Last fall when I was planning my wedding I often wished there were two or three of me to help with research, site visits, etc. And that was for a small wedding in a small town. Since I've been in Phoenix, I've been shocked at the number of possible reception sites. We have everything from resorts and hotels, to golf courses, gardens, and private houses. Even my yoga studio does weddings!
So how's a bride supposed to decide between all of these amazing options? There are almost too many!
Easy–hire an event planner. I know, you're thinking, "That's not in my budget!" But it can be. Here's how:
- Many event planners work for a set fee.
- Let's say your wedding budget is $20,000 for everything.
- And then you want to hire an event planner, who charges $3000.
- Your budget likely won't change–your event planner can probably save you more than the amount you're paying her. That means you have the same "bucket of money", the $20,000, you're basically just reallocating (giving it to someone different) the funds (you might pay less for the linens, catering, flowers and DJ by using her connections and money-saving ideas).
Why is this important? It saves you SO MUCH TIME. Think about those 200 reception venues in the Valley. How many do you have time to visit? Wouldn't you rather sit down with a wedding planner, talk about your vision, your dream wedding setting, and then have her do some research for a short list of just three places to see? I would!
Sometimes planners have negotiated discounts with preferred vendors. No, it's not a scam. These vendors are preferred because they are consistently outstanding (they'll actually show up, to start); you can trust your planner's recommendations.
But wedding and event planners can also save you money because they have great ideas for cutting costs. They can help you achieve a certain look or feel for less.
Not using a wedding planner or day of coordinator was probably my biggest "I wish I could go back and change" things about my wedding. Now that I better understand how they don't really cost you MORE money, I really wish I had one. So I'm passing on that bit of advice to Phoenix brides and hosting a free information session.
Grooms, mom, maids and brides are all welcome to attend. It's Sunday, July 11th at 11am, here are Strut bridal salon. Asare Event Planning will be on hand to do a brief presentation and, more importantly, answer your questions (don't be shy–I've asked her some not-so-tactful ones), and give you tips on staying within your budget.
Best of all (at least for me–I love sweets), we'll have mimosas and cake samples, courtesy of SLiCE. I'm excited to try their wedding cakes!
Please RSVP to us via phone (602.252.4414) or email: service (at) strutbridalsalon.com.
Happiness does not drop from the sky ,it’s to be created by our hands