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Tuesday Tip: First thing First -- Creating A Wedding Budget

Most brides dredge at the thought but it is one of the single most important aspects of a wedding – the BUDGET! Creating a budget to follow is the first step in the wedding planning process.

Typically the wedding expenses will break down as follows:

Ceremony & Reception	40%
Attire & Beauty	10%
Photography	9%
Flowers	6%
Videography	5%
Music	5%
Parties	4%
Stationery	4%
Miscellaneous	4%
Decorations	3%
Rental Equipment	3%
Gifts	3%
Bakery	2%
Transportation	2%

(Click on image to enlarge)

This will vary from couple to couple according to what they deem most important to them and their wedding day.

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind while constructing a wedding budget:

· Decide on the total wedding budget. What is the MAXIMUM amount of money you would spend on bringing all of your visions alive on this day?

· Guest: The total cost of your wedding is determined by the number of guest you invite.

· Determine who will be responsible for paying! It is common for family to “gift” a certain service as a wedding gift to the bride and groom. This can be factored up-front if it is known to the bride and groom. (For example, A sister may want to pay for the floral design aspect of the wedding as a GIFT to the bride and groom)

I sincerely suggest if you’re in the process of planning your wedding and have not yet created a budget that you STOP immediately and begin. This will definitely save you money in the long run!

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Tuesday Tips: Bridal Hair Trends 2011, Part One of 2011 Bridal Beauty Blog Post

Today is officially the start of Summer, the most popular season for weddings. Since Summer is the season of wedding belles we are going to post on this weeks blogs the 2011 Bridal Beauty trends of hair and make-up. Along with all the other many elements of your memorable nuptial day, the styling of your hair for your bridal pictures and your actual wedding day is a top priority and so the question comes to mind, how do I style my hair. We have composed a few pictures of the 2011 latest bridal hair trends to give you a great start in finding the perfect bridal hairstyle. In addition we suggest having a few consultations with several salons to get a good idea of the look you want and the services available. Here's to looking beautiful:

2011 Hair Trends

• Updo's are making major waves in the 2011 bridal hair trends. Chignons have been the most popular. The updo is a classic elegant timeless style that makes any bride Grace Kelly Beautiful
• We've seen several gorgeous versions of hair hanging down with a section of the hair pulled back and up in the middle. This particular style gives the look and feel of beautiful flowing hair while still highlighting the brides face. We see this gaining more and more popularity and continuing in the Fall.
• Bridal hair accessories were seen all over the wedding runways this season. Flowers, headbands and birdcage hair pieces are all the rage. Pretty bridal hair accessories add depth and sophisticated embellishment to your look without being over-the -top or too dramatic .

Specially Yours,
The Special Invite

Tuesday Tip -- Short & Sweet: Altar Your Thinking

“Refreshing” and “different” weddings are always a great idea. Look no further if you're searching for an elegant yet fun venue to host your wedding events. An art gallery is an eclectic place that is out of the ordinary and appropriate for gatherings both small and large.

(Barbara Davis Gallery)

Little décor is needed due to the fabulous pieces of artwork that is already on display. Couples who host their engagement party or wedding at an art gallery will definitely give their guest things to talk about for weeks to come. So consider thinking outside of the box when choosing your wedding venue.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Tuesday Tip -- The Light is Right: Lighting as Event Decor

Every event needs great lighting. Lighting is a crucial element in event decor. The right lighting can take an ordinary event to extraordinary and the wrong lighting can take a beautiful event to mediocre. Lighting is also a relatively inexpensive use of event decor. Since we know that lighting can make or break an event, we decided to share a few tips on lighting as event decor with you so that your next event is brilliantly, and beautifully lit.

Tips For Great Event Lighting:

• Turn down the ambient lighting in your event space by 30% of it's normal luminosity. The dim lighting of the main lights allows a pallet for a lighting designer and it has a greater impact on the areas you want highlighted. The darker room also brings out the intensity in the colors in your event space.
• LED lights are currently the preferred event lighting because they are energy efficient, affordable and very versatile.
• Consult with a lighting professional. Lighting professionals can help assist in choosing the right types of lights that fit your event theme. Lighting planners will also help in spacing and placement of the lights and have insight on the cost of lighting for your event.
• Get creative with your choice of lights. There are many light options such as pin spotlights for table center pieces, tree lighting if it's an outdoor event, LED light cubes, wall and floor lighting.
  

Once again, remember lights have a huge impact on your event and can make all the difference in creating a wonderful event. We hope these tips help you as you select the right lighting decor for your event.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning