... she can have a wedding for that much (or little).
Sure, you can have a wedding for $200... because that's what a Justice of the Peace or an officiant will charge. That's the only requirement for getting married. The rest of "it all" is merely frosting on the cake (pun intended).
Your choices are un-limited for what you can add to that, and what it will cost... here's what I mean:
Venue - You can have the reception in the basement of your church, or in your back yard. If you're a member of the church, many times it's free, especially if you hire the Paster for the nuptials.
Food and beverages - If mom or Grandma can cook, then, it's simply the cost of the food for all of your guests. I actually heard of one bride who had McDonald's cater her event. One bride even brought her guests to a pizza place. The fee starts at $50 and goes up from there... or, if everyone brings a dish, and a 6 pack, it's free. $0.
Rings - I've seen brides and grooms who shopped at Walmart for rings. Heck, they have pretty good jewelry there! Lets start with $50 each... or none at all, for now. $0.
Wedding dress - How about a nice evening dress? That can be had for under $100, again at Walmart or Pennys. If you saved your prom dress... $0.
Dancing / Entertainment - Go the iPod route, and home stereo speakers. It's not going to be a rock out "night club" experience, but what the heck. Or, use your Smart Phone. $0.
Cake - Walmart... isle #9. Walmart and the Dollar Store are you best resources for DIY and low budgets. Can you say "cupcakes"? $20.
Flowers - Do you REALLY need flowers? $0.
Photos or Videos - Everyone now has a camera in the phone or a point and shoot mini camera. My Smart Phone takes amazing pictures. $0.
So, this DIY wedding will run about $500 or less... hows that for keeping the cost down?
Now, having mentioned all of the above on a strict budget, everything has a value and price. What is your dream, and how do you want to remember it in your future? You can actually get married for less than $500, or go as high as $50,000. The national average for wedding in the US is $35,000. If you were famous and lived in Hollywood, you could easily quadruple that. You have the choice to make. Everything you add, will bring the cost rapidly up. It's your day... you pick.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Comparing DJ "A" to DJ "B", and all the rest...
Here I go again... I just finished reading a thread on a wedding web site, where the bride is perplexed as to which DJ to choose. One is charging $600, and the other is charging $1080. Her reaction is to go with the cheaper one, but here are a lot of things to consider, before picking your DJ based solely on price. You need to compare apples to apples to make sure you have the correct budget for your DJ.
Skill & knowledge
Most DJs will tout their services, by saying they are the best you can buy. If you've ever taken a basic marketing 101 class, you'll discover this as a "comparison" strategy. Watch any ad on TV, and you'll discover that most of them use this marketing technique. This car gets 35 miles per gallon and the other guy only gets 18 MPG. How many fall into that trap?
Since there is no DJ college or reference organization to tell you if your candidate has the skill, you have to do your homework and check out each business. A lot of DJs get started by printing business cards, and putting an ad in the local newspaper. Sure, there are organizations that many DJs join, but it's as easy as paying your $100 to join, and they recommend you... bahhh. Too many fledgling and unskilled DJs pony up the cash to get the endorsement. Too bad, the world works this way. I've heard brides say, after the fact: "if only I'd have known".
You've heard the horror stories. "The DJ screwed everything up". "He was hitting on the bridesmaids all night". "He didn't play the songs I asked him to play". "He got the introductions wrong... or didn't do the introduction". "We couldn't hear the music". The list goes on and on... but that's what happens sometimes when you hire the cheapest bid. Since your wedding is considered one of the most important days of your life together, you need to consider how you're going to feel about it once it's over and a memory. Was it the "fairy tale" dream you had envisioned since you were a little girl, or the lowest bid disaster that all of your guests will talk about for years?
Lets begin the journey of selecting the best DJ for you (based on my 26 years in the industry). There is a list of things to consider, before turning the success of your special day over to a novice. Here are some of them (and, I'll address the issues one by one after the list, so you can avoid some of the pitfalls):
How long has this DJ been in business?
Does this DJ have insurance?
Does he/she have back up gear?
Is his/her music library legal?
Does this DJ have a web site?
Are there any venues that will recommend this DJ?
Does this DJ have pictures or videos from past engagements?
Has this DJ taken any training, or a member of an organization of peers?
Does her/she keep up with current trends?
Does this DJ have a legal contract?
Lets' start with your budget. Far too many brides don't designate the proper amount of their budget, in order to hire the right service (on any vendor... not just DJs). I hear brides all the time ask if they can have a wedding on a $5000 budget. Sure, but don't expect to get the same services that a bride who pays the National average gets at her wedding. About $35,000 is the average amount spent on weddings nationally. Anything less, and you'll have to make serious cuts somewhere. I'd love to drive a Porche, but can I get a new one for $5000? Of course not! You'll have to lower your expectations, and be realistic!
There was a national survey done by a notable wedding magazine, asking brides about their entertainment. Over 80% said they would have spent more on their entertainment, had they known the outcome, after the fact. Too late now!
So, let's address the above considerations
1) How long has your DJ been doing this? Anything less than two years, you're dealing with a beginner. Beginners make mistakes; forget things; or do it wrong. While that isn't necessarily bad, be prepared for it. New vendors just haven't run into every situation yet, and things always go wrong at a wedding. They need to learn to adapt.
2) Insurance is a must when performing with high tech and heavy equipment. What happens if someone trips over a speaker of stumbles into the controls? Without insurance, the bride pays for the damages. Liability insurance costs a lot of money. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
3) Without back up gear, your DJ is out of luck if something fails to operate properly. A skilled , seasoned DJ, can always get the performance going again. Craigslist DJs... not so much.
4) Any DJ who steals music, is a thief. Do you want a thief working for you at your wedding? If you hire this DJ, you are also a thief. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky? Enough said!
5) While a professional web site, doesn't guarantee a quality performance, it does show that this DJ is committed to the profession. A professional web site, shows the public that this DJ is striving for quality and commitment to the customer. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
6-7) Find out if your venue can recommend this DJ. Every venue on the planet wats you to talk about the amazing night you had (it's good for business). Hire a poor quality DJ, and that concept goes out the window. Check references, Google, or Yahoo and YouTube for past videos, and look at pictures of his/her work.
8) Find out if your DJ is a member of any fraternal organizations. Ask about training and attendance at professional seminars. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
9) DJs who are committed, find out about current trends in the industry. Did you know that mp3 music is just as good or better than CDs? Organized play lists on a professional computer can arrange music in seconds, and doesn't have pauses between songs. Does your DJ know about "room enhancement" lighting. It's all the rage right now. It colors your room in a wash of lights that can be choreographed to the music. It's expensive! Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
10) If your DJ doesn't have a legal and binding contract, you're dealing with an amateur. A legal contract, that is easy to read and understand, protects everyone involved.
