Preparing for Life Events

Wedding Planner

FOOD
Demand/popularity of the caterer; a seated dinner vs. buffet; cold vs. hot food; time of day i.e. breakfast, lunch, tea, cocktails, dinner; a 4 course meal vs. just passed hor d'oves. Cut down on dinner courses, and keep your menu simple. Avoid expensive ingredients (wild mushrooms, salmon steaks, asparagus, etc.), and opt for pasta and chicken as entrees. Stick with the specialties of the season and region. Consider serving cocktails and hors d'oeuvres instead of dinner. Buy your own alcohol. Limit your bar. Things to cosider are: big names vs. bar brands; beer and wine vs. mixed drinks; unlimited open bar vs. bar hours; alcohol vs. nonalcoholic drinks only; number of bartenders.

CAKE
The popularity of the baker, as well as the cake details; i.e. icing, fillings, special flavors, etc. Also the size of your guest list and the number of tiers you want will change the price of the cake. Order a small cake that's exactly what you want and, in the kitchen, have several sheet cakes of the same flavor to be cut for your guests. Stay away from tiers and (time-consuming) handmade sugar flowers and special molded shapes.

MUSIC
The number of musicians; the instruments they play; how long they play; professionals vs. amateurs or students, and if they work for the ceremony site, will all be price factors.

RECEPTION BAND/DISC JOCKEY
A band is always more expensive than a DJ. If you want a band keep it small. If their equipment is modern and up-to-date, a small combo band shouldn't sound like it's that small. Other factors that come into play are the demand and popularity of the band or DJ. The best DJs and bands are in highest demand on Saturday nights, so try Friday or Sunday for a slightly discounted rate. The location of your wedding reception - is it hard to get to and far away? Will the band or DJ have to spend the night? Also if the wedding is near or in a large city the prices may be higher. Also, the number of musicians, the instruments band members play; the sophistication of the DJ's equipment; professionals vs. amateurs and how long you want them to play will all determine the price.

PHOTOGRAPHER'S FEE
The demand and popularity of the photographer as well as if he or she needs an assistant are the primary price factors. Also, the hours you hire him/her to work will be a major factor regarding price. Hire your photographer for just the ceremony and a limited amount of time at the reception. The type of film and number and sizes of prints you buy, or the package you choose, will help determine the price. Keep prints simple, and stay away from special treatments like sepia tones, multiple exposures, and split frames, which add to the cost. Photo treatments may mean extra darkroom work, at an extra fee. Select a package carefully -- some include parents' albums, but many don't, which means you may pay an additional fee later.

VIDEO
Price variable for a videographer are similar to the photographer, except you need to consider the number and types of cameras and other equipment. The length and type of the video and the number of tapes you buy, as well as special effects may mean extra editing-room work. Consider having only the ceremony filmed. Forego complicated editing. Use a single camera, and forget special effects like animated titles or still photos.

Each wedding is unique, couples have different priorities, and costs vary from state to state. As you make decisions about how to spend your money based on what's significant to you, enter your costs and tally up how much money is allocated and what you have left to spend. We recommend that you make several copies of this Budgeting Guide so you can use one for estimates as you shop and a final version. Happy planning.