A reception at Craft, Tom Colicchio’s temple of fine food seemed beyond our budget when my husband and I planned our wedding. But in retrospect, there was a path to our twelve-course tasting menu with wine pairings.  Very simple: slash the guest list.  Even then, we wouldn’t have been able to do that, because having all our guests was a top priority.

You’ll be happiest with your wedding if you plan knowing you have to balance the two: your budget and your priorities.

• BUDGET

First Step! Wedding Budget. I mean it! Write it down and everything. Before you start meeting with anyone, have a firm grasp on your – say it with me- BUDGET! Any wedding vendor worth their salt (in Palm Springs or anywhere else) should be able to take the parameters you give them and do their best for you.  My Little Flower Shop makes a point of working with brides- we make your vision come to life within your wedding budget. If a vendor turns up their nose at your numbers, it’s time to walk, supermodel!

• PRIORITIES
  

  Simple, beautiful centerpiece. A few blooms make a big impact! Photo by Djamilla Rosa Cochran Studio.

What’s most important to you? Sure you can spend $5,000 on amazing favors, but that may mean you’ll have a smaller cake, or fewer flowers (Don’t do it, for the love of beauty and grace! Cut something else!).  Pick what’s most important to you and spend your money accordingly.

And if what’s important to you happens to be earthshatteringly delicious, beautifully presented and flawlessly served food, I recommend you give the folks at Craft a call.

Live well and love well.

-Dinah

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• Why I Said “I Do” to a Destination Wedding In Palm Springs
• Rainy Day Wedding Tips: The Importance of an “Emergency” Budget for a Tent, etc.
• The Ten Most Memorable Lessons Learned in 2012 by a Caribbean Destination Wedding Planner