How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Honeymoon

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Tenth of 10 Posting series.

Honeymoon

Having fun and creating lasting memories is the key for this the tenth of 10 Posting.
Make a list of everything you have done together that was truly memorable or special to the two of you and recreate it. You can also try AAA's trip planner. Cruises that are in the off season are always a good idea....you can also buy PACKAGES through travel sites and they usually include your airfare and hotel stay...Try a Bed and Breakfast.....a road trip. The most important thing is that you are beginning the rest of your lives together.

Puerto Rico: Both Spanish and English are the official languages, the local currency is the U.S. dollar, and no visas or passports are required to enter Puerto Rico from the United States. Mail is sent through the US Postal Service at the same rates as on the mainland. Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States since 1898 and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.

You can go to Maui for around $500 per person, and then find an inexpensive condo that you can find online for less than $99 a night and are beautiful. Then site see, the beaches are all free.

Mexico is receiving a lot of bad publicity right now due to news coverage of the drug wars within. Some areas are considered safe, so use your best judgment and go with your instinct. Mexico has been a honeymoon destination for many years and for many couples.

Wherever you decide to go, don't forget when you make reservations, let them know you're honeymooning. People will want to please you (in the hope that you'll return). You may get upgraded to a better room at no charge, receive a welcome bottle of champagne, and who knows what else.

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Guest Accommodations

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Ninth of 10 Posting series.

Guest Accommodations

The important thing to remember is that guests pay for their own rooms, but some planning on your part can get them affordable prices. It’s never too early to start shopping for suitable wedding guest accommodations for your out-of-town guests especially if it falls on or near a major holiday. You have an obligation to make your out-of-town guests as comfortable as possible. They’re coming a long way to share your celebration with you. By taking a little time and effort to get them the best possible wedding guest accommodations, you assure that their memories of your wedding will be as wonderful as yours.

Your priorities should be location, cost and services. Most guests prefer lodging that’s close to the airport and the wedding sites. Booking wedding guest accommodations in the same hotel where you’ll hold your reception is especially convenient for guests without access to their own transportation. Plus you have the leverage of contract that you are entering into to get the best price possible. There are several factors that affect room rates, including season or time of year, where and when your wedding takes place, and the number of competing area hotels. Many hotels offer special packages and discount blocks of rooms. Pre-booking rooms should guarantee availability and prices.

Many hotels find that July, August and November, are less popular and, as a result, make better offers. But lodging is in such demand during June and December that discounts often are smaller. Keep your guests’ financial situations in mind when making your wedding guest accommodations. The arrangements you make are an option, not a requirement, for your guests. If you can’t find a site that’s ideal for all of them, reserve rooms at two different sites and allow them to choose.

Welcome your out-of-town guests, even if you can’t do it in person. Have a welcoming gesture – floral arrangement, fruit basket or other treat – placed in their rooms. Provide brochures and information about local sights and attractions, as well as details about wedding events and their locations. Attach a list of other wedding guests staying at the same site. This encourages get-togethers, can help break the ice and can transform an unfamiliar setting into something more pleasurable.

Check out the following links for quality dependable service and affordable prices.

www.hiexpress.com Holiday Inn Express

www.ComfortInn.com Comfort Inns and Suites

info@redlion.com Red Lion Hotels

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Wedding Reception

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Eighth of 10 Posting series.

Wedding Reception

There are a lot of creative solutions to saving money at your wedding reception. The most obvious is to limit the number of guests you invite. Consider having your wedding reception at someone's home, your home, a club, park or museum or even a fire hall. If you've discovered the perfect reception site but it's not quite big enough to hold all of your guests, increase its size with a tent.

Your outdoor ceremony’s contingency plan should be one that you love, not one you will grudgingly accept after hoping the rain will stop. In the case of bad weather, set yourself a time by which you will definitely select “inside” or “out.” It will take a while to swap the ceremony spot, and you don’t want guests arriving during the setup.

Wedding reception ideas: Mainly the wedding reception is the party, a time for all to celebrate your new life together.

