We know asking for what you want can be tough. But when it comes to sticking to your wedding budget, it’s a must. Negotiating with wedding vendors is a smart way to save money, and after all, you’ll never know until you try

Tips for Negotiating

Do Your Research

Start by gathering multiple quotes to understand market rates better. Sharing other vendors’ quotes during negotiation can encourage competitive pricing.
Pro Tip: Reach out to friends or acquaintances for recommendations and insights on similar services.

Communicate Your Budget

Transparency about your budget from the start reduces back-and-forth. This sets clear expectations and allows for constructive discussions. Vendors might identify areas where costs can be adjusted without sacrificing quality.

Negotiate with Newer Vendors

Newer vendors often seek to build portfolios and gain positive reviews. Being part of this growth can lead to more flexible pricing. In your initial outreach, let the vendor know you’d be willing to let them use photos of their work in their portfolio and that you’ll leave them a positive review after your big day 

Ask for Itemized Quotes

Having a breakdown of costs enables you to identify areas for adjustments. For instance, with florists, you can propose alternatives that fit your budget.

Be Nice and Respectful

Maintaining a positive and respectful attitude fosters a collaborative partnership. Vendors are more inclined to go the extra mile for clients who appreciate their work.

What To Say In Your Negotiations

Our scripts can make this process a whole lot easier. Just ask and you might get what you’re looking for!! Keep in mind, though, not every place will say yes on the first try. You might need to reach out to 12-20 places before finding the right fit for your needs and budget.

Commit to sticking to your budget and get ready to think outside of the box. You’d be surprised what you can get, sometimes even for free!

Negotiating with Non Traditional Venues

Wording to use when you call a park:

“I need a space for a [small/medium/large] gathering sometime in [desired month] Can I make a reservation? What is the cost and how long can we reserve it for?”

Keep calling different parks until you get one in your budget. Some don’t cost anything! 

Savings: potentially save up to $5,000 or more on a venue.

Wording to use when reserving a drive-in location for a tailgate wedding:

“I’m looking for space to tailgate/have an event on [date]. Is it possible to reserve the [lot or building name] parking lot for about xx hours? What is the cost?”

Keep calling until you find a few in your budget, then drive by them and pick the one you like best.

Savings: potentially save up to $5,000 or more on a location.

Negotiating restaurant and venue quotes 

Wording to use when you negotiate a large dinner party with a restaurant:

“I’m looking to host a dinner party/rehearsal dinner for [xx number of people] at your restaurant. Do you have a pre-priced menu including drinks and dessert? We have about $xx in the budget.”

If you can’t find a restaurant within that budget, ask how many they can host at that price. Keep calling different restaurants until you find a match! You don’t have to mention it’s for a wedding reception, but you will want to make sure they will cut a cake that you bring in, how they handle bringing in outside wine (corkage fees?), and any other special considerations. You’ll also want to know if you’ll be the only party at that time, what if any entertainment is booked for that time and any other events happening at the same time.

Wording to use when looking for a wedding venue:

Be prepared to call LOTS of venues until you find a match. More important than the perfect setting is that they can accommodate the number of guests in your budget. After all, the fun of your big day is had with the people who attend.

“I’m looking to host an event for [xx number of people] at your venue. Do you have availability on [date]? Do you require we purchase food and drinks through you or can we bring our own catering and bar? Do you have a pre-priced menu including drinks and dessert? We have about $xx in the budget. How many people can we host for that?”

Negotiation areas may include catering options, liquor choices, and even the possibility of swapping out certain items to better suit your preferences. Remember to Prioritize discussions on restrictions, unaddressed details, and deal-breakers. And, of course, always be kind; your delivery can make all the difference in getting what you want. 

Negotiating with Other Wedding Vendors

Wording to use when looking for a photographer or videographer:

“Capturing our special day is incredibly important to us, and we love your work. However, our budget is limited. Can we discuss a customized package that includes essential moments and perhaps a shorter time frame?”

Most skilled photographers and videographers may have flexible options, and you can negotiate based on your specific needs. You may be surprised by the creative solutions they can offer within your budget.

Savings: Potentially save up to $2,000 or more on photography and videography.

Wording to use when looking for a florist:

“We adore your floral arrangements, but we’re working with a tight budget. Could we discuss more budget-friendly flower options or perhaps a reduced arrangement size while maintaining the overall theme?”

Florists often have various flower options and can suggest alternatives that are beautiful yet economical. Be open to creative suggestions that align with your vision.

Savings: Potentially save up to $1,000 or more on floral arrangements.

Wording to use when looking for a DJ or Entertainment

“We love your music style, but our budget is limited. Can we discuss a scaled-down performance package or explore options like a DJ for part of the event? We want to find a solution that works for both parties.”

Entertainment is a significant aspect of any wedding, and many musicians and DJs are willing to customize their services to accommodate different budgets.

Savings: Potentially save up to $2,000 or more on entertainment.

More Tips to Help You Save 

Efficient Planning for Cost Reduction

Consider consolidating services with vendors offering multiple services. Some vendors may provide a package deal if you hire them for both photography and videography, or catering and decorations.

Savings: Potentially save up to $1,000 or more through package deals.

Exchange Skills for Services

Explore bartering with friends or acquaintances who possess valuable skills. Maybe you have a friend with graphic design expertise who can create your invitations in exchange for another favor.