As I said above... if you don't do your homework, you're going to make a big mistake. Be sure to type your DJs's name and business into search engines to read all about their service. Check: YouTube, Twitter; Facebook; Google; Yahoo and every other means at your disposal. If you're looking for the cheapest bid... well, good luck!
Skill & knowledge
Most DJs will tout their services, by saying they are the best you can buy. If you've ever taken a basic marketing 101 class, you'll discover this as a "comparison" strategy. Watch any ad on TV, and you'll discover that most of them use this marketing technique. This car gets 35 miles per gallon and the other guy only gets 18 MPG. How many fall into that trap?
Since there is no DJ college or reference organization to tell you if your candidate has the skill, you have to do your homework and check out each business. A lot of DJs get started by printing business cards, and putting an ad in the local newspaper. Sure, there are organizations that many DJs join, but it's as easy as paying your $100 to join, and they recommend you... bahhh. Too many fledgling and unskilled DJs pony up the cash to get the endorsement. Too bad, the world works this way. I've heard brides say, after the fact: "if only I'd have known".
You've heard the horror stories. "The DJ screwed everything up". "He was hitting on the bridesmaids all night". "He didn't play the songs I asked him to play". "He got the introductions wrong... or didn't do the introduction". "We couldn't hear the music". The list goes on and on... but that's what happens sometimes when you hire the cheapest bid. Since your wedding is considered one of the most important days of your life together, you need to consider how you're going to feel about it once it's over and a memory. Was it the "fairy tale" dream you had envisioned since you were a little girl, or the lowest bid disaster that all of your guests will talk about for years?
Lets begin the journey of selecting the best DJ for you (based on my 26 years in the industry). There is a list of things to consider, before turning the success of your special day over to a novice. Here are some of them (and, I'll address the issues one by one after the list, so you can avoid some of the pitfalls):
How long has this DJ been in business?
Does this DJ have insurance?
Does he/she have back up gear?
Is his/her music library legal?
Does this DJ have a web site?
Are there any venues that will recommend this DJ?
Does this DJ have pictures or videos from past engagements?
Has this DJ taken any training, or a member of an organization of peers?
Does her/she keep up with current trends?
Does this DJ have a legal contract?
Lets' start with your budget. Far too many brides don't designate the proper amount of their budget, in order to hire the right service (on any vendor... not just DJs). I hear brides all the time ask if they can have a wedding on a $5000 budget. Sure, but don't expect to get the same services that a bride who pays the National average gets at her wedding. About $35,000 is the average amount spent on weddings nationally. Anything less, and you'll have to make serious cuts somewhere. I'd love to drive a Porche, but can I get a new one for $5000? Of course not! You'll have to lower your expectations, and be realistic!
There was a national survey done by a notable wedding magazine, asking brides about their entertainment. Over 80% said they would have spent more on their entertainment, had they known the outcome, after the fact. Too late now!
So, let's address the above considerations
1) How long has your DJ been doing this? Anything less than two years, you're dealing with a beginner. Beginners make mistakes; forget things; or do it wrong. While that isn't necessarily bad, be prepared for it. New vendors just haven't run into every situation yet, and things always go wrong at a wedding. They need to learn to adapt.
2) Insurance is a must when performing with high tech and heavy equipment. What happens if someone trips over a speaker of stumbles into the controls? Without insurance, the bride pays for the damages. Liability insurance costs a lot of money. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
3) Without back up gear, your DJ is out of luck if something fails to operate properly. A skilled , seasoned DJ, can always get the performance going again. Craigslist DJs... not so much.
4) Any DJ who steals music, is a thief. Do you want a thief working for you at your wedding? If you hire this DJ, you are also a thief. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky? Enough said!
5) While a professional web site, doesn't guarantee a quality performance, it does show that this DJ is committed to the profession. A professional web site, shows the public that this DJ is striving for quality and commitment to the customer. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
6-7) Find out if your venue can recommend this DJ. Every venue on the planet wats you to talk about the amazing night you had (it's good for business). Hire a poor quality DJ, and that concept goes out the window. Check references, Google, or Yahoo and YouTube for past videos, and look at pictures of his/her work.
8) Find out if your DJ is a member of any fraternal organizations. Ask about training and attendance at professional seminars. Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
9) DJs who are committed, find out about current trends in the industry. Did you know that mp3 music is just as good or better than CDs? Organized play lists on a professional computer can arrange music in seconds, and doesn't have pauses between songs. Does your DJ know about "room enhancement" lighting. It's all the rage right now. It colors your room in a wash of lights that can be choreographed to the music. It's expensive! Amateurs don't care to spend the extra money. Are you feeling lucky?
10) If your DJ doesn't have a legal and binding contract, you're dealing with an amateur. A legal contract, that is easy to read and understand, protects everyone involved.
As I said above... if you don't do your homework, you're going to make a big mistake. Be sure to type your DJs's name and business into search engines to read all about their service. Check: YouTube, Twitter; Facebook; Google; Yahoo and every other means at your disposal. If you're looking for the cheapest bid... well, good luck!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"Doing Your Homework"
Your wedding budget—Let’s be REALISTIC!
This information is aimed at the brides who are frequenting the wedding boards with budgets and DIY projects for their special day. Go to any of the bridal and wedding boards, and you’ll see the overwhelming number of brides who are planning their wedding, many of whom have extremely unrealistic expectations for their special day. Here’s what I mean:
Sally from Connecticut wants to DIY her wedding and has a $5000 total budget. She wants her reception at the local hotel reception room, and has invited 200 of her closest friends and family. She expects the hotel staff to do a buffet serving with 40 round tables, covered with white table clothes, and she’d like music for 5 hours with a dance floor, two bartenders and a keg of beer. Sally wanted two choices of meat, vegetables and dessert. Do you see any problems yet?
Yuppp! Sally is already $10,000 over budget, and she hasn’t even started her DIY projects. Let’s see… Sally had the following “wants” for her fairytale dream day: Flowers on every table, photography of the wedding and reception, soft dinner music with dance music later on. Wedding party arrival at the reception in a white stretch limo, room décor lighting, covered chairs and colored ribbons, ostrich feather centerpieces, and a photo montage of her and her FH while they are dating and falling in love. Don’t forget the rings, wedding dress, tux, cake, officiant, bridesmaids gifts, makeup, invitations, stationary, wedding album, napkins, candles, hairspray, lipstick, dress train, etc etc etc… See where this is going?
