To Rent or to Buy?

A Few Pros and Cons to Consider

By Trista Rose Miller of Rose’s Bouquets

 

In our current economy, today’s brides are forced to craft their budgets carefully; looking for ways to save money in every area of their planning.  A common bridal consideration is taking on the responsibility of making a portion of their decorations themselves or with the help of family and friends in order to save money.  Centerpieces are often the first consideration; and visions of Hobby Lobby’s half off sale comes to mind.  You have a few things to consider before making any major decisions.

 

The first step is to get pricing from professionals.  Most vendors will provide free consultations and pricing on designs you are considering.  Before sitting down with a professional, determine ahead of time what you have in mind and what you could reasonably replicate yourself so that the comparison is valid.  Get as many details as possible including sizes of glass wear rented, pricing of candles and décor items, and delivery and set up costs. 

 

 

 

Then it’s time to do some basic pricing for “doing it yourself”.  Remember, time is money, so take care to limit the amount of time you invest in this process, or you will already be tipping the scales in the professional’s favor.  The internet can be a good resource for pricing supplies, as inventories and options are sometimes far greater than the local craft store.  Do your best in completing your cost comparison with designs that are as similar to the professional’s designs as possible.  And don’t forget to include the cost of gas to travel to stores to purchase needed items.

 

So now you have a side by side comparison of the professional’s designs versus your creation.  First of all, do you like your design?  If you aren’t pleased with the outcome, then it’s not worth any amount of savings.  It’s your wedding after all and you want it to be a reflection of your tastes and style.  If your creation passes this test, and savings are significant, then it’s on to the next rounds of consideration: practicality and convenience. 

 

In the practicality area, there are a few things that you will want to consider. 

1. Most craft stores will not provide boxes for their glass ware, so you are left with the time-consuming task of creating a storage unit for your just purchased items.  You may think you don’t need to do this, but it is vital for any potential resale value after the event. 
2. Storing these items until the big day may be a challenge.  Unless you order online, you may have to make several trips to your local store to purchase the quantity needed, or to take advantage of coupons most effectively (keep these trips in mind from our convenience section), requiring you to purchase ahead in preparation.  Does you home provide space for storing your supplies? 
3. What to do with your purchased items after the wedding?  Unless you have younger sisters or friends who likes your tastes, you are most likely not going to want to keep your supplies following the event.  EBay or Craigslist are options for recovering some of your expenses back (your storage boxes come in handy now).  But don’t forget to consider shipping costs and insurance as well as the valuable time you spend in listing/selling the items.

 

Lastly comes convenience.  By now you have spent hours shopping for the exact items you need and made trips to the store to purchase them (or paid shipping costs).  Depending on the style of design you have chose, you may have the advantage of assembly before the big day (don’t forget about transporting them safely).  But most likely you will have to do some composing onsite, and your time will be limited.  Not only by the reception hall that may only allow a two hour window the morning of the event, but also by hair appointments, make up sessions, photography shoots, and most importantly-family time.  I certainly would not want to spend my wedding morning making my centerpieces, and your best resources (family and friends) won’t want to either.  They have better things to do!  Tear down will be your or your family’s responsibility also.  Not a fun job at 1am after a few glasses of champagne. 

 

So it is really worth the time, effort, and stress?  How much is your time worth to you per hour?  Are you going to be pleased with the end result?  Will “doing it yourself” create conflicts among family and friends in the process?  And in the end you might be surprised to learn how little money, if any, you actually save by a do-it-yourself project.

 

Here is a comparison chart to simplify things.

 

At Photo Artistry….We Create Your Memories!

Featured Wedding Connection Member

 At the Wedding Connection, we would like to share some highlights from our members. This month, we have Photo Artistry by Judy. Be sure to check out her gallery on our Gallery Page for more of Judy’s wonderful photographic work.

 

When you talk to Judy, be sure to let her know that you saw her profile and wedding photos on the Wedding Connection website.

 

Photo Artistry….We Create Your Memories!

Let our love of weddings and our twenty seven years of experience in the field of wedding photography assure you that you will have the wedding photographs of your dreams. Contemporary or traditional style, the choice is yours….at Photo Artistry it is always “your day, your way”! From the smallest affair to the most elaborate wedding we offer the perfect coverage for you. Many choices for Coffee Table as well as Traditional albums are available and are included in or can be added to all levels of coverage.

