Wedding Planner Q & A: Budget Bride Etiquette: Cynthia Basker

WeddingDay has reached out to leading area wedding planners for advice, answering your top questions and helping make your wedding "recession-proof," fabulous, and unforgettable, no matter your budget! Our wedding planners took on a myriad of issues from planning the size of your guest list to knowing what not to skimp on. As always, WeddingDay is here to help plan your perfect wedding-log on to weddingday-online.com to send us your questions.
 

Q: IS IT OK TO PLUG IN THE IPOD RATHER THAN HIRING A DJ?

A: In a word, no. A DJ is so much more than just the person that spins the tunes! They act as MC (Master of Ceremony) at your reception, and this is crucial in order to have a smooth running affair. They will make all necessary announcements to help move your event along, such as introducing the bridal party, introducing the Maid of Honor and Best Man for toasts, announce your 1st Dance, etc. etc. Without this structure, your reception will hobble along without clear direction. If announcements are not clearly made, guests will miss important moments-your Mom will forever miss the moment you dance with your Dad, if she is in the bathroom when you do it. DJ's also can "read the crowd," if a certain style or type of music is not filling up the dance floor, they can change direction and find music that will. Every crowd is different, and what you might like to dance to, isn't necessarily what your guests will. Grandma and Grandpa are not going to throw down on the dance floor to the Black Eyed Peas. A good DJ is going to want to meet with you prior to your event to discuss your musical preferences, but make suggestions as well that will please all of your family and friends. The older folks will want an opportunity to dance, and your DJ will make sure that he mixes in tried and true songs that he knows they will respond to. There are many key elements that will add up to an unforgettable reception, and a good DJ is one of them.

Having said all of that, if you really want to use your IPod during your reception, I think doing it during the cocktail hour is probably the best and most appropriate place. If you load enough music, it can run unattended for the most part. However, once you need to move guests from the cocktail area into your dining room, it is best to have your DJ (or bandleader if you are hiring a band) handle your event from that point forward.

Q: IS IT IN POOR TASTE TO REGISTER FOR EXPENSIVE GIFTS IN THIS ECONOMY?

A: No, I do not believe it is. There are a wide range of price points guests can choose from off of your registry, everything from coffee makers and bath towels, to a full place setting of china in your chosen pattern. Often family members or friends will pool together to buy a larger ticket item, thereby making it more affordable. Gift registries are to help your guests know what you need to set up your household, as well as let them know what your preferences are with regard to color and style. However, they are not bound by your registry as the only option in gift giving. It is perfectly acceptable to give gift cards, money or an item that did not appear on the registry.

Q: IF THERE IS ONE THING NOT TO SKIMP ON...

A: I would answer that by saying, cut your guest list to a level where you won't have to skimp on anything! With fewer guests you will be paying less for many things such as food, alcohol, centerpieces, invitations (and the associated postage!), cake, guest favors and more! This is the most efficient way to cut wedding costs across the board. I would also encourage couples to sit down and make a list of spending priorities. That way, you will be clear about which wedding elements you want to spend more money on. I'm hesitant to say what one thing to not skimp on, since every couple has different things that are important to them with regard to their wedding.Once you, as a couple, figure out what your number one item on your list of priority spending is, make that the one thing not to skimp on!

--Cynthia Basker, director and owner of Celebrated Events, has planned and designed weddings, parties and corporate events since 1990. In 2003, Basker opened Girly Girl Gifts and Accessories, a stylish shopping destination for brides.