Wedding Planning: Setting the Budget

Wait a minute, you're looking at venues you can't afford huh? I know it's hard but you have to stick to a budget...you have to know what you can and cannot afford.

We have hit on this before, but since we're slowly moving through the planning process, I figured we should hit on it again and update a bit. You've got your preferred choices for a venue, but do they fit into the budget? Hmmm....tough question.

NOBODY and I do mean nobody likes talking about the budget...not even your parents. Setting the budget, while not the fun part of planning a wedding, does not have to be painful. Setting the budget determines many of the questions addressed in the next blog post (Planning your event). And while you you may think with your budget, you cannot afford an event planner, an event planner can help you stay on that budget and achieve your goals. Having your budget in place can help the rest of the process be more efficient and go much smoother.

Here are some key concepts:

• Is there a set limit? Yes, there is most definitely a limit. Everyone has one, that number....you know...where they freak out. I'm pretty sure your fiance has one and even your parents or grandparents. It's important to know what it is so you can keep things in perspective and work within that number (you don't want your heart set on one thing only to have someone say (whether it's your parents or your fiance) you cannot do it because you've hit their number).
• Know, up front, who is paying for what items. For corporate events it's much clearer as to who is paying. Just make sure your contracts reflect
• Traditionally in a wedding the bride's side pays for the following: 
• church costs, 
• reception/venue, 
• transportation, and 
• wedding dress.
• Traditionally the groom's side pays for the following: 
• honeymoon, 
• liquor, 
• marriage license, 
• officiant fee/gratuity, and 
• rehearsal dinner. 

You can always go completely non traditional because of course it is your day, but whatever way you go, KNOW what is included in the budget and what is not included in the budget and if you really want something make it a priority or make sure you can help pay for it (if someone else is paying).

• Know your priorities. If your venue is number one keep that in mind. What is the overall budget and how many items need to be included? Define what you want. What is most important to you for this event? Set those as your highest priorities. Then set percentages to represent them. Finally divide your budget to represent those percentages. If you do not have enough, think about what you do not need. For example, there are four key areas: venue, decor, entertainment and catering. Rank them. Now, for number one decide how much of your budget you will need for it. Once you've determined your first priority and what you can and/or want to spend, you can continue moving through your list. If your venue is most important, is it really a deal breaker to have chicken instead of steak for catering? Knowing your priorities and how much you can spend on each one will help when it's time for vendors to submit proposals. You don't want to try on a dress or see event decor if you cannot afford it. 

I know, you're probably thinking "OMG, I have to do all kinds of math with that?!?!?" But really it's okay. Use a spreadsheet :)

Once you know what you do want, a very easy way to manage your budget and break it down is a budget calculator. A budget calculator will provide appropriate expenses for each portion of the wedding...from venue and catering to attire and clothing. You can find many budget calculators online (just Google it). Here is a sample one I've drawn up for my wedding clients that calculates as we go.

You'll want that bottom line number then you can pretty much expect the following:

• Reception: 48%-50% 
• Attire: 8%-10% 
• Flowers: 8%-10% 
• Entertainment/Music: 8%-10% 
• Photography: at least 10% of your budget (if you can hit it, at least $4,000) 
• Videography: 5% (I'm a tad bit biased, but I consider video a necessity) 
• Stationery: 2%-3% 
• Wedding Rings: 2%-3% 
• Parking/Transportation: 2%-3% 
• Gifts: 2%-3% 
• Miscellaneous: 5% 
• To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a "just-in-case" fund. 

Recognize that you will probably splurge on something so keep this in mind. Factor it into your budget. Make sure to put a little bit extra into the areas where you think it's possible you might splurge: like, a special type of flowers or a specific band you want.

So, just as an example, a $50,000 budget broken down might look something like the following: All-inclusive venue, multi-course cocktail-reception, a live band, full bar.

• Venue (all-inclusive): $25,000 
• Catering (included above) 
• Rentals (included above) 
• Dessert (included above) 
• Alcohol & beverages: $3150 
• Pro-videographer: $2500 
• Pro-photographer: $4000 
• Band: $5400 
• Wedding planning: $4000 
• Website & invites: $1025 
• Flowers: $2225 
• Other: $2000 
• Pro hair and makeup for bride, bridesmaids, moms: $500 

Once you've locked down a reasonable budget, take a deep breath and remember to HAVE FUN!!!

