Page 22 - DWU Week One Resource Guide Nov 2017

P. 22

TIPS TO BETTER PLANNING

Bar Service A Hosted Bar is typically a per person charge for a dedicated amount of time
paid for by the host to include either a full bar selection or beer and wine only
selection. This is the most popular of choices amongst couples today. A cash
bar is when guests will pay for their own drinks. Based on consumption is
hosted by the couple and you only pay for the drinks that are poured – this
option is great if you know you do not have a drinking crowd, it can also give
you a shocking bar bill at the end of the evening if you do have a drinking
crowd. This is the most difficult service to budget. You can be very creative
with the bar, speak to your venue representative to further discuss options.

Floral Designer This is not something you and your bridesmaids want to be doing the night
before your wedding. Hire someone and don’t be surprised that flowers cost
money; most couples do not budget enough for flowers. Yes, they die – but
they are a BIG part of your wedding décor, they will be timeless in photos and
captured forever.

Food & Beverage This is the BIGGEST portion of your budget

Food & Beverage This is the dollar amount that you must spend on food and beverage before
Minimums taxes, fees and gratuities are added. It doesn’t matter how you spend the
minimum amount whether it’s all food or all drinks as long as the dollar amount
is met as the subtotal. All areas of a venue are not created equal they will
have different minimums depending on location, time of year and day of week.
Keep in mind Saturday evenings are the MOST expensive days to host a
wedding.

Guest List & Wedding The higher the number the bigger the budget you will need. Keep guest list and
Party bridal party to a minimum if possible. Large families may require a more
creative approach to keep within budget.

Hire a Day of After all of your HARD work, take out what we call an “insurance policy” to
Coordinator make sure everything you planned is taken care of and implemented the way
you intended. A good one is worth their weight in GOLD!

Music | DJ An iPod is NOT a substitute for a DJ – your DJ is your emcee for the evening.
They are directing your guests & you all night long, they are your voice
throughout the evening - hire one!
Photos Your photographer /planner will ultimately guide you - your job is to determine
your “must have” family photos either prior to ceremony (if you are doing a 1st
look) or immediately after ceremony. Be clear and let those family members
who will be involved in photos know where and when they are supposed to
be available and ready. Time is wasted when you are looking for one relative
who is wandering off to cocktail hour not knowing they were supposed to be
in photos.

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