Savings: The potential for significant savings by leveraging each other’s skills.

Explore Honeyfund for Honeymoon or Wedding Expenses

Don’t forget to check out Honeyfund, where your friends and family can contribute to your honeymoon or wedding expenses. It’s a great way to offset costs and share the joy with your loved ones.

Savings: Honeyfund couples average XX contributed to their account to help offset their honeymoon costs, wedding expenses, or to put towards another savings goal. 

Remember, negotiation is about finding common ground. Stay polite, be flexible, and express genuine enthusiasm for the services you are seeking. The more open and collaborative you are, the better the chances of striking a deal that suits both parties. Happy negotiating!

The post How to Negotiate with Vendors For Your Wedding — and Save appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

If you’re planning a wedding, or even if you know anybody who’s ever gotten married, then I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about how the wedding day flies by so quickly that you hardly even realize it happened. And you know what? It’s so true! The adrenaline and the nonstop nature of wedding days combine to create a blur of activity for most couples.

After putting so much time and love into planning your wedding day, of course you want to remember every last minute of it. So how do you avoid falling victim to the Wedding Day Memory Blur? We tell our couples to take mental snapshots throughout the day, and we also like to work with them to create memorable moments they and their guests won’t easily forget.

Creating Memorable Wedding Day Moments

You might want plan a beautiful wedding trip at a gorgeous honeymoon destination that you remember with lots of pictures, but here are ten of our favorite ideas for creating memorable wedding day moments:

Have a photobooth

Photobooths at weddings add so much: They give guests something fun to do besides dance and chat, they create wedding favors people actually love, and they capture awesome pics of your guests for you to enjoy later. Much better than table pictures! Plus, photobooths aren’t that expensive, so you can probably afford to add one to your plans.

Make the day your own

There’s only one couple exactly like you, so why have a wedding exactly like everybody else’s? Sit down and think about your love story: Where did you meet? What do you enjoy doing together? What made you fall in love? Then find ways to incorporate those details into your wedding day. You don’t have to go full-on theme wedding; it might be as simple as an ice cream bar featuring the flavors you shared on your first date. Whatever it is, share the significance with your guests and you’ll have an unforgettable  moment going on.

Play with your guests

If your reception venue offers outdoor lawn space, then set up some games and a serve-yourself lemonade bar! You and your guests will have a great time playing croquet, badminton, or whatever else you can think up. And how often do you have the opportunity to get photos of you and your friends dressed to the nines for a sophisticated game of lawn bowling? It’ll be the wedding moment of the season.

Cut a rug

Whether you’re already dancers or not, your guests will be delighted by watching you and your new spouse having a Ginger and Fred moment for your first dance, and wow! What a great photo op! You can have a dance choreographed or just take some lessons in swing dancing or another social dance. Bonus: Pre-wedding dance lessons mean built-in date nights!

Surprise your spouse

Is there something your sweetheart really loves but would never expect at your wedding? Maybe serenading her with her favorite song, or renting his dream car for your getaway? Make it happen! Your wedding will be one of the most romantic occasions ever for the two of you, so what better time to go all out? Your new spouse will literally never stop bragging about your thoughtfulness, and neither will your guests.

Go out with a sparkle

End the night with a brilliant sparkler sendoff. Guests love it because they get to play such a fun part (who doesn’t love sparklers?); you’ll love saying your goodbyes in such a festive way. And sparkler exit photos are always gorgeous and romantic! It’ll be a bright moment in more ways than one.

Have your guests sing you down the aisle

This is a new one we’ve only seen a couple of times, but I love it: Instead of having musicians perform your processional or recessional, have your guests sing you down the aisle! Choose a favorite hymn or song and have it printed in your program, then give one or two people the responsibility of getting the singing going. You’ll be surrounded and lifted up by the voices of those you love. Does imagining that moment give you chills? Me too!

Get a group shot

Plan to get a group photo of you with your wedding party and all of your guests sometime during the wedding day. The easiest time to do this is right after your ceremony, before guests start drifting off to the cocktail hour. You might never have all of these people together in one place with you again, so get a picture and save the moment! It’ll be one of your favorite wedding photos for years to come.

Take some time for you

At some point in your wedding day, schedule a few minutes to spend together with no interruptions. If you’re doing a first look, maybe you can carve out a few minutes after the photographer’s done with your couple’s portraits. Another great option is planning to head to a quiet spot together right after the ceremony. However you do it, it’ll give you a chance to reflect together on this amazing day before it’s all over.

Hire the best photographer you can afford

Ideally you’d remember every last detail of your wedding day, but the reality is that you simply won’t. In fact, there’ll be moments you don’t even experience, because you’re only able to be in one place at a time. That’s why it’s super important to find the best photographer your budget will accommodate. The images you get back will help you remember all the little things you remember but might forget years down the road, and they’ll also introduce you to sweet moments you didn’t even know were happening. The day you get your pictures back is like living your wedding day all over again! Good photography is an expense we’ve never heard a couple regret after the wedding’s over.

Keep the memories going with a honeymoon made possible with a honeymoon registry!

Bio: Pretty Entertaining is a wedding and event planning company based just outside of Washington, D.C., where the suburbs turn into horse country. Known for our weddings, but we also design and coordinate social events of all kinds. Most of our wedding and event planning happens locally in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, but we do occasionally travel to other locations on request. 

