Planning a wedding involves a myriad of details, and choosing the right vendors is paramount to bringing your dream wedding to life. Each vendor contributes a unique element that collectively creates a memorable and magical experience for you and your guests. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the importance of each wedding vendor and provide valuable bonus tips to help you make informed decisions.

Cue the confetti, the stars in your eyes, and the endless stream of well-wishes – you're engaged! Congratulations on this magical milestone that marks the beginning of your journey down the aisle. Now that the sparkle of that gorgeous ring has settled in, it's time to embark on the adventure of wedding planning. Fear not, dear brides and grooms-to-be, for we have your first-class ticket to the exciting world of "I Do's" right here. Let's dive into the first steps of turning your engagement bliss into a beautifully orchestrated wedding celebration!

1. **Soak in the Moment: Celebrate Your Love!**
   - Revel in the joy of being engaged before diving into the planning frenzy. Once you start planning, it becomes a job. Take as much time as you want to just soak in all of the love as an engaged couple. 
   - Host an engagement party or intimate celebration with close family and friends. This is a great opportunity to ask your besties to be part of your wedding party!  (If you need help curating a proposal box, we can help with that!)

2. **Dream a Little Dream: Define Your Vision**
   - Sit down with your partner and discuss your dream wedding vision. You may think you both want the same things but until you talk about it all, you can't be sure.
   - Consider themes, colors, and overall vibes that reflect your unique love story. 

3. **Budget BFFs: Set a Realistic Wedding Budget **
   - Determine a realistic budget that aligns with your vision and financial situation. No one should be going into debt over their wedding. It's a huge day in your lives, yes, but you don't want to start the next chapter together stressed over finances. 
   - Consider priorities and allocate funds accordingly. Think about weddings you've attended in the past, what stood out to you and what things didn't. This will help you prioritize your must haves vs. nice to haves.

4. **Ring in the Professionals: Research and Book Key Vendors**
   - Start scouting for wedding professionals like a wedding planner, photographer, and venue. If you have particular vendors in mind, book them early. Wedding dates book up fast, so you'll want to score your dream team early on. 
   - Attend bridal shows, read reviews, and schedule consultations to find your crew. Be sure to ask the important questions when interviewing a potential vendor. They should be informative and professional and you should have good vibes about working with them. If someone rubs you the wrong way for any reason even if they check all the other boxes, keep searching. 

5. **Lock Down the Date: Choose a Wedding Date**
   - Consider meaningful dates or seasons that hold significance for you as a couple or decide if you're open to being flexible. 
   - Check the availability of key venues and vendors for your chosen date.

6. **Guest List Galore: Draft an Initial Guest List**
   - Begin compiling a rough guest list to estimate the size of your celebration. It's helpful to break it down into your A List (closest friends/family that you couldn't imagine your day without), B List (more distant friends/family, coworkers, plus ones) and Courtesy invites (the guests that are unlikely to attend but still should be invited ie: elderly family or out of the country guests). 
   - Considerations for family, friends, and any must-invite guests.

7. **Venue Vibes: Select Your Dream Wedding Venue**
   - Visit potential venues that match your vision and budget.
   - Ask about available dates, capacity, and inclusions.

8. **Save the Date Magic: Announce Your Wedding**
   - Create and send save-the-dates to give guests a heads up. 
   - Utilize creative and personalized designs that reflect your style. Need help designing? Keep It Sweet Studios can create custom stationary designs to fit your vision. 

9. **Pinterest Paradise: Create a Wedding Inspiration Board**
   - Dive into the world of Pinterest to gather inspiration for decor, dresses, and more. (Bonus points if you break it up into sections). This is so helpful for creating a cohesive vision and communicating your preferences to your vendors. 

10. **Stay Organized: Set Up a Wedding Planning System**
    - Choose a planning tool, whether it's a wedding planning app or a physical binder. (We offer organizational tools when you book our planning or coordination services.)
    - Keep track of contracts, timelines, and to-dos to stay on top of the planning process.
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With these initial steps, you're well on your way to transforming your engagement excitement into a well-coordinated wedding celebration. Enjoy every moment of this planning journey, and remember, it's not just about the destination – it's about the joyous adventure you embark upon together. Here's to love, laughter, and the happily ever after you're about to create! Cheers!

Congratulations! You've found the love of your life, and now it's time to plan the celebration of a lifetime – your wedding! While the excitement is palpable, the thought of budgeting might seem daunting. Fear not! We're here to guide you through the process step by step.
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Setting the Stage: Before diving into the specifics, let's establish an overall budget. The average cost of a wedding can vary, but a good starting point is to determine what you're comfortable spending. Whether it's $10,000 or $100,000, knowing your limit helps set the stage for a budget that suits your style.
Having "The Talk": No, not about the birds and the bees; the talk about money(although, it can be equally awkward in it's own right). If it has not been clearly established who will be contributing to the wedding and how much, it's important to have those conversations in order to create realistic expectations from all parties involved. The bride's parents paying for the whole wedding is rarely how things go anymore. Often times parents or loved ones will gift a certain amount, or contribute towards specific vendors, but make sure to have an open and honest conversation everything before booking anyone. Some people feel that if they're paying, they have the right to a say in who you book. If that's not something you're ok with, it's better to set those boundaries early on or graciously decline their financial assistance.
The Breakdown: Now, let's break down the budget into bite-sized pieces. We've created a handy detailed spreadsheet that you can fill out found here. Below is a practical guide to help you allocate your funds:

1. Venue and Catering (35%): The heart of any wedding is the venue and the delicious food served. Allocate a generous portion – around 35% – to secure a beautiful location and treat your guests to a memorable culinary experience.
2. Ceremony (3%): Marriage license, officiant fees, ceremony venue & ceremony musicians would be included here.
3. Planner (8%): Hiring a professional planner and/or day of coordinator is a worthwhile investment. They’ll be able to take all of the stress off you for the day and allow you to enjoy every moment. They may even be able to save you some money with their recommendations for vendors.
4. Attire and Beauty (12%): Looking and feeling your best on the big day is crucial. Dedicate around 12% of your budget to wedding attire, including your dream dress or sharp suit, accessories, and beauty services for you and your bridal party.
5. Photography and Videography (12%): Memories are priceless, and capturing them is equally important. Allocate 12% for professional photographers and videographers to ensure you have stunning visuals to cherish for a lifetime.
6. Entertainment (10%): Keep the celebration lively with entertainment that suits your taste. Whether it's a live band, DJ, or other unique performances, allocate 10% for an unforgettable experience.
7. Decor and Flowers (12%): Transform your venue into a wonderland with beautiful decorations and flowers. Allocate 12% for floral arrangements, centerpieces, and other decor elements that reflect your style.
8. Invitations and Stationery (3%): Set the tone for your wedding with beautiful invitations and stationery. Allocate 3% for printing, postage, and any other stationery needs.
9. Miscellaneous (5%): Lastly, set aside 5% for unexpected expenses or last-minute details.This portion of the budget can be used for gifts, favors, transportation and a little extra cushion for the unexpected. Having some buffer money set aside ensures you're prepared for any surprises that may pop up during the planning process.

Creating a budget for your wedding doesn't have to be a stressful affair. By approaching it with a positive mindset and breaking it down into categories, you can navigate the planning process with ease. Remember, this is a celebration of love, and your budget should reflect your priorities and preferences. Happy planning, and here's to the start of your happily ever after!

Hey there, lovebirds! Planning your dream wedding is an exciting adventure, filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of magic. As you gear up for the big day, don't forget about the incredible team of vendors working behind the scenes to make your wedding dreams come true. Now, we know you're wrapped up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, but it's time to talk about spreading a little extra love – through tipping! In this guide, we'll break down the who, when, and how much, ensuring your wedding vendors feel appreciated and valued. 
(Be sure to always check your contracts to see if gratuity is already included in the total cost.)

A few things to consider:
Forget the old rule about not tipping owners of a business. If you're happy with the service provided to you, you should tip regardless of whether they own their business or not. It’s not always about the money—it’s the praise and recognition that comes with even a modest tip. But the old practice of NOT tipping a business owner is outdated. Business owners often wear many hats and do a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure they deliver a quality product to make your day perfect so they definitely deserve the extra thank you. 
Can you give a gift or gift card instead of cash? Sure, tips in all forms are appreciated however vendors tend to prefer cash. They've likely been gifted a "Best Wedding Photographer Ever" water bottle already but that extra cash can help feed their families. 
Saying "thank you" without spending more money? Wedding reviews are GOLD. Since these real-life recommendations can make or break the success of a company, a positive review will be appreciated more than you know. 
You do NOT need to give 20% across the board.
You do NOT need to tip every wedding vendor.

Who distributes the tips?
Delegate this task to a trusted and reliable person. It can be a family member or a member of your wedding party or your Day of Coordinator (at Keep It Sweet Studios, we make sure all tips are distributed appropriately and collect signatures to confirm they received it). Make sure to clearly label your envelopes and seal them so no cash "goes missing" or falls out.

