The timing of your wedding has a big impact on you budget. Now, when I talk about timing I am referring to three distinct elements: the time of year, the time (or day) of the week, and the time of day.
Season/Time of the year: Vendors can no longer use the term "Wedding Season" as liberally as they once did. It used to be that the wedding season ranged from May until September. Those were the "prime" months for matrimony - more and more couples, however, are choosing to marry at all times of year. That being said, summer is still the most popular season for weddings (with fall coming in a close second). So, many vendors will offer a discount for weddings held outside of the busy months. This means that if you decide to hold a wedding in February you can negotiate some pretty great discounts.
Day of the week: Saturday is still the undisputed winner when it comes to favourite wedding days among couples. So, choose to host a Saturday wedding (especially in the summer) and you're sure to pay top dollar for it. However, should you decide to hold a Friday or Sunday wedding you can benefit from some added savings.
Time of Day: The time of day also has a big impact on the cost of your wedding. The typical wedding ceremony starts around 4:00 with cocktails at 5:30, and dinner at 6:30. That's followed by dancing at 9:00 and a late lunch at 11:30. So in this typical scenerio you're paying for cocktails, dinner, alcohol, DJ, decor, late lunch, etc.
Now let's say you decided to hold the wedding at 10:00am followed by a nice garden brunch. Suddenly you cut out two big "food sessions" (cocktails and late lunch) and you're paying about half the price per plate for a brunch than you would pay for a dinner. You also eliminate the need for a DJ, alcohol, and you shorten the length of time needed for room/venue rentals.
The same goes for holding your ceremony later in the evening. A 7:00pm ceremony can be followed by a cocktail reception, followed by dancing, followed by the late lunch, etc. Suddenly, you've cut the need for dinner altogether as your guests would have eaten prior to going to the ceremony but you're still able to have a party and dance into the wee hours of the night.
So, if you're on a budget mind your timing.
Happy Planning!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Weekly Wedding Quote
To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
- Ogden Nash
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
- Ogden Nash
Friday, January 9, 2009
Vendor Selection: The Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners go by a multitude of names; Wedding Planner, Wedding Consultant, Wedding Coordinator, Bridal Consultant... you name it. In addition to assuming a variety of titles Wedding Planners also vary in styles, services, experience, fees, and so forth. For this reason, it's very important to determine what you want from your wedding planner so that you can find the person that's just right for you. Make a list of questions and expectations and bring it with you to your meeting. Here are some things to consider:
1. Is the Wedding Planner tied to a venue: Many wedding planners work for a particular venue. This means that when you book the venue for your reception the wedding planner is typically thrown in as part of the package. This type of planner will be able to help you sort through the logistics of your reception, recommend local vendors (such as DJs, Musicians, Florists, Photographers, etc.), and they will also help with meal selection, wine selection, and generally anything that has to do with the venue. Other wedding planners work independently of a particular venue. This means that they will work with you regardless of the venue you select and will help with all point of your wedding planning (such as the ceremony, reception, invitations, guest list management, budget preparation and management, etc.). It's important for you to determine what you want your wedding planner to do; this will help you determine which type of planner to work with.
2. What will the Wedding Planner do (or more importantly, what will they NOT do): I once heard a wedding planner state that if there are things a Planner is not willing to do for their clients then they are in the wrong profession. I don't believe this to be the case. As with everything in life people set their own boundaries. Some florists will deliver flowers, others will not. Some photographers will provide you with a CD of your photos with full printing rights - others will not. Some Wedding Planners will answer their cell phones at all hours of the day and night - others have business hours and will only answer within those. There's no right or wrong way; just as every couple is unique so is every planner. It's important that you determine your priorities and expectations. Make sure that the person you select is able and willing to meet these expectations.
3. How does the wedding planner determine their fees: There are three popular methods used for determining fees in the wedding planning industry. A planner may charge based on a percentage of the couple's budget (usually 10-15%), others will charge an hourly rate for their services, and others will work based on a flat fee. It's also possible for planners to use a combination of any of the three methods. Make sure that you are comfortable with the pricing methods of the planner you select. If you're not, you may be able to negotiate another method. (Never be afraid to negotiate).
4. How much experience does the planner have? How many weddings do they plan a year? Is this their full-time job?: These are all questions that you should discuss with your planner. Every planner is at a different stage in their career. Typically, you pay more based on the level of experience a planner has and the amount of individual attention they're able to give you. Some planners work on their planning business on a part-time basis while holding down a full-time job. This is not necessarily a bad thing as some planners manage to balance this very well. But it could also mean that you may wait a little longer for responses to calls or emails.
