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Wedding Tipping Cheat Sheet

28 Jan

Wedding Tipping CheatsheetAfter all of your careful planning for your big wedding day, once you actually get to the day of you’ll have a well synchronized dance of vendors and helpers doing their job to make your idaho wedding day absolutely perfect. But remember brides, some of those vendors will be expecting a tip. Follow our checklist for a simple guide of who and how much, and put a helper or two in charge of getting the money and thank you’s where it needs to go.

As a general rule, tip only employees not business owners (though owners can be tipped for exceptional service). Thank you notes are always appreciated by any vendor – add them to your list

Here’s our Wedding Tipping Cheat Sheet: 
  • Wedding Planner – tip optional
    Recommended: up to $500 or a nice gift
    When: From the bride at the end of the reception or in a thank you note with photos after the honeymoon
  • Wedding Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist – tip expected
    Recommended: between 15 and 25 percent
    When: At the end of your service
  • Wedding Delivery & Set-Up Staff – expected
    Recommended: $5 – $10 per person
    When:  Prepare cash envelopes and deliver to catering manager the day before the wedding so the person accepting deliveries can hand over tips
  • Wedding Ceremony Officiant - expected
    Recommended: $500 donation to church or $50 – $100 for nondenominational officiant
    When:  Have the best man pass cash at rehearsal dinner or just before the ceremony
  • Wedding Ceremony Musicians - optional
    Recommended: $15 – $20 per musician
    When:  At the end of the ceremony
  • Wedding Photographer/Videographer - not necessary unless photographer isn’t owner
    Recommended: $50 – $200 per photographer
    When:  At the end of the reception
  • Wedding Reception Staff - expected
    Recommended: 15 – 20 percent of food and drink fee (labor only) or $200 – $300 for maitre d’
    When:  Typically before reception or have father of bride or best man hand off at the end of the reception
  • Wedding Reception Attendants - optional
    Recommended: $20 – $25 per bartender or waiter, $1 per guest for coat & parking attendants, $1 per car
    When:  Traditionally at end of event, but can be passed out during the week beforehand to ensure better service
  • Wedding Reception Band or DJ - optional
    Recommended: $20 – $25 per musician, $50 – $150 for DJ
    When:  Have the best man hand off at the end of the reception
  • Wedding Transportation - expected
    Recommended: 15 – 20 percent of total bill
    When:  Have best man or bus captain (if using guest shuttles) deliver at end of the night or after last ride
 
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Posted in Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

More Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

10 Dec

The Wedding Channel.com recently posted a list of what they consider to be the top twenty biggest wedding planning mistakes. Following are 10 of the problems they identified, in no particular order, with our added comments based on many years of experience planning hundreds of events.

11. Waiting till after the wedding to pack for the honeymoon. If you are leaving for your honeymoon the day after the wedding, pack two or three days before the wedding. If you rush around at the last minute, you will forget something, and you sure don’t want to be doing laundry on your wedding day.

12. Planning to be your own wedding coordinator. On the wedding day you will be so focused on being where you need to be (hair appointment, photos, ceremony, reception) that you won’t have time to find out if the cake was delivered, the DJ has arrived and is set up, the centerpieces are set out, candles are lighted, and all the myriad details a wedding coordinator will handle. Don’t expect your mom to act as the coordinator. She will be busy too and she will want to enjoy spending time with the guests. Hiring a day-of coordinator is one of the best investments you can make.

13. Not considering transportation needs of your guests. It is a courtesy to consider the needs of your out of town family and friends and how they will get to and from the wedding. Check with the hotel where you blocked rooms to see if their shuttle van might be available for a fee to take guests to the ceremony and pick them up afterwards. Alternatively, you might rent a trolley or ask your wedding coordinator to have the phone number of a taxi service available for those who need it.

14. Using an iPod or laptop for your music. This works only if you carefully plan your play list and you have an experienced person to operate the iPod or laptop. You can’t hand it off to someone who doesn’t know how to operate it or who doesn’t know what to play when. A beautifully planned wedding can be ruined by problems with the music. If you are not totally confident in the ability of a designated person to handle everything smoothly, hire a professional and don’t risk ruining your ceremony or reception.

