Hi Y'all,  I hope everyone is enjoying this awesome fall weather (at least in Florida).  Wedding Season is ramping up and we can't wait for all of the amazing fall, winter and spring weddings coming up in the next few months!

A lot of people ask us what is the difference between Full Wedding Planning and a Day of Wedding Coordinator.  Many people think that hiring a full wedding planner is beyond their financial reach.  But that is not necessarily true.

Full Wedding Planner

Recommends vendors based on experience and their ability to deliver above and beyond service

Can sometimes help negotiate better pricing

Will understand the nuances of your family and family dynamics

Goes with you to planning meetings with other wedding pros to make sure your needs are communicated properly

Troubleshoots your wedding day and makes sure all things run smoothly

Knows that Uncle Bob only drinks Pepsi -not Coke - and makes sure his glass is never empty

Guides you through the etiquette of wedding planning

Makes sure no wedding details are overlooked throughout the planning process

Day of Wedding Coordinator

Creates your timeline of the day

Makes sure all wedding pros follow their contracts

Troubleshoots anything that pops up during the day

May NOT know the family dynamics and that Uncle Bob only drinks Pepsi and not Coke

Does NOT attend any vendor meetings or help negotiate contracts

Another thing to be wary of...many venues will say that they have an on-site wedding coordinator and that you don't need to hire one.  Ask your venue these questions - will their on-site coordinator stay at your wedding until the very last guest leaves? will their on-site coordinator help you with etiquette questions throughout the planning process - will their on-site coordinator create a master timeline for your entire wedding day/weekend- will their on-site coordinator deliver welcome baskets/bags to your out of town guests?  etc, etc, etc

Everyone has a job to do when planning a wedding. Our job is to create a magical day that you will never forget!  And to guide you through the process, help you understand the roles each pro plays in the wedding day and so much more!

We want your wedding to be a huge success.  So make informed decisions, do your research and remember that cheaper is not necessarily better.  You get what you pay for!

Hugs to all,

Jen,Mandi,Karlee and Jan

jennifer@fabuluxeevents.com

Hello out there!  I hope everyone had an amazing Valentine's Day and is enjoying this fabulous time of year.

So, we are in the middle of engagement season and the topic of budget is a big issue for newly engaged couples.  It can be awkward, uncomfortable and daunting to talk about budget when planning the wedding of your dreams.  

First and foremost...EVERYONE HAS A BUDGET.  Whether your budget is $10,000 or $100,000 it is still a budget and your ideas will need to fit within those parameters.

So here are some tips for handling the budget discussion.

1.  Sit down with both sets of parents.  Ask what, if anything, they are able to contribute. Sometimes it is a dollar amount. Sometimes they will say, I want to pay for photography or flowers up to a certain dollar amount.  But be up front and ask the questions.

2.  Talk honestly as a couple.  What can you two afford to contribute to the wedding expenses?  Be honest...Do NOT go into major debt to plan a wedding.  It is not a competition.  It is a wedding celebrating two people in love making a lifelong committment to each other.  

3.  Have realistic expectations.  You may have to sacrifice in some categories to get what you really want in other categories.    You can not have surf and turf, open-premium bar and a live band for 150 on $5,000...so something will have to give.  Be realistic.

4.  Set priorities.  If photography is a priority get the best possible photographer you feel comfortable paying.  If food is a priorty stretch the food budget and lower another category.  

5.  Carefully watch your guest list.  Less guests = less money.  It is that simple.  So Uncle Joe, three times removed does not have to be on the guest list if no one in your family has seen him since Reagan was President. 

6. Hire only professional wedding vendors, with wedding experience.  It will cost you far more in time and effort if you hire someone who is not a pro or let a family member handle certain things.

7. Hire a fantastic Wedding Planner, like Fabuluxe Events.  Wedding planners will know which vendors and venues will fit your budget. They can help you negotiate contracts.  They can keep you on-track and sane during the process and that my friends, is priceless.

So remember, EVERYONE IS WORKING WITH A BUDGET.  They key is being realistic and honest about it from the very beginning.

And remember,
You Deserve a FABULUXE Day!
Jen
jennifer@fabuluxeevents.com 
561-254-2041