Planning a really big celebration is something most people don’t do everyday, and that’s where a professional event planner comes in. We know all the parts, how they move, and how they should fit together. We know lots of area vendors and, after we get to know you, we’ll be able to match you up with just the right ones for you and your event. We do our best to keep you on-track and relaxed, and on the big day, we’re with you every step of the way.

You know that picture you have in your head of the event you want? We’re here to make your vision a reality, and we strive to make it even better than you imagined. For ideas, visit us at http://www.prettyentertaining.com/. 

Cover photo credits: Copyright Aspinwall Photographics http://www.aspinwallphoto.com/

The post 10 Ideas for Creating Memorable Wedding Day Moments appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

The sun is beaming, the air is warm, and love is in the air as you prepare for your dream summer wedding! However, with the heat and potential discomfort that a summer wedding day brings, it’s essential to be prepared. Don’t let the hot temperatures dampen your spirits or the joy of your guests. We’ve curated a list of essentials that will keep everyone cool, comfortable, and looking stunning throughout your special day. From practical solutions to style-enhancing tools, here are the must-have essentials for your summer wedding day.

Phone Charger Fan

Members of your wedding party will probably have their phones on them during your celebration, so to ensure you stay cool, consider having a few phone charger fans handy. These nifty gadgets will not only keep their phones juiced up but also offer a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day. They’ll come in handy when things heat up on the dance floor, too! 

Image credits: Etsy

Program Fan

Combine practicality and elegance with program fans. These handheld DIY fans double as wedding programs, keeping your guests informed about the schedule while providing a refreshing breeze. Customize them with your wedding details and create a memorable keepsake for your loved ones.

Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential, especially during an outdoor summer wedding. Be sure to have a supply of sunscreen available for you and your guests. Consider placing sunscreen stations strategically to encourage everyone to lather up and stay protected. If you’re  getting your makeup professionally done for the big day, make sure you let your makeup artist incorporate some sun protection into the makeup routine so you stay protected—and beautiful—all day long!

Image credits: Pinterest / Love My Dress

Umbrellas/Parasols

If your ceremony or reception is outside, consider having some shady spots where your guests can take a break from the sun. Having umbrellas or parasols that your guests can grab not only provide shade but also add a touch of sophistication to your wedding decor. Plus, they can double as props for stunning photo opportunities.

Blotting Paper

Hot weather can sometimes lead to unwanted shine on your face. Blotting papers are a quick and easy solution to combat excess oil and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. Keep a stack of blotting papers on hand to help you and your bridal party maintain a radiant look and even consider leaving some in the bathrooms at your venue so that guests take advantage of them as well.

Frizz-Tamer or Hair Spray

Humidity and frizz can be a nightmare in the summer—especially at an outdoor wedding. Arm yourself with a frizz-taming product or hair spray to keep your locks in place and looking picture-perfect. This will ensure that your hairstyle remains intact, regardless of the summer elements.

Makeup Setting Spray

To help your makeup withstand the heat and last all day and night, a makeup setting spray is a must. This magical mist will keep your makeup in place and prevent any undesired smudging or fading, giving you a flawless look throughout the celebration.

Image credits: Pinterest / Bubbly and Bliss Weddings

Bug Spray

If your wedding venue is surrounded by nature or near bodies of water, pesky bugs may make an appearance. To avoid any unwelcome insect encounters, provide bug spray for your guests. This small gesture will make sure everyone can enjoy your wedding without any pesky interruptions.

Sunglasses

Protect your guests’ eyes from the bright sun by offering sunglasses. Not only will they provide relief from the glare, but they can also serve as fashionable wedding favors. Buy them in bulk and then consider personalizing them with your wedding date or initials for an extra thoughtful touch.

Image credit: Pinterest / Vineyard Bride 

Water

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the simplest and most crucial element of all: water! Keeping yourself and your guests hydrated is crucial, especially during hot summer months. Have plenty of water stations or individual water bottles available to quench everyone’s thirst and keep them feeling refreshed. Add in sliced fruit for a colorful, and refreshing touch!

With these essential summer wedding day must-haves, you and your guests will be well-prepared to beat the heat, protect yourselves from the sun, and enjoy a beautiful and memorable celebration. From practical items like phone charger fans and sunscreen to style-enhancing essentials like frizz-tamers and sunglasses, you’ll have all the tools to create a comfortable and stunning summer wedding. Embrace the warmth and create lifelong memories on your special day, the honeymoon, and beyond! 

The post Summer Wedding Day Essentials appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

We can already tell that 2021 and 2022 are looking to be record celebration years, with all the postponed weddings and events sliding onto our calendars.  We’ve also seen a huge variety of festivities crop up on social media and wedding blogs — it’s been nothing short of amazing! Whether you’ve delayed your whole wedding or re-envisioned it as a “Wedding-After” Party or an “Anniversary Reception,” the etiquette surrounding gift-giving and registry can seem like completely uncharted territory. Don’t worry—we can help you navigate with our registry advice. Keep reading, and we’ll address some of the common questions couples are asking.

Will guests still want to give gifts?

The short answer is yes! Plenty of guests will likely want to give gifts to celebrate your marriage and support you.