5. Do you feel comfortable with the planner?: This is perhaps one of the most important questions of all. You should always meet with at least 2 or 3 planners and make a note of how you get along with each of them. Do you connect well? Are you looking for a planner who is fun and bubbly, or do you prefer someone who is more business-like? Whatever your personal preference you're usually pretty safe to go with your gut feeling. After all, this is someone you could be working with over the course of a year or more.
Keep in mind that most planners view your initial meeting as a two-sided interview. They're interviewing clients just as much as you're interviewing them. So go in prepared and ask questions.
In addition to these five important points make sure to ask the more technical questions. These include: How many hours will you be available on the wedding day? Do you attend the rehearsal? Do you require a meal at the reception? Most of these questions should be addressed by the planner in your initial consultation. Refer to your list to make sure you've covered all your questions.
What kind of things are you looking for in a wedding planner?
Happy Planning!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
1. Is the Wedding Planner tied to a venue: Many wedding planners work for a particular venue. This means that when you book the venue for your reception the wedding planner is typically thrown in as part of the package. This type of planner will be able to help you sort through the logistics of your reception, recommend local vendors (such as DJs, Musicians, Florists, Photographers, etc.), and they will also help with meal selection, wine selection, and generally anything that has to do with the venue. Other wedding planners work independently of a particular venue. This means that they will work with you regardless of the venue you select and will help with all point of your wedding planning (such as the ceremony, reception, invitations, guest list management, budget preparation and management, etc.). It's important for you to determine what you want your wedding planner to do; this will help you determine which type of planner to work with.
2. What will the Wedding Planner do (or more importantly, what will they NOT do): I once heard a wedding planner state that if there are things a Planner is not willing to do for their clients then they are in the wrong profession. I don't believe this to be the case. As with everything in life people set their own boundaries. Some florists will deliver flowers, others will not. Some photographers will provide you with a CD of your photos with full printing rights - others will not. Some Wedding Planners will answer their cell phones at all hours of the day and night - others have business hours and will only answer within those. There's no right or wrong way; just as every couple is unique so is every planner. It's important that you determine your priorities and expectations. Make sure that the person you select is able and willing to meet these expectations.
3. How does the wedding planner determine their fees: There are three popular methods used for determining fees in the wedding planning industry. A planner may charge based on a percentage of the couple's budget (usually 10-15%), others will charge an hourly rate for their services, and others will work based on a flat fee. It's also possible for planners to use a combination of any of the three methods. Make sure that you are comfortable with the pricing methods of the planner you select. If you're not, you may be able to negotiate another method. (Never be afraid to negotiate).
4. How much experience does the planner have? How many weddings do they plan a year? Is this their full-time job?: These are all questions that you should discuss with your planner. Every planner is at a different stage in their career. Typically, you pay more based on the level of experience a planner has and the amount of individual attention they're able to give you. Some planners work on their planning business on a part-time basis while holding down a full-time job. This is not necessarily a bad thing as some planners manage to balance this very well. But it could also mean that you may wait a little longer for responses to calls or emails.
5. Do you feel comfortable with the planner?: This is perhaps one of the most important questions of all. You should always meet with at least 2 or 3 planners and make a note of how you get along with each of them. Do you connect well? Are you looking for a planner who is fun and bubbly, or do you prefer someone who is more business-like? Whatever your personal preference you're usually pretty safe to go with your gut feeling. After all, this is someone you could be working with over the course of a year or more.
Keep in mind that most planners view your initial meeting as a two-sided interview. They're interviewing clients just as much as you're interviewing them. So go in prepared and ask questions.
In addition to these five important points make sure to ask the more technical questions. These include: How many hours will you be available on the wedding day? Do you attend the rehearsal? Do you require a meal at the reception? Most of these questions should be addressed by the planner in your initial consultation. Refer to your list to make sure you've covered all your questions.
What kind of things are you looking for in a wedding planner?
Happy Planning!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
Monday, January 5, 2009
Weekly Wedding Quote
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
- Mignon McLaughlin
- Mignon McLaughlin
Vendor Selection: Where to Begin
Sorting through the yellow pages, search engines, and endless business listings for local wedding vendors can be overwhelming to say the least. This new series will be geared at helping you determine your priorities and selecting the right vendors for your big day. Here are a few basic steps to get you started:
1. Setting your priorities and your budget: Before you start looking at vendors you need to set your budget. And in order to set your budget you need to decide what your priorities are. Are you more concerned about the decor than you are about the food? Perhaps having a fun reception is higher up on your priority list than having magazine quality photos? Every couple will have a different set of priorities so there's no right of wrong answer. You simply need to decide what you want out of your day.
2. Cut out vendors that don't fit your budget: Once you've set your priorities and you've made up a budget that reflects them it's time to start narrowing those enormous lists of vendors. Your lists will be narrowed significantly once you start cutting out those vendors that are not within your budget.
