Ask a Planner... "DIY vs. Hiring a Pro?"

Hello.  

Can you recommend a florist that will give me the best value?  I am looking for tall centerpieces of white and purple roses.  I can't decide between DIY or hiring a florist.  Would you recommend doing the floral yourself? Thx.

Rachel


Hello Rachel,

Wedding florals come in all shapes, styles and budgets.  Whether to DIY it or hire a pro often means you fall into one of two categories... creative and crafty or budget conscious -- and sometimes it's both!  You are either not afraid to get your hands dirty and genuinely want to be a hands on DIY bride or you are simply trying to maximize your budget and think DIYing will save you money.   

The truth is, it can save you money, but it's not always the case as it really depends on what you have in mind and secondly it comes at a different kind of cost -- a "time" cost.  Most brides who choose to DIY (whether it be for flowers, invitations or cake) say later on that it was far larger a project or investment of their time and energy than they could have ever anticipated.  Some regret it and others say it was tough, but they wouldn't have had it any other way.  They enjoyed being able to say they had a very active hand in making their own wedding vision come to life.  

As I touched on above, DIYing does not always save you money because once you purchase the vases, the flowers, pay for the gas to drive around getting all the bits and pieces it can often end up being very close to if not the same price that a modest wedding pro might have charged as they already own the vase and already regularly have flowers in store, etc.  This doesn't account for your time either.  Typically a floral centerpiece will range anywhere in price between $50 and $400.00 each depending on the size, type of flowers, and florist being used.

My suggestion is that you meet with a 2 florists (or maybe 3 if you have the time) to determine what your vision might cost and then do some thinking and a little homework and do what works best for you.  Below are a few local budget friendly (and reputable) suggestions for you to look into:

1. http://www.budgetblooms.ca/

2. http://www.fransflowers.ca/

3. http://www.flowerfactory.ca/

Good luck Rachel!  And be sure to check out these three previous posts about flower costs in Vancouver, Top 10 DIY tips, and Budget Stress!

1. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2011/08/top-10-diy-wedding-planning-tips.html

2. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ask-planner-budget-stress.html 

3. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ask-planner-centrepieces-are-how-much.html

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week darlings!  And don't be shy!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

XOXO
Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

 

Ask a Planner... "You want HOW MUCH for eggs and flour?"

Hi DreamGroup,

What's the going rate for wedding cakes these days?  We've recently received some quotes from a few different cake makers ad bakeries in town and they are a little alarming to be quite honest.  I mean it's eggs and flour for goodness sake and $9.00 or more a slice seems a little high to me.  I feel like I'm being taken advantage of just because I'm getting married!!!  It's all adding up and I was kind of hoping this would be one of the lesser expensive parts of the wedding! 

Thx!
Puzzled Groom



Hello Puzzled Groom!

Your "cake" sticker shock is not abnormal, but the cost you mentioned is normal for the Urban Vancouver area.  Competitive averages tend to fall within $6-$12/slice, but it really comes down to what you are getting for the price.  Is it tasty?  Does the cake maker understand your vision?  If so, then you may actually be on the right path.  If the design you have in mind requires many hours of time and labour in creating it, you will more than likely be paying a higher price.  

Things like hand made sugar flowers, intricate design details, beading, crystals, fondant, shimmer, spray on stencil designs, additional flavours, fillings, additional tiers, etc. will all affect the final price.  As with many contracted services Time and Labour are the two elements that tend to increase the cost of anything and in this case it's your cake.  The more time and work that needs to be dedicated to creating your cake the more it's going to cost you.  It's not about the flour and eggs.

You might wish to ask each cake professional you are receiving quotes from what might be done to your ideal cake design to reduce the cost slightly as the removal of a couple more dramatic and costly elements might do the trick in bringing the cost down a touch.  You might also consider doing a smaller 2-3 tier display cake for the cutting ceremony and have a slab cake in the back to be served to guests as this will almost certainly reduce your overall cake costs. Good luck with your cake shopping!  

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week darlings!  And don't be shy!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

XOXO
Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Food Lovers: Friday's Fabulous Find

Finally Vancouver offers a full vegetarian restaurant, (besides the delicious Acorn located on Main Street), I dedicate today's amazing find to my food lovers and especially vegetarian lovers, bringing you a desire to visit Vancouver's largest vegetarian restaurant.  Located in the historic building that turned 100 this year, the delicious and unique restaurant Heirloom is revealed at 1509 West 12th Ave to be exact, in the heart of the South Granville District.  The restaurant welcomes you with simple yet a warm ambiance.

Heirloom describes their restaurant experience as "contemporary dining experienced with a beautiful, current menu that boats healthy, casual, interesting food from brunch and dinner, complemented by fresh witty cocktail , a respectable organic wine list and a great selection of local small craft beers".  Yes my vegan friends, there is plently for you to choose from the menu :).

With Heirloom's Executive Chef Georiga Morley designing the menu, we can experience the best of the best.  She brings her expertise as a holistic nutrition consultant and along with being a personal Chef for Chip Wilson and Henrik Sedin (to name a couple). 

Not to worry, you won't break your bank, especially those who are planning a wedding, (your Wedding Planner will be thrilled to know you aren't going into the wedding budget to dine here!).  The plates are mostly prepared for sharing typically ranging at $18 per plate, and will not be disappointed with the taste of each dish at this restaurant; yes, the meat lover in you may die after realizing how amazing vegetarian food is! 

Heirloom a great spot to meet with your wedding party, let your hair down and brainstorm ideas for the wedding over a glass of wine as you share the delicious food plates.  Or perfect for a date night with your partner to de-stress.

