Thursday Tips: Do “Off Season” Discounts Exist?

Feb 2nd

by: Lauren

So a few weeks ago, the topic of an “off season” for weddings came up amongst some of my Twitter friends. Specifically, whether or not discounts occurred during this “off season”. I asked around (aka on Twitter) about whether or not people thought an off season for weddings actually existed, and I pretty much got split responses. I honestly thought that off season discounts were a thing of the past, but apparently we’re not quite there yet. So here are my thoughts on “off season” discounts for weddings…

Does a “season” exist for weddings?

YES, there may be a busy season and a not-so-busy-season for weddings, depending on the area. The truth is, the times that these occur are different everywhere. Here in Florida, busy season is March-June and then September-November. Clearly, that’s when the weather is the best here (In my opinion, anyone who gets married in the months between May and October here in Florida is NUTS!). Up north, I can tell you it’s very much the opposite. So let’s say that YES, wedding seasons do indeed exist for each market. And now on to part 2 of this discussion, what you really want to know…

Photo by ELV photographer Josh McCullock Photography

Do “off season” discounts exist?

This is a tough one. It’s not quite as definitive as a season being determined by the weather and time of year. And like I said before, when I asked around, the answers from wedding pros were totally split. So I’m going to say that it just totally depends on the person you’re dealing with. It also depends on the TYPE of vendor you’re dealing with. A photographer or a service-based professional may be less likely to offer an “off season” discount because they’re doing the same amount of work no matter when and where your wedding takes place. On the other hand, a venue or someone providing a rental product might be more apt to give a discount because of the “off season”. (I think it’s safe to say that these statements also apply to the whole Friday wedding discount thing.)

As a wedding pro, my own answer in regards to giving an off season discount? That would be a big fat NO. Because service is service. A wedding is a wedding (YOUR wedding at that!) and I’m not going to work any differently just because I don’t have a wedding every weekend of that month. Yes, I know the argument of, “Oh well if they don’t have anything booked, they want to make money don’t they?” But the reality is that wedding professionals know that there are busy seasons and slow seasons. And if they’re experienced professionals, they plan and prepare for that. Most actually take their family vacations, attend conferences, or work on personal projects during “off season”.

So with all of that said, my wedding planner alter-ego needs to say that you should never expect an “off season” discount for that very reason- service is still service, no matter what.

Photo by ELV photographer Robert Madrid Photography

Whenever speaking in terms of money for weddings, I always like to put things in context of another “normal” situation (Since for some strange reason weddings are often seen as being “outside” of normal situations).

If you’re at a restaurant on a weeknight and it’s empty (Sidenote: surprisingly, my husband and I went out to dinner Tuesday of last week and it was packed!), do you ask for a discount on your food? Or do you get your bill and tell the server that you want to pay $10 less than what it costs?

Probably not, right? So in all honesty, why would it be okay to do that for your wedding?

I’m sure some of you have experienced special discounts for “off season”- I’m not saying they don’t exist. I’m just saying don’t bank on it. Don’t choose a wedding date just because it’s during what is said to be the “off season”. Choose your date because that’s when you want- and if it happens to be during off season, then I guess you’ll get to test the theory!

Alright, so now that you know what I think of “off season”…. brides, have any of you had any experience with “off season” discounts? Wedding pros out there, what do you think of off season? I want to hear all of your thoughts on this!

Pink & Purple Modern Elegant Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 8 Comments

Feb 1st

by: Lauren

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I think there’s just something so nice about a modern and elegant wedding. It’s such a timeless style and always absolutely beautiful. Well, this wedding that I have for you all today from Cory Ryan Photography is just that and more. A modern elegance, using bright colors of pink and purple… it’s pretty amazing if you ask me! The gorgeous bride, Laura, is sharing her wedding planning insight with us too, so be on the lookout for her interview answers! :)

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

I planned the whole wedding by myself without a planner and loved every minute of it! My best friends helped and then also being in the wedding industry as a Cupcake Company I had a good idea of what i wanted as soon as I started planning. We really lucked out and pretty much went with the 1st vendor we met in each category.

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

It was important that we had the same vision. I wanted the wedding to be a big fun celebration! My husband and I dated for 7 years before getting ready so by the time it happened we just wanted as fun a night as possible. We picked vendors who knew how to capture a good party and make it as FUN as possible.

Did any of your vendors do anything special for you before, on, or after your wedding day that you would like to share?

Yes. My photographer made an incredible album and then when we picked it up she also made a christmas ornament out of some of our favorite pics

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

My favorite thing about my wedding was the venue. We had the ceremony, reception and a late night dance party there. One World Theater was an amazing place that kept getting transformed through the night. We had our ceremony outside overlooking the hill country at sunset. Then there was a cocatail hour upstairs in the theater with cool lighting a bar and passed apps. Then we all went back downstairs and the Celebration Hall was set up for the reception with tables, buffet, cake and cupcakes set out. Then under the tent was a Black and WHite checker dance floor with white hanging chinese lanterns. THe tables all had large colorful center pieces with giant ostrich feathers. Absoulute stunning. THen we had a fake exit for all the family and then we went back up to the theater that had been transformed into a club with dj and lights and danced til 2in the morning. The BEST part was at the late night we had 20,000 Napkins to throw up in the air to make it rain. We had done this at the clubs in miami for my bachelorette party and i knew it was a must to make our late night dance party like the clubs in Miami…total Success!!!

