Unfortunately, though, most of us don’t have a billion dollars to throw around and budgeting what we do have to spend in our households and businesses is something that we have to consider every day. Necessities take priority over non-essential items. But, determining what is or what is not a priority can even be a challenge. Often times it boils down to what we need most to survive. Sometimes, “want” trumps “need.” It just depends on the individual and how much expendable cash they have to spend.

“Once you’ve determined what your wedding priorities are,
you can create a reasonable wedding budget.”

The same can be said for setting a budget for a wedding. Some items are a necessity like a church, a venue and even a photographer. Others items are merely a want. That doesn’t mean you can’t have both, it simply means that determining priorities becomes a priority in itself. Once you’ve determined what your wedding priorities are, you can create a reasonable wedding budget; giving preference first to the items you must have, then to the items that are wants, then to the items you can live without.

When I meet with couples to discuss the DJ entertainment for their wedding reception, I ask them to describe how they envision their wedding reception in 3 adjectives. I then ask them what they want their guests to remember most about their wedding. If you’ve not done this exercise, please try it.

If your answer to the second question is that you want your guests, as an example, to remember the food, the flowers or décor over every other element of your wedding, then that is probably where you will want to invest most of your budget. If you want them to remember how much fun they had, then you might want to invest more in quality DJ entertainment or even a band. Shifting money into your priorities, though, means that there will be less to spend on other elements of your reception.

Where some couples make a huge mistake is in trying to have their cake and eat it, too (pun intended). Instead of prioritizing, they skimp on everything in an effort to have it all. That leads to a lack of quality in all of those areas, as well. Instead of having a wedding day with memories to be treasured for a lifetime, they have a stressful, disorganized and memorable for all of the wrong reasons kind of day. That’s not to imply that you have to max out your credit cards to get what you want and need. There’s plenty of ways to save money and have the most creatively fun wedding, ever!

“There’s plenty of ways to save money and
have the most creatively fun wedding, ever!”

Many couples today are doing away with buffets and plated meals in favor of heavy hors d’oeuvres. They’re far less expensive and often served in an atmosphere that promotes wandering and socializing as opposed to table seating. Without table seating, the need for elaborate center pieces, additional flowers and chair covers is greatly reduced or eliminated. There’s money that has now been saved that can be invested in other areas of greater priority.

A DJ friend of mine performed at a wedding in Southern California where the couple had an outdoor ceremony and reception. They had the reception area set for traditional dining with linen covered tables and chairs, but they had “In & Out Burger” as their caterer. It was the bride and grooms favorite place to eat and the servers were introduced with great fanfare to the “In & Out Burger” jingle. It was a fun and memorable moment and awesome personal touch. Plus, they saved a ton on food costs, which allowed them to afford my DJ friend’s fee.

I’m working with more and more couples who have opted out of the need for an elaborate wedding cake. They’re purchasing one moderately decorated layer for the traditional wedding cake cutting and photos, but they’ve also purchased less expensive and equally delicious sheet cakes that are portioned in the kitchen. The guests never know the difference and the savings are huge. Besides, next time you go to a wedding, take a walk by the cake table towards the end of the evening and see how much of it has gone uneaten. The only thing worse than spending more than needed is wasting money. Left over cake is a waste.

“If you’re spending money on wedding items
because you think you have to, think again.”

These are just three examples of how you can easily save money. But, here’s one more to consider. If you’re spending money on wedding items because you think you have to, think again. No guest ever went home complaining that they did not get a party favor. I’ve never seen a guest turn up their nose to chicken as opposed to steak or stand all night because their chair didn’t have a satin cover. The ballrooms I’ve performed in as a wedding DJ have never lost their appeal because there was no up-lighting and no guest ever went home early because the centerpieces didn’t live up to their expectations. And, this one won’t fly with a lot of readers, there’s nothing wrong with making beer and wine available as a courtesy, but I don’t see the breech in etiquette for making mixed drinks only available through a cash bar.

A wedding reception is a celebration, not just of your marriage but of who you are as individuals. Be yourselves. Throw the kind of party that matches your personality and style, one that your friends and family will recognize as an unmistakable reflection of you. Thinking in those terms, you might find a number of ways to be both creative and budget savvy. Plus, you could easily see your budget priorities shift. You now have more to spend on a quality photographer and/or exceptional wedding DJ entertainment.

 ”Let’s talk about the reality of wedding discounts.”

And finally, let’s talk about the reality of wedding discounts. Some wedding professionals are excited to discount their services to you before you’ve even asked. The question you should ask yourself is “Why?” Saturdays for most of us in the wedding profession are our only inventory. There are only 52 of them in a year. Some professionals may discount a date because it’s coming up fast and they’re still open. That can well be considered a legitimate reason. Others may have a less than noble motive. If they tout that they are “the best” at what they do and offer a discount in the same breath, be cautious. Always shop around. Never contract anyone without meeting them or checking their references. Don’t get caught up in a battle of discounts that could cost you more in the end. And, if any wedding professional says “we don’t need a contract,” run away as fast as you can.

Set your wedding priorities and spend wisely and you’ll not only enjoy the wedding of your dreams, you’ll have money left over for that honeymoon you’ve been looking forward to throughout the planning process!

Surprisingly, that task was harder than you might think. Over the past 20 years or so, there have been dozens of commercials that use weddings as a vehicle to sell a variety of products from beer to real estate and cars to banking services. It was difficult to pick just 10 for our list. As a matter of fact, we actually came up with eleven because we couldn’t decide on which video should be number one. For that pick we turn to you, the reader, to help us decide which video should hold the coveted number one spot by voting in the comment section. But, don’t jump ahead before you enjoy our wedding themed runner-ups!

Top 10 Wedding Themed Commercials:

#10.) OK, so this wedding themed commercial for Cadillac has less to do with weddings than most of our other picks. But, the kid in you will make you say “Awesome!” as you watch what happens to a beautifully decorated, multi-tiered wedding cake under extreme heat. The lesson: Never, ever place your wedding cake under high wattage heat lamps!

#9.)  In this commercial with a wedding theme for Diet Dr. Pepper, a drill sergeant-like bride barks out wedding day instructions to her bridesmaids. The punch line comes in the final seconds of the ad as the bridesmaids get a little unanticipated revenge.

#8.) Wedding planning can drive some brides crazy…unless they have the right stationary for the invitations.

#7.) In this wedding themed Bud Light commercial you’ll learn there’s nothing more touching than the wedding day advice a daughter gets from her mom.

#6.) Ford’s Crazy Kevin wedding themed commercial for the 2011 Explorer features comedian, Kevin Hart, who arrives late for his brother’s wedding but explains how he used the car’s technology to finally get him there.

#5.) The last thing a bride & groom wants to think about on their wedding day is how they could lose everything. Fortunately, Carbonite Backup will prevent that from happening.

#4.) A groom faints at the altar because the thought of having to move in with his bride-to-be’s parents is too much to handle. Fortunately, one of the wedding guests happens to be a Century 21 real estate agent who can help the newlyweds find a starter home of their own.

#3.) Why is dad so sad? Because, for the same amount of money it cost for the wedding, he could have bought a new Volkswagen. What does the cost of the car have in common with the current, average cost of a wedding? They’re almost identical.

#2.) Who can forget this T-Mobile wedding themed commercial that featured a Royal Wedding Dance to top all wedding entrance dances? It was produced in celebration of the marriage of William and Kate with the help of a host of royal look alikes and music from East 17!

WE HAVE A TIE FOR FIRST PLACE! We couldn’t decide which of the following wedding themed commercials we liked the best. Watch the following videos and help us decide which should be number one by posting your pick in the comments!

Reader’s Pick! Should this video be #1?) Imagine waking up after a wild night on the town to discover you married George Clooney! Not a fake. Not a stand-in. The REAL George Clooney. This Norwegian bank commercial will make a lot of women wish they could be that lucky!

Reader’s Pick! Or, should this video be #1?) Wedding guests get into a fight at a wedding ceremony when they get in the way of each other while taking wedding photos and videos on their smart phones. The wedding mayhem is all in fun to show “why it’s time to switch to the Nokia Lumia 920.”

VOTE NOW IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!!

Bonus Video: We just thought this was a fun way to conclude our top 10 wedding themed commercial picks! Get a behind the scenes look at how director Roman Coppola created the mayhem for the Nokia Lumia 920.

Don’t forget to help us break the tie for the number one video in the comments. Have you seen another wedding themed video we should add to our picks? Post a link in the comments!

“Meet Me at the Altar” bridal show is a FREE, boutique-style wedding showcase designed to help you have a wedding experience unlike any other. You’ll be able to interact one-on-one with a number of Kansas City’s finest wedding professionals; each ready to provide information and solutions to make your wedding ceremony and reception flawless and stress free.

The “Meet Me at the Altar” bridal show will be a fun-filled event with giveaways and delicious food tastings. Be one of the first 50 guests and receive a VIP gift bag!

PLUS, one lucky bride will have the chance to win a wedding gown for her special day. 

Grooms can also kick back in a one-of-a-kind a Man Cave; complete with food, beer, games, and raffle giveaways.

The “Meet Me at the Altar” bridal show is your opportunity to plan every aspect of your Kansas City wedding, from ceremony to reception, making it more enjoyable than you ever imagined.

FREE tickets and additional information are available through the Perfect Wedding Guide website. Follow the link below to register TODAY!

http://kansas-city.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/11203/details/

Questions? Bridalshow@connectinkc.com

The “Meet Me at the Altar” bridal show is sponsored by KC Connections, Blaytonly Obvious Productions, Town Pavilion and The Perfect Wedding Guide.

Don’t go to the bridal show unprepared! Review our FREE wedding planning checklist, first. Then, checkout our helpful, three-part article, Kansas City Bridal Show Tips; Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3. Know what to expect before, during and after the show. Plus, get valuable information to help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Why wait until the show to find the right Kansas City DJ for your wedding? Request a no-obligation consultation with Ron Ruth of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and begin planning your unforgettably fun wedding reception today!

We strive to bring high-quality DJ entertainment to brides. Knowing where you look first is a great way for us to better reach engaged couples who are in the beginning stages of planning for their Kansas City wedding receptions and ceremonies.

Visit the Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment
Facebook page to take our survey!

The survey can be easily found at the top of our Facebook page!

Simply for participating in our survey,
your name will be placed in a drawing for a fabulous prize…
a FREE night stay and breakfast for two at the
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel.

Contest Information:

Contest ends at midnight on May 12th, 2013. Winner will be selected through a random drawing on May 13th, 2013. Choice of one night stay subject to room availability. Sheraton Hotel Gift Certificate expires January 31, 2014. No purchase necessary. Need not be present to win.

These dollar amounts, the result of a survey of 1500 people conducted by American Express, reflect an average guest expenditure of $57 for new clothes, $27 for a babysitter or pet sitter, and $95 for a hotel room plus they will invest an average of $108 on wedding gifts. Even that gift giving number is up 15 percent from the previous year. Of course, the survey also notes that relatives are more likely to spend more on presents than friends and co-workers.

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Not stated in the Yahoo article is that it would be easy to double the $539 cost if air travel to the wedding is also required. At the risk of being cynical, the question arises…How much is too much to spend to be a wedding guest? Should these costs change the dynamic when it comes to the level of hospitality brides and grooms provide to their wedding guests? Should newlyweds be more cognizant when it comes to inviting guests who may not have the means to attend or to purchase a gift? (Actually, we’d love for you to share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below).

The American Express survey indicates that those who have agreed to be a member of the bridal party can count on spending at least $577 more, due in part to higher clothing costs. With destination weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and multiple gifts, the average bridesmaid ends up paying $1,600 or more per wedding.

In an interview with CNN, Amy Eisinger, associate editor of WeddingChannel.com said, “From the moment they announce the engagement, to the day your friend walks down the aisle, if that’s a year and a half, you don’t realize that you’ve spent $1,600. We saw the cost go down during the recession because brides were incredibly cost conscious in what they were asking their friends to do.”

Most indicators, though, point to a renewed trust in the economy which has loosened the focus on a friend-friendly, cost-conscious mindset.

Click to tweet this article!

Not that has any bearing on the survey results, we thought it intriguing to look at the all-inclusive expenditure for a wedding with 175 guests. If we’re to trust the numbers presented by expert sources that the average cost of a wedding in 2012 was $28,400 and the average cost for each guest to attend is $539, the total amount of money invested by everyone in that one day would be a whopping $122,725. That dollar amount would be closer to $125,ooo when factoring in the added cost for members of the bridal party. Assume the most financially conservative brides and grooms were to spend only $8,000 on their wedding day with guests spending half of the $539 average ($270), the total expenditure could easily approach $60,000.

Read the entire Yahoo.com article here. You’ll find some great money-saving advice for wedding guests and wedding party members, alike; from skipping the pre-wedding festivities to splitting the cost with friends. Then drop back to this article and leave your thoughts in the comment section below. What’s the most you’ve ever spent to attend a friend or family member’s wedding? How much would you be willing to spend? How much is too much to spend as a wedding guest?

Make every dollar you and your wedding guests invest in your wedding day count! Request a no-obligation consultation with Wedding Entertainment Director™, Ron Ruth of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment today!  

