to the top 3 (they don't have to be the same)! These top 3 most important areas are the starting point to planning a meaningful and memorable wedding! This also provides insight on where you will want to make sure you lean in to ask for help! 3. Ask your families if there are any important traditions that they would like to see for your special day! 4. Here comes the B* word! Yep, you know what it is, Budget! Ask yourself, how much financially you are willing to pay for the wedding? Will you dip into your savings? Will you start a savings account from every paycheck? What's your plan? Will you have family members that will contribute? It's tough to be come up with a real wedding budget when you haven't planned a wedding before, so a good number to consider as a starting point is $200 per guest. In no way is this always the case, just a good place to consider starting. This number will also make you consider who you REALLY want to invite! After you have completed the steps above, contact us, we would be delighted to help you take it from there! |
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