Top Ten Wedding Don'ts

Planning a wedding is an awesome experience...or it should be. Your wedding should not stress you out to the point where you just want it all to be over. I found an interesting article on Project Wedding that might save you a headache and give some guidance regarding etiquette.

ARTICLE: TOP TEN WEDDING DON'TS

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)

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?