Best Wedding Planner Book?
Also, what are some important details that can be overlooked?
What are some fun and creative alternatives to dancing?
What are some fun and creative drinks that are non-alcoholic?
How can I scrimp and save without making my wedding look cheap? (without deleting people from guest list – I HAVE A BIG BIG FAMILY!)
P.S.I’m Brazilian and I want to incorporate some of that into the food, but I don’t want to serve regular Brazilian food. If you have any thoughts or experience with Brazlian weddings, your input would be GREAT!
My budget is $10,000. I’ll probably have 150-250 (or less) guests.
The Knot’s Wedding Planner is very detailed. As for saving, I would try ebay and maybe craigslist depending on where you live? You could always serve virgin drinks. As for alternatives to dancing, I once went to a wedding that had a comedian instead of dancing. Hope I helped!
Your best bet is to go to your local bookstore and look in the wedding area. That way you can REALLY get a good look at the books and find out which you like best. One bride I had liked the binder type, another prefered the “accordian envelope” option from a different book http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Wedding-W... …. its going to be whatever you like best for keeping you organized.
As for price reductions…. the simpler you go, the less it costs. Now this doesnt have to mean cheap… think candles in fishbowls on mirrors rather than extravagant flower arrangements for your reception tables and you will get the idea I am describing.
Buy in bulk when it will save you money (example: candles bought in bulk can be used for reception site and ceremony site if you are using the same type)
Make your own invitations (this can potentially save you alot)… forgo lined envelopes, write reception information on the invitation instead of having a seperate card, etc…
Dont give out favors. This may sound cheap, but it really isnt. You are inviting guests to a party, serving them food and drinks, providing entertainment… do you need to buy them little trinkets as well? No you dont, and many of the guests would leave them behind anyway. If you want to give out something anyway, make it be inexpensive candies (think hershey’s kisses) that way it wont cost an arm and a leg and isnt likely to be left behind.
Choose a DJ over a live band…
Chicken is generally cheaper than seafood or beef… talk to the catering company and see what they can come up with that fits your budget AND your desires. Or do the research yourself of what dishes are brazilian and are made with chicken and then ask your caterer if they can make that dish for an inexpensive cost.
Sparkling punch is usually a hit at weddings and is fairly inexpensive to make. Mix 1 part lemon-lime soda (brand doesnt matter… think clear though – 7up, Sprite, etc) and 2 parts fruit punch. Add ice.
For toasting if you want to go non-alcoholic and save some money but dont want to give up the “celebratory” feeling… you could get sparkling juice (grape, apple, etc) they even come in the varieties that their alcoholic counterparts do (ie cold duck, etc)
Shop around on EVERYTHING, ask LOTS of questions, request discounts…. the worst they can say is No, and if they do that they know they risk losing your business (and when you are talking about a wedding the size youre describing most vendors will NOT want to lose that!)
If you need further help feel free to email me and I will do my best to assist you.
The best wedding planner book i had was one I made. I just copied the dividers from the ones in the store and put together my own.
Important details that can be overlooked?
Not sure. If they are important then they need to be taken care of.
I had dancing at my wedding not sure what else my big family would have done otherwise. I am hispanic. Dancing is our lifeforce. LOL
Again non-alcholic drinks are not my speciality BUT from experience ask a bartender of seasonal Non Alcoholic drinks and see if you can serve those. Seasonal drinks are usually fun because they are more colorful and you can add trinkets or whatever in the drinks to brighten them up.
I had my wedding in a small country club, it was a cheap country club, which is weird because they are all expensive. I used their catering and their tablecloths and plates and silverware. My mom’s cousin decorated the tables with glitter, wedding bells glitter cutouts, and in the center she filled small fish bowls with blue water and we had floating candles in there. It was very pretty. Do buffet its cheaper.
I had an aunt who was willing to make my cake and it looked like a professional made it. If you want pictures email me.
bryanbradleysgirl@yahoo.com
If your budget is 10,000 you can do that easily. My mom spent that for my wedding and it was so beautiful. I can give you more tips if you email me. I dont want to write a book on here.
I like the knot also (theknot.com). But for a physical book that goes with you I highly recommend the Beverly Clark Wedding Planner… (I used the blue version) It had all of the checklists, rules and etiquette, and all the info I needed, plus there are worksheets and pockets. I used it for the who wedding and it kept me very organized. (I included a couple links, but you may look around for cheaper prices!!)
http://www.nuptialnet.com/plan_1.htm (Blue Book 6th down on left side 6th Edition)
http://www.amazon.com/Planning-Wedding... (Pink Book 7th Edition)
As far as scimping and not looking cheap, I found great deals on ebay, at garage sales and I got ideas from bridal shows!
Good Luck
Try The Everything Wedding Book by Shelly Hagan. It’s very informative and you can also get the organizer that goes with it. I would be completely lost without it.