Setting a Wedding Budget: “The How Much”

It is my opinion; setting a budget is the most important preliminary step in planning a wedding, although it should not take long to do so, possibly 2 weeks. The thing to consider is… How much is MY dream wedding going to cost? However, and more importantly, who is footing the bill? Overall, the goal is to set a realistic budget and stick to it.

The Wedding Budget Breakdown, shown below, will be beneficial in assisting you in setting a realistic budget, by providing percentages outlining, how most Brides allocate their money. In addition, the "Who Pays for What" chart gives you a sense of the traditional financial roles of a wedding. However, please be advised that there are no hard-and fast rules about how to split wedding expenses.

Wedding Budget Breakdown*
• Reception: 50% (Site fee; rentals; food; beverages; cake)
• Ceremony Site: 2% (Location; Officiate; marriage license)
• Wedding Attire: 10% (Gown; accessories; groom's attire)
• Photography/Videography: 11%
• Flowers: 10% (Bouquets; boutonnieres; décor)
• Entertainment/Music: 5% (Ceremony; cocktail hour; reception)
• Stationery: 3% (Invitations; programs; thank-you notes)
• Wedding Rings: 8%
• Transportation: 4%
• Gifts: 3% (Attendant gifts)
• Favors: 2%
• Tax/Tips: 5%
* Adapted from Brides’ Wedding Planner

Who Pays for What? *

Bride/Her Family
• Groom's wedding ring
• Gifts for Groom & His Attendants
• Ceremony Fees
• Entire Reception
• Bride's wedding attire and accessories
• Invitation and Announcements
• Flowers
• Photography
• Personal wedding attire
• Transportation

Groom/His Family
• Bride's engagement and wedding rings
• Gift for Bride & Her Attendants
• Marriage license
• Officiates fee
• Bride's bouquet
• Mothers' corsages
• Boutonnieres for Attendants and Fathers
• Honeymoon
• Grooms attire
• Rehearsal dinner party
• Personal wedding attire
• Travel and accommodations for groom's family
• Special items they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Attendants
• Their own attire
• Travel expenses for themselves
• Wedding gift for the bride and groom
• A bridal shower thrown by maid of honor and bridesmaids
• Groomsmen host the bachelor party

Overall, I sincerely hope this information included in the blog is beneficial to you in the planning of your wedding. We, Love Angel Events, LLC, is commited to providing practical information for the DIY Bride.

Therefore, if you have any questions or you need in-depth assistance please contact us at info@LoveAngelEvents.com for help.

Happy Planning,

Meshanda

Choosing The Style and Formality of Your Wedding:

“The How & The How Much”
How do you vision your wedding? This step may take a little longer, possibly 6 weeks, and you may deviate several times through the entire process. The answer to this question deals primarily with the personalities of the couple, where and what time of day you plan to have the wedding, how many guests you plan to invite, and MOST importantly your BUDGET.

There are several degrees of Style and Formality for Weddings; some of the most popular ones are shown below.

Formal Wedding
• The ceremony is held in a place of worship, a hotel ballroom, club, or private home
• Invite list consists of two-hundred or more guests
• Invitations are engraved or printed
• Wedding party consists of up to twelve people
• The wedding gown is elaborate with a long veil and train
• Groom and ushers' attire consists of cutaway coat, tails, or tuxedos
• Sit-down dinner reception
• Orchestra
• Limousine or carriage
• Photographer

Semi-Formal Wedding
• The ceremony is held in place of worship, restaurant, banquet hall, or home
• Fewer than 100 guests
• Invitations are engraved or printed
• Wedding party consists of up to six people
• Wedding dress has little to no train or a short dress is worn as alternate
• Groom wears a suit or tuxedos
• A dinner or buffet serves as a reception
• A DJ or band serves as the reception's entertainment
• Limousine or private automobile is used for transportation
• Photographer

Informal
• Held in place of worship, garden, or home
• Fewer than 50 guests
• Invitations are hand written or extended personally
• Wedding party consists of up to six people
• Bride wears short dress or suit
• Groom wears dark suit
• A small party at home or restaurant follows service
• Recorded music is played or performed by soloist
• Private automobile is used for transportation
• Photographer

Budget
Once a Style and Formality has been established, you must then begin establishing your overall budget. The easiest way to do this is simple----Determine the TOTAL Dollar amount you can spend. Our next blog, will discuss the Wedding Budget in detail. STAY TUNED!!!

