Hi All,

We are starting this week with some great info on what we call a FRIENDOR - A friend that also is a vendor...and it can be tricky!

I am sure that this has happened to everyone...you announce your engagement and suddenly everyone you know, knows a guy who does weddings.  It could be a photographer, DJ, caterer, florist...anything, and you have an inbox full of random names and contact information.

These people are what we call Friendors..and you should run far, far away.  A Friendor is someone who may do some family photography at Christmas and now wants to photograph your wedding.  A Friendor is someone who loves to cook and loves you so they want to "gift" you the catering for your wedding.  A Friendor is someone who loves music, has a huge Itunes collection and wants to DJ your wedding.  

All of these people have two things in common:

1.  They are somehow your friend, a family friend or relative.

2.  None of these people make their living in the wedding or event industry.

Please trust only professionals to handle your wedding.   We have seen relationships ruined by the hiring of a Friendor and then the Friendor is unable to perform properly, the quality of the finished product is poor and feelings are hurt on both sides.

Tell your Friendors - that "I would much rather you enjoy our special day and be in the moment and celebrate with us."  You can give them jobs such as readings, handing out programs, helping people find their seats at dinner, helping with the rehearsal dinner and so much more.

You have one chance on your wedding day to get amazing photos, eat spectacular food, keep the crowd on the dance floor. Don't take a chance.  If you hire amateurs you will get amateur results.

Keep Friendors as your friends!

Until next week,

Remember...You Deserve a Fabuluxe Day!

Jen, Mandi and Lara

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