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

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.

Two Cuties!!

Cory and Katie - DJ's with B# Entertainment, having fun at the Merrick Wedding Reception. Cory is my son who just got married.

Something New

Okay, I've been lacking in keeping up with my blogging. It has been sooo busy. Most of you know I'm teaching a class at OTC for Professional Wedding Planning, my son just got married, I just bought a new house and the list goes on.

I have some new photos I'm excited to put up for everyone to see. I am so forunate to be able to work with some of the coolest couples. Megan and Nate went to Mexico to have their beach wedding and do a "Trash the Dress" session with Dawn Shields Photography. Megan and Nate did an awesome job as well as Dawn Shields. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Planning

Kim

Kristina & Nick

I wanted to show you this cool photo of the monogramed floor. It's just another detail that adds a jaw dropping effect.

Happy Planning

Kim

Megan & Nate December 15, 2008

What a beautiful way to put a new twist on a look from the past!! Megan was one beautiful bride who had a little bit of "Hip" and "Funky" to her. Megan and Nate were married December 15, 2007 at Stonegate Class Chapel towards Branson. The ceremony took place a 7:00 pm and the woods were snowy and quiet - The scense could not have been more perfect if we had set it ourselves. This was one time mother nature did a "great job".

Megan and Nate went to Mexico the first part of February to continue their wedding journey with a beach wedding and a "Trash the Dress" photo shoot. Check back in a day or two to get some photos of that or you can check it out on Dawn Shields blog.

I absoultely loved working with these two. We started the planning process about a year ago and had a wonderful wedding planned and then some things changed and we planned a wedding for December 15 in about two weeks. BUT - it was beautiful!!

Enjoy,

Kim