Tov Maod Events

When budgeting for a wedding, it’s easy to remember the large categories, such as the venue,catering, flowers, cake, and of course, the dress. However, there are certain things that often get overlooked and which can add up to a hefty sum if not planned for properly. Here are some of the most common added expenses that you should be aware of in order to avoid any unwelcome surprises at the end of the night.

Tips: Before you sign any of your vendor contracts, make sure that they specify whether or not gratuity is included. Vendors who own their own businesses do not expect tips, as they have already included everything in their initial negotiations with you. However when it comes to the reception venue, you should ask the site manager about the policies for tipping the wait staff, bar tenders, and parking valets. Many catering companies already include tips which they divide up between the workers.

If tips are not included, expect to pay between 15 to 20% of the total catering bill. Those who deliver the flowers and the cake should also be tipped between five and ten dollars. It is not necessary to tip your officiant, but if he or any other vendor has done an extraordinary job, you can send a note of appreciation and gift certificate later on. Don’t forget to include tips for coat checkers and powder room attendants as well.

Parking: Your guests should not be responsible for any parking costs. Ask the reception site what the parking costs are and budget in the adequate amount for validations, as well as tips for the valets.

Corkage Fee: Because alcohol is very lucrative for venues, most places will try to deter you from bringing in your own wine by charging a high corkage fee. If you are planning to buy alcohol from outside, prepare to pay an additional ten to 25 dollars for each bottle that’s opened.

Cake-Cutting Fee: Usually reception sites will not charge a cake-cutting fee if you order directly from their cake vendor. However, if you are bringing in a cake made by your own baker, the cutting fee can add up to about a dollar per slice.

Overtime Fees:Your vendors will most likely charge you a fee if they have to work more hours than you initially agreed on. Ask your reception site what the rules are if you go over your allotted time and make sure any overtime costs are clearly spelled out in all of your vendor contracts.

How do we begin creating a budget?

Most of us already have an idea of what we can afford to spend. Not all of us are realistic about all the details. We have lists of dreamy things we want to include and then get a big shock when we tally up the bills. Having a good estimate of where the money goes gives you a starting point for the choices you need to make.

• RECEPTION – 53% of the budget money
• ATTIRE and ACCESSORIES – 10%
• PHOTOGRAPHY – 9%
• ENTERTAINMENT – 7%
• FLORAL and DECORATIONS – 7%
• MISCELLANEOUS – 6%
• RING(S)/KETUBAH –5%
• TRANSPORTATION – 2%
• GIFTS – 2%
• OFFICIANT/DONATION – 2%

WAIT!!!!! That’s more than 100%!!!! Yes, indeed it is. And that is not the whole list of expenditures. A Consultant/Coordinator can keep you in reality, offer cost saving ideas, get the desired effects AND save you money even including her fees!

Starting your married life in tremendous debt is not the ideal way to happiness. There will be plenty of other good things to invest your money in.

A note about parents who pay the wedding expenses: If they are wealthy and want to spend without limit, wonderful! But remember that your parents didn’t stay wealthy by splurging on frivolities. And if they are not with “deep pockets”, you don’t want to bankrupt them.

Even if you have an extremely small and tight budget, “You can still do something unique and unusual and it (still) winds up being less expensive” – David Tutera, event planner, New York City

TOV MAOD EVENTS can plan and produce a beautifully memorable wedding no matter what the circumstances.

Check out other categories on this blog for  helpful ideas!

I mentioned in an earlier post about a wedding I coordinated with only 2 weeks notice. Brides,don’t panic! It was hard work but we did it and beautiful it was.

Our Bride and Groom were introduced through a matchmaker and it was love at first site! Both of these two had already been married once. They knew what they were looking for in a soul mate. So after a month of dates, they decided they were “beshert” and didn’t feel they needed a long engagement. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE, was given 2 weeks heads-up and the Bride asked me to coordinate the whole thing. Did I mention it was only 2 weeks? Their total budget was less than $2,000.

What could you do for that? We made a lot of phone calls. The venue was donated except for a small clean-up fee. The dj loved their romantic story and gave them a big break, the professional photographer was a neighbor and gave them the deal of a lifetime. The Bride got her dress on loan and it was absolutely gorgeous! I did her bouquet, table decorations and a lovely arch with lights and organza, so they only needed to cover some of the actual expenses. The caterer was amazing, not only was the food top-notch, but he provided all the linens, real (not plastic) dinnerware, wine glasses, plus it was a sit-down served dinner. This was their biggest expense yet still quite reasonable. Kudos to Jerry and his new catering business: “Menucha v’Simcha” (rested and joyful).

The Kallah (bride) had all her friends and attendees decorate the Chuppa (wedding canopy) with blessings and well wishes written on it. It was all assembled the morning of the Chassana (wedding).

From beginning to end the entire event was an amazing love story. May they live happily ever after!

Here’s to you,Mr. and Mrs. S & T G.

The pleasure was all ours!

Miryam