I began writing a post just to vent about how often the first thing we hear from a would-be client is that they’re on a budget.  Before we even get into any detail of what we do, they want to know “how much.”  I understand.   I really do.  Everyone is on a budget these days.  I’m on a budget.  I  check prices on almost everything I buy, especially the big purchases.   Like, for example, a wedding vendor.  When you are going to spend thousands of your hard-earned dollars on a one-day event, you better get a good deal, right?  But to really get a good deal, you must also factor in the quality of the item or service you are shopping for.  While I do completely understand trying to stay within a budget, I do not understand how so many couples are so willing to sacrifice quality in order to save a few dollars.

Which is why I will be writing a blog series about wedding budgets over the next few weeks.  An informational series which will hopefully include everything you ever wanted to know about planning a wedding and staying within your budget.  I hope that you find this useful, and that it helps turn your wedding day into everything you ever dreamed.

Coming up in the series:

What is a Realistic Budget for Your Wedding?

Why it is Important to Hire a Professional

Resources for Vendor Reviews

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LisaLeonardOnline.com

Custom CAKE FORKS – engraved with whatever you want.  But we really love the “Happy Together” engraving.

Lisa Leonard Design Blog is all about weddings this week – go check it out!!

Have a great week everyone!

Santa Clara Church Oxnard

Krystle & Gio at the Cross in Ventura

Krystle & Gio Reception at Crowne Plaza - Amber Uplghting

Custom Monogram Lighting

Check out Nicole’s blog to see some more great pictures of the wedding…and our uplighting!

1. Will you be watching The Royal Wedding on April 29th??? 

Here’s the official page to keep up with all the details.

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2. Win Free Bridesmaids Dresses from Weddington Way.  Seriously pretty dresses.

And what a nice surprise for your bridesmaids – free dresses!

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3. Giveaways from BrokeAssBride.  Chair ties and head-pieces.  Beautiful.

Have a great weekend…happy wedding planning and congratulations to all who will be saying their “I Do’s” over the weekend.

Rebecca & James

Coastal Events

I’ve been wanting to write an article along these lines for a long time, but Shayna Walker has done an excellent job, so I won’t even try to re-invent the wheel. This really can be applied to all wedding professionals, not just planners.

If you are just starting to plan your wedding, or know someone who is, please take a few minutes and give this a read.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/45928065/Why-Do-Wedding-Planners-Cost-So-Much

Angie & Scott Montage from Coastal Events on Vimeo.

Shown at their wedding on October 16th at Sterling Hills. Congratulations Angie & Scott!

Natalie & Damien – Spanish Hills Country Club from Coastal Events on Vimeo.

We’ve uploaded a couple of new videos, check them out.  More to come later today.

Ruth and Jorge Highlights from Coastal Events on Vimeo.

Bill and Wendy – Crowne Plaza Ventura from Coastal Events on Vimeo.

Have you ever been to “the cross” in Ventura? What a spectacular view! It’s so beautiful that Jessica and Andres decided to have their wedding ceremony there on Saturday, March 6th. Unfortunately, there was weather to deal with- wet and windy weather. But we made it through the ceremony without getting too soaked (thanks to a huge canopy from Ventura Rentals) and moved on to Santa Barbara Yacht Club for one of the most energetic receptions we’ve had the pleasure of being a part of. They were such a cute, fun couple, and the party rocked until after 11 – James kept the dance floor packed all night long. One woman was impressed that a “white guy could keep everyone dancing like that!” Guess she just didn’t know who she was dealing with!

www.coastalevents.net

• DJ/MC: James Reed
• Photography: John Mueller
• Coordination: Rebecca Reed & Jamie Ortiz
• Flowers: Sweet Pea Flowers
• Cake: Montecito Confections

Their dog, Max, was one of the ring bearers. He was very cute, but didn’t care for the photographer too much.

The rain cleared after the ceremony

Yummm…

As James played the jams, guests showed off their moves.