$aving you money

Rev. Christopher M. Tuttle

Pastor – Vows from the Heart Ministries

Understanding what it really costs!

When my wife and I began planning for our special day, we could not believe all the "little extra fees" there were. You know, if you want the negatives, it's extra, if you want extra prints...forever, it's extra, if you want us to serve cake to your guests and you did not buy the cake from us, it $3 charge per person, even if they come up to get it themselves, even if we don't cut it........WHAT?

Call me silly; but I've been "in the business" for years and years and never knew what wedding vendors charged for their services and all the little extra charges there were for things I (and probably you), assume were part of the package. Wow, what an eye opener it was for me.

The good news is; what came out of my own wedding (and expenses) actually changed how I do things and saves you and my couples money now! Besides, it's better spent on your honeymoon and as a foundation for the beginning of your lives.

Bottom line is; everyone wants a piece of your gold filled wedding cake and as I mention in my Top 5 article, many now provide other services to get more of your money...D-Jays are now online ordained ministers to also do your ceremony, caterers are also photographers, limo drivers are also D-jays, Photographers are also cake makers, cake makers are also florists.....You should be interviewing a professional at something...not a multi-tasker out for extra money.

Simple math time: How can someone give you 100% on your wedding day if they are also 100% dedicated to another project at the same time. There are better ways to save money on your wedding day, this is not the answer.

Wedding Etiquette "The Gratuity"

By etiquette, you are not to provide a gratuity to your independent Wedding Officiant unless; You have not paid a fee for services (Pastor of your church) and that gift is then given to the general fund of the Church or; it is considered a donation to the Church if renting the Church facilities for your ceremony. (Not to say I have declined a Starbucks gift card LOL) I do not expect a gratuity.... Save your money!!

The Rehearsal

In most cases the rehearsal can be conducted by the site coordinator and is included in your rental fee...Ask! This way you are not paying the coordinator AND the Officiant for the same service. This also saves you the "per head" charge for the rehearsal dinner.

The Reception

Okay, this is a tricky one....Some Officiants not only assume they are coming to your reception, some ask that their spouse also be part of the reception (simply because they want some company at the meal) and ALL couples forget to add this into the cost of the Celebrants services. Head charges in San Diego can run from $20 to $300 per person.....it adds up quickly. I don't ask to be part of the reception (read more here)

Pick the day....Extra Charge?

Did you know some Officiants charge more for services on a Saturday and Sunday but discount Monday? How about charging more for a Holiday weekend? How about because it's a popular wedding day? (7/7/07 or 8/8/08). My attitude is...........you provide service on these days or you don't.....It's that simple.

Is this a service you provide or is this a business you're in? Each couple I serve, whether just the three of us or with 300 family and friends receives that same attention to detail to their needs and to their ceremony.....the day does not dictate how much I charge. I'm not sure; does charging more make it a better service? It's not like I have to pay employees on a Holiday or something...Geez.

What? you want people to hear the ceremony? That's extra!

Most Wedding D-Jays have the right equipment and as a 25 year veteran of radio, it's an honor and pleasure to work with them. They have the right system (one just for the ceremony), a lapel microphone for the Officiant, a backup to the backup (just in case) and a winning attitude to have all come together. I would be more than happy to share these professionals with you upon request.

However, But, Alas...

There are some D-Jays new to the business that charge an extra fee (upwards of $300) just to play music when your guests arrive and play the Processional and Recessional and some provide a microphone for the minister. Did you know it's usually a handheld or on a stand that will be in every photo (the same one for the reception). In the event you have contracted with them, I provide a wireless lapel microphone that works with every D-Jay system at NO CHARGE. This is just to make sure that the photos that you're spending a few thousand dollars on won't have a big black object in your face....(learn more here).

I can also provide a 50 watt battery powered sound system w/microphone for my voice for $50 (learn more here). This is perfect for Beach and Park settings where hiring a DJ and renting a generator is just to costly.

PLUS, if you have a friend with an IPOD they can plug right in and play the music for you using my system at No Charge and I even have right plugs, imagine that! By the way, this also works for a friend playing guitar, harp, etc., if they have the right cable, they can also plug in No Charge.