Uncategorized – Events by Maria

7 Costly Planning Mistakes Couples Make when Planning their Wedding//Temecula Wedding Planner

Posted on November 6, 2019November 5, 2019 by Maria Gardea in 7 costly mistakes when planning your wedding, Uncategorized

Hello and welcome back! With the Holidays just around the corner, there will be plenty of couples getting engaged over the next few months.

Today I list what I feel are the 7 most common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding that can end up costing them more than they bargained for.

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Many brides and maybe even some grooms, have probably dreamed of their wedding day even before they met their current partner. So, it’s easy to maybe jump right into wedding planning mode the minute you get engaged! Whoa….slow down. I know this is an exciting time, but take a few minutes and breath.

I know you may have been planning for this day for years, but now is not the time to start rushing and booking everything the first week!

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Here are a few tips to help you get the wedding of your dreams, without breaking the bank.

1. Know your Budget

I have said this so many times, but it cannot be said enough. You need to create a budget. I have worked with too many couples who underestimate what things cost and they end up going over what they wanted to spend. Be sure to sit down with your partner, your parents (if they are helping financially) and talk about what you can afford and what is most important and where you are willing to be flexible.

Remember, you don’t want to break the bank or put everything on a credit card, this is not a good way to start your married life. You don’t want to start off with a huge debt, it’s just not a good idea.

2. Spending too Much on the Wedding Dress

“But its’ my dream dress”…I know, this is the one day that you want to look your very best for your partner. You can do this, just be sure you know how much you are willing to spend and stick to it.

Be sure to allow for the extras that go with the dress like; the veil, alterations, special undergarments, accessories and possible shipping costs.

3. Flowers

Let’s face it, florals are beautiful and add so much to the look of the space. However, it is so easy to go overboard. Be sure to talk with a professional florist, know what flowers are in season at the time of your wedding, this is one way to save. Be creative, you don’t have to have a floral center piece at all the tables. Be sure to find out which flowers are more affordable and see how you can incorporate them into your vision.

4. Don’t Underestimate the cost of the Venue

Many couples are opting for outdoor venues, which are beautiful, but many couples seem to think that because it is outdoors it is cheaper. Not true, outdoor venues can be just as much, if not more than some indoor venues. Be sure to do your homework. Some venues offer “all inclusive” packages, but keep in mind, that there are still other expenses you will have. Make sure to ask questions and get everything in writing before you put a deposit on any venue.

5. Read your Contracts

The vendors you hire should all provide a contract which list the services being provided with a clear cost for those services. Be sure to read all contracts carefully before putting down the deposit and signing. Many contracts will have a clause for extra’s that you thought were part of the pricing, ask questions and be clear on what the price includes and what the extra charges are for other services; staff, travel, etc.

6. Hire Professionals

This should actually be listed on the top 2, but so many couples think that by hiring their friend or family member it will save them money. I can’t tell you how many times this ends up costing them more in the end. First, you should be working with a professional Wedding Planner or Coordinator (hi there…I am one). A professional planner is going to help you find the right vendors, look over the contracts and guide you with your budget. Also, professional vendors do this for a living, it’s not a hobby, so they are licensed and insured. They will be able to guide you in the decision making because they do this for a living. Also, they are going to have quality equipment and trained staff.

7. Know your Priorities

I understand that everything about your wedding day is important, but really sit and talk about what are the Most important must haves for you. Sit down and make a list of what is a must and what you are okay compromising on.

If the food is the most important, then be sure to allow more for that in your budget. If it is the DJ or Photographer, then you know you are okay with spending a bit more in those areas. Whatever it is, be sure to discuss these things before starting the planning process.

The most important thing I want to leave you with is this; enjoy your engagement time, take time away from planning and just spend time together. Most of all…enjoy your wedding day and have fun!

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As a Planner, I want to offer couples as much help as I can during the wedding planning process, because I understand how overwhelming it can be.

I go over more wedding planning suggestions and relationship topics on my Podcast; From the Ring to Everything, where I discuss everything from the engagement thru that first year of marriage. You can find it on ITunes, Spotify, Stitcher and iHeart Radio. Be sure to subscribe to the show!

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you so leave a comment to let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs and Podcast topics.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it out to you right away.

Until next time, Happy Planning…

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Maria has been helping couples plan for their perfect day for over 10 years. She is bi-lingual and travels all over California and Mexico.

