What is the average budget for a wedding?

Sticking to a budget for your wedding is a great way to make sure you do not spend too much money. Your wedding is supposed to be a dream come true, but that doesn’t mean you need to go into debt to make your dream a reality. 

Establishing a budget from the beginning is not only a great way to make sure you don’t spend too much money, it’s also the perfect way to breakdown where you, as a couple, want to invest the most money in. 

According to a study by The Budget Savvy Bride, the average cost for a wedding is approximately $27,000. Some of the most expensive aspects of a wedding include the reception venue, reception band or entertainment, the engagement ring and the wedding photography. 

Although we may be biased, when planning a wedding, it’s important to set aside a good amount of your budget to spend on a photographer. What are the areas you spend the most money for your wedding? 

For a closer look at what brides and grooms spent their budget on, check out the infographic below. 

(Source: http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/2011-real-weddings-study-results-from-theknot-com-and-weddingchannel-com/)

Killer Gift Ideas for Your Wedding Party:

By now, you’ve selected the leading ladies of your life as bridesmaids and your husband has chosen his groomsmen – at least we hope! Now part of the journey to your big day is finding the perfect gift for your wedding party! Hopefully they have earned it. Show them how much you love and appreciate having them part of your special day and life by presenting them with something memorable. 

I recommend:

Personalized wristlet – Ladies love their purses! You can customize a wristlet with a photo of you and your girls and they can use it for years to come.  The wristlet can easily be thrown in their bag and be used as a wallet or coin purse as well!

Jewelry – Jewelry is a classic gift for your bridesmaids and makes a great keepsake. A common criticism of receiving a piece of jewelry from the bride is that it has too many details about the wedding and is hard to wear from there on out. This can be avoided by purchasing a “locket” or a necklace that contains a piece that opens. This allows you to place a photo from the big day inside along with the date of the wedding. Simple.

Engraved Photo Vases – A vase that doubles as a photo frame is a wonderful gift to give the women in your wedding party. You can engrave a small note of thanks or details of the wedding day along with a photo from the bachelorette party! This is also the perfect spot to host their wedding bouquet.

Guest Photos vs. Professional Photography: An Unplugged Wedding

It’s okay to ask your guests to put the Smart Phones down!

The past few years have certainly made a mark with the technology industry with the introduction of smartphones, iPhones, iPads and other digital devices. Internet connectivity has become crucial to everyday living, but there are times when it's OK to put down the digital device and join in the moment. One of those moments is at wedding.

It's called an unplugged ceremony where guests become engaged in what's happening before them. It's also about allowing the bride and groom to connect with their guests as they say their vows. Unplugged is NOT being bogged down by the clicking of smartphone and digital cameras. Plus, you have to take into account the amount of money the bride and groom paid for their professional photographer whose job is to capture the moment behind the lens.

It is okay to ask guests to keep cell phone use to a minimum during the ceremony. Often times, couples ask the officiant to make an announcement before the ceremony begins. In an article by offbeatbride.com, fellow bride and photographer commented that "I know how the act of being behind the lens can distance me from the energy of the moment — I become an observer and interpreter, and no longer a true participant."

You don't need digital cameras and smart phones to capture a moment in order to feel complete. At a wedding, the couple would more than rather the guests clap, smile, cry and feel engaged over taking a zillion photos. The offbeatbride.com article also states to beware of the "Uncle Bob" syndrome. This is when an amateur family member acts as the professional photographer and monopolizes the real professional's job.

If you want to read more about unplugged weddings to help you determine how you feel about the use of digital devices, read the complete article at http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding.

Five Things to Do When You’re Newly Engaged!

Congratulations on your recent engagement! This is the time for excitement and dreaming; it's the time to tell all your friends, have a party, and just really enjoy being someone's fiancé. Once the buzz wears off, you will realize.... you have a wedding to plan. 

Planning a wedding is a process, but it's an enjoyable and fun task. However, in some cases, I often hear "I have no idea where to start". The very first thing you should do is bookmark this blog, as my previous posts cover anything from selecting your wedding theme, to wedding photography advice. You'll also want to head on over to theknot.com and sign up for their newsletter, which sends unique and cool ideas right to your inbox.

1.    Create a Timeline
A big issue with weddings is time & procrastination, and couples don't realize how quickly time can sneak-up on a person. Create a schedule, or a timetable, with strict due dates, by which you must make a decision. This will help you remain focused, and it will help you pick your wedding date if you haven't done so yet.

2.    Consider Theme & Color Ideas
Listen to your favorite music, and picture your wedding night. What do you see, what is your style? Think about the things you and your significant other love. You don't have to make a solid decision on your theme just yet, but you do want to start the brainstorm.

3.    Prepare to Pay
Determine your budget, and plan accordingly. If you want a large, expensive wedding, it's possible, I promise. Longer engagements allow more time for saving, and more anticipation for the wedding. Adjust your wedding date to match your needs, so that finances are not a burden. A couple should never sacrifice something important to them on a special day. 

4.    Go Register
Register at a myriad of your favorite stores. Sure, the shower may be a while away, but in the meantime you still have birthdays and gift-giving holidays, so you may as well let your family know what you need.

5.    Propose to Your Wedding Party
Choose your wedding party, and officially propose to your bridesmaids. The earlier you ask, the more you can get done. Have a brainstorming, DIY brunch with your bridesmaids; take their input on dress ideas.
 

 

This is most of your wedding planning in a nutshell, but there are some things you'll want to do after you say “yes” to your dress. Check out The Knot’s 10 Things to Do After You've Purchased Your Wedding Dress.

Multi-color Wedding Photos & Themes

Most weddings consist of a two to three color pallet. I've seen more than a few weddings, and one of my favorite color schemes is one that includes more than the average. The peacock-wedding theme is vibrant, unique, and surprisingly easy! The pictures turn out phenomenal, and bridesmaids love the sense of individuality they get to have. 

The Peacock Color Theme

Photo Courtesy of http://4.bp.blogspot.com

 This pallet consists of three main wedding colors: emerald, purple, and royal blue. Think of all colors in a peacock tail though; include the turquoise and the yellowy golds.

So, how can you execute this theme to look exotic and vibrant, not confusing and busy? The trick is having consistency throughout the wedding. For example, if your napkins vary in color, then refrain from doing the same with tablecloths.
 

Guest Tables

A great idea is to keep the tablecloths uniform, consider gold or emerald tablecloths with contrasting napkins and stemware. Consider peacock feathers in vases for the centerpieces

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids set the theme, with varying dresses. Ideally, this is where you mix things up, because your bridesmaids will kill it in whatever you ask them to wear! Traditionally bridesmaids have the same color, with sometimes a different cut. To put a unique spin on your theme, keep your bridesmaids in the same style dress, but assign them each a “peacock” color. That will be her theme for the night. Their jewelry and bouquets should match their dress color as well.

Head Table

When most people think peacock, they think purple, green, and blue. You may include various peacock décor through the night, but your head table should consist of these three colors.