Research: Your Wants vs. Your Wallet

Good afternoon Wed-heads!

First and foremost, in recognition of Memorial Day, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for the service of all those serving or who have served our country. Thanks to the families and friends that have supported them every step of the way. The rest of us either don't know, or forget what it means to give yourself up for the protection of this country. We celebrate you and your sacrifice today and always!

Ok on to business. Today's blog will be short and sweet, so you can gain some info, but get back to spending the day with your family. Today we're discussing Your Wants vs Your Wallet. Research is key to staying on budget.

So last week you made a list of MUST HAVES and allocated a percentage of your overall budget to those items. Now calculate the dollar amounts of those percentages and create a spreadsheet. A very simple Excel sheet will do. So for example, designate the first column for a list of wedding items: Invitations, Ceremony, Reception, Flowers/Decor, Photographer, Videographer, DJ/Band, Cake, Dress, Tuxedo, Rings, Bridal Party Gifts, Honeymoon...these are just standard items. So add whatever extras you need. Then put the percentage or dollar amounts for each of those items in the column next to it. For example, if your overal budget is $20,000 and you want to spend 50% of it on the Reception, then $10,000 is your maximum to spend and should be entered in the column next to "Reception". If you have decided that 2% is enough to spend on Flowers, then $400 is your max and you enter that next to "Flowers/Decor". I just want you to have it on paper that these are the amounts that you should try to stay within for each item. The next set of columns will be filled in as you begin your research.

Research is critical when planning a perfect day. It can make or break your wallet; and if the right vendors are not chosen, you could end up with a wedding nightmare! There are several places where to begin searching for the right vendors that suit your budget. Obviously the Internet is king. There are tons of wedding sites, free and not free, where you can search for vendors in your area. Just hop on Google and begin! Comb the vendors' sites for a list of services, offers, discounts etc. If you find some of interest, add a column to the spreadsheet for each vendor. Enter their pricing into the spreadsheet, and see if it falls within your budget amount. If it doesn't, you know they are not a viable candidate to use for your wedding. For example, if it's going to cost you $15,000 to feed 125 guests at the new reception hall in town, but your budgeted amount is only $10,000; the answer is clear, move on to the next vendor because you can not afford this one.

Once you get some viable candidates, check out their approval ratings on Yelp and even the Better Business Bureau's website. Everything might look like it's coming up roses with this vendor, but they might have some dirty little secrets in the closet! So beware of anything that seems like it's too good to be true..it probably is.

Your next step is to hit every Bridal Show there is in your area! Become a bridal expo groupie! LOL Get in front of the vendors, ask questions, see how they treat you, experience what they have to offer. And finally, talk to people who have used these vendors in the past. Hop on a forum, check their reviews. Or if you know of someone personally, call them! Or ask around on Facebook and Twitter.

Word of Mouth referrals are actually your best friend. Every business owner can make a tantalizing brochure and offer pricing that makes you want to sign a contract asap...but if your cousin's girlfriend's friend used them in the past and screams "The food was horrible!" or "He really can't DJ!", then you know to walk away...your wants and wallet intact.

Finally, when you think you've found the perfect venues and vendors that fall into your budget, give yourself a few days to think about it before signing on the dotted line. So many brides lead with their emotions. Now is not the time for that! You have to be smart and treat this part of planning your wedding like a job. Be informed, be smart, be focused on your goal. Begin by contacting the vendor and build a relationship. Ask pertinent questions such as if your date is available; are there any discounts available; how much is the deposit; is it refundable if you need to reschedule/cancel due to an emergency. Then and only then do you schedule an appointment, read the contract thoroughly, and last, put a deposit down.

Once the research is over and the contracts are signed, the "work" is done. Now on to the fun stuff!! Creating an atmosphere you and your guests will remember for a lifetime! Next week, we'll talk about themes and trends.

Until then, Wed-heads, Happy Memorial Day!