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

Can you feel the love? We did.

I met Dr. Lindsay Ford and her sister and friends at the Spring 2013 New Orleans Weddings Magazine Bridal Show (Sugar Mill). She was a bit nervous because she was afraid everyone would be too busy or not around to help. She's from Jackson, MS and they do things a bit different, but ooze of southern charm and sweetness. Turns out although her mom was not here for all of the planning, she was there for the wedding and major events along the way including the wedding. AND her sister and friends and family were all in good form for the wedding of her dreams. Lindsay and Andrew were married November 9 at Metairie Country Club. Between her family, Andrew's family and their wonderful vendors, I left on cloud nine and feeling so much love! 

Ceremony and Reception Venue Metairie Country Club
Coordination by It's Your Time Events
Ceremony Music by Helen Maxwell (harpist)
Reception Band Shaon and the Girls with Success
Flowers by Meade Wenzel
Photography by Roddy Orgeron Photography
Lanterns and Lighting by Firefly Ambiance (set up by Miss Rebecca Bourgeois)

   

 

                     

  

Getting to know your vendors - GK Photography

February 22, 2015 UPDATE:
GK Photography is taking things to a new level! They are handing out expert, first-hand information about local wedding venues! Check out these awesome and quick clips! 

Southern Oaks
The Chicory
Omni Royal
Rosy's Jazz Hall
The Audubon Institute


Talk about your consumate professional photographer. George Kuchler takes it to another level. For George, or GK, it's about doing it right the first time. It's about respect from his clients and his peers. He takes pride in the profession and in how other photographers are representing the profession. He's been doing this for years and has never stopped wanting to be better and to learn more and to be challenged. So GK says, "Bring it on." You want something different, he will work to make it happen.

GK started in 1994. He was first a musician, so in addition to having years of experience and knowledge you know he is fun to work with!

He learned the camera inside and out (which is truly a testament to his wanting to know as much as possible about his profession and the tools he works with). He was hooked immediately and it became his passion.

He worked with others as much as possible. He went to conventions/conferences and over the last twenty years he's spent roughly the equivalent of my student loans on his own education in photography (and it's a lot, believe me). He wanted to know the languages and the ins and outs of the business. And now, he is one of those people teaching courses and on stage sharing the language because he loves every aspect of photography.

Photographers are artists. And as a photographer and artist, GK loves growth. Whether he is shooting at a location he's done 50 times or at a brand new venue that takes a lot of planning, he wants to see at least one image where he can see how he has grown and his photography has gotten better. If you have something in your head, whether it is for your wedding or as a senior or a business owner, he wants to help make it happen. So he has creative sessions. Contact GK to find out more on how to do this!

Today GK focuses on weddings, seniors, and families because it allows him to get to know his clients better and grow his business. And because he has ventured out into other areas like fashion and commercial shoots, his main focus has gotten stronger.

For GK, his biggest inspiration is his family. If he won the lottery though, he'd still be a photographer, but with a huge warehouse studio. It's through his photography and work that he shows his kiddos that anything is possible if you work hard and go after what you want.

In terms of what sets GK apart, it's just him. His personality. His work ethic. His experience. For GK, it's not about being the best. His work is very subjective. Photography is the latin word for "painting with light." What I think is gorgeous, others might not. It's all about what you like. Go to GK's page, look at his work, check out his About page, and see if it's what you like. If you like what you see, then book him!

To brides, he says, "for your day, before your day, write down the family groups you want pictures of. Then for each group, add two minutes. And see how quickly your time adds up." If you want all of those people and all of those groups, make sure the people you want in those pictures know they will be in pictures and to hang around. Make a list to give to your coordinator or to a friend to coordinate. He does not want you to waste your reception time taking pictures. He wants you to have fun. GK is known for being quick if you are prepared. So be prepared :)

GK also says, spend your money in the right places. Coordinators who know you and your schedule will help to make your day go smoother. If you're going to have bridesmaids, let them help you. Lay it out for them so they know who is doing what and when and so it doesn't get missed. But if you have a good coordinator, this eliminates a lot of the "who is doing what and when" questions. So GK says to be organized because it's the unknown that can throw kinks into your day.

If you've gotten this far and you've checked out GK's page and you want to book him or even just want to learn more about him and what he does, give him a call. You can reach GK Photography at george@gkphotography.com or call 504-737-5557. You'll probably talk to Elizabeth, his awesome wife! They're a great team to work with!

Photo by Arte de Vie