When a wedding (or any event) planner talks about budgeting, it does not necessarily mean they are talking about your budget.  They are talking about time also.   I saw an episode of the Glam Fairy last night (I think Alexa is a closet business savant).  Anyway, she has been putting off any and all planning of her wedding to build her business.  I kept telling her - call me immediately. I am a wedding planner !! 



The best thing a planner can do for your is help you organize your thoughts which are, at this time, scattered to the wind and all over the place, and help you manage the time you have to devote to the planning of your wedding.  HOWEVER, and this is really a huge obstacle for some people - I imagine Alexa would be one of those - turn over complete control to your wedding planner.  At some point, you must have had a good connection with this person to choose them to help you plan the most important day of your life thus far - right? - so go a step further and let them do what they do best.  They are an extension of you at this point.  They have your back. A great wedding planner can exceed all your expectations if you just let them. 

Let's talk a moment about budget then.  Many brides have unrealistic expectations about what their budget can do for them.  A wedding planner can pull off some amazing things, but producing a floral and crystal extravaganza with amazing lighting and draping, on that $3,000.00 budget you have and you have how many guests to feed? - well, I just know expectations need to be in line with reality.  BUT, that does not mean it needs to be reminiscent of a backyard BBQ at all - it just means you need to budget more time to be creative and investigate your alternatives. 

So, how long do you think it really takes to pull off a wedding of magical proportions?  Unfortunately, a lot of that is dependent on the availability of the church, the reception venue you have always wanted, the caterer's calendar and the dress which really should be ordered at least many months in advance.  Many brides need to begin planning at least 12 months out in order to bring all the details in and get them settled down for that very special day. 

So, you see, when we are talking budget about a family milestone event such as a wedding, we are really talking equally about time and money budgets - unless you are Alexa, who, at this point, would be more needing more time management help than budget help. 

Take a moment then to think about time before seriously planning your next event and allow yourself extra time because, as we all know, time moves at the speed of light and that is something we cannot change.  Each and every day has only so many hours and the clock will not stop because you have neglected to budget wisely.