Mythical Mondays

No one ever said planning a wedding was easy. Over the last few years, "big" weddings have become hugely popular for brides and big business for wedding vendors. During this time, a slew of "urban legends for wedding planning" have sprung up. Many brides get caught up in these myths as they seem simple enough and, on the surface, sometimes even logical. Don't be fooled. Dispelling the unfortunately too common fallacies of wedding planning will help you avoid disappointment and disaster.

 MYTH: I know exactly what it takes to pull off a wedding, and I will not go over budget.

TRUTH: There is a good chance you probably will. Many brides "forget" to include some necessary expenses and/or incur additional costs at the last minute. Some brides also "fall in love" with certain items and must have them whether or not they were originally budgeted for. Work with a trusted professional wedding planner to detail out a budget for you based on your needs. Professional planners deal with budgets all of the time and know what costs are involved in a wedding.

As a final precaution, take 5-10% off of your budget total and hold it back for those unexpected expenses - if you need it, it will not push you over the edge, and if you don't you will have some extra cash for the honeymoon (or bank account!).

Happy Planning!

Holly

Mythical Monday

I continue to try and convince myself Mondays can be just as happy as Fridays...so HAPPY MONDAY! Now, on to the latest in the series of Wedding Myths. Enjoy!

MYTH: A wedding professional who is featured on television or in a magazine article must be among the best of the best in the wedding industry.

TRUTH: Wedding professionals (and other people in general) end up on television and in magazines for many reasons. Is everyone in the pages of (popular) magazines there because they are doing good things or are the best actress/actor/musician, etc.? Maybe? Maybe not? Hmmm.....

Now, before the vendors go and get all huffy on me, many of the professionals are featured because their work is superior or they have a special niche in the market. However, a blanket statement cannot be made that all are of superior caliber or quality or reputation.

As for TV, most television shows are searching for a particular look, personality, and someone who can perform on camera (yes, there are casting calls for these shows), regardless of their skill or standing in the business. Many of the features you see in print incorporate the publication's advertisers. Some magazines have been known to say, "If you become and advertiser we would be happy to feature you in the story about "so and so's" wedding." And, some choose who they feature based solely on merit or creativity.

So, am I boo-hooing these wedding professionals..."NO!" What I am saying is that some vendors get better press because they seek it out, some because it comes to them, and some choose to quietly, creatively, and effectively do their jobs.

To a bride weddings are about love...but to wedding professionals, weddings are a business. Do your homework - don't let glitz and glamour blind your judgment. Meet with each vendor, ask for references and trust your intuition.

Happy Planning!

Mythical Mondays

Before we go any further...YES, I know it is Tuesday. Now on to business...to continue on with the Myths of Wedding Plan, here is Myth #2.

MYTH: The cost of the gift (received from the invited guest) should be equivalent to what the per-person cost of the meal is.

TRUTH: No. No. No. An invitation to a wedding is not a trade out. A guest is not expected to first of all even know what you are spending per-person, much less be forced to spend that amount on a gift. The bride or groom does not get to dictate the price range of their wedding gifts (even if they tried to do so with their registry!).