To Tip...Or Not to Tip...That is the Question?

One of my fabulous brides posed the above question to me today and with my own two cents (for what it's worth!) and a little research, here is what I've found...

Typically if the person owns their own business you do not need to tip because they will have negotiated the price that they are expecting. If of course you feel they go above and beyond, than feel free to give them a little extra something at the end of the evening (typically 10%). If you are there when the flowers and cake are delivered than they typically get a $10 tip at that time.

Other Vendors:
DJ - Yes.

Band/Musicians - Yes, but not necessarily if they are booked independently.
Officiant - Yes - depending on the situation or a donation to the church. City officials such as a Justice of the Peace are typically not allowed to accept gratuity.
Venue - Yes for coat check ($1-2 per guest) and parking ($1-1.50 per car) as well as bathroom attendants if any.

Limo/Transportation - Yes.

Catering - Yes but make sure it is not already included in the contract. A service fee is separate and does not include tip.

Photography - Depends, see above.
Videography - Depends, see above.
Florist - Possibly at delivery.
Cake - Possibly at delivery.
Decor - No.

The best way to thank someone is to REFER them to your friends and family. A handwritten thank you note with a picture of you in your dress for the seamstress or cutting the cake for the bakery are a priceless gift!

Decision Time

A few posts back I was trying to decide which fabulous Twirl dress I was going to wear to a wedding we had over the weekend. Well....unfortunately spring in the Rockies didn't cooperate and I decided to go with a slightly warmer outfit - pants and a cropped jacket. The good news is I have two more weddings and bridal showers and will get to wear them both soon! In the meantime, here are the pics from Saturday night :-)

Family photo!

Our cheesy prom pic.

Full length pic.

My beautiful friend and soon to be bride - Jaime! xo

"Last Fling Before the Ring"

This past weekend, I had the honor of organizing a Bachelorette party or "Last Fling Before the Ring" for my wonderful friend, Jamie. To get started, I added pink 'bling' at the bottom of the Hobby Lobby invites as well as bedazzled a few hot pink champagne glasses with ribbon and personalized with guests names. Mulberries made a fabulous cake to match the high heels on the invite and after some detective work of having them look up her wedding cake flavors I knew which one to pick :-)  Finally, hot pink cocktail napkins from Hallmark that said "Jamie's Last Fling Before The Ring" were the perfect accessory! (In fact, the Mother of the Bride loved them so much, she's saving them for the bridal shower in a couple of weeks).

Jamie wanted a GNO or Girls Night Out on a rooftop somewhere, but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate to be outside. We ended up inside at the Hyatt Peaks Lounge and the views were oh so ah-mazing! From there we went to Four Seasons and let the party roll on in a town car with driver thanks to her fabulous fiance!!!  We had a great time and the night was full of new friends and memories. Last Fling Before The Ring was considered a success and now it's on to the big day!!!!!

The Bride-to-Be with her Bachelorette sash and personalized champagne glass.



Yummy Mulberries cake and decorated champagne glasses.



Jamie's "Last Fling Before The Ring"!



My hubby even got in on the action too :-)

(Long enough to be my ride and hang with the groom).

View from the Hyatt Peaks Lounge.

Beautiful MOB and Bachelorette.

 Four Seasons flowers - great centerpiece ideas!

Group Shot! Great night!











The One That Started It All....

Leah and Gill were married on June 9th, 2007 at a gorgeous ceremony and reception at the Denver Country Club. While Leah was referred to me by a friend (as the friend's boyfriend's sister), we have now become fast friends ourselves and enjoy playdates with our baby girls! Here are a few pics from her amazing day and a happy almost four years to Leah and Gill! For any additional vendor info, feel free to contact me. Flowers were by Perfect Petal and Stem Studio.The photos are all courtesy of Leah and my referral and good friend Alexis.

Hallmark's Spring Fling Open House!

EXCITING NEWS - I've partnered with my local Hallmark store and good friend, Bry Stewart, to bring custom printing to all of my brides at a 20% discount!!! Just contact me for your coupon and more info on how to place your next printing order. Bry's Hallmark is located in Highlands Ranch at 9441 South University Boulevard (in the shopping center on the corner of Colorado and University), 303-683-1146, and offers custom printing on invitations and announcements perfect for all occasions! They are fast, professional and affordable (especially with your awesome discount!). 

Stop by this weekend, Saturday, April 2nd, from 9 am - 6 pm and Sunday, April 3rd, from Noon - 5 pm for hourly register to wins, treats to eat and a free gift ($35 dollar value) with any $25 purchase while supplies last. Help fill the local food pantry by bringing in non-perishable food items now through April 3rd. Hope to see you there!