Tip of the Day #30: Hotel block

Tip of the Day

As soon as you have picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any unbooked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no -- you don't want to be responsible for rooms you can't fill.

Tip of the Day #29: Kids vs. Adult Only Affair

Tip of the Day

You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an "adults only" wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room, or in a family member's home. To prevent hurt feelings, it's wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

Tip of the Day #28: Be ready when RSVPs come in!

Tip of the Day

Know that as a rule, about 30 percent of the people you invite won't attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday or summer plans). On the other hand, everyone could accept -- knowing your wedding will be the can't-miss party of the year!

Tip of the Day #27: Last minute planning!

Tip of the Day

Sometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding sites at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

Tip of the Day #26: Make sure to ask questions!

Tip of the Day

Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want -- maybe it's serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can't make work given your wedding budget.

Review from Bride & Groom

She was AMAZING!!! Best investment/money spent on the entire wedding! She took 100% of the pressure off of the groom and I. She totally took charge and made things happen. She was so nice and helpful with everything. Her team took care of everything for us and our guests. They were so on top of everything. I never thought I would have spent money on a planner and at the last minute we added it to our budget. I am so thankful we did as I was not stressed at all. SO WORTH IT! Best part of all she totally managed my difficult MOTB! It was the best!

~Nicole & Derek, The Olson Mansion, June 22, 2013

Tip of the Day #25: Vendor Meals

Tip of the Day

Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.
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Tip of the Day #24: Guest count vs. venue selection

Tip of the Day

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it's not if you count the space you'll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band, and the dance floor.

Tip of the Day #23: Contracts

Tip of the Day

Courtesy of theknot.com: When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.

Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Tip of the day #22: Wedding Planning Date Night

Tip of the Day

Courtesy of theknot.com: Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

Tip of the Day #21: Floral preview

Tip of the Day

To ensure that you are getting the flowers you want for you wedding, ask your florist to do a mock-up of your bridal bouquet and centerpiece.

Tip of the Day #20: Bridesmaid dresses

Tip of the Day

Consider your bridesmaid’s budgets and body types when picking out their dresses. 

Tip of the Day #19: To-Do Lists

Tip of the Day

Prioritize and create to-do list. The sooner you can get done with small things, the better, because the big day only gets closer! 

Tip of the Day #18:Out of town guests

Tip of the Day

If a lot of your guests are traveling far and wide to attend your wedding why not make it a weekend rather than a day! Give your guest a full weekend of activities to really enjoy themselves and give you enough time to spend with them. 

Tip of the Day #17: Take a day or two before leaving for Honeymoon

Tip of the Day

Take a day or two to decompress after the wedding before your honeymoon to just enjoy each other and get used to being husband and wife!

Tip of the Day #16: Give the groom a job!

Tip of the Day

Don’t forget about the groom, delegate some planning to him as well or better yet do it together!

Tip of the Day #15 DIY can be fun, make a party out of it!

Tip of the Day

Recruit your crafty and creative friends to help with DIY projects, and make it fun! 

Tip of the Day #14: Thank you notes!

Tip of the Day

When writing thank you notes, make sure you personalize them by referring to the item they gave you. Also, start writing thank you's the moment you receive the gift. It lets the recipient know that you received it. 

Tip of the Day #13: Final Dress Fitting

Tip of the Day

Schedule your final dress fitting for at least a week before your wedding day, that way there is time for any last minute alterations. Make sure to bring your wedding shoes, jewelry and undergarments.

Tip of the Day #12:Snacks for wedding day!

Tip of the Day

Make sure the wedding party and the bride and groom have some healthy snacks and water while getting ready. 

Tip of the Day #11: Black & White Photographs

Tip of the Day

Black and white wedding photos are forever timeless, and display beautifully throughout the newlywed home, so ask your photographer to print out a handful of your favorite shots in black and white.