Wedding Planner

Frequently Asked Etiquette Questions

How long should a reception last?
Answer:
Most receptions are 5 hours long and consist of a 1 hour cocktail hour and 4 hours for the
rest of the reception.

Do I have to tip the maitre'd at my reception. If so, how much?
Answer: Yes, it is customary tip to the maitre d' $2 - $3 per person.
For example, for a wedding with 100 guests you would tip $200 - $300.

Am I supposed to put stamps on the rsvp envelopes that the guests will send back ?
Answer: Yes, etiquette says you should provide stamps for your guests.

Is it okay to have 2 maid of honors and only 1 best man?
Answer: Yes, you absolutely can. Keep in mind, if one is married they are called the
Matron of honor. Trends have changed and tradition has been rewritten!

How and where should the bride's parents and groom's parents be seated at the
dinner reception? Do the two sets of parents sit at the same table? If so, with whom
else?
Answer: It is normally customary to seat the parents at separate tables with their extended
family and close friends.

What would a female usher be called when listed in the programs?
Answer: A female usher is referred to as an "Attendant."

I am attending an afternoon wedding that is not outside. What do I wear?
Answer: Your choice of color will be determined by many things such as season, your
complexion and your personal style.

What leg does the bride ware the garter on? Or did it matter?
Answer:The garter goes on the leg of your choice!

What vendors are normally tipped after the wedding and what percentages?
Answer:

Is it appropriate to have a deceased parent on the invitation
Answer: Yes, you may note the deceased parent on the invitation if you choose to do so.

Gratuity Guidelines

GRATUITIES
As always, gratuities are not mandatory nor
expected, but well appreciated. These are
some guidelines for tipping. Keep in mind
that these are very general guidelines; One
can tip higher or lower according to his or her
own discretion regarding budget, price of
service, size of service, and quality of service.

BANDS
Please use your own discretion and
remember that the gratuity will be split
equally among all members of the band. A
general guideline is 10% or $25 - $50 per
man.

DISC JOCKEY
It is customary to tip $50 - $100 per man-
(DJ, MC, etc.)

LIMOUSINES
Usually, a minimum gratuity is included in
the price. If you feel your service has gone
above and beyond, a further tip is much
appreciated.

PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS
It is usually customary to tip $50 -$100 per
photographer and per videographer, and $25
- $50 per assistant or helper.

FLOWERS
While many consider this gratuity to be strictly
up to the client, a good rule of thumb lies
somewhere between 5% and 10%.

HAIR & MAKE-UP
Generally, 15% and higher is customary.

Whether you simply want assistance with last minute details and coordination
of your Party, Gathering. Wedding Day or a professional to work with you
throughout the entire planning process. Expressions has a package to fit your
needs.
We even offer hourly consultation if you just need some help getting started or
want to run your ideas past a professional.

We are here to coach you through any needs that may arise in planning
process.

Your event and wedding day your way is our goal. We listen to your ideal
dream event and go to great lengths to bring that vision into reality for you.

We will keep you abreast of every planning stage when we are assisting you in
this process.

We provide tools to help you create the event of your dreams in the budget you
can afford. We offer frugal innovative tips to create an ambiance of original,
breathtaking, unique ideas from your invitations to the reception hall decor to
the honeymoon.

Coaching Services Offered at an Hourly Rate:
Wedding Planning Priority Worksheet
Friends and Family Worksheet
The Wedding Cost Worksheet and budget guidelines
Traditional Wedding Responsibilities Coaching
We coach your bridal team and help you create an outstanding event
Writing Tips for engagement announcements
Wedding Planning 101 designed just for you
Dealing with Vendors (Tips and negotiation tools)
We offer to negotiate with your vendors and contract for you as well.
Wedding shower and pre-wedding party guides
Gift guidelines
Gift Registry Implementation and coaching
Theme ideas and implementation
Creating and managing your wedding website
E-Invites are they right for you?
E-RSVP
Invitations
Floral Design and vendor information
Entertainment Guidelines and ideas
Location, Location, Location
Bridesmaids Gowns and tips to make them shine!
Childrens attire
Specialty Rentals
Money saving tips to help you create the wedding of your dreams!

We offer Four levels of coaching

Level One: $750.00
Includes five (5) hours of professional consultation and assistance
with select items listed in the specialty services, coaching services or
general services area. A detailed time line of your event or wedding
day, vendor coordination, budget guide and priority development,
unlimited email consultation for ongoing guidance.
Level Two: $2000.00
Includes Twenty (20) hours of professional one on one consultation
and unlimited email consultation. Assistance with select items listed
in the specialty services, coaching services and or general services
area. A detailed time line of your event or wedding day, all vendor
confirmations and logistics coordination, on-site management of event
venue, wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception, manage"Day Of"
time line and cue all vendors to ensure a smooth flow to the days
events. A seamless event or wedding!

Level Three: $3000.00
Includes Fifty (50) hours of professional consultation and assistance
with any of the items listed in the specialty services, coaching services
and general services area. : 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding, we will
meet again to develop your wedding day schedule, review vendor
contracts, wedding decor, ceremony order, and all other wedding
details. Then we will do final site visits at the ceremony and reception
sites. A detailed time line of your wedding day, all vendor confirmations
and logistics coordination, and on-site management of wedding
rehearsal, ceremony and reception. Manage"Day Of" time line and cue
all vendors to ensure a smooth flow to the days events. A seamless
wedding!

Level Four (Complete Package)
18% of Wedding Budget (Min. $5000.00)
Includes unlimited professional consultation and assistance of any
items listed in any area, a detailed time line of the wedding day, all
vendor negotiations, confirmations and logistics coordination, and
on-site management of wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception.
Manage"Day Of" time line and cue all vendors to ensure a smooth flow
to the days events. A seamless wedding!
This package ensures we will be with you from Yes to I Do!
Making your wedding day dreams come true!

Event Design and Theme
Development

Catering & Menu Selections

Site Visits & Venue Selection

Floral Design & Decor

Lighting Design

Bridal & Wedding Attire

Guest Favors & Gifts

Attendance at vendor meetings

Contract Negotiation

Rentals

Invitations & Paper Goods

Music & Entertainment

Videography

Photography

Bridal Hair & Makeup

Guest List Management

Honeymoon & Travel

Transportation

Tabletop Accessories

Tent Design & Tenting

Wedding Website

Sound & Staging

Staffing & Securtiy

Guest Travel & Accomadations

Wedding Cake & Baked Goods

Etiquette & Protocol

Budget Development

We offer a Complimentary Initial Meeting, during which we will assist you in selecting the
appropriate coaching package to fit your unique planning needs.