For more information on the services Love Angel Events, LLC “Where Everything Begins With Love” offers check out our website. www.LoveAngelEvents.com

Happy Planning,

Meshanda

Basic Tips for Setting Your Wedding Date: "The When"

Many years ago, when I was a Bride, choosing the right day for our Wedding was a difficult decision to make. Primarily, the decision was hard because I was keenly aware that “The Wedding Date” would forever hold a special meaning for our families, and us so we needed to choose wisely.
The preliminary step of setting “The Wedding Date” is often considered an easy decision to make; however, it is not that easy if the necessary considerations are not made up front. The factors to consider when choosing your Wedding Date are Availability, Time, and Scheduling.

 Availability: Most weddings are held between the peak months of May through October, which could potentially pose a problem with booking a particular Reception site or House of Worship for your wedding. Please be advised, generally, these places are booked a year to several years in advance. You may need to be more flexible with your sites, date, or choose an off-peak month. For an example, The Reception Site we chose for our wedding was only available on Labor Day Weekend, therefore, our wedding was held on Labor Day Weekend and it worked for us.
 Time: The average length of engagement is twelve months. However, you may need more of less time depending on your finances, work and/or school schedules, and the style and formality of your celebration. Essentially, you would want to allow enough time to plan, organize, and execute your special day.
 Scheduling: It is very important to check with family and close friends to be sure your proposed date does not conflict with vacations or important life-cycle events, such as Graduations and Family Reunions.

Overall, choosing the perfect date for your Wedding is the first preliminary step and by following, these basic steps can be completed in a couple of weeks. For more information or help planning a Wedding, please contact Love Angel Events, LLC “Where Everything Begins With Love” for a FREE consultation. www. LoveAngelEvents.com

Happy Planning,

Meshanda

So, You're Getting Married.....Let's Get Started!!!!

Oftentimes, it has been my experience that many newly engaged couples have a difficult time getting started with planning their wedding. Of course, they may have an idea of what colors they want to use or who they may want to invite, but the details of planning “The Wedding” can become overwhelming.

There are FOUR Preliminary questions that must be answered to get started in the planning process. In addition, once this preliminary step is completed the answers will serve as a solid foundation, for a SUCCESSFUL Wedding.

The FOUR Preliminary Questions are as follows:

1. Setting a date: “The When?” This is normally an easy decision to make, possibly 2 weeks. The factors to consider are availability of Wedding Party, Key Guests, and Quality Vendors. Another factor is....will we have sufficient time to plan wedding. Lastly, be sure to consider scheduling around Holidays and other Major Events.

2. Style, Formality, and # of Guests: “The How?” How do you vision your wedding? This step may take a little longer, possibly 6 weeks, and you may deviate several times through the entire process. However, your basic style, formality, and guest count must be firmly established.

3. Budget: “The How Much?” It is my opinion; this is the most important preliminary step, although it shouldn’t take long to make a decision, possibly 2 weeks. A thing to consider…..How much is my dream wedding going to cost. But more importantly, Who’s footing the bill? Set a realistic budget and stick to it.

4. Timeline: “The How Long?” Regardless of the amount of time you have to plan, it is very important to establish a timeline and be careful to follow it. If not, you will end up 6 weeks before the wedding in PANIC MODE, which could resort into an UN-SUCCESSFUL Wedding.

We, Love Angel Events, LLC “Where Everything Begins With Love” have established the Basic Foundation to planning a SUCCESSFUL Wedding. Over the course of this week, we will GO DEEPER into each step, outlining and delivering the necessary tools. CONGRATULATIONS on your ENGAGEMENT!!!!!

For More Information or to ask a question: Be sure to visit our website http://www.loveangelevents.com/ We will be happy to assist you in any that we can. Be BLESSED!!!!

Happy Planning,

MJ

Happy Birthday!!!!!----Tips for Planning a Successful Birthday Party

In celebration of my baby, Love Angel Events, LLC. "Where Everything Begins With Love", turning 4 years old today. I find it fitting to share some basic and creative tips on how to plan and execute a SUCCESSFUL Child's Birthday Party. It has been my experience that either, "We" (parents). do way too much or not enough, creatively. Also, I have found that planning parties for children between the ages of one and ten are the most difficult, simply because we have no clue what they would enjoy or what's age appropiate.
Here are a few Basic and Creative Tips to ensure you are planning an event that is Fun and Exciting for the Birthday Boy or Girl, while maintaing "Peace of Mind" for You.

