How much do you cost? It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

“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.”

First, 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 man power 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.  

Money bride bouquet by It's Doable.... Crafts, food and life

How Much Do You Cost? was written by our guest blogger, 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. 

Venue Themes for Weddings in Woodinville 2012

The third consecutive year of Weddings In Woodinville is being held on Sunday, January 29 2012.  This unique wedding wine tour is designed to give couples, their families, bridal party and friends a preview of what a fully-decorated venue could look like for their own special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together in a personal, interactive, engaging atmosphere.  Our vendors do not simply stand behind a table displaying their talents, they are particpating in the party and celebrating with you while you interact within the environemnt they have collaborated with their wedding planner to bring to you. 

Our three founding wedding planner board members, Jacky Grotle of Event Success, Melody Davis of MG Davis Events & Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events with Jennifer, along with our three guest planners, Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Events, BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events and Janel Schlit of Occasions, LLC are proud to bring you the following feasts of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch with their following venue themes.  

Columbia Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Erin Lindeman, Lindeman Events

"The Royal Gardens"

Come see for yourself how we transform Columbia Winery’s ballroom into ‘The Royal Gardens.’  This is a great illustration of how to turn a classic elegant room into a chic and personalized wedding reception without having to spend a fortune.  The use of rented trees, dramatic draping and lighting will be the backdrop of this majestic soirée.  Wish a rich selection of champagnes and a dash of black crystal chandeliers, we have given the traditional palette more of a modern sparkle.

We will also be showcasing the latest wedding dress trends along with a host of other talented vendors.   So come delight your senses by savoring the delicious food, fine wines and visual decadence at Columbia Winery.

Matthews Estate
Theme Décor/Planner: BreeAnn Gale, Pink Blossom Events 

"Love Is In The Air"

When designing the theme for Matthews Estate for this year’s event we wanted to utilize both the Tasting Room and Estate House but making sure we kept with the same theme throughout. Succulents with pops of robin’s egg blue and burgundy led the way to a romantic rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and an elegant picnic wedding reception up at the Estate House.  As you tour Matthews Estate allow yourself to envision not only your wedding day but also the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner! The inspiration board incorporate both the inspiration for the rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and the elegant picnic reception up at the Estate House.

Novelty Hill/Januik Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Jennifer Taylor, Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

“Chandelier Lounge”

My inspiration for my design was “The Chandelier” at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.  I loved all the crystal and glass being used.  I wanted to bring glitter and glamour to the modern feel of Novelty Hill-Januik Winery.  The reason I chose to do a reception style with soft seating is to showcase the little used Reception style, it is a great way to mix and mingle with your guests.

JM Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Melody Davis, MG Davis Events

"Contemporary Classic Vines"

The beautiful natural surroundings of JM Cellars, and the unique, romantic gathering places that the winery offers, inspired our creation this year of a wedding that portrays contrasting elements of nature and nurture . . . of comfort and style.  We've blended neutral color hues and textures found in the natural world, with the classic sophistication of porcelain, silver, and crystal.  Hanging over a grand, communal pine table is a custom designed chandelier that artfully joins old world architecture and vines with sparkling glass.  The tablescape beneath displays a mélange of timeworn classics alongside modern elements and romantic flowers. 

Our ceremony will be presented in two locations: Amid the copper doors in the Barrel Room and under the rustic birch arbor on the lower terrace. 

Both indoor and outdoor spaces reflect the importance of friends and family, encouraging conversation and the nurturing of community.   

 DeLille Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Jacky Grotle, Event Success

"Vibrant-Elegant-Garden Theme"

V-E-G will be highlighting bright Oranges and Greens as they are the opposite sides of the color wheel and will create the effect and mood we are looking for.

The gold accents will add a touch of elegance and glamour to the garden.  Using Obelisks, herbs, floral and textured linens our garden wedding will fit right in with the sheep on this gorgeous ten acre property.    

Willows Lodge
Theme Décor/Planner: Janel Schlit, Occasions, LLC

“Woodland Glamour”

Our superior design team has created a lush and romantic experience that encompasses the Northwest feel of the lodge with pure glamour!  Between Aria Style and Occasions, LLC what more would you expect?!  To say the least, we love this venue and this theme for our tour for Weddings in Woodinville 2012.  From the sparkle of the crystals to the lighted branches this project has let us dive into uncharted territory.  We love the idea of combining casual elegance to over top glamour to achieve pure rustic elegance!   

We are looking forward to showing off our creativity, partnership and of course passion for weddings!

Vendor Highlight: Cory Bogle of Bogle Production

Wedding Videography by Bogle ProductionsWhat is your name and company?
Cory Bogle of Bogle Productions 

What inspired you to start your business?
I have always had a passion for filmmaking. I attended a film and video program at the University of Washington. I decided to start my own company and began filming weddings and enjoyed it as an avenue for story telling. I enjoy creating cinematic films and capturing people’s special day.

What sets you apart from other vendors in your field?
I think it starts with really quality cinematography. It’s also the art of capturing the day while respecting that it is wedding and not a movie set. We try to be as un-obtrusive as possible. We also edit a full Feature Film as well as a Highlight version for posting on the web. 

