How much do you cost? It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

“How much do you cost?” 

It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

With bottom lines on the mind, brides are eager to request on-the-spot quotes for our planning services. Unfortunately, pricing out your unique event is not that cut and dry. Brides – here are a few pointers to keep in mind when “shopping around.”

First, bridal shows like Weddings in Woodinville are not the ideal setting for a quick quote. Instead, these events are created to immerse you in the wedding world and introduce you to excellent vendor sources for products and services. While some vendors – like transportation providers or makeup artists – can give you a direct quote upon meeting, when investing in a wedding planner, capture the contact info of your favorites and follow up with them after the show. It’s this post-show one-on-one time that enables your planner to grow a deeper understanding of your wedding and form a more accurate, personalized quote.

As the foundation for your quote, planners request your day, date, time, guest & wedding party number, ceremony & reception location and your ideal, total budget. Here in the Northwest, Saturdays in June through August are considered prime dates in high demand. Friday and Sunday weddings may incur lower rates, but discounts vary by consultant or may be dependent on other factors. Your ceremony & reception’s location are also hugely significant to the quoting process. For example, a destination wedding on Maui or Washington’s San Juan Islands would require higher vendor and consultant travel costs than a winery wedding in Woodinville. The venue itself may even present challenging working conditions – think: a remote cliff-side ceremony vs. a resort ballroom reception.

Lead time is another element to consider.  Ideally, consultants welcome 10 - 12 months for proper planning. For a wedding with production beginning 3 - 4 months prior, additional man power is often necessary and may drive costs up.  That being said, if the wedding is fully planned and a bride chooses a Week-of Wedding Coordinator to implement and execute plans, consultants will sometimes reduce costs if your chosen date is still available.  

Money bride bouquet by It's Doable.... Crafts, food and life

How Much Do You Cost? was written by our guest blogger, Jacky Grotle of Event Sucess.  

At Event Success, we offer a range for both Full Planning and Week-of Wedding Coordination pricing, though we still rely on one-on-one time with our brides to determine their unique, precise needs and costs in the process of realizing their dream wedding. 

Venue Themes for Weddings in Woodinville 2012

The third consecutive year of Weddings In Woodinville is being held on Sunday, January 29 2012.  This unique wedding wine tour is designed to give couples, their families, bridal party and friends a preview of what a fully-decorated venue could look like for their own special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together in a personal, interactive, engaging atmosphere.  Our vendors do not simply stand behind a table displaying their talents, they are particpating in the party and celebrating with you while you interact within the environemnt they have collaborated with their wedding planner to bring to you. 

Our three founding wedding planner board members, Jacky Grotle of Event Success, Melody Davis of MG Davis Events & Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events with Jennifer, along with our three guest planners, Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Events, BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events and Janel Schlit of Occasions, LLC are proud to bring you the following feasts of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch with their following venue themes.  

Columbia Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Erin Lindeman, Lindeman Events

"The Royal Gardens"

Come see for yourself how we transform Columbia Winery’s ballroom into ‘The Royal Gardens.’  This is a great illustration of how to turn a classic elegant room into a chic and personalized wedding reception without having to spend a fortune.  The use of rented trees, dramatic draping and lighting will be the backdrop of this majestic soirée.  Wish a rich selection of champagnes and a dash of black crystal chandeliers, we have given the traditional palette more of a modern sparkle.

We will also be showcasing the latest wedding dress trends along with a host of other talented vendors.   So come delight your senses by savoring the delicious food, fine wines and visual decadence at Columbia Winery.

Matthews Estate
Theme Décor/Planner: BreeAnn Gale, Pink Blossom Events 

"Love Is In The Air"

When designing the theme for Matthews Estate for this year’s event we wanted to utilize both the Tasting Room and Estate House but making sure we kept with the same theme throughout. Succulents with pops of robin’s egg blue and burgundy led the way to a romantic rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and an elegant picnic wedding reception up at the Estate House.  As you tour Matthews Estate allow yourself to envision not only your wedding day but also the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner! The inspiration board incorporate both the inspiration for the rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and the elegant picnic reception up at the Estate House.