The national average for a “normal” run of the mill wedding in the US is over $35,000. Sally is going to have to do some SERIOUS DIY, to pull this off. So, where does Sally begin? Being “realistic” is a good starting point so that Sally isn’t “disappointed” with the outcome of her “dream day”. Sally has been dreaming about this day, since she was a little girl, and that “picture” in her head is what she wants! Sally… get ready for a “brick to the forehead” realization of what your actually going to get for $5000.
First, Sally needs to sit down about a year and a half (or more) before her wedding, and start planning with a notebook of paper. First write down “MUSTS” and then “WANTS”. You see, Sally has been doing this all wrong from the beginning. She started with her total budget, then tried to plug each of her “musts & wants” into the total pie chart. Can’t be done that way! Sally needs to consider a LOT of other aspects first, then come up with a “total budget”. She needs to “DO HER HOMEWORK”!
First and foremost, Sally needs to know how many people she wants to invite. The difference between 100 people and 200 is substantial. Unless Sally and her “entourage” are cooking fried chicken and potatoes and baking her own cake, she better calculate at least $50 for every guest sitting down for dinner. Venues charge for every plate, and charge anywhere between $50 to $100 for each guest (and sometimes more). Some of the major exquisite venues get a lot more. So, how does Sally save money on food? Can she use the venue kitchen, herself? Can she cater the food with family contributions? Does she need to hold her reception at a hotel, or would a church basement work? How about her back yard? Will Sally use paper plates or white china?
OK, so Sally has narrowed her invite list to 100 guests. At $50 per plate, this will cost $5000 (there goes the budget). She has reduced her brides maids list to 3 of her closest friends. She’s holding her reception in the back room of the local VFW, and she gets to use the kitchen as long as it’s completely cleaned and all dishes are put away. The VFW will sell her the first keg at cost, but will charge extra for additional kegs, and the liquor is at cost, but Sally needs to pay for the bartender. Sally has elected the “closed bar” so she won’t have to pay for drinks (not so many folks will drink and will probably party less with a closed bar). Who will Sally have to start the cooking in the kitchen, and be in charge? Mom, or Grandma? Will they miss all the fun of the “party” if they are spending all night back in the kitchen? Who will decorate, and are “dollar store” decorations going to be OK? Did Sally do her homework? What’s the total cost of this DIY project? Add it to the list.
Will aunt Betty bake a cake for Sally, and will Uncle Henry drive the wedding party to the reception in his Cadillac (two trips or more)? Are the tables going to be covered with linen tablecloths or will bed sheets, cut in half, do the job? Is Sally going to hire a professional photographer for the whole day, or just for the wedding… or will Sally put disposable cameras on every table (hope there are not too many pictures of little Billy making faces and throwing up, or cousin Sarah dancing on the table after too many beers). Did Sally do her homework on this DIY project? What’s the total cost of this DIY project? Add it to the list.
OK, so Sally’s FH went to college with his BFF, Ben, who happens to know how to DJ some tunes. Will he play from his iPod Will the “pause” between every song be a “party kill” for the dance? Are the home stereo speakers loud enough to 100 folks in the back room? Will Ben play his favorite music (Country Western) or dance music for everyone to get up and party to? Will Ben spend the night watching the music so no one sneaks in to play their favorite song, somewhere on the iPod, and will Ben make announcements all night or announce the wedding party on time… or was he out having a cigarette at “that moment”? Did Sally do her homework for this DIY project? What’s the total cost of this DIY project? Add it to the list.
Did Sally purchase her dress on e-bay, and have it altered by her sister Louise who is attending a sewing class? Did she print her STD’s on the home computer, and PhotoShop out the image of the old BF on her favorite Disneyland picture? Did she remember to hand address each invitation and put a return stamp on every RSVP? Did Sally do her homework for this DIY project? What’s the total cost of this DIY project? Add it to the list.
All right, so you are probably getting my point in all of this. Did Sally do her homework, and address each and every detail of the aspects of her DIY wedding? Is everything covered? Sally WILL save a lot of money doing it all herself, or having friends and family help. But, has she prepared for all of the contingencies? Are the details covered, and did she plan events in the right order, with the proper steps? If she did her homework, then this event will save her tons of money, but what was all of her time and effort worth? Did Sally bring her $35,000 wedding down to $5000? Will her guests care that the flowers were from Kmart and put in dollar store vases? Will they even notice? Will anyone care that the cake came from isle 9 at Walmart? Will they notice? Does Sally care, or does she want to sit back and relax, and hire it done? All things to consider!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Time to re-visit the DIY bride mentality...
Ladies (and a few of you gentleman)... I have been in the industry for over 26 years, and have lots of opinions and comments regarding the DIY bride. And, before you jump down my throat, yes I am opinionated. My opinions are based on all of those 26 years of experience, and I am going to give you my thoughts, that are based on what I've seen and experienced. My motivation is to HELP you make wise decisions. I've been a member of many entertainment chat boards, DJ boards and my own entertainment chat site. Some of these sites include several bridal chat boards, filled with perspective brides and grooms. I feel safe in saying that I've seen and heard it all.
First... yes, you can have a successful DIY event. Now, having said that, you MUST know some of the following facts in order to "pull off" a successful wedding reception. I have read thousands of posts and threads from brides who talk about their DIY event, and most don't really know the first thing about accomplishing a successful event. I've made the following comment about a hundred times on the chat boards: "You must do your homework".
What does that mean, you ask? For example... let's say your aunt Betty knows how to arrange flowers. OK, so she worked at Walmart in the gift department and can put flowers in a vase with some credibility. So you have your florist for the reception. If aunt Betty is going to pick up all the flowers and vases, and arrange them, then put them all on the tables at your reception, so that they look just like a professional florist product, then you have pulled off a successful "flower DIY". Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Here are my concerns: Aunt Betty must make sure to pick up all the flowers, in all the colors you desire, at the proper time, so they don't wilt. She needs to arrange them properly and cut the stems just so, so that they retain water. The arrangements need to be balanced, and pretty before being placed on the tables. On and on and on... and that's only with flowers and aunt Betty.
Each of the areas of your wedding need to have this much of your concern, in order to pull it off. Food, transportation, venue, invitations, decorating, photography, music, cake, dress, hair and makeup and on and on. Each of your DIY "people" need to know SOMETHING about each area of their endeavor, in order to pull it off. Is cousin Bob going to shoot pictures with his "Hasselblad" or does he have a point and shoot K-mart camera? OK, so he has a HD Canon, and a couple of cool pictures in his album. Is that good enough for you? Are disposable cameras on every table, enough to pick up the slack? Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Is you FH's, best friend, who was the house DJ at their college fraternity, going to "spin" for your reception? Does he have a good library of tunes? What equipment will he use. Home stereo gear is not what will provide adequate sound to more than 40 to 50 people in a small room. Does he know that? Were you thinking of using an iPod instead? Does your homework include making sure the tunes on this iPod will have dancing music that all of your guests will enjoy... of just your favorite country songs? Will you have someone who will keep an eye on the iPod, so all of your guests don't try to cue up their favorite song while you're not looking? What about the 3 second pause between each song, or the order of the play list.