Allow yourself enough time the morning of your ceremony. Build extra hours into your agenda in case your hair appointment runs late or you get stuck in traffic. Remember that your wedding day is a long one for everyone. Start on time and keep toasts to a minimum. Avoid getting trapped by a long-winded talker at your reception by assigning an attentive bridesmaid who will know to rescue you. For a special touch that everyone remembers and costs nothing, make a final toast before the cake-cutting—it's a way for you and the groom to give your personal thanks. Ask your DJ to play your parents' and grandparents' wedding songs at the reception, and make a special announcement.

The goal is to enjoy your day, and create fond memories that will last a lifetime.

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Catering

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Sixth of 10 posting series.

Catering

As with any wedding vendor, getting good references is a good way to determine who you should select to cater your rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception. Look beyond the caterer’s food and menu, and even affordability. Make sure they don’t have a reputation for arriving late or hiring poorly groomed employees (things you won’t discover until it’s too late), the damage has been done. Avoid wedding day horrors like these by asking for 10 or more references, the standard in the catering industry. Any professional caterer should be delighted to provide you with a list of their most recent weddings along with the bride and groom’s contact information. According to Teamwedding.com the following is a list of questions to ask of your prospective catering vendor:

• May I have a list of references?
• Does your company cater more than one event at a time?
• Will you be present at my wedding?
• How much of a deposit do you require?
• Is the deposit refundable?
• How soon before the wedding do you need the final count?
• When is the final payment due?
• What are your preferred forms of payment?
• Do you provide the wedding cake? Groom’s cake?
• What does the price-per-person include? Tables & chairs? Linens? Real china and glassware? Cutting the cake(s)? Punch Service?
• Are we required to pay full price for small children?
• Would you be willing to meet me at my reception site to draw up a floor plan?
• Are we expected to tip your staff?
• Can we get a discount if we use all nice disposable wares?
• How much time do you need to set up?
• Do you take away all the trash when you leave?
• How will your staff be dressed? Will they have nametags?
• How many staff members would be working my wedding?
• What are your bartending rates?
• Will you announce to our guests to go ahead and enjoy the refreshments while we’re having last-minute pictures made?
• Do you have a business license?
• Do you have liability insurance? How much coverage?
• Do you have a health department permit?
• If we provide the alcohol, can you provide us with a bartender?
• Will you pack us a small box of food before we leave?

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Flowers

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Fifth of 10 posting series.

Flowers

Begin by looking at the advertisements in the area, hopefully your church and reception location aren’t far apart from each other. This will come in handy when choosing a florist. Your best option is to go with one that is local to the wedding and reception areas to cut down on costly delivery fees. Prior to selecting the wedding florist several decisions should have been made. You should already know the type of wedding and reception you have planned and their locations should already be booked.

Remember that venue, and catering sometimes are part of a package deal and either one could possibly include flowers. So it’s probably a good idea to first check with your vendors to see if flowers for the reception are included in your catering or venue package. If they are, and this is acceptable to you, you’ll only need to discuss ceremonial flowers and bouquets. Other items to coordinate are the table linens, and the color of the Bridal Party dresses. This information is important when comparison shopping since you want to choose flowers to match the décor.

The sizes will vary, but you will want to find packages that include the following: Brides bouquet, Bridesmaid’s bouquets, Corsages for Moms, grandmothers and other special women, Boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen and fathers of the bride and groom, Floral arrangements for the church, Centerpieces for the Reception. Will you need a flower girl basket? Will a small bridal bouquet for “tossing” be required? If you’re ceremony includes a gazebo, trellis or canopy, will these be adorned with flowers? Extras such as these are sure to add to the cost.

Consider the following advise to stay in budget:

1-Use only in season and in stock flowers. Be honest with your florist about your budget, and have them recommend the most inexpensive flowers.

2- Give your florist a general style and color scheme, and any “banned” flowers that you hate, but generally allow them flexibility so they can use what is in season and cheapest.

3- Hold your wedding during the holiday season when a church will already be decorated.

4- Avoid February weddings when flower prices are at an annual high due to Valentine's Day.

5- Large arrangements on an altar will only be seen from far away. Use inexpensive flowers such as carnations, or large filling flowers such as snowball mums.

6- Find a venue such as a park or garden that is already lush and beautiful.

Here is a good link to look into for Olympia Weddings, Tumwater Weddings, Lacey Weddings, and Yelm Weddings:

www.olympicflowermarket.com

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: Photographer

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Fourth of 10 posting series.

Photographer

Begin by shopping around. Look at the advertisements in the area; narrow the prospects to 3 initially, and ask to see entire portfolios from an entire wedding. Make sure the photographer is consistent. Ask for at least 2 references from prior customers. If your first 3 prospects leave you with doubts pick another 3. You will spend a sizeable amount of money, and the outcome will stay with you forever. As an added safety, contact the Better Business Bureau in your region, and ask for a review of the vendor you selected. He or she don't have to be members but if they have had problems with service delivery you will most likely find a record there. Next you have to decide what you are looking for: Do you want traditional photos with formal poses? Or are you looking for someone with an artistic leaning? Take a look at each photographer’s portfolio to see his/her range of ability.

In keeping with the main objective of this posting (small budget). You need to address the following: Do you want just the ceremony photographed? Or do you want pictures of the reception, too? Ask the photographer how long he/she will stay with you and what the rates are. Make sure you totally understand what you are paying for and what the finished product will look like. Since your photographer is being hired for his/her expertise, be sure to give your input, but let the vendor perform the task. after all you don't want to be told that the end product is unsatisfactory because you controlled it all the way. By all means make sure that your well meaning friends and relatives don't interfere with their amateur picture taking while the photographer is performing.

Gauge experience. See if your photographer is familiar with the location. Does he/she know of some good spots to get good angles? Also, if you are working with a studio, get a portfolio and information on the specific photographer you are getting. Some studios like to show the work of their best person and then send over a less experienced photographer once you buy a package. Understand packages. Some photographers do a lot (upload pictures to the Internet, touch up photos, give advice on presentation, etc.) where others snap the pictures, hand you the undeveloped film and take off. Find out what is included in your package and what costs extra. Ask what their backup plan is if your photographer can't attend.

A very good practice is to never pay the full amount before the complete service is rendered. You should always have a balance of at least 20% to pay upon completion. If your vendor insists on full payment up-front keep looking. I remind you once again that the Wedding Industry is being adversely affected by the economic downturn, and many vendors are happy to negotiate their prices. One way to control costs is to limit the amount of time a vendor will be at your event. Your timeline should be tight, and include the ceremony, and the ceremonial functions of the reception (dinner, toast, cake, special dances, bouquet, and garter) within a two to two and a half hour span.

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: The Venue

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Third of 10 posting series.

Venue

The venue has a lot to do with the quality of your wedding day celebration. However, more expensive doesn’t translate to better wedding venue. Selection of wedding venue takes up a major portion of your wedding planning time. Many factors have to be taken into consideration while selecting your wedding venue. Here are few points for your consideration.

One of the major concerns while selecting the wedding venue is availability. The best venues with the best prices book first, and many times, a year or more in advance. This factor alone can bring in a great difference to your wedding cost. When options are limited your cost is less controllable. You can choose to either have your wedding day party in an outdoor setting (Public Park, parent’s or friend’s backyard are just two examples) or settle for a choice of more expensive or less desirable. So your wedding day budget has a great influence in the selection of your wedding day venue.

One of the best ways to keep your wedding budget in line is to select either a Friday or Sunday for your celebration. Saturday is the most popular day for weddings and because of that 99% of the venues will give you a better price on the off day, and most likely have availability. Keep in mind that the word “venue” is actually simple but complex in that it involves; chairs for the ceremony, tables and linens, and plates and silverware, maybe even catering (some venues include catering as part of the package). Be prepared to ask the right questions, which include the items mentioned above, and negotiate the best price. Most venues are hurting during the economic down turn and are more flexible on prices.

From my perspective a wedding is a once in a lifetime event and the families involved should be treated special. All vendors need to work with one goal in mind and that should be to make sure that the bride and groom get off to a good start. I ask you to keep that thought in mind as you interview the various service vendors, and make sure that your satisfaction is their main concern. Once you sign on the dotted line and pay a deposit you will need to have made a good judgment on your choice of vendor.

