Ten Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

There is no question that weddings cost a lot of money. I'm often asked, however, with all of the other expenses, why would someone pay the extra money to hire a wedding consultant? After all, most of your parents and grandparents did quite well with their own wedding and not having a planner. But times have changed, and with it, more and more couples are finding it extremely advantageous to hire a wedding planner, or at least, a "Day Of" wedding coordinator.

Having a wedding coordinator will allow you to enjoy every aspect of your day, while your coordinator looks after the details. - Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography

1.  A wedding planner has experience doing this; for most couples this is their first time planning a wedding. They know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it most efficiently while avoiding the pitfalls. Their experience will save you tons of time and research.

2.  A good planner will be able to listen to your ideas and make appropriate suggestions that work with your vision, your style, and your budget. In addition, they may be able to make suggestions that you never even considered before that will really add to your big day.

3.  Most planners offer a variety of programs or packages. You don't necessarily need to hire someone to do the entire thing, but maybe just help with one or two specific areas.

4.  Working in the wedding industry, they are familiar with and able to recommend a number of different vendors. It works the other way, too, and they can let you know who to avoid. This saves you a ton of time tracking down references and doing comparison shopping for your vendors.

5.  Many wedding planners get discounts from vendors, which in turn can end up saving you money. For example, all Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Certified have in their contract vendor discounts that will be passed on directly to their clients. This means, you get to save money!

6.  Your planner will be a liaison/negotiator between you and your vendors from the initial conversations right through to your wedding. Their expertise will be invaluable as you negotiate contract details, pricing, keeping track of dates, and keeping everyone organized and in the loop.

7.  The planner knows what is needed in terms of legal documentation and when to look after them so you don't miss important deadlines. This can prove to be extremely useful, especially with destination weddings where there may also be the legalization and translation of official documents required.

8. Your wedding coordinator will carry an emergency kit. A good coordinator is prepared for almost any situation. She has the sewing kit to repair the button that fell off the groomsman's rented tux, the Tide-To-Go for that smudge on your dress, and the Advil for the guest with a splitting headache plus numerous other "save-the-day" items that may be needed.

9.  Even if you just hire a "Day Of" Coordinator, having someone who will look after everything on your wedding day is invaluable! Their job is to make sure that everyone else has done their job. You don't want to be worrying about whether or not the reception site is ready, or trying to find out where the limo driver is. You should be able to enjoy your day, as should your family members and friends. Having someone look after these details is worth every penny!

10.  Your time is extremely valuable.  People are busier than ever with their careers, their family obligations, and even their friends. In the past, even if the bride had a job, the mother or aunt did not work outside the home and had the time to dedicate to planning the wedding. Nowadays, few people have the time required to really plan a beautiful wedding. Even if you take on parts of it, having a wedding planner to guide you and keep you on track will make the entire process more enjoyable and manageable. You will be able to relax knowing that someone else is looking after the details on your behalf!

Your wedding day is too important to leave to chance. Hiring a coordinator will make sure that the entire experience runs smoothly and without complications. - Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Breakdown Of A Wedding Budget

Setting up your budget is one of the most important tasks for a couple starting to plan their wedding. Ironically, it is often the task that is put off the most, or worse yet, completely ignored. Perhaps it is because it seems to be so overwhelming or maybe it is because people don’t like looking at the numbers. Whatever reason, setting up your wedding budget should be one of your first tasks before anything else. It will give you a guideline of how much money you have to spend, and therefore, give you a realistic idea of what you can and cannot do.

It is critical that the budget is established before you commit to anything else. This means sitting down with everyone involved, be it just the two of you, or including both sets of your parents as well, and figure out how much money you are willing to spend on the wedding. Anyone who is contributing should be at this meeting, or at least have sent their information

ahead of time of what they are willing to contribute. If people are offering to pay for certain aspects, such as your dress, or the alcohol at the wedding, still make sure that they give you an actual number to work with. You don’t want to make any assumptions, only to find out their idea and your idea of dollar amounts don’t mesh. By the end of this meeting, you will have a better idea of what you can spend, which will guide you through the rest of the wedding planning process. Too many times, couples forget this critical step and end up deeply in debt when they come back from their honeymoon.

Your budget will let you know what is realistic when you start meeting with vendors. There is no point of looking at a photographer that starts at $5000 when your budget only allows you to spend $2000. Of course, there is some flex room. If you find an awesome deal on your dress, then that may allow you to spend a little more elsewhere, such as on your flowers or your DJ. The other way it can work is if there is something really important, even essential, such as having your reception at a specific venue, then you can allot money for that. But on the flip side, when you overspend in one area, it means cutting back elsewhere in order to make that happen. This is where a wedding planner can prove to be extremely useful, as they are usually masters in manipulating the budget, and can sometimes even save you money through relationships they have established with quality vendors in the area.