So many brides comment on the "super" discount they got from their BFFs brother who used to DJ, so they don't need a "real DJ" for this reception. Guess what... you DO have a real DJ, but maybe one who doesn't have any skills, knowledge or cares about giving you the best reception possible at the super price. I hear from brides all the time who say: "we're getting a really great DJ for $400", and they think that's the norm. It's not - you're either getting a gift from someone who knows the business, or you're getting an amateur, who may very well ruin your event. This doesn't just apply to DJs, mind you. This applies to each vendor or vendor "stand in" you are considering for this "memory" you are producing. Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Yes, you are the “producer” (event coordinator) in a movie (so to speak). You are running the show, and need to surround yourself with "talent" who can help you “pull off” this event (have I said that before?). You as the producer need to appoint a "director" to tell everyone where to take their places, and when the "action" phrase is called out, will roll each scene the way you want. If you've rehearsed beforehand, then your odds of pulling it off greatly increase. Have you “done your homework”? Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
I know most of the brides reading this have thought about this "fairytale dream" since they were a little girl. They want their "Prince Charming" to ride in and sweep them off their feet and live happily ever after. Far too many brides expect this fairytale to come at a MUCH cheaper price tag than fits with reality. I always tell brides to "be realistic" in their expectations. In this economy, that "fairytale" will cost in the neighborhood of 40 grand ($40,000). Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later. So, if you have a budget of $5000, the image in your head will need to be adjusted. Sorry that statement is so blunt... but it's reality.
The only way to cut costs, is to alter your dream, to something more realistic. Cut the number of guests, lower the quality of food and/or drinks. Hold your event in the local VFW or church basement (or your back yard). Do your DIY homework. I feel so bad when I ask a bride to come back to the wedding chat boards, with the results of their $5000 wedding, and they never show up again... I think there's a reason for that!
First... yes, you can have a successful DIY event. Now, having said that, you MUST know some of the following facts in order to "pull off" a successful wedding reception. I have read thousands of posts and threads from brides who talk about their DIY event, and most don't really know the first thing about accomplishing a successful event. I've made the following comment about a hundred times on the chat boards: "You must do your homework".
What does that mean, you ask? For example... let's say your aunt Betty knows how to arrange flowers. OK, so she worked at Walmart in the gift department and can put flowers in a vase with some credibility. So you have your florist for the reception. If aunt Betty is going to pick up all the flowers and vases, and arrange them, then put them all on the tables at your reception, so that they look just like a professional florist product, then you have pulled off a successful "flower DIY". Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Here are my concerns: Aunt Betty must make sure to pick up all the flowers, in all the colors you desire, at the proper time, so they don't wilt. She needs to arrange them properly and cut the stems just so, so that they retain water. The arrangements need to be balanced, and pretty before being placed on the tables. On and on and on... and that's only with flowers and aunt Betty.
Each of the areas of your wedding need to have this much of your concern, in order to pull it off. Food, transportation, venue, invitations, decorating, photography, music, cake, dress, hair and makeup and on and on. Each of your DIY "people" need to know SOMETHING about each area of their endeavor, in order to pull it off. Is cousin Bob going to shoot pictures with his "Hasselblad" or does he have a point and shoot K-mart camera? OK, so he has a HD Canon, and a couple of cool pictures in his album. Is that good enough for you? Are disposable cameras on every table, enough to pick up the slack? Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Is you FH's, best friend, who was the house DJ at their college fraternity, going to "spin" for your reception? Does he have a good library of tunes? What equipment will he use. Home stereo gear is not what will provide adequate sound to more than 40 to 50 people in a small room. Does he know that? Were you thinking of using an iPod instead? Does your homework include making sure the tunes on this iPod will have dancing music that all of your guests will enjoy... of just your favorite country songs? Will you have someone who will keep an eye on the iPod, so all of your guests don't try to cue up their favorite song while you're not looking? What about the 3 second pause between each song, or the order of the play list.
So many brides comment on the "super" discount they got from their BFFs brother who used to DJ, so they don't need a "real DJ" for this reception. Guess what... you DO have a real DJ, but maybe one who doesn't have any skills, knowledge or cares about giving you the best reception possible at the super price. I hear from brides all the time who say: "we're getting a really great DJ for $400", and they think that's the norm. It's not - you're either getting a gift from someone who knows the business, or you're getting an amateur, who may very well ruin your event. This doesn't just apply to DJs, mind you. This applies to each vendor or vendor "stand in" you are considering for this "memory" you are producing. Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
Yes, you are the “producer” (event coordinator) in a movie (so to speak). You are running the show, and need to surround yourself with "talent" who can help you “pull off” this event (have I said that before?). You as the producer need to appoint a "director" to tell everyone where to take their places, and when the "action" phrase is called out, will roll each scene the way you want. If you've rehearsed beforehand, then your odds of pulling it off greatly increase. Have you “done your homework”? Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later.
I know most of the brides reading this have thought about this "fairytale dream" since they were a little girl. They want their "Prince Charming" to ride in and sweep them off their feet and live happily ever after. Far too many brides expect this fairytale to come at a MUCH cheaper price tag than fits with reality. I always tell brides to "be realistic" in their expectations. In this economy, that "fairytale" will cost in the neighborhood of 40 grand ($40,000). Anything less, and your guests will notice, and talk about it later. So, if you have a budget of $5000, the image in your head will need to be adjusted. Sorry that statement is so blunt... but it's reality.
The only way to cut costs, is to alter your dream, to something more realistic. Cut the number of guests, lower the quality of food and/or drinks. Hold your event in the local VFW or church basement (or your back yard). Do your DIY homework. I feel so bad when I ask a bride to come back to the wedding chat boards, with the results of their $5000 wedding, and they never show up again... I think there's a reason for that!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Uplighting your event...
The wedding sites and blogs are filled with questions about "uplighting" First, what exactly is "uplighting" and how does it work?
Uplighting is a term used when a light fixture is set on the floor, and aimed up, toward a pillar, wall, curtain or ceiling. As the name implies... "UP". Unlike using conventional "par cans" that are mounted in a truss or ceiling fixture, aimed at the floor or object that is to be illuminated from above (more on conventional par cans in a moment).