The longer answer has a lot of factors. The traditional custom of gift-giving allows your loved ones to show their love and support in a tangible way. Many people are aching for ways to show love right now, and a wedding—or anniversary—gift is an easy way to do it. Other guests may not be at a place financially where they can give right now, or they may be confused about the etiquette. It’s okay; this is a new situation for everyone.

Our best advice is to make the option to give available with a registry. Let your guests feel empowered to decide what and how to give. Registries provide them with the security of knowing what you would find useful without having to guess or ask awkwardly.

What’s the right way to give guests the option to give?

Instead of assuming guests won’t want to give any gifts—and to save yourself the headache of being asked tons of times—we recommend adding a honeyfund link to your wedding website. Don’t have a wedding website? Luckily, your honeyfund can do the trick!

Some guests, especially older family members, may consider it rude to directly mention the registry in your invite. But you can get around that by printing the web address of your honeyfund or wedding website on an insert and including it with the invitation.  That way they have the info if they want to give a gift.

You can also always use the age-old tactic of “word of mouth.” Let your immediate family and close friends know that it’s okay to spread the word. If you still have a wedding shower coming up, that’s a great avenue for your inner circle to help let your other guests know important details, like how to find your registry.

What about guests who already gave gifts?

Some guests may have already given gifts around your original wedding date, and they may choose to give again or not. Your guests’ decisions will likely depend on their social cultures surrounding weddings. Some communities expect to give a wedding shower gift, plus money for the wedding. Others only plan to give one gift. It’s 100% up to your guests whether they decide to gift a second time. Some people may surprise you!

What should I include on my honeyfund?

Honeymoons are still happening! The travel industry is gearing up for more adventures and excitement than ever, which means you’ll likely be able to get some fantastic deals on great experiences. Even if you aren’t able to take your honeymoon for a while, guests love knowing they’re giving you the gift of unforgettable memories. Plus, traveling together is one of the most fun ways to build up and strengthen your relationship.

If you’ve already planned for your honeymoon because of the non-traditional timeline, you can always choose something else. Consider including gift cards or funds that let friends and family members invest in your future together. Here are some gift card ideas that guests have loved on other couples’ honeyfunds:

• Helping you build your best home together, courtesy of a home improvement store near you
• Investing in your love together with romantic date nights at your favorite restaurants
• Upgrading household items with major brands that make daily life easier and more enjoyable

How do I create a Honeyfund registry for my postponed event?

Honeyfund has all the tools you need to make your registry easy to use—for both you and your guests. We’ll walk you through every step of the process. And you can always find registry advice, support and tips on our blog!

Need more advice?

If you’re seeking more advice about how to deal with your postponed or modified event, we’ve got you covered. Check out these helpful Honeyfund articles: Gifts for Canceled and Postponed Weddings: What’s the etiquette?, Wedding Guest Etiquette for a Covid-Safe Wedding, Should I cancel my wedding or honeymoon because of Coronavirus? 

The post Can I Have a Registry For My Postponed Wedding or Celebration? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

It’s a question on all of our minds: When will this all be over? Is my wedding date safe or will I have to postpone my 2021 wedding?

Well, we finally have some decent advice. Journalist John Detrixhe reports that Economists at Goldman Sachs have come out with a solid prediction of what 2021 will look like based on research into the progress of available vaccines, distribution channels, and demand.  “In the US, high-risk groups will probably start receiving doses of a vaccine by the middle of [December].” That means 50% of the US population will be vaccinated by April.  So what does this all mean for your wedding date? Read on.

Spring 2021 Weddings: Keep them Small

If you’re looking for a full-blown pre-Covid style wedding, Spring may not be your best bet. Vaccination may be a two-step process taking place over a month or two, so don’t expect the effects of a vaccine to be protective just yet. You can still move forward with your medium or small event using CDC and your local guidelines for gatherings. Be sure to learn how to handle the etiquette of wedding guest Covid testing and vaccinations.

Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 Weddings

If all goes according to projections and the US population has reached 50% vaccination rate by April 2021, this is great news for your summer or fall 2021 wedding! By June, the vaccine will be protecting the most vulnerable populations, which means you don’t have to worry about infecting your older relatives at your wedding. Those that aren’t yet vaccinated will need to decide for themselves if they are comfortable participating in your large gathering, so don’t be surprised if you have a bigger than usual “no” group in your RSVPs. A typical decline rate is about 15%, during this time frame expect about 25-30% “nos.” Again you’ll want to be sure you understand the etiquette of wedding guest Covid testing and vaccinations.

Here’s the prediction timeline from Goldman Sachs:

Despite the best predictions from the best economists, everyone planning a wedding right now will want to make sure they have some flexibility built into their contracts and some extra cash on hand to handle the unexpected (we’ve got you covered with the Flexibility Fund, add it to your honeyfund now.) It’s also a good idea to err on the smaller side, and save that extra money for your honeymoon.

Cheers!

The post Should You Postpone Your 2021 Wedding To Be Safe from Covid-19? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime. In this post, YouTube influencer and motivational speaker, Carrie Grace shares how she adapted to Covid and saved money with a tailgate wedding.

Just like any 2020 wedding couple, Covid-19 forced us to get creative and completely re-plan our big day. This included cutting the guest list which was devastating to us. We wanted as many guests as we could safely allow to attend but, we also knew we didn’t want to spend a ton on a day that would be much simpler than we had originally planned.

