Boutique Bridal: Cleaver, Inexpensive and Intimate Affairs

Spring seems to have finally (all be it slowly) started to emerge around us. Just look outside your door and you'll see flowers gently unfolding in the warm, shimmering sun. The earth and trees blanketed in lush hues of velvety green, delicate yellows, soft lavenders, and other pastel colors. As we all start to shake off the still, quite chill of winter not only are we seeing the revitalizing signs of spring but the beginnings of (an also very slowly blossoming) boost in our economy.

Are Bridal Couples still concerned about the costs of their wedding? Yes, but as wedding season gets underway many informed and trendy Couples are discovering they can indeed have the elaborate, lavish wedding they've dreamed of. The key is to concentrate on quality not quantity and focus on a smaller, more intimate guest list. Smaller weddings are giving Couples a later overall cost "per person" budget to work with which will allow them to have more options - giving them the ability to truly choose what they want for their wedding.

With these smaller, "Boutique-style" weddings (example: less than 75 guests) Brides and Grooms are free to realize their vision and create a "signature" event - that captures their imagination. They are able to select the perfect items (invitations, table settings, floral designs, etc.) to create an incredible environment with exquisite details and an experiences that would take their guests breath away. Interested in planning your "Boutique-style" wedding? Here are 3 Tips to that my help with creating a sensational intimate wedding.

1.) B and B = Boutique and Bridal: As with any special event one of the most important steps is finding the perfect location. A boutique-style wedding by its very nature are designed to be small, intimate affairs. The venue should reflect a cozy environment where each detail may shine - noticed and admired. The danger in this is choosing a location that is too large and in essence so large it seems to swallow the event. Larger environments like those in hotels (if planned correctly) many still be used in a way that well not loose the beauty of intricate details. This can done by partitioning off a large reception hall into smaller, distinctly themed areas, zones, or stations such as a lounge area or wine tasting session area. However, a fantastic option for a boutique-style wedding venue is the classic Bed and Breakfast. Small weddings (between 25 and 50 guests) are perfect for a Bed and Breakfast. Many offer beautifully landscaped grounds which are ideal for Victorian or other garden theme weddings and offer unique opportunity for a weekend wedding get-a-way. Some "B n B's" will offer catering, limited rooms for a few guests (3-4 rooms), and even honeymoon suite accommodations with "breakfast in bed" for the Bridal Couple.

2.) Easy like Sunday Morning: Most of us know that Saturday night is the most popular time of the week (or weekend) for weddings. As a result, Saturdays (afternoon and evenings especially) have not only the most expensive reception and catering fees but are many of the highly sought after hotels/reception sites book quickly and have limited availability. That's why many cleaver Brides and Grooms are now choosing Sunday for their wedding day. If you are planning a wedding at a cultural venue, B n' B, or even hotel consider a Sunday morning followed by a brunch reception or an afternoon wedding. You'll find lower reception and catering costs as well as more chooses of available dates on Sundays. Worried about not having the following day for friends and family to enjoy - also consider a Friday night wedding. Friday night weddings will still give you and your guests the rest of the weekend to celebrate.

3.) "The New June": The cultural image of the "June Bride" had been a symbol of spring, love, beauty, and marriage for centuries. June remains the most popular month of the year for weddings however, many of us in the wedding industry have seen another month step up to challenge this iconic month. With its mild weather and appealing post-summer pricing, over the past few years, October has become the "new-June". As long as there are little girls dreaming of spring here will always be a place for June wedding but many contemporary Brides are considering an October date for their big day.

Want to learn more about creating a signature "Boutique-style Weddings"? We invite you to visit our website at http://www.vividexpressions.com/ for more details on designing an exquisite boutique-style wedding.

Art and the Event: Edible Art - Mike's Amazing Cakes

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. You are not seeing things. Yes, that is indeed an "up-side-down" wedding cake... yes, that is a four tier "Alice in Wonderland" theme cake were each tier is shaped like a teacup... yes, that is a miniature "Formula Porsche" entirely made of cake. O.k., no, those are not real or even silk roses cascading down that elegant wedding cake - they are edible handmade flowers. And although that is not a "real lobster" on that silver platter it's a cake that looks good enough for drawn butter and a bib. These are definitely not your standard cakes.