The effect is a "wash" of the room being "uplit". Here are two classic examples of a wall washed with uplighting:
You'll notice the wash color of the walls. For comparison, notice the par cans in the truss, aimed at the floor. There are also "uplighting" fixtures on the floor behind the plexi glass panels (photo above), that add a different effect. Uplighting can be done with two different light sources. One is conventional fixtures with incandescent bulbs, and the other is LED fixtures. LED stands of "light emitting diodes".
Conventional fixtures utilize wire filaments that "glow" when a current goes through them (remember Thomas Edison?). The glow is actually the burning of the filament, which causes heat and light. Thus, the conventional incandescent fixtures should NOT be used on the floor... they are designed to be used in the air on a truss. Why? On the floor, they attract children. Can you say "little burned fingers"? Not to mention, they are a heat source for drapery and anything else in close proximity to them. I will repeat: THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE ON THE FLOOR. Any lighting contractor who uses conventional incandescent fixtures on the floor has a risk factor involved and liability issues. It's not the right way to uplight a venue!
Most folks will recognise conventional pars cans when watching a concert or band at your local night club. Par cans got the name from "Parabolic" reflectors... thus the name. This is a bulb with a glass reflector set at the back of the envelope that reflects the beam out. Just like a car headlight, the beam is directed out away from the reflector.
LED fixtures use a different technology. The contacts inside the LED emit light in a "cool" temperature by the movement of electrons in a semi conductor material. Rather than one filament, LEDs emit light from photons generated inside the plastic envelope. This happens with very little heat, and much less power... therefore, LEDs last much longer and require much less power with little heat dispersion.
So, how does all this affect your wedding? LED fixtures are all the rage right now for uplighting wedding venues. Lots of DJs and lighting companies are providing this service, because of the "look" that is created with washed walls and columns in a reception room. It creates a "mood" that can't be matched any other way.
So, what do you want, and how much should you pay? To properly wash the walls of your venue, placement of the fixtures is one of the key factors in the way it looks. The size of the par can is also very important (some LED fixtures are now flat, and not installed in the chrome or black cans). Par cans are rated by their radius of the circle, and calculated in 1/8 inch increments. A par 64 would then be 8 inches in diameter. And, most par cans used by DJs are in the 1/4 watt size, with a resulting output of about 30 watts per fixture. Some new models are now equipped with LEDs that are one watt, and some with 3 watt LEDs, for a very bright output. Most DJ companies and LDs charge between $25 & $50 per fixture for installing and computer controlling the array (more on computer controlled in a moment).
Assuming your lighting designer (LD) is using the 1/4 watt fixtures, you should place them about 4 to 6 feet apart for best coverage. Doing the math, a 50 foot wall, would require about 10 fixtures. An entire venue, could take up to 50 or more fixtures... but the look would be dramatic.
I've read so many posts about brides who want to do the DIY route with uplighting. Sure, you could do it, and have an acceptable look, but it's sorta like pulling your own teeth, rather than go to an oral surgeon. One adventurous bride posted her own blog about DIY lighting. She showed many options using flashlight batteries and paper props. She even suggested Christmas tree lights. While that will give your venue a "look", it's not going to give the "fairytale" wedding look that most brides are after when talking about uplighting. It can be done right or wrong... what are your desires? How do you want this event to be remembered? What is the picture you have in your "dream". Do you want Prince Charming on a royal white steed, or "Barney Fife" on a mule?
LED uplighting can be used in several ways. Many DJ companies use their fixtures in "sound active" mode. That means the fixtures is set to a function with small switches or buttons, to activate to the sound of their speakers, when music is playing. They do this for one reason... they don't know how to properly program their fixtures with a computer. Yes, these lights are so sophisticated, that they will permit control with a computer hooked to them with a very small cable and a computer language that will allow the fixture to emit up to 16 million colors.
With this program, called "DMX" programming, your lighting can be computer controlled and timed to the music. Most DJ companies don't use this computer control, because it's difficult to learn. Ask your lighting contractor how he/she uses the lights before you hire them. The computer controlled systems will be more expensive (in the $50 per fixture range). Click this link, for an example of this computer controlled look for your wedding or event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdHBWY6P4rU
Just like there a a lot of new folks entering the DJ and lighting profession, and not all will qualify to create your dream wedding... there are many qualified DJs who are not up to the task of properly lighting your event. Check them out and ask questions before you give such an important job to an unqualified or under qualified provider. A true professional will give it to you straight.
Uplighting is a term used when a light fixture is set on the floor, and aimed up, toward a pillar, wall, curtain or ceiling. As the name implies... "UP". Unlike using conventional "par cans" that are mounted in a truss or ceiling fixture, aimed at the floor or object that is to be illuminated from above (more on conventional par cans in a moment).
The effect is a "wash" of the room being "uplit". Here are two classic examples of a wall washed with uplighting:
Conventional fixtures utilize wire filaments that "glow" when a current goes through them (remember Thomas Edison?). The glow is actually the burning of the filament, which causes heat and light. Thus, the conventional incandescent fixtures should NOT be used on the floor... they are designed to be used in the air on a truss. Why? On the floor, they attract children. Can you say "little burned fingers"? Not to mention, they are a heat source for drapery and anything else in close proximity to them. I will repeat: THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE ON THE FLOOR. Any lighting contractor who uses conventional incandescent fixtures on the floor has a risk factor involved and liability issues. It's not the right way to uplight a venue!
Most folks will recognise conventional pars cans when watching a concert or band at your local night club. Par cans got the name from "Parabolic" reflectors... thus the name. This is a bulb with a glass reflector set at the back of the envelope that reflects the beam out. Just like a car headlight, the beam is directed out away from the reflector.
LED fixtures use a different technology. The contacts inside the LED emit light in a "cool" temperature by the movement of electrons in a semi conductor material. Rather than one filament, LEDs emit light from photons generated inside the plastic envelope. This happens with very little heat, and much less power... therefore, LEDs last much longer and require much less power with little heat dispersion.
So, how does all this affect your wedding? LED fixtures are all the rage right now for uplighting wedding venues. Lots of DJs and lighting companies are providing this service, because of the "look" that is created with washed walls and columns in a reception room. It creates a "mood" that can't be matched any other way.
So, what do you want, and how much should you pay? To properly wash the walls of your venue, placement of the fixtures is one of the key factors in the way it looks. The size of the par can is also very important (some LED fixtures are now flat, and not installed in the chrome or black cans). Par cans are rated by their radius of the circle, and calculated in 1/8 inch increments. A par 64 would then be 8 inches in diameter. And, most par cans used by DJs are in the 1/4 watt size, with a resulting output of about 30 watts per fixture. Some new models are now equipped with LEDs that are one watt, and some with 3 watt LEDs, for a very bright output. Most DJ companies and LDs charge between $25 & $50 per fixture for installing and computer controlling the array (more on computer controlled in a moment).