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: The Groom's Tuxedo

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

Second of 10 posting series.

The Groom's Tuxedo

If the Groom has in mind to just show up and pretty much stay in the background for the big event, think again. It's not easy for the groom to navigate cummerbunds, bowties, ascots, morning coats and all the other foreign words associated with wedding attire for men. The groom's tuxedo has to fit well, be comfortable, and of course, be properly accessorized.

The focus of the event without a doubt will and should be the bride. However, the groom with a little effort and research can make sure that the event is memorable and equally important, enjoyable. The Groom has a long list of responsibilities that are not immediately obvious. High on the list of importance is the responsibility for his attire and the attire of his groomsmen.

The process is not as complicated as it could be because what the groom and groomsmen wear to the wedding depends entirely on the occasion itself and what the bride wants the groom to wear. The groom has a parameter/constraint within which he must/should stay. The good news is that the bride has been visualizing her wedding for a long time, be it formal or a beach wedding. Each of these types of weddings require different wedding wear for the groom and groomsmen. The groom will be able to ease some of his bride's anxieties by learning a bit about the ins and outs of wedding attire.

The driving theme in this posting is to keep the cost of the overall event under $5000. If tuxedo rental is a consideration and it should be, if you are working with a tight budget. Be sure to shop and compare amongst the various tuxedo shops. In most instances the groom can negotiate to get all his groomsmen's tuxedos (paid by the groomsmen), and the groom's tuxedo at no charge.

I almost forgot to mention that besides selecting the best man and the groomsmen, the groom is also responsible to make sure they show up on time for the tuxedo fittings, and to the church on time. Fortunately the responsibility for planning the bachelor party goes to the Best Man.

If you would like to receive a suggested list of the groom's responsibilities just request it by email: mr.lobbodj@gmail.com

The following list should be helpful for Olympia Weddings, Seattle Weddings, Tacoma Weddings, Western Washington Weddings, Puget Sound Weddings:

The Men's Warehouse, The Tux Shop, Jim's Formal Wear, Tuxedo Junction.com, Amazon.com, and don't forget eBay, and Craig's List.

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How To Put On A Wedding For Under $5000: The Bride’s Dress

There are many important facets to a wedding, and for the most part each can be very expensive.

• Bride’s Dress
• Groom’s Tuxedo
• Venue
• Photographer
• Flowers
• Catering
• Cake
• Wedding Reception
• Guest accommodations
• Honeymoon

There are other aspects to a wedding such as; invitations, favors, wedding party transportation, etc., but the above list together and individually are the more expensive ones.

First of a 10 posting series.

Bride’s Dress

For many Puget Sound Brides budget is a serious consideration especially during these tough economic times. All of sudden the perfect wedding dress has additional meaning and requires a balancing act to include cost. The best thing you can do if you are working with a tight budget is to start the planning process as early as possible to make sure that you have time to shop and compare. This is not always easy or possible and you may find that you will have a hard time finding the perfect dress that comes along with the right price tag as well.

If you start shopping early enough you may actually be able to take advantage of season clearances, and inventory reductions. Remember that you are not the only one struggling with the tough economic times, and may actually be in position to negotiate a better price on the dress you want. You may have to do a lot of research, but you will eventually get there. Be sure to cover all the possibilities including shopping the outlet stores, online (eBay, Craig’s List, etc.); you can find many great dresses at discounted prices. The best part about the outlet stores, and online is that you can get designer dresses that have brand names attached to them for great prices that you can afford.

One option that is not open to every bride is the possibility to wear mother’s or even grandmother’s wedding dress. Very likely alteration will be required but think of the family history involved not to mention the savings.

The following Links should be helpful: www.Davidsbridal.com, www.Craigslist.com and be sure to check out Amazon and Ebay

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Popular: Father Daughter Wedding Dance Songs

Are you a daddy's girl, special angel, or even his Hero? There are a number of ways (reasons on how or why a special song is or should be selected.

1) I have seen many brides anguish over the song to use for the Father and Daughter Dance. Many brides place a very high level of importance on the significance of the message in the song. I had one bride eliminate the song Butterfly Kisses by saying that her father has always been a great example to others but she has never known him to bring his hands together in prayer. There is nothing wrong in selecting a song for its message, I am positive that there is a song out there for every type of father daughter relationship.