With a total cost of $8,500, a tailgate wedding is definitely something to consider. Here’s what you need to know about planning one:

Get creative with the venue

Big, large weddings are out of the question at the moment due to safety and restrictions. And airbnb now limits the number of people using their properties, so anything beyond 16 people requires owned property or finding a venue that works for what your wedding dreams and goals are. Brainstorm venues in your area that may not be in use during the pandemic. A few examples: comedy clubs, baseball ball fields, and concert venues.

Guests faced their cars into a semi-circle to watch the ceremony from a safe distance from one another.

We found a beautiful and very affordable venue called The Victorian in Youngsville, NC. They were super easy to work with and let us have a tailgate wedding, which allowed us to have a higher guest count but also keep everyone safe. Our idea came from asking another venue we were touring if we could have a car parade come wave to us after we got married. The venue owner said it would be no problem, and then we asked would it be possible to just get married out in the parking lot while our friends watched from afar. After they told us yes, we started touring other venues to assess what parking lot would be best for hosting cars and creating a backdrop for beautiful photos. We were able to make the parking lot super pretty by adding an arbor, wedding chairs, and flowers. Instead of paper invitations, we invited our friends via a website we created and asked them to RSVP on there. We were able to fit: the wedding ceremony, toasts, first dance, and cake cutting all into the parking lot easily so that our friends could enjoy the full wedding experience from a safe distance. We then invited relatives and friends who were too far away to join to watch on a zoom call that our DJ managed.

The best part was after the tailgate wedding, we had a smaller dinner with just family and the wedding party which was catered by a food truck. We had everyone spaced and in their own covid families.

The children of the bridal party snapping shots of Carrie’s wedding dress.

Cut photography costs

Give the kids in your wedding party mini cameras. We found some for $20 which didn’t break the bank. This will keep them occupied and create more fun memories for you after you upload their photos too. The kids took amazing photos and felt included in the wedding day as a result.

Skip the expensive cake

We gave all our guests cupcakes instead of cake, which helped us cut down on costs. We worked with Whole Foods to design cupcakes the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were $7 for 6 cupcakes and people said they were some of the best cupcakes they’ve ever had. You only had to order with 48 hours and the whole process was smooth from start to finish.

Use awesome wedding registries

We decided to use Honeyfund for ours. We are saving up for a honeymoon so it was great to use a registry that converted to cash that we could put towards items we desperately needed, along with saving up for flight and resort costs. This allowed us to save up more and not have unnecessary gifts taking up room in our house.

Borrow jewelry

You can borrow jewelry from a local shop or a friend. A local jewelry shop called Bailey’s Fine Jewelry graciously let me borrow a pair of beautiful earrings for my big day. Ask around to your family and friends or check out a local shop where you live.

Making the best of it

We did our first dance to a song called: Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis, who surprised us on zoom, which is still so crazy to us! One of the lyrics in the song says, “making the most of whatever we got, even if it’s just a slow dance in a parking lot.” That has been our motto for the pandemic: looking for the bright side and finding the good even when it feels hard. Our encouragement to any other covid bride: is to make the most of whatever circumstance has been handed to you for your wedding. No wedding is going to be perfect, but choose the things that matter most and make those the priority.

Carrie and John with some of their wedding party and guests.

All photo credit: Mackenzie Kern Photography

Carrie Grace is a former teacher turned motivational speaker. She is on a mission to create more compassionate work and school cultures. She has spoken at companies such a Marriott, Target, Jack Daniels, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and many more. She currently lives in Durham, NC with her husband where they blog at The Savvy Simpsons, helping people save money.

The post How To Save Money by Having a Tailgate Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

You’re getting married, congrats! After you tell all your important people about your engagement, you will likely want to dive into wedding planning. But where do you start? Pinterest wedding boards? Deciding on a wedding date? Picking a ceremony site? Making a list of guests? Hiring a wedding planner? You might be surprised it’s none of those. The most important and first step to your perfect wedding is calculating your wedding budget. 

We know, it’s not sexy. Budgets and finances as a whole can feel like a topic to be avoided. It can be boring, scary, or even feel impossible to sit down and add up all the wedding expenses. But there’s another way to look at it: as a facet of your unique couple personality. When you really sit down and work it out (we show you how using Honeyfund’s 1-Page Wedding Plan), the number you arrive at is a reflection of who you are, right now, together. It also conveys what’s important to you two. Just like the love you share together, the joy you’ll experience on your wedding day, the funny, quirky aspects of your love story and your individual characters — your wedding budget is part of the foundation for your celebration. Without knowing how much you can spend and how much you’re comfortable spending (two very different things!), you can’t even begin to plan what will become your wedding day.

Don’t most weddings cost $35,000? How can I afford that?

Think you can just use average wedding costs and be safe? Think again. The “average” wedding costs published each year by The Knot (currently at about $35,000)  is actually a phantom number, meaning a very few are spending that amount. In reality, half of all weddings cost less than $20,000. Read more about the misleading nature of this statistic, how it drives overspending, feelings of inadequacy and a lot more problems.

So, you know spending $35,000 is ludicrous for most, and you want to determine how much YOU two will spend. How do you build a wedding budget? Download Honeyfund’s 1-Page Wedding Plan for a complete step-by-step guide to creating your authentic wedding budget. 

A unique approach to wedding budget planning

1. Start with your next big goal

The first step in planning your wedding is actually planning your life after the wedding. Aka, the first year of marriage! 

