This week we will discuss the venue and catering for our $10,000 budget wedding. We already mentioned that by keeping our guest list small and by doing something more personal and different we are able to save some cash. Now we are going to discuss a big portion of our budget – venue and catering.
One way to save money is to use what you already have access to. Our bride is fortunate enough to have a family member with a beautiful back yard for the ceremony which is also large enough and perfect for our brunch reception. Here are the details on rentals. Using Lilac and ivory as our colors.
Back yard- FREE!
Ceremony chairs – $165
Reception tables, chairs and linens – $475
Total Ceremony and reception rentals – $640
Now on to the food, YUM!
Bluegrass Catering offers a huge variety of menu options and will do an elegant brunch for $25 per person, including service fees and taxes. Our menu will consist of Santa Fe Eggs, Cranberry Biscuits with Turkey, Fresh Fruit, Baked Breads and Cheesecake Tarts paired perfectly with Mimosa’s!
Catering total: $1,750
Total for ceremony and reception rentals as well as catering: $2,365
Remaining Budget: $5,539
Next post will focus on invitations.
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I am oh so excited! I just got an email – and in it – the highlight of my day (and probably the entire year!) I just received notice that I am the recipient of the 2009 SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the entire state of Kentucky!
Can you believe it? I know! I feel like I just won an Oscar! Maybe it’s because I watched the Oscar’s last night and this really the closest I will ever come to that. No matter the reason I am beyond excited, honored and humbled.
If you want to see me accept my prestigious award you can do so in Frankfort on May 13, 2009. Now who will I get to design my gown…. oh wait. There I go again. 
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Just because everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy does not mean you have to sacrifice your wedding day. I am devoting a series of posts to Budget Weddings. In these post’s I will make fun and practical suggestions to keep your wedding personal and under budget. Be sure to leave a comment on your ideas and suggestions.
This week our budget is $10,000.
Many things can inspire you for your beautiful wedding. Be sure to make it personal and unique. Here is the story our “bride with a budget” gave me to plan her wedding.
“Jacks and I go for brunch every Sat. morning. Sometimes we include our friends but others it is just the two of us. I really love our brunch dates. I also adore the warm summer weather and really want an outdoor garden wedding but I am concerned about the heat, especially since we will have some elderly guests. Our relationship has always been very romantic and I would love to express that at our wedding.”
What a fun Challenge! Since our bride wanted an outdoor summer wedding (in KY) we decided to go with a fun brunch. The outdoor garden ceremony will begin at 10:30am – just before the heat of the day arrives. Followed by a hearty brunch, complete with mimosa’s.
Attire: Limit to 2 attendants per side. This will cut some costs on gifts and keep with the relaxed, romantic garden wedding theme.
J. Crew Silk Tricotine Gracie Gown $395
Liz Rena Couture “Melissa” $87
J. Crew Aldridge Suit $491 (With vest and dark tie)
Rockport Nausori $75
Total Spend on Wedding Attire: $1,048
Remaining Budget $8,952
Next Post will be focus on your location.
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If you happen to be attending the 2009 Bridal Fair at The Lexington Center – be sure to stop by and “check us out!” We will be there from 9am – 4pm this Sunday February 22 and offering a sweet $300 off of any package (you must schedule a free consultation to qualify). It’s going to be great – see you there!
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It is so nice to hear of someone doing a good thing. It is especially nice to hear of a company doing a good thing, even when our economy is in a recession. I had already been impressed with The Ritz-Carlton family of Hotels and Resorts, but when I recently heard of their generous donation I just had to spead the word. The Ritz-Carlton’s “Vow to Help Others” program enables couples hosting their wedding reception at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Resort to donate five percent (5%) of the total food revenue from their wedding to a charity of their choice AND to The Ritz-Carlton’s Community Footprints Fund (For wedding events booked prior to December 31, 2009 – taking place prior to December 31, 2010).
The Ritz-Carlton has long been supporting the communities around them with their Community Footprints Fund. The money they donate focuses on Hunger and Poverty Relief, Well-being of Disadantaged Children and Environmental Conservation. Last year alone they donated over $7.4 million in products and services to charitable organizations as well as over 40,000 hours of volunteer work.
I hope you are considering The Ritz-Carton for your wedding celebration, next vacation or business trip. Their extraordinary service, gold standards and community envolvement is reason enough – but now that you know the Ritz-Carlton is doing more for the communities around them I know they will become the first choice for all of your travel and celebration needs.
The Ritz-Carlton has many locations throughout the US, Cananda, Mexico, Carribbean, Asia, South America, Europe and in the Middle East. (Wouldn’t it be great to visit each one — with over 80 different locations it could take a while!) Just another reason to add it to my LOVE-IT folder!
Side-note: Andrew did mention Hawaii last week…
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From our hearts at Always Planned to yours, we hope your Valentine’s Day is stylish, sophisticated, sexy and romantic!
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I think you have heard me mention that I ADORE FLOWERS! I really do. There are several fantastic florist in the central KY area and only a handful of truly fabulous ones. Crist Creona is on the fabulous list! Truth be told, I will always have a very special place in my heart for Crist. He is so very talented and I was incredibly lucky to have met him when he did the flowers for my own wedding. Since then I have never hesitated to send someone to Crist. He never ceases to surprise me with his amazing designs.
You simply must contact Crist, if you have a need for some fabulous florals in your life…. (do I need to even mention Valentine’s Day?!?) Call him today to see if he is available for your next event or floral needs. (859) 252-6833.
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Lately I have taken a break from blogging. I must admit, I have had a bit of the winter “blah’s” but now I am ready to hit the year running. Let’s start off with some fun centerpieces.
One of my favorite centerpieces are groupings. I adore flowers and am especially loving the variation of centerpieces at weddings and events. Here is a fantastic example.
By using different sizes and shapes of containers with each flower type you add texture to your tabletop. Imagine if each table had a different grouping of arrangements! How fun! This may be a little extra work but can really pay off and add interest to your decor. When doing groupings my rule is to stick to multiples of 3. So do either 3 or 6 containers per table. Adjust the centerpiece size according to your table size.
I can’t help but to add this to my Love-It!! folder. So stylish!!
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