California Wedding Wave

The past three days, California Wedding Wave has given you lists of areas that you may want to spend your wedding budget. Last but not least, here is the final installment:

Gifts
Bridesmaid
Groomsmen & ushers
Child attendants
Parents
Special guests
Guest room gift baskets
Wedding favors
Gifts to one another
Transportation
Vintage limousine
Bridal party transportation
Guest transportation
Valet parking
Honeymoon
Wedding night accommodations
Hotel
Transportation
Passports
Name change kit

Photography by: Studio EMP

Must a wedding reception have steak or chicken? I think not! Choose foods that have meaning to you as a couple. Comfort foods, favorite childhood dishes or as seen here, your fave fast food.  In-N-Out, a California classic!

Let’s keep adding to our list of where to spend your wedding wad of cash!

Flowers & Décor
Bouquets & boutonnières
Flower girl & ring bearer
Special guests
Ceremony decór
Reception decór
Linens
Rentals
Lighting
Event Designer
Lounge decór
Attire
Bridal gown
Headpiece and veil
Bridal shoes
Lingerie
Jewelry
Purse
Gown alterations
Gown preservation
Groom’s attire
Groom’s shoes & accessories
Beauty
Facial
Massage
Manicure & pedicure
Hair & Makeup
Cosmetic procedures
Teeth whitening

How and where to spend your wedding budget is a difficult decision to make. This is the continuation of yesterday’s list of wedding spending choices.

Photography
Photographer’s fees
Wedding albums
Additional prints
Guest book with photos
Boudoir photography
Engagement session
Cinematography
Stationery
Save-the-date cards
Invitations, envelopes and inserts
Programs
Place cards
Menu cards
Postage
Calligraphy
Announcements
RSVP service
Entertainment
Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Reception music
Dance instruction
Video montage
Wedding artist

We’re not here to tell you how much to spend for your wedding. It is important, however, to know exactly where your money is going. Over the next few days, we are going to give you some lists to help you get started in creating a financial wedding plan.

Wedding Consultant
Wedding Rings
Ceremony
Location fee or donation
Officiant fee
Marriage License
Reception
Location fee
Catering
Beverages
Wedding Cake
Groom’s Cake
Ice sculpture
Dessert or candy bar
Late night snacks
Rehearsal Dinner
Location fee
Food & Beverages
Decorations

You know that you need to have a license for marriage, but what are the guidelines to apply for a California license? Here are some of the facts in a nutshell:

• The couple MUST apply together in person.
• Valid photo ID is required.
• The license is valid immediately and for 90 days after issuance.
• Applicants do not have to be residents of California.
• If either party divorced within the past 90 days, verification papers are required.

There are two types of licenses one may obtain in California, public and confidential. Compare and contrast their distinctions to find the one that suits your situation.

Public License

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have at least one witness present at your ceremony.
• The license is public record.
• The ceremony can take place anywhere within the state of California.

Confidential License

• The participating parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a confidential marriage license.
• The license is private information available to only the couple.
• The ceremony must take place in the county of issuance.
• The couple must be living together prior to marriage.
• No witnesses are required.

More questions? Go to the California Department of Public Health for answers!

Photography by: Cary Pennington Photography

California Wedding Wave’s big sister, Ceremony Magazine, has a great feature that brides NEED to know about now! Each and every edition of Ceremony Magazine is featured online. Gorgeous real weddings, enchanting tabletops and design inspiration galore are a mouse click away. Search for Southern California’s most amazing vendors from each of the three magazines: Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. Each page is linked directly to their fabulous websites! This is a definite must-see for anyone planning a wedding.

Photography by: Next Exit Photography

In the 2008 Los Angeles edition of Ceremony Magazine, Mary Dann-McNamee of Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators provided readers with some very valuable information on tipping etiquette. Mary has recently written a book, along with Leila Khalil of Be Inspired, Wedding Public Relations, entitled Wedding Wisdom: An Insightful Approach to Wedding Planning, where she shares her wisdom and experience as not only a talented wedding coordinator but as a marriage and family counselor, too!

Because weddings are often a one-time event, many people are unaware of or unsure about tipping etiquette. Almost all of your vendors are in the service business, so gratuities are always appreciated. The following is a list of what is customary, but of course, not mandatory. Keep in mind that a kind note of thanks can be gratuity enough.

Service Provider                           Tip Amount                             % of Time They Are Tipped

Banquet Captain                           $50-$200                                 99.9%

Catering Manager/                        $50-$500                                 50%
Director of Catering

Bellman                                        $5-$20 each                            100%

Any Musicians or DJs                     $20-$50                                   50%

Videographers                               $40-$100                                 40%

Photographers                               $50-$200                                 40%

Hair & Makeup                              10%-20%                                 90%

Officiant                                       $20-$100                                 50%

DJ                                                $50-$100                                 50%

Floral Designer                              $50-$200                                 70%

Wedding Coordinator &                  $300-$1000                              80%
Team

Photography by: lunaphoto

A common myth out there is that wedding planners only coordinate weddings. Let’s start thinking outside the box! Red Letter Days Events of San Diego want you to know you can call on them anytime to plan the perfect date. Rebecca Gaffney and Mia Saling have planned hundreds of extravagant events over their 20+ years in the business, but they love being able to create an ambiance ‘built for two.’ From sporty to ultra romantic, Rebecca and Mia’s expertise and your imagination are the tools to create your own Red Letter Day!

Photography by: Robert Evans Studios

We’ve all heard it before, “If your best friend jumped off a bridge, would you do it, too?” You’re probably thinking what in the world does this have to do with my wedding. The point is, we are all different people, so say I Do to Putting Your Money Where Your Heart Is. Friends will tell you, “You just have to have this or that at your wedding.” It’s great to hear suggestions but knowing what is of importance to you and your significant other is key in planning a wedding and saving a few dollars. List your priorities. Decide where you want to invest the most money. Cut out items on your list that hold little value to you. This is your day, don’t feel an obligation to spend your hard earned money on something that is important to someone else. Do what is best for you!