For years we've seen the bar steadily rise for wedding and special occasion cakes. Although there will always be a place for the simple 3 tier white cake with matching plastic pillars, more and more Brides and party hosts are choosing to utilize the cakes as more of a design feature - adding to a noticeable element to the event design concept. The cake is not simply hidden away in a corner of the reception hall awaiting the Bride and Groom's cutting ceremony but instead it is used to add a focal point to the room. The cake could be designed to complement the centerpieces, match the fabric or design of the Bride's gown, reflecting the color or theme of the event, or (in the case of the long held southern tradition of the "Grooms cake") be a playful nod to couple's personality, hobbies, or an inside joke. In a time when smart Bridal Couples are insisting on getting best and most memorable bang for their buck, whimsical cakes has become a hot trend and talented pastry artists are still in demand.



The Artist: It's hard to believe what world famous cake artist Mike McCarey can do with baking ingredients but that's why his Redmond, Washington business, "Mike's Amazing Cakes", has been making sweet fantasies since 1995. Mike's Amazing Cakes creates incredible cakes (as seen in this post) for Clients who's imaginations just won't stay "inside the box". Winner of numerous pastry design competitions, Mike McCarey and his team can use fondant (a puddy-like sugar confection), modeling chocolate and other edible mediums to make "amazing cakes" the same way sculptors would use clay and other artistic mediums. With the laws of physics being the only restriction, each cake is custom designed for their clientele which includes corporations and Celebrities like Disney, The Smithsonian, Dustin Hoffman, and even the late Rodney Dangerfield and Julia Child.


The Art of Cakes: With realistic miniatures, 2 dimensional relief sculpture, free-standing figures, and gravity defying 3 dimensional forms Mike McCarey's confections seem to demonstrate techniques often seen in works of fine art. His award winning, artistic approach results in each cake being a unique, beautifully designed edible sculpture. The Pastry Chef's work is guided by the two key principals of around Concept and Structure. The Concept being presented should be as accurate and true to life or as animated as possible and should have as unique a perspective as can be conjured up. The Structural principals of architecture constantly influence Mike's work and he draws great inspiration from a wide range of illustrators such as Alphones Mucha, Norman Rockwell or James Christensen. These are certainly philosophy we can relate to.

Can you envision your guests being captivated by a work of edible art? Think a artistically designed cake would add the perfect decorative accent to your event? Wondering what you should know about hiring a Pastry Artist to create a masterpiece for your next celebration? Here are 3 Tips to keep in mind when searching for a Pastry Chef or bakery to create a custom designed cake.

1. Feeding the crowd: The cost of a quality custom baker is quite different from those of the average supermarket bakery. They require far more attention to detail than those of the flat rectangle or round cakes so give yourself (and the baker) plenty fo time. Give yourself enough time to research (and even taste) cakes and give your baker enough time to schedule, prepare, and create the cake. This can be as little as 2 weeks or as much a 2 months - check with them to find out their order requirements.

The cost of most special occasion cakes like wedding cakes are established by the slice. Each cake maker's price may very due to their experience, styles of cake, and level of service. Typically, they can range from $2 to $5 or more a slice. For example, the cakes a Mike's Amazing Cakes can start around $2.10 per slice (more or less depending on the number of slices and cake design). When you are estimating your cake budget you will want to start by determining how many guests you are expecting. Then research each bakers prices and multiply their "by the slice" cost by the number of guests. Also, ask about their deposits and when the balance is due. This may vary depending the baker's policies but they can start as little as $50 and may be non-refundable.

2. Theme and Design: Today's Bride or party host has more special occasion cake design options than ever before. You still have the your basic stacked round or square cakes but (as you can see) there are so many other choices. Some skilled bakers can create a wide range of shapes to complement the look and design of your event. New innovations and trends in the culinary industry have provided pastry professionals with mediums like edible paints in vibrant and metallic hues, gum paste (a moldable sugar paste), air brush techniques, and many others options to help them create a range of colors and texture.

