Sunday, November 29, 2009

Cyber Monday SALE in our ETSY SHOP

As you may know, when we are not planning weddings, we are busy designing custom items/stationery for our valued clients. These custom items can be found in our ETSY SHOP. On one of the biggest online shopping days of the year we wanted to offer you a special deal as well. ALL orders placed between now and midnight 11/30 will receive FREE SHIPPING!

Visit our ETSY SHOP to view all our custom items for sale!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!



As we eat, drink and be merry today, let us not forget to be thankful for all the good things in our lives. This thanksgiving and everyday, I am grateful for family, friends and health. I am thankful for past and present clients that have made Elite Affairs the success it is today. I am also grateful for the wedding professionals that I have met along the way that have been a pleasure to work with. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. Be safe!

Tell Us what you are grateful for today.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wedding Budget {What should I include?}

In lieu of engagement season we thought this might help the newly engaged to determine a budget. Whether you are planning a simple wedding of just close friends or an elaborate wedding of 400 guests you need to have a budget. You must first determine how much you want to spend on your wedding and then where you want to money allotted. When you make a budget...stick to it!
Here are some traditional categories associated with a wedding. Its up to you to decide if its mandatory or optional to you:

Ceremony Fees {Officiant, Church, Organist, Cantor etc.}
Flowers {Ceremony, Reception, Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages}
Gifts {Attendants, Parents, Groom, Bride}
Honeymoon Costs
Stationery {Invitations, Postage, Calligraphy, Programs, Menu, Placecards}
Marriage license (mandatory)
Photographer
Videographer
Reception {Food, Beverage, Cake}
Wedding Favors
Transportation {Limo, Shuttle for guests}
Wedding Attire
Rings
Beauty {Hair, Nails, Make Up}
Wedding Planner
Vendor Tips
Miscellaneous

Decide what is more important to you. What category would you rather save on versus splurging? Their will be a wide range of costs associated with every category. Take you time to research and determine what is right for you.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

We have posted this before, but we thought it was worth revisiting. Brides constantly ask for suggestions on what to tip their vendors so we put this list together.The truth is, there is no set rule as to how much you need to tip your vendors. While it is not mandatory to tip vendors, tips are always appreciated. Do not forget to set aside a percentage of your preliminary budget for tips. Our tipping guide below might help you. Please note, these are only suggested amounts:


Officiant:This is usually a controversial issue.
Religious officiant-if you are an active member of a church give a donation to the church (around $500).
Non-denominational officiants: just their fee is usually good enough, but if you still wish to.... give around $50-100 (some might even decline this)

Make-Up/Hair: 15-20%

Delivery (florist):$15-20

Baker, Stationer, Party Rentals, Bridal Salon:Not expected

Limo: 15-20% (in most cases the gratuity was already included in your total cost)

DJ: $50-100

MC: $50-100

Musicians: (band,quartet)$30-40 each

Maitre'd- Usually standard $3-6 per invited guests (depending on your reception hall)

Photographer: $50-100

Videographer: $50-100

Wedding Planner: If your wedding planner owns their own business it is optional to tip him/her. If you do wish to tip him/her 10-15 % should suffice.

Valet: If not included in your final bill, give $1-1.50 per car (to be divided among attendants)

Reception Hall/Caterer: gratuity is usually included in final cost to be divided among staff.

Tip your vendors for exceptional service provided. Something your vendors will really appreciate is you referring your friends. Referrals are great for business (especially in the wedding industry)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Real Weddings- A Sneak Peek {Lisa & Mike}



I am trying to catch up with my blogging and post pictures of weddings we did this season (I am getting there). I am only up to August and I have all of September, October to get through but I thought you would appreciate a sneak peek of last weekend's wedding {Lisa & Mike}.

This image is courtesy of their photographer Alison Conklin. The ceremony setting was very romantic, just like the bride wanted. This is all I have for now, but you may stalk Alison's blog for more pictures:)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Real Weddings {Selina & Cadman} August 22, 2009

All my brides are special to me but with Selina, I felt like I was working with my little sister to plan her wedding.
Selina and I immediately "clicked" the moment we met. We constantly communicated through via email and phone and I couldn't have been happier that the day came together so beautifully.
The couple had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Hyatt Regency Hotel, followed by cocktail hour and reception.
Selina did not omit any detail; from the doves they released at the ceremony, to the programs, petal cones, tall and low centerpieces, rum cake favors and their photobooth.....it was a grand party.

The happy couple


The bouquets



The cake and caketopper


Shoes and Invitations


The tall centerpiece


The really fabulous vendors that made it all possible:

Ceremony & Reception: Hyatt Regency
DJ: Triple Alliance DJs
Photo: Duet
Video: Duet
Make-Up: Ellen B
Photobooth: Partybooth
Flowers: Lovin Oven
Invitations & Caketopper:Etsy Shop

Selina and Cadman, I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Top 10 items for Wedding Day Emergency Kit

You have planned for months or even years and now the big day is finally here. As a wedding insurance, you want to have an emergency kit to be prepared for the unexpected. There are a lot of items you can have in this emergency kit but we have found that these are the 10 most used items:

1) Sewing Kit (needles, pins, buttons, thread)
2) Tape (fashion tape or double sided tape)
3) Snack Bars & Mints (Bars if you get hungry. Mints for fresh breath before the first kiss)
4) Hair Pins and Hair Spray
5) Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs {tylenol, tums, benadryl, midol etc.}
6) Mini First Aid Kit
7) Kleenex (someone always cries)
8) Sanitary Products for the ladies
9) Crazy Glue
10)Shout Wipes or Tide Pen

Sometimes the smallest items can be the biggest lifesaver. What's in your emergency kit?