How much is this Party Going to Cost Me? Answers for my Swell Social Clients

The big question. It always happens. At an initial consultation for an event, "How much is this event going to cost me?" My question back is, "Would you like a complete detailed budget to work with?" Sometimes people say, "No way. Just do your stuff, Ms. Swell." Other times, people say (with a uber serious face) , "I need full disclosure." Happy to work either way.

Because, in reality, how much your event is going to cost...depends on you. There is no specific price when it comes to weddings and events. Right now, I'm working with a bride and groom, their families, and a crew of volunteers, using a beautiful outdoor venue, planning the best night of their lives, on a shoestring budget. On the other hand, I’ve also met folks who have said, “The sky’s the limit” and had party after party that no guest would soon forget. (BTW, it's all in the details. )Your budget will completely depend on you.

When you’re setting your budget, here are some key points to keep in mind:

· How much cash do you have hidden in your closet? (OK. If you're still reading, then you

know that I have a quirky, fun sense of humor.) Really, though. How much do you have

ready to dole out?
· How much are you prepared to spend, once you see the endless possibilities?
· What are the essentials for your event?
· What areas are you willing to compromise on?

To get a more specific estimate of what your event will cost, I suggest considering each expense that goes into an event and realistically pricing out how much you are willing to spend. It's something we all do at Swell with our full-service clients, but check out The Knot's Online Budgeter . It's is a great tool (specifically for weddings... but can be used for other events, as well) for finding an estimate on what each aspect of your wedding should be costing based on your budget.

Budgeting is aaaarrrggghhh.... sometimes, a difficult thing to do. When you are dancing that first dance as Mr. and Mrs., or you're heading out after an incredible anniversary, mitzvah you will be glad that you went through all the hard stuff to get to your moment. Also, keep in mind, if you are going to hire a wedding coordinator, some packages do include budgeting help, so make sure you look into that when you go for your initial consultation.

Be swell.
Natalie Vishny

Swell Event Coordinator
Orange County CA

PS. I love to be FREE for my clients! What does that mean? By the time we are done with an event, with all of the coordinator discounts and my "great finds", they realize the cost of a planner was Zero. Zip. Nada. Swell, huh?

Swell Dessert Ideas!

Love love love desserts!

Sharing three great ideas with you... Happy to provide my discount through Swellegant.

Round About Sleeves

Some Crust

The Fry Girl Inc.

Be swell.

Natalie Vishny

To Twitter or Not to Twitter... That is the Question

Ok. This whole Twitter website thing... what's it all about? I need to know. This week, I emailed one of my friends and said, "I will never ever twitter. Ever. Who wants to know that I'm at the gym... or, even better yet, in the dentist's chair? My clients could care less about that."

When I was up at UCSanta Cruz visiting one of my college kids, I asked he and his buddy, "What do you know about Twitter??
They seemed totally cool without the fact that they were missing twittering. Maybe it's because they have cooler things all around them all day... like deer on the way to class and wildflowers outside their dorms. Oh, and don't forget the ocean and that really incredible meadow. Sorry. I digress. Way too much personal information for my clients.


And then, lo and behold, I received this email from my Gen Y colleague, Kent Healy, from Cool Stuff Media:
"I admit it, I've done it now...I can't get by one day without someone asking me if I'm on Twitter. I've picked up the hint and created an account."


So, now... I wonder again... Should I twitter, or should I not? Would it be worth it out there to anyone? Email me! Let me know your thoughts... nat@aswellparty.com

Max Who is Worth a Million

Love this fella and his family! What a great Mitzvah we had the the uber cool Newport Beach Sports Museum. I live for the energy of Mitzvahs...and this was one rockin' party. Mazal Tov , Max. You're more than a swell guy!

Complete Silliness ~ A Laugh for Today... Jeff Abbit, The Ultimate Average Man!

I laughed out loud when I saw this email from my buddy and Entertainer, Jeff Abbit. He sent me this reponse when I asked him about his biz.... He made a quick take-off of my business card, and this is what he came up with the card below. Where does the guy have the time to be so silly? His brain works in mysterious, funny ways.... he's one of my favorite funny guys! So quick, he makes my head spin!

Stephanie and Saxon = To Be Wed

I've had so much fun with this couple as we plan for a Summer Wedding at the gorgeous Scripps College. Hard to believe that their wedding is just a few months away. What I love about them is their zest for life!