Mike McCarey told us "Everything within the laws of gravity is possible and you shouldnt be limited by tradtion or conventional thinking. Let the cake be what you want. Let the cake make a statement." So, when ordering speical event or wedding cakes (especailly these works of edible art) please have some idea of what you'd like in mind but be open to suggestions. You many be introduced to something you never thought of after reviewing their portfolio or learning about their full range of skills and capabilities.

3. The Arrival: Special occasion cakes like these are large, custom-made confections designed to "wow" your guests. They are also more difficult to deliver than your typical grocery store sheet cake, you'll need to make sure your stunning cake arrives safely and is ready for your event without incident. Always verify what the delivery policies are. Check to see if the delivery fees are a seperate charge or if they are included in the cost of the cake. Also, if it is being delivered to a reception hall or hotel check with the catering staff to confirm when it can be delivered and if there will be a storage space (like a large cooler/freezer) available. Some venues will want to have the baker deliver and set-up the cake on-site in the reception room so be sure to have your event planner coordinate the delivery and placement of your cake. If you are having an outdoor wedding or an event on a very hot day you do not want to have the cake in a very hot room without air conditioning - the cake may melt. If the cake will be set-up in advance of the event check to make sure the temperature of the room will be suitable for the cake. Work with your event coordinator or consider asking the caterer can hold the cake in a cool area until just before the event starts.

Do you have your heart set on a cake from Mike McCarey but you're not located near Redmond, Washington? Good news! The team at Mike's Amazing Cakes would be more than happy to work with you over the phone (or even via email) and ship a custom cake creation directly to you. Give them a call at 425-869-2992 and tell them Janel Keen over at Vivid Expressions LLC sent you!

No place like home: Help fight childhood Cancer

Nestled in a peaceful little neighborhood in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, Virginia sits a beautifully decorated, newly constructed house unlike any other. This is no ordinary home, in fact, for thousands of critically ill children and their families this house represents an abundance of hope. Yesterday was the second in the Hampton Road's chapter of Friends of St. Jude's monthly membership and fundraising series - Cinco for St. Jude. Cinco for St. Jude takes place on the 5th of each month throughout the year to raise awareness, membership, and funds to help this incredible cause - dedicated to the concept that “No Child Should Die in the Dawn of Life.”

This month's theme Cinco for St. Jude event, the "Big Hat Brunch", took place in the gorgeous 2009 St. Jude Dream Home. The spacious 3,058 square foot house was exquisitely decorated in lush earth tones and featured a tantalizing range of hues including chocolate browns and cool blues. Guests of the event were the first to tour this fantastic home, which is currently open for tours Saturdays, 9am to 5pm and Sundays, noon to 5pm from now until May 30th. With a large, loaded kitchen and airy sunroom overlooking the backyard, this house would be perfect for anyone who enjoys entertaining at home and was an ideal venue for this Cinco for St. Jude event.

The "Big Hat Brunch" invited guests to come in their best (and biggest) hat. Geoff Cook (left along side Jenny Watson) won for his outrageous balloon hat in the Big Hat Contest. Guests were treated to Sunday morning cocktails like Mimosas and Bloody-Marys, scrumptious breakfast delights, fine silent auction items, and live entertainment in the form of Caricatures from yours truly. During Sunday's event it was my pleasure to not only perform caricatures for all who came out but to meet two amazing families who's lives were touched by the tremendous support of St. Jude.

It was such a joy to meet and sketch Gracie (a bubbly four year old cancer survivor) and her 3 brothers and sisters. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital focuses on fighting childhood cancer, offering treatment and care to children and their families regardless of their ability to pay. Gracie's family, after being told that her cancer was terminal and to prepare to for her passing, received a life-changing call from St. Jude's. The family was told that they could in fact help Gracie. St. Jude flew the family out to their facility in Tennessee for treatment as well as took care of their lodging during Gracie's care. Today Gracie's cancer is in remission, she is a vibrant little girl who is full of life and this loving family is joyful. Programs like Friends of St. Jude and the St. Jude Dream Home help St. Jude to make stories like this possible. The St. Jude Dream Home is a breathtaking home (valued at approximately $490,000.00) and an incredible giveaway to help this cause.