Portola Ranch-Venue Highlight-Temecula-Wedding-Planner

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Maria Gardea in Portola Ranch Venue Highlight, Uncategorized

Hello and welcome back! I am continuing my blog series on wedding venues. This month I want to introduce you to Portola Ranch.

Portola Ranch is a beautiful, privately owned Spanish style Hacienda. It is located just outside wine country in Temecula (Hemet) and it is beautiful. The owners, Ron & Karen, bought the property in 2010. They designed the house themselves in the style of a Spanish Hacienda and also designed the beautiful gardens.

Portola Ranch is a working ranch, but you would never know it when walking around the property. The rose garden is Karen’s baby and she takes care of the flowers and garden herself. Ron can constantly be found working to improve the property and the grounds. He is extremely handy and has built many of the details you will find as you tour the property.

Visitors to Portola Ranch would comment at how beautiful it is and that they should share it with others. So, in 2018 they opened Portola Ranch as one of Temecula’s newest Wedding Venues!

When you enter the property, you can’t help but notice the beautiful garden with the large fountain surrounded by colorful roses. Then as you walk along the corridors of the Spanish walkways, you see beautiful tiles, high wooden beams and beautiful arches all along the walk ways.

The patio area is a perfect location to host cocktail hour and take some amazing photos. I was there during the evening hours and was blown away at the sunset! The sky was a wonderful orange glow that set behind the hills that surround the venue. I could not help but imagine how amazing it would be to take photos with that sunset as your backdrop!

You can also take photos with the various ranch animals they have on property; horses, alpaca’s and goats. The animals love being part of the wedding photos and being the center of attention.

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Portola Ranch is currently offering some fantastic introductory pricing to couples getting married. What I LOVE about this venue is how accommodating the owners are and how they treat you like Family.

So, if you are looking for a unique and Budget Friendly venue to host your wedding, that your guest will love, then I highly recommend Portola Ranch.

If you want to read more about this amazing venue or schedule a tour, you can go to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/portolaranchweddings

To request a brochure and get pricing information, you can email the venue manager at: eventplanner@sylverweddings.com

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I hope you have enjoyed reading about this venue as much as I did sharing it with you. I will continue my Venue Highlight Series with a new venue each month, so be sure to check my website regularly and hit “follow” so you can be notified when the new blog has posted.

As a Planner, I want to offer couples as much help as I can during the wedding planning process, because I understand how overwhelming it can be.

To schedule your FREE consultation, be sure to fill out our contact form.

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you so leave a comment to let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it out to you right away.

Until next time, Happy Planning…

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Maria is bi-lingual and has been helping couples plan for their very special day for over 10 years. She is located in Temecula, CA and travels all over California and Mexico.

Mexico Weddings; A weekend in Rosarito –Temecula Wedding Planner- Mexico Wedding Planner

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Maria Gardea in Rosarito Beach Weddings, Uncategorized

Hello and welcome back! I am so excited that wedding season is here. I love being able to Celebrate Love with you!

If you are one of the many couples who recently became engaged, Congratulations! I am sure you are excited about planning the future with your new soon to be husband/wife. Before you dream too far ahead however, you are probably figuring out what type of wedding you want and what kind of budget you can afford.

Well, I have great news for you. Over the next few months, I will be visiting different venues throughout Southern California, including South of Border. The goal is to do the “leg” work for you. I will meet with the staff, tour the location and learn about the packages they offer.

So, are you ready to travel from the comfort of your computer? If so, let’s go….

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I decided to start my venue hunt south of the border in Rosarito Beach. If you have never been, Rosarito is about a 20-minute drive past the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego. The signs are very clear, so it’s very easy to find your way. The roads are maintained well, however, you do go through a toll booth half way through (you will pay about $2.00).

I figured I would start with one of the more popular locations; The Rosarito Beach Hotel. I met with the Event Manager who was very nice and speaks English. They provide full wedding service packages to many Americans and the staff was super nice.

First of all, they are located right on the beach, which offers a beautiful setting. The have the property fenced off, so you still have your beautiful ocean view, but it is very private. You can have your ceremony at any one of the beautiful sites the property has. You can choose either an outdoor or indoor reception. They have several indoor banquet rooms as well as outdoor areas that can accommodate guests’ comfortably.

While I did not get a chance to see the newest wedding site they offer, I did see it from the ground. The space is located on the roof top of the hotels’ newest tower, so you can imagine the view you and your guests will have.

