The Best-Kept Secrets All Event Planners Should Know About Wedding Venues

The first question a bride should answer, after saying “yes” to her new lifelong partner of course, should be where she wants her wedding to be held.

And let’s just say—that’s not an easy question to answer.

There are  several factors to consider: do they want it outside or inside, want it in their hometown or in the middle of both families, or are they wanting a destination wedding?

And guess what, event planners? Your clients are going to be looking to you to help them make that decision.

So, we’re here to let you in on the best-kept wedding venue secrets we think all event planners should know.

Secret #1: The style of the wedding dictates the venue

Believe it or not, what your clients choose for their wedding style will really narrow down the venues you look for.

Now sure, we’re not saying you can’t throw a 1920s styled wedding in a rustic barn setting, because you certainly can. However, do your clients want an informal or formal event? Will it be at night or during the day?

When you help your clients start thinking about the type of wedding they want, you’ll really help them narrow down the venue selection.

Secret #2: The number of guests

You guessed it, knowing how many guests your clients want to invite is a sure way to help decide on the venue.

Let’s say your clients want a wedding with 350 guests. Well not much to your surprise, when you have a large guest count there’s a small selection of venues you’ll be able to choose from.

So getting an estimated guest count is a good first step in selecting the venue. And when your clients start thinking about who they want to invite, it will also help them decide on the geographical positioning of the venue—like if they want it in in an area near where the majority of their guests live.

Secret #3: The dreaded, unpredictable weather

When you’re helping your client pick the venue, the one thing you should warn them about is the weather.

And you won’t be the only one warning them. The weather plays a huge part in deciding where your clients’ event is going to be held. If they want a July wedding, is outside really the best option? And if they want it in April, are they ready to deal with the chance of rain?

You can never plan for the weather, so it’s always good to plan around it. Always have a backup indoor location on hand if you need to.

Secret #4: Traffic and driving considerations

We mentioned earlier that sometimes when picking a venue it could be important to your clients to find a centralized location.

Maybe one person’s family lives in New York and the other’s in Tennessee—maybe finding something in the middle could work well for their guests who may be traveling.

Now let’s think on a smaller scale, what if your clients want a venue that’s in downtown Charlotte, on a Saturday, during the middle of a city-wide event, what are you going to do?

You don’t want the guests sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, or to have to delay the event. Make sure you think about things like this whenever you’re helping choose the venue.

You’ll also want to think about a venue that is too far removed from main roads. Sure, the view might be gorgeous, but is it difficult for the guests to arrive at?

So event planners, there you have it, some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to helping your clients select a venue.

Good luck! We know you’ll be able to help your clients find the location of their dreams in no time.

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Are You Facing These 7 Wedding Planning Challenges?

Everyone tells you wedding planning is so much fun!

Between picking the flowers, finding the dress, setting the seating arrangement, and hosting all those showers—wedding planning is fun, but it’s not easy.

When it comes to planning, there are a number of factors to consider and challenges to overcome.

So before you start out in the wedding planning business, plan a friend’s wedding, or your own—watch out for these 7 challenges.

Challenge #1: The ‘Zilla Family

You’ve heard all about the ‘zilla family, right? There’s the momzilla, the bridezilla, the groomzilla—and they make wedding planning a living nightmare.

From throwing temper tantrums to having to have their hands in all of the wedding-planning cookie jars, the ‘zilla family is the number one challenge facing wedding planners.

So how do you handle them?

Simple! To prevent a ‘zilla from making an appearance, be sure to include people in your planning. The reason these unwanted helpers show up is because they feel left out and like their opinions are not being heard or appreciated.

Challenge #2: Dreaming Too Big

It’s the dream day, the dream dress, the dream bridal party, the dream venue—the dream list goes on. But there’s also a dream price tag.

When it comes to wedding planning it can be difficult to rein in the dreams and match them to the budget—but you’ve got to.

Unless you’re living the dream and have no cap budget for the big day, you’ll have to decide which dreams you’ll be able to afford.

So set out a list of “must-haves” that you won’t compromise on, and then spend less money on the other “nonessentials.”

Challenge #3: DIYs (Do it yourself)

Everyone likes a good DIY project every now and then, right?

I mean, I know for myself I enjoy getting on Pinterest and seeing what wild creation I can make. But sometimes, Pinterest and other DIY projects turn into more of a money-waster than anything else.

However, you can always just ignore your client’s wishes of a DIY project. So listen to their ideas and offer to connect them with people/vendors who could replicate that design for them.

And if you have to go the DIY route, make sure you choose your project wisely.