An average breakdown of wedding budget expenses is as follows:

• Food & Beverage 30%
• Flowers & Décor 15%
• Wedding Planning 10%
• Venue Rental 8%
• Extra Cushion 8%
• Dress & Accessories 6%
• Lighting & Sound 5%
• Tipping 5%
• Photo & Video 4%
• Cake 3%
• Printed Materials 2%
• Transportation 2%
• Hair & Makeup 2%

There are a number of factors that will affect your budget. For example, the number of guests you have for your wedding will really set the tone and narrow down what you can and cannot afford. If you have a smaller number of guests, you will most likely spend less on food and alcohol OR be able to spend more per person on food. Another item to consider is in relation to the size of your wedding party. The more attendants you have, the more you will have to spend on flowers (e.g. bouquets and boutonnieres) and gifts for each member of the wedding party. Many wedding planners have spreadsheets that allows you to break the budget down even more, including adjusting the budget to reflect the number of guests you plan on having as well as the number of attendants.

Your budget is critical to the success and enjoyment of your wedding. No one wants to get married with the knowledge that they are going hugely into debt hanging over their heads. Creating and sticking to your budget will keep you grounded and make your wedding something that you can relax and enjoy, knowing that you planned smartly.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Two Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Reception

Newly engaged couples often sit down to begin planning their wedding. They have big dreams and stars in their eyes. However, often enough those exciting ideas are quickly tossed aside once they start figuring out the huge costs that are associated with having the big wedding reception they always imagined. First there is the cost of renting the venue. Probably the biggest expense is the food, which is normally a plated dinner or even a buffet, followed closely by the alcohol expense. Then there is the cost of entertainment, which usually means hiring a DJ or a band. Finally, there is the décor. When most couples start adding up the figures, it causes a lot of concern. How do they have the wedding reception that they want without the price-tag to match?

I think the first thing to remember is that the purpose of a wedding reception is for your guests to join with you in celebrating that the two of you have committed your lives to one another. It is a party to celebrate your marriage, but what you have to remember is that the party can take a variety of forms. Better yet, some of these forms will be able to save you money and make your wedding dreams more attainable than you ever imagined.

Cocktails Reception

One option to consider is to have a late afternoon or evening ceremony followed by an elegant cocktail reception. Create a lounge space with minimal furnishing that encourages your guests to visit and socialize. Servers can bring out trays of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres or maybe set up different food stations around the room. Perhaps you would prefer to set-up a dessert bar with a variety of decadent treats to satisfy any person’s sweet tooth. Whatever you choose, your food costs will be less than paying for a full dinner meal. A trio of jazz musicians off to one side can perform ambient background music or bring in that DJ who will really get the party started. It can be the black-tie affair you want, but without the price tag.

A lounge space is not only trendy, but a great way to utilize an open-spaced area. Guests can have the option of socializing or dancing in a club-like atmosphere.

Morning Brunch

Another option is to have a morning ceremony with either a brunch or lunch reception. Your food costs associated with either breakfast or lunch is usually much less than the price of having a dinner reception. Perhaps you might have a signature drink, like a mimosa, or perhaps you would choose to only serve local beers, but another added benefit of a brunch wedding will be reduced alcohol costs. A classical guitarist or a pianist could be hired to play background music, but you won’t have the additional costs of a DJ. Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor venue, this can be a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning, especially if your wedding includes families and children.

A brunch wedding is more friendly than formal. It sets a welcoming tone that your guests will appreciate as they spend a wonderful morning together.

There are lots of great ideas out there that can let you have the wedding reception you want. Sometimes, you just have to be able to think outside the box, or know someone who can help you get there.

If you’re interested in getting started in planning your wedding, contact us at Creative Weddings and Occasions.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Sorting Out Wedding Stationary: The Necessities Versus The Niceties

Figuring out what to do with your wedding stationary can be puzzling for any couple. Somewhere between RSVP cards and Menu cards, your head starts to swim with all the details as you try to figure out what is needed and what is not. When you're on a tight budget, these decisions become even more important.

If you're trying to prioritize, there are three main stationary items you should look at for your wedding:

• Invitation / Invitation Set
• Escort Cards
• Thank-You Cards

Invitations are the most important and necessary piece of wedding stationary. They give your guests all of the pertinent information in regards to your wedding. The should include the date, the time, and the location of your ceremony and reception. They also usually include an RSVP card (and an addressed and stamped envelope) for guests to send back so you can know whether to count on their attendance or not. Other options are to include are maps or directions to ceremony and receptions sites. Your invitation is often the first hint your guests will have about your wedding. When possible, they should include elements of your wedding theme and colors.