15. Making a seating chart the night before the wedding. Seating charts are a major headache. You need one only if you are having a sit-down dinner with multiple entree choices. If it is a sit-down dinner with only one entree or a buffet, have your caterer or coordinator reserve tables for the wedding party and parents, then allow the other guests to sit where they want.

16. Asking for gifts. It is socially taboo to indicate to your guests that a gift is expected and what it should be. An invitation to a wedding is a request for family and friends to join you in celebrating a joyous occasion in your life. It isn’t about gifts. If you register, and it is helpful if you do, registry information should not appear in your wedding invitation. (A shower hostess may mention it, however.) And it is never okay to ask for money in a wedding invitation. If you prefer money, then don’t register and when people ask, verbally tell them you prefer money, but don’t be surprised if some still bring gifts. If you live in another area, encourage guests to choose gifts from your registry and have them shipped to your home rather than bringing them to the wedding.

Forget about having a money tree; your guests are not obligated to help pay for the wedding or honeymoon. The same is true with money dances. Unless it is part of your culture, you may offend more people than participate.

17. Having a cash bar. This is frowned on in many areas of the country. In Idaho we have a host liability law which makes the event host liable for the actions of guests. Therefore, it is common in this area to host beer and wine or a champagne toast and allow guests to pay for other alcohol if they choose to imbibe. Alternatively, don’t make alcohol other than beer and wine available at all. It is also appropriate, and budget-friendly, not to serve alcohol at all.

18. Not having a hair or make-up trial. Plan to have your hair done about a month before the wedding. Take your veil with you and also take a camera to record the style you like. The hairdresser won’t remember every detail, so the photos will be helpful.

19. Not creating a day-of itinerary. You and your wedding coordinator should create a plan for the day, then she should share it with your photographer, DJ and officiant, so they can work together to make the day flow smoothly just the way you want. If you don’t have a coordinator, you will need to create your own plan before the rehearsal. Nothing frustrates officiants more than being unexpectedly placed in charge of an unplanned or poorly planned rehearsal. With a plan, you should be able to run through your rehearsal twice in less than 45 minutes. Without one, your rehearsal can easily take two hours or more.

20. Becoming stressed out and not enjoying your day. Don’t let all the details get to you. During the months leading up to the wedding, take some time away from the wedding planning; get enough sleep before the wedding; be sure to eat on the wedding day. Your guests don’t know what you planned, so don’t stress the details. Remember, it is the marriage that counts, not what happens on the wedding day. With a bit of pre-planning, you can have a wonderful day free from any major glitches.

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes

03 Dec

The Wedding Channel.com recently posted a list of what they consider to be the top twenty biggest wedding planning mistakes. Following are 10 of the problems they identified, in no particular order, with our added comments based on many years of experience planning hundreds of events.

1. Not sticking to your budget. You have a budget for a reason. It is never okay to overspend and then pay for an event for months or years afterwards. Decide what is important to you and where you can compromise. Your guests won’t know or care if you wanted steak but could afford only chicken.

2. Hiring a friend or family member as your photographer or videographer. You are only going to do this once. When the day is over you will have only your memories and your photos. If Uncle Joe spends his time at the bar, not behind the camera, it is your loss. And what if he doesn’t know how to use that camera, pose the wedding party and families, and other issues. Additionally, your family and friends should be your guests, not your employees. If things go wrong or you are disappointed with the results, it can strain relationships for years.

3. Planning your own shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner. You are the guest of honor; let your bridesmaids, your friends or your aunt do the planning. They should ask your opinion on the date and the guest list, but that is all. They are paying for the party and they get to make the decisions within reason. If they want to plan something with which you are not comfortable, however, (a male stripper, for instance), be sure to say so. If they are your friends, they should know your tastes and respect them.

The same is true for the rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, the groom’s parents pay for the dinner. As hosts, they decide where the dinner will be held, what will be served, and how many people they can afford to accommodate (just the wedding party or additional guests). As the guests of honor, you and your fiancé should relax and enjoy the evening.