What's your style?
Our style is Candid, Journalistic, Documentary and Cinematic. 

What is the main thing that makes you unique?
I think it’s the ability to film each wedding as a movie happening in real time. Filming things that are happening on the fly and capturing it in a way that tells a story with different camera angle.  Also the scoring of music that we do in the editing is what really creates the mood and emotion in a wedding film.

What is your greatest strength?
Both cinematography and editing but it all start with the cinematography. You can only do so much with bad footage so it is really important to have a skilled cinematographer with a lot of experience filming weddings.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I have been successfully creating wedding films for over 18 years and still going strong and still enjoy what I do.

Bogle Productions was featured throughout the tour and at DeLille Cellars.

 Watch the video Cory created for Weddings in Woodinville and view other videos of his at http://vimeo.com/bogleproductions/videos.

Weddings in Woodinville from Bogle Productions on Vimeo.

Vendor Highlight: Lacey Yantis of Visions of Romance

Wedding Photography by Visions of RomanceWhat is your name and company?
Lacey Yantis of Visions of Romance 

What inspired you to start your business?
Studying photography in the mid 1990s, I quickly fell in love with creating art through the lens of the camera. My own destination wedding took place in Lanikuhonua, Hawaii surrounded by 115 loving family and friends.  These two personal experiences and having the honor of working with our incredibly, artistic photographer resonated within me.  My love of photography combined with the passion, emotions and imagery of a wedding is what I wanted for my family owned and run business.

What sets you apart from other vendors in your field?
It is not really about pretty pictures, best compositions or perfect poses.  To me photography is about creating emotionally meaningful images.  It is about capturing something intangible that brings happiness and inspires.  I want my photography to show couples how beautiful they are, how precious their love is and how much they mean to the people around them. 

What's your style?Lacey of Visions of Romance captures the beauty of her couple
I believe that your wedding day is the first chapter in your new family story.  Our photographers and cameras become your storyteller meticulously capturing the images of your story as it naturally unfolds throughout the wedding day. Our mix of candid and beautifully composed shots capture the true essence of your wedding as it unfolds.  We are devoted to being there to get the shot naturally. Not only do we record the big events but carefully capture all of the telling details that make your wedding so special. By focusing on the bride and groom, their emotions and the relationships with family and friends, the photographs create a natural and honest record of your wedding day.  You will be able to relive your wedding as it happened from start to finish. 

What is the main thing that makes you unique?Telling love stories behind the lens by Visions of Romance
It’s not primarily about the camera or being a photographer.  The camera allows me to create and tell stories capturing the beauty that I see. I love to hear the pieces of people’s lives – the “why” behind their relationship. Stories are the threads in the fabric of our lives they make us and all of our relationships unique. It is the ability to turn spontaneous, romantic wedding moments into innovative images that are creative and artistic.

I am extremely passionate about creating authentic, genuine images of couples in love.   

What is your greatest strength?
Visions of Romance PhotographyA perfect blend of refined artistic style and our professional, yet personable and relaxed personality’s, are the key to successfully helping you feel at ease in your photographs on the most important day of your life.  This makes it easy to capture the beauty of your wedding day along with the spirit and emotion behind those three words, “I Love You” with beautiful artistic wedding photography. 

What are you most proud of?
Our brides and grooms extend an invitation for us to participate on one of the most important days of their lives. We are one of many hired professional vendors.  Along the journey to create the wedding photography package of the couple’s dreams, we become more than a vendor.  We take the time to foster a relationship of friendship.  In the midst of the splendor of the wedding day we arrive as friends at the conclusion of the evening we leave knowing that we were treated like family. 

 Visions of Romance was featured at Woodhouse Wine Estates and throughout the tour.  View many of her photos as she followed us throughout the day at the Weddings in Woodinville Gallery Page.

Vendor Highlight: Jeremy & Stuart Butler of Butler Seattle

Butler Valet: Our valets are Jumping to please you! Photo by Creative Image PhotographyWhat is your name and company?
Jeremy & Stuart Butler of Butler Seattle, aka Butler Valet, Butler Transportation and Butler Wine Tours 

What inspired you to start your business?
We liked the idea of owning a company.  We learned from the outstanding example our father set for us in his own business ownership & practices.  We also enjoy working with the public, especially when parties and wine were involved!

What sets you apart from other vendors in your field?
We care, we take it personally.  We feel that doing a great job is the only way to operate.

What's your style?
Northwest Hospitality

Jeremy & Stuart Butler of Butler SeattleWhat is the main thing that makes you unique?
We focus on what our natural strengths are.  Stuart handles sales & Jeremy focuses on operations. 

What is your greatest strength?
Teamwork.  We are more than business partners, we are brothers and we use our mutual respect and intimate knowledge of each others strengths to build a successful business built on client satisfaction.

What are you most proud of?
Being able to provide for our families and set examples for our children on how to succeed in life, business and all types of relationships.

Butler Seattle was featured throughout the tour with Traffic Marshaling, Mercedes Benz shuttle chauffeurs and parking security.