Challenge #4: Unrealistic Goals and Expectations

Unrealistic expectations—for me that would be trying to touch my toes, but for wedding planners those are the champagne requests on a beer budget.

Sometimes your clients might ask for something on their wedding day that you know you can’t achieve.

And that’s OK!

It’s alright to let your client know that some things are just unrealistic. Now of course, you’ll want to say that in the best way possible, but the point of the matter is to remember that it’s OK to say no.

For example: If your client asks you to cut your hair into a pixie cut for their big day, you know what, you can say no and walk away if you feel underappreciated.

Now of course, that’s an extreme example, but you should feel in control of your decisions and the situation—don’t let the situation take control of you.

Challenge #5: No Good, Very Bad Event Vendors

In the wedding industry, your co-workers are your fellow vendors. These are the people who supply you with everything you need to put on a successful wedding for your clients, whether that means tents, tables, or flowers.

And trust us, not all of them are good.

That’s right, sometimes you run into no good, very bad event vendors. And they can make your wedding planning process, well, let’s just say not very good.

Find vendors that match your ethics, your professionalism, and appreciation for quality service. When you raise the bar and your expectations of service, bad vendors will slowly fade away from the picture.

Challenge #6: The Stressful Moments

As the wedding day gets closer and closer, the stress gets a little more intense. Emotions are up and anxiety has set in—things are about to get a little rocky.

You’re the planner, so remember to keep people calm, reassure them that everything is under control, and that you’re there to help and support them with whatever they need.

You are the voice of reason, and the more you keep calm, the more the party will too.

Challenge #7: Taking Things Personally

It can be difficult to watch something you’ve created and planned get ripped up in front of you. And although most of your clients won’t literally rip your plans up in front of you, sometimes their critiques are too tough to hear.

One of the biggest challenges about being a wedding planner is hearing critique and not taking it personally.

But critics come with the job. So the best thing you can do is to understand that when your client critiques your plan, it isn’t a slight against you, it’s that they see your vision and want to build on it.

There are always going to be challenges in this industry, but we’re confident that you’re going to navigate through them just fine.

Want to know how we know that? It’s because to truly make it in this industry you have to have passion for what you do. And since you’re here, we know you must really love it.

So go out there, face the challenges, and plan the wedding of someone’s dreams.

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Making a Toast? Don’t Forget to do These 5 Things

It’s your wedding day!

Everything has gone perfectly. People arrived on time, you got down the aisle, said your “I dos,” and now you’re enjoying the party.

But you know sooner or later you’re going to have to stand up in front of everyone and make a toast.

Yep! Toast making (without the toaster) isn’t just for the maid of honor and best man—the bride and groom are expected to say a word or two.

And unless you’re a creative muse I don’t think it’s possible to think of a speech on the spot without forgetting to mention a few things.

So we’re here to help you prepare your toast BEFORE you get in front of the mic.

Let Them Go First

You’ve heard the saying, save the the best for last? Well to not sound too snobby here, but you’re the party so you should give your toast last.

Let your bridal party say a few words, the maid of honor and the best man, your parents, and then you and your partner.

Having someone else open up the floor of thank yous before you is always a good route to go.

Why?

Well, it helps you calm your nerves and regain your composure.

Be an Inspiration and Get Inspiration

We’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard to find inspiration for what we’re about to say or write. And the same can be said about your toast.

It’s OK to find sources of inspiration, words of comfort, etc. that came from other people to help you write your toast—just use the Oscar acceptance speeches as examples.

But you don’t just need inspiration, you also need to be an inspiration. Get your guests to laugh and smile along with you—let them share in your happiness.

Telling personal stories (that are good) about each other that have everyone in attendance smiling will help when you transition into saying thank yous later on in the speech.

Keep it Classy

So OK maybe you have a couple funny stories about your truly beloved, but maybe they aren't suited to be announced over a speaker.

Remember that you want to keep your toast full of happy memories (and comfortable ones).

Don’t make your guests feel uneasy with stories that could embarrass you and/or your significant other.  

Besides, this toast is to thank people for being there to celebrate your big day.

Practice, Practice, and Practice Some More

Everyone tells you that practice makes perfect.

You’ve heard this saying so many times you could probably scream, but hey, it’s true!

Practice what you’re about to say before you’re about to say it to make sure that the delivery is flawless.

And remember, your significant other and you are going to be talking together—so practice together!

Remember the Thank Yous

The biggest (most important) part of a toast is the thank you.

Your toast should have elements of happy moments about the two of you, but it should really thank the people who made your day special.

