Lawson Roberts' Guide to Budgeting for a Wedding

Congratulations, you and your soon to be partner have decided  to take your relationship to the next level and get married. This is such an exciting time. The holidays are notoriously the most popular time to pop the question.

 Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, it's time to get planning.

The first thing to do is to find a planner that can help you every step of the way to avoid that unnecessary stress.

The first question I like to ask is do you know your budget? It is very important for you to have an idea of what you have to spend on your big day! You would be surprised even in this economy how expensive things can be. With that being said, one of the reasons our clients love us is that ALWAYS manage to find ways to achieve their desires in some creative fashion without breaking the bank.

 Creating your vision on the given budget is our exciting challenge.

Here are some interesting percentages to keep in mind:

Reception: 50% of total budget: this includes, lighting, event space rental, food and beverage,  staffing, event rentals, and more.

Florals & Decor:10% of total budget

Music: 10 % of total budget

Photography/Video: 10% of total budget

Ceremony: 2% of entire budget

Stationary: 2% of entire budget

Rings: 2% of entire budget

Rehearsal Dinner: 1% of  entire budget

Favors/Gifts: 3% of entire budget

Attire: wedding dress/tuxedo etc: 9% of entire budget

Transportation: 1% of entire budget

When a client is referred to us, we create a very helpful spread sheet that shows purchase as they are made and how that affects the overall budget.

Do not get overwhelmed. This process is really a great deal of fun. Just trust yourself with a professional and let the fun begin.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of your dreams!

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

https://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

https://twitter.com/lawsonroberts

www.lawsonroberts.com

Lawson Roberts' Creative Seating Place Cards

Every year it seems the family gets bigger and bigger. We celebrate Christmas down in Charleston SC at my aunt and uncle's house on the Isle of Palms. It's something I look forward to every year. Great food great drinks and just a jolly good old time!

I got to thinking the other day about creative place cards. I mean I can always do the calligraphy thing. However, how boring. Why not set places at the table using something that is not only fun but crazy cool.

I use the Scrabble pieces. It creates a toy vibe as well as it's just something different to do.

I want to take this time and wish you and yours a very happy holiday and Merry Christmas. 

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

https://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

https://twitter.com/lawsonroberts

www.lawsonroberts.com

Lawson Roberts Guide to Holiday Party Survival

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Amazing parties, mistletoe, lots of fabulous food and cocktails and of course your company holiday party. Here are some of my top tips to keep you from being "THAT" person being spoken about  on Monday at the water cooler.

No one wants to admit this. You can not hold your liquor after a certain number of cocktails. Listen, just because there is an open bar, does not make it a sprint to the finish line and get hammered. It's a marathon. Literally try limiting yourself to 2 maybe 3 all night. Listen, the holiday party does not go all night. Head somewhere else to get sloppy. Don't do it in front of your boss.

Don't Call in Sick

Let's say you did tie one on anyways. The next day is NOT the day to call in sick. If you do, everyone will know why! Pop that aspirin and come one in and get work done.

 Dinner is Served

If you can't drink like you want, hit up that buffet like you own it baby!  Enjoy the food that is being offered. Great food great times!

Appearances Matter

This isn't a call to wear what you would wear to the club! This is more of an idea to dress up and look your best.

Sassy Sex?

Even if the mistletoe is close, this is definitely not that time to head after your office crush. Again, you only have to be at the party for a certain amount of time. Go somewhere else and have fun.

Boss's Better Half

Not everyone is smart enough to take my advice (how dare they!) so if all of your coworkers bring their spouses, then it's time for you to get to work. Here is the secret to working an office party: don't go and brown nose your boss, get friendly with his or her spouse. Putting your nose halfway up your boss' ass is so transparent that everyone is going to see what you're doing. But if you talk to his or her significant other, then you're just being a good sport. 

Engage with Guests 

If you really want to get ahead at the office, people need to think you have a life outside of it. Talk to people about their hobbies and interests. Ask people where their kids are going to school and how their parents are doing after that operation. You don't even really have to listen, but just let people ramble on and on about themselves for a bit. They'll think you're cool. They'll think you're a friend. 

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

https://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

https://twitter.com/lawsonroberts

www.lawsonroberts.com