A Regal Affair: Vendor Tipping

Tipping is one of the wedding planning details that tend to get neglected. As a wedding planner I don't usually receive a monetary tip but it is a wonderful and reassuring feeling when you know youre clients are pleased with your service. Here is a general list of vendors and my advice on tipping, however these amounts are not set in stone. Plan according to your budget and the type of service you receive from each. If you are on a tight budget a thank you card and or a very small gift is always appreciated.

Caterer: most add in 18-20% and it is up to you if you want to give a tip above that.

Bartenders - 15% to 20% of the liquor bill.

Hair and Makeup: 15% of the bill

Limo driver: 15-20% of the bill but not more than $150

Music: $30 per band member or 10% of the bill for DJs

Cake: Generally not expected but 10% is welcomed.

Officiant: considered inappropriate however a donatetion of $50 – $200 is welcomed.

Flowers: Generally not tipped but if they do a really great job, 5-10% is welcomed.

Photographers: Normally not tipped, however it is welcomed. You can add $100-300

Wedding Planners: gratuity is not usually required, although, for something better than usual to exceptional a 10-20% tip is not unheard of.)

Crash The Wedding: A Regal Affair giveaway

Happy Monday, this week we are giving away tickets to crash the wedding show. All you have to do is send an email to info@aregalaffair.com to be selected, or you can buy tickets for this fabulous event at http://www.CrashTheWedding.com/rsvp   This is an event that you don't want to miss! “Crash The Wedding” is the hottest new wedding show to hit the bridal industry. Brides and Grooms are welcome to RSVP to be a part of this historical event. It's a mock wedding. It's a bridal show. It's a charity benefit. It's a live auction. And it's all green!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

from 6pm - 10pm

at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

At this new take on wedding shows, you will experience an exquisite live mock wedding first hand with the top luxury bridal industry specialists in the area at one of the most beautiful locations in Southern California. You will have the special opportunity to get a behind the scenes look from the specialist's perspective as they disclose their secret tips and tricks to help you plan your perfect wedding. The entire event will culminate with an exciting LIVE auction with 100% of the money raised to go towards our charity, Step Up Women's Network.

Make it a date night for you and your fiance! You will receive a food tasting, wine and cocktails, along with a swag bag filled with tons of gifts and special offers. Tickets are $100 per couple and are subject to availability. Seating is limited.

To RSVP please go to http://www.CrashTheWedding.com/rsvp
 

A Regal Affair: My new favorite dress designer

I found my wedding dress within the first three bridal salons that I visited. I thought it was too early but after I had a dream about it, I knew I had to get it. Few months later I made a casual  visit to a bridal salon that I had windowshopped at when I was a teenager. I remember looking in and admiring all the majical wedding dresses when I was just a girl. I decided to go in and look for accessories, well I got more than I bargained for. I found a really simple dress, with a low back and with a big discount. My friends urged me to try it on, and I LOVED it. I ended up buying a second dress, a flower girls dress and a veil. They gave me an amazing price as they were closing down their sherman oaks store. Part of me thinks that it was meant to be. This was the only store I had admired as a young girl, now I had taken part of the majic with me right before it closed. I'm so happy that I had two dresses. I had the luxury of wearing a wonderful traditional dress to our ceremony, and changing into a much more comfortable, light and fun dress mid reception. Eventhough I loved both of my dresses so much I can't help but fall in love with others!
This month I'm in love with Christos. I love the texture, yet it looks so soft and romantic.