At Photo Artistry….We Create Your Memories!

Brides Get Pampering and Preparation from the Bridal Academy

February Bridal Academy Pampering and Preparation for the Bride

Location: 4618 Speedway Drive

Description: Registration at 6:45 p.m. Session is 7-8 p. m. Bridal Academy is a revolving
panel of area experts whose purpose is to guide you into the planning process through education. Learn what to look for, what to ask, what’s a good “deal” and what is not.

The February Bridal Academy features different topics about bridal pampering and preparation including:

-”How to Choose Your Wedding Gown”

-”Unique Wedding Gifts”

-”Determining What is Important to You in Your Wedding”

_”Pampering with Arbonne”

This is wedding planning event is for the bride and her guest.

Gift bags for each bride attending!

The February event will be at The Wedding Place (4618 Speedway Drive)

Visit www.weddingplacebridal.com for topics, times, and more information.

Sponsored by The Wedding Place, The Monogram Shoppe, and Megasound.

Hope to see you there!

Start Time: 7pm

Date: February 26, 2009

Helpful Tips on Selecting Your Wedding Jewelry

 

By Judy Gaulden of Photo Artistry by Judy

Your wedding day is your “Special Day” and must receive the attention it deserves from the big decisions down to the smaller details. Selecting your wedding jewelry is important for that perfectly gorgeous look you desire for both yourself as well as for your maid of  honor, bridesmaids, flower girls and Mothers. I’d like to offer a few tips in making the choice of the perfect wedding day jewelry a bit less confusing.

The first determining factor is what your choices have been for both your wedding gown as well as for the bridesmaids attire. Your jewelry choices should be based upon what the style of the day will be.

The second factor to consider is your wedding theme and color. Sometimes, just the wedding color is enough to make the selection, but themed weddings are very popular and if you look, you will find bridal jewelry and bridesmaid jewelry that coordinates with that theme.  For instance, if you were planning a very elegant wedding your choices will be much different than if your wedding will have more of a casual theme. Another thing to keep in mind is the type of jewelry that you are comfortable wearing…..do  you prefer more tiny, dainty pieces or do you love a more chunky look.  One rule of thumb is that a very elaborate wedding gown will probably look best with a less elaborate style of jewelry so that it does not over-power the gown. If you have chosen a gown that is a bit more simple you may wish to choose jewelry pieces with more sparkle and pizazz. Whatever you choose make sure that everything compliments your beautiful wedding gown.

Crystal jewelry is very fitting for a wedding. Beautiful Sawarovski or Austrian crystal sets of necklace, bracelet and earrings are always a favorite. Crystal sets are available in numerous colors and shades and should of course coordinate with your bridal attire. One of the most beautiful looks is a simple strand of clear Swarovski crystals, always an elegant favorite when paired with Swarovski earrings and perhaps a bracelet. For a more classic, traditional look a bride can never go wrong with pearls. Today there are pearls in all colors of the rainbow and all shades from the whitest white to many shades of ivory and the darker champagne shades. One other option would be a combination of crystal and pearl which make a lovely choice as well.

Many brides choose to purchase jewelry for their bridesmaids as thank you gifts.  The brides jewelry should be chosen first as the jewelry her maids wear should always compliment the beautiful jewelry she has chosen for herself. A popular trend today is for the bride and her wedding party to all wear   Swarovski crystal necklaces intertwined with crystals or pearls chosen from the wedding colors.

Jewelry for the Mothers should also coordinate with the look of the day and be chosen according to the gown each Mother will be wearing. Everything from the very traditional pearl jewelry to a more eclectic, artsy look is currently in style. Again, making sure that the entire ensemble fits well together.

So with these points in mind……Happy Jewelry Shopping…….there are many types of stores to purchase your prefect wedding day jewelry. You may wish to shop at your bridal salon, your favorite Mall store or from private boutiques where you will find beautiful “one of a kind” pieces. The choices are many but with a little searching you will find those “just perfect” pieces to beautifully compliment your wedding gown and put the sparkle in your wedding day.

