FIRST 3 FINANCIAL STEPS (before you begin planning)

All our Brides ask us – where do we begin/ how much can a wedding cost in New York or New Jersey / how much should we anticipate on spending?  While these are great questions and I am happy to answer them, but the most important question a couple should ask themselves is: What is our budget? How much can we afford to spend on our big day?

Let’s face the facts – Weddings are expensive and the budget can go out-of-hands in a flash.  Without having a proper financial plan to begin with, you may find yourself in a financial burden even after the wedding – But don’t worry! We are here to help.  Please start your planning process off on the right foot with following 3 Steps and remember if it is too stressful, just hire a wedding planner!

1.  OPEN A SHARED BANK ACCOUNT

Bank account dedicated to wedding funds will allow you to track and manage your funds without having to go thru a detailed bank statement which shows gas / groceries / shopping sprees and everything else on it!  It is also advisable to open this account in a separate bank to avoid any temptations of digging in to wedding funds for a special dinner date or new tires!

2.  CREATE BUDGET

Review current financial situation and identify a set amount you can contribute regularly to your dream wedding.  This is a chore and will test your math skills – but better to have this done NOW than fishing for funds later on.  Once you have identified how much you can save-up, will now allow you to create a bottom line budget that you should keep in mind before you begin planning your wedding vision.

3.  WHO IS PAYING FOR WHAT? 

Don’t be shy to approach parents; you rather have this talk before you begin planning. If they are offering to contribute, but you are uncertain or unwilling to take their help, just graciously thank them and let them know that you might take their help in the near future!

Finally, if you are still confused on where to begin – Call us today! You have nothing to lose.  As a wedding planner we work with budgets of all types and we continuously work with our couples to help them save money, stay within budget and show them ways to stretch their dollar!

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TOP 5 UNCOMMON GIFTS FOR IN-LAWS

 

 

Your parents may play a big role in the months leading up to your wedding day; whether it is being there to help you emotionally, physically or financially!  During the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, you may not remember to thank your parents / in-laws, so plan ahead!  Here are my favorite un-common gift ideas for In-laws living or visiting NJ / NYC area! Show them that you haven’t forgotten about them by planning something special, something un-common perhaps!

 

1.  Gondola ride in central park with a singing gondolier

2.  Carriage ride via central park or Times Square at night

3.  Tickets to a Broadway show

4.  Tickets to Cirque-du-Soleil

5.  Tickets to Blue Man Group

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TOP 5 WEDDING VENDORS TO BOOK Immediately

More than often couples fall victims to procrastination or just wrong advice on when to book vendors.  No more!  We have put together a list of TOP 5 Wedding Vendors you should book immediately after securing venue.

 

1.  Wedding Planner

2.  Photographer

3.  Cinematographer

4.  Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist

5.  DJ and Event Lighting

Hence the bottom line is, do your research, but don’t take too long to book them because you just might miss out on them!  Additionally, hire a wedding planner before you begin planning because they can make the vendor search process manageable.
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TOP 15 QUESTIONS TO ASK MAKEUP ARTIST

I highly recommend that you book an artist that you are feel comfortable with, who understands your style and can deliver without compelling, artist who has the ability to remain calm under pressure and has the experience to work with different lighting and space challenges.  Here are few VERY important questions you should ask when you meet with makeup artists.

1.  What is the cost of hiring you for two makeup looks (morning/evening)?

2.  How much time should we allocate for each look for Bride and then for others?

3.  Do you require a minimum number of people or minimum dollar amount for the date I am interested in?

4.  How much do you charge for anyone besides bride?

5.  Do you charge for transportation cost and if so, is it one-time fee or per trip?

6.  How do you handle two separate “getting ready” locations on my Big day?  Do you charge extra?

7.  Do you provide hair-extensions / false lashes?

8.  What is the cost of trial and what can I bring to the trial?

9.  How many brides do you book in one day?  Will you notify me before taking up another assignment for that day? Does this restrict the access I will have to your services? 

10.  Do you travel for trial? Or do I have to come to your salon?

11.  References / Portfolio / Blogs please?

12.  Do you use air-brush or hand-application? Do you travel with a backup airbrush kit?

13.  Do you stay with us the entire day or leave?  If so, what you recommend I carry for touch-up?

14.  What happens if you can NOT make it on my day? 

15.  What size of bridal party can you accommodate?  Do you need to bring additional staff based on my requirements?  What will be the cost?

Finally, please get a contract from the vendor you select with all the details written down.  All arrangements made via emails in the future, should also be saved in their file.  If you need help finding the Makeup Artist who is just right for you – call us today!

TOP 10 QUESTIONS FOR VENUE

 

Following questions and tips will help you learn more about the venue you are considering for your Big-Day.  Please bring this with you to all venue visits and don’t be shy to take notes!  AND Remember – Always get everything in writing. 