If you have any questions or need some help developing your budget, give us a call or shoot us an email. We love working with people, even in the smallest of ways (Budget sessions start at $250 for 2hrs and all worksheets are available for purchase of $5 each).

It's Your Time Events, New Orleans Wedding Planning Design

www.itsyourtimeevents.com

504.975.3375

erin@itsyourtimeevents.com

30something....things I'd tell my teenage self...

If you're 30 something (like me) you're not quite Generation X and you're definitely not a millennial or a boomer....so what are you? Who knows? And that's just about how it feels at 30 something sometimes. Who are we and what the heck are we doing? 

Nobody says or tells you to live at home if you can during college so you can save money and pay for school. I went to LSU. It was the only school I even considered going to...I didn't even apply anywhere else. I wanted to be there and do everything I possibly could. So I did. Coming out of college I had $60,000 in student loan debt. Yup....I said SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (and that's with me working part time jobs throughout all 7 years). I've been paying on it for about 10 years....and hadn't made a dent on it until I moved in with my mom (yes, at 30something, I'm living with my mom). Regarding student loans, nobody says take out as little as possible so you're not strapped with huge amounts of debt when you get out. They just don't say it....or maybe they did and we didn't listen or maybe they didn't then but they are now. Who knows....just listen when you can. 

When we're in school nobody says, you really should prepare for your future (and I am talking LONG term here), but looking back, I'm thinking they should have told us about that. Think about how that student loan debt is going to affect you once you get out (it's basically a mortgage payment for YEARS)....think about what kind of jobs you can get with that Master of Liberal Arts degree.... or General Studies bachelors. No, I'm pretty sure they didn't say those things when I was in school....they said enjoy it! Go out! Have fun! Take advantage of everything they have to offer! College only happens once (but they didn't tell you that you'd be paying for it for a long time to come and your choices then can very much affect you throughout the rest of your life). Nobody says those things...or maybe they did...and we didn't listen. It's been so long I honestly don't remember.  

Nobody really says "it's okay to NOT know what you are going to do with the rest of your life." They don't really say take it slow and get some experience in different areas so you have an idea of what you actually could see yourself doing for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Nobody tells you (or maybe they did and we didn't listen), it might be better to start at a Community College instead of the four year college costing you tons of money and time only to not have any idea of what you're going to major in (because who really knows what they want to do FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE at the age of 18 or 23?). We may think we know, but we don't. It's taken me years to even come close to figuring out the jobs I can tolerate and those I can't and those I love. Nobody really tells you those things....or maybe they did and we didn't listen. 

Then we get out of school and we think we'll get our dream job because we were raised to think "having a degree means I can get a good job." But that's not exactly how it works. Nobody really prepares you for how HARD it will be to get a job and in the field you want. Instead most of the time, there is this HUGE stop sign with the question: DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE? And on top of experience, employers want specific skills and knowledge that aren't necessarily taught in college (yes, they are paying attention to your personality and Googling you). Where do we learn how to have customer service or be organized in an office setting? Maybe LSU offered "Office Etiquette 101", but I'm thinking it wasn't a priority because nobody said THIS IS IMPORTANT). They don't teach those things in school....that kind of knowledge comes through experience and jobs. Nobody says while you're actually in school you should be doing this or that so you can at least try to learn those desired skills, or maybe they did and we didn't listen. I came out of grad school making $1,000 a month...you think that's going to pay off a $60,000 student loan debt? 

Now you have a job and you're buying a home and getting married. Married? Really? That is definitely one subject they don't give you the details on....it's HARD. You love this person and yet at times you may actually want to punch the living crap out of them. What happens to them, happens to you....is that fair? Not sure, but it happens. You feel their pain and vice verse. Sometimes it just plain stinks. You're buying a house and cars and setting up family and building more debt (you know, on top of your student loans because those aren't paid off yet). Student loans, house mortgages, car loans, business loans, they all add up. We weren't even married 2 years and we were in debt up to our eyeballs. But it's marriage and you have your best friend and you're going through it together. Nobody tells you the other side of their marriage...and there is another side to it :) It's just not something everyone talks about....

It's amazing how fast that time goes by....and how much we change and learn and grow throughout all of it. Growing up is hard and if we're not careful we can make it harder than it has to be.We did....and now we're working our way to a better day.