Fifteen Questions to Consider Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

By Judy Gaulden of Photo Artistry by Judy

 

 

 

The following are helpful questions to consider before hiring a photographer for your wedding. Your wedding day will be a very busy day for you so keep in mind that your photographs are one of the best ways to document your wedding as these events will only happen once.

#1.  Do you like the photographers work?

#2.  Do you like the personality of the photographer?

#3.  Does the photographer have a strong work ethic and good standing in the community (and with the Better Business Bureau)?

#4.  Does the photographer have a good amount of experience? How long has he or she been in business?

#5.  Does the photographer offer a good value for the dollars paid? What are the fees for different packages available?

#6. When meeting with the photographer (in person) does he or she show you photographs from a complete wedding and not just a few best photos from a number of wedding?

#7.  Does the photographer offer copyright of the images to the bride and groom or retain all rights to the photos?

#8.  Does the photographer provide a clear and concise contract which states exactly what is being provided? What is the deposit fee and is it a separate fee?

#9.  Do they have travel and/or over-time fees? If so, how much are these fees?

#10. What style of wedding photography does the studio offer? Can they provide you with the sort of photos you are looking for?

#11. How many hours will the photographer be present on your wedding day? And will they be the actual photographer at your wedding?

#12. Is the photographer studio digital or film based? Do they use a professional lab for printing the photos?

#13. How long after your wedding will your photos be ready to view? Can they be put online for your out-of-town family and friends to view and order?

#14. Does the photographer archive your photos in their studio or will your album/photos be the only copy of the photos?

#15. How long will you be able to order additional photos from your wedding (only after the wedding or will you be able to come back years later and re-order photos)?

Brides Organize in Style

 

 

 Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have all of your wedding vendor business cards in one easy to get to location? Just think about never forgetting where you put your florist’s phone number or your DJ’s email address. One location for all the gift cards received as well as gift receipts would be very helpful as well. 

Well, now you can with the “Card Cubby.”  This new, handy, and stylish organizational tool is now available at the Monogram Shoppe. This chic accessory is a great way for brides to keep their color swatches, vendor business cards, and other much needed wedding information in convenient location. The “Card Cubby” would be a helpful item for bridesmaids and mothers as well.

Check out the new “Card Cubby” at the Monogram Shoppe during regular business hours or at the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza on Sunday, February 22, 2009.

The Exciting 2nd Annual Bridal Extravaganza is Right Around the Wedding Planning Corner

The Fort Wayne Wedding Magazine announced that their Bridal Extravaganza boasts over 90 bridal vendors. Many Wedding Connection members will be on site as well next Sunday, February 22, 2009 to assist you with your wedding planning needs and questions. The show will be from noon-4pm at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne.

Be sure to stop by the Wedding Connection booth to register to win a $50 gift certificate good off any member’s services/products for your wedding. Bring your wedding planning questions to the booth as well and “Ask the Experts.”

Many Wedding Connection members will have their own booths at this exciting bridal event. Be sure that you look for the Wedding Connection logo. Many members are having drawings for free prizes (including gift certificates and even a free pair of bride shoes) so don’t hesitate to register for all of these great offers.

Make your way to center stage at 2:45pm for the ultimate in fashion shows. This runway extravaganza is produced by the Wedding Connection’s own Dawn Quick of the Wedding Place. You will get to see the latest in bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedos and more from some of Fort Wayne’s best wedding appearal shops. The fashion show music selections will be provided by Megasound.

You can get your tickets in advance from Fort Wayne Newspapers (600 W. Main Street) or their on-line site for only $10. You can also get advance tickets at the Wedding Place (4618 Speedway Drive at the Bridal Plaza) and the Monogram Shoppe (6410 W. Jefferson Blvd in Covington Plaza). Tickets are $12 the day of the show.

Each bride will receive a new Fort Wayne Wedding planning binder and the first 250 brides through the door will get a special tote bag.

See you on the 22nd!

Nine Common Wedding Reception Planning Questions Answered

Answers to Reception Planning Made Easy

Wedding Facts to Help Plan Your Reception by Ceruti’s Catering

 

 

 

 

Q: How far in advance do I need to reserve a location for my wedding reception?