• Select an age/child appropriate Theme: ASK your little Angel..."What type of party do you want?" It may seem silly, but often times, we assume we know they want; or more importantly we know what we want and a disconnect will occur and no one will be happy. There are so many themes to choose from For an example, A Birthday Party at Chuck E. Cheese for a child who is deathly afraid of Chuck E., or, a Princess Party for the Girl who loves playing Soccer.
• Set a Realistic Budget: Once, you know what type of party your little Angel wants, set a realistic budget. A Birthday party for children 0ne to ten years of age should range between $300-$1, 000, depending on location.
• Location, Location, Location: The KEY to a successful event is choosing the right location to execute your theme or vision for the event.
• Age Appropriate Menu: Please keep the Menu simple and Age appropriate. For and example, serve your little Angel's favorite meal or items All kids love. For an example, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, or Pizza. Please be careful in serving Steak and Shrimp for a Childs Birthday party.
• Invitations: Once you have established the Theme, Budget, Location, and Menu it is time to create the Guest List and prepare (paper) invitations. Choose a Fun and Creative invitation that conveys the theme and invoke excitement about the event. Also, Be CREATIVE in the delivery of the invitations.
• Games: Be sure to create a functional timeline that allows adequate time for Games and Activities. Also, choose games that foster an atmosphere for fair-play and fun; where EVERYONE is a WINNER. You do not want to send guests home crying, because they did not win a particular game.
• The CAKE: Next to the Location, The Cake, is of big importance. It is the show piece, if you will, of the entire party. Be sure the cake size, design, and flavor is in accordance with the theme of the event and representative of the Birthday Girl or Boy. The cutting of the cake signifies the end of the party and should be "The Icing" of a GREAT event.
• Favors and Goodie Bags: Please be sure to send the guest away with a Goodie Bag that includes favors and edible treats reflecting the theme of the party. Be CREATIVE. For an example, for a Sports Party, include pencils, note pads, and stickers with a Sports Motif, in addition, to a few pieces of candy.
  

Hopefully, these tips will be beneficial to you in planning your Little Angel's Birthday Parties this year. If not, Love Angel Events, LLC is available to provide you with the assistance you need every step of the way. Please contact us at info@LoveAngelEvents.com with any questions or concerns.

Happy Planning,

Meshanda Johnson

NYE 2010!!!

Are you excitied about the ending of 2009? Are you celebrating the beginning of 2010 with a BANG!!! There are many planning to host NYE 2010 "House" Parties for family and friends. What a WONDERFUL way to bring in the NEW YEAR!!! Here are a few suggestions and ideas to Hosting a SUCCESSFUL event.

1. Create a FESTIVE Atmosphere:: Check local Party Supply, Department, and Discount stores for Decorations, Paper Products, and other Trinkets. Stick with one Color Scheme or Pattern. For Best Selection: Try Party City for your Themed Paper Products and your local Dollar Store for Noise Makers, Hats, and Confetti.



2. Keep your Menu Simple and the Beverages Flowing:: The most economical way to accomplish this is to stick with Hors d'oeuvres or Appetizers and a Nice Signature Cocktail or Champagne Punch. After the "COUNTDOWN" treat guests to a nice "Shrimp and Grits Breakfast". Check the Internet for Cocktail and Punch Recipes and change the name to reflect the theme and spirit of your party!!!



3. The "COUNTDOWN":: Please be sure as the Host, you are monitoring the time very carefully. (Trust me it is easy to lose track of time when you are having fun.) Be sure to gather the guest at 11:50pm to hand out the drinks and noise makers for "Countdown" and the "Celebratory Toast".

Overall, Enjoy yourself and Enjoy your Guests by creating lasting memories. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures!!!!

Happy Planning,

MJ

A New Beginning~January 6, 2010

Love Angel Events, LLC a full service Event Planning and Coordination Company specializing in turning dreams into an exceptional reality will be celebrating 3 years of dedicated service on January 6, 2010. We are looking forward to explosive year in 2010!!!!

In an effort to assist clients during these tough economic times, We will start a Daily Blog to share ideas, cost-saving tips, and general information on planning successful events.

Happy Planning!

Meshanda Johnson