What are your goals for that year? Will you finish a college degree? Buy a house? Start a family? 

Think of it this way: When you wake up the morning after your wedding, how much money do you want to have in the bank for that college degree, home down payment, or family budget?

Hint: It won’t be a lot if you’re committed to spending $35,000, the cost of an average wedding! This is a good exercise to make us realize how crazy that is. In fact, if you invest the average wedding cost at age 28, you’ll have $1.2 million dollars by age 60! That’s one expensive wedding.

2. Don’t pick a date until you’ve answered this question

The next step toward planning your perfect wedding is determining how much money you will have saved by the time your wedding rolls around. To figure that out, start with today’s savings. Then decide how much you can save per month from each of your paychecks, side gigs, etc. Then have a conversation with each person who will be contributing financially toward your wedding day. Total those contributions.

Now sit down together and put all those numbers together. How much will you have saved if you get married in 12 months? 18 months?

Lastly, don’t forget to subtract that “next big goal” number from your savings. Remember, that’s how much you want left in your bank account on Day 1 of your marriage. 

3. Once your budget is decided, stick to it. 

Make an agreement that nothing changes without sitting down and consulting together. If a parent or family member who pledged to contribute funds drops out, if someone loses a job, if an unexpected emergency happens, just sit down and re-work the numbers. Use that new budget, and stick to it. 

Remember: There is an average cost for a wedding, but then there is what you and your partner want to spend. You don’t want an average wedding, so why have an average wedding budget? Decide on the wedding budget that’s true to YOU. No matter the number, your budget is not only possible, but it’s also special to you. Have fun discovering the wedding that you create together on the wedding budget that works for you. 

How to make YOUR wedding happen on YOUR budget

We’ve got all the inspiration you need in our series of posts on non-traditional weddings that will keep your guests talking long after you have recited your vows. From backyards to destinations, virtual weddings to parking lots (and more!), we break down what you can do with budgets of $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000+, including how much to spend per person on the reception, how to slash your budget for the wedding dress, where to get a wedding cake, how to nail the rehearsal dinner, and more. There are traditional wedding and non-traditional wedding options for everyone, even during Covid-19.

The post How Much Do Real Weddings Cost? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by bao loop on Unsplash

A wedding is a unique and unrepeatable event in the life of every person. Of course, preparing for the wedding celebration is a troublesome affair, but the outcome is worth it. Decorating the hall for a wedding reception will help create a classy evening’s atmosphere in the soul of the newlyweds and each guest. What should you pay attention to, and which decorative elements to choose?

First of all, pay attention to the style – if possible, it should correspond to the general direction of the celebration, especially if the wedding is themed. The colors should be harmoniously combined: do not give preference to too bright and flashy shades because the holiday lasts several hours, and very few guests will like to look at the inconsistent tones.

It is advisable to decorate the reception hall no more than a day before your wedding. Otherwise, the decor may lose its attractiveness – the balloons will decrease in volume, the flowers will wither, and the sweet decor will dry out.

The accessibility factor is also essential – do not overdo it with decorations: it is unlikely that people will be comfortable if there is something near their feet, or if on the dance floor, they will have to avoid columns or figurines all the time.

Of course, you can contact an agency that decorates the premises for a holiday, or you can connect your imagination. Be patient and create an amazing atmosphere of a reception hall for a wedding with your own hands. Just follow the advice of Hackrea experts.

Ideas for Decorating the Hall for a Wedding Reception

Decoration with Balloons

Image from Freepik

Balloons are one of the most popular wedding hall decoration options. It is ideal for small budget celebrations. With the right combination of colors and shapes, the balloons will transform the room.

You can use blue and white, violet and white, red and white or other colors. Balloons can be of different shapes – hearts, doves, animal figurines to add zest to the interior. Try to inflate the balloons to the same size, and also make sure they are securely attached. From balloons inflated with helium, you can lay out an interesting composition under the ceiling, hang bundles of balloons, or create beautiful garlands and original figures.

Decorating the Walls with Posters

Posters can be purchased in the store or call friends with artistic skills to create them. On them, you can write funny expressions, toasts, tips, and just wishes. You can create a collage with photographs, a kind of evolutionary path for a couple: from small children to the moment they meet.

The most popular designs for wedding posters are hearts, pairs of doves and swans, wedding rings, and glasses.

Decoration with Fabric

Image by Pamula REEVES-BARKER from Pixabay

This type of decoration can transform even a boring room. Particular attention should be paid to tables, chairs, and the wall above the newlyweds. Contrasting tablecloths and napkins will look very advantageous, and the color of the napkins should be combined with bows on the backs of chairs. If possible, choose cloth napkins, not paper..

With the help of light transparent fabrics, you can decorate walls. The main thing is to know the room’s dimensions in advance to buy the amount of material needed. Several shiny fabric canvases can be hung above the ceiling, creating a dome effect – this technique always looks very beautiful.

Decoration with Flowers

Image by carlitocanhadas from Pixabay

Floristic compositions are not a cheap pleasure, but they also look very festive and elegant. At the same time, fresh flowers delight with their appearance and savor the whole room.