Escort Cards are available for guests to pick up as they arrive at the reception. On each card, the guest's name is printed, as well as which table they are assigned to sit at for the meal. A definite necessity for large weddings, escort ideas are still a good idea for small ones as they ensure that close relatives and family friends are seated in prime locations and seated together. It wouldn't be right for grandma and grandpa to get stuck in the back corner or for families to be split up. If you're opposed to individual escort cards, another option is to build a seating board that can be mounted on an easel outside the reception venue. For a large wedding, you might even make two. These boards show the position of each table and who is assigned to each one.

Thank-You Cards should be self-explanatory. Common courtesy dictates that you should give a personal thank-you note for each and every gift you receive. This includes shower gifts, engagement gifts, as well as wedding gifts. The same applies to everyone who attends your wedding. To save time, many try to combine the wedding thank-you with the wedding gift. To save yourself time and trouble later, make sure you have someone help you when opening gifts by keeping a detailed list of each item and who gave it to you. This will make your life significantly easier when doing up the thank-you cards. The rule of thumb is that all cards should be sent within six weeks of the wedding.

It is up to each couple to determine the importance of other stationary items.

Save-The-Date Cards are especially useful for couples planning a destination wedding or a wedding around a holiday period or long weekend when you want guests to know about the event six to nine months before the actual wedding. While e-mail invitations are considered tacky, you can get away with e-mail Save-the-dates.

Place Cards are another fairly common item, assigning guests their actual seat at each table. Not necessary, but sometimes add to the decor and theme at each table. It also ensures that enough seats have been left for families and couples. Note that if you are having a small wedding of 30 people or less, you may want to skip the escort cards completely and use place cards instead.

Programs are considered a nice, but unnecessary item. They can be used to explain the order of events at the ceremony, especially the order of any special cultural traditions that guests may not be familiar with. Sometimes they also list the wedding party and any other additional information that you may want shared, such as hymns that will be sung, or prayers that require a response. Others include meaningful poems or maps to the reception venue.

Menu Cards are another item that is really up to the couple on whether they need them or not. Whether it's a buffet or plated dinner, they let guests know what they are about to eat. I'm personally okay without them, but if guests get to make a choice on what to eat, they are a nice idea. If you feel that they are important, another option is to print one larger one for each table to share instead of individual ones.

Like most aspects of your wedding, it can be easy to get carried away when choosing your wedding stationary. I would recommend you decide ahead of time on what pieces are most important to the two of you and stick to your guns!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasionsand Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Villa Rentals - The New Destination Wedding Option

Heard the horror stories of drunk tourists crashing the wedding reception? What about the topless sunbather in the wedding photos or the couple that had their wedding reception amidst two other wedding parties in the same restaurant at the resort? The internet is full of brides and grooms with similar complaints about their destination wedding gone bad. Perhaps the more important question is how many sleepless nights have you had worrying that this could just as easily happen to you?

Your wedding day is too important to leave to chance! The resort wedding coordinators are excellent at handling the on-site details, but too often, the wedding ceremony and reception are all "cookie cutter" replicas of one another. To help create the unique wedding of your dreams, perhaps it is time to consider some different alternatives for your destination wedding, such as renting a luxury villa.

Rental villas are scattered through the world, with numerous options being available in the Caribbean. With as many as nine or ten bedrooms, villas can provide accomdations for up to 24 people. In many cases, some of the same amenities found in the upscale resorts are included in the villa price, such as tennis courts, games rooms, private bars, and a full-service staff to look after all of your needs. However, villas also offer the added bonus of a private pool, and in some cases, a secluded beach for your own personal pleasure. A number of villas also have an on-site chef that will look after all of your culinary needs during your stay for either a "per person per day" rate or for the cost of groceries. Whether you use the villa itself for your wedding, or an alternate location nearby, villas often provide the perfect PRIVATE setting that most couples are looking for.

Villas are perfect for small wedding parties of less than 20 guests, but what if your wedding group is a little larger, like 30 - 50 people? Alan at sunvillas.com was able to offer the perfect solution by suggesting a few neighbouring villas in the beautiful Montego Bay area. He was also able to recommend which villa was best to accommodate the couple's wedding, along with vendors that have been used in the past by other couples who married there. Using neighbouring villas allows everyone to stay in the same proximity of each other, but provides the opportunity for families to stay together, or maybe even accommodate wedding guests with different financial budgets.

Villas provide an intimate and romantic option not always available at some of the larger Caribbean resorts. They provide more versatility, allowing you to have the wedding you've always wanted. You won't be tied to the ceremony guidelines that the big resort set, and will be able to choose the vendors that will work best for you. Let your destination wedding specialist get started now in helping you find the perfect location for your special day and in making your wedding a dream come true!

For more information about villas rentals as a possible destination wedding location or travel destination, please contact us at www.creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .