Vendor costs, a tricky question to answer

This entry was originally posted back in April, but as this is the most frequently asked question of our vendors, we thought it would be good to repost.

“How much do you cost?” 

It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

With bottom lines on the mind, brides are eager to request on the spot quotes for our planning services. Unfortunately, pricing out your unique event is not that cut and dry. Brides – here are a few pointers to keep in mind when “shopping around.”

Photo from Package Perfect BlogFirst, bridal shows like Weddings in Woodinville are not the ideal setting for a quick quote. Instead, these events are created to immerse you in the wedding world and introduce you to excellent vendor sources for products and services. While some vendors – like transportation providers or makeup artists – can give you a direct quote upon meeting, when investing in a wedding planner, capture the contact info of your favorites and follow up with them after the show. It’s this post-show one-on-one time that enables your planner to grow a deeper understanding of your wedding and form a more accurate, personalized quote.

As the foundation for your quote, planners request your day, date, time, guest & wedding party number, ceremony & reception location and your ideal, total budget. Here in the Northwest, Saturdays in June through August are considered prime dates in high demand. Friday and Sunday weddings may incur lower rates, but discounts vary by consultant or may be dependent on other factors. Your ceremony & reception’s location are also hugely significant to the quoting process. For example, a destination wedding on Maui or Washington’s San Juan Islands would require higher vendor and consultant travel costs than a winery wedding in Woodinville. The venue itself may even present challenging working conditions – think: a remote cliff-side ceremony vs. a resort ballroom reception.

Lead-time is another element to consider.  Ideally, consultants welcome 10 - 12 months for proper planning. For a wedding with production beginning 3 - 4 months prior, additional manpower is often necessary and may drive costs up.  That being said, if the wedding is fully planned and a bride chooses a Week-of Wedding Coordinator to implement and execute plans, consultants will sometimes reduce costs if your chosen date is still available.  

How Much Do You Cost? Written by Jacky Grotle of Event Success.  

At Event Success, we offer a range for both Full Planning and Week-of Wedding Coordination pricing, though we still rely on one-on-one time with our brides to determine their unique, precise needs and costs in the process of realizing their dream wedding. 

Ten Favors That Will Not Disappoint

I, personally, am a fan of the favor. I look for it, I inspect it, I try and decipher its selection by my generous hosts for my very presence at their gathering. I look for how it relates to the couple, how it adds to the splendor, and when possible, when the earliest appropriate time for ingestion can take place.  Some favors are full of personal sentiment, gratitude, and thoughtfulness while others (Jordan almonds-ehem) have the sentimental equivalent of spam in my inbox. 

Here are some general guidelines for selecting favors:

1.  Make it personal- something special to the two of you.
(this does not mean personalize it. If it is a keepsake, I am less likely to keep it around if it has a date or name imprinted on it other than my own. Tags, labels, and easily removable thingys are a-ok!)

2.  If it’s not personal, make it fun and engaging. Something that will spark conversation with the people at the table.

3.  If it’s not personal, or fun, make it functional. I can always use a wine opener or some fresh herbs.

4.  If it’s not personal, fun, or functional, PLEASE make it something I can put in my mouth!

5.  As an added bonus, make it unexpected. Maybe a game? Or something that will be mailed to them?

And with that, below are ten favors that meet at least one of the above guidelines!

Pom Confetti by Heathoriginal

1.  Pom Confetti by Heathoriginals
If I were to walk into an event and see these, I would just KNOW that the night’s fun factor would be just ridiculous. I also love that everyone will probably find one of these poms in a strange location the following day. And if you are planning a Suess themed wedding. These favors are also kind of like little galaxies of Whoville’s.

Midori Ribbon chargers2.  Chargers out of Midori Ribbon
These Midori ribbon chargers are both fun and functional. Not only are they unlike anything you’ve ever seen, they satisfy any desire to do a DIY project (we only recommend one per event for sanity’s sake). Totally customizable, these could be made as circular plate chargers or as a crazy fun chair mat. Chances are, not everyone will want to take them home, but all the more fun when you see your aunt’s scrounging the venue for extras. The DIY tutorial for these are on Midori’s blog: Ribbonista
http://blog.midoriribbon.com/tag/shag-rug-diy/

Flower bulb samplers by Lola Event Floral & Design3.  Flower bulb samplers by Lola Event Floral & Design
Packaged like a little chocolate sampler, these favors are fantastic for my fellow gardeney folks. Use your favorite flower, or maybe the flower that grows around grandma’s house you remember from your childhood.

Custom tote bag by Covet & Swoon4.  Tote bags by Covet and Swoon
Tote bags have the same effect on me as a Christmas stocking. The meer sight of them make me squeal. These totes are super cute and totally customizable. They’re a great gift to fill and give to your special people. Please do put something in it. There’s nothing sadder than an empty stocking on Christmas.

Matthews Estate wine 5.  Syrah by Matthews Estate
Matthews’ Columbia Valley Syrah made an already wonderful day extraordinary. It can do the same for your guests. Talk to the winery about getting a custom photo label made, or hang a beautiful ceramic medallion from Susabella Handmade Ceramics around its neck.

Lady Yum Macaroons6.  French Macaroons by Lady Yum
The lady at Lady Yum says these macaroons are life-changing. I agree. And since these macaroon favors would last a nanosecond in front of me, what if you could have two delivered to your guests houses a couple of day’s following the celebration? To be reminded of the delicious evening they had at your life changing event twice would be very unexpected. 

Bunny finger puppets kit by Purl Bee7.  Finger puppets
Monsters, people you know, bunnies, stars (for jazz hands)… the options are endless. These things will not only keep the kids entertained, it will encourage general silliness among your guests. These bunny finger puppets come in a kit by Purl Bee. http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/3/23/welcoming-purl-soho-bunny-finger-puppet-kits.html

Custom chocolates by Wellington Chocolate8.  Chocolates by Wellington Chocolate
Not only can you customize these yummies, you can put a pattern on them allowing you to meet both the personal and put-in-mouth recommendations.

Elegant paper packaging 9.  Brown paper anything
I heard somewhere that brown paper wrapping induces greater levels of anticipation. Here are a couple of ways to use a simple and elegant paper. (sources from Emmaline Bride and Minieco.co.uk)

Guest transportation by Butler Transportation10.  Ride home from Butler Transportation
Perhaps the ultimate in usefulness and unexpectedness. Surprise guests with a paper ticket from Paper Fling inviting them for a free ride home following the festivities. Live it up!

Ten Favors That Will Not Disappoint was written by guest blogger Emily Ellen Anderson of Lola Event Floral & Design

Finding the right Wedding Planner

Find the right planner for your wedding. Photo by Alante PhotographyHiring a coordinator is no longer a luxury…but essential for couples planning any type of wedding celebration. While you relish in the moment with each other, your friends and family… your wedding planner is there to handle every detail ensuring you’re day goes wonderfully smooth.  A coordinator can help you negotiate contracts, offer you exclusive discounts and invaluable advice, and help you build that perfect team of vendors that match your style, needs and budget.  Not only do you want a wedding planner who understands your vision and is able to make it a reality, but also one who adapts well with various personality types and can diffuse stressful circumstances that might arise.

So how do you find your dream planner?

Personal referrals are often invaluable.  If a friend or co-worker was recently married, ask them who they used and what they thought about their experience.  Were they happy with their overall experience? Did the coordinator offer sound advice and guidance? Did their rates match their level of services provided? 

Many venues and wedding professionals have a list of preferred vendors. They want to effectively provide their best product or service so they’re going to recommend those planners that are the most flexible and professional to partner with.

Use your local wedding resource guide, wedding shows and bridal magazines to gather your list of potential planners to interview.  Whether you found the planner through a friend, a preferred list, or a magazine, always interview them.  Most coordinators offer a complimentary consultation so you can get to know them, their style, their level of experience and how they can help you. Your coordinator can often act as your confidant, designer, liaison, organizer, scheduler, and so much more so make sure there is a good connection between you. 

Lastly, remember wedding planning can be FUN!  You’re only going to do this once so choose someone that will inspire a fun experience for you!

Finding the Right Wedding Planner was written by guest blogger Jenny Harding – Owner/Coordinator with New Chapter Weddings

Are you following us on Pinterest yet?

Are you as in love with the 2013 Weddings in Woodinville venue themes as are?  If you love seeing these “teaser” inspiration boards but want more, follow some our planners theme boards on Pinterest and get even more Glamping and Industrial Romance genius.

Blushing Baroque at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery by Taylor’d Events by Jennifer
NW Glamping at Matthews Estate by Shindig Events
Rustic Ambiance with Contemporary Style at DeLille Cellars by Event Success
Emerald Gardens at Willows Lodge by A New Chapter
Amor Alegre-Joyous Love At JM Cellars by MG Davis Events
 Industrial Romance at Woodhouse Wine Estates by All A Flutter
The Four Seasons at Columbia Winery by Chambers and Company 

Check out our other vendors who are Pinning too!

Butler Seattle-Valet, Transportation & Tours
Seattle Bride
Vintage Ambiance
Heathorignal
Lisa Dupar Catering
Glassybaby
Fena Flowers
Laineemeg Bridal
Moonie Icy Tunes
Melanie Benson Floral
Ravishing Radish
Lola Floral
Creative Coverings
Tom Douglas 
Midori Ribbon
Salon Maison

Emerald Gardens at Willows Lodge

Last, but hardly least, we are excited to share with you the theme for Willows Lodge for Weddings in Woodinville 2013.  Jenny Harding of New Chapter Weddings is excited to introduce you to…  Emerald Gardens.

“Emerald Green - the shade of the gemstone known to be favored by Venus, the goddess of LOVE…. And the HOT color for 2013!  Willows Lodge is the perfect location to pair this exquisite jewel tone with the beautiful setting of lush herb gardens and rich golden wood.  Step inside this captivating space to experience a naturally Northwest vibe combined with an air of charming elegance.” Jenny Harding

Emerald Gardens wedding inspiration board for Willows Lodge for Weddings in Woodinville 2013

For a list of participating vendors at Willows Lodge for the 2013 wedding tour please visit http://www.weddingsinwoodinville.com/willows-lodge/.