But to avoid forgetting to name specific people, keep your thank yous broad. Thank your family, thank your friends, and thank everyone for making this a special memory.

And one last piece of advice: memorize the last line of your speech so that you can look up at the crowd and lift up your voice. You want that moment to be big, not trail off into some mumble or whisper.

Ready to give your toast? We believe in you!

And to those who already gave their toast, what advice do you have? Let us know in the comment section below or share it with us on our Facebook page.

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5 Things Nobody Tells You About Your Wedding Day

It’s almost your big day, you’ve got everything prepared and ready to go, and people are beginning to tell you that you should enjoy this time as your day will go by so quickly.

But there are five things people just don’t warn you about on your wedding day.

Check them out!

1. You Won’t be Able to Eat

Sure, you’re probably thinking “oh, it’s because I’ll be so nervous.”

Wrong.

You won’t be able to enjoy the delicious food you picked out because you’ll be too busy running around trying to say hello to everyone.

And between pictures, I dos, and meets and greets, food will be the last thing on your mind.

So grab yourself a protein bar and power through.

2. You’ll be Exhausted

Your big day is full of excitement and special moments, which means after the party ends, you’ll probably be, no, you will be exhausted.

From the early morning wake-up call, to the hours of hour and makeup, to the big moment—you’re going to get tired.

3. Prepare to Hate Your Hair and Dress

After the millionth bobby pin is pushed into your updo and your six hundredth button fastened, you’ll be begging for your pajamas and a hair brush.

Although you’ll love your hair and your dress the first couple of hours, be prepared to hate it.

4. Your Face Will Hurt 
 

From pictures, to smiling at all of your guests, prepare to have screaming cheeks.

On your wedding day, you’ll probably smile more than you ever have in your life (well, we hope you will for that matter).

So practice!

5. You Will Feel Different

Most people say you won’t feel any difference between dating and getting married. Well prepared to be shocked.

On your big day, you will definitely feel different.

Although you've probably been with your partner for several years, the moment you get married it will finally feel official.

So enjoy the feeling!

We hope you enjoy your big day, and are pleasantly surprised by all the special moments that occur.

If you’re recently married, share with us in the comment section below or on our Facebook page the unexpected moments that happened on your big day!  

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How in the World Do You Afford a Wedding?

The most popular questions asked on every wedding planning forum is “how can I possibly afford a wedding?” It seems like every woman (and man) dreams about having that $100,000 wedding shown on TLC’s A Wedding Story. And who could blame them? You’ve probably been dreaming about this day ever since you were little, so of course you want to go all out. But how much can you realistically afford? And how do you even begin to pay for a wedding? Because at the end of the day, do you honestly have over $30,000 to spend? From someone who’s helped direct and plan a lot of weddings, I’ve got some tips that can help you save up and afford your dream day.

Using Simple Math

So before we get into breaking down the budget, lets first figure out how much you can actually afford compared to your wedding time frame. Say you have a budget of $15,000 and you have a year to save for it. Now divide 15,000 by 12 (number of months in the year). That brings your total saving per month to about $1,250. Think you can save that much a month? If not, it’s time to cut that budget down a few thousand.

By thinking of your budget in smaller chunks of money, it’s easier to rationalize what an appropriate budget will be. Now you’re thinking, well how do I possibly do that? Don’t worry; keep reading!

Cut Back on Your Expenses

You have a quite bit of money you’ll need to save so you can afford your wedding, guess you’re going to have to cut back on a few things, right? Take a look at your expendable income (the gym, movies, subscription services, etc.) and total how much all of that comes to. You’ll probably be surprised that it totals a couple hundred dollars. Well, cancel those subscriptions and throw that extra money into a savings account for your wedding.

Another thing to watch out for is your spending habits! Maybe you and your significant other love taking date nights every other night of the week. Why not scale that back to just one or two nights a week? Or maybe you spend money on that coffee after lunch, or a quick breakfast sandwich in the morning. You’d be surprised just how much that adds up after a while. Cutting back on those extra expenses and putting it all in a savings account will definitely help when it comes to saving for a wedding.

Be Creative on Additional Ways to Make Money

It’s time to get creative with earning extra money. Maybe you love dogs, so why not pick up a second job as a dog walker or pet sitter on the weekends? Hey it’s a couple hundred bucks you could add to your bank account. Or you might be able to pick up a couple freelancing jobs in and around your area. There are great sites out there helping connect companies to freelancers. Or maybe you have a few items lying around your house? Try selling them on eBay or start your own store on Etsy. Anything you can think of to help you raise a little bit extra cash is great.