Tickets for the drawing (which will take place on Sunday, May 31) are $100 each. For more information on reserving a ticket for your chance to win the St. Jude Dream Home and other fabulous prizes please visit: http//www.friendsofstjude.org/hamptonroads

Art and the Event: Celebrate with Caricatures!

We expect celebrity weddings to be glamours, even somewhat trendy. Guests at the spectacular wedding of music diva Fergie and Josh Duhamel were treated to a fun, funky and fabulous artistic statement that seems to be on the cusp of another trend. The couple's image was featured in an adorable caricature. This whimsical piece of art created a unique element and charming twist to their January 2009 wedding - which left their guests talking.

I've steadily seen a rise in requests for caricature services for wedding receptions. Why? The playful artwork has been the choice of birthday parties, company picnics, and holiday party Clients for years but with wedding couples looking for the best "bang for their buck", adding caricatures as entertainment at a wedding reception creates a in one-of-a-kind memento guests will cherish.

So, what should you know about hiring a Caricaturist for your wedding or special event? Here are 3 things to keep in mind when hiring a Caricaturist:

1.) Go Pro! - Hiring a Professional:

I've been performing caricatures professionally since 1991. I started at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) where I not only performed caricatures but I trained and supervised Caricature Artists. I continued to freelance as a contract Caricaturist through various local event companies. It may be tempting to hire a friend or student who has a talent for drawing but a professional Caricaturist should meet 3 criteria.

First, they should have experience with Caricatures specifically. This art form has been practiced for centuries. Even famed impressionist painter Claude Monet was an experienced Caricaturist. This type of art is not merely an exaggeration of a facial feature. Exaggerating a facial characteristic may result in picture that is more distortion than caricature. Instead, a good caricature is a rendering of a person's features using simplified lines. This is something learned through hours of training and experience.

Secondly, they should have speed. Caricatures have a funny effect at parties and special events. At first, guests are a little hesitate but once one person sits down with the Artist something curious happens. They begin to talk to the Artist, they relax, they laugh and other guests witness a once blank page spring to life with the personality of it's subject. Within no time a large crowd gathers, guests buzz, and a line quickly forms. A professional Caricaturist should be able to efficiently serve this group - typically drawing faces within 3 to 5 minutes.

Lastly, interpersonal skills. A Caricaturist will have to manage a crowd of spectators as well as their subjects, being able to seamlessly multitask. They will need to concentrate on the subject, speak with them, answer questions from them and others at the same time, manage their time, and remain polite and engaging throughout the entire process. A professional Caricaturist is experienced in building rapport and usually has a vibrant personality that helps guests feel comfortable and entertained. A professional Caricature Artist can be a contract freelancer or may be hired through an event or entertainment company such as a party rental, clown, or event planning company.

2.) Costs and Services:

It doesn't mater if you hire a freelance Caricaturist or one through an company, be sure to have a contract. A contract or service agreement will paint a clear picture of what service the Caricature Artist will provide, when they will arrive, how long they will stay, the costs of services, and any requirements they need to perform.

Caricaturists are usually hired on an hourly basis, creating several caricatures in a short amount of time. The hourly cost will vary due to a number of factors including time of year, minimum number of hours, etc. When booking be sure to ask about the type of caricatures being provide such as the size of the drawings (or the paper). Size of paper may vary depending on the Artist so ask what size paper they use (example: 11" x 14"). Many Caricaturists providing services for an event will draw Black and White faces which can be created quickly for a large crowd and will save the Client money.

3.) Other Dos and Don'ts:

Do book early. Just like any vendor, a Caricaturist or event company may book up during certain times of the year like the summertime or popular days such as holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays).