4. Choosing members of the wedding party out of “obligation.” Just because you were someone’s bridesmaid years ago doesn’t mean she has to be your bridesmaid. Similarly, if your fiancé has never met your brother and he has several male relatives and close friends, he isn’t obligated to ask your brother to be a groomsman. Your attendants should be your close friends and relatives – people who will still be part of your life many years from now.

5. Arranging your own flowers, baking your own cake, etc. You won’t have time to do these things on your big day. Don’t work yourself into a frenzy trying to do everything yourself. That is what florists, bakers, hairdressers and other professionals are for.

6. Planning an outdoor wedding without a back-up plan. Things happen; it might be 100 degrees; it may rain; the wind could blow. Unless your ceremony and reception will be short, look for a venue with indoor – outdoor options or rent a tent.

7. Acting like a bridezilla. Though you are one of the stars of the day, you don’t have the right to treat others poorly for months leading up to the wedding. No tantrums, no pouting, no trying to control others. Rather, try to enjoy the process.

8. Not planning the ceremony. Even if you will be reciting traditional vows provided by your officiant, you still need to choose music, perhaps a reading or candle lighting, and other things to complete the ceremony.

9. Trying to memorize your vows. Even if you have practiced extensively, you will be nervous and you could be forgetful. Give a written copy of the vows to your officiant. That way, if you need help, he/she will be prepared to assist.

10. Wearing new shoes for the first time on the wedding day. You don’t want to be miserable on your big day, so wear the shoes around the house for a few days to break them in. Scuff the soles with sandpaper so you don’t slip while walking down the carpeted aisle. If you will be wearing a higher heel than usual, be sure you are comfortable walking in them. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change into for the reception.

Check back next week for more wedding planning mistakes!

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

More Security Tips for Your Idaho Wedding

19 Nov

Gifts – Gifts and/or cards (cards often contain money or gift cards) need to be kept safe. If the wedding will occur at a public place, such as a hotel, place the gift table inside the reception room, not in a hall or foyer. Bring a closed container for cards, not a basket. Once everyone has arrived your wedding coordinator should place the card container in a safe place out of sight. Someone with theft on their mind may not be an intruder, but a member of the catering staff, one of your guests or even the DJ or bartender. It is easy to slip a card or small item into a pocket or under a napkin without being seen, so be vigilant.

Coats and other valuables – If guests will be wearing coats, bringing purses, cameras or other valuables, provide a coat rack inside the room where the reception will occur, not in a foyer or hall. Ask guests to keep purses, cameras and similar items with them rather than leaving them lying around.

Guests who drink too much – Be careful about providing too much alcohol at your event. You could be liable for the actions of guests who over indulge. Hiring a professional bartender to keep an eye on guests will help, but not if guests have their own stash in a car or another place. You may want to ask a family member or a friend to keep an eye on things, particularly if you know that certain people may tend to over indulge. Better to send Uncle Charlie home in a taxi while he is still reasonably upright than to risk him doing something he, and you, will later regret.

Home events – If your wedding, rehearsal dinner or a shower will be held at a private home, particularly if it will occur in the yard, several security issues may arise. If the event is not occurring in a room near the front door, keep the door locked. Also lock side doors and windows. If you don’t want catering staff coming in and out of the house, set up a work station for them in the garage. The same goes for guests who need a restroom. If you are not comfortable with them in your home unsupervised, rent port-a-potties or in some way limit access to only a certain area of the house. Keep valuables out of sight and don’t allow anyone to linger too long in the house.

If the yard contains obstacles that might cause injury, such as sprinkler heads, hoses, uneven sidewalks, or clothes lines, be sure to point them out. This is particularly important with children, who run and chase each other and can easily trip and fall.

By taking time to assess and plan security measures, you and your guests can have a safe and enjoyable time free from accidents or injuries.

Interested in more tips? Check out our previous wedding security post.

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

Security Planning for Your Idaho Wedding

05 Nov

You plan the guest list, the menu, the music, but do you have a security plan for your wedding? If not, you may need one. Depending on the location and the number of attendees, several security measures may need to be considered, including the following.

