I think I love my bridesmaids

I watch some bridezilla episodes and cringe at how the brides often turn their bridesmaids into verbal punching bags. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming to a bride. Here are a couple of tips that can help you & your bridesmaids have a positive, stress -free planning experience.

Brides

1) Make sure that you're selecting bridesmaids that are supportive - Select friends and families that are supportive of your relationship and who will love and support you not only through the planning process but through your marriage.


2) Create a task sheet for each bridesmaids - Since you know your friends best make sure you assign them task that highlight their strengths.



3) Schedule regular meetings with your bridesmaids - You can set the frequency of meeting depending on how much planning time you have. For example if you have 1 year to plan you may want to schedule meeting every 3 months, with more frequent meeting as the wedding date gets closer.


4) Create a bridesmaids newsletter - include information about their dresses, shoes, hair styles. As well as information about the wedding location, time, & day of time lines. You can also include small details like where you are honeymooning and information about the wedding professionals that you have hired.


5) Be kind to your Bridesmaids - Don't take your wedding stress out on your bridesmaids. Remember they have feelings too. Everyone wants to feel respected and valued including your bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids

1) Be committed - If you have agreed to be a bridesmaid, you are making a pledge to the bride that you will be committed to her big day. That commitment extends further then just putting on a dress on wedding day. We know that you have responsibilities outside of "the wedding" but once you agree to participate in the bride's big day. Be prepared to commit yourself when called upon.

2) Be Honest - If you cannot commit fully to the wedding and all that comes with it. Inform your bride upon her asking. Let her know of anything that may hinder your full commitment to her big day so that she can plan accordingly.

3) Check- in on your bride - Try to reach out to the bride via phone, text, or e-mail at least once every two weeks. It allows the bride to know that you are thinking about her. Giving her a sense that she is not alone during the hectic planning time. Allowing the bride to be more relaxed.

4) Have a good attitude - When asked to participate or assist with a task check your attitude. It may not be your favorite task, but remember the bride is asking because she needs help. Make sure you give your attitude an adjustment so that you don't bring any added stress to the situation.

The most important thing for both the bride and bridesmaids to remember is to have fun! Enjoy!

Don't let your D-I-Y event project turn into an OMG Moment on Event Day

When planning for events many people view making centerpieces, event planning/coordination, and printing invitations as tasks that they can do themselves. I am not addressing the people that have a creative energy and just haven't gone into business yet. I am talking to the person with no real creative background or skill who thinks that they are saving money by being their own florist, planner, and/or printer. You may think you are saving money in the long run by doing things yourself but you could be setting yourself up for an even greater expense, heartache, and headache.

Professionals within the event industry have taken the time to research, study, and perfect their skills. They insert all of their knowledge into ensuring that your day is a success. You maybe able to order wholesale flowers at an inexpensive rate but how will you keep them fresh until wedding day? Who will be responsible for setting up the centerpieces on event day? What will you do if you wake-up on event day and all your centerpieces wilted because of lack of proper storage? Or when the person that you assigned to set -up your venue is more concerned about what they are wearing to your event then they are with properly dressing your table?

We are not saying these things to scare you, we just want to make you are aware of all aspects of D-I-Y projects for your big day.


Here are some things to think about before you decide to take on a D-I-Y project for your event.

1) Study and research what it will take to complete a professional looking job - depending on the project you may need to to turn to the Internet, library, or local bookstore to find out the proper materials, tools, and techniques you will need complete your project.

2) Create a realistic budget for both your material and time - After researching your project you will need to create a budget for the materials that you need, also apply a monetary value to your time. The easiest way to do this is to multiply whatever your hourly rate is from your job by the amount of hours you think you will need to complete the project, including day of event set-up. Compare it against the quotes you received from a professional. Are your savings that much greater?

3)If something goes wrong how will this impact my event - complete a risk analysis by answering the question how will my event be impacted if something goes wrong with my project on event day? Will it cause a big disruption or will it go unnoticed if its not there. Try to only take on projects that will not totally disrupt your day if things don't happen the way you planned for them.

We know that even with working with a professional mishaps can still happen. However, when you hire a professional you maybe able recover some damages for poor services or and if something goes astray. When taking on D-I -Y projects you have no protection or legal recourse that you can bring against yourself.

Ask yourself, can I live with ME if my project doesn't go according to plan?

Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn T. Williams
Event Createurs
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/

How Can I Get The Most Out Of My Event Budget

The number one concern these days, whether you are planning a corporate event or a bride-to be, is sticking to the budget! So we've put together a short list of things that you can do to stretch your budget on Your Big Day.

1) Guest List - This is the primary budget buster. The number of people you invite affects not only your catering budget, but also the cost of your invitations, favors, and decor (centerpieces). It is great to want to share Your Big Day with everyone. However, I can't stress enough that when trying to cut costs keeping your guest list lean is the best way possible.

2) Host your event on an "off" day - Friday and Saturday are the most popular days for weddings and personal events. They often come with a high price tag, too. Flexibility on your day can save you lots of money. Weekday evenings are usually available at event venues. If your're flexible and willing to try a non-traditional day/night you could still have your dream location at a fraction of the price! Many worry about their family and friends not attnending a week day event; however, if you provide enough notice this should allow them to make the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that near and dear family and friends will be by your side whether it's a Monday afternoon or a Saturday night.

3) Professional Event Planner - Do not underestimate the value of having a professional event planner and the money they can save you. This may seem conterintuitive. Why hire someone to do what you can do for free? Event planners form relationships with other planners, and vendors who often offer discounts. Event Planners generally pass those savings on to their clients. Also, event planners save you time and energy. They do the running around and leg work required to make your day what you dream. Less stress has a value of its own!

These are just a couple of tips to think about as you plan your next event. If you follow these cost-saving tips we're sure you will still have a memorable event with money left over in the bank!

Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn Williams
Event Createurs
www.yourbigdayllc.com

With These Mean$ I Thee Wed

A wedding is a huge investment. In our opinion its part of the top 3 investments of a lifetime along with buying a house and having children. In most cases you will be spending a pretty large amount of money within a very short period of time.

How do you prepare for such an expense? While one of the top things is saving as much as you possibly can. The number one thing you need to do is be HONEST.

1) Be honest with yourself. Set a realistic budget. Your wedding will last one day don’t spend what you can’t afford. After the last guest has left and the dishes are cleared away you will still have to pay your monthly household expenses. Come up with a comfortable dollar amount that you can save monthly after meeting your monthly expenses. Add that number by the number of months you have to save for your wedding and this should be the base number you use for your wedding budget.

2) Be honest with each other. Vocalize the number you really feel comfortable with spending. Although we would all love to have a budget less wedding the truth is that the average folk just can’t do that. If for some reason you run into financial trouble during the planning process. Let your finance know as earlier as possible. They maybe able to help out with covering the shortage OR the two of you can begin to comb over the details to see were you might be able to save. Don’t be afraid to voice your needs, if you have to tighten up on some things when you find yourself in the midst of planning. It can only help you in the long term.

3) Be honest with your planner. This is critical. Being honest with your planner about your finances during the planning process can save you a lot of heartache. Based on your initial budget notification your planner can ensure that all vendors chosen can accommodate your budget. Also, if faced with financial difficulties that many arise during the process your planner can let you know where you can effectively trim the budget without trimming elegance. Your planner can also help you communicate with your vendors if any special arrangements need to be made.

Open and honest communication will be your key to successfully saving for your big day.



Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn T. Williams
Creating Events That Last A Lifetime
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/