Do expect the Caricaturists to bring their own supplies. A professional Caricaturist will bring items including easel, paper, and drawing materials.

Do expect them to arrive early to set-up and to start on time.

Do provide a "Point of Contact" if you will not be available on-site. For example: provide them with the contact person's information for the venue (like the Catering Manager) where the reception will take place.

Do have a location for the Artist to set-up in mind. This may be coordinated through your Event Planner or site Point of Contact.

Do place the Artist in a well lit corner or area of the room.

Don't place the Caricaturist in a dimly lit or a "high-track" area of the room. This will help with the flow of the reception and lessen the chances of accidents.

Do provide the Artist with shade or place them in a shaded location if the event/reception will take place outdoors.

Do expect to provide (or have the venue provide) a least 2 chairs - one for the Artist and one for their subject. Some Caricaturist may provide their own chairs (as well as small tent for outdoor services) but this is usually for an additional fee and must be requested in advance or in their contract.

Don't expect them to continue beyond their booked time. Most Artists are somewhat flexible and may stay past their booked time but they will certainly charge for the additional time. Please discuss "overtime options" with them prior to booking.

Do have fun! Caricatures should be a delightful and creative way to celebrate the special day.

For more information on booking a Caricaturist for your reception or other unique special event ideas please visit www.vividexpressions.com

Art and the Event: Ice Expressions

When I established Vivid Expressions 3 years ago it was designed to be a creative outlet to showcase and incorporate Fine Art in the planning and production of weddings and other social events. Art can be featured in many ways and a wide array of artistic mediums in an event design. As an Artists myself I've worked with a range of tools and materials; paint brushes and canvas, a potters wheel and clay, silk screens, even engraving on zinc plates but there are only a few forms of art that use a chainsaw.

About a year ago I performed caricatures sketches at a "Winter Wonderland" theme Bar Mitzvah. The event was made fun (and a little funky) by transforming the look of the room with the decorative additions of a blue color wash (bathing the walls in bluish light), snowflake projected on the walls and ceiling, flashing LED tableware, and a striking up-lit Polar Bear Ice Sculpture surrounding in a delicate blue light. Our good friends at Ice Art created an awe-inspiring sculpture from ice that was at the center of the punch station. This creation added a breathtaking design element to the room.

For over 20 years Ice Art in Virginia Beach, Virginia has been the area's leading custom ice sculpture company. The company has served (and delivered) ice sculptures to Clients from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and well beyond. I once had the pleasure of briefly watching Steve Latham, the company's master "ice artist", wield a chainsaw with the same effortless skill as most artists have with a pen - a talent that can only come after years of experience (and should not be tried at home).

Just like with any type of art - the creations made by Ice Art and other ice sculpture companies can be far more expressive works of art than the old standard buffet swan you may have thought of in the past. Ice sculptures can be custom designed to enhance the concept you and your event designer have envisioned. Ice sculpture art can take the form of fairytale castles and carriages, contemporary modern art pieces, interactive bars, ocean inspired beach themes, and even ice chandeliers and vases. Each sculpture can be lit from the base in a variety of colors to complement the color scheme of the event and room.

So, eager to incorporate an ice sculpture into your wedding or special event design? Here are "5 things you should know when considering ice sculptures".

The Cost:

In general, the cost of an ice sculptures depend on the size and details of your custom design. Ice sculptures may start from $275.

Delivery:

As for delivery options, most ice sculpture companies will "deliver to the site", "set-up the piece on-site", and "the removal" of the ice sculpture however; you will always want to verify that they will do each of these services. Don't forget to ask about the company's removal policy or service. Some will take care of this for you and in some cases they will leave it to the catering staff. There are some who offer disposable equipment such as disposable trays and the caters or hosts are able to throw the equipment away and leave the sculpture outside to simply melt away.

Placement:

Ice sculptures usually are set-up in clear containers especially designed not to leak and to very discreetly contain the sculpture, ice and/or drainage tubes. Your event planner, event designer, and/or catering professional will work together to layout the best location for your ice sculpture in the room.