Novelty Hill/Januik Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Jennifer Taylor, Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

“Chandelier Lounge”

My inspiration for my design was “The Chandelier” at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.  I loved all the crystal and glass being used.  I wanted to bring glitter and glamour to the modern feel of Novelty Hill-Januik Winery.  The reason I chose to do a reception style with soft seating is to showcase the little used Reception style, it is a great way to mix and mingle with your guests.

JM Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Melody Davis, MG Davis Events

"Contemporary Classic Vines"

The beautiful natural surroundings of JM Cellars, and the unique, romantic gathering places that the winery offers, inspired our creation this year of a wedding that portrays contrasting elements of nature and nurture . . . of comfort and style.  We've blended neutral color hues and textures found in the natural world, with the classic sophistication of porcelain, silver, and crystal.  Hanging over a grand, communal pine table is a custom designed chandelier that artfully joins old world architecture and vines with sparkling glass.  The tablescape beneath displays a mélange of timeworn classics alongside modern elements and romantic flowers. 

Our ceremony will be presented in two locations: Amid the copper doors in the Barrel Room and under the rustic birch arbor on the lower terrace. 

Both indoor and outdoor spaces reflect the importance of friends and family, encouraging conversation and the nurturing of community.   

 DeLille Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Jacky Grotle, Event Success

"Vibrant-Elegant-Garden Theme"

V-E-G will be highlighting bright Oranges and Greens as they are the opposite sides of the color wheel and will create the effect and mood we are looking for.

The gold accents will add a touch of elegance and glamour to the garden.  Using Obelisks, herbs, floral and textured linens our garden wedding will fit right in with the sheep on this gorgeous ten acre property.    

Willows Lodge
Theme Décor/Planner: Janel Schlit, Occasions, LLC

“Woodland Glamour”

Our superior design team has created a lush and romantic experience that encompasses the Northwest feel of the lodge with pure glamour!  Between Aria Style and Occasions, LLC what more would you expect?!  To say the least, we love this venue and this theme for our tour for Weddings in Woodinville 2012.  From the sparkle of the crystals to the lighted branches this project has let us dive into uncharted territory.  We love the idea of combining casual elegance to over top glamour to achieve pure rustic elegance!   

We are looking forward to showing off our creativity, partnership and of course passion for weddings!

Meet the "ultimate Woodinville Wedding Expert", Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

Meeting with one of our founding board members, Jennnifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer, is like spending the day with one of your best girlfriends.... the one with the best advice AND jewerly!  Here's what we learned about this life-long Woodinville resident (yes, this is just one of the reasons she's the "Ultimate Woodinville Wedding Expert"!) 

Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

I founded Taylor’d Events by Jennifer in 2005. After 12 years in corporate management, I made a personal choice and decided to utilize my organizational skills in the venue of event and wedding planning. Since that time I have orchestrated numerous events ranging from small intimate gatherings to large weddings.  I am also an educator, in 2010 taught wedding planning to up and coming planners at Everett Community College.

The locales of these events were as diversified in nature as the events themselves, from a farm on Whidbey Island, to a private residence on Mercer Island to banquet facilities throughout the Seattle area. In addition to weddings and receptions, I have spearheaded events such as the 2011 Emerald City Applause Awards presented by the Seattle Chapter of the International Society of Event Specialist, which awards the Event Industry in Seattle, and is a Founding Board Member of Weddings in Woodinville.

I have been honored to be awarded the Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire in 2010 and 2011 and Best “Day of Wedding” coordinator by Seattle Bride Magazine in 2010 and in 2011 was named one of the top 3 in the same category.  

Some personal details, I graduated from Woodinville High School, my family has been in the Woodinville area going on 90 years, so I know Woodinville.  My favorite places are Maui, and Ocean Shores (destination weddings!).  I love Frango Mint Chocolates (Seattle Frangos, not Chicago Frangos), Salted Carmel Mochas, a good glass of red wine and a great steak.  

Come meet Jennifer and experience for yourself her award-winning style at Novelty Hill - Januik Winery and Woodhouse Wine Estates during Weddings in Woodinville on January 29th, 2012.

World's Best Planners named by Junebug Weddings at Weddings in Woodinville

We are bursting with excitement that 2 of our wedding planners, Jacky Grotle of Event Success and Janel Ellefsen of Occasion, LLC have been named World’s Best Wedding Planners by Junebug Weddings. 