It is advisable to choose only one variety of flowers – chamomile, rose, or lily. It depends on the style of the wedding and the general color scheme of the room. You need to start decorating the reception hall a few hours before the celebration – a maximum of a day, otherwise the buds will simply fade. To make them look more outstanding, they can be supplemented with candles, ferns, and green plants. Flowers can be used to decorate the arch above the newlyweds’ table, and put centerpieces on guests’ tables.

Contrasting Ribbons

Image by Georgi Zvezdov from Pixabay

With the help of ribbons of two colors, you can create a festive mood in any reception hall. You can decorate the backs of chairs, the legs of glasses with them, tie them around curtains or lamps, and create beautiful compositions.

As you can see, there are many options for decorating a reception hall for a wedding: you may well combine some of them or give preference to one. The main thing is that the final result should appeal to everyone and become the embodiment of celebration and beauty.

The post Ideas for Decorating the Hall for a Wedding Reception appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

From manicures and braids to fries and toast, French people just know how to do things the right way. They make everything feel chic and effortless, bringing a touch of elegance and style to everything they do. No wonder we use the French phrase ‘je ne sais quoi’ to describe something that is special and appealing, but we can’t quite put it in words.

The French aesthetic is the epitome of good taste, timelessness, and sophistication, which also happen to be the epithets many brides-to-be are looking for when planning their dream wedding. No need to go to Paris, though – throwing a memorable French-inspired wedding is simply a matter of thorough planning and attention to detail, wherever your wedding’s taking place. From table setting and decor to wedding food and invitations, here’s how you can replicate the French appeal at your wedding reception and amaze everyone present on your big day.

Photo by Thomas William on Unsplash

Evoke French opulence with elegant table setting

Lay the foundation for your French-inspired wedding by selecting an effortlessly elegant table setting. For the table runners, go for natural hues to mimic the scenery of the romantic French countryside. French blue along with eucalyptus green and white accents will set the mood with its calming tones, while luscious pastel centerpieces in bloom will remind your guests of a refined palette captured in Impressionist paintings such as those of Claude Monet. Rich, gold-plated silverware combined with pale-pink taper candles placed in gilded candle holders will evoke French opulence, adding a touch of romance. Top things off with mismatched vintage plates, bottles, and jars, and sprinkle some blue lace here and there to tie everything into a cohesive whole.

Photos by Lanty on Unsplash

Spoil your guests with heavenly Parisian desserts

No French-inspired wedding can go without some heavenly Parisian sweet treats. The magnificent croquembouche or the mouth-watering macaroons will go perfectly with the wedding theme while creating an interesting talking point for the wedding guests. No need to travel to France to have these delicious desserts adorning your beautifully arranged cake stands and dessert stations. There are family businesses that are equally amazed by the gorgeous and appetizing French dessert creations as you are, so even if you’re from America or Australia, you can still have the caterers deliver the magically delicious French pastry and add a touch of French elegance to your wedding reception. To complete the magical feast, be sure to incorporate a visually appealing cheese and fruit combination and make a toast with a glass of exquisite French champagne.

Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash

Bring Provence home with greenery and florals

Nothing adds a touch of French romance to a wedding quite like blooms and greens. Romantic greenery and floral decorations with burgundy blooms perfectly embody the charm of French gardens while wildflowers, twine, and flowering branches remind of heavenly hills of Provence and its charm in springtime. Decorate with antique, rustic urns to replicate the romantic French garden setting and create a stunning altarpiece with the help of an elegant archway made of charming foliage, winding vines, and blooms. Use gorgeous floral bouquets to design a lavish, breath-taking tablescape and adorn the chairs with rustic foliage and baby’s breath to complete a heavenly ceremony space fit for a king and queen.

Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash

Add French flair with lavender details

Deemed France’s purple gold, it’s quite difficult to imagine a French-inspired wedding without its signature flower popping up in wedding decor. The soft, delicate fragrance and feminine, dusky purple hues of lavender are synonymous with France, which is widely known for its exceptional, breath-taking lavender fields. It has a wide range of applications which means it could be used for adorning everything from bouquets and centerpieces to dessert and cocktails. Aside from being an effective garnish and ornamentation, it can also be used to make a DIY lavender toss instead of the usual rose petal or confetti toss. Très chic!

Incorporate the charmingly romantic French language

What’s a Parisian-inspired wedding without a couple of words in French? RSVP cards that incorporate one of the most beautiful languages in the world are sure to set the tone for your wedding and make it even more unique. Aside from the cards, you can also go a step further and label the tables with numbers or names in this language to really ‘’take’’ your wedding guests to the country. And if you really want to add the French flair, you can send out wedding invitations along with a delicious French wine. Select a bottle of wine to send and use wine labels, tulle, and stamps to decorate the package and give it that charming, French feel.

Conclusion

As you’re preparing to say that fateful “Je le veux!”, be sure to incorporate some of these gorgeous ideas into your French-inspired wedding reception. And even if you can’t make it to the city of love and get married there, you can certainly replicate the Parisian feel at your wedding and make it come to you – even just for a day.

Blog written by Diana Wills

The post Create a Romantic French-Inspired Wedding Reception Your Guests Will Remember appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

How to keep your wedding in spite of coronavirus

There are two main Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related risks associated with your wedding day 1) wedding guests who will need to travel to get there and 2) bringing everyone together into a gathering.  In many places, people either can’t or won’t travel due to the risk of contracting the virus. And large gatherings may be banned in your area.