Intruders – If there is any possibility of an intruder crashing your wedding, be certain to inform your event planner, the staff at the venue, and others as the situation warrants. This might include an ex-spouse or boy friend/girl friend, an angry family member or someone else.

If you or your wedding planner sees someone you don’t know and you aren’t sure they should be at your wedding (you may not know all the groom’s guests), ask how you can help them. Often, just the knowledge that someone is aware of their presence is enough to deter a would-be intruder.

Robbers – At a wedding a few years ago, someone entered the church through the basement while the ceremony was in progress and stole personal items that had been placed in the church kitchen. To prevent similar occurrences, be certain that after the wedding party dresses valuables are picked up and placed in a safe place. Lock outside doors and doors to dressing rooms, if possible, or lock valuables in a car.

Parking lots and other dark areas – If your guests may need to park in a dark area or along a busy street at night or park some distance from the reception facility, ask someone to escort them to their cars rather than risk an assault or injury, particularly in bad weather. You might also provide flash lights.

Water safety – If your reception will occur near a lake, pond, or river, ask a responsible adult to keep an eye on things. This is particularly important if children will be present.

Fire – Fire in any form can be a hazard. I have had fires caused by careless guests who placed items too close to votive candles. Pillar candles, even those enclosed in glass, can be knocked over. If you plan to use sparklers, they will emit embers that can burn people and clothing. Be particularly careful about children near fire.

Animals – If you are planning a wedding or shower at a private home and the homeowner has a dog that is easily excitable and might bite, better to board it at a kennel than risk injury to your guests.

More Security Tips in a couple of weeks – check back soon!

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Uncategorized

 

More Wedding Coordinator Myths

15 Oct

Myth: Hiring a day-of coordinator will insure that the day goes smoothly.

Reality: The coordinator can only control so much. If you have hired merchants who are new to the wedding scene or you have chosen a less than desirable location, your coordinator will do what she can to make your dreams a reality, but she can’t control the behavior of unskilled merchants, the leaking roof, the overflowing toilets and other issues.

Whether you are hiring a coordinator to help with all the planning or just for the day, she should be available to advise you throughout the planning process. Though a day-of coordinator won’t visit merchants with you, she should give you advice on questions to ask and what to look for so you make informed decisions. She should offer referrals to dependable merchants who have a reputation for providing quality service at an affordable price and who are willing to work with you and your budget.

You need to meet with your day-of coordinator several times before the wedding, often enough to develop a relationship. You should feel comfortable with her and she should understand your personality and tastes. That way, any decisions she needs to make will be ones you would have made.

Your day-of coordinator should help you create a timeline for the rehearsal and wedding day and she should be at the rehearsal to supervise activities in cooperation with your officiant. If your officiant doesn’t attend rehearsals (and many don’t), she should be prepared to conduct the rehearsal.

Hiring a day-of wedding coordinator is one of the best decisions you can make to assure your wedding day is as flawless as possible, but don’t wait until the last minute to hire her. Do it while she is available, then trust her to handle the details so you, and your mom, can enjoy your big day.

Interested in seeing more Wedding Coordinator myths revealed? Check out our previous post!

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman, all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

Free Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline

02 Oct

We’ve just posted a new wedding planning checklist! Check it out and get yourself set on the path of a stress-free wedding.

Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline Guideline

 
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Posted in Uncategorized

 

Wanted: Day-of Wedding Coordinator

01 Oct

You are planning your wedding and you are beginning to realize just how many details are involved, particularly on the wedding day. You won’t have time or opportunity to do anything; you have a hair appointment; you need to dress; you will be taking photos, and on and on.

Can Mom do it? No, she will be in the photos and you want her to enjoy the day. Can Aunt Martha do it? Maybe, but will she want to miss the festivities to spend her time rushing around in the background? So, your best option is to hire a day-of wedding coordinator. Right? Maybe.

Myth: A day-of coordinator can be hired shortly before the wedding, after all the details are in place.

