How many? How much? These are all the beginning of very important questions in the wedding planning process and they all deal with numbers. Numbers, as engaged couples are realizing, play an essential role in planning for one's big day. So, I asked wedding planner and good friend Jennifer Ball of Knot Your Average Events to explain how and why your wedding is just "one big numbers game"! Take it away, Jennifer...
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No matter if you are planning a small intimate affair in your backyard or a wedding reception for 500 in a fancy ballroom; an event always comes down to numbers. First is the budget because that will truly determine the size of an event you will be able to host. An average wedding is $100 per person when everything is said and done. The budget will also determine the type of party you will be able to host. Will you have an afternoon pig-pickin' or a dance the night away party?
Once you have your budget, guest count and the type of event you will have comes the where you will host your event. Allow all of the above to set the date; unless it is an anniversary or a very important date to you and your families. Now all these numbers seem to start to run together once the "big ticket" items have been contracted. You'll start second guessing the budget by going over it or you'll have forgotten to invite someone; but stay focused on the original numbers and let those lead you through the planning process.
The most important numbers for your vendors are guest counts. Professional vendors must know how many adults, children and vendors are attending so they can plan accordingly for food, décor and traffic flow during the event. Never short the catering company on your guest count. Their number one rule is to never run out of food. While they will usually prepare for 3-5% over your guest count to include party crashers do not "bank" on that extra to try and save money.
As an event designer, I always recommend a seat for every guest throughout your event. This will show that you planned on their arrival and are welcoming them to stay for a while. Remember to order a few extras when it comes to place settings, one extra small flower arrangement, centerpiece, extra linen, boutonniere and seating if you are doing escort cards. This will insure all of your vendors are prepared for the unexpected guests or if something is dropped or breaks. Call and email all of your vendors 14 days out with guest counts so they can place their final orders and follow up 7 days out with any new details of the event. By following these few simple number rules, you will find yourself less stressed and your vendors will be prepared to create a lifetime of memories for the 2 of you.
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About Jennifer (in her own words): "I started planning corporate events and special promos over 13 years ago and have been specializing in weddings for the past 8 years. I have been blessed with being a part of over 125 solo weddings and quickly approaching 150 while working other event companies as an assistant or additional staff. I began coordinating weddings because my mom and her best friend tried to be my everything at my first wedding. Because they were my coordinators, decorators, and caterers they missed my first dance, cake cutting and every other special moment. I vowed after that day that I wouldn't let any other mother miss those special moments of their daughter's special day!
We truly make each event special and memorable by adding personal touches and paying close attention to all the details. We have handled events from 23 guests to over 1,200 plus. We have traveled near and far and taken care of everything from "I DO to I DID!" If you want your event to stand out from all the others "ALLOW US TO TIE UP ALL OF YOUR LOOSE ENDS" and we will do our best to make your event one that people are talking about for years to come!"
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Thank you Jennifer for your expertise and knowledge, I greatly appreciate it. And I know that there are a number of engaged couples that will be able to utilize this valuable information. You can check out Jennifer online
here or on her
Facebook page. Give her a call at 910-617-2271, email her at
jenn@knotyouraverageevents.com, or stop by her office at 1349 South Church Street in Burlington, NC.