2) Many brides on the other hand place more emphasis in the moment and the love they share with their father, and look for something more in keeping with the overall theme of the reception. As an example if the music format is more into the Big Band Era (Standards) they may select a Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra song such as Unforgettable, or The Way You Look Tonight. If the music format is more into the Oldies they may select The Temptations or Bobby Helms; My Girl, or You Are My Special Angel.

The bottom line when selecting the Father and Daughter Wedding Dance Song; You can't possibly make a wrong choice because it's your wedding and the Bride is always right.

I will include a list of very popular father and daughter songs below. The list grows every year, and remember your choice is the right one.

Folk and Indie Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III
Gracie – Ben Folds
Rock/Pop Sweet Child o' Mine – Sheryl Crow
Daughters – John Mayer
I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
How You've Grown - 10,000 Maniacs
You Got It – Roy Orbison
Thank You – Led Zeppelin.
Dancing on Daddy's Shoes - Leon Redbone.
R & B and Jazz That's How Strong My Love Is Otis Redding
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Daddy – Beyonce Country I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
This New Country song captures the best of a parent's advice to their child
Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
Do I Make You Proud – Taylor Hicks
There'll You'll Be – Faith Hill
I Loved Her First – Heartland Classic Unforgettable by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof
My Girl – The Temptations
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett
Isn't She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

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3 Things To Consider When Setting Your Wedding Date

With special consideration for Western Washington Weddings:

The first thing you and your fiancée will need do after announcing your engagement is choose your wedding date. Because of the many variables involved you need to come up with at least 2 or 3 potential wedding dates. Factors to consider when determining when you'll get married include season, location and scheduling constraints.

1-Season
The most popular time of year for outdoor Western Washington weddings is May through September, when the weather is mild and the Northwest weather is most cooperative. When planning an outdoor wedding be sure to develop a plan B just in case of an unexpected rain shower. December is a very popular month for indoor weddings, due to the festive holidays that occur and a higher chance of families being available to attend.

2-Location
The location of your wedding influences not only when you'll be getting married, but what your overall theme will be. Outdoor weddings in Western Washington are very popular because of the abundance of locations with scenery backdrops from Seattle water front Lake Union, Lake Washington to Olympia Weddings on the Capitol Campus Tivoli Fountain to the sunken Rose Garden, or the Tacoma Weddings at the Point Defiance Zoo Rose Garden. Likewise, if you are both avid skiers, a visit to White Pass or Snoqualmie Pass will offer the perfect opportunity for the slope side ceremony. During the Summer months there are great opportunities for the beach loving couple at Ocean Shores and other beaches for Puget Sound Weddings.

3-Schedule
You need to pin point the most convenient time for you and your future spouse to be able to get away and relax for the wedding and the honeymoon. Work schedules will be important factors, but equally important is getting together with both of your families when setting your wedding date. You will want to be sure that everyone you love will be in attendance. A next and very important step is to determine the members of your wedding party and check their availability as well.

Here are some links to wedding venue calendars:

http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/event.htm
Weddings at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquariums
Ocean Shores Beach Weddings
Resort at Ocean Shores (popular for weddings)
Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls
Lake Union Cafe Seattle
Weddings at Mt. Rainier National Park
Weddings at The Woodmark Spa Resort in Kirkland

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Olympia Wedding Venues

Finding the perfect wedding site, location or event venue is critical to the success of every wedding. The task of finding a wedding site can be a daunting task requiring a significant amount of time and effort. When interviewing the various options make sure that the terms and conditions are in written and signed form. There are many horror stories circulating regarding promises made and not kept. Here are a few things to ponder when considering an event venue or wedding site.

Will the event be casual, formal, romantic? The desired event atmosphere may be an influential factor when deciding on an event venue. Depending upon the type of event, it may be important to think about the location of the event, how your guests will be getting to the event or wedding site, how far they will need to travel, and where they will park, if necessary. Will your event celebrate the ceremony and reception at the same location, and will the venue provide you a package deal or can you bring your preferred vendors. If your wedding or event will require special equipment, you’ll need to ensure that the selected wedding venue provides this equipment or will allow its use at the venue.