1.  Does the minimum guest count comprise of all ages?
Some venues charge you a full-per person cost until the minimum gtd. is met.  Once that guarantee is met, then only venue will begin considering lower negotiated rate for minors and children.

2. Do you offer a discounted rate for non-drinkers (typically ages 6 to 20?)
If some of your guests are under the age of 20, you should negotiate a better rate for that age group.

3. Do you allow use of small fire-pit inside the ballroom?
It is extremely important to ask this question especially to venues with lower ceilings or draped ceilings.  If you are not allowed to use a small fire-pit (havan-kund), then ask the venue what is the alternative? Is use of pillar candle approved?

4. How much is the deposit? When is it due? Is it refundable?

5. Do you have backup space for ceremony and reception?
 Always have a backup plan.  Even if you are getting married in summer, consider the high temperatures, humidity, rain and work out a backup plan with venue in advance.

6. Do you have a Bride Suite and a Groom suite or a hospitality suite?
If the venue is not a hotel setting, remember you will have your bridal party at the venue earlier than all the guests.  Hence, they will need a hospitality room to utilize for final touches to makeup/outfits / relax, etc.

7. Is your facility handicap accessible?
For the guests with mobility issues you may require wheel-chair ramps to be available.  Even if there is a step-down into the ballroom, you will need a ramp.

8. Given your tentative event times, what time will you gain access to the venue?
Don't leave any page un-turned.  You will be surprised that most venues give access to bridal suites only couple of hours before ceremony time.  Hence, negotiate this in advance. 

9. Do you book more than One Wedding A Day?
There are venues that have the space to host more than one event per day.  Hence find out how do they separate the events? Are there areas that become non-accessible to you because of other events?

10. What is the cost of room rental / alcohol / service charge?

 Please check back with us soon to find out additional questions you should ask venues!

TOP 5 GIFTS FOR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS

 

What you choose to give depends on your resources, and can be a free massage at the hotel spa or some homemade treats. The purpose is to let guests know you appreciate their effort to join you for your special day.   Here are some gift ideas your guests will love:

 

Day @ Spa

Your jet-legged guests can slip into the luxe life and enjoy a little R & R.  Pedicure –manicure / foot-massage / Swedish massage- keep it simple or grandeur! Either way, your friends and relatives will thank you for the pampering

 

Sight Seeing

Give them tickets to the “city tour” or a trolley tour

 

Winery or Chocolate Factory Tour

Send your guests on a romantic wine tasting or a local chocolate / ice-cream factory

 

Dinner and Movie

Give them gift certificate to AMC’s and a gift certificate to a franchise restaurant… whether they use it during their stay or when they go back, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness

 

Gift Basket

Bouquet of fresh flowers paired fresh fruits, chocolates, local treats and a bottle of wine

 

 

5 Unique Food Ideas For After-Party

After-parties are becoming increasingly popular with the NY / NJ brides.  Add-on entertainment and food being the highlights, brides are always struggling to make their event more unique.  To help you out, these are my favorite fun and unique food ideas to serve at an after party.  And, stop by again because you wouldn’t want to miss my 5 unique after-party themes coming soon!

1.      Grease Trucks 

“The greatest food invention on wheels”. 

Reminisce the late nights you would end up at these trucks ordering scrumptious falafels or super-sized gyros (heroes)! Well “Grease Trucks” have been a part of NJ / NYC college scenes as early as the 1970’s.  So why not bring back the memories you shared with your friends and surprise them with a truck waiting to cater to them whether it is the “Big Fat Cat” or a “Big Fat Indian”!

2.      Desi/ Indian Food Truck 

Design your truck your way! Allow your guests to get a feel of India’s street-side snacks & bring back the memories only this time, it is at your wedding! In US!  Menu options: pani-puri, papdi-chaat, tandoori chicken tacos, tikka masala burrito, mango lassi, or may be Miranda! 

3.      In-N-Out Burgers / Hot Dog Truck

An American tradition! From burgers to Neapolitan shakes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to hot dogs with gazillion topping combinations, paired with fries and fountain drinks!  Now who wouldn’t remember that about your wedding?

4.      Kati Roll Truck 

Mango, mint, tamarind chutneys rolled up in a naan served hot with its main ingredients varying from chicken tikka, paneer tikka roll, mixed veggie rolls, aloo-egg rolls and much more! dare to indulge your guests into another mouth-watering late night snack that will please many palettes. 

5.     Cupcake Truck / Coolhaus Ice-cream Sandwich Truck

A truck loaded with fresh-baked cupcakes- is that really true? Yes, you heard it right! cupcakes on wheel, frostings, and toppings to mix-n-match a cupcake that was made just for you! Why stop at cupcakes only, hire a contemporary ice-cream sandwich truck!