Assuming your lighting designer (LD) is using the 1/4 watt fixtures, you should place them about 4 to 6 feet apart for best coverage. Doing the math, a 50 foot wall, would require about 10 fixtures. An entire venue, could take up to 50 or more fixtures... but the look would be dramatic.
I've read so many posts about brides who want to do the DIY route with uplighting. Sure, you could do it, and have an acceptable look, but it's sorta like pulling your own teeth, rather than go to an oral surgeon. One adventurous bride posted her own blog about DIY lighting. She showed many options using flashlight batteries and paper props. She even suggested Christmas tree lights. While that will give your venue a "look", it's not going to give the "fairytale" wedding look that most brides are after when talking about uplighting. It can be done right or wrong... what are your desires? How do you want this event to be remembered? What is the picture you have in your "dream". Do you want Prince Charming on a royal white steed, or "Barney Fife" on a mule?
LED uplighting can be used in several ways. Many DJ companies use their fixtures in "sound active" mode. That means the fixtures is set to a function with small switches or buttons, to activate to the sound of their speakers, when music is playing. They do this for one reason... they don't know how to properly program their fixtures with a computer. Yes, these lights are so sophisticated, that they will permit control with a computer hooked to them with a very small cable and a computer language that will allow the fixture to emit up to 16 million colors.
With this program, called "DMX" programming, your lighting can be computer controlled and timed to the music. Most DJ companies don't use this computer control, because it's difficult to learn. Ask your lighting contractor how he/she uses the lights before you hire them. The computer controlled systems will be more expensive (in the $50 per fixture range). Click this link, for an example of this computer controlled look for your wedding or event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdHBWY6P4rU
Just like there a a lot of new folks entering the DJ and lighting profession, and not all will qualify to create your dream wedding... there are many qualified DJs who are not up to the task of properly lighting your event. Check them out and ask questions before you give such an important job to an unqualified or under qualified provider. A true professional will give it to you straight.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I read a post, where the bride wanted "good and inexpensive".
Ladies (and a few of you gentleman). Somewhere out there in wedding world, there seems to be a misconception about wedding entertainment. While not visiting the DIY realm, I'd like to address why some couples think they can get good results with a "cheap" DJ. I've said this time after time, so I know some "get this", but far too many haven't grasped the concept.
Please read the posts I've included below regarding DJs, for a detailed thought process for getting what you pay for. OK, someone posts a thread on a wedding board about this great DJ who is cutting them a deal. It happens, and a few of you have a friend or an uncle or your BFF's boyfriend who will do it for free. This isn't the norm, and shouldn't be considered, when budgeting for a DJ for YOUR wedding.
First, if you really want to cut corners, bake your own cake, or print your invites or STD's on your home computer. Have Uncle Harry drive you to the reception in his Cadillac, or have KFC provide dinner. When you skimp on your DJ, you will most certainly be skimping on the experience you are providing to your guests. Here's what I mean:
A national survey was conducted by a well known wedding magazine, where the results came back overwhelmingly, that the vast majority of brides would have spent more on their entertainment had they know what the results would be (after the fact). "Too late to the party" is a very accurate metaphor. Here's that source: http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html
The "cheap" or "inexpensive" DJ is exactly what you're going to get. Hire a "newbie" or a "low ball" hack, and you're getting what you pay for. The problem as I see it, is that these vendors give the rest of us a black eye, and a reputation of the "used car salesman". If I sound opinionated, you're right. I know the level of service and commitment most of us pros will provide, and it irks me to know there are so many "hacks" out there taking your money, and leaving you shaking your head.
Let's be clear... you may get a new dedicated "passionate" fledgling DJ who will wow you and your guests, but this is not typical. If you get one of these, I can tell you it's rare, and this person is on their way to greatness... and a higher price (you got lucky). In order to get "all the good stuff", you'll have to hire a DJ with experience, dedication, passion, ethics (I'll explain that in a minute). The profession is filled with people who see a DJ at their (whatever friend's wedding, sister's event, college dorm party) and think they can do that. They can't!
To be a professional DJ, there is a process one needs to go through. I've made a thorough description about what it takes to be a professional DJ in a thread below, so I won't repeat it in this thread (but please read it). Sure you can get cheap, but you won't get "quality". The amount a DJ charges is directly related to what that person thinks they're worth. Hire a $400 DJ, and that's what you'll get. The problem is... most brides want an "experience" that they'll remember for the rest of their life. Just like the wedding pictures come out once or twice a year, and you reminisce over each picture.
A vendor with "ethics" is one who wants to have you drop your jaw with the overwhelming experience, and give you your moneys worth. Then, you'll talk about it to your guests and friends, who will possibly hire him/her for another event. By giving the customer what they pay for (or more than they pay for) will elevate his/her status in the market, and let them make an honest living and be able to pay their bills. An amateur is only looking for beer money, and doesn't care what you think. "Take the money and run" is their motto.
You'll forget if the food was good, or what the flowers looked like, or was the drapery pretty or not. But you will remember the "party" and dancing, and if your guests had a great time out on the dance floor. This next statement is fact: "A great DJ will make your reception a great memory, while a bad one will ruin it, and you'll remember that for the rest of your life". This once in a lifetime event is your statement to everyone you know (all of your family and guests), about how you feel about your spouse and the celebration of this union. Do you want to "cheap out" on this moment? Don't let your desire to cut costs, ruin the experience, by hiring a DJ without the skills to make this event special.
I can also tell you with certainty, that the consummate professionals are all shaking their heads in agreement with this thread, and the "hacks" are shaking thier fists. Which one do you want working for you?
Please read the posts I've included below regarding DJs, for a detailed thought process for getting what you pay for. OK, someone posts a thread on a wedding board about this great DJ who is cutting them a deal. It happens, and a few of you have a friend or an uncle or your BFF's boyfriend who will do it for free. This isn't the norm, and shouldn't be considered, when budgeting for a DJ for YOUR wedding.