Top photo courtesy Elwood W. McKay III via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

The first featured wedding is that of Cory & Lisa Kaiser, married on May 19, 2012 at the Hawthorne House in Parkville, MO. Ron Ruth of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment provided sound for the wedding ceremony held in the Hawthorne House Chapel and was the Wedding Entertainment Director™, Master of Ceremonies and wedding DJ for their wedding reception held.

On page #76 & #77 of the spring, on-line edition of ”EA Bride”, Lisa describes how a single stem rose became one of her fondest memories of the day. As it is with every couple I work with, I spent a great deal of time getting to know as much about Cory & Lisa as possible. In a very early conversation with the then engaged couple, it was learned that Cory was a big fan of “The Bachelor” TV show; a show with a larger female audience than male. In his words, “the show is so bad, it’s good!” While they were dating, he managed to get Lisa, a far less than enthusiastic fan, to watch the weekly episodes with him.

If you’re not familiar with “The Bachelor,” the show’s website describes it as  ”…an elimination competition. At the end of each episode, there is a rose ceremony. The bachelor reflects on who he can still see as a possible soul mate. Anyone who receives a rose can stay to date another day. Those who come up empty-handed must head home alone. The moment that last rose is handed out is one of joy, relief and anguish, as only the bachelor can decide who gets at least once more chance at romance.”

A couple of weeks before their wedding, Cory and I privately discussed the significance of the final rose presentation and how we could turn that otherwise overlooked part of their relationship into a fun and memorable moment. During Cory & Lisa’s wedding reception, I told their family and friends a love story that included the tale of how Cory had coerced Lisa into watching “The Bachelor” with him. That revelation not only made the guests laugh, the reaction from the best man and the groomsmen sitting next to Cory at the head table was priceless as they stripped him of his “man card.” What made the story even more fun, entertaining and special was that the interview I had with them a few months earlier had been recorded and the guests actually heard Cory & Lisa’s voices describing the many personal details of their relationship that led them to their wedding day.

At the conclusion of their love story, Cory & Lisa made their way to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Cory approached an unsuspecting Lisa with a microphone in one hand and a rose in the other and publicly asked her if she would accept his “final rose.” That personal touch and surprise moment made Lisa double over in laughter as the guests cheered and applauded. Of course Lisa responded with an excited and resounding “Yes!”

Enjoy the moments, memories and personal touches in their video below that includes a glimpse of their love story, their first dance and how a single stem rose became one of Lisa’s most treasured possessions.

Kansas City’s ENGAGED Bridal Show:
Advice, Ideas, Fashion, Prizes, And More Galore!

The first 100 brides will receive a swag bag. One of those bags will contain $500 in PWG bucks which may be applied to the wedding services of your choice from a participating ENGAGED Bridal Show wedding professional.

Feeling lucky? You can also win a share of $3000 to spend at three top, Kansas City bridal gown salons: Belle Vogue Bridal, Ida’s Bridal and Tuxedo and The Gown Gallery or an entire honeymoon package and more!

Plus, you’ll enjoy two bridal gown runway shows, signature drinks, inspiring tablescapes, delightful desserts and a ton of eye-catching, imagination-grabbing ideas for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception.

Before you head out the door, review our FREE wedding planning checklist. You’ll also want to make the most of your time by following our helpful, three-part article, Kansas City Bridal Show Tips; Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3. You’ll learn what to expect before, during and after the show and get valuable information to help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Kansas City Convention Center Parking:

Parking is available in the Kauffman Center Performing Arts garage. The cost of parking is $7.00.

Additional parking information may be found at http://www.kauffmancenter.org/visit-the-center/directions-parking/

Why wait? Request a no-obligation consultation with Ron Ruth of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and start planning your unforgettably fun wedding reception today!

UPDATED APRIL 01, 2013: Due to a snow storm, The Embassy Suites – Airport Wedding Fair has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 21, 2013. The following is the most up-to-date information!

Join me, Ron Ruth of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, for a FREE bride and groom seminar, “5 Fun & Easy Ways To ‘WOW!’ Your Wedding Guests.”

The seminar will take place during the Embassy Suites – Airport, 2013 Wedding Showcase on Sunday, April 21, 2013. The hotel is located at 7640 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64153 (I-29 & Tiffany Springs Pkwy / Map) 

The wedding showcase is sponsored by the Perfect Wedding Guide. The showcase runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is FREE to brides & grooms. (There is a $10 cover charge for all other guests)

My presentation, “5 Fun & Easy Ways To ‘WOW!’ Your Wedding Guests.” begins at 4:00 p.m. You’ll learn five simple and fun ways to excite, engage and entertain your wedding guests with personal touches that will have them saying “WOW!” for years to come. As an added bonus, my five easy “WOW!” ideas add nothing to your wedding budget.

