Hide and Seek?

Don't forget these hidden costs when planning for your big event!
No one likes to incur additional, and unexpected, fees.
Especially if you have a budget you would like to stick to!

1.  Postage!!  Many couples do not think about the cost of stamps.  Some invitations, depending on the weight and shape, could cost up to $2.00 to mail.  If you are sending out 125 envelopes that adds up to an additional cost of $250.  Keep this in mind when selecting your invitations, as well as adding to your guest list.

2.  Overtime Fees!!  Nobody wants to incur additional fees if it can be helped! This is where planning comes in! Work out how long you will need vendors such as the D.J, photographer, and videographer ahead of time.  In addition, prior to booking your venue, found out their policy on overtime.

3.  Delivery and Set-up Fees!!  Dreaming of that off-site Outdoor Wedding? Vendors that deliver dance floors, arches, tables, chairs and even flowers, may charge a delivery and set-up fee.  Fees vary depending on amount of items being delivered, how far away they have to travel, and even the weather!

4. Vendor Meals!!  Yes! You you will need to order some vendor meals.  Vendors such as your photographer, videographer, d.j. etc. will be assisting you with your wedding for sometimes more than 6 hours.  They need to eat, and unless you are okay with them leaving to get dinner during your reception, include them in the final meal count.

5.  Gratuity!!   Saying thank you with a monetary tip is always appreciated by vendors. You can't ignore the fact that some vendors just exceed all expectations and will blow you away. Some vendors such as, caterers and transportation almost always include tipping in their contracts. Gratuities are a kind and generous gesture of appreciation to thank the people who go the extra mile to make your wedding day perfect.

The Tipping Point

Some of the most popular questions we get asked are regarding tipping vendors. Let's be clear.  Unless gratuity is included in your contract, you are not obligated to tip anyone. Catering and Transportation vendors almost always include tipping in their contracts. Saying thank you with a monetary tip is not always expected but is always appreciated by vendors. In addition, you can't ignore the fact that some vendors just exceed all expectations and will blow you away.

Hair Stylist and Make-up Artist

standard- 15%-20%

courtesy- expected

when- at the end of services

Delivery and Set-up Staff

standard- $5-$10 pp

courtesy-expected

when- at time of deliveries

Photographer and Videographer

standard- $30-$75 pp

courtesy- optional

when- at the end of reception

Reception Staff

standard- 15%-20% of total F&B fee

courtesy- expected

when- at the end of the reception

Ceremony Musicians

standard- $15-$20 pp

courtesy- optional

when- at the end of the ceremony

Planner

standard- optional

15% of total service fee

when- at the end of the reception

Reception Band or D.J

standard- musician $25-$50 pp,   d.j. $50-$150

courtesy- optional, yet preferred

when- at the end of reception 

If you have a Wedding Planner, one or their responsibilities will be to pass out previously prepared individual envelopes, including a thank you note, to each vendor.  If you do not have a planner, the responsibility will then lie with the Best Man, a Father of the Bride etc.  Remember, gratuities are a kind and generous gesture of appreciation to thank the people who go the extra mile to make your wedding day perfect, but it is ultimately the decision of the couple to decide who they will tip and why.

Love & Celebrations!
LLE

Reasons... (Earth, Wind & Fire Voices)

Wedding planners are not just for celebrity brides! Every bride should have the opportunity to have an organized and well-planned wedding.  Life is too short, and a wedding is way to special to leave to chance! 
That's where we come in.

Here are 10 reasons why every bride should have a wedding planner:

#1~ I want a stress-free day!

#2~ My partner and I both work full-time.

#3~ I don't want to spend time researching vendors.

#4~ I want a voice to represent me with my best interest in mind!

#5~ I need inspiration to pull together my theme.

#6~ I am planning a destination wedding.

#7~ I need help sticking to my budget!

#8~ Everyone has an opinion, but I need someone with a clear view.

#9~ I don't want to worry about covering all, or forgetting about, all the details.

#10~ I want a stylist, a diplomat, a director, a weather girl, an agent, an accountant, an educator and a friend to guide me along the way!

Call Liz & Lex Events for your consultation today. 954.899.0032