For South Puget Sound Weddings there is a large spectrum of options. The following short list are of known quality depending on your size of guest list, and other special requirements.
Yelm Weddings:
Lake Lawrence Lodge www.lakelawrenceyelm.com
Olympia Weddings:
Red Lion Hotel www.sales@redlion.com
Lacey Weddings:
Expo Hall Thurston County Fairgrounds www.co.thurston.wa.us
Lacey Community Center www.ci.lacey.wa.us
St. Martin University Conference Center www.stmartin.edu
Indian Summer Golf Country Club www.indiansummergolf.com

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The Secret To Putting On A Great Wedding

Not every wedding couple can afford to acquire the services of a professional wedding planner, but if you can, I would encourage you to do it. The most successful wedding receptions I have seen had at the center a wedding planner/coordinator. All of the planning and research requiring the bride's participation takes place days, weeks, and months before the big day. One of the most common phrases I hear from brides in the early planning process is "I don't have any experience in planning a wedding," and hopefully this will be the first and last. A professional wedding planner on the other hand, has a list of resources at her finger tips.

Planning and coordination is the secret to well executed reception. If a wedding planner is not in your budget, remember that you are surrounded by friends and family that want to help you, and reduce your level of stress and anxiety. I know from experience that most brides feel that all the details are so important that they have to do everything themselves. The secret is to assign tasks (delegate), but stay involve in monitoring (follow-up) to make sure the results are what you desire/expect. Be sure to conclude all your planning and monitoring process at least a couple of days (the more the better) before the big day so you can relax and enjoy your special day.

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How To Pick Music For Your Wedding

Every wedding reception is unique if for no other reason the chemistry of the people that come together to celebrate it. Even if you wanted to duplicate the atmosphere of a reception your recently attended you couldn't do it. You could come close by hiring the same vendors (entertainment, caterers, wedding planner) because they are professionals that hold approximately 80% of the formula that determines the successful end result. The other 20% of the formula is the chemistry that your guests bring to the celebration. Your music list should include enough variety to draw the majority of your guests to the dance floor.

The selection of wedding music is a very important factor to consider when you are planning your perfect wedding. The perfect wedding music sets the tone and mood for your ceremony or wedding reception. Wedding reception music is open to the atmosphere you want to create. The cocktail hour, when the guests arrive, has gentle background music. Then the wedding party is introduced with a song, and then a different song introduces the bride and groom. Each event during the reception – cake cutting, garter toss bouquet toss – should have a special song to be played.

Your music makes your moments. Work with your wedding musicians or DJ to create the effect – and the memories – you want to have forever.

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3 Wedding Cost Cutting Tips

The average wedding cost $26,750.00 in the United States in 2007. Weddings are costly so here are some tips from wedding caterer Chef Mike that can save you money on your wedding.

• What time of day should I have my reception if my budget is extremely limited? Mid-afternoon. Your guests have already eaten lunch and will not require an extensive menu. Therefore, light hors d'oeuvres (finger foods) or a dessert reception will be more than adequate.
• How can I conquer that costly liquor, beer and wine tab? Serve an alcoholic & non-alcoholic punch in lieu of a bar.
• If I'm hiring a professional caterer and trying to cut costs, should I have a cocktail-type or sit-down meal reception? No bones about it, the cocktail reception is the way to go - for two reasons. First, in most circumstances, the caterer makes more profit on a cocktail reception -- they're happy. Secondly, in most cases, it's cheaper "per person" to have a cocktail reception -- you're happy. Everybody's happy!

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The Wedding Caterer

Amongst the first things that come to mind when planning a wedding reception is the catering. Some important things to consider in making the decision are the following:

• The type of meal service: a sit down meal or a buffet, BBQ, Finger food, Dessert only
• Dish/food selection, Green Salads vs. Fruit Salads or both, Beverages

There are many other decisions to be made; silverware, and napkins, etc, etc., however, one very important item that you can't overlook is whether the venue you selected requires you to contract with their catering provider.