Reality: If you wait, you may not be able to find a knowledgeable and experienced coordinator. (Beware the person who is hoping you will be her first client.) Coordinators book months, sometimes a year or more, in advance. They book day-of events just like they book events at which they are assisting with the planning. If her calendar is full, you are out of luck.

Myth: A day-of coordinator will take your plans and make them happen.

Reality: In most cases, unless you have planned numerous events in the past, the coordinator will need to tweak your plans to fit the realities of your location, weather, time of day and other considerations. For instance, if you are planning an outdoor wedding, those tall, skinny centerpieces may look pretty, but they won’t remain standing long. The slightest breeze and they will topple, leaving your linens soaking wet and the centerpieces unusable. Or, you plan to use paper plates at a windy location. If you do, your guests may end up wearing their dinner rather than enjoying it. Or how about those bees or the fruit flies at the winery that love to crawl around on your food? Ick! A knowledgeable coordinator will know about these issues and many others and will recommend solutions.

… more Wedding Coordinator myths in two weeks, check back soon!

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman, all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Wedding Planning

 

Credit Scores and Wedding Vows

24 Sep

When a couple marries, not only do they combine households, but they combine credit scores as well. Perhaps she is a saver who pays her bills on time. He is a spender who enjoys purchasing lavish gifts for her. Charming initially, but maybe not so much when reality sets in.

Each of us has a credit score. When a couple marries and they jointly apply for a loan, they may have an unpleasant surprise if one person hasn’t learned to manage her or his finances. Credit scores are based on numerous criteria, including the length of a person’s credit history, the amount and type of available credit on credit cards and revolving accounts, whether payments are habitually late or missed, and more.

Though each credit reporting bureau has its own scoring system, the FICO score is most commonly used by lenders. Scores range from 300 to 850. If a couple jointly applies for a loan, both of their scores will be checked. The lender may take an average of the two scores or they may use the lower score. Using the lower score has the potential to significantly impact the amount of monthly payments and the interest rate charged and, therefore, the total payout on the loan.

If one spouse has a significantly lower credit score, the couple might choose to have only the person with the best score apply for a loan. However, only that person’s income will be considered, which may reduce the amount you can borrow. Alternatively, the couple might choose to put off purchasing that new car and spend some time working on improving the lower credit score.

Adding a spouse to your existing credit card may or may not be a good idea. A joint credit card is factored into each spouse’s credit score just as if it were an individual account. If your spouse has limited available credit and you have more, the spouse’s credit score might be increased. Conversely, if the spouse overspends, then both of you will take a hit. It is possible to add a spouse to a credit card as an authorized user, not a joint owner, much like you might add a teenage son or daughter. In that case, your credit score will be impacted less.

Knowing your intended’s credit score and how he/she handles money may not affect your desire to marry, but it will help you to enter the marriage with eyes wide open and begin making wise financial decisions as a couple.

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011 Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding

 

Wedding Catering Tips

10 Sep

Catering is a broad word meaning basically providing Food and Services.

Selecting a caterer for your reception is one of many important decisions you will execute regarding a stressful, exciting and very special day.

Every caterer will of course provide food for yourevent.  But, that being said, every reception is its own, depending on wants, needs, tastes and budget.  Creating a great reception has many moving parts.  When exchanging correspondence with your prospective catering choices try to have some ideas of budgets in mind.  This will help your caterer to be very specific when building your catering package.  You plan your wedding your caterer has many.

Some important questions to ask.

  • Cost of the proposed menu yours or theirs
  • Services provided included in that cost….Set-up, travel, service attendants, clean-up, china or disposable serviceware, linen and cake cutting
  • Will you be provided a contract?
  • What are the deposit requirements?
  • When is a guest count required?
  • When is the final payment due?

Just remember that when selecting your caterer you compare apples to apples in selection.  These bids can vary a great deal, make sure you are going to receive the quality food and services that are required for your reception.  Full Service and not full service catering prices will always differ.

Submitted by: 

Jonathan Jacobsen
Big Sky Catering
375-0937
www.bigskycatgering.com

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 
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