Timing:

There's no surprise, ice sculptures are not meant to last forever - eventually, they will melt away. But this isn't an ice cube or a snowball, these pieces are carved from blocks of ice that have gone through a special process making them clearer and better made for sculpting. Typically, these ice sculptures will retain their shape, details, and look their best for approximately 5 to 6 hours however, they will still look great for many hours after that. Will this time vary outdoors? Yes, elements like wind and temperature will play a factor however, your event designer, planner, and/or carter will understand that direct sunlight will do the quickest damage and will know the best placement.

The Design:

Some companies may have a portfolio of work available online to view but it's always best to sit down with the ice sculpture company (and your event planner or event designer) to get a better idea of what they can offer you. Try to come with some idea of your wedding or event concept. Feel free to bring pictures, magazines, or an event designer's sketches but be open to their suggestions, after all, the ice sculpture professionals may have ideas, tips, and options you may not have thought of or even knew existed. Remember, most are delighted to design an ice sculpture around you and your event.

If you're interested in adding custom designed ice sculpture to your event design speak to your event planner or event designer. Also, if in the Hampton Roads area feel free to contact us or I'd recommend contacting Andrea Latham, Vice President at Ice Art. She has worked with hundreds of Hampton Roads Brides for years as a certified professional and will certainly take care of you. Be sure to let her know we at Vivid Expressions LLC referred you.

Possible Summer Wedding Trend: Chic alterative to the Flip-flop

After a long, blustery winter gives way to the fresh, warm glow of spring, an outdoor wedding can sound so sublime. At this very moment thousands of "Brides-to-be" are sitting with their chin cupped in the palm of their hand, gazing out into space and imagining the once calm, cold ground bathing in golden spring (or summer) sunshine. Their wedding guests greeted by a gentle, crisp breeze as their ceremony or even reception plays out on a brisk outdoor scene.

No matter if it's a windswept sandy beach wedding or a glorious garden wedding, for years whimsical Brides have taken full advantage of these seasonally warm environments by stepping across sand (or sometimes a grassy lawn) in Flip-flops. Many choose unique or even add a personalized touch to the footwear by adorning them with embellishments like rhinestones, tying "sixpences" or other one of a kind touches. But the traditional Bridal Flip-flop may have some competition. For the last several months Gladiator Sandals have been the go to shoe for trendy fashionistas.

The fun footwear has appeared in runways, TV and magazines in a wide range of cuts, styles, colors, and even materials which gives the item great versatility. A pair of Gladiator sandals in off-white, white or even a delicate metallic color could create the perfect accessory. Just select one of the many styles that will work with your look - casual, sexy, dressy, unique, etc. More contemporary Brides who are toying with the idea of exchanging vows on the beach or other natural settings where the typical skinny heels dare not tread may want to consider the fun, fashionable and fabulous Gladiator Sandal for that stroll down the aisle.

Events and the Economy: 5 Tips for a lavish wedding you can afford

The merging of two lives, the warmth of family and friends, the touching ceremony and the joyous reception - all elements of a truly special experience every bridal couple should share. Every Bride (and Groom) deserves a fantastic wedding day. During the planning process some couples may begin to define the specific details that create the vision of their celebration. Some long for a modest affair while others imagine an over-the-top extravaganza.

No matter if it's sweet and simple or a spectacularly stunning wedding, with the current state of the economy many couples are asking themselves if it's possible to have the wedding they've dreamed of. This can be a particular challenge for couples who envision elegant crystal glasses and fine sparkling champagne but find themselves suddenly working with a bargain basement beer (out of the can) budget. Take heart, you can still have the luxurious style of a breathtaking wedding within your budget if you plan properly. The following are 5 Tips to help you plan the lavish wedding you've dreamed of on a budget you didn't imagine.

