No, really it does! When you think in terms of your catering budget, $100 per person truly equates to $126 per person.
One common mistake I see too often when I meet with Clients to discuss their budget, is the intuitive calculation that you base your headcount on how many people you think you can feed. Here's how it actually works.
If you have a budget of $50,000 and a venue charge of $100pp, that does not equate to the ability to feed 500 people or less…Many couples mistakenly divide their budget by the venue cost for the number of invites.
Instead:
First you must realize that when budgeting, approximately 42% of the overall budget will go to catering cost. The remainder of the budget will be allocated across the various other Vendor expenses. That being the case, the true budget for food & beverage is only $21,000.
Now, you have to account for NJ tax (7%).
You must also deduct the service charge amount, which can range anywhere from 18-21%.
With a service charge of 19%, your cost per person cost is $126.
Dividing $21,000/126, you can comfortably afford to feed 167 guests.
So, unless your per person cost is all-inclusive, be sure to account for tax and service charge before you begin compiling your guest list. This way, you can avoid over-spending and the embarrassment of too many guests not enough cash to feed them all.
Saturday
Friday
Everything "Green"
One of the latest buzz phrases in the Industry right now is "Green Weddings". Green Weddings are Weddings that have incorporated ecologically safe components into the event production. From dresses to desserts, items associated with the event are made from products that are environmentally safe. One item that I love in particular is the eco-friendly jewelry. I think that it's great to be able to participate in preserving the environment and personalize an accessory that symbolizes your love that you can flaunt on a daily basis. Check out the selections at Green Karat... how cute are they!
Thursday
Not looking to pay for advice…
A very good friend of mine contacted me today to let me know that his friend was getting married in Vegas and he wanted to know if I had any recommendations, good links, etc. Quite naturally, I pointed him in the direction of Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, who is an extraordinary planner and quoted him her hourly rate. I recommended that his friend sit down and speak with her and after 2 hours or so, I’m confident she’ll be well on her way…after all-I live in NJ, I plan in NJ, DE and PA…I am clueless as to quality vendors in Las Vegas and it didn’t seem like taking my Vendors to Vegas was an opportunity his friend would be willing to entertain… Logical right?
His response-
Ok, someone please help me…
If you needed to defend yourself, you’d contact a lawyer; hurt-call the doctor; car breaks down-dial a mechanic…Not necessarily looking for “the cure” but some advice to lead you in the right direction so that you can narrow down just what the issue may be.
So…why in the world, when you are participating in what for most is the 2nd largest expense in your life, would you just “wing it”? I’m a bit confused.
I know there are authors who recommend not hiring a Wedding Planner and every magazine that you pick up these days shows you the easiest way to plan your big day. Can you do it-absolutely! It’s no secret; people have been doing it for years.
The difference is, when you hire a Professional Wedding Planner, someone who is trained in the field as opposed to the new generation of “wanna be’s”, you are paying for sound, expert knowledge in the SKILL of planning a Wedding. We have invested time and a substantial amount of money to research the industry and reputable vendors, learn the skill of negotiating, contract review and budgeting, execute the flawless movement of 300 plus people from one location to another, in under 30 minutes for a 5 hour event involving alcohol (and it’s liability), massive amounts of food consumption and on average 6 other vendors, on time and without complication.
After spending $30,000 to assure that you have the day of your dreams, $300 for a consultation to guarantee that you get what you are expecting, just doesn’t seem to compare.
I know that budgeting for a Wedding is extremely difficult and I am very conscious that as it gets down to the wire, money becomes the determining factor for a lot of decisions. I also have personally planned enough Weddings to know that when I do the last “fluff” of the veil and I lock eyes with my Client (and there is a tear in both of our eyes), in that moment of silent communication-we both agree that all of the time, dedication, effort and money spent to execute her vision, has just paid off-there are no regrets and no fear and she is ready to begin the next phase of her life.
This is why we do what we do. Believe me, it is a job unlike any other.