Date Night Tip:
The Stanley Theatre is right on Granville Street, not even a block away from Heirloom.  May I suggest, dinner at Heirloom and a show afterwards at the Stanley.  Go ahead, surprise your loved one or maid of honor (with all the hard work she/he is putting into your wedding!).  Check out this link for shows at The Stanley.

Bon a petite readers and happy date night!


By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Ask a Planner... "Bloomin Budget!"

Hi DreamGroup

I'm on a 2K Flower Budget! And after contacting several florists for quotes have realized just how much of a budget I'm on! lol  Basically without getting super complicated I need to know from a pro what a typical amount might be for my wedding flowers for the ceremony and reception keeping in mind a pretty and modest floral plan. I do aspire to have my wedding featured in Real Weddings or Perfect Wedding and do have pretty good taste so it can't look cheap!  I love white orchids!  I need to know how much is just enough.  Hopefully that makes sense.  FYI: We have 80 guests and are hosting it at Hotel Georgia next summer. Ceremony in Foyer dinner in Spanish Ballroom.  I have 3 Bridesmaids and Jeff has 2 Groomsmen (I know we're unbalanced!).  We would also like each of our parents to have some body flowers.

Thanks!

Vanessa

Hello Vanessa,

Thank you for your question! Floral budgets can vary very widely depending on the caliber of wedding, size of floral arrangements, types of flowers, and number of tables/guests.  Based on an intimate wedding at the gorgeous and timeless Rosewood Hotel Georgia and factoring in, as you said, a "pretty and modest" floral design plan -- here is a realistic average breakdown that would surely make both you and your budget happy. And for the record having more/less bridesmaids than groomsmen is not that unusual.  Who says friendship has to be symmetrical?  Best of luck with your wedding!

Floral Budget - modest and sweet:

Bride's Bouquet: $150.00

Bridesmaid's Bouquet: $75.00 each x 3 = $225.00

Groom's Boutonniere: $15.00

Groomsman's Boutonniere: $10.00 each x 2 = $20.00

Mother of the Bride Corsage: $15.00

Mother of the Groom Corsage: $15.00

Father of the Bride Boutonniere: $10.00

Father of the Groom Boutonniere: $10.00

2 Ceremony Arrangements (pillars not included): $150.00 x 2 = $300.00

Centerpieces (using florist's own vases): $125.00 each x 8 = $1,000.00

Head Table Florals: $200.00 (you might instead re-purpose the bridesmaid bouquets to save $$$)

Delivery and Pick: $100.00

Total (before tax): $2,060.00

HST:  $247.20

Grand Total: $2,307.20  **note this does not include potential decor costs for things like specialty linens, candles, rented vases, etc.

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca 

Cheerio,
Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Friday's Fabulous Find takes you to the Tropics!

Thinking about having a Destination Wedding? 

Just envision: White sand, blue water, warm breeze, tropical scents fill the air and the warm glorious sun...Still reading?

But you don't know where to start your destination wedding plans?  Well look no further!  This week we are thrilled to share with you P.O.S.E Destination Wedding and Travel.

(www.posetravel.com)

Pose Destination Weddings and Travel is a full service agency specializing in affordable travel for destination weddings, personal and group travel.  I recently had my clients book with Pose Travel for their honeymoon and their experience was fantastic!  My clients were taken care of and assisted with all of their travel decisions so they can have everything they are asking for within their budget.  They are very much looking forward to what sounds like an amazing get-a-way after their wedding!

Whether it's a destination wedding or you're looking to book your honeymoon or just plans to get away from it all, contact Pose Travel, they will be sure to take care of all the details for you. 

Pose Travel offers complimentary consultations to help guide you in the right direction of starting your planning for honeymoon or a destination wedding.

Don't take my word for it, here are some great testimonials:

http://www.posetravel.com/testimonials.php

Here are a Few Great Reasons of Why to Plan a Destination Wedding:

1. It's more of an intimate affair, not everyone on your guest list can travel which makes it for a smaller wedding.  This allows you to spend time with close family and friends.
2. Maybe you have been thinking of eloping, but your family insists on a wedding.  It's a great way to get what you want and give parents/close family the wedding they want to see.
3. If you are looking to have a laid back wedding or if it's a second wedding, destination wedding is a great way to go!
4. And Cost.  Cost is a factor with some couples in helping them make the decision of having a destination wedding.  Depending on your location of choice, it can be less expensive to do a destination wedding.

So if you don't want your vacation to end up like this:

But want to see beautiful visions as this:

Then do yourself a favor and contact Pose Travel!

 Although, remember a great alternative: if you can't get away but want to have the tropical feel of a get away, it can be done in Vancovuer.  By chosing the perfect location and having an amazing vendor team to help you create it all.  A DreamGroup Planner can help you do just that.

Until next time, Aloha, Adios my Amigos :)

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Monday's Montage: Mason Jars Galore

It is no secret that mason jars are HUGE at the moment. Their versatility, as well as their low cost, contributes toward their popularity in weddings. Check out some ideas for using mason jars for lighting, floral vases, wedding favors and treats, ceremony decor and beverages bars.

Lighting

Flowers

Beverages

Ceremony

Favours

Jeanette from Delovely Creative can make all of your Mason Jar decor dreams come true. She sources the product as a rental and helps create your gorgeous vision.

Vintage glassware can also be found at 2nd hand stores flea markets and garage sales. If you would rather just buy them here are some great places to look:

• Major online retailers like Overstock.com, Amazon.com and Etsy (be sure to check both the "Handmade" and the "Vintage" sections when searching!).
• Oftentimes, brides are looking to get rid of the mason jars they used for their own wedding. Especially now that mason jars have been so popular, you will definitely be in luck at DreamGroups upcoming Bridal Swap
• They are also available online via Sears and Walmart.

By Jayleen Deelman, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup for 2 years and after proving herself as our Star Wedding Coordinator now takes on the role of Loving Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!