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Brides Know Best
Wedding Advice	Eric Herod
February begins a new season -- not duck season, rabbit season, or NASCAR season, but the wedding planning season -- the time of year when thousands of brides drag their reluctant grooms and travel out and about to bargain shop, meet vendors, attend bridal shows, and visualize the elements important to their ceremony and reception. With all the advice available, how is a bride to know what to expect and want for her wedding? To answer that best, we turn to the true experts -- former brides. The Challenges According to most brides, the hardest challenge is planning the wedding yourself. If you do not have family and friends available and willing, you may have trouble. Even with help, you may run into what Amber Bahnak did in 2008: "Sometimes people want to help but are afraid to do something you won't like so they shy away from offering suggestions." She adds, "Communication is key. Let people know when you are open to and really need suggestions." Other brides, like Danielle Lux, hire a professional planner: "They really help you with each step and remind you to look at things you may have overlooked otherwise." Planning can be overwhelming. If your budget doesn't afford a pro, and you lack access to a relative or friend experienced in planning, then hire vendors who match your personality, listen carefully to your vision, and help achieve your dreams. The Budget WeddingReport.com priced the average wedding in the United States in 2008 at $28,704. Whether or not your budget matches this, the fact remains that how you divide your budget is the most important factor in the success of your wedding. Overspending in areas of little or no impact on what you or your guests remember can mean insufficient funds for the most important elements. The first step is to decide what they are: Choose three words to describe your reception -- Fun? Elegant? Magical? Romantic? Your words will guide your decisions on where to spend your money. Anna Story’s Tango-themed wedding was perfect for her guests: “Don't overspend... keep it simple. What makes a good wedding is the entertainment and the food.” Mike and Mary Gifford, who married in beautiful Pensacola, advise not to sweat it: “If a few things go over budget, most of the time there will be something else that will cost less." Nicole Meredith’s advice is to take your time: “Do your research on DJ's, reception halls, flowers, and catering. Gather referrals. Our DJ was fabulous! He was interactive and fun. He was the best in the area and was definitely not cheap. We spent the extra money and it was well worth it!" The key number is the guest list. Every reception can save an average $50 per person by cutting the list. Remember, you pay by how many guests are expected, not by how many show up. If you want to let your long-lost Uncle Buck know you are getting married, send a wedding notice instead of an invite. Or, he might just show up! Cut the list as far as you can and use the money for something else. Once you accomplish this emotional task, look at the little details -– they may matter most -- especially when you examine favors, appetizers, bouquets, and flower arrangements. Once you determine their necessity, find alternate ways to create their effect and make the most of your budget. Capturing Moments What will your guests remember about your reception? According to the St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine, 81% of guests remember the entertainment and whether they had fun. So hire to match your personality. YOU are the party! Your reception should be a reflection of you. Good vendors will make your reception a success and keep your guests engaged and participating. If your guests leave early, you lose an average $4,784/hr on a six-hour wedding day. Your choice of entertainment is the most important factor in keeping them to the end. Amber suggests vendors who work together on the event: "Our vendors were fantastic. Everyone wanted to work together and help us... The DJ went to the site on his own several months before the wedding to check things out." Nicole warns: "If you are planning over the phone, and if people are rude to you, they are most likely going to be a bear to work with. Find someone new. There are too many people in the wedding business to 'sweat the small stuff'." Once your vision is set, hire professionals to capture the moment. Photographers are a must. But Lindsay Forseth, Catering Sales Manager at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, regrets not having a videographer: "I didn't think I wanted one at the time, but now I wish more than ever that I could go back and watch a video of the whole day. It goes by so quickly that I would love to go back and watch it over and see what I missed." Your wedding will truly fly by, like Danielle Lux’s, who wished "It could have been longer... We didn't even do the bouquet/garter toss because we were having so much fun..." Problem Solved The daunting responsibility of planning a wedding should never fall solely on your shoulders. Hire well. And dream… Dreaming creates an experience you and your guests will never forget. Ask questions of your vendors. Find out how they will bring energy to your reception. Prioritize your budget. Look at the average costs in your area, not an arbitrary number. Spend more on what is most important to you -- You really do "get what you pay for." Two last pieces of advice from Amber and Lindsay "Stay on top of things, but relax. Things will get done and everything will be beautiful. Don't forget to let your fiancée know how much you care during the process. After all, the event is about professing your love in front of your friends and family." - Amber "Enjoy the whole day. Being with all of your friends and family is the best! It will be the best day of your life!" - Lindsay Eric Herod is DJ/Owner of Eric Herod Entertainment, http://ericherod.com, info@ericherod.com, (540) 419-2534.
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