Thursday, December 13, 2007

Recently engaged?! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner tips

Well, engagement season is upon us! Your significant others are probably frantically planning a special way to ask for your hand in marriage. So cute! If you're like many other newly engaged couples, you will probably start planning and researching right away...the excitement is almost impossible to contain!

Many couples come to us and they are completely confused on where they should begin or unsure if they have handled things right so far. See, you're not the only one! This is completely normal and expected. Afterall, you've never done this before! No worries... I'm going to share a few quick tips to help you with your beginning stages of planning.

The first important task you should tackle is to figure out your budget. Find out if relatives and/or friends will contribute financially, or if you two will hack the total cost on your own. Your budget lays the foundation for important decisions you will have to make for your wedding - guest count, venue selection, decor, vendor selection, flowers, and much more. When you know how much you have to spend, you are aware of your options. I know, I know, you may already be prepared to book your dream Photographer, but you don't want to commit to spending a certain amount on Photography, when you don't even know how much you really can afford to spend. You may blow some of your decor funds in the process! You also don't want to short change yourself. If your budget provides you with a great deal of freedom, you need to be aware of that! This way you can get whatever your heart desires and not have to worry about cutting corners.

In addition to your budget helping in those areas, it will also help with the next set of important things you will have to decide on: your date, your venue, and how many guests you will invite. Let's talk about how your budget relates. First, your date: Weddings that occur on Saturdays are more expensive than a wedding that occurs on a Friday or Sunday. Weddings that occur in peak months, such as May, are more expensive than weddings in, let's say, January. Catch my drift? On to venue selection...your budget will help you figure out the venues that you should look into. If you have a substantial budget and you want a grand celebration in a NYC loft, then that's not an issue...you can find a location that's perfect for you and the cost would not be a concern. On the other hand, if your budget is a bit more restricted, you should be aware of which venues you should not visit, as it is not a realistic option. Finally, your guest count: The more guests you have, the more you will spend on catering, flowers, favors, invitations, and much more. Knowing your overall budget will help you decide if you should invite your college friends that you haven't spoken to in years.

So, now do you see how important it is to figure out your overall budget? I'm sure you do, so please be sure sit down with your soon-to-be hubby and figure this all out. Keep in mind that whatever your budget is, your wedding can and will be as beautiful and as special as you make it! Oh, one more thing before I go... be sure to have your guest count in mind when it's time to select your venue. You need to be certain that your venue can handle your guest count, plus a few extras (just in case). Happy planning and remember Pure Ambiance is here for you. It's time to dream no more...

Kisha

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