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BUDGET? ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY 10 TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE WEDDING ARTICLE #4

Budget?

Congratulations! Now that your engaged, you and your fiancée’ are about to begin one of the most exciting – and hectic – times of your life. No doubt you’ve been asking yourself, “Where do I begin? How much is it going to cost?”

It’s likely that you, your groom; hopefully both sets of parents and possibly sponsors will be contributing money toward the wedding expenses. Collect the money upfront and start a checking account specifically used for wedding expenses only.

Details to a wedding are endless and from $1,000 to $100,000, it’s easy to go over your budget. It might be helpful if you both make a “wish list”. Do some research and find out what it’s going to cost. “The hardest part is being able to afford what you want.”

When budgeting for such an occasion two of the best investments you can make are having professional Videography and Professional Photography. Now, if your budget only allows for a $1,000 wedding, you might have to forgo Videography and/or Photography to allow for some of the bare necessities. On the other hand, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for the very best Professional Videography and equally the same for Professional Photography packages. If you don’t have a fortune, one thing you want to try to avoid is to scrimp on your memories.

Some of the other costly details may include the purchase of your wedding gown, tuxedo rentals, officiate, location, décor, flowers, bridal beauty, reception details, honeymoon and don’t forget “tipping” to acknowledge the people you appreciate most in helping to make your wedding day to be one of the most memorable days of your life.

Just remember. A wedding should be truly personalized. It’s not just another party, it’s the opportunity to tell people who you are and what your about. I think people prefer to be entertained by something that has an element of personality that oozes in personal style. Keep it meaningful. Everything from your dress, to the choice of music, to how you come down the isle should just ooze and ooze. “Express what your about.”

Now matter what your budget, visit “The Wedding Store” in Kahului. It can help you with all of the stylish details to your wedding.
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Ordinary to Extraordinary!

Some of the hottest trends today don’t require a huge investment. Here are a few simple ideas to help turn any brides wedding into an extraordinary occasion.

• Arrive in Style – A classic Antique car, fully decorated Limousine, horse & carriage or a vibrantly colored sports car can make your arrival something to talk about.

• Bolts of Tulle – Simply drape the Tulle from pew to pew or chair to chair. This creates an elegant atmosphere for a small investment. Dimming the lights at the church is another way to add a touch of elegance.

• Garlands – Long open-ended Lei’s carried in tandem by 2 or 3 children. It looks adorable and also keeps them together.

• Rent Fancy Accessories – From flower girl baskets, ring bearer pillows, candelabras, and unity candle holders. Renting can be very cost effective and save you the time in making them. It also allows you to have the very best at a fraction of the cost.

• Get your guests involved – Plan on getting everyone at your wedding involved by arranging a flower petal toss with customized cones to hold the petals. You can also arrange for a dove release in decorative baskets or let everyone blow bubbles as your congratulated. These little extras surely can create a moment to remember.

• Don’t Forget the Kid’s – Foods like pizza, crackers, chicken nuggets, shish-ka-bobs, macaroni & cheese, jello and pudding are a wonderful addition to any reception with kids. Setting up a short table that’s just their size allows them to serve themselves.

• Colored Paper Plates – Colorize your wedding reception buffet with colored paper plates. There is a variety of colors to choose from and this idea will surely create a dinner that’s a step up from a picnic.

• Table Décor – Dress up your cake table or Ice Sculpture with fresh flowers and framed pictures. This presentation captures everyone’s attention with style.

• Signature Toast – Offer a custom drink to toast the bride & groom. Choose from a grasshopper to a pink squirrel and you can serve it in a glass souvenir that your guests can take home.

• Video Presentations – A well-produced video presentation can be the highlight of any event. Personalize your video with nostalgic photographs, favorite songs and even highlights from you wedding ceremony. Guaranteed to be a hit!
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10 tips for a stress free wedding

1. Wedding Itinerary:
Take the time to create an itinerary that lists the timing of everything that happens on your wedding day. Make sure you allow at least 15 minutes of extra time for each scheduled task.

2. On-Site Person:
Appoint one person to oversee the details of the wedding day and help fulfill the itinerary. This could be a professional wedding coordinator, Mom, a close family member or friend.

3. Volunteers:
Recruit volunteers to help with the set-up, décor, clean-up etc… Provide each of them with a list of their responsibilities (if it’s more than 3) and trust them to do it. This will confirm your exact wishes for the tasks that they will be performing.

4. Delegate to your Mate:
Give your man specific tasks and he’ll help you get the job done.

5. Vendor Programs:
Make a program for each vendor (photographers, videographers, musicians, DJ’s, MC’s etc…). For example: 10:00-11:00am, photos with the girls getting ready at Ann’s house, 11:30am-12:30pm photos with the guy’s at the church etc... Make sure that you get the programs to your vendors at least a week prior to your wedding date.

6. Manicure & Pedicure:
Schedule your manicure and pedicure a day or two before the wedding. This will allow you the full use of your hands and feet on your wedding day without the worry.

7. Hair &/or Make-up:
Make sure you schedule a prescheduled up-do and make-up appointment with your salon of choice. This will ensure that you get the hairstyle & make-up that you love within the scheduled time that you have allowed.

8. Pick your battles:
Think twice before determining where a family member should sit or how your mom should dress etc… Hours of arguing are not worth the stress.

9. Get a good night sleep:
You’ve heard it before girls; drink lots of water and go to bed early. The water will hydrate your skin and the extra sleep will make you feel good. This really works!

10. Let go:
Once the day has arrived, take a deep breath, relax and go with the flow. What ever happens, happens and taking it all in stride will allow you to completely enjoy the moment you’ve been waiting for. Congratulations!
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