Lessons I learned along the way that I will definitely share with my hypothetical children and PRAY they will listen better than I did: 

1. Listen. Don't listen to respond but really listen...and if after hearing what the other person has to say you still feel the same way, by all means proceed with your plans :) 
2. You know those pesky things your parents used to bug you about (responsibility, jobs, saving, etc.)? Yeah, they may actually know something so take the time to listen occasionally. 
3. Slow down. You will never have another moment like the one you are living at this very moment. 
4. Get a job even if it's part time. It teaches time management and so many other non-teachable skills that are necessary in the business world today (like customer service and a work ethic).
5. Pay for as much of college as you can and take out as little as you can. It's okay if you don't go to that private school your parents went to. It's okay to start at a CC and see what subjects you actually like before spending the big money on a four year degree you hate. 
6. SAVE! Always think about your future. Even if it's $50 a month until you can afford more, SAVE!! Paying with cash is so much better than living in debt all the time.
7. (AGAIN) SLOW DOWN. You do not have to get married, buy a house, buy cars, and have kids all at the same time. Plan a little bit....it helps significantly!
8. Marry your best friend. Yes, the college quarterback or cheerleader is hot and fun and stuff, but is he/she your best friend? Can you tell him/her anything? Are they going to be there for you no matter what....are they going to see past your defects and love you anyway? If you have any doubt to any of these questions....SLOW DOWN and figure it out. 
9. Don't be afraid to take chances. Life is short and if you don't like something, you should definitely do something about it. 

What are some life lessons you would tell your younger self? 

Houma Wedding: Amanda & Chris - Happy Couple

It's only taken me two years, many weddings in between, and the Robichaux fam adding a baby or two for me to finally get Chris and Amanda posted on the blog!! Not only have they changed and grown, but so have we and so many of their vendors! Amanda & Chris's wedding was my second wedding (see the next blog about how it went!). It's amazing what can happen in that short amount of time!

Amanda & Chris (and really all of the Robichauxs, Roques, Orys, and Pattersons and my clients I've gotten from them) represent It's Your Time Events so well. They all come from families dedicated to each other and rich in spirit! They all know how to work but also how to relax and truly enjoy life and most of them love LSU too :) And while I didn't get to meet Mr. Eddie, I have heard so much about him and read about him. I do believe he is smiling down on the ladies in his life because they are genuine reflections of his love and faith in God. I am so blessed to have met and gotten to know them. 

Amanda and Chris were married in Houma, Louisiana at the oh so beautiful St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. She prepped at home with her mom and closest friends. He prepped at a local hotel with his family and friends. They planned on a beautiful scene at a local building for their first look but it had rained off and on all week. So, when it was time for their first look, they didn't let the change in location deter them or their day....you can definitely see Amanda's joy and love in their first look pics! Following the ceremony was a gorgeous tented reception at Ellendale Country Club. With its rolling greens and ample space, you couldn't help but enjoy every aspect of the scenery! 

        

Aunt V, I'm not sure if you remember sitting in Aimee's hotel room telling me how much I did for Mrs. Pam...but I do. I remember it like it was yesterday. You told me I helped Mrs. Pam get through a very important time of her life without Mr. Eddie, this entire family helped me get through some of my own tough times.  

It is truly amazing how God works....in those very mysterious ways...he puts people in our lives exactly when we need them. I will forever hold a place in my heart for all of them! (Pretty sure I've said that before :) 

To Amanda and Chris - happy 2 year anniversary and many congrats on the new bebe!!! Sending love hugs and many happy blessings your way! 

xoxo

Coordination by It's Your Time Events, New Orleans Wedding Planner

Photography by Catherine Guidry Photography

Video by Randy Diddly Studios

Flowers by Butterflies-n-Flowers

Decorator LeMariage of Houma

Cake by The Sugar Plum in Houma

Hair by Sarah with Tre's Bella

Make Up by MakeUp By Meggan

Ceremony Music by Rachel Van Voorhees

Reception Band Souled Out

If you're planning your wedding and would like some help, we'd love to help make your day all that you want it to be! Give us a call or shoot us an email! We cover everything from Baton Rouge to Grand Isle and can start at the beginning or help at the end. It's your day! We are there for you!