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If you want an elegant beach wedding on a smaller budget, then The Rosarito Beach Hotel is for you. I almost fell over when the manager discussed the various wedding packages they offer. Are you ready to be blown away?

They offer 3 wedding packages for you to choose from. All of the packages are based on a 100-person guest count, which they will adjust based on your actual expected guest count. So, it may be a bit lower if you have less then 100 guests and a bit more for over 100. Don’t worry, you can customize any of their packages to fit your needs.

Their packages range from $8600 to $16,550 for 100 guests. The packages are all inclusive, which means they provide the following services:

Ceremony & Reception site
Dinner – buffer or sit down
Champagne
Domestic liquor
Soft drinks
Flower center pieces
Bridal bouquet
DJ
Custom cake
Tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware

I was amazed at how much you get for your money! It also makes for a super fun weekend with family and friends. There is so much to do in Rosarito, that you don’t need to worry about how to entertain your guests’.

You are welcome to bring in some of your own vendors; like Photographer and Videographer, but there are professional vendors locally that you can choose from as well.

What a great way to celebrate your love and wedding with the people closest to you, by making a weekend out of it that is Fun, Beautiful, Memorable and Affordable.

So, are you ready to travel across the border to get married? If so, be sure to reach out to me and I will be happy to help make it happen!

Until next time….Happy Planning!

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you so leave a comment to let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it out to you right away.

Maria is bi-lingual in Spanish & English and has been helping couples plan for their very special day for over 10 years. She is located in Temecula, CA and travels all over California and Mexico.

It’s the End of 2018 As We Know It-Temecula Wedding Planner

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Maria Gardea in It's the End of 2018 As We Know It, Uncategorized

Merry Christmas!!

Hello and welcome back…I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I can’t believe how quickly this year went by.

I know for me the year flew by. It is hard to remember everything that happened over the past 12 months! Every year I learn something new and this year was no different. I had the opportunity to work with amazing vendors and was able to assist other planners at some venues I had not worked at before.

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There are so many things that I am grateful for that it’s hard to put into words. First and foremost, I am thankful for my family and all the incredible couples I met and had the pleasure of working with. Thank you for trusting me with one of the most important days of your life. I was honored to be able to play a small role in your love story.

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I wrapped up my last wedding of 2018 on December 21^stat Owl Creek Farms in Temecula. It was a beautiful day filled with so much love….it was a beautiful thing to witness. This is the reason I love doing what I do. Being able to see two people become one and two families come together to Celebrate Love is an amazingly beautiful thing.

I am so thankful that I get to do what I love and I am excited for the New Year. I want to thank all the wonderful couples & vendors I worked with in 2018 and I am excited to see what 2019 has in store!

As we enter into the New Year, I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year! May it be full of love, laughter and happiness…

Cheers to 2019!!

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you, so leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it to you right away.

Until next time, Happy Planning…

Maria is bi-lingual in Spanish & English and has been helping couples plan for their very special day for over 10 years. She is located in Temecula, CA and travels all over California and Mexico.

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Part 3; When You are a Planner and the Mom, Wedding Day! Temecula Wedding Planner

Posted on November 17, 2018November 17, 2018 by Maria Gardea in Uncategorized, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway-Part 3-Wedding Day

Hello and welcome back! I am happy to report that I survived the wedding. I am so excited to finally be able to share this incredible day with you.

If you have been following my journey the last few months, I have shared my experience as Mother of the Bride when you are also a Planner. I will have to admit, it was hard, but I did a pretty good job of letting go!

The week leading up to the wedding was a bit stressful, but that is not uncommon with all the last-minute details that have to be taken care of.

The Wedding Rehearsal

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The day was beautiful and went off perfectly! With the exception of the evening being a bit colder than we expected it to be. The lesson here is that you can never predict what Mother Nature is going to do, so if you are planning an outdoor event, have heaters on standby.

I cannot put into words what I was feeling the week leading up to the wedding. My emotions were everywhere; stressed, calm, nervous, happy and sad. I have a whole new appreciation for what “moms” go through when their daughter is getting married.

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The morning started at 7:30 a.m. with hair and makeup. Sandra Michelle Artistry did such an amazing job. She arrived on time and Michelle and her team were great! They were funny, friendly and it was a great experience.

*My advice; mom’s, take the time to get your hair and makeup done with your daughter and her bridal party, it is an experience you will treasure forever.