When should tips be distributed?
There's no one way to distribute tips. Some couples choose to distribute at the beginning of the night, split the tips between the beginning and the end, some wait until a week or two after their event and send tips separately. Most commonly, tips are given towards the end of the evening. You can distribute them any way you choose. 

The VIPs - Who to Tip:

• Catering and Bar Staff: These folks are keeping your guests' taste buds delighted and glasses full. It's typically customary to tip either 15% to 20% of your food and drink bill, or $5 to $10 per person (so if you have 200 guests, you’d tip $1,000 to $2,000). Ideally, you should discuss gratuity with your venue directly as each venue is structured a little differently. You don't want to over or under pay. 
• On-site Coordinator: You can tip your venue’s onsite coordinator between $100 and $200, along with $25 to $50 for any assistants who may have worked on your wedding.
• Bartenders (if not included in your catering): These services are typically included in your venue’s bill, but if you’ve hired bartenders separately, a few dollars per guest is standard. So for a party of 150, $300 to $450 is customary. Check your contracts, some will put out a tip jar but if you'd prefer to not have your guests tip, you can usually request to just tip them directly. 
• Photographers and Videographers: Capturing every candid moment deserves a nod. From climbing trees to laying in puddles, your photographer is with you all day long. Lead photographers are often tipped around $200 and up while second shooters are and assistants get between $50-150 each. If an engagement session is included in your wedding package, consider tipping about $100 on that day. 
• Florists and Decorators: Florists don't necessarily need to be tipped, $20 per delivery person is a nice gesture. If your set up is extensive or your florists remain on site to move flowers or do multiple setups, $50-$100 per person would be appropriate.  
• Hair and Makeup Artists: Transforming you into a vision of perfection deserves recognition. A tip of 20% of their service cost is customary. Make sure to let your wedding party (and anyone else getting services) to account for tipping so they can ensure they bring the right amount. 
• Musicians and DJs: Keeping the dance floor alive? A tip of $50-$100 per band member is standard. For a DJ, $200 and up for the main DJ & $50 per assistant is music to their ears. If they play a little longer than you expected or did a particularly good job, consider adding a little extra. 
• Wedding Planner: For a full-service event planner who organizes every detail, oversees contracts and does all the worrying so you don’t have to, a 10% to 20% tip is fairly standard. Alternatively, you can give between $300 and $1,000 depending on the range of services they’ve provided (Day of  Coordination, Partial Planning etc,). Assistants receive $50 to $100.
• Officiant: If allowed, $100 is a good amount (not all clergy members can accept a tip). If not, a donation to your house of worship can be made instead. Gift cards to a local restaurant or a bottle of wine or liquor are also appreciated. If your officiant is being paid for their services, $100 is appropriate. If the officiant is a friend or family member doing it for free, you can still give a gift as thanks. Civil officiants at city hall are not allowed to receive gratuities by law.
• ​Transportation: Gratuities are typically included in your contract. If not, you can tip your drivers at the end of the night, typically 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill.
• Cake:  You can tip the cake delivery person $20 the day of your wedding; it’s not expected to tip on top of the cost of the cake itself.
• Rentals:  $20 per delivery person is standard.
• Cigar Roller, Event Painter, Photoboot & other Entertainers: If they did a great job, you can tip them $50-$100 each
• Wedding Dress & Alterations: It’s not necessary to tip the stylist at your wedding salon or the seamstress who alters your gown. But if someone has done an outstanding job and you want to recognize their hard work, a tip would always be appreciated.
• Stationary or Calligrapher: A gratuity is not expected, but if they went above and beyond, you can tip them as well

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and tipping your vendors is a wonderful way to share that love with the incredible people making your dreams a reality. So, let's spread the joy, shower your vendors with appreciation, and make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for everyone involved! Cheers to love, laughter, and a happily ever after! 🎉💖

Ah, the quest for the perfect wedding venue that sets the stage for the most magical day of your life! As you embark on this journey, the choices may seem endless, but fear not! We're here to guide you through the enchanting world of venues, helping you find the one that will make your heart skip a beat.
Reflecting Your Style: Where Personality Meets Place

• Your venue is more than just a backdrop; it's an extension of your love story. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of a barn, the elegance of a ballroom, or the tranquility of a garden, let your personalities shine through in your choice.
  
