Remember when I was like the worst blogger ever?  Oh right, that’s pretty much all. the. time. these days.  Woops!  To be fair, I have a full-time job, a life, a wedding to plan, and various other excuses for my delinquency (yeah I for sheez just had to spell check the crap out of that word.  Like woah.)

So, aside from not posting, like, ever (my bad…) I totally just glossed over some major points with that last post.  Or, glossed over one major point and then didn’t even address the other thing.  (Omg, worst.) Also, I’m pretty sure that last line was the vaguest sentence ever written in the English language, right there.  My college English professors are shuddering at what this blog has become, I’m sure.  (Sorry peeps!  I blame law school for making all sense I had of the written word turn to sh**.  $200K well spent I’d say. *hurl.)

Getting back to the godforsaken point of this post though: I didn’t even cover a moderately important step of newly-engaged-ness, and basically wrote down “start your venue search” and then laughed evil-ly as I pretty much failed to give you any helpful information on one of the biggest and most important wedding planning steps.  (See above, re: worst blogger ever.)

So that slightly (or really) important step I just completely failed to mention?  Insuring your ring!  (Oh right, right, my H2B just dropped $2 mil on this rock soooo I MIGHT want to get some insurance in case I lose/swallow/accidentally barter it in return for a kidney because I don’t speak the language and thought I was getting a Birkin handbag for like 150 euros, it.)  Get it?

Maybe it was worth it?  No, no it wasn’t.  Even if it was for a Birkin.

So, how do you insure the bling?  The most common way to do it is through your own insurer (home insurer, rental insurer, car insurer, etc.)  It’s also usually cheaper to do it this way, as a lot of insurance companies give you discounts when you bundle policies (thus, how KC’s insurance guy was able to talk us into rental insurance — I know, I know, it’s the “responsible” thing to do… blah blah blah)  In order to get your ice insured, you need to have it appraised and get a copy of the appraisal.  Most jewelry stores offer this service, so you can likely get it done wherever your man bought your ring, if it didn’t come with the appraisal automatically.  The insurance policy you’ll get will be based on the amount of the appraisal, not the amount the H2B threw down on the ring.  The ring should appraise for at least as much as your man paid for it, and will likely appraise for (much) more.  If your appraisal is less than what your man paid, run away from that jewelry store and never do business with them again because you got ripped. off.  TRUTH.

Generally, most insurers offer comprehensive insurance for your ring for about $1-$3 per $100 in value, based on the appraisal.  So if your ring appraised for $10,000.00, your yearly insurance would cost between $100 and $300.  (And you know how much peace of mind is worth when it comes to pricey symbols of eternal love?  A LOT MORE THAN $300.)

So, in conclusion: insure your ring.  It’s good for the heart, good for your investment, good for the bottle, good for the can.  (Or is that recycling?)

Moving right along…

The great venue search.  I really just barely touched on this in my last post.  There’s a lot more to the venue search that just finding a venue that will hold those 150 people on your guest list.  So here are some things to consider when starting your venue search:

1. Capacity: remember when I just said there’s more to the venue search than just finding one that holds the number of guests on your guest list?  Well, I wasn’t kidding about that… BUT, capacity is the number one thing you should look at (just cuz I said it’s not the only thing to look at doesn’t mean it’s not important.  Sheesh.)  Let’s just get real for a second here: what if you absolutely luuuurrrrvvvee a venue, but it only holds 75 people, and your guest list is 200?  MOVE RIGHT ALONG PAST IT.  Or cut your list (Grandma didn’t really want to come anyway, right?)  Actually, let’s make it a little more realistic:  your guest list is 200, and you find a venue you love that holds 175 — perfect?  Nay nay.  Unless you’re going to cut your guest list to 175, I would avoid this.  Just because everyone *says* to plan for 20% of your guests to RSVP “no,” you might just be the one freaking exception where the H2B’s distant Swedish cousins decide this is the time to see the glorious US of A, bringing your list to 195 yesses (omg, that so does not look like a real word…), and everyone’s super crabby at the reception because you made couples share chairs due to lack of space.  (Clearly, you can see how my mind works here; and yes, I am always this crazy, pretty much.  How in the world did KC ever get to be so lucky?…)

2. Price, and what’s included: You can generally tell what venues are in and out of your price range based on the information posted online; however, it’s important to ask about what comes included within that price.  KC and I picked a venue which was very reasonably priced, but as a result, comes with very little included.  We’re renting tables, chairs, linens, all sorts of stuff.  When you factor all this in, the price of the venue (obviously) goes up.  On the pricier venues, it’s important to see what’s included in their proposal price — all dishware and glassware?  That’s HUGE.  Tables and chairs?  Awesome.  Doves you can release after the ceremony as a symbol of your eternal love?  Ummm, completely unnecessary, but… cool?  I guess?

3. Additional Costs: Going hand in hand with the “what’s included” question above, is any additional costs you might incur while using the venue.  Is a rehearsal the day or week before included in the cost, or is it an additional expense?  What happens if your guests stay beyond the time allotted by the venue?  Is there an extra fee?  Does the venue charge for clean-up or setup?

4. Food: Is catering done in house?  Is there a list of preferred caterers?  Can you bring in any caterer you choose?  If the caterer is in-house, ask what the catering price range is and what it includes.  Be sure to inquire about beverage pricing and anything that might be extra (pouring champagne for toasts, cake cutting and plating, etc. — seriously, some caterers charge for every little thing.  It’s kind of annoying.)  If the catering is not provided, is there a kitchen that an outside caterer will have access to?  (TIP: ASK TO SEE IT.)