First, if you really want to cut corners, bake your own cake, or print your invites or STD's on your home computer. Have Uncle Harry drive you to the reception in his Cadillac, or have KFC provide dinner. When you skimp on your DJ, you will most certainly be skimping on the experience you are providing to your guests. Here's what I mean:
A national survey was conducted by a well known wedding magazine, where the results came back overwhelmingly, that the vast majority of brides would have spent more on their entertainment had they know what the results would be (after the fact). "Too late to the party" is a very accurate metaphor. Here's that source: http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html
The "cheap" or "inexpensive" DJ is exactly what you're going to get. Hire a "newbie" or a "low ball" hack, and you're getting what you pay for. The problem as I see it, is that these vendors give the rest of us a black eye, and a reputation of the "used car salesman". If I sound opinionated, you're right. I know the level of service and commitment most of us pros will provide, and it irks me to know there are so many "hacks" out there taking your money, and leaving you shaking your head.
Let's be clear... you may get a new dedicated "passionate" fledgling DJ who will wow you and your guests, but this is not typical. If you get one of these, I can tell you it's rare, and this person is on their way to greatness... and a higher price (you got lucky). In order to get "all the good stuff", you'll have to hire a DJ with experience, dedication, passion, ethics (I'll explain that in a minute). The profession is filled with people who see a DJ at their (whatever friend's wedding, sister's event, college dorm party) and think they can do that. They can't!
To be a professional DJ, there is a process one needs to go through. I've made a thorough description about what it takes to be a professional DJ in a thread below, so I won't repeat it in this thread (but please read it). Sure you can get cheap, but you won't get "quality". The amount a DJ charges is directly related to what that person thinks they're worth. Hire a $400 DJ, and that's what you'll get. The problem is... most brides want an "experience" that they'll remember for the rest of their life. Just like the wedding pictures come out once or twice a year, and you reminisce over each picture.
A vendor with "ethics" is one who wants to have you drop your jaw with the overwhelming experience, and give you your moneys worth. Then, you'll talk about it to your guests and friends, who will possibly hire him/her for another event. By giving the customer what they pay for (or more than they pay for) will elevate his/her status in the market, and let them make an honest living and be able to pay their bills. An amateur is only looking for beer money, and doesn't care what you think. "Take the money and run" is their motto.
You'll forget if the food was good, or what the flowers looked like, or was the drapery pretty or not. But you will remember the "party" and dancing, and if your guests had a great time out on the dance floor. This next statement is fact: "A great DJ will make your reception a great memory, while a bad one will ruin it, and you'll remember that for the rest of your life". This once in a lifetime event is your statement to everyone you know (all of your family and guests), about how you feel about your spouse and the celebration of this union. Do you want to "cheap out" on this moment? Don't let your desire to cut costs, ruin the experience, by hiring a DJ without the skills to make this event special.
I can also tell you with certainty, that the consummate professionals are all shaking their heads in agreement with this thread, and the "hacks" are shaking thier fists. Which one do you want working for you?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
So, you want a DIY wedding...
So many brides are opting for the DIY route, when planning their wedding day. In this economy, it's no wonder!
OK, so uncle Harry has some skill with a camera, and your sisters boyfriend has a lot of music CDs and a nice home stereo. Your next door neighbor knows how to cook for the group at church, and you mom can bake a cake. Your BFF is going out with a florist, and Grampa George has a 1968 Cadillac limo behind the garage. Your next door neighbor works at the local VFW, and gets a discount on the reception room, and Ginger at work, is pretty good with a hair brush and eye liner.
Looks like your all set for your $2000 wedding. Problem is... the national average of a normal wedding is over $30,000 (yes, that's thirty thousand). So, how are you going to pull this off? That question has plagued brides for ages... and there is no simple answer. Can you do a $2000 DIY wedding that will rival the full blown 30K event?
That depends, but probably not (better to elope to Vegas). But if you insist... Simply put, if you're willing to do your homework, and put in a LOT of work yourself, then you might get close... but only "close".
That total budget includes some of the following (in order):
1)Venue and food, which normally includes 45% of the total budget (National average based on past wedding feedback).
2) Photography (or videography) is 14% (more if you have both).
3) Honeymoon is 14%
4) Dress/Tux/Hair/Makeup is 11%.
5) Cake is 10%
6) Transportation and attendant gifts is 10%
7) Flowers and Decor is 9%
8) Musical Entertainment (DJ... a band is more) is 9%
9) Rings are 4%
10) Ceremony/Officiant is 3%
11) Stationary/cards is 3%
12) Misc. is 3%
So, what are you willing to do without? That's what this really boils down to, isn't it? Let's start at the top of the list. If you dig, you might be able to find a nice outdoor park with a covered shelter for really cheap, but you'll have to deal with picnicers and dogs, and rain and bugs... you get the picture. Many churches will provide the basement for free or very little... as long as you completely clean it up and put everything away before you leave.
You're local VFW is probably the best bet for brides on a budget, but you're going to be asked to use their catering staff, so tell your next door neighbor that she can relax. Calculate at least $10 a plate for all of your guests. I've actually heard of BOAB (brides on a budget) who have had the reception at McDonald's... OK. The way to trim this expense, is to invite fewer guests (SOOO many brides overlook this cost saving aspect, since they want the event to be "special"). Don't forget to have a "closed bar".
I've been to weddings where there is an instamatic camera on every table, and guests are asked to shoot pictures themselves. Sounds good, but you'll discover that you have a lot of pictures of little Charlie drooling, and aunt Betty drinking too much, and dancing on the table (yes, it really happens). High quality photos are expensive to plan and compose, as well as edit post production... but, what is the first thing most people grab when there's a house fire? Yep, pictures, guess you shouldn't skimp there.
You can save a ton of money by driving to the local hotel for the night and forgo that cruise until you're 30 or so, and can afford it (yes, that is sarcastic). Many couples simply go to an event center or resort with reception rooms, and stay there for the weekend. But, that takes a big chunk out of that $2000 budget (get mom and dad to pay for it).
Seriously, you can save money by simply wearing a pretty dress (e-bay wedding dress is a great route to take, but you may have to have it altered), and the groom can wear a suit. If Ginger does your hair and makeup, be sure to give her a nice gift card or dinner coupon.
Isle 9 at Walmart is the best place to get the cake mix and frosting. Michael's will supply you with the tiers and decorations for your cake. Frosting flowers... ummm not so much. You can make a great cake yourself, but give the project two days, and be ready to do it twice, in case you mess it up (you will). I'd suggest a trial run with the cake a few weeks ahead. That will give you an idea of what the "real" cake will turn out like.
You can save a lot of money by having Grampa George take you to the reception from the wedding, in his Cadillac. I've seen a horse drawn hay wagon used for this, and it can be a lot of fun... and cheap. A cinderella carriage can be spendy, however.
Flowers and decorations - go with Walmart again (or the $ store)... nuff said.