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The morning was very relaxed and not rushed, which made it that much nicer. As it got closer to noon, we headed up to the Bridal Room to meet the photographer, Sydney from London Light Photography.

Sydney and her husband, who was the 2^ndshooter at the wedding, did an amazing job of capturing the day perfectly! Everyone felt super comfortable around them and my daughter was able to really enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to see all the photos and share them in future blog posts!

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Us mom’s get to share so much of the planning experience with our daughters, but dads don’t always get to. My husband knew the vision and was very much the DIY dad, so he was very involved in the “project” end of the wedding, but had no idea what her dress looked like. He wanted to wait until the wedding day to see her.

They did a first look and it was such an amazing and beautiful moment. I stood in the background as she went up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. It was an emotional moment for me to see her and my husband have that special moment together…yes, I teared up.

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The venue looked amazing and I can’t thank all the vendors enough for the amazing job they did that day so that I could just be “mom”.

I thought it was going to be hard for me to let go of my “Planner” hat, but it was easier than I thought. When you hire professional vendors you trust, it is easy to relax and enjoy the day and really be “in the moment”.

At the start of this journey I shared how I had a vision for my daughter’s wedding and I was not sure how much I would be able to let go and follow her vision. I can say this, I am very happy with the day and I am glad I allowed myself to “let go” and see her vision because this day was about her and her new husband, and not me and my vision.

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Here is some advice for both Brides and Moms:

My advice to brides; Include your mom in your planning, ask for her thoughts and advise on things. Be willing to compromise and incorporate somethings that are important to her. It’s okay, your day will still be what you want it to me. Enjoy this time together; from wedding dress shopping to food tasting, have fun and enjoy the many little moments.

My advice to moms; Enjoy every step of this journey with your daughter, be in the moment. If something is really important to you, let her know and ask if she is okay with it, but also be okay if she says no.

This is such a special day for not only you as her mom, but for your daughter. She is starting a new chapter in her life and as hard as it is, we need to let go. Trust me, this is coming from a mom who is also a Planner, so believe me when I say, “I get it”.

My advice to both bride and mom; Yes, there will be times when one or both of you may get a bit frustrated, that is normal and OKAY, just don’t let it ruin the rest of the experience of this very special time in both your lives. Enjoy every minute of it…it goes by faster than you realize….

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Finally, be sure to work with licensed and professional vendors that come recommended or you have talked to and trust. I understand that budget can be a concern at times, but never compromise when selecting your Photographer, Videographer, DJ and Planner/Coordinator.

I would not have been able to relax and enjoy the entire day with my daughter if I was worried about what was going on with the set-up, vendors, timeline, etc. I trusted our Coordinator; Stacy from Sylver Weddings and Events was on top of things and I completely trusted all the vendors to carry out the vision.

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Family Photo

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And two shall become one….

Best day ever!

Photo Credit: London Light Photography

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I want to publicly give a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing vendors that made this day memorable and perfect for my daughter…

Cover Photo Credit – London Light Photography

Vendor Love…

Coordination: Sylver Weddings & Events
Venue: Hawk Ranch
Vintage Rentals, Decor & Farm Tables: Touched By Time Vintage Rentals
Catering: Pete’s Firehouse BBQ
Videographer: George Vivanco Photography
Table Decor: Soiree Floral Design (Table centerpieces & Greenery)
Personal Florals: @The Flower Hood (bouquets & boutonnieres)
Macrame Backdrop: Macramama
Hair & Make up: Sandra Michelle Artistry
Chair rentals: All Occasion Party Rentals

DJ: Faultline Music Service
Bartending: Heather Guzel Bar
Photography: London Light Photography
Cake: Whole Foods Market
Dress: @Ashley Paige Designs/Bridal Shop: Klienfelds Bridal
Love is Patient Signs: Ashley Lenahan
Helpers: Rebecca Okray-Murphy, Alexandra Kreeger, Michael Kreeger

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you, so leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it to you right away.

Until next time, Happy Planning…

Maria is bi-lingual in Spanish & English and has been helping couples plan for their very special day for over 10 years. She is located in Temecula, CA and travels all over California and Mexico.

He Asked, You Said Yes, Now What?

Posted on February 17, 2018May 26, 2018 by Maria Gardea in He Asked, You Said Yes, Now What?

Congratulations…He asked, you said YES! Now what?

This is both an exciting and stressful time. So much to do, where do you start?