5. Coordination: When you’re renting a venue, ask who your point person will be (who you’ll be dealing with at the venue when you have questions — which you will).  Also ask whether the venue provides staffing for the event, or if they have a day-of coordinator on-site who will run the show while you’re off, y’know, GETTING MARRIED and don’t want to be bothered with the dishwasher who is 45 minutes late.  (Seriously, this is huge.  If your venue doesn’t offer a person to provide this service, I’d HIGHLY recommend hiring someone to play this role — they can wrangle all your vendors and be the point person people go to if there are any issues, because for real, I do. not. want to hear about how there’s not enough ice or how Uncle Donnie tapped the keg wrong and now it’s all foam.  F!)

6. Insurance: Yep, we’re talking about it again.  Many venues require you to buy insurance for the day of festivities.  Some venues offer insurance for an additional fee, while others make you get it on your own (it’s generally available through your parents’ (or your) homeowner’s policy).

In short, there are a lot of little costs that go into renting a venue, which can suddenly make that bargain-of-a-joint not so much of a bargain anymore.  So the best plan of action?  COME PREPARED.  Arm yourself with some knowledge and get the full scoop before you commit (because that’s what you did before you decided to legally bind yourself to that boy — or girl — for life, right?  Right.)

Here’s a little cheat sheet, courtesy of herecomestheguide.com, for questions to ask during the big venue search:

1. What dates are available in the month I’m considering?
2. How many people can this location accommodate?
3. What is the rental fee and what is included in that price? Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or on Sunday through Friday?
4. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? What’s the payment plan for the entire bill?
5. Can I hold my ceremony here, too? Is there an additional charge? Is the ceremony site close to the reception site? Is there a bride’s changing area? How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?
6. What’s the cancellation policy? NOTE: Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance (often 60 days), since there’s still a chance they can rent the space. After a certain date, though, you may not be able to get a refund—at least not a full one).
7. What’s your weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?
8. How long will I have use of the event space(s) I reserve? Is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? Is there a minimum or maximum rental time?
9. Can I move things around and decorate to suit my purposes, or do I have to leave everything as is? Are there decoration guidelines/restrictions? Can I use real candles? TIP: Keep the existing décor in mind when planning your own decorations so that they won’t clash. If your event is in December, ask what the venue’s holiday décor will be.
10. How much time will I have for décor setup? Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated car, hotel room, etc. after the event has concluded?
11. Do you provide a coat check service (especially important for winter weddings)? If not, is there an area that can be used and staffed for that purpose?
12. Is there an outdoor space where my guests can mingle, and can it be heated and/or protected from the elements if necessary? Is there a separate indoor “socializing” space?
13. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of “preferred” caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?
14. If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them? NOTE: Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves.
15. Are tables, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer?
16. What is the food and beverage cost on a per/person basis? What is the service charge?
17. Can we do a food tasting prior to finalizing our menu selection? If so, is there an additional charge?
18. Can I bring in a cake from an outside cake maker or must I use a cake made on the premises? Is there a cake-cutting fee? If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived?
19. Can I bring my own wine, beer or champagne, and is there a corkage fee if I do? Can I bring in other alcohol?
20. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service? If so, is alcohol priced per person? By consumption? Are there additional charges for bar staff? Is there a bar minimum that must be met before the conclusion of the event? What is the average bar tab for the number of people attending my event? NOTE: Some facilities (private estates and wineries in particular) aren’t licensed to serve hard alcohol. You may need to get permission from the location to bring in an outside beverage catering company.
21. Are there restrictions on what kind of music I can play, or a time by which the music must end? Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? TIP: Check where the outlets are located in your event space, because that will help you figure out where the band can set up, and where other vendors can hook up their equipment. You don’t want the head table to block the only outlet in the room.
22. Is there parking on site? If so, is it complimentary? Do you offer valet parking, and what is the charge? If there is no parking on site, where will my guests park? Are cabs easily accessible from the venue? TIP: You should have the venue keep track of the number of cars parked for your event and add the total valet gratuity to your final bill so that your guests won’t have to tip.
23. How many restrooms are there? TIP: You should have at least 10 restrooms per 100 people.
24. Do you offer on-site coordination? If so, what services are included and is there an additional charge for them? Will the coordinator supervise day-of? How much assistance can I get with the setup/décor?
25. What security services do you offer? Do I need to hire my own security guards, or does the site hire them or have them on staff? TIP: In general, you should have 2 security guards for the first 100 guests and 1 more for every additional 100 guests.
26. Does the venue have liability insurance? NOTE: If someone gets injured during the party, you don’t want to be held responsible—if the site doesn’t have insurance, you’ll need to get your own. For info on insurance click here.
27. Can I hire my own vendors (caterer, coordinator, DJ, etc.), or must I select from a preferred vendor list? If I can bring my own, do you have a list of recommended vendors?
28. What overnight accommodations do you provide? Do you offer a discount for booking multiple rooms? Do you provide a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? What are the nearest hotels to the venue? TIP: Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you book a block of rooms.
29. Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?
30. Do you have a recycling policy?

Alright peeps, hopefully you’re not too thoroughly bored out of your mind with this novel-of-a-post.  Maybe you feel very informed and ready to make a smart decision on where you and the boy will ultimately tie that knot.  That’s what I hope, anyway.

**Final note:  SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO MICHELLE AND BRIAN WHO GOT ENGAGED YESTERDAY!!!  WHOOP WHOOP!  Michelle is the cutest and best BFF a girl could ask for, and she couldn’t have picked a nicer guy than Brian to bind herself to in hoooooly matrimony.  Huge congrats to you both!  (But especially to Brian, because he’s the real big winner — he get’s Michelle!) 😉

Over and out,

Chels.