"For You" ~ The Blog

20 Money Saving Tips

01/13/2011 19:17:00

Ever wish you knew the secret to getting gorgeous flowers without killing your budget? Or how to wow your guest with an AMAZING meal without the staggering price tag? Here is your chance. These tips are straight from the Pros.

1. Determine your budget and prioritize. A rule of thumb: Food, beverage, and venues should be about half your budget.

2. Book one location for your ceremony and reception. This way you won't have to pay multiple site fees, plus there's no need for transportation between venues.

3. Plan an intimate brunch. A morning ceremony, followed by an early-afternoon meal. This is much easier on the checkbook.

4. Time is of the essence. Schedule a three-hour event instead of a five hour event.

5. Trim your guest list. Since so many wedding elements are charged on a per-person basis. Fewer guest can lower your overall cost.

6. Avoid overage charges, by sticking to a prearranged schedule. No matter how tempting it may be to throw caution to the wind.

7. If there is a photographer whose work you just LOVE, but is out of your budget, ask if you can wait until after the wedding to purchase prints or perhaps you can just purchase a DVD with Hi-resolution images. This way you can save up, or use some of your gift money for the purchase.

8. See if a professional videographer will edit your amateur footage. A few local videographers will polish your footage for a fraction of the cost of them shooting the event.

9. Cut champagne out of your budget, let guest toast with whatever they're already drinking.

10. Fondant on cakes is expensive because it requires extra labor. Go with butter cream or cream cheese icing.

11. When it comes to fruit fillings, go seasonal. If your baker charges more for multiple cake or filling flavors, limit yourself to your absolute favorite.

12. Trim your bar bill by serving beer, wine, and a signature cocktail in your wedding colors.

13. There's no rule that says you must have a limo. Rent a luxury car, and ask a trusted friend to play chauffeur for you and your groom on the big day.

14. Study up on flowers. Once you know what's in season, make your selections from those and see how much further your floral budget goes.

15. Keep your eyes on the calendar. Flowers are in higher demand and generally more expensive around Easter, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and during prom season.

16. Candles are inexpensive but when done in abundance they create a romantic ambiance.

17. Create your own artwork, monogram, or motif. Use it on elements throughout your wedding. Stationary, menus, programs or candle holders for chic cohesive look.

18. Hiring a professional calligrapher to address your invitation envelopes can get pricey. Instead, recruit a friend with pretty penmanship for the task. Or use a calligraphy font on your computer to address envelopes.

19. For a quartet to play during the cocktail hour, consider hiring a talented group from a well respected music school or program.

20. You can save hundreds of dollars by booking a DJ for dancing instead of a live band.

Hope these tips help.

Happy Wedding Planning!!!!!

10 Tips for Attending a Bridal Show

01/05/2011 16:26:00

Bridal shows and wedding expos offer one-stop shopping for brides and grooms. The provide you with anywhere from 50 to over 100 vendors all in one location. But bridal shows can also be crowed, with couples, parents, and bridal parties all competing for the same attention from each vendor's booth.

Here are just a few tips to help your navigate bridal shows easy, stress-free and most of all successful.

1. Set-up a Wedding Email Account

Consider setting up a wedding email account through a free online email service, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. Not only will it be convenient to receive all wedding related communication through one account, but it will be helpful in keeping your regular email free of unsolicited email.

2. Pre-register Before the Show

Save time by registering before the show. Registration only takes a few minutes and will save you from having to fill out a registration form at the show.

3. Know your Budget

Setting your wedding budget and knowing who is responsible for each thing will help you make decisions and know what you are looking for while attending the show.

4. Do your Research

Know which wedding services you need or would like before the show. Also try to find out which wedding vendors will be exhibiting. This will help you know what questions to ask and allow you to visit those vendors you are interested in.

5. Print Address Labels at Home

Most vendors at bridal shows want to collect your information. Save yourself time and writer's cramp by printing up address labels at home prior to arriving. Each label should include the following:

Names (Both bride and groom)
Preferred Mailing Address
Email Address - See tip #1
Wedding Date
Phone Number - Only if you would like vendors to call

6. Arrive Early

It's best to beat the rush. Also you will be the first to win some of the cool prizes.

7. Bring your scheduling calendar, notebook, and pen

Bring your calendar so your are able to schedule follow-up appointments with preferred vendors. Also bring your notebook and pen so you can take notes. You will visit with a lot of vendors. Make sure you write down things that jump out and impress you. If you don't write it down you are most likely to forget something important.