 

A: The further in advance you plan, the more options you will have available to you. Typically, you will need to reserve a location at least 12 months in advance of your desired date. The most popular months are May, June, September, and October for most Midwestern climates. If you are not flexible regarding your month or date you may need to start planning 18 months in advance.

 

Q: Are there any months or dates that I can receive a discount?

 

A: Yes and No. February is the slowest month for banquet facilities and caterers therefore demand is weak. Fridays and Sundays are becoming more popular but still have great availability. Some rental items and facilities are negotiable when demand is weak, however other hard costs such as food are less negotiable.

 

Q: Do I need to put down a deposit?

 

A: Yes. Deposit policies will vary from each caterer and location. A deposit benefits both parties involved. Be sure to read closely over the details and fine points of the contract and ask questions on any areas that are unclear.

 

Q: Does the reception location provide decorating services?

 

A: Be sure to ask the banquet facility on which services they offer as a part of their packages. Some provide full service wedding decorating from centerpieces, fresh floral design, bouquets, ceremony decorating, and much more. Make sure to schedule time to work with your venue to help you create the wedding of your dreams.

 

Q: What will it cost for my wedding reception?

 

A: Obviously, the cost of a wedding reception will vary from the location, number of guests, menu selection, beverage selection, and decorating packages. Typically a wedding reception will range from $20 - $60 per guest. Meet with your professional wedding consultant and discuss your needs so they can prepare an itemized written proposal for your review. 

 

Q: Does the reception location supply and take care of china, linens, and skirting?

 

A: Most locations include china, silverware, linen napkins, linen tablecloths, and linen skirting in most of their wedding packages. Ask if they offer a full range of colors and fabrics including chair covers.

 

Q: What questions should you ask concerning alcoholic beverages?

 

A: The location or caterer should be licensed by the State of Indiana to serve alcoholic beverages. Keep this in mind for their facility as well as other off-premise locations. Ask if they offer a wide variety of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Ask about specific details and their limitations on any signature drinks you might want to include at your reception.

 

Q: Does the caterer provide wedding cakes?

 

A: Most caterers do not provide wedding cake. You may choose your own cake decorator or they would be happy to provide a referral. Most caterers offer free cake cutting service at no additional charge. Always ask about this complimentary service as it will save you money on wasted cake.

 

Q: What happens to any leftover food?

 

A: Ask your caterer about their leftover food policy. Their leftover food policy should take into consideration Board of Health regulations. Be sure to ask for this policy in policy in writing.

These Shoes are Made for Walking Down the Aisle

Fort Wayne brides, bridesmaids, and mothers have asked and the Wedding Place listened. The Wedding Place is pleased to announce that next week, they will offer custom-dyed shoes for weddings and all formal occasions. They will include in a wide variety of styles and will feature on-site custom matching on-site.

Cindy Larson of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel featured the Wedding Place and their new service announcement in her Friday “In the Bag” column. Congratulations to the Wedding Place on their new wedding addition.

Six Considerations for Your Outdoor Wedding Planning

by Ceruti’s Catering at Summit Park

Outdoor weddings are very romantic and can provide the natural theme that cannot be duplicated indoors.

There are many different types of outdoor weddings. You can have your ceremony outdoors and your reception indoors or both the ceremony and reception can be outdoors on your own property or in a park.

The following are six areas of consideration when you start planning your outdoor wedding:

• CALENDAR: Time of year is essential for the factors considering temperature and humidity.
• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: This will determine everything from parking, restroom requirements, changing area, catering requirements, electrical needs, and general logistics.
• EXPENSES: Generally, outdoor wedding receptions are more costly than using a banquet facility which includes amenities that would not have a rental cost. A traditional church ceremony will generally range from $500 - $800. You should budget at least the same or more for an outdoor ceremony if you want amenities such as seating, decorations, aisle runner, sound system, etc.
• HAVE A BACK UP PLAN: The possibility of bad weather always exists, you should have a contingency plan. Whether that means a tent or indoor option such as your reception location, have your plan mapped out prior to your wedding day.
• ACCESSIBILITY: Make sure the location has adequate parking. You may need to provide valet service, especially for senior citizens.

Have your ideas in mind when talking to your wedding vendors and reception venue. Ask a lot of questions and let the experienced professionals assist you in creating your dream outdoor wedding.

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