Saturday, July 19, 2008

Which Vendor Do You Tip?

This is one of the questions brides often ask. For this party (your wedding celebration) there are many people involved in providing service to you and your guests. You may not have much experience in working with some of them, but feel fairly comfortable in dealing with others. BRIDES' magazine offers the following guidelines - understanding that local customs may trump these suggestions. But it is important to consider these expenses when putting together your budget.

Usual Tips:

Caterer or club manager or hotel banquet manager - 15% of total food and beverage bill UNLESS it is already in your contract.

Reception wait staff. Plan on 15% of the total food bill, given tot he catering manager or maitre d' to distribute UNLESS it is already included in the contract.

Reception musicians or DJ's - $25 - $50 each suggested.

Limo Driver - 15% of total bill UNLESS it is built in the contract.

Powder Room and Coat Check attendants - 50 cents to $2 per guest. Be sure to place a sign where guests can see it clearly - "Gratuities have been arranged by the host".

Valet Parking Attendants - $1 - $2 per car parked. Be sure to have a sign clearly visible for guests alerting them that the gratuity has be taken care of.

Hair and/or Makeup artist - 15% of the total bill.

Wedding Planner - 10% - 15% of the fee.

The above vendors are the ones whom provide services for you - the ones listed below are the ones you buy actual product from. Custom say that you don't have to tip the following; however, you may wish to tip or give a gift; Florist, Photographer, Videographer, Baker, Stationer. Remember fees for the following - The officiant, organist, soloist, altar boys.

Happy Planning
Kim

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

And the Weddings Continue with Carmen and Paul





Carmen and Paul are two of the sweetest people. I absoultely loved working with both of them.
This wedding was one very anticipated wedding in the Springfield area and guests were not disappointed. Carmen and Paul were a bride and groom that did not leave us the day they got married, they continue to be our friends. As Carmen said to my husband and I as she started her walk down the aisle "I love you guys", this is one of best gifts a wedding coordinator could ever receive.

Tis' the Season of Weddings





Just wanted to share some photos from some of our recent weddings. First of all my son was married on April 12, 2008. Being a proud mom I wanted everyone to see how good looking he is, his beautiful wife - and yes - my beautiful granddaughter - and her not so beautiful moment.