Even if you ever considered planning and making the food for your wedding yourself, chances are when you started to make the actual plans, you realized you needed professional help. While wedding caterers can be expensive, the amount of stress and worry that they remove form your list of things to do is well worth the price.

What drives a caterer's food cost? When interviewing catering services, and comparing cost, try to match your needs to the caterer's specialty. Any time that you request an item that is not in their typical package, your price begins to climb. The cost of the food they provide you for your wedding directly affect the amount of profit they make. When you add something to the menu that is not in their typical package, they start thinking immediately about the cost of ordering enough of that particular item in order to have the right amount on hand for the guests that choose that item. Of course if cost is no object there are no limits.

You can find a multitude of catering services by googling, but one of the best ways to find a great service is by personal reference. Talk to friends or relatives that have either married recently or attended a wedding reception. Word of mouth is still the best and safest advertising.

For Yelm Weddings, Olympia Weddings, Tacoma Wedding and South Puget Sound Weddings in general here is a list of very reputable and reasonable catering services:

www.occasions-catering.com
www.bayviewcatering.com
www.elysescatering.com
www.vaultcatering.com
www.tyeecenter.org
www.LarrysSmokeHouse.com

To Capture The Moment In A Painting

Here is a unique non traditional way to capture the your wedding day via a painting. Sam Day is a Seattle-based artist who has grown a business from creating Live Oil Painting at a Wedding Reception. Paintings start from $1850. Contact Sam

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Seattle’s Best Kept Secret: Beautiful Park Locations For Weddings

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers romantic and affordable locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions of all shapes and sizes

Whether it’s a cozy winter ceremony by a roaring fireplace or a breezy, expansive waterfront celebration in mid-Summer, Seattle Parks and Recreation has just the right location for any wedding. With more than 400 parks and 40 indoor facilities, the choices are numerous and varied.

Right now is the best time to book. “Open season” for booking weddings in Seattle’s parks began on Friday, Jan. 2. The most desirable parks on the most desirable weekends are booking up fast.

Perhaps best of all is that Seattle Parks and Recreation rental facilities are some of the most reasonably priced in the City. We offer a variety of special and memorable venues for ceremonies and receptions for any budget. Just search our library of locations and select your site online at seattle.gov/parks/weddings/.

“The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is expected to exceed $30,000 in 2009, of which the majority of it is often the venue and the catering minimum that accompanies a venue” said Joanne Orsucci, Events Manager. “With costs on the rise, we see many couples and their families turning to Seattle Parks for beautiful wedding venues that won’t break the bank.”

Based on research from The Wedding Report, 35% of weddings take place at outdoor locations. Depending on the bridal plans, Seattle Parks has hundreds of park locations to choose from, of which more than 40 offer indoor facilities with room capacities ranging from 10 to more than 1,000 people. Popular ceremony and reception locations include:

Hamilton Viewpoint: This northernmost spot in West Seattle looks across Elliott Bay at downtown, the waterfront, and the Cascade Mountains. Hamilton Viewpoint showcases Seattle's urban and natural beauty throughout its 16.9 acres, and accommodates up to 200 people.

Sunset Hill Viewpoint: This romantic lawn with pathway rests on a 300-foot bluff with a magnificent western panorama of Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. The Bay below Sunset Hill Park is alive with sailboats, and you can smell the salt breezes as you gaze far out to the Puget isles and the craggy Olympic skyline. The park accommodates up to 100 people.

Pritchard Island Beach Bathhouse: The bathhouse is located on a 19.1 acre open, grassy beach park on Lake Washington lined with large Cottonwood trees. It has beautiful views of Seward Park to the north and Mercer Island to the east. Pritchard Wetland is a unique haven of native plants and wildlife, just south of Pritchard Island Beach. The bathhouse accommodates up to 85 people.

Each location can be decorated and customized to each couple’s specific theme. Catering can be arranged with a Seattle Parks preferred caterer or an outside caterer. Parks encourages brides and planners to talk with the Events Scheduling Office about the availability and flexibility of the venue of their choice.

Since 1990, Seattle Parks has hosted more than 10,000 weddings. For more information or photos, call 206 684-4081 or visit seattle.gov/parks/weddings.

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