Wedding Planning Tips
Tips for Planning a Honeymoon on a Budget
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 | Wedding Planning Tips | 1 Comment
The beach is a popular honeymoon destination
In this economy, everyone seems to be stretching their dollar to make it go further. As a couple begins their married life together, it’s good to know that they can plan the honeymoon of their dreams – - even if they’re on a budget.
Here are some budget-conscious ideas for planning a honeymoon:
* Work with a travel agent. Often, thanks to their high-volume business, travel agents can save you money on travel packages. Whether you’re flying or driving to your destination, they have inside information on travel plans which can not only save money, but also time and stress.
* Travel to an off-season locale. With a little research, finding an off-season destination is not too challenging. Off-season does not necessarily mean bad weather. For example, tourist travel to some beach destinations slows down after Labor Day which means deals are up for grabs. Also, the weather can still be pleasant late into Fall. Just make sure activities and hotel services are still available during off-season travel.
* Consider all-inclusive package deals. Resorts or cruises that offer all-inclusive packages are great for couples who don’t want to be surprised by extra expenses. Make sure to read the fine print and be aware what is included in your package deal. Some all-inclusive packages do not include tips, alcoholic beverages or airport shuttle services.
* Make sure to let everyone know that you’re on your honeymoon. If possible, some airlines upgrade honeymoon couples to first class. Also, hotel staff sometimes provide gift baskets or certificates for their services for couples on their honeymoon.
These suggestions are simple cost-cutting measures for couples who are looking to save money when planning a honeymoon.
What budget-friendly ideas do you have for honeymooning couples?
Here Comes the Bride, Casey Brooks
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 | Wedding Planning Tips | No Comments
Photo by Grace Photography
Great news! Your daughter and her boyfriend have announced their engagement. Now the fun begins. How do you give her the wedding of her dreams while staying within a budget you can comfortably live with?
When Carol Forsythe’s daughter, Casey, became engaged, they started calling venues. They assumed she would get married in church and then have the reception at another location.
Then Casey thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have the wedding and the reception at the same place?” Having it at one place is not only a convenience to the bridal party and the guests it’s also a smart costing saving idea.
For Casey and her fiance, Jason Brooks, Jubilee Banquet Facility made perfect sense. Jason’s family and friends live in Jefferson City, and Casey has friends and family in Powell and West Knoxville, so Jubilee was centrally located to all.
“They were so easy to work with,” Carol said of the Jubilee’s staff.
Once the venue decision was made, the remaining details fell into place. Carol and her daughter decided DIY was the way to go with invitations and a lot of the decorations. Carol said they became regulars at Hobby Lobby. For table centerpieces, they placed white calla lilies in vases filled with water with clear rocks in the bottom and a floating candle. Then the vases were put on a squared mirrored base surrounded with votive candles. The centerpieces were not only elegant but also budget friendly.
The calla lilies in the centerpieces complemented the bridal bouquets. The six bridesmaids carried three white calla lilies and Casey’s bouquet had white calla lilies and red roses.
Carol said the food at the reception was a crowd-pleaser. The buffet featured spring rolls, meatballs, rotini, stuffed mushrooms and chicken tenders. “Everybody I talked to at the reception said the food was out-of-this-world.” “They also had a cheese buffet which was gorgeous,” Carol added.
“If I could do this again next month, I would do it,” Carol said.
When you think of planning a wedding, sometimes you think of the stress involved. Carol said that because of the experienced staff at Jubilee, the process was easy and fun.
Wedding Planning Timeline Helps Keep Busy Brides on Task
Monday, July 19th, 2010 | Wedding Planning Tips | No Comments
- Keep organized by jotting notes in a planner
There’s no doubt about it, wedding planning can be fun, but stressful. Keeping organized will help alleviate the stress and make the process special and memorable.
The key to organization is knowing what to do and when. Wedding planning timelines can vary depending upon the type and size of the wedding and the season, but here are some general timeline guidelines:
One year before the wedding:
Determine the budget
Hire a wedding planner, if you choose to work with one
Choose the venue and the date
Contact vendors such as photographers, caterers and florists
Shop for a wedding dress
Nine months before the wedding:
Finalize guest list and gather addresses
Shop for attendants’ attire
Start on honeymoon plans
Schedule engagement photo session
Six months before the wedding:
Order invitations
Choose floral arrangements or other wedding or reception decor
Select registry and start registering for gifts
Plan bridesmaid luncheon
Finalize plans and orders with vendors
Four months before wedding date:
Make reservations for accommodations for out-of-town guests
Address and mail invitations
Arrange for final dress fittings
Order accessories, bridal party gifts, wedding favors and a guest book
Two months before wedding date:
Make appointments with hairstylist, make-up artist and manicurist and go for a trial run
Start gathering RSVPs
Go over song list and requests with band or DJ
One month before wedding date:
Finalize and confirm all ceremony and reception plans
Provide photographer with instructions on must-have photos
Work on reception seating arrangements
Make date to get marriage license
Confirm and make any final vendor payments
Two to three weeks before wedding date:
Pick up rings
Confirm vendor arrival times
Confirm hotel arrangements
Have final dress fitting
One week before wedding date:
Provide caterer with final head count
Pack for the honeymoon
Make arrangements with bridal party on who will return groom’s tux and how gifts will be transported
Arrange for pick-up of attire
Put together a wedding day emergency kit with extra hose, pain reliever, band-aids, safety pins, etc.
Just as every bride and groom are unique, each wedding is different and special. These timeline guidelines are suggestions and provide a glimpse into planning the Big Day.
Another suggestion to keep organized is to purchase a notebook with a calendar and keep it with you. This will help you jot down important dates and keep up with ideas and contact information.
Do you have any tips to keeping organized and stress-free while planning your wedding? Please share them and we’ll post them on our Facebook page.
Contact
6700 Jubilee Center Way
Knoxville, TN 37912
Phone: (865) 938-2112
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