8. Bring your digital camera and/or video camera

Bringing your digital recording device of choice will allow you to quickly remember some of the great things you saw at the show.

9. Take Part in the Prizes Offered

Many shows offer prizes as do individual vendors in their booths, through out the day and a grand prize at the end of the day. These prizes are incredible and one lucky bride will win. It could very well be you.

10. Bring your Family and Friends

Bringing your family and friends to the bridal show will help them feel involved and also give you a chance to bounce ideas back and forth.

Here is a listing of some upcoming Bridal Shows in the Columbus, Ohio Area.

Columbus Bride

January 8, 2011 - 11:00am - 5:00pm

January 9, 2011 - 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Veterans Memorial

www.columbusbride.com/the_show

Perfect Wedding Guide

January 23, 2011 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Hilton Polaris

www.columbus.perfectweddingguide.com

Columbus Premier Bridal Expo

January 30, 2011 - 11:00am - 4:00pm

Aladdin Shrine Center

www.columbusbridalexpo.com

Buckeye Bridal Bash

March 6, 2011 - 11:00am - 4:00pm

Ohio Union on the OSU Campus

www.columbusbridalshow.com

How to be an Organized Bride?

01/04/2011 14:15:00

How to be an Organized Bride?

Simple Wedding Planning Tip to Help Keep You Organized

There are so many arrangements that bride and grooms need to make before the big day, wedding planning can go from zero to sixty, fun to freaked out in a matter of minutes. However, by staying on top of the details, you can greatly reduce your stress and actual enjoy the wedding planning process. The No. 1 key to stress free wedding planning is simple organization.

Here are some tips to help you get a handle on all your wedding planning tasks.

1. Look at the Overall Picture

First set a realistic budget. Here's a tool for calculating the cost of a wedding in your area: Cost of a Wedding

Obtain a wedding planning checklist, these are invaluable for assisting with a basic timeline. Dig through bridal magazines, websites, and wedding planning books for timelines and find one or two that best suit your needs.

Here's a link to a wedding planning checklist: Wedding Planning Checklist

2. Invest in a calendar

It doesn't matter if you prefer a calendar, day timer, or wedding planning software, you need to have a specific date book for wedding planning ASAP. The is the most valuable tool in planning your wedding. The first thing to PENCIL in is your wedding day. Once you have narrowed down a day, you can plan for everything else accordingly. It is best to have at least a full year to plan your wedding, it will also help cut down on stress, but your specific date will let you know how much time you will be allowing yourself in the planning process.

3. Pick a Day for Planning

The easiest way to tackle all the tasks associated with wedding planning is to do them in small increments over a period of time. Set aside one day a week for a couple of hours to devote to planning. You may need to alter you actual planning time depending on how close the wedding is, but the concept is to get you in the habit of going over the details with your fiance'

regarding all things "Wedding". Remember the sooner you start the planning process, the easier it will be.

4. Set up a Folder system

Once you begin setting appointments and booking your vendors, it will become very important to keep all supporting information (contracts, receipts, and paperwork) in one easy place to locate. By having all your important information in one place, you will be less likely to loose any important paperwork.

By keeping yourself organized, you will save time and relieve stress.

Happy Wedding Planning!!!

Welcome

08/14/2010 20:09:00

Welcome to the blog of "For You" Event Consulting Services, LLC. We are Columbus, Ohio's Premiere Wedding and Event Planning Firm.

Hello, my name is Deborah M. Fraime. I am the owner and visionary behind “For You” Event Consulting Services, LLC.

I have been described as an energetic force brimming over with ideas. I am a people person with a passion and energy for wedding and event planning. I have always enjoyed transforming the simple and elegant into a grand event, but on a budget. I have over 12 years in the industry and I have developed the ability to juggle all the details. I can match your personal style, budget, and personality with the tone of your celebration.

Planning an event of any size can be overwhelming, that is where I come in! I believe in doing classic, simple and elegant on a budget. For me, each wedding/event provides a new challenge and new opportunity to step out of the box. From intimate gatherings to lavish affairs, we will work vigorously to make the wedding/event "For You". I get delight from knowing that all our weddings/events are absolutely dedicated to revealing your personal style and designed from scratch to wow you and your guests.

And here I am! A certified Profession Bridal Consultant; an active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

As well as The owner of Columbus, Ohio’s premier and most innovative event consulting firm.

Make sure to visit our website at www.foryouecc.com

Thank you for visiting and please check back often for tips, promotions, and updates!!!