Hire a Pro
I am frugal, so I understand the DIY mentality. In my 17 years as a caterer and facility manager, I know the happiest brides and MOBs (Mother of the Brides) are those that hire and trust professionals…a licensed caterer, an experienced florist, a legitimate photographer…the list goes on. I love it when a wedding customer says “you are the pro. What do you think?” Based on my knowledge and experienced, I can provide the best advice and recommendation to suit that particular event.
“DIYers” (Do-It-Yourself) have lots of worries. Will Aunt Sue mess up grannies meatball recipe? Will the church friend show up on time with the cake? Will Sam’s flowers be the right color? And, again, the list goes on. My advice is to have a budget and find a Pro willing to work within your budget. There are many ways to cut corners when getting married. (Are the personalized M&Ms really necessary?). But when it comes to your wedding day, relax and enjoy the day. Hire a PRO!!
Story Ebersol – Storycook Favorites & The BB Club – Vicksburg, MS – www.storycookfavorites.com
How to Budget for Your Wedding Reception?
The question most often posed by brides is, “How much money should I plan to spend on my reception?” My answer is, “That depends on your total wedding budget.” In planning your reception, 50% of your total wedding budget is a good rule of thumb. The reception is the highlight of the wedding. Approximately one-third of the total budget will go to food & beverage for your guests. Another 17% will be utilized for facility rental, decorations & flowers, entertainment, and any specialty or incidental costs, that is, linens, chairs, tables, backdrops, draping, lighting, etc. If this is more than you’ve planned to spend, consider cutting your guest list. The cost of the venue plus food and beverage is dictated by the number of guests expected to attend your reception.
Courtney Holcomb – BancorpSouth Arena & Conference Center – Tupelo, MS – www.bcsarena.com
Plan Early, Order Early
Plan early, order early because it can take up to 14 weeks to get some gowns manufactured. This applies to the mothers, dresses as well. Keep an open mind when shopping for your gown. Most of the time, brides end up buying something totally different from what they originally planned on. Once you have made your decision and made the purchase, Stop Looking and move on to something else.
Bobbie Jefcoat (Mimi) – Mimi’s Bridal and Formalwear – Laurel, MS – www.mimisbridal.com
See these and other tips in the current issue of Premier Bride of Mississippi. Or, go online to www.premierbridems.com to see the current issue and wedding professionals near you.