Ask us Anything for our Expert Advice & Insights: Audience Q&A
At Cut The Cake we are all about no BS insights and advice, so each month we give you, our beautiful audience, the opportunity to ask us anything about wedding or event planning. And we mean ANYTHING! Last month we had some great questions and this month, they just keep on coming!
In this episode of Cut The Cake we are answering questions including:
How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift
How to tell your guests “sorry, no kids allowed”
What vendors to book first in your planning process
When to bring in a wedding planner and wedding day coordinator
Can a friend be your celebrant - like Joey did on Friends?
All great questions, so let’s get in and start answering them for you.
Gifting Etiquette: How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift
One of the most common questions we receive is about gifting and what is an appropriate amount of money to spend on a wedding gift. Mel shares her insights on this topic:
"In my experience as a wedding planner and attending weddings as a guest, the amount you spend on a wedding gift depends on your relationship with the couple. For close family members, it's usually more than for a friend's partner. A general rule of thumb in Australia is around $50 per head, so for a couple, around the $100 mark is reasonable. If it's a family dynamic, contributing as a family and putting one envelope with a specific amount is also common. According to a survey by Easy Weddings, the average amount contributed by guests to a wedding wishing well is about $250 to $300 per family."
Mel also emphasizes that couples these days are not expecting a large sum of money from their wedding day, as most are already established and have everything they need. However, if you feel inclined to give a gift, anywhere from $50 to $200 is acceptable.
The Expectation of Covering the Cost of the Meal and Drinks
There is a misconception that guests should cover the cost of their meal and drinks at a wedding. Mel and I discuss this expectation:
"I've seen this question come up in Facebook groups, and it's almost unrealistic to expect guests to cover the cost of their own meals and drinks. The first time I saw this question, I was shocked that someone would think that. Couples invite guests to their wedding to celebrate their marriage and thank them for being a part of their lives. It's not about expecting guests to give back the money invested in the wedding. It's about the celebration and gratitude."
We both agree that it's important for couples to be considerate of their guests' financial situations and not put pressure on them to cover the cost of their own attendance.
Children at Weddings: How to Approach the Topic
The next question revolves around children at weddings and how to communicate whether they are invited or not. Mel shares her thoughts on this matter:
"The approach to children at weddings depends on the couple's preference. If you want a child-free wedding, it's best to communicate this on the invitation or details card. You can politely explain that you want the adults to fully enjoy and celebrate the occasion. However, if you want to include children, it's important to provide entertainment and consider their needs throughout the day. It's also crucial to have a discussion with your wedding party and guests about their comfort level and involvement in childcare during the event."
We both agree that open communication and setting clear expectations are key when it comes to children at weddings.
Booking Vendors: What to Book First
The next question focuses on the order in which vendors should be booked. I share my insights on this topic:
"The order in which you book vendors depends on what is most important to you. If you have a specific photographer or DJ in mind, it's best to reach out to them first and secure their availability. However, if you're not too concerned about specific vendors, I recommend booking the ones who are one-person shows, such as celebrants, photographers, videographers, and wedding planners. These vendors work closely with you and have limited availability, so it's best to secure them early on."
Mel adds that booking a venue is also a top priority, but if you have a specific photographer in mind, you can book them first and work around their availability.
When to Bring in a Wedding Coordinator or Planner
The next question revolves around when to bring in a wedding coordinator or planner. Mel shares her expertise on this matter:
"If you're looking for a wedding planner to help with the entire planning process, it's best to book them at least 12 to 18 months before your ideal wedding date. If you're already in the planning process, 9 to 12 months out is a good time to engage with a planner. For a wedding coordinator, you can bring them in around 3 to 4 months prior to your wedding day. However, it's best to book them as soon as possible to secure their availability."
I emphasize the importance of having a wedding coordinator or planner to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day. They can handle all the logistics and details, allowing the couple and their loved ones to fully enjoy the celebration.
Can a Friend Be Your Celebrant?
The final question is about having a friend as a celebrant. I share my thoughts on this topic:
"While it is possible to have a friend involved in your ceremony, it's important to note that becoming a celebrant requires a significant amount of training and certification. It's not as simple as getting ordained online. However, you can still include your friend in certain aspects of the ceremony, such as saying a few words or being part of a specific ritual. It's best to work with a legally recognized celebrant and discuss how you can incorporate your friend's involvement in a meaningful way."
We both agree that open communication with your celebrant and friend is crucial to ensure a seamless and legally binding ceremony.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, we've covered a range of important wedding topics in this Q&A session. From gifting etiquette to children at weddings and booking vendors, it's clear that open communication and setting clear expectations are key. As the wedding industry continues to evolve, it's important for couples to prioritize what is most important to them and work with professionals who can bring their vision to life. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each vendor, couples can ensure a smooth and memorable wedding day.
Looking ahead, we will continue to address your burning wedding questions and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the wedding planning process. Stay tuned for more episodes of Cut the Cake!
Remember, it's your wedding day, and your vendors are there to make it a truly special and unforgettable experience. Enjoy the journey and cherish every moment!
LINKS
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Website: https://www.cutthecakepodcast.com.au/
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