1. Destinations typically cost LESS than a traditional wedding
   The average American wedding cost $27,000 for the event. Traveling to a destination to host your event can save you sometimes up to $20,000 on your wedding, and you get a mini-vacation as well. Couples looking to create a unique wedding experience can plan their own DYI wedding in Moab, Utah with our easy to use Wedding Planning Guide that features everything you need from wedding checklist, to links to cost-saving tips on were to purchase your wedding dress for under $250 dollars, and more creative ideas for themes, wedding favors and an adventure reception idea.
2. Delegate what you need
   You only have so much time and only two hands – so recruit help. Assign tasks to your bridesmaids with expected delivery dates. Follow-up on items with reminder emails, notes and THANK-YOUs for the work done. Print a to-do task list and assignment chart so that you know every one’s part in making it a perfect wedding.
3. Don’t change who you are
   If you are a jeans and t-shirt girl, now is not the time to find your inner princess. It will only cause you stress and uncertainty. Instead opt for a casual event where you feel most at ease, and let false expectations from others fall to the side. Don’t experiment with a new hairstyle or make-up. Instead select waterproof mascara and lip staining lipstick that doesn’t need retouching all day.
4. Save money at the bar
   Instead of having an open bar with every imaginable drink, set up a soft bar that serves; wine, beer and champagne. If you have your heart set on serving a cocktail, then select your favorite and offer a signature special with a fun name like, “Jill and Justin’s Romantic Refresher”. You guest will think it is a fun and unique idea, and your budget will thank you for the savings on drinks for strangers cost you might have had to spend.
5. Lastly, be organized and put everything in writing
   It is hard to always remember the details for vendor agreements, or what was promised a year ago when you booked the event. Getting it in writing makes it easy for you to refer back to the agreement and know exactly what will and won’t happen on your wedding day. A three-ring binder can be your must valuable wedding planning friend for reducing stress and making sure everything goes perfect. Add clear slip covers in the back so that you can easily drop paperwork into them as you receive samples, ideas or contracts from vendors as you are planning your event.  Having everything in one place puts wedding planning at your fingertips.

Above all enjoy your wedding and planning the event in which you will celebrate your love for one another. This too should be a wonderful beginning to the next chapter in your life.

It’s easy to win. Just send the Wedding Vixen your story in 1000 words or less of why you should win free wedding planning services. You will be entered to win one of her top three wedding planning packages for free.

What is wedding planning?

Sometimes known as a wedding coordinator, bridal consultant or BFF for a wedding. A wedding planner will assist the bride/groom in all aspects of planning the event. They can give you ideas on themes, colors, decorations, venues and even help select music for your reception. Many wedding planners have their own company, like the Wedding Vixen, and some even have staff to help you plan every detail of your big event.

Choosing a Wedding Planner

1. Some planners offer “free” service but receive commisions from the wedding vendors they book for the bride and groom. This type of service often results in higher vendor cost to compensate for the planner fees, and you are limited to the vendors the coordinator works with.
2. Another payment plan is a percentage fee. Wedding consultants can charge 15-20% of the total wedding budget for their services. If you select this type of payment structure be sure to add in the cost of service to your overall budget.
3. Lastly, there are some planners that offer a flat rate fee or set price amount in packages for their services.  Like the Wedding Vixen, these planners tell the bride and groom what services they offer for exactly one set fee. Be sure to meet with your coordinator prior to signing any agreements so that you have a clear understanding of what is and is not included in the set price so that you do not have any unplanned surprises on your wedding day.

With any service you will find wedding planners that offer variations of the above fee structures which might include a set price for a package with a fee based structure for add-ons that you may want.

Generally speaking of you are planning for a large wedding with a budget around the national average of $27,000 then you will do better with a percentage fee package.  With most flat fee packages you are limited to hours and services offered. With a large wedding you will want flexibility of hours your planner will attend to your event, and options for services that meet your requirements for your function.

If you are having a smaller wedding or are on a tight budget then go with a flat fee package option.  You will be able to know exactly what services you will receive and can closely manage your cost associated with the package you select.

In any case, wedding planners can help to take away the stress that often accompanies planning a wedding. They will attend to the details and coordination of wedding vendor services and delivery. They will be your voice of reason during the chaos that often occurs during the moments leading up to the actual event.  They will be the solid piece in making sure it all comes together beautifully, making your special day just perfect.

Finding a wedding officiant is like hiring a best friend for the day.  They often times will set the tone of the entire ceremony from timing to actual speeches given during the moment you say, “I do”.  An officiant can be of your religious faith or non-demoninational.  You can even become an officiant yourself through online certification, however check with your state law on requirements to perform a ceremony.