Here’s how to keep your wedding during coronavirus:

1. If your wedding is BEFORE Summer of 2021, read our article on how to decide whether to postpone a 2020 wedding. Call your wedding vendors and find out what the cost of canceling or postponing will be. Ask what reschedule dates are available. If you decide to postpone, read the section below on how to postpone your wedding.
2. If your wedding is  AFTER Summer of 2021, you can likely keep the event as planned.
3. If you are getting married before Summer 2021 and keeping the wedding, read our article on how to plan your wedding during coronavirus and plan for a certain number of guests to attend via Zoom or another livestream service.
4. Consider having an online wedding instead.
5. Follow CDC guidelines for public gatherings. This means chairs sitting farther apart at the ceremony, and almost zero hugging, kissing, handshaking and dancing (aside from the two of you, of course). You may also need to do away with the buffet. Discuss with your caterer.
6. Consider having an intimate wedding as scheduled, and postponing the big reception into summer or fall of 2021. A lot of the risk of spreading the virus amongst wedding guests is due to reception activities like food, drinks, and dancing.

How to postpone your wedding because of Coronavirus

1. Set a new date with your venue, if you can. It will help take the anxiety out of the situation to know you are definitely getting married, just not now. If your vendor can’t commit to a new date, pick a month more than six months from now, so you have a new goal to work toward.

2. Call your other vendors and let them know you’re postponing and your new date, and adjust any appointments or payment deadlines.

3. Contact the wedding party and guest list. It will feel awful, but postponements happen every day, and guests understand. Just tell them the new date or time frame and the reason why. You’ll be relieved when it’s done, and so will they.

Here’s some wedding-postponed announcement wording:

“We want to make sure our special day is safe for all, so we have decided to reschedule our wedding to [new date].”

“Due to Coronavirus restrictions on travel and social gatherings, we have made the tough choice to postpone our wedding until [new date].”

Should you return wedding gifts because of Coronavirus-postponed wedding?

As long as you have a new date or time frame, you don’t need to return gifts or mention them in the postponement announcement (see above). Unless a guest specifically asks you to return their gift, consider this one less thing to worry about.

If you don’t already have one, now’s a good time to setup a honeyfund (a cash-based wedding registry). The flexibility of cash is always helpful in uncertain times, which is why we created a new registry item: the Flexibility Fund. You can add it to your own registry with one click. Don’t forget to add a link to your honeyfund to your wedding website so guests checking for updates will see the available options.

Should you postpone your honeymoon because of Coronavirus?

I get it. This really sucks. But the truth is, traveling is risky right now. Asking yourself a few key questions will help you determine whether or not to cancel or reschedule your honeymoon due to Coronavirus.

1. How is your health? And the health of those around you?
If you travel anywhere right now, you are exposing yourselves to the virus. True, healthy individuals under the age of 50 seem to be at a low risk of serious illness or death. But think about the people around you. If you do carry the virus, will you come home to family members over 50? Do you work in the health industry or with the elderly? This is why the CDC is recommending any non-essential travel is halted until the number of new infections subsides. When will that be? Most likely a year at least. No one knows for sure.

2. Travelers flying, taking a cruise or other public transportation to their destination
If you have to fly, take a cruise ship, train or bus to get to your honeymoon destination, you should contact the carrier and ask them about their social distancing and sanitation policies. Any time people are close together in tight spaces, the risk of transmission increases.

3. Travelers driving to their destination
Did you opt for a local honeymoon? If so you might not have to cancel. You’ll want to research the shelter-in-place or quarantine restrictions in your given city, and when they expire. Call the hotels and ask about sanitation and distancing policies, and which amenities are open and closed. Read our article on staying at hotels during Coronavirus.

4. Would we be able to go even bigger, better, or longer if we postpone? How much can we save by re-booking now when prices are cheaper? In every challenge, there’s an opportunity.

5. What will it cost me to cancel?
If you decide it’s prudent to cancel, first determine if you have travel insurance. If not, call the credit cards you used to book, some come with automatic insurance. If you used a travel agent, they can help you navigate this step. Once you know if you have any coverage, find out what the deductible is

How to cancel your honeymoon because of Coronavirus

First, call and ask about the cancellation policy of all your accommodations, transportation (flights, train tickets, etc) and tours. Cancel anything that’s refundable or charges a fee less than your insurance deductible to cancel.

Many times, flights can’t be canceled, but they can be changed for a fee. And most major airlines are waiving those fees right now. (Visit your airline’s website or call your travel agent to find out if yours will be waived.) At this time, not knowing how long it will take to be safe to travel again, I recommend rescheduling for the same time next year. If you can’t wait that long, don’t book anything closer than 6 months from now.

What if I lose money?

Many of us with travel plans during this outbreak will end up eating some of the cost to cancel and/or reschedule.  But keep in mind, booking any kind of travel right now is ridiculously cheap, so you may be able to recover some of that loss by re-booking for next year at a lower price. If you have a Honeyfund registry, add those fees to your wish list so friends and family can pitch in to help. We’ve also created a new Flexibility Fund that can be added to your honeyfund page with one click.

As a last resort, you can dispute the original travel charges with your credit card company. One of the most common reasons to dispute a charge is that you didn’t receive the goods or services you paid for.

Have you had to cancel your wedding or honeymoon? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Updated July 18, 2020

The post Should I cancel my wedding or honeymoon because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.