Brace Yourselves: Becoming Financially Equipped for Marital Bliss

Written By: Lateisha Johnson, Licensed Financial Coach. Author. Founder of Wealth & Wellness Network

You’ve most likely heard the statistics:

· The leading of cause of stress in a relationship is finances

· The number one reason marriages fail is because of money issues

Let’s face it! Money is not “everything,” but the lack thereof can cause turmoil in a marriage. Most couples have a difficult time combining finances when they marry because they don’t properly prepare prior to the wedding. So it is crucial for you and your partner to have an open discussion about money prior to tying the knot.

Here are some practical ways to make the transition from the single life to the married life.

Begin With SMART Savings

A SMART savings is not referring to the SMART goals you may be familiar with (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound). It references a budget for specific wedding and living expenses.

Several Marriage Accounts Reserved for Tasks – which means to put aside cash for various expenses.

Contrary to popular belief, there shouldn’t be just one budget for the entire wedding. Each respective area should have a budget. For example: $10,000 for entertainment, $7,000 for catering, etc. Reserving a savings for specific tasks allow couples to stay within budget, avoiding added stress to the marriage once the wedding is over.

Don’t Underestimate The Power of a Financial Professional

One of the most under-utilized tools is consulting a money management professional who can guide you and your significant other during this lifestyle change. For many couples, blending finances can be complicated. Two people who have been independent for decades often find it hard to make such an abrupt change. It is important to discuss how the finances will be managed prior to getting married to avoid arguments about it later.

This is where a Licensed Financial Coach plays a vital role. Having a Licensed Financial Coach lays the foundation for both wedding essentials and after the wedding needs. It is not about just creating a budget for the wedding, but to also have necessities in place for life after walking down the aisle (Life Insurance, Home Insurance, Investing in Assets, etc.).

It is also equally important that you connect with a Licensed professional, not a person who uses the title “financial advisor,” “money management,” or “life coach.” Be sure that this person has a track record and is licensed with the state/federally.

To learn how you can get a COMPLIMENTARY financial game plan, go to www.lateishajohnson.com.

Remember Life After The Wedding

Although this is self-explanatory, most couples absolutely don’t prepare. Often they put so much emphasis on the wedding that after the honeymoon phrase is over, many money problems arise. Take the time to communicate and prepare.

Preparation is key! Plan to be financially equipped.

Note from Randi Martin @ Trilogy Event Design:

Be sure to continue to follow Money & Matrimony on #weddingwednesday thru April 10, 2019.

Until next time…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Randi Martin and filed under Wedding Planning and tagged money matrimony marriage financial planning wedding wednesday.

Venue Coordinator vs Wedding Planner

*Chief Event Planner Randi Martin pinning the boutonniere on a groomsman. Photo by Daniel Bostwick Photography*

Ideally, your venue coordinator and wedding planner should be able to work together to execute your well-planned dream wedding. Of course you need the coordinator provided by your wedding venue (ceremony and/or reception) because they are most familiar with the ins and outs your chosen location. However, there is a difference between this person and an independent wedding planner that you hire to be your liaison.

The venue coordinator is responsible for what happens inside their 4 walls. They are responsible for making sure you get the items you paid them to provide. They make sure their caterer provides the right food at the right time. They make sure their bar is stocked properly. They make sure the right number of tables and chairs are provided for your guests to be seated. They make sure the lights are on, the heat/air conditioning is at a comfortable temperature, and the bathrooms are fully functioning.

Your privately contracted wedding planner will help you with your plans prior to the wedding day. They may help you make decisions about the details for your wedding (venue, professionals, colors and/or theme, stationery, flowers, etc.). They will start working before you get to the ceremony and after you leave the reception. They will troubleshoot problems as they arise so you don't have to interrupt your moments with friends and family.

*Your Trilogy Event Design Wedding Planner will ensure that your vision comes to life the way you planned. Photo by Bostwick Photography.*

Real examples from our experience of issues the wedding planner might tackle... Your photography services are contracted to end before the reception is over so the timeline has to be adjusted accordingly... the florist delivered the wrong corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom... half of the specialty linens ordered didn't arrive at the venue... the limo driver got lost on the way to the church (with the bride inside)… the DJ had a heart attack while setting up for the reception… These are issues that the venue coordinator either would not know about or would not be able to help you resolve.

There are many other things that your selected wedding planner will do for you, but we hope you now have a better understanding of the differences. If your venue coordinator tells you that you won't need a wedding planner because they do it all, just ask them what they do to help you before you arrive at the facility.

We would be delighted to schedule an initial meeting to discuss your wedding planning needs. We offer a variety of services including Wedding Coaching, Wedding Management, and Event Design.

Until then…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses!

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Randi Martin and filed under Wedding Planning, Event Design, Wedding Coaching and tagged wedding planner venue coordinator services.

Money & Matrimony on Wedding Wednesdays

Trilogy Event Design has partnered with Wealth & Wellness Network to bring you this special series. Just so you can’t forget to check for the latest tips, we’re making MONEY & MATRIMONY a weekly #weddingwednesday feature. Be sure to check back here every Wednesday for information to help you manage your wedding budget and plan for your future after you say “I Do!”

Trilogy Event Design’s very own, Randi Martin, is an experienced wedding planner, teacher, and speaker.

Paired with the brilliant mind of Lateisha Johnson, licenced financial coach, author, speaker & CEO @ Wealth & Wellness Network, you are guaranteed to gain enough knowledge to go forward and have a fabulous happily ever after.

Stay tuned and come back often.

Until then…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Randi Martin and filed under Announcements, Wedding Planning and tagged Wedding Planning money budget money and matrimony.

3 Reasons Why Winter Weddings Are Better Than Summer Weddings

Our winter glam wedding - January 2014 - Megan W Photography

Written by Courtney Emrich, Trilogy Event Design

In the world that is known as the Bridal Industry, summer is held in very high regard as far as weddings are concerned. Sacred summer wedding weekends are as treasured as gold, being held in such high esteem that favored venues must booked years in advance. What’s not to love about a summer wedding with its great weather, beautiful outdoor venue options, and excellent color scheme choices? Summer may have a leg up on the other seasons in the wedding world, but what many brides-to-be tend to overlook is the vast qualities of a winter wedding. Winter captures the calm elegance of nature and the beauty of a crisp winter day. What bride wouldn’t desire this elegance on her wedding day? Not only does winter capture an eclectic bridal atmosphere, but it also offers many other wedding options that summer cannot match.

1. Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes

By choosing a winter wedding, brides-to-be get their pick of several gorgeous color schemes that compliment the winter weather and capture the pure beauty of their day. Candy reds, frosty blues, striking purples, and classic blacks and golds, all make up a small part of the long list. All create an aura of pure elegance, which would make a winter wedding an easy choice for any bride.

2. Gorgeous Reception Ideas

What bride’s dream wouldn’t be to walk into her wedding reception and be immediately transformed from a bride to a Winter Wonderland princess? Twinkling lights that mimic falling snow, stardust silver glitter, fluffy white peonies, and warm illuminating candles will not only transform every brides fantasy into reality, but will also create a serene and graceful atmosphere that will keep her guests in awe.

3. Stunning Wedding Photographs

Snowing on your wedding day? Perfect! Capture the beauty of your winter wedding day by taking advantage of the best photo moment imaginable. Allow the simplicity and elegance of your pure white background to pose endless options for unique photo opportunities. Not only will each wedding photo be impeccably scenic and picturesque, but each bride and their groom will cherish each special photo for years to come.