3. Check out your local wedding forums: Most wedding forums contain lots of vendor reviews. Read through and see which names are popping up often and what others' experiences have been.
4. Check out your local bridal shows: Bridal shows are another great way to narrow your lists. Although these exhibitions can sometimes be overwhelming if you take your time and speak with vendors you can get a lot out of them. Check back for our post on making the most of bridal shows.
5. Set up meetings: The next thing you want to do is choose two or three vendors from each category to sit down and meet with. You'll want a chance to speak with them one-on-one and to go through some of the questions we'll be outlining for each vendor category.
Keep checking back for updates to this series.
Cheers!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
1. Setting your priorities and your budget: Before you start looking at vendors you need to set your budget. And in order to set your budget you need to decide what your priorities are. Are you more concerned about the decor than you are about the food? Perhaps having a fun reception is higher up on your priority list than having magazine quality photos? Every couple will have a different set of priorities so there's no right of wrong answer. You simply need to decide what you want out of your day.
2. Cut out vendors that don't fit your budget: Once you've set your priorities and you've made up a budget that reflects them it's time to start narrowing those enormous lists of vendors. Your lists will be narrowed significantly once you start cutting out those vendors that are not within your budget.
3. Check out your local wedding forums: Most wedding forums contain lots of vendor reviews. Read through and see which names are popping up often and what others' experiences have been.
4. Check out your local bridal shows: Bridal shows are another great way to narrow your lists. Although these exhibitions can sometimes be overwhelming if you take your time and speak with vendors you can get a lot out of them. Check back for our post on making the most of bridal shows.
5. Set up meetings: The next thing you want to do is choose two or three vendors from each category to sit down and meet with. You'll want a chance to speak with them one-on-one and to go through some of the questions we'll be outlining for each vendor category.
Keep checking back for updates to this series.
Cheers!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Website
Happy New Year!
It's been a very busy year for us here at Coverall Events. We've hired on a new planner, hosted our first Bridal Show, and for the past couple of months we've been working hard to get our new website up and running.
And FINALLY with the new year comes a new fresh look for Coverall. We hope you like it and that you'll keep checking back for updates over the course of what is sure to be another very exciting year!
Warmest regards to you and your family for 2009!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
It's been a very busy year for us here at Coverall Events. We've hired on a new planner, hosted our first Bridal Show, and for the past couple of months we've been working hard to get our new website up and running.
And FINALLY with the new year comes a new fresh look for Coverall. We hope you like it and that you'll keep checking back for updates over the course of what is sure to be another very exciting year!
Warmest regards to you and your family for 2009!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Design Inspiration
Today is another windy day in the big city of Ottawa. Not nearly as bad as its been some days for the past week or so. I'm not sure about everyone else but for me wind storms mean a few hours of picking up branches from my lawn. I have five huge Maple trees in my yard and its not uncommon to find "branches" 10-feet long littered across the lawn (I kid you not).This gave me some inspiration for today's post. Recently I've started collecting the branches that fall off the trees and I've piled them in my garage (my husband thinks he's going to use them for fire wood - but little does he know...). I have a pile almost as tall as me now and nearly twice as
long (okay... I exaggerate a tad... but there's definetly a lot of branches). And why this crazy new collection you ask? Because the things you can do with branches for wedding decor is unbelievably limitless! You can use them as ceterpieces, entrance decor, aisle decor in the church... you can paint them, cover them with glitter, hang some flowers from them and recently I saw an arrangement where Nancy of Nancy Liu Chin Designs hung strands of rose petals from a beautiful branchy arrangement.Save-on-crafts also has some great tips and images that you can use for inspiration.
There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when using branches to create your designs.
1. Clean, clean. If you're taking branches from the great outdoors make sure you've cleaned the "great outdoors" off of them before putting them on anyone's dinner table.
2. Safety first. Tall arrangements make a grand statement but ensure that you've created a stable piece (you don't want your masterpiece knocking Grandpa Joe unconscious during the speeches). A good way to ensure that your creation is sturdy is to weigh it down with some sand, water, or rocks.
3. I see you! Make sure that the arrangement doesn't obstruct anyone's vision. There's nothing worse than a centerpiece that you have to talk around.
4. Keep it consistent. Make sure the piece fits in with the rest of your theme and decor. If you're using branches as a part of a a Winter Wonderland theme cover the branches in some fake
snow or paint them white with nice silver glitter. Maybe dress them up with some silver and blue bobbles. If you're doing a summer beach theme then a vase filled part-way with white sand would make a nice base for your branch display. Try hanging strands of seashells with little clear blue and white beads from the branches.
Whatever you do... be creative and have fun!
Happy Planning!
Sophie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)