How to plan the perfect proposal

Perla Martinez Photography

With the holidays among us, cheer fills the space around us. Families are more likely to be spending intentional time together celebrating; so why not add a cherry to the top and ask the love of your life the ultimate question?

It’s a simple yes or no question – 4 word question—so what’s the big deal ?!

I laugh to myself as I picture trying to down play that simple question…. It’s a really big deal and carries about 10-12 XL suitcases with it, yall!

I love grand and intimate gestures, so here are some helpful suggestions that will almost always guarantee you a yes.

Step one, make sure to order the ring in advance… typically you cannot always walk into the store and out with a ring.  Did you know you can also work with the jeweler to create a piece unique to your fiance-- selecting the size and cut of the diamond to the thickness and mineral composition of the band.

Next focus on the location – things to consider-

·         Weather- what if it rains?

·         How busy or popular is the space?

·         How loud or quite is the space?

·         Could you bring in music?

·         Can a photographer hide at a distance inconspicuously ?

·         Is it a spot that stunning visually ?

·         Is it a spot that holds sentimental value to your relationship ?

Perla Martinez Photography

Next you need to enlist a little bit of help. I would go ahead and find a great photographer and/ or videographer and clue them on your plan, so they can capture this incredible moment. Depending on how elaborate you want to make this event, to be look into hiring some live musicians and special lighting to enhance the space.

This incredibly romantic moment will be talked about for the rest of your lives and shared with kids and grand children so it is so worth it to make it extra!

So how will this all go down-- this is very important. How will you get your soon to be fiancé to the desired location—will you take her—will she meet you there—will a friend bring her? Make sure to have a back up plan in place if for some reason you are met with stubborn/ questioning antics.

When you get down on one knee (still comes highly recommended) keep it short, simple and to the point…. Typically most soon to be brides can’t remember anything you say because this is a moment they have dreamed about their entire lives and it feel like an out of body experience.

Pull the ring out and if she says “yes” you place the ring on her left hand’s ring finger and you win!!

You can elevate and make this experience absolutely more magical and surprising  if you can pull off a small engagement party of her closest friends and family members. I like to suggest a nice 5-10 minute walk away from where the proposal took place. This allows time for you to celebrate together and bask in the excitement. Keep this engagement party light and refreshing like a cocktail hour that promotes mingling versus a sit down dinner.

Lucy Steiner Photography

One of the first things a newly engaged couple wants to do is share the joyful news with their closest friends and family – so why not have them all waiting to tell them all at the same time.

I found more brides prefer to be in a more intimate private location when proposed to, but really enjoy being surrounded by an adoring crowd afterwards.

 In conclusion take some time to really think out the logistics, try to incorporate all five senses, really play up on the element of surprise and don’t forget to ask for help—its so much easier with some help.

You know your partner better than anyone and what they love. Creating this special moment for them…knowing that how much time and effort you put forward will speak volumes to your character and love for them. Just one little four word question “will you marry me” and you will be sure to get a yes!

Lucy Steiner Photography

Surprise Costs with Weddings and How a Planner Can Save You Money

 Weddings are an investment and can come with a pretty hefty price tag depending on your style and location of choice. I want to make sure you are prepared on what to expect when it comes to budgeting and how you can use those precious dollars the most effective way possible. As a Pensacola Wedding Planner and Month of coordinator we get to see it all. We review all contracts and invoices, so we know all the ins, outs and in-betweens of our client’s events. Over the last four years we have spotted a few areas that almost sound hidden and our clients were surprised when they went back over their invoices.

Labor fees: Typically, most rental companies, florists, some bar services and some wedding venues will charge a labor fee. Your labor costs will go up if you are having a beach wedding or ceremony, because sand is involved. Beach weddings require more hands-on deck and further carrying distance of the rented items.

Additional Meetings/ Cancelled Meetings: Have you thoroughly read through your contract? In many local wedding venue contracts, you will find fee clauses for extra meetings or meetings that have been canceled last minute. I don’t necessarily think to many vendors follow through with these clauses, but they are not items to ignore.

Vendor Meals: You have finally gotten your final RSVP and now you can relax and get that number to your catering company…. But did you remember the extra meals you promised your vendors… in their contracts? Most wedding vendors ask that they are provided with a meal on the wedding day typically these vendors include the (DJ or Band, Photographer, Videographer, Bartender, Wedding Planner, Photobooth and any assistants they might have) This could be adding an additional 5-15 meals depending on your vendors. A way to save money would be to ask your catering company if they specifically offer a vendor meal option; most of the time they do, and they are at lower rate than a typical guest.

Taxes and Gratuities: In the state of Florida, specifically Escambia county there is currently only a sales tax on tangible items like rentals or flowers or printed photo etc. Services are exempt from taxes which is why it is great to double check all of your invoices. For example, your DJ will not charge you tax on their service of playing at your wedding, but if you rented their up lighting package you would be charged for the rental of the lights; which are tangible.

   Another area that can surprise my clients might be when I mention that their catering bill or bar bill contains a gratuity. Most of the time you will find this with wedding venues who provide catering or bar service and it is to help compensate their servers or cover the venue manager’s salary. On average we have seen this number range from (18-25 %). This should be a major factor to review before you book your venue, because the food and beverage is one of the highest line items for weddings. If your adding an additional 25% to your total food bill… that affordable $1000.00 venue just got a lot pricier.

These are just a few areas we see overlooked on the final line items in the wedding budget. We want to make sure our clients fully understand the contracts they are signing and are aware of all the charges and fees listed in the clauses. As a Pensacola Wedding Planner and Month of Coordinator we strive to educate our couples and give them the most enjoyable wedding planning experience. Our services go beyond just planning a wedding, we create relationships, remove the stress of the unknown by educating on today’s wedding industry, and empower our clients to fully embrace their wedding to the fullest.