So, their website stole your heart, they swept you off your feet at a Bridal Show, and you are in love, love, love with a particular Venue or Vendor.... now what? In my last post I shared that fact that when it comes to getting the Venue and Vendors your really want the "early Bride" has the advantage. I wrote about why starting a conversation with the Venue and Vendors you REALLY, REALLY want as soon as possible can REALLY, REALLY pay off. Well, now that you know how important it is to start talking to those Vendors you are smitten with as soon as you can about your wedding I wanted to follow-up by sharing how to best prepare to start that conversation.
There are a few things we (as Vendors) will need to know right of the bat in order to better determine how we can help you. I know, this sounds a little strange - after all, you know what you need for your wedding... right? Well, if you are in the first stages of the planning process and are a little anxious about where to start here are a few things you will need to determine and be prepared to discuss as you first begin chatting with a Vendor.
The first step will be to understand and crunch the numbers! There are 3 numbers in particular... establish your:
1. Wedding Date: If you have a specific date in mind that is special to you by all means select that date. However, when you and your Fiance are in the midst of considering different times of year, significant moments in your lives, or sentimental seasons take a moment to consider that the best way to ensure you'll book the Venue and Vendors you really want is to give yourself plenty of time. Most Brides and Grooms set their wedding date between 10 months to 1 year in advance - although, I've even seen some couples setting a date for up to 18 months out. Remember, the more time you have to plan, the more options you will have available to you.
2. Your Approximate Number of Guests: Be prepared... this is a number that will fluctuate. Very rarely does a couple say they will have 100 guests or 200 guests and actually end up sending out that many invitations or certainly have that exact number of guests attend the wedding. On the other, this number is extremely important because it will help you determine the right Venue to accommodate you and/or the costs of a myriad of other expenses which often change based on the number of guests. (Note: The average wedding in the United States is between 150 - 180 Guests.)
3. Your Budget Range Ah yes, the budget. For many, nothing brings a Bride's and Groom's grand dreams of a spectacular, Celebrity-style wedded affair back to reality like a discussion about the budget. Now, if you or your Parent's have been saving for this day since you were 13 years old or you have a Trust Fund and money is truly "no object" this may not apply to you. However, in my experience, even the most Financially Well off Client did not get that way without having some understand of money or doing research. As uncomfortable as it may be for some couples to talk about a wedding budget it is important to research the costs involved in a wedding and the services associated with it.
The truth is most couples have no idea how much a wedding costs until they begin planning a wedding. They soon discover it is very, very different from planning a Holiday or Birthday Party. For example; did you know the average wedding in the United States (even during the current economic conditions) is approximately $28,000? The best way to approach your budget will be to think in terms of Range and Percentages.
Because some costs will fluctuate give yourself a reasonable budget range. Example; $20,000 - $25,000 or $27,000 - $32,000. Remember, your budget will have to be broken down into percentages where each category of the products and services will receive a portion of. Example; A percentage for Venue, Catering, Attire, Photographer, etc. Keep this number in mind when you are asking Venues and Vendors about services but also keep in mind they will be a "Percentage" of the total.
Gotta, gotta have it!!
Really, really want a specific Vendor but not sure you can afford them? Ok, here is were the budget range comes into play. I've had a wide range of Clients with a wide range of budgets and what I've found is not every Bride (and Groom) values the same things. One who would kill for a particular Venue could not care less about the Dress and ended up buying one at a consignment shoppe. Another who didn't care where it took place as long as they had a certain Photographer. So the next step is to really determine what is most important to you and adjust the percentage to reflect what you really want. For example; I've worked with a Bride who had her heart sent on 3 things - particular Venue (very high-end location) with great food, a High-end Photographer and a particular Planner (me). That (well, and the Groom) was what was the most important to her. In the end she reduced the number of guests at her wedding and opted for our simple floral designs and created a breathtaking, intimate wedding experience!
With the exception of possibly your wedding date these numbers do not have to be set in stone (although I have heard of a couple who actually changed their wedding date just to book a particular photographer they loved... true story). These numbers will be used as a frame of reference to determining the best fit for you and if the Vendor can accommodate your needs. Ok, so what are you waiting?.. Happy Planning!!
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