This person should share your beliefs in marriage and convey them to you and your partner during the ceremony, so don’t be afraid to interview several before selecting the person that will perform your wedding ceremony.  Things you will want to consider:

• Cost. Some are free, and some are not.  Get a quote. You can simply ask, “Is there a fee for your services?” If it is a church minister or pastor often times there is no fee associated with their services, however, a donation made to the church they serve is generally appreciated.  If you are getting married in a destination location and you ask your officiant to travel with you, there may be a fee for their time and accomodations to be at your location.
• Time. Are they available for the date you have selected? Often times their calendars book quickly, so be sure to secure your date in as much advance notice as possible.  If the preferred officiant isn’t available, as them for a recommended replacement. Referrals are most likely to be someone they trust will meet your needs.
• Style. Will the ceremony be in-line with your relationship style? Some couples want to say their own vowes, or perform custom traditions during the ceremony.  For couples with children there may be officiants that have a special ceremony to include them – check first before hiring them.

We recently spoke with Utah Wedding Officiant, Rev. Sharon Vollet, who said that she often times has couples who may be getting married with children and so she has a Rose Ceremony where she includes them with vowes spoken from the bride and groom directly to the children.  This unique ceremony allows for the entire family to be part of celebration.  She also welcomes custom vowes and travels to destination locations to perform weddings.

Once you have narrowed down your selection of officiants to ones that match your style and needs, next thing to do is schedule an interview and meeting with each officiant.  You will want to:

• Get to know the officiant
  Ask them how long they have been performing wedding ceremonies?
  What speeches or sermons do they plan on giving at the ceremony?
• Discuss ceremony details
  Is there any premarital counceling requirements?
  Can you write your own vowes?
  Can you play songs or read poems during the ceremony?
  Can your photographer shoot photos during the ceremony, at the venue?
  Any restrictions on wedding attire or other celebrations?
• Ask for an upcoming ceremony date the officiant is conducting and if you may attend
  Remember to schedule a follow-up meeting if there are changes you would like to make based on your observation
• Finally, if the officiant is the one you would like to select, draw up a contract
  Detail any fees and cancelation policies

Remember, this is YOUR wedding and your officiant should be someone who celebrates with you and your partner this day and makes it memorable for you both.  Finding an officiant should be a fun and exciting time sharing thoughts on how to verbally express your commitment to one another.  Enjoy.

Officiant Etiquette

• It is customary to tip your officiant for services.  This is usually handled by a best man who should give the tip in a sealed envelope (that the groom gave to him) after the ceremony.

Officiant Task

• Perform the official wedding ceremony
• Sign and mail in marriage certificate to the state official

Photography by Susie Lee

Highlighted below are three of our favorite spots in the Utah valley that draw brides and photographers from all over to capture the perfect engagement image.

Memory Grove Park
485 North Canyon Road (120 East)

This location is one of the most commonly used parks for wedding photography bridal and engagement pictures.  The reason is due to its well manicured landscape with fountain backdrops and even a small picturesque pond.  The hard part is getting a good shot while not including the many other brides and photographers in your scene that will be at the park trying for the same thing.

So if you use this popular location try to schedule your session during an off-peak day and time to avoid lots of crowds in your pictures and joggers at the park.

Salt Lake City Library
210 East 400 South

If you like modern and want bridal photos that are unique, then head downtown Salt Lake City to the library.  This architecturally unique structure offers a five story glass wall, spiraling fireplaces a grand fourier and a rooftop garden.  If you want an urban feel to your photos then head outside and use the city as your backdrop.

Parking is fee based and the library is open only during public hours, so plan your session when you can take advantage of both the interior and exterior of this modern location.

American Fork Ampitheater

850 East 700 North
American Fork

This stage is set for bridal pictures with stone pavers and a beautiful green lawn.  You are sure to get stunning outdoor photos from this location. This ampitheater can be rented out by groups or for events, so best to go earlier in the day and during the week to avoid any possible bookings.

Best of all?  It is free!

Signing up is easy and quick just a few fields and you are on your way to planning your perfect event. The to-do task list is one of the best ones I have found on the web, thinking of everything you need to do from one year prior to one month and even to the day of your wedding.  It also allows you to add your own task to the list with reminders when items are due.  Perfect!

You can also create a full budget based on how much you have to spend and how many guest you plan to attend your wedding. We quickly identified that there are many things you need to purchase or think about when planning a budget for the event – and TheKnot.com has them all.  Again you can even add your own custom cost to the budget, so that nothing catches you by surprise.

A fully customizable wedding website for you and yours-to-be so that you can keep everyone informed about all the details of your big event, even with your own personalized URL address.  If you are a geek and like to really customize your website they have a switch to code feature that allows you to do whatever you like with the site. Better yet? It is free too!

Message boards and forums with other people discussing all the questions, comments and stories of what it is to get married and do it worry-free.  Lots of helpful tips and information in the community.

Pros:
It’s Free
User friendly
Quick sign-up
Extremely resourceful -lots of information

Cons:
The budget planner makes you wish you had a rich Uncle
Single login isn’t helpful if you have a bride & groom that want to use the site

Overall, TheKnot.com is a good resource for anyone who likes to plan in advance and handle all the task that go into planning your perfect wedding day.