1.) Time is on your side. One of my favorite movie lines is from the movie "When Harry met Sally" when Bill Crystal's character Harry (after finally realizing how much he loves Meg Ryan's character Sally) says "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible". Setting the wedding date is one of the first key steps to the wedding planning process. Understandably, most couples want to schedule the wedding as soon as possible but once they begin to examine the true costs associated with a wedding the date slowly transforms into a "deadline" as the money starts to run out. The result - dreams of an elaborate wedding suddenly shrink and the couple scales back. Brides and Grooms typically begin planning their wedding anywhere from 6 months to a year in advance. If you don't have a great deal of money set aside for the wedding budget consider pushing the wedding date out to at least 12 to 16 months but start the planning process now. This will give you a few advantages such as having more time to save up money, more time to do your research, more time to ask family and friends for help, and more time to truly shop around for the best services for your wedding.

2.) Does size matter? When it comes to a wedding budget... yes, size does matter - particularly the number of guests. Most Brides and Grooms start with a general number of wedding guests in mind but as they begin to list friends and family members, then co-workers, association members, friends from church, friends of the family, and friends of friends - the list can quickly grow out of control. Although up to 20% of invited guests will not be able to attend, those other additional guests will directly effect the amount of money you'll spend on stationery ("Save the date" Cards, Invitations, Response Cards, Wedding Programs, etc.), postage stamps, table-settings, linens, favors, or even the wedding cake (which is usually priced by the serving slice).

The costs of these details can add up very quickly. A bridal couple can have a lavish, high-end wedding on a smaller budget by simply having a smaller guest list. Smaller weddings are rapidly becoming extremely popular. Even mega-star music couple Beyonce and Jay-Z planned an opulent wedding reception for just 40 guests. Consider changing your large (over 200 guests) or medium-sized wedding (about 100-200 guests) into a small wedding (less than 100 guests). Cutting the guest list back by even 50 guests can eliminate hundreds of dollars and allow you to have a better menu, add more stunning decorations, entertainment and lots of other unique accents to your wedding.

Cutting back on the guest list sounds easy - how hard can it be to say "No"? Unfortunately saying "no" or cutting back on the guest list can be difficult, after all, no one wants to take a chance at hurting someone's feelings. The fact is, you'll be surprised at how understanding people are these days, especially in this economy. Just be honest, simply let them know you would love to share this time with them but you're concerned about the costs of the wedding. Those who truly care about you will understand. If you are really uncomfortable or you're having a hard time telling people "no" consider enlisting the help of friends, family and your Wedding Planner to firmly but courteously do the job.

3.) Have a Plan ... a Payment Plan. Now that you've established a wedding date and estimated the number of invited guests you can better define your budget. Many Brides and Groom have a good idea of what they'd like to spend on their wedding but have no idea how much an actual wedding costs. Once a couple begins to do the research regarding the kind of wedding they'd like to have they begin to see that there are indeed different types of weddings and costs involved. For example: the average US wedding in 2008 cost approximately $29,000.

This number can sound overwhelming at first for most Brides and Grooms. The truth is, it's rare to find a couple with that much money set aside specifically for their wedding but keep in mind this money is not needed up front in one lump sum. The costs in a wedding will be divided among dozens of vendors services, products and/or fees including site rental, catering, entertainment, flowers, attire, beauty services, jewelry (including wedding bands), and so much more. The good news is that usually none of these items are paid for all at once. Most of these services and items may be reserved with a small deposit and the remaining balance may be paid off a month to two before the wedding. Some service providers, like caters, will even give you until a couple of weeks before the wedding to pay off the balance - giving you enough time to compile a final head-count based on your RSVP replies. Create a payment schedule based on the required deposit for each vendor, the final balance due dates, and total balance due for each of the expenses. Try to stagger your payments for each vendor throughout the month or every other month. If you are not working with a Wedding Planner be sure to use some type of tracking system to keep up with all of the payments, adjusting balances and filing receipts. Once the payment schedule is established, planning a wedding within your budget should be much more manageable.

