Vendor Negotiation

Who isn't trying to save money these days? Many brides ask for tips on saving money when booking vendors. One suggestion that some brides have had success with is full payment up front. If you're able to, ask a vendor if they would be willing to knock off a percentage of their price if you pay it all up front. It will also make the planning process a bit easier if you don't have to remember all the little payments over many months. Just a small tip that could save you money in the long run!

A Quick Look at Budgets!

Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there! Because there are so many of you, I figured that this is something important to point out before the major planning and contract signing begins!

With the skyrocketing costs of weddings, it's important for you to set your boundaries (budget) early in the planning process. Come up with a good round number, and stick to it! The round number should include all contributions from family members, your fiancé, and yourself. Now here's something that I often tell my brides, just to keep them under the overall budget: When working with your budget, assume that you can only spend 85% of it. That way when you forget little things, or decide to splurge on something towards the end, it's still within your budget!

Just because you create the budget doesn't mean you're finished looking at it, constantly update it with any contracts you sign, and diligently work to stay within it. I promise it will take so much of the stress out of the planning if you don't also have to plan how you're going to get rid of the credit card debt!

Happy Planning!

Registries 101:Timing

Many brides ask "When should I register?" Here are a few things to think about before you start to register!

What are you planning to register for? Some products go through cycles where they become discontinued. Safe bets that are long lasting and OK to register early (1yr out) for: Fine China, Crystal, Silverware, Luggage, Pots & Pans, Kitchen Odds and Ends. Here are some items that are often seasonal and shouldn't be registered for until 6 months out: Bathroom Sets, Everyday China, Everyday Glasses, and Sheet sets.

If you're getting married in the Spring or Summer, go ahead and register before the holidays- for a few key items in each price point (-$50, $50-100, $100+). You should plan on watching your registry monthly just to make sure that your items aren't discontinued. If they become discontinued, you'll be on top of it so that you can swap it out! If you're getting married in the Fall, I suggest you wait on the main items until after the new year.

Get excited and make sure you include your Fiancé!

Who's RSVP is it anyway?

After the excitement of getting your invite in the mail, so many reply almost immediately! How exciting right? So you open up your self-addressed (and stamped) envelope to check out the RSVP. Uh-Oh! They forgot to write their name, so you know that 2 people are coming, but you have no idea who they are! Want an easy fix for this? Here's my easy, inexpensive, and best of all invisible solution.

1)I suggest that you head to a craft store and pick up a pack of Crayola Changeables markers.2) Print out a copy of your invite list and start numbering them. (1, 2, 3...) You can also just save the numbers on your spreadsheet where you'll be keeping track of the RSVPs!

3) On the back of the response cards, use the clear, color-changing marker to number it, corresponding to the number on your invite list. Write the number in the same place on every card so you'll remember where to look for the invisible ink!4) Send the invites and stalk the mailbox!

5) If you happen to get an RSVP where the guest forgot to write their name, turn the card over and use one of the Changeable colored markers to highlight that area. You'll see the number in a matter of seconds, and you'll be able to look them up on the list!

Voila! No last minute phone calls or looking through old letters or cards to determine who's handwriting it is!