Advance registration is available through PWG. (Don’t worry! It’s FREE!!) Reserve your spot for the Wedding Showcase and my seminar, “5 Fun & Easy Ways To ‘WOW!’ Your Wedding Guests” today!!

The Wedding Market Expo is rolling out a series of two and one-half day learning conferences for wedding professionals around the country, kicking off at the Kansas City Convention Center, where exhibitors, attendees, and wedding industry experts will have the opportunity to network, share advice and have some fun!

I’m thrilled to be joining other industry experts as a featured speaker. Here’s a quick look at my presentation topics along with the dates and times:

• Tuesday, April 9th at 11:30 a.m. – From “Liked” To “Loved!” – Transforming Satisfied Clients Into Loyal Fans
• Wednesday, April 10th at 3:30 p.m. – I’ll be participating in an Expert Panel Discussion along with Michael Nolte of Nolte’s Bridal, Kindra Browne of Simple Elegance, Patrick Kelly of IDOAppointments.com

A complete conference schedule of seminars and activities can be found here!

Additionally, attendees can take part in the Wedding Market Expo’s Scavenger Hunt, and take a whirlwind tour of the expo space ending with some exciting prizes for a few lucky winners, including an iPad Mini provided by WeddingWire!

Don’t miss out! Register here today for the Wedding Market Expo in Kansas City and use the promo code SAVE50 to get $50 off your registration fee! I look forward to seeing you in Kansas City!

Kansas City Wedding Entertainment Director™ Ron Ruth is known in the wedding industry for his passionate, collaborative and very personal approach to helping brides and grooms design and create unforgettably fun wedding receptions. Ron is the founder and owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, spending over two decades on the front lines of wedding celebrations as the creative partner to countless wedding couples. As a respected industry leader, has also become a popular speaker at regional and national DJ and wedding conferences on the topic of quality service. Ron serves on the Board of Advisors for the Wedding Entertainment Directors’ Guild and has served as president for his local ADJA chapter, in addition to other positions of honor.

With “Best Day Of My Life,” released in early December 2012, American Authors has crafted a tune that is just so catchy, fun and good that you just can’t help but like it. Depending on your taste and your personality and style, you might even picture yourselves walking down the aisle to this medley. Afterall, one of the best days of your life has to be your wedding day and the song is an excellent alternative to so many other over-played and less imaginative bridal marches.

“Best Day Of My Life” is also reminiscent of another and fun wedding entrance and wedding first dance song suggested on this blog some time ago called “Dela” by Johnny Clegg. The rhythms are similar as are the “can’t help but make you feel good” sentiment and ”can’t keep from tapping your toes” beat.

Inherent in the title is the fact that it is an extremely upbeat song. Achieving that effect without overdoing it rides a very fine line. After listening to it and reading the lyrics below, you’ll most likely agree that ”Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors has found the right balance. But, be forwarned, after hearing it once, you’ll likely find it difficult to shake the medley from your consciousness and from unexpectantly belting out it’s easy-to-get-hooked-on chorus, ”This is gonna be the best day of my li-ife. My li-i-i-i-i-ife.”

“Best Day Of My Life” Lyrics By American Authors

(A Possible Wedding First Dance Or
Wedding Entrance Song Option)

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh  x2
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh x2

I’m never gonna look back
Woah,  never gonna give it up
No, please  dont wake me now

Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife

I howled at the moon with friends
And then the sun came crashing in
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh x2
But  all the possibilities
No limits  just epiphanies
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh  x2

I’m never gonna look  back
Woah, never gonna give it  up
No, just dont wake me now

Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my  li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife

I hear it calling outside my  window
I feel it in my soul  (soul)
The stars were burning so  bright
The sun was out ’til  midnight
I say we lose control  (control)

This is gonna be the best day of my  li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
Oo-o-o-o-o
This is gonna be the best day of my li-ife
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
This  is gonna be, this is gonna be, this is gonna be
The  best day of my life
Everything is looking up, everybody up now
This is gonna be the best day of my  li-ife
My  li-i-i-i-i-ife

What songs have you heard (new or old) that would be a less-played option for a wedding first dance or wedding entrance? What songs did you use at your wedding reception? Your comments are aloways welcome below.