|
At Home With Mary Louise – Season After Season
That Special, Enchanted Time – The Wedding Day
By Mary Louise
Soulcial Scene Contributor
As the big day approaches,
the mind moves a mile a minute. Budget, themes, color
schemes, entertainment, menu --- you name it. As a wedding
planner, event specialist and event decorator, my job is to
make sure your event is spectacular.
Follow my wedding check
list. At the top of that checklist, for our discussion
today, my advice to you is - balance the budget and do
things in moderation. Your top concern should be budget.
From my experience married couples don’t like budgeting, but
then, later they wonder why they’re spending too much. My
advice to them, to you if you are planning a wedding, is to
stay focused on what is important and stay within your
budget
Spending within your means
determines everything - what, when and where! Usually
wedding planning comes in packages such as:
Platinum Package: The sky
is the limit. The bride asks for it and it’s done. All the
bells and whistles. However, all those bells and whistles
come at an outstanding price tag.
Silver Package: Some of
the bells and whistles. It should look expensive but not be.
This is what most of my clients select since it has a lavish
look but stays within most budgets.
Economy Package: The basic
white cotton look – table cloths, floating candles for
centerpieces, few if any flowers. An exchanging of vows
while keeping things extremely simple. Nevertheless, the
economy package can still be very presentable with nice
clean lines.
Your planner also has
three to four packages. When selecting what you want on your
dream day, keep in mind that you will be feeding a lot of
people and, regardless of the package you select, that can
get expensive. Think, think, think … Be mindful at all times
of pictures, color schemes, wardrobes, transportation,
honeymoon, bachelor party, bachelorette party, rehearsal
dinner – they are also factors. So stay mindful while
spending. Keep things within reason for you. And budget,
budget, budget!!
Meanwhile, your wedding
will be a wonderful, outstanding day regardless of the
amount spent on it! The bride and groom should get creative.
Attend wedding shows for ideas. Invite the wedding party
over to participate in making centerpieces together – that
will cut down on costs. Creativity is the key.
In the wedding planning
world, we use a term – “finalizing.” That is adding and
subtracting from the wedding list while being mindful in
focusing on the important things that really matter.
If these suggestions are
followed, the bride will have an outstanding day and save
lots of money along the way. May your memories of this
awesome day last forever … Remember – your day, your way!
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)