Monica & Josh (Everett, WA)

Monica & Josh are a couple that I served at the beginning of this year. Their wedding venue was at The Everett Events Center (now the Comcast Arena) in the large ballroom.

Monica & Josh were on a budget, as are most of couples today. They utilized many ideas which I consider to be smart & savvy. The first thing that they did was search for a venue which was during the off-season (a big money saving idea!). As a courtesy, the Everett Events Center upgraded their room for no additional cost. They had a larger ballroom available and gave them the option of using that space versus their original space.

Another budget-conscious move was to have the ceremony and the reception in the same location/room. Half of the room was dedicated to the ceremony and seating for their guests. (Later, this area would be converted to the dance floor.) The other half of the room had tables set for the reception that followed.

Finally, this couple stuck with a reasonable guest list. Many times, couples feel as though they need to have lengthy guest lists. Before you know it, the guest list is teetering past the 200 mark. My saying is that when you're planning a wedding you deal with both family politics and wedding politics. Feelings can be hurt. But, as with most things in life, be reasonable. Many couples are finding that they are also financing their own celebrations. A majority of the budget for a wedding goes towards food and beverage. With this being said, a reception with 100 people can really tap into your financial reservoir.

Overall, keep in mind that this day is all about you and your fiancee and the love you share. Have fun and make memories you'll smile back on in the years to come!

The Manor in Everett, WA

Here's a picture of me at The Manor's open house back in January of this year. Heather, events coordinator at The Manor, had invited a select group of wedding vendors to attend this four hour event. I highly recommend checking if your wedding venue hosts any of these events. It's a great way to "see" how the venue is set up and the live action.

At The Manor's open house, there was an array of vendors, from dj's to live music to bridal boutiques and, of course, a few wedding officiants. The main chef of The Manor (also a previous groom of mine that I had married off in 2008!) had different samplings of their menu to try. There were also accessories for your reception, including vendors who supply chair covers, party favors and cakes.