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

Don’t stress out. Make it fun! It should be an exciting happy time and event to plan. If you’re stressing out you don’t have the right mindset…remember that its a party to celebrate you and your new life!

And of course I had to end the post with a photo of a delicious looking cupcake- which now means I will be wanting a cupcake all day. ;) A big thank you to Laura for sharing her wedding insight with us, and to Cory Ryan Photography for sharing the gorgeous photos too!

I think my favorite thing about this whole wedding is all of the gorgeous florals! The black paired with all of the brighter colors brings in that modern style really well too. So what do you all think of this modern elegant wedding? Do you love the bright colors and the style of everything? Any of you planning a modern, elegant wedding too? :)

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Cory Ryan Photography / Reception Venue: One World Theater / Flowers & Decor: Exquisite Petals / Catering: Word of Mouth Catering / Cake Baker: L's Cupcake Delivery / Band: The Grooves / DJ: DJ Rich / Hairstylist: Mirror Mirror / Bridal Salon: Blush Bridal Lounge

Aqua & Blue Ombre Inspiration Shoot

Category: INSPIRATION 10 Comments

Jan 31st

by: Lauren

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How about an nice dose of ombre inspiration this afternoon? If you didn’t already know (which if you’re on Pinterest, I’m sure you did), ombre is a big design trend this year. In case you’re not familiar with ombre, it’s using a color, and displaying it in a way that goes from a light to dark spectrum of that color. I think it’s pretty cool, so when Valerie of Sapphire Events NOLA sent this inspiration shoot over, I just knew I wanted to share it!

From Valerie: “I wanted to illustrate the various ways a bride can incorporate this trend into her day. Everything from linens, florals, and attire, to the favors, guestbook, and signature cocktail, the possibilities are endless.”

What awesome inspiration for how to incorporate ombre into all elements of the wedding! I think my favorite detail is all of the votives- it’s a small element, but still has a big effect. A big thank you to Sapphire Events NOLA and all of the other fabulous vendors who put this inspiration shoot together!

So lovely ELDers, what do you all think of the ombre look? Are any of you planning on incorporating it for your own weddings?

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Arte de Vie / Reception Venue: The Chicory / Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Sapphire Events NOLA / Flowers & Decor: Bee’s Wedding and Event Designs / Bridal Salon: Wedding Belles / Bride’s Dress: Valencia with Modern Trousseau by Amy Kuschel, sash by Waverly / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lela Rose LR142 / Groom’s Attire: John’s Tuxedos / Cinematography: Studio Vieux Carre / Candles: Luminous Events of New Orleans / Invitations & Stationery: Lauren Alsop Custom Paper Goods / Cake Baker: The Sweet Life Bakery / Hair & Makeup: Aristocat Salon + Nail Spa / Favors: Oak Avenue Collection / Rentals: Bee’s Wedding and Event Designs

Tuesday Tips: Make Your Ceremony Your Own

Category: WEDDING PLANNING 5 Comments

Jan 31st

by: Kristine

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In my opinion, one of the toughest things to do when planning your wedding is figuring out what to include in your ceremony. Who says what when? What is required in order to be legally married? When in the world do you say your vows, exchange the rings, light the candles? Most brides and grooms, at least most brides and grooms I’ve come across {including myself}, tend to think there’s some kind of formula you have to follow. And while it’s helpful to know what’s usually done, your ceremony should ultimately be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Include elements that are significant to you. Follow the traditions that mean something to you. In essence, make your ceremony your own.

Photo via Captured by Jenny

Choose meaningful music

You can walk down the aisle to whatever you want so choose a song that you’ll remember for years to come. Likewise, play songs that mean something to you and your partner during the prelude, the processional of the wedding party, and the recessional. My husband and I wanted to do something fun and unexpected when we walked back down the aisle so we chose California Girls by The Beach Boys. Our guests loved it.

Photo via Elizabeth Scott Photography

Include and honor your loved ones

You can do this by the traditional Lighting of the Candles {typically done by the mothers} or by presenting flowers or tokens of appreciation to your parents. Or you can do something entirely different. Light candles in remembrance of loved ones, dedicate a reading, ask your families to stand to give their Declaration of Intent {including them in the task of upholding your marriage as well}.

Photo via Meg Sexton Photography

Write your own vows

Either ditch the traditional vows altogether and write your own or recite the traditional vows and include a personal statement while exchanging rings. I go back and forth on this one. There’s something very sacred, and romantic, about repeating the same words spoken by couples for centuries. But there’s also something so personal and intimate about promising to love your partner in your own words.

Photo via Rae Leytham Photography

Get creative

We all know about the unity candle. And the sand ritual. Traditionally, after reciting the vows and exchanging the rings, the bride and groom participate in a joint act symbolizing their new union. I love the significance of that! So why not get creative with it? Any suggestions?

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Former brides, how did you make your ceremony personal to you and your groom? Brides-to-be, are you including any fun and unique elements of your own? Share in the comments! I’d love to hear.

xo-Kristine