What? I Have To Tip Them Too???

Everyone gets confused when its time to give a tip when they go out to dinner. That's no the only time you're expected to tip. Weddings have plenty of people to tip, so here's a general list of tipping percentages you should expect to pay:

Wedding planner - 10-20% of the entire bill for her services

Officient - $75 - $100 as a donation

Ceremony site staff - $20-$30

Organist / ceremony musicians - $20-$50 depending on length

Site manager for reception - 15-20% of bill for reception

Valet - $1 per car

Waiters - $20-$30 each depending on quality of service

Bartenders - 15% of liquor bill

Coat check - $1 per coat

Limousine - 15-20% of transportation bill (be careful in this situation because many already add a generous tip into the bill)

Delivery worker - $10 if just a drop off, $20 if drop off and set up

Tent assemblers or rental agencies - $20 each

Entertainers - $25-$30 each

Beautician and Barber - 15-20% of bill

Clean up crew - $20 each

Babysitter - $30-$40 plus a gift (more if longer than 5 hours or if caring for several children)

Here's One for the Groom: The Proposal

Who says wedding blogs are for the bride only! If your planning asking the most important question of your life, here's a list of questions to ask yourself if your not quite sure how!

What are her interests?
What activities do you enjoy doing together?
Do you have any common hobbies?
Where/when was your first kiss?
Where/when did you first meet?
Where/when was your first date?
Your favorite song, movie, or place to eat?
Your romantic soot or a specific place you like to talk and bond?
What's her favorite music group?
Would you want your families involved or would you rather a more intimate affair?
Do you have a budget? Do you want it to be extravagant or more creative?
Any talents or skills you'd like to incorporate?
Is this a second marriage? Are there kids to be involved?
Have you talked about marriage?
Have you looked for rings together?
Are you living together?
Is there an anniversary you'd like to propose on? (First date, first kiss, other event)
Is this a long distance relationship?

Just some food for thought as you plan that big proposal!! Comment on what you chose to do?

Seven Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Wedding planners are a controversial issue themselves. So many couples wonder whether or not they should hire one to help them along as they plan their big day. With the economy fluctuating so much lately is a planner really an added expense? Or can they really help you a save even more?

Here's seven reasons why hiring a planner is the right way to go.

1.) Coordinators have many contacts in the wedding industry. They are able to tell you the exact person to fit your style and budget.

2.) Planners know the best known and the rare known and will also be able to get you the best deal.

3.) Because planners research the wedding industry trends, they are able to give you a slew of cost saving tips and tricks. They also have a plethora of contacts to discuss and gather new ideas with.

4.) Planners are like anxiety medication. They are able to alleviate anxiety and stress, giving you more time to deal with other more important areas of your life.

5.) Shes a contract guru! A planner will know where the hidden fine print is and how to negotiate better deals.

6.) Many planners will help you with the DIY aspects, like those favors, invitations, pew bows and more. She will help you save a fortune!!

7.) Many planners offer a la carte planning service options. This is a great thing to take advantage of especially if you only need help with a small part of the planning process.

For package options and more please visit www.wedsandmorebyash.com

Fourteen Reception Sites You'd Never Think Of!

Want someplace unique to hold your reception? Here's a list of fourteen sites that you wouldn't normally think to hold a reception at...

Bed and breakfast
Winery
Alumni club (social room)
Aquarium
Botanical garden
Museum
Art gallery
Apartment with a view
Lighthouse
Marina clubhouse
Jazz club
Farm
Historic estate home
Gazebo at the beach

Lots of these could be a much cheaper option that your normal banquet room!!

Budgeting Your Big Day

Money can be one of the most controversial topics when it comes to planning your wedding. Whether you can spend $5,000 or $500,000 you still need to work out a budget. Below is a list of the most popular aspects of a wedding and the common percentage to be spent on that aspect. Of course nothing is set in stone so if one aspect is more important to you than another you can definitely make adjustments.

Reception 45% - this includes location, catering, rentals, decor' (excluding flowers) etc.

Transportation 5% - limo, town car, etc.

Music & Entertainment 10% - ceremony and reception music, musicians and etc.

Flowers 10% - floral arrangements, bouquets, corsages, etc.

Wedding Attire 10% - dress, tux, jewelry, accessories, etc.

Photography 10% - ceremony, reception, and even engagement sessions

Stationary 4% - save the dates, invitations and thank house

Extras 6% - makeup, licenses, officient, etc.