Vendor Options

Now that you’ve done everything you can to save for a wedding, let’s talk about your budget.

-Find Family/Friend Talent 

Know someone who is really skilled with a camera? Or how about someone who knows calligraphy? Instead of shelling out money, ask your friends and family for help. Use as much talent as you can find, helping you save big money. 

-Pick In-Season Flowers

Did you know that peonies are three times more expensive than roses? Or that choosing a flower that is out of season can be pretty costly? Well if you didn’t, we’re here to set the record straight! Flowers can run you a lot of money, so choose wisely. 

-Seek out Discounts

Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for discounts. You’ll be surprised on how much of a discount you might be able to get by simply asking for one. Vendors won’t be upfront about possible discounts, which is why it’s always important to ask.

Ask for Help

There’s nothing wrong with asking for a little bit of help from your family members. And times have certainly changed where a wedding is not just a bride’s dog and pony show. Husbands-to-be can step up and ask their family to chip into the wedding fund. But be aware, there are few things to know before approaching your family to have the money talk.

1. Ask politely if your parents are willing to contribute
2. Be prepared to discuss budgets and plans
3. Be open to what they have to say
4. Understand that your feelings might get hurt if a parent declines to help

We know setting aside money for your wedding is tough and it takes lots of planning. But we hope these few tips have helped you and your significant other start planning for the event of your dreams.

Recently married? How did you save money for your wedding? Let us know in the comment section below or share it with us on our Facebook page.

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How to Plan for Unexpected Spring Weather on Your Big Day

So you’ve settled on the perfect date for your wedding. And it’s in the middle of spring!  The flowers will be out, the birds will be chirping, and wedding bells will be ringing—you just can’t wait until your big day arrives! But have you thought about how you’re going to plan around the weather?

Oh yeah! When it comes to spring, there are a variety of weather patterns you’ll have to watch out for. So get started now. Don’t let unexpected spring weather crash the party on your big day. We have some tips to help you plan for the best and prepare for the worst when it comes to unexpected spring weather.  

Avoidance #1: Rain

When people say make sure you plan for unexpected weather, one of the first things people think about is rain. And rightfully so. Rain is always the biggest unexpected guest to show up at your wedding. So be prepared to not let rain wash away your happy moments!

Set aside money in your budget for a tent or extra umbrellas. They’ll come in handy when you’re trying to enjoy your day. Besides, wedding pictures under umbrellas are the new trendy look.

Avoidance #2: Wind

Everyone prays for a cool breeze to blow through their venue during their outside wedding, but no one asks for the winds of a thousand hurricanes to tumble through. Wind has the potential to blow your entire wedding away if you don’t weigh anything down. From your hair, to the dresses, to the programs, wind can certainly ruin a happy moment.

Secure everything with zip ties, make sure the tent stakes are deep in the ground, and that anything paper is weighed down with a paperweight. The extra precautions you take will be worth it.

Avoidance #3: Sun

Just like a cool breeze, everyone wishes the sun will make an appearance on their big day. But not so much sun that it scorches anything left uncovered.

To beat the heat, plan for the hottest summer day imaginable, which means rent a tent, buy sunglasses and sunscreen, and install fans and parasols throughout the venue. Everyone wants to party and have a good time—not melt in the heat. And trust us, when it comes to wedding dresses and tuxedos, you’ll want somewhere to cool off.

Avoidance #4: Cold

Spring is one of those seasons where it could be warm one day, and wintry cold the next. And it can even happen within the same day, with the evening sending chilly temperatures your way. So it’s best to plan for the heat, as well as the cold. Most of your guests might not think to grab a light jacket when it’s warm around noon, but they’ll need it when the sun goes down.

Plan to have heat lamps set up, a nice cozy bonfire, or plenty of blankets to go around. These items will keep your guests warm, but also make for pretty candid shots for you to look back on. And hey, while you’re at it with the bonfire—why not make s'mores?

Avoidance #5: Bugs

So yes, we know that bugs aren’t necessarily unexpected weather, but they are unexpected (uninvited) guests. No one enjoys a creepy crawly walking across the table—or their food. And don’t get me started on itchy bug bites or bee stings.

Provide your guests with all-natural bug spray or lavender essential oils. They’re not as harsh smelling as other types of bug repellants, but are still packed with all the protecting power you’ll want.

Isn’t planning for unexpected spring weather fun? Although you can’t stop the weather from happening, all you need to fight it from taking over your big day is a little bit of planning. And we hope our tips helped you start thinking about weather preparations!

Have you had to deal with bad weather at a wedding? If so, let us know in the comment section below or share it with us on our Facebook page.

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