While you may have dreamed as a girl, of arriving in a horse drawn carriage (okay, that's a bit extravagant- so, a white stretch limo), butterflies or doves released at your reception, a groom's cake, or fancy little favors for your guests to carry home, now that your wedding day is here, it's time to get real about where to spend your money.
Begin by understanding clearly what's truly important about your day. You are affirming your commitment to each other and celebrating the start of your new life together (hopefully, you will only do this once in your life), and have invited those you most care about to join you in the affirmation and celebration.
Secondly, spend time together setting an intention for your celebration. I highly recommend that brides and grooms- to- be work on this together. It may be the first major project you'll work on as a team, and will create a bonding, and no doubt, educational experience for you. As a practical matter, it'll also better prepare you to deal with your various wedding vendors, saving time, possibly money, and wear and tear on everyone involved, if you are on clearly the same page from the beginning.
Here are some questions to consider as starting point. Are you casual people, or more formal? Do you want an elegant reception or a "get down and boogie" party? Are you inviting only family and friends, or are you extending it to business associates, and/or clients? Will their be guests of all ages, or mostly younger or older people? The answers to these question will help you define what your venue and catering needs are. They will also act as a guiding star, if you feel yourself getting pulled off course -and off budget- by vendors or family members.
Finally, realize that your family and friends are coming to celebrate with you. Some of them may have spent a considerable amount of time and money coming to share your day with you. Consider that while they are giving you gifts, your reception is a gift of thanks to them, as well. So while it's your day, it's only right to take into account what's important to them. Would they prefer those fancy little favors, or an open bar? Watching you pull up in a carriage or limousine, or great food? Keep this in mind when going down the list of priorities and deciding how to spend your money. In this light, maybe the doves, butterflies, fancy carriages or limousines become less important.
Gisele Perez opened small pleasures catering in Los Angeles after working in some of the finest hotels, restaurants and catering companies in New York, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. For more tips and insights into the catering life visit her at:
http://giseleperez.typepad.com/smallpleasurescatering
She is also the author of the new E-book "Help! I Need a Caterer- the Ultimate Guide to Hiring the Perfect Caterer to Create a Fabulous Wedding Reception- or any Other Special Party" available for purchase at http://www.helpineedacaterer.com
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