Musical entertainment - How much would you like your guests to remember this evening? A well known National wedding magazine did a survey of brides, who overwhelmingly said thay would have spent much more on their entertainment, if they had know how the DIY event was going to turn out. Actually, it was over 80% of the brides surveyed. That iPod might sound like a great idea, but many folks simply won't get up and dance to iPod music, running through a home stereo. Plus, everyone will play with an iPod and want to put their music "up next". And, you'll discover that they all talked about it after the fact... and it's not going to be complimentary.
Rings - One word... Walmart.
Invites can be done by hand. Make sure to pick up some embossing tools at Michael's and get some card stock. Make out a pattern and design, and run the cards through your home printer... you can also try "vistaprint" for good printing at a reasonable price.
There are a lot of "officiants" now, who do very cheap weddings... but be user to check their credentials. Many are getting them "Online" through the Internet, and some don't stand up in court for legal reasons. Check them out first. Of course, you local priest or minister might give you a deal if you go to their church. But, you still have to figure a couple hundred for them (and be sure to invite the officiant and his/her spouse to dinner).
So, there is a very quick synopsis of how to pull off a budget wedding. Even at all of the bottom of the cost chart, you're still at well over $3000. You can shorten your guest list and save a lot more, but that's a very hard thing to do for most couples... tread carefully on that one.
This is an event that you want to share with everyone in "your world" and you're only going to do this ONCE... don't you want to do it right the first time? Do your homework to do the proper DIY event, and be REALISTIC!
OK, so uncle Harry has some skill with a camera, and your sisters boyfriend has a lot of music CDs and a nice home stereo. Your next door neighbor knows how to cook for the group at church, and you mom can bake a cake. Your BFF is going out with a florist, and Grampa George has a 1968 Cadillac limo behind the garage. Your next door neighbor works at the local VFW, and gets a discount on the reception room, and Ginger at work, is pretty good with a hair brush and eye liner.
Looks like your all set for your $2000 wedding. Problem is... the national average of a normal wedding is over $30,000 (yes, that's thirty thousand). So, how are you going to pull this off? That question has plagued brides for ages... and there is no simple answer. Can you do a $2000 DIY wedding that will rival the full blown 30K event?
That depends, but probably not (better to elope to Vegas). But if you insist... Simply put, if you're willing to do your homework, and put in a LOT of work yourself, then you might get close... but only "close".
That total budget includes some of the following (in order):
1)Venue and food, which normally includes 45% of the total budget (National average based on past wedding feedback).
2) Photography (or videography) is 14% (more if you have both).
3) Honeymoon is 14%
4) Dress/Tux/Hair/Makeup is 11%.
5) Cake is 10%
6) Transportation and attendant gifts is 10%
7) Flowers and Decor is 9%
8) Musical Entertainment (DJ... a band is more) is 9%
9) Rings are 4%
10) Ceremony/Officiant is 3%
11) Stationary/cards is 3%
12) Misc. is 3%
So, what are you willing to do without? That's what this really boils down to, isn't it? Let's start at the top of the list. If you dig, you might be able to find a nice outdoor park with a covered shelter for really cheap, but you'll have to deal with picnicers and dogs, and rain and bugs... you get the picture. Many churches will provide the basement for free or very little... as long as you completely clean it up and put everything away before you leave.
You're local VFW is probably the best bet for brides on a budget, but you're going to be asked to use their catering staff, so tell your next door neighbor that she can relax. Calculate at least $10 a plate for all of your guests. I've actually heard of BOAB (brides on a budget) who have had the reception at McDonald's... OK. The way to trim this expense, is to invite fewer guests (SOOO many brides overlook this cost saving aspect, since they want the event to be "special"). Don't forget to have a "closed bar".
I've been to weddings where there is an instamatic camera on every table, and guests are asked to shoot pictures themselves. Sounds good, but you'll discover that you have a lot of pictures of little Charlie drooling, and aunt Betty drinking too much, and dancing on the table (yes, it really happens). High quality photos are expensive to plan and compose, as well as edit post production... but, what is the first thing most people grab when there's a house fire? Yep, pictures, guess you shouldn't skimp there.
You can save a ton of money by driving to the local hotel for the night and forgo that cruise until you're 30 or so, and can afford it (yes, that is sarcastic). Many couples simply go to an event center or resort with reception rooms, and stay there for the weekend. But, that takes a big chunk out of that $2000 budget (get mom and dad to pay for it).
Seriously, you can save money by simply wearing a pretty dress (e-bay wedding dress is a great route to take, but you may have to have it altered), and the groom can wear a suit. If Ginger does your hair and makeup, be sure to give her a nice gift card or dinner coupon.
Isle 9 at Walmart is the best place to get the cake mix and frosting. Michael's will supply you with the tiers and decorations for your cake. Frosting flowers... ummm not so much. You can make a great cake yourself, but give the project two days, and be ready to do it twice, in case you mess it up (you will). I'd suggest a trial run with the cake a few weeks ahead. That will give you an idea of what the "real" cake will turn out like.
You can save a lot of money by having Grampa George take you to the reception from the wedding, in his Cadillac. I've seen a horse drawn hay wagon used for this, and it can be a lot of fun... and cheap. A cinderella carriage can be spendy, however.
Flowers and decorations - go with Walmart again (or the $ store)... nuff said.
Musical entertainment - How much would you like your guests to remember this evening? A well known National wedding magazine did a survey of brides, who overwhelmingly said thay would have spent much more on their entertainment, if they had know how the DIY event was going to turn out. Actually, it was over 80% of the brides surveyed. That iPod might sound like a great idea, but many folks simply won't get up and dance to iPod music, running through a home stereo. Plus, everyone will play with an iPod and want to put their music "up next". And, you'll discover that they all talked about it after the fact... and it's not going to be complimentary.
Rings - One word... Walmart.
Invites can be done by hand. Make sure to pick up some embossing tools at Michael's and get some card stock. Make out a pattern and design, and run the cards through your home printer... you can also try "vistaprint" for good printing at a reasonable price.
There are a lot of "officiants" now, who do very cheap weddings... but be user to check their credentials. Many are getting them "Online" through the Internet, and some don't stand up in court for legal reasons. Check them out first. Of course, you local priest or minister might give you a deal if you go to their church. But, you still have to figure a couple hundred for them (and be sure to invite the officiant and his/her spouse to dinner).
So, there is a very quick synopsis of how to pull off a budget wedding. Even at all of the bottom of the cost chart, you're still at well over $3000. You can shorten your guest list and save a lot more, but that's a very hard thing to do for most couples... tread carefully on that one.
This is an event that you want to share with everyone in "your world" and you're only going to do this ONCE... don't you want to do it right the first time? Do your homework to do the proper DIY event, and be REALISTIC!
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