I'm Engaged! Now What?

Are you newly engaged and wondering what to do next?

The very first thing to determine, even before setting a date, is whether to have a religious or civil ceremony. 

That might sound simple, but it could be a difficult decision if you are of different faiths. If this is true in your case, then: 

• Speak to clergy from both of your religions, and ask if they are open to co-officiating.

• If one (or both) is not, ask him or her to refer you to a less conservative member of his or her denomination.

• To find ministers who specialize in interfaith ceremonies, contact the Unitarian Universalist Association

Many religions require that every engaged couple attend premarital counseling for several weeks, sometimes months. Find out about these requirements before setting a wedding date.

If you decide to have a civil ceremony, then make sure the officiant can perform a legal union in the state where you will be married.

A few officiants we happen to like here at Trilogy Event Design include:

• Jill Magerman @ Meaningful Milestones

• Stacey Thomas @ Philadelphia Wedding Chapel

• Reverend Roxy @ Married by Rev Roxy

(It is just a coincidence that they are all women.)

Many religious ceremonies require a payment in the form of a donation. Civil celebrants will either have a fixed rate or a customizable package rate.

Once you have decided on the type of ceremony, then you can choose the type of venue for your ceremony: church, chapel, synagogue, a museum, art gallery, restaurant, hotel, your home, a beach, a park, barn... the list goes on and on.

Some religious officiants will not perform the ceremony outside of their house of worship. Be sure to ask about this before making a commitment.

We’ll be back soon with more useful tips and interesting tidbits to help you plan an amazing event. If you can’t wait, feel free to schedule an initial meeting to discuss the details for your special day.

Until next time,

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses!

Money + Matrimony Workshop

Join Lateisha Johnson and Randi Martin for cocktails, appetizers, and conversations about MONEY & MATRIMONY

This unique wedding planning workshop is specially designed for couples who will be combining incomes and spending styles as well as joining their families to become one.

We will have REAL discussions about the cost of planning the wedding you desire. We will also talk about some smart financial steps you need to take BEFORE the wedding to prepare for your happily ever after.

You can't afford to miss this educational and entertaining workshop. Grab your Boo! We'll see you there.

MONEY & MATRIMONY WORKSHOP

April 12, 2019 6PM - 9PM

Southern Cross Kitchen

8 E 1st Ave

Conshohocken PA

Early Bird Tickets available until March 1.

Let's Get This Party Started

The wedding reception's entertainment is always on the forefront of many couples' minds, beginning with whether to go with a DJ or a live band. There are certainly many fabulous music and entertainment options in the Greater Philadelphia Area that couples will not be left wanting for choices. This week on The Trilogy Blog we wanted to focus specifically on working with a DJ for your wedding reception.

Photo by Daniel Bostwick Photography

When selecting your DJ, consider first whether you have a specific DJ in mind or whether you will be hiring a company that has a roster of DJ's to choose from. If you do not have a specific person in mind, and you decide to work with a company, first consider whether you are interested in having any specialty lighting for your ceremony or reception.

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Design by Trilogy's Creative Director Francesca Staffieri. Eventions Lighting. Photo by Lindsay Docherty Photography

Why? Because many companies are Sound & Lighting companies that can provide lighting services as part of a package with your music entertainment. If you are considering using specialty lighting — and who doesn't want to see their names in lights on the dance floor …

— then you should definitely consider starting your interview process with a Sound and Lighting Company. If not, then your playing field is wide open!

When interviewing your DJ, consider the following questions:

• What happens if your DJ has an unforeseen issue preventing their arrival on the big day? Just like working with any wedding professional that is there on the day, they should have a back-up in case something prevents them from being there.

• What's their style? Many DJs have examples of their work, and can show you a sizzle reel of what they do to get the party started

• Will they be your DJ on the day? Sounds like a silly question, but many companies will only guarantee that a DJ will be there for the day, not necessarily the one you are meeting with. If you want to work with a specific DJ, they may ask for an additional fee to guarantee that amazing pro you just met with will definitely be there on the day.

• When will you next speak/meet with them? Most DJ's will speak to you the week of the wedding to review the reception timeline, any special dances you may want to have, any songs that you want played — even what songs you don't want played! If this is not something they normally do, request a check-in call the week of the wedding.

• Have they played at your venue before? Just because a wedding professional has not worked at your venue before does not mean you should immediately discard them. The best work from a professional comes from a great working relationship between yourselves and the DJ. While it's nice to know that they know the ins and outs of a venue, if they're the right fit for you, they'll be the right fit for the venue too!

Silver Sounds DJs. Photo by Pictures by Todd Photography

There are many more questions you should feel comfortable asking your DJ not only during the interview, but also as things come up during the course of your wedding planning. 

Next week, we'll take a look at a sample music reception timeline. In the meantime, if you're getting married or having an event and you have a question about music and entertainment, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Or, you can go one step further and schedule an initial meeting by emailing info@trilogyeventdesign.com, calling 800-941-2770, or using our convenient online scheduler. 

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

·         Hiding money from a spouse is common

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