The True Cost of a Wedding By: Dahlia Rideout

At my first consultation with new clients I always ask the couple what they have planned as their wedding budget. It's at this time that the bride and groom look at each other and throw out numbers they "think" a wedding will cost. As their Wedding Planner, it is my job to be realistic, to advise and to guide them so that they can stay within their budget and not go broke before their Wedding Day.

For those who are engaged, this online blog post "The True Cost of a Wedding" by Dahlia Rideout is worth sharing with you. Although it presents the average "American" wedding budget spent in 2010, it is somewhat similar to an average "Canadian" wedding budget (give or take).


Each couple is different and the allocation of their wedding budget will reflect this. Some couples want fresh flowers whereas other couples would prefer to spend more money on photography. This difference is significant as fresh flowers and professional photography can be expensive. Planning is key to your wedding budget and hiring a Wedding Planner to track and manage this budget (and more importantly...be objective) is money well spent.

Hot Reception Trends - Written by: Kristin Bustamante

Excellent blog from "Weddings in Houston Magazine" that summarizes "21 hot trends and cool ideas —in food, drink, entertainment and décor—to help you create a reception that makes an unforgettable impression.".

1. Do a dine-around
2. Get comfortable
3. Offer late-night nibbles
4. Think small
5. Avoid surprises
6. Get personal
7. Mix it up
8. Make your bar a star
9. Offer freedom of choice
10. Add, but don’t sub
11. Have a ball
12. Do like the French do
13. Cheer for chocolate
14. Get guests engaged
15. Wait for the click
16. Say, “Olé!” Latin music is huge right now
17. Dance like the stars18. Go gaga for gobos
19. Accentuate the positives
20. Be charitable
21. Deal some cards

Fantastic ideas to consider when trying to personalize your special event.

Noteworthy blog post from Carol Rame: August Coffee Talk: Why you NEED to hire a Professional

Blog post brought to you by Carol Rame Weddings, Noteworthy is a dedicated Wedding Blog for Trends and Wedding Know-How. Rich with up-to-date info on how to have the Wedding of your dreams! So true and a good read:

Noteworthy: August Coffee Talk: Why you NEED to hire a Professional