Hidden Venue Costs

Wedding coordinators can help you with the big things and also, all of the little things in all aspects of planning your wedding. One area couples may find frustrating is paying unexpected costs not originally budgeted for  -- such as costs associated with the venue.

According to TheKnot.com, simple weddings in a rustic barn can rack up costs for things such as bathroom trailers (which are nicer than a regular port-a-potty!), some climate control, and a generator since electricity is most likely not available. You and your wedding party will have to either hire someone or get your hands dirty setting up (including hanging lights, so your guests can actually see every kiss and the first dance!) and cleaning up.

Outdoor weddings seem simple enough, but if you plan to have two become one on a publicly-owned property, you may need to get a permit. If your reception is also outside, help your guests by having a Plan B, such as a tent to cover the entire reception space (again, another cost!) in case it rains.

Last but not least, hotels, which are very popular venues, can also have multiple hidden costs. Everything from a charge if the power goes out to a corkage fee for outside alcohol can increase your costs by more than you originally budgeted for. Keep in mind that all of this is something with which your professional wedding coordinator can be able to help you!! 

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Holiday Weddings

As we approach holiday season in the U.S., I thought about weddings that are scheduled on holidays such as New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, even around Christmas. Is it a good idea? What are some Dos and Don'ts of holiday weddings?

I think the number one 'pro' of having a holiday wedding is that you won't forget your anniversary! But your friends and family may already have a vacation or family tradition scheduled for that holiday date, which may make things a bit awkward when guests are put in the situation of having to chose between your wedding and family tradition. On the flip side, friends and family may love that they will already be off work and won't feel guilty about taking a personal day to attend your wedding!

A holiday wedding may be beneficial to your budget when it comes to decorating. You may be able to ask the church or other venue to keep up their holiday decorations for your wedding if they go with your desired color theme. Guests might expect to see traditional holiday colors at your wedding, but try not to go overboard with the colors. Vendors such as DJ's and bakeries, however, may charge extra for services on and around a holiday, some may not be able to agree to the date.

If you chose to have your wedding on a holiday weekend, your out of town guests may appreciate the extra travel time as well as time to explore the area on their own. But make sure you want to invite kids to the wedding, because most families do not want to leave their kids on a holiday!

No matter what, remember that it is your day in your mind, but not all of your guests will be able to attend due to other commitments. Enjoy your day with those who do attend!

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Fall 2015 Wedding Trends

Drone Wedding Photos and GoPro Videos - some wedding videographers are starting to bring GoPro cameras and photographers are investing in drones to get an overhead view of an outdoor ceremony or views of the scenery around your wedding venue. The autumn leaves give your pictures and videos a pop of brilliant color that can’t be found during other seasons.

Creative Food and Drink - The Knot says hanging salads and donut dessert walls that double as escort cards are among the creative ideas you can talk to your wedding coordinator or caterer about during planning.

Marsala - Pantone LLC, the world-renowned authority on color, shared that this year’s color is called Marsala. Marsala is a red wine color that is perfect for a fall wedding as a primary color or an accent.

Pumpkins - Other than autumn leaves, pumpkins are probably the most recognizable decoration for fall. It is possible to decorate with pumpkins from the invitations to the reception centerpieces. Invitations can be decorated in a pumpkin orange that mixes well with the other colors (like Marsala) in your color scheme. Small pumpkins with leafy flowers would bring more color and texture to your tables.

Flowers in season - Many flowers may not be in season for your fall wedding or event so you’ll want to be aware of the flowers that are in season. You don't want to pay a lot for out-of-season flowers! Some interesting choices for fall include sunflowers, marigolds or carnations; classic roses are in season in autumn.

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