The little things can add up.

When you are planning the budget for your wedding, make sure to include tips and meals for vendors in your budget. Things like the basket for the restrooms, toss bouquet, etc. all of the little things can add up. Try to sit down and create a full list of everything you could possibly need by date and that should help you to stay on track. I also suggest that you carry a "wedding notebook" with you at all times, that way when you have a thought, you can write it down right there. That should eliminate the "I had a thought about the wedding but can't remember what it was" moments. :)

Happy Planning!

food for thought when choosing your vendors...

It doesn't matter how many weddings I do, I always take something away. I am not sure if it is due to the recent state of our economy or just a large amount of competition out there but I am finding that some brides are cutting corners (and costs) by using vendors with prices that are lower than the average. This should always be a red flag to anyone, in any industry. In any business, there is a cost to run that business. I recently worked at a wedding and the bride chose a fairly new linen company. I was horrified when I walked into the reception site and all I could smell was fabric softener. The coordinator of the facility came up to me with a panic on her face and said "do you smell that, what are we going to do"? She said that when the linen company delivered the linens, the woman was proud of that smell. The smell wasn't the only concern I had. That smell told me that the linens were washed in a regular washer and dryer, which left me to wonder if there were any sanitary issues? If they are washing them in a regular washer and dryer, are they able to get out all stains? I get my linens from one of the largest suppliers in Michigan and know that they have industrial washers that wash the linens in water that is 750 degrees! That's right 750 degrees!
I understand that times are tough and everyone has to pinch every penny, I am right there with you. That is why it is so important to use reputable vendors, shop around, and make sure you feel comfortable with the vendor you choose. So many people believe that wedding coordinators are only for big budget weddings, that is not the case at all. I strive with every wedding to find ways to help cut cost for my brides. I have networked with the best of the best in the industry to make sure that my clients are taken care of from start to finish.