4.) Quality vs. Quantity How do most people describe the typical wedding? The answer - A marriage ceremony that usually takes place on a late Saturday afternoon followed by a huge evening reception featuring an elegant dinner with tons of guests. But this is just one profile of a wedding, weddings can take so many other forms. If your budget is a concern, you may want to focus on the quality of the wedding and think outside the box to take an unconventional approach.

Create a high-quality, lavish experience for you and all of your guests by taking advantage of a less popular day and/or time of the week. Saturday evenings for hotels and other wedding venues are the most popular time for such events and book very quickly (sometimes even a year in advance). Consider booking on Friday evening, Saturday morning, or even on a Sunday. Remember, hotels and wedding venues have a goal of booking as much as possible and to generate revenue for their spaces so they often offer their facility (and/or catering options) at a good deal for less popular event days and times.

When it comes to dinning options most venues who provide catering services will offer wedding packages. The cost of Buffet dinners are usually less expensive than Plated dinners. Also consider a Cocktail reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres or a few Food Stations instead of a Buffet or Plated dinner as a food service option.

The Food Stations trend has recently become more popular and if a couple selects a few signature items that work with their wedding theme they can add another unique element to the dinning experience. Stations such as a Banana's Foster Station (if the venue will allow the open flames) and Dessert Station, Seafood Station and Raw Bar, Wine Tasting Station with a Sommelier, Omolete Stations (for bunch wedding receptions), Sushi Station (for an Asian theme), Cottoncandy Station, Ice Cream "mix-in" Station, and others placed at different locations throughout the room allow to crowd to be entertained, interactive, mingle, and adding a great energy to the reception.

5.) Money well spent I once attended a wedding as a guest where the Bride did not hire a Professional Planner and really didn't take the time to properly research her vendors. I wont go into details like how the ceremony ran late, the bridal party came in the wrong way because no one was their to direct them, vendor's who didn't show up, or a DJ that had no idea how to facilitate a wedding reception however, there's something else I'd like to share. I remember leaving the reception and as I grabbed my purse I looked around the room to notice clutter on just about every table. The tables were covered with dozens and dozens of favors and plates filled with barely eaten wedding cake. Why? The Bride found and ordered her cake from a baker who promised an inexpensive cake ... and it was. It was also practically inedible. I'm sure, at the time, it seamed like a good deal but the cake was so dry and grainy I could hardly swallow it. I, like most guests there, simply put my folk down and covered it with my napkin.

The favors were cheap, plastic items that she (and her Bridesmaids) probably spent hours assembling. They were so cliche and generic that they would surely end up in the trash or "junk drawer" if I were to take it home so I, again like most guests, just left them on the table. All I could think to myself was, what a waist. For just a little more than what she probably sent on those plastic favors she could have hired a Caricaturist to sketch pictures of guests to take home or had a Candy station with personalized boxes for guests could fill to take - believe me, those items won't be left behind. In fact, the Bride could have used the little money she saved on that dreadful cake and tacky favors towards hiring a Professional Planner - thereby receiving a gorgeous and delicious cake, favors that would have been a cherished memento of their special day, and saving her (and those poor Bridesmaids) hundreds of hours of their time as well as saving hundreds of dollars to create a fabulous wedding. A Professional Planner would have gotten a great deal on the same items (with a far better quality) that she cut corners on and so much more.

If you don't want to hire a Professional Planner be sure to make the time to do your research (including reviewing portfolios, letters of recommendation, going to face-to-face interviews, conducting follow-up meetings, and requesting sample tastings). Remember, the average wedding can take a minimum of 200 hours of work in addition to the "day of" work, set-up, break-down, and follow-up time or returns next business day. Also, choose items that compliment your wedding, that people will really enjoy (not ones that are just cheap). No one will take them home and they'll end up being a waist of money that could have been better spent elsewhere. Lastly, be prepared to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Professional Planners usually have established relationships with vendors and are able to negotiate for the products or services you want for the best price to meet your budget so be prepared to do this work yourself.

In a time when every penny counts be sure you follow these tips to get the wedding experience you truly want and deserve. For more tips, ideas, and other help creating your wedding visit us at http://www.vividexpressions.com/