behind a perfect party

Memorial day weekend is upon us so fire up the grill, break out the camping gear, and gather with your friends and families for the best three day weekend of the year. Check out foodnetwork’s collection of fabulous Memorial Day recipes!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/memorial-day/package/index.html

We know that weddings are expensive. We totally understand wanting to try and do everything yourself either as a never-ending want to DIY or to save cash.  But, sometimes in an effort to cut expenses your sanity might get lost in the DIY-chaos.  Keep calm! Here’s some hints to help you find the balance between budget and sanity:

• Make a realistic budget that isn’t going to kill you. Think about the aspects of your wedding that are important to you and start with those first. Shop around and don’t be afraid to negotiate or to alter something to fit your budget. 
• Keep an organized binder with your vendors, estimates, budgets and receipts from things you have bought. You don’t want to end up with 4 sets of toasting glasses because you found some on sale… 4 different times. Staying organized will help you stay in budget.  
• Think about your venue and what type of ceremony/reception you would like to have. Catering and venue are often the largest expenses. Find ways to save here and then you will have more money for all the extras that can add up very quickly… especially if you are DIYing. DIY doesn’t always = cheap! Sometimes it costs a bit more to buy that special crafting tool to finish a project than it would to be a decoration piece pre-fabbed. 
• Seriously consider your creativity and crafting abilities before committing to a full-on DIY wedding. If you feel capable then go for it or recruit your bridesmaids to help with projects and make a party out of it. Add a little wine and cheese… a crafting party is made!
• Don’t take on too many DIY projects on your own and don’t underestimate the time requirements for each one. Just because it looks easy, doesn’t mean it is and multiply any project by 200 equals lots of time! Don’t craft alone and don’t forget to delegate!
• Lastly, never underestimate the value of a wedding coordinator. Yes - I said value. Wedding coordinators can save you time, money and headaches. They offer a variety of services ranging from pre-wedding planning to day of coordination and everything in between. Often times, their fee is based on your budget and can be very affordable. Remember, they are wedding experts and know exactly how to give you what you want.

We hope these help! Good luck on keeping your DIY wedding under control! Best of luck!

Aschley & Jaime

Did everyone enjoy their Mother’s Day weekend? Next weekend there is another reason to celebrate. With the arrival of Marriage Equality in Washington state , the team of Same Love, Same Rights® is returning for the 5th Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo in Seattle at the

Plaza Hotel Seattle
1113 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA  98101

The event will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday May 19th. We hope to see you all there!

http://www.samelovesamerights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=110&Itemid=142

letsmakeitextraordinary:

Everyone always focuses on the bride, but being a bridesmaid can be stressful and hard work! (I know - I’m a bridesmaid in two weddings this summer!) I’ve put together some tips to help make your life, as well as the brides, run a little smoother on the way to the big day.

1. First… all joking aside… remember this day is about the couple so any hang ups you have about the choices they are making for wardrobe, hair, makeup, or décor - keep them to yourself. This day is about them and how they want to remember it. Be supportive, whether it’s folding cranes, painting jars or just talking to Aunt Sherrie from Texas… be there!

2. Intercept day-of drama. If there is a problem that you can handle, take care of it. If there is a catering mishap that can easily be fixed. Shhh… they don’t really NEED to know.

3. Enlist the help of the other wedding party mates. Your job is to make the planning process easier on the couple so delegate, delegate, delegate.

4. Remember a day of bag with you an “emergency kit” including the following: Bobby pins, hairspray, plenty of water, rations, aspirin, lip-gloss, compact mirror, hair gel, clear nail polish, safety pins, breath mints (for the first kiss), and last but not least a handkerchief.

Have fun and good luck!

Aschley (guest blogger and bridesmaid)