TIPS FOR THE WEDDING PLANNER
AND SAVING MONEY
Suggestions for wedding ceremonies are presented here from
many past successful events. If you choose not to hire a wedding planner, these
suggestions may help you plan your special day. I would encourage you to engage
the services of a professional planner. Contact
Estes Park Weddings. A
wedding that does not budget for a professional planner can be a disaster.
The following is just a sampling of what works very well. Pick and choose!
See the
Gift Certificate page for a unique idea.
Prior to the processional:
Special readings are welcome. The person giving the
reading should introduce themselves and the purpose or reason for the reading. A
microphone may be needed. Check with the venue representative or wedding planner
30 days prior to the ceremony. Local rental services are available.
Solo vocal performance with piano accompaniment.
Selection of the music to be performed is important. Vocal processional music, a
solo sung during the lighting of the unity candle, or just prior to the
announcement of husband and wife, contribute to lasting memories for you and
your guests. Name of the vocalist and accompanist should be published in the
wedding program. Quotes from preferred vocal soloists are available.
Wedding program offers a keepsake for you and your
guests. Your wedding officiate should be consulted 30 days in advance of the
printing. Printing should be scheduled 30 days prior to the event. Delays are
common. Make sure names are spelled correctly! Scripture references to your
special music can be included in your program, if desired. I can present those
references for review by your wedding officiate. Poems or devotions are
appropriate as well.
Entrance of bride announced by trumpet or brass
fanfare prior to the piano processional music. Quotes from preferred vendors are
available.
Brass or string ensemble accompanies piano
processional music. Quotes from preferred vendors are available.
Harp soloist is available for mid-ceremony music.
Quotes from preferred vendors are available.
Live music is always preferred to CD or disk jockey
processionals.
Ceremony suggestions:
Begin the music for the wedding party entry, after
the mother(s) is(are) seated.
Music for the entrance of the bride should be set
aside from the music for the entrance of the wedding party. This is her special
music and should be honored as such. This special music should be played again
right after the recessional, to remind the guests of the entrance of the bride,
as they are ushered out of the venue. Ceremonies with few members in the wedding
party, benefit from a single entrance musical selection for the bride and
wedding party.
A poem written to celebrate a wedding is called an
epithalamium. The bride and groom or a special friend may want to prepare a
poem for the ceremony.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING
See the
Gift Certificate page for a unique idea.
Have your wedding ceremony or reception in a
non-traditional place. Rocky Mountain National Park (Visitors information
970-586-1206; a permit is required), Cherokee Draw Park at Lake Estes
(970-586-8191 for information), The MacGregor Ranch (ask for Eric 970-586-3749),
and The Knoll (Town of Estes Park 970-586-5331) across from the front lawn of
The Stanley Hotel (970-586-3371).
Buy a less expensive wedding dress. You are going to wear
it only once. Also consider renting or borrowing a dress.
Morning weddings can reduce the expense for food, event
rental, transportation and ceremony vendor services. Your champagne toast or
liquor expense will be less as guests will consume less.
Avoid Saturdays and the month of June as wedding vendors do
charge and receive a premium during this popular time. During peak season,
schedule your ceremony during the middle of the week.
Consider having an expensive wedding and an inexpensive
honeymoon or the other way around. You do not have to splurge on both!
Make the most of gift registries. Instead of registering
for expensive luxury items (fewer gifts too), you could register for necessities
such as everyday dishes, kitchen ware, towels or a bathroom scale. You’ll save
money to spend on your wedding if you do not have to buy these items later.
Negotiate! Ask your wedding vendors for a discount if your
special day is “off season.” Vendors that have “fill in” time may price their
services accordingly. Call around. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Best wishes for your
wedding day! I would love to play the piano for you! Timothy Stolz
