It feels like every day there’s some article or feature on the news about the ever rising price of gas and the terrible state of the economy. I shake my head, tighten my belt and budget and cope.

Now I figured other people were pretty much in the same boat with me, making adjustments where they had to, cutting corners. That’s usually the way I have to look at budgets - where to cut back. I hadn’t thought much about people who might need to look at increasing their budgets.

I hear you asking; who’s that? People like the photographer who has to pay more to drive to your event. Actually, that’s what spurred this post. I was surfing and found this forum for wedding and special event photographers where the discussion centered around Wedding fees and gas prices. There are a lot of different viewpoints there. It was really interesting to read how the “vendor” side can see things. Naturally, increases mean that anyone who has to drive to your event is laying out a bit more cash to get there - florists, caterers, musicians, guests - and you!

I’m no economist by far, but I’m thinking brides who are locking in contracts with vendors at least have a set price and aren’t going to be “surprised” with an increase. A deal’s a deal. And those of you with summer weddings might want to keep that in mind as we’re all familiar with that “price hike” that seems to happen before the summer travel season.

Are rising gas prices taking a pinch out of your wedding budget? Join the conversation.

Questions? Quandries? Posers? Looking for a little advice? My Wedding Hero is happy to announce our new “Ask Our Wedding Planner” section with Shafonne Myers of Making Your Event Special.

I was chatting with my friend, Jeanne, about this new section (and planners in general) when she rather pointedly asked:

Q. “What if I can’t afford a planner? I don’t have the budget for most of the planners I’ve talked to but I’d really like some professional tips. ”

So I ran it by Shafonne. Here’s what she has to say:

A. Are Wedding Planners worth it?

If you are one of the many brides that had the pleasure of a wedding proposal recently then the enchanting sounds of wedding bells are in the air. It might not be evident to you now but in the near future you will start to experience the overwhelming feeling of starting to plan your big day.

Gone are the days when you can plan a simple wedding. Weddings are now, the most elaborate and detailed events in some people’s lives. With this being said, most people are starting to eliminate this hassle and enlist the help of a Wedding Coordinator.

Wedding Coordinators can undoubtedly be the one thing that can save you, your fiancé and your family from a headache of worries and frustrations. They are the one person in charge of making sure that everything goes magnificently for your special day. From assisting with: vendors, venues, themes, color schemes, rentals and anything else that maybe needed, they can be the saving grace for your sanity.

So often brides feel that they can pull everything together themselves, in an effort to save money. Feeling that they can get a family member to help with the planning process. This all too often backfires because it is difficult for brides to plan a wedding with a family member who is unbiased, non critical and open to suggestions. Most times they do but with no lack of stress, aggravation, frustration and lost of sleep. Most brides never admit it but they do eventually realize they should have hired someone.

Wedding Coordinators can unquestionably be a great investment to ensure that your special day is carefree, enjoyable and free of stress for everyone. The more cool, calm and collected you are, the better that everyone around you will be.

Happy Planning

Shafonne
Making Your Event Special

Well, Jeanne, I would agree that if you can go that route, then a planner is a huge help. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask around and see what they say. If you have a friend that used a planner, start there. After all, planners provide a service and anyone who has spent any time in service areas knows things are always negotiable!

We welcome your questions for our Wedding Planner, ask away!

One of the really fun parts of this job, y’know, versus the just regular fun parts, is being able to see all the wonderful ideas designers have for wedding gowns. I love finding a gown that makes me go “Oh!”

The latest wow on my list comes from DaVinci Bridal. It’s Style 8230, an ivory/champagne satin piece of loveliness that I found classically elegant. Maybe it was the tilt of the model’s head or the lines of the gown itself, but I was reminded briefly of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless grace. It’s most definitely not a beach wedding gown. Take a look for yourself and see if you agree. Maybe you won’t feel like La Hepburn, but you may smile like the Mona Lisa.

DaVinci Bridal also has dresses for bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids. They even have a selection of styles available in plus sizes.

I’d venture to guess that dress hunting probably tops the list of wedding prep stress. I’m glad I get to do it for fun now!