On the 10th Winner Tanya Turner Marshall Says, "Wed on An Off Day"

Newlywed and wedding planner Tanya Turner-Marshall suggested that I negotiate my wedding reception on an off day to lower costs and get better deals.

The Louisiana native had 400 folks at her wedding last fall, so she is a negotiating goddess.

As I researched, I saw that that is becoming a trend. Thursday, Friday, and even Wednesday weddings are supplementing traditional Saturday and Sunday nuptials.

I recently had a friend tell me she is getting married on a Thursday this summer to offset costs a venue that is very popular and plush in Paris. As a result she is paying 30% less.

Although, I cannot rescind my date due to travel commitments and hotel contracts, I do think this is a great idea for wedding parties where mosts of your guests are local, or small, or the planning is way in advance.

People thought I was tripping, but I am so about getting some advice. Hey this is recession Bay-be.

Congrats Tanya! Your money is coming honey.

READ Tanya's Advice

In my process I went through each detail offered and asked them to take off things I really didnt' need or could do witgout. While doing that I also asked them what was the slowest time of the year or week for them and with that knowlwedge I took a date that they normally wouldn't make any money and got it for $200 less than the original asking... See More. ... See MoreDon't be afriad to ask questions and to shop around. Remmember that your dream location may not always be the best for you and they are in a business and you are what keeps them going. Have multiple quotes on hand from competitiors and do price comparisons right there with them, you will be surprised

It's Not Back to the Drawing Board, I Don't Think So..or is it really?

Planning a wedding long-distance is nerve-wrecking for a borderline type-A person like myself. And what I am learning is patience and collaboration.

Before I hired a wedding planner, my sister helped me pick out a reception site, the Cabrillo Bath House. To prepare for decor, my wedding planner visited the site and gave it a quadruple thumbs down.

Here are some of the issues she found out:
Bad lighting
Horrible paint job
Paid parking
Under-maintained building
Second floor venue with crappy elevator
Undesirable bathroom
Hidden fees in the contract

Her reasons paralleled mine, including some things in the contract she pointed out that could be problematic. I must admit I have not seen the contract because my sister filled it out. This is a huge mental note, and an admitted huge mistake. Never commit until you read every damn thing.

Also they had this shitty policy about beverages that was insane! We could only use a beverage vendor by the name of Monterey Concessions. Not only was the lady whom I spoke to rude, the information she quoted over the phone was different than what she emailed. Bad sign, and honestly, I did not have a good feeling about it.

Eulina thought I would be pissed, but honestly, I knew that this might happen, so hey, as Jay-Z says, "On to the next one."

I must say, I really enjoy my wedding planner, she is helping me make smarter choices.

love and balance
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