  • There are tons of amazing traditional and non-traditional venue choices, Discuss as a couple what kind of vibe you want to represent your day

Location, Location, Location: Considerations for Every Couple

• Proximity to home or a destination wedding? Weigh the pros and cons.
  • ​Local weddings are certainly convenient to many of your guests but you may be limiting your choices, 
    
  • Weddings a bit further out may give you some more unique options, a wider range of price points and an opportunity to make a whole weekend of it.
    
• You'll want to also consider accessibility for your guests and travel logistics.
  • ​"Destination" weddings (even if they're not out of state/country) can have a financial impact on your guests and depending on how many you expect to attend, can pose logistical challenges for accommodations. Some venues have limited hotel options in the area. 
    
• ​Separate ceremony location or a one stop shop?
  • ​Some venues will offer a chapel on site or a designated ceremony space. If you're not planning on having a ceremony in a specific house of worship, opting to have your ceremony and reception in the same place is a popular option for many couples for the convenience factor. 
    

Setting the Scene: Indoor vs. Outdoor Venues

• Dive into the unique ambiance created by indoor and outdoor settings.​
• Weather considerations and backup plans for outdoor ceremonies.
  • ​If choosing a venue with outdoor spaces, be sure to be 100% ok with the indoor backup plan. Can't control Mother Nature if she's feeling sassy on your wedding day. 
    

Size Matters: Finding a Venue that Fits Your Guest List

• A cozy affair or a grand celebration? Before touring a bunch of locations, work on curating your guest list. Break it out into A List, B List & your "Courtesy" invites. This will also help you to figure out your per person budget. 
• You'll want to strike the right balance for an intimate or expansive atmosphere.
  • ​A beautiful grand ballroom may be a bit much for a micro wedding and a cozy barn may be a tight fit for a 300 person celebration.
    

Budget Bliss: Navigating Costs and Hidden Fees

• Once you have an idea of how many people you want to join you on your big day, you can start to work on how much you can comfortably spend on your venue. Most venues will offer in house catering and you'll get a per person price. More information on how to allocate those dollars and cents can be found here.
• Not all venues are created equal. Be sure to come prepared with a list of questions to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Here's some helpful questions you can ask.

The Wow Factor: Features that Elevate Your Chosen Venue

• Transform a space to match your vision through decor and lighting.
  • ​Some venues are a blank space while others have everything you need. Consider how much decor you want to bring in vs. how much you want the venue to speak for itself. 
    

Availability and Flexibility: Booking Your Dream Venue

• Booking a venue early can help ensure you get the date of your choice. If you have a specific date in mind, you'll want to book at least 1.5-2 years out to secure it (you might get lucky with less time but popular venues book up fast!). If you're more interested in a specific season and have flexibility on the date, you can wait a bit but booking about a year out is fairly standard. 
• Choosing an off peak season or day of the week can get you your dream venue for a steal! Many venues will typically offer better rates for certain days/seasons. Creating the day of your dreams doesn't have to break the bank if you're a bit flexible. 
  

Guest Experience: Comfort, Convenience, and Creating Memories

• Considerations for guest comfort, from parking to restroom facilities.
  • ​If you have some older or handicapped guests, consider the accommodations the venue provides. If there are lots of stairs, uneven ground, etc. 

As you embark on the quest for the perfect wedding venue, remember that the right location is the canvas upon which your love story will unfold. From reflecting your unique style to considering practicalities like budget and guest comfort, each aspect plays a crucial role in creating a day you'll cherish forever. So may your venue search be filled with excitement, laughter, and the undeniable spark of finding the place where your dreams will come to life. Still need some help? We can steer you in the right direction. Fill out a contact form today and we can schedule a consultation and find a venue that's perfect for you!

Happy hunting!

Nestled in the heart of Cooperstown, New York, the Shadow Brook Campground witnessed a truly enchanting wedding that seamlessly blended the families of Ellen & Gary. This unique celebration, meticulously crafted from the ground up unfolded as a picturesque weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

The Dream Team
Planning, Design & Coordination: Keep It Sweet Studios
Venue: Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground
​Tent & Rentals: Morris Tent Rentals
Entertainment: Rylee Lum Band, Dennis Winge, La Valley Group (DJ)
Catering: Chef Deanna, Rooster On The Run, Tickled Pink BBQ
Bartending: Sunrise Specialty Catering
Photography: Paul Saunders Photography
Florals: Rose Is A Rose Florist
Cake: Keep It Sweet Studios
Dessert Table: Kelly Banks Cakes

As of January 2023, Keep It Sweet Studios LLC is officially a registered business! As a solo operation, this was a huge step forward. I'm excited to see where this venture goes. I'd love to hear what you want to see offered. Shoot me a message with your ideas!