This wedding involves both wedding professionals and an impressive list of volunteers who are friends of the couple. Looking forward to having the opportunity to work with incredible vendors like Kathleen from kathleenclarkphotography.com and Tina from amotionvideo.com ~ Love them!

Enjoy the Engagement Shots from Kathleen ~ There were so many, I had a tough time choosing my favorites. Brides and Grooms, if you have a second, scroll down to the bottom and check out the "Moms" Video that was made off the cuff on a recent video to Scripps College.

One of My Secret Weapons~ An incredibly Talented Graphic Designer

Sometimes, when my clients are looking at their overall budget for an event, they say, "I don't want to spend too much on invitations, but I want something customized." NO problem! I pull out my secret weapon, Ms. B, and we get to work. She is My Girl Friday. It took me years of trying out one vendor after another, searching for a Graphic Designer who cared as much about my clients as I do. I watched my clients visit storefront after storefront. And then, through a mutual friend, I found Ms. B. Life is better for my clients because of her knowledge, experience, and creativity.

If you're beginning the planning of an event, and you've bought all the magazines, you've surfed the net, and you've created an inspiration file of "tear sheets", and you don't know where to go, give me a call. Where do you go when you want someone to make your vision into reality? Save the Date Notices. Invitations.Escort Cards.PlaceCards. FavorTags. Having an event where all of the graphics tie together from beginning to end is Swellegant.

The Inspired, The Creative, and...The Crazy.

TOASTS. A traditional part of every wedding reception. They're also my favorite part. Did you know that the only person who is REQUIRED to give a toast is the Best Man? It's true.

You could say that I am "the worst best wedding coordinator ever." I have my tissues not only for the wedding party and parents, but for me, too. (My tears last for only a second, no worries.) Toasts say so much about the wedding couple, their lives, friends and families, and I'm happy to assist in writing the toasts, when asked. OK. Please ask me. I used to be an English Teacher.


If you need some assistance in writing and giving a toast, please visit these sites for help:

The Wedding Party – Toast Writing

Wedding Toasts

If you just want a good long laugh, visit Freaky Best Man Speech Make sure to watch it all the way to the end, as that is the best part of the whole video.

If you need personalized tips, I'd be happy to help.

Natalie Vishny

Swellegant

Orange County Event Coordinator

Calling all Mothers of Brides and Grooms

What a day! As I watch the Inaugural Ball (the greatest party of all) I am forever thinking about what is happening behind the scenes. Did you see President Obama thank the waiters today? Amazing. No matter what our politics, I am inspired by the dress of the women of the ball. They inspire me to acknowledge the women who I have had the pleasure of knowing over the past several years... the graceful mothers of both brides and grooms often are looking for inspirations for their attire. What better place to look today than at the Inaguaral Ball? Here's to The Belles of the Ball... the mothers who have raised incredible brides and grooms. For a little fun, take the Ball Gown Quiz!

Your dedicated wedding coordinator,
Natalie Vishny

Style Me Pretty ~ A Must See for The Stylish Brides Out There

Inspiration for great design comes from everywhere. I'm always scouring magazines, favorite websites to share with my clients. For all of you DIY brides out there, be sure not to miss Style Me Pretty. It's the ultimate blog site for all things wedding!

Swellegant's Best of the Best Events in 2008

Incredible Decor.

Customized Menus for our Clients.

Unique Entertainment.

Dancing the Evenings Away.

Unique Locations.

Beautiful Smiling Brides.

Unbelievable events . From 40 guests to 1,100 guests, I've loved planning and implementing events all over Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It has been a whirlwind of a year. It's not often that I get the time to make sure that the best shots of the evenings are captured, because I'm busy working, but I've saved a few along the way, thanks to the incredible photographers that I have the pleasure of working with. Thanks to all of my swell clients and all of the vendors, venues, caterers, and friends who have made my job so enjoyable. I'm off on vacation next week. My dogs are barkin ( My feet hurt! ) Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Steal an idea from my parties in case you need some inspiration along the way. May 2009 be a year of health, happiness, and Swell parties for you!

Happy New Year from Swellegant Events

NO....that's not me in Time's Square, but I love the image, just the same.
Stay tuned for great event news in 2009.

Be Swell.

Natalie Vishny