His response-
eh, not looking to pay for advice… thank you anyway though
Ok, someone please help me…
If you needed to defend yourself, you’d contact a lawyer; hurt-call the doctor; car breaks down-dial a mechanic…Not necessarily looking for “the cure” but some advice to lead you in the right direction so that you can narrow down just what the issue may be.
So…why in the world, when you are participating in what for most is the 2nd largest expense in your life, would you just “wing it”? I’m a bit confused.
I know there are authors who recommend not hiring a Wedding Planner and every magazine that you pick up these days shows you the easiest way to plan your big day. Can you do it-absolutely! It’s no secret; people have been doing it for years.
The difference is, when you hire a Professional Wedding Planner, someone who is trained in the field as opposed to the new generation of “wanna be’s”, you are paying for sound, expert knowledge in the SKILL of planning a Wedding. We have invested time and a substantial amount of money to research the industry and reputable vendors, learn the skill of negotiating, contract review and budgeting, execute the flawless movement of 300 plus people from one location to another, in under 30 minutes for a 5 hour event involving alcohol (and it’s liability), massive amounts of food consumption and on average 6 other vendors, on time and without complication.
After spending $30,000 to assure that you have the day of your dreams, $300 for a consultation to guarantee that you get what you are expecting, just doesn’t seem to compare.
I know that budgeting for a Wedding is extremely difficult and I am very conscious that as it gets down to the wire, money becomes the determining factor for a lot of decisions. I also have personally planned enough Weddings to know that when I do the last “fluff” of the veil and I lock eyes with my Client (and there is a tear in both of our eyes), in that moment of silent communication-we both agree that all of the time, dedication, effort and money spent to execute her vision, has just paid off-there are no regrets and no fear and she is ready to begin the next phase of her life.
This is why we do what we do. Believe me, it is a job unlike any other.
Wednesday
Mmmmm-imosa
I was recently on the hunt for the easiest way to make mimosas "to go" for a crowd of 200+ Wedding guests (don't ask) when I stumbled on Oral fixation. Thanks Leslie! This company custom makes mints in the best of flavors including green tea mint, fruity tropical, jasmine and you guessed it-Mimosa! This flavor in particular just happens to have the cutest tin container with a Wedding theme. I contacted Oral Fixation and thoroughly enjoyed the level of customer service I experienced and am waiting on my delivery of a sample now. Of course I'll keep you posted on how yummy they taste!!!
Monday
Shall we dance?
Ironically enough, one of the portions of the reception that couples tend to "dread" is the first dance (and believe me it's usually with good reason). Although, I think that the power of the love and the union overwrite everything else, I can totally relate to not wanting to do the awkward "two-step bounce" as onlookers watch for 5 incredibly long minutes. So, here's my advice:
Instead of deleting this portion of the formalities (it really is a memorable experience), why not try to spice it up? Instead of a waltz, sign up for professional dance lessons and try a foxtrot or even a tango! Not only will your guests be shocked (remember they were expecting the two step), but you will have designated on average 4 hours of time with your spouse during one of the most stressful times in your life, to do nothing but dance!
One of my favorite wedding moments was last October when I watched an amazing bride start her father daughter dance in the traditional manner and then hike up her ballroom skirt and break into a salsa that was to die for! When I say, everyone was on their feet, I mean EVERYONE (including the waiters) was on their feet and applauding out of control. It's your day, try a little something different. You never know, you just may be good at it!
Instead of deleting this portion of the formalities (it really is a memorable experience), why not try to spice it up? Instead of a waltz, sign up for professional dance lessons and try a foxtrot or even a tango! Not only will your guests be shocked (remember they were expecting the two step), but you will have designated on average 4 hours of time with your spouse during one of the most stressful times in your life, to do nothing but dance!
One of my favorite wedding moments was last October when I watched an amazing bride start her father daughter dance in the traditional manner and then hike up her ballroom skirt and break into a salsa that was to die for! When I say, everyone was on their feet, I mean EVERYONE (including the waiters) was on their feet and applauding out of control. It's your day, try a little something different. You never know, you just may be good at it!
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