Here’s what these award-winning planners had to tell us about this distinct title:

What does it mean for you to be titled World’s Best Wedding Planner by Junebug Weddings for wedding planning?

Jacky:  It is an honor and privilege to be recognized for the work we do.  We have won Local & National awards but WOW "The World's Best Wedding Planner" that is truly special.

Janel:  It’s a huge honor!  I’ve been a member since they started and I would never leave!

What about you & your style make you in this elite group for Washington State?

Jacky:  I think it is a combination of things but definitely years of success in this industry and the complexity of events that we have successfully executed both locally and at destination locations.

Janel:  Because we’re awesome!  Clearly! Ha ha.  No, really I think it’s because we specialize in full service more complex weddings with many details.  We strive for a very complete look for every client.  We each bring a very strong talent to the table so we pull from the specialist in that category if need be.  Between the three of us we give 150% to each full service client.

4.  What are other titles you've held/hold for planning?

Jacky:  We have won "Chapter Program of the Year" Award from National Association of Catering Executives, Top 3 Planners by Evening Magazine/King 5's Best in the Northwest designation, & most recently the Emerald City Applause Award for "Best Event Logistics".  I hold the title of CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), which you must have at least 10 years in the industry and pass a very difficult exam too. 

Janel: Best of Planner for the Knot, State Coordinator for ABC and we are on the Style Me Pretty Preferred Black Book.

5.  What is one of your favorite wedding moments during each ceremony?  Or what particular moment stays with you after all these years from that one unforgettable wedding?

Jacky:  I love when the couple exchanges their vows; I tear up almost every time.  I surprise myself that after almost 500 weddings, I still get emotional!  I can feel the commitment the couple is making to one another- it is an intimate moment that they are sharing and I think that is very special.

Janel:  When the bride makes it down the aisle!  Father of the bride toasts!  Hands down the best part.

Janel Ellefsen & team, Occasions LLC named World's Best Planner by Junebug Weddings
Jacky Grotle, Event Success named World's Best Wedding Planner by Junebug Weddings

Introducing our 2012 Weddings in Woodinville Guest Wedding Planners

Every year, Weddings in Woodinville invites three guest planners to join us in bringing you the most spectacular, chauffeured, wedding wine tour available in the Pacific Northwest.  This year we are pleased to introduce you to the following talented wedding planners.

Janel Ellefsen owner & creative director of  

occasionsllc.com 

Occasions creates world-class events that are inspired by YOU!  No matter what level of service you request; you will always receive a “full service” approach.  We fully understand the magnitude and complexity of a wedding and all they have to bring, so we are here for our clients from the beginning to the sweet end.

Be inspired. Have fun. Enjoy the journey!

Occasions, LLC  is Janel Ellefsen - Owner. Creative Director, Jenna Davis - Senior Planner. Designer and Meghan Baker -  Senior Planner

Janel Ellefsen, Jenna Davis & Meghan Baker of Occasions, LLC

 Erin Lindeman

 Lindeman Weddings and Events
LindemanWeddings.com ~ info@lindemanweddings.com

Erin Lindeman, owner of Lindeman Weddings and Events has planned intimate local affairs to extravagant weddings around the United States.  Sought after for her attention to detail, exceptional client service and creativity, your wedding will sure to be one of a kind with Erin by your side.    

Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings and Events 

BreeAnn Gale

Pink Blossom Events
 pinkblossomevents.com - info@pinkblossomevents.com

People often ask me why I got into the wedding and event planning business. The answer is simple: I am obsessed with planning events! I grew up planning vacations and parties for friends and family and never realized it could be something I could do for a living. One day in college, it dawned on me, I really could turn my passion into a career. That is when Pink Blossom Events was born.

Since 2006 I have been helping my clients turn their dreams into a reality. Whether it is a small seaside ceremony or a surprise fortieth birthday party, I am there to see that every detail is fulfilled. Once in a while I have to pinch myself knowing that I am able to spend my days making people's ideas come to life.

What started as a passion for planning vacations and parties for friends and family has turned into a career. I would be thrilled to help you plan your next event!

Pink Blossom Events
...turning the expected into something unique! 

BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events