Wedding Etiquette: Tipping Vendors

The wedding day has arrived, the vendors have set up, and everything looks just the way you envisioned. Only one problem - you have no idea what to tip! While tipping your vendors is not a requirement, it is your gesture of gratitude for a job well done.

Here is a sample of appropriate tip amounts for the vendors that have a hand in making your celebration a hit:

• Banquet Manager - $100-$500(depending on the # of guests)


• Hair, Makeup, & Nails - 15% - 20% of total


• Delivery People - Approx. $10 each


• Officiant - Between $100 - $200


• Caterer/Wait Staff - 15% - 20% of total bill (unless gratuity is already included)


• Parking Attendant/Valet - 15% - 20% of transportation bill


• Coat/Restroom Attendant - $.50 - $1.00 per guest (unless gratuity is already included)


• Entertainment - $20 - $25 per member


• Photographer/Videographer - Optional ($20 - $25 is sufficient)


• Bartender - 10% of total liquor bill

For all other vendors, simply send a thank-you note and letter of recommendation for the excellent service.

A few tips to remember:

• As a general rule, tipping is for employees, not business owners


• The tip amount is usually based on the amount you've spent on that person's service


• Make sure gratuity has not already been included in final bill


• To eliminate the burden and stress of tipping on your wedding day, prepare labeled envelopes with tips inside ahead of time and designate your wedding planner (if you have one) or a trusted indivisual to deliver them.

Source: SDSW Magazine

Awesome Photographer: Joy Marie Photo

Check out these Superhero Engagement images from the wonderful photographer Joy Marie:

Source: Joy Marie Photo

In case you have never heard of her or seen any of her work, I seriously suggest you check her out! I was looking through engagement photos that she shout-absolutely AMAZING. They are so creative and unique...not just your average running on the beach, looking into each other's eyes, etc, etc. These engagement photos actually represent the couple's personality, while showcasing their love for one another. See for yourself, http://www.joymariephoto.com/. You will be impressed.

Wedding Trends: Past, Present, and Future

I was looking through the latest issue of Brides of Southern California magazine for a little inspiration, and I came across an interesting article on wedding trends - from the ideas that are ready to retire to the hot new trends that are soon to catch on. Check out a few trends that made the list to see if you agree:

So 15 minutes ago...

Colored Sashes

Pink/Brown

Damask

Pick-up Skirts

Grab them while they're hot...

Patterned Bridesmaids Dresses

Turquoise/Red

Candy Buffets

Mariachi Bands

The next big thing...

The Wedding Party All in White

Birdcage Veils

Veggie Centerpieces

Gospel Choir @ the Ceremony

Bright Colorful Heels Under the Wedding Gown

A Wedding for Under $1?

Talk about a wedding on a budget! On 9/9/09, deemed the "luckiest day of the century", couples can get married at the Wilshire/Fairfax $.99 Only Store for, you guessed it, only $.99! There will be an ordained minister on the premises to legalize the union, and the wedding decor will consist of items carried in the popular bargain store.

Only a limited number of couples will be able to participate, so if you're interested call (323)881-1247 for all of the details. The last day to signup is Aug 24, 2009.

For all other brides on a budget, if you think you cannot afford a Day of Wedding Coordinator, you are in luck! As a special launch promotion, Platinum Touch Events is offering Day-Of services completely free to the first TWO couples that book me as their day of wedding coordinator.

To qualify for this free promotion, your wedding date must be on or before Sept. 27, 2009.

Services will include the following:

-Free initial consultation to discuss event details

-Unlimited email and telephone correspondence

-Confirm contracts/time schedules with all vendors one week prior to event

-On-site meeting 1-2 weeks prior to event date to discuss final details/preparations

-Ensure timely setup of event site

-Distribution of flowers to bridal party

-Obtaining marriage license signatures and delivery to officiate

-Create, distribute, and manage event time schedule with vendors/bridal party

-Coordinate rehearsal prior to wedding date (maximum 2 hrs)

-Coordinate ceremony and reception on event date as outlined in timeline/itinerary

-Provide bridal emergency kit

-Collection of gifts/personal items to be delivered to pre-determined destination at end of event

Call me at (310) 722-2873 or email nikola@aplatinumtouchevent.com to arrange a free consultation.

Honeymoon Registries - Tacky or Terrific?!

Photo source: http://www.resortvacationstogo.com/

Lately, there has been a lot of debate on whether or not honeymoon registries are tacky, or do they fall well within acceptable wedding etiquette. So, what is a honeymoon registry, you ask? Well, it's identical to a regular gift registry, however, instead of traditional gifts that couples usually request, such as household items, etc., the couple requests donations for certain aspects of, or toward the total cost of their honeymoon. Sounds like a simple enough concept, but who would have thought that this growing trend would spark so much of a debate? The naysayers argue that honeymoon registries are tasteless because you are essentially asking your guests for money without coming straight out and well, asking for money. They feel that the marrying couple's main focus should be their family and friends coming out to celebrate and support them as they start a new life together. Gifts are simply a welcome "extra", and anything you receive you shoud be appreciative and grateful for. While that may be true, those that have jumped on the honeymoon registry bandwagon look at it from a completely different perspective. They argue that most couples who are getting married already live together, so really there is no need for the usual blenders, coffee makers, dishes, etc., that are a staple on wedding gift tables around the world. So, why not ask for something that they can really use? After all, with more and more couples ponying up the cash for their own weddings, with little or no help from parents or anyone else, what is the harm in saving money on the honeymoon by getting a little creative with the "donation" request? After all, it is not mandatory for guests to make a contribution, and you will always have those guests that will skip the registry altogether and purchase what they think you will want or need. In addition, most honeymoon registries allow you to add traditional gift requests, or link to another gift registry that you have already created. I personally can agree with the arguments on both sides of the spectrum, but my advice is that it all depends on the couple and their own personal taste. In most cases, the couple knows their friends and family well enough to judge whether or not requesting contributions to their honeymoon registry will be a good idea or not. After all, a wedding is your own once in a lifetime special day. The best suggestion would be to make the decision that will ultimately please you and your partner at the end of the day.

If you are interested in creating a honeymoon registry, check out http://www.honeyfund.com/. There are no set up fees, no transaction fees, and best of all, your money comes directly to you (via paypal) from your gift givers. Another bonus: there is no travel purchase required, meaning you do not have to book your honeymoon through their company. You are free to use your own travel agent or search around for the best deals to fit your wishes!