Keeping the Kids Busy

For better or worse, you have decided to allow kids into the wedding.  It is really special, make sure to get a dance with them. They’ll love to see you all dressed up like a princess.

Keeping them busy is key to ensuring they and their parents stay cool, calm and collected. I put together a bag of things to keep them preoccupied and quiet.

  • Food – ensure they meet any of the dietary restrictions. I took a box of organic rice cookies and divided out the little packages to the bags.
  • Finger puppets – kids, siblings and parents can participate
  • Books – self explanatory
  • Colouring – I found these paper puppets that needed colouring- dual purpose!

These don’t have to be expensive, but make sure there is variety and options.  I everything but the food from winners, dollarstore. Buy a couple packages and divide them between the bags.

I asked an older cousin to give the bags to the families – 1 bag/family.

The Great Debate

The Great Debate – Kids or no kids

*If you are a person with a child, please do not take offense to or make a deal about your kids not being invited to the event. This day is about the couple. NOT YOU*

Back to the bride-

I realize I had pretty easy, my people didn’t make a fuss about kids not being invited to our wedding. I wrote the invites with the names of these who were invites. We allowed our nieces and 2 cousins, who were travelling from out of town and thankfully were very well behaved.

I enjoyed both sides of the spectrum, having our beloved little ones there was really special. Especially when the dancing started! I also enjoyed not having kids running around and doing kid things. So I get it, I got my cake and ate it too. You can to!

Here are my tips if you do not want children at the wedding

  • COMMUNICATE – you would think that not including the children’s names on the invites would be end of discussion. You cannot assume that people will get the hint OR that they won’t be hurt. You may have to make it clear to people why you don’t want children. Clearly and nicely, explain to them your vision and feelings. Then tell them you understand if they don’t want to come without their offspring.
  • Some people feel like if you invite some kids you have to invite them all. You do not. Refer back to communication and work through it.
  • Most people want a kid free night! Our guests took this opportunity for a night out on the town and enlisted the appropriate babysitters.
  • Invites are yours to give out as you please. If you feel strongly about this, remember it is your wedding and you get the last say.

If you do decide to have the little ones, check out my upcoming blog post on how to entertain them.

Navigating Vendors

Unfortunately, you can’t do everything yourself. You are going to have to rely on someone else at a few points to help you with your wedding or party. I am a firm believer in asking for help, know your strengths and hire people to aid in your weaknesses.

So, you have started to do your research, you have googled and asked your friends. Here are some key bits of information you need before making a decision on your vendor.

  1. What is the going rate for this type of vendor? This is dependent on your area. Your friend from Saskatchewan definitely paid less than what you are going to in Vancouver. Sorry.
  2. What do their services entail/not entail? Is there something not in there that you want? Will that a deal break for you? (i.e. a caterer that doesn’t set up centerpieces)
  3. Is this someone you can trust? Do you get a good feeling from them? Do their reviews seem legit?
  4. How much experience do they have? Can they show you some of their work?
  5. A low price tag doesn’t necessarily mean low quality and a high price doesn’t come with the best service. Be wary of both. Trying to scrimp on something might not be beneficial on your event, yea you saved a few bucks – but at what expense? On the flip don’t blow the budget on  a vendor because they seem high end because are expensive but in reality it is all smoke and mirrors.

Negotiating – this is a tricky situation. You MUST respect the vendor and that this is their livelihood. There has to be give and take. Give them a reason to come down in price, or increase their hours.  However, be prepared for them to say no and that is OK, you won’t know until you ask.

Other key tidbits for dealing with vendors

  1. You catch more bees with honey than vinegar. Always, Always, Always be nice. You can be demanding and get your way on a few things OR you can be a pleasant person to work with and have the vendor WANT to give you everything you want. Think about it, are you more likely to do things for someone who is nice to you or the B*tch who is making your life miserable?
  2. Everybody has to eat. You have decided to have this wedding or party, with that comes costs. You are going to have to pay people fairly, while not spending your own grocery money.
  3. Clear communication – state your wants/needs clearly. Pictures also help. I had more than 1 meeting with my florist for  my wedding. Some people are better with face to face or email. Figure out what they prefer or what is more effective with them ASAP.
  4. The certified best of the best with all the rave reviews are going to cost more. If it is something you value then spend the extra money. I like to get the verified best caterers and am willing to pay a bit more for that service because I value food a bit more than say the music.

Remember that vendors are people, there are always going to be some great ones and some not so great ones it’s your job to decide what is best for you. Have a great time!

 

 

Welcome!!

Hello!

Websites/blogs seem so necessary now for any business, but not only to they take a lot of planning but also time away from  what your business is all about. I will try my best to keep you updated and informed, but forgive me if that doesn’t happen all the time. What is that actually? What do I do?

All things parties!

Business 101 is to have a focus, well I guess I have failed because I want to do everything. Maybe one day. I love crafting/creating party decor and then throwing that epic soiree. Why should I limit my self?

I am the weirdo that actually enjoyed planning my wedding. I want to do it all over again….with the same man of course. I am also that annoying friend that wiggles her way into your party planning, must know every detail and then sends you a million pictures and links to help.

Take a look around here and on my Etsy page. Contact me if you have any questions.

Xoxo

Savannah Jessie