Welcome back! How exciting, the day you dreamed of is finally happening and everything you ever pictured is now filling your head. So many things to do, but where should you start? Well, once you have announced your engagement and decided on a wedding date, it’s time to start planning a wedding.

So, let’s get started….

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It costs what? Know your budget…

I know, it’s not fun, but It is important to know how much you can afford to spend so you don’t end up in the poor house. Talk about what you both want and how much you are willing to spend and can afford.

Decide on a realistic budget; then break it down by item. How much can you save and how much financial help can you expect from parents/family. Knowing your budget will help your decision-making as you start the planning process.
Make a list of your “must” haves. What are some things that are important to both of you that you want to include and where are some areas you are okay compromising in.
Decide on the style and feel you want for the day. You want your wedding to reflect who you are as a couple and your personalities, so decide what best describes you and go from there.
How much DIY to you want to do or do you want to purchase/rent everything; just remember to include those costs’ in your overall budget
Do you want to hire a stylist to help with the overall design of the wedding or is Pinterest your best friend?

Pinterest has a ton of ideas and if you do not already have an account, get one and create a wedding board, (caution: don’t go overboard, you still want it to reflect who you are). Share your board with your Planner so she/he knows your vision.

Follow me on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/eventsbymaria3265

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The Guest List, Who Should You Invite…

This goes hand in hand with the budget, the more people, the more money. This is a hard one and one that just about every couple struggles with. This is a very special day and you want to share it with everyone, but unless you have an un-limited budget, you may need to leave some people out. Here are some suggestions:

Make a list of family and friends you want to invite or are obligated to invite. Have your parents make a list. Combine the two lists and see where you are with the numbers.
Have your “must have” list and your B list. This way, when Save the Dates go out and you hear from those who can’t attend, you can go to your B list.
Kids or no kids? This is a sensitive topic depending on where you stand with kids attending adult events. Remember, this is YOUR wedding and if you want it to be an adult reception, then make that decision and stick to it. Most parents are happy to have an adult night out.
Do you have to invite all your co-workers and your 3^rd cousin you only met twice? Unless you have a close relationship with your co-workers outside of work, I would say to keep them on the B list. If not inviting your 3^rd cousin is going to cause family conflict, then talk to your family about it.
A rule of thumb I suggest is, if you have not seen or talked to someone in more than 3 years even if they are a relative, you should not feel obligated to invite them. Your wedding is not the day to catch up with them.

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Hire a Planner…

This is a busy time and there is so much to do and vendors to hire that it can become very overwhelming.

With so much information on the internet and on wedding websites, not to mention all your married friends offering to help you, it’s easy to think; “I can do this”. Trust me, you NEED a planner or at the very least, a “Month of/Day of Coordinator”.

Think about it, this is one of the most important days of your life, one that you have probably dreamed of for a long time, so do you really want to trust just anyone to help you? I can’t tell you how many brides have said “I wish I hired you sooner” or “I wish I would have hired a planner”. Besides, you want your friends to be guests and enjoy this day with you, not working.

A planner is going to make sure that the vendors you hire are professionals in their field.
They make sure your vision happens as well as handling all the details of the day.
They will work with you to create your customized timeline so that all the important events and announcements happen.
They will be there to help run the rehearsal and oversee as well as manage the set up on your wedding day.

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Select your Venue…

Deciding on your venue will depend on a few things, so when touring venues, ask questions and then decide which best fits what you are looking for.

How much is the rental cost and what does that include? Do they work with specific vendors or can you bring in your own vendors?
Your guest count, can the venue accommodate the amount of guests and is there an extra cost per person if you go over the amount?
If you are having an outdoor wedding, does the venue have an indoor option in the event of rain or cold weather?
What is the style of your wedding? Does the venue reflect your vision and style?

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Hiring the Right Vendors…

Two vendors I recommend you book right after your planner/coordinator would be your Photographer and DJ.

Your photographer is important for obvious reasons. Your wedding day pictures are going to last a life time and something you will share with your family for years to come. You want to make sure you work with a licensed professional that is just as invested in your day as you are.
Select the perfect photographer for you. Ask for referrals from your planner, we work with several photographers and know which ones do great work.
Follow a few photographers on FB and Instagram. You will start to get a feel for their personality and style.
Once you find a photographer who’s style you like, set up a meeting to see if you like them. Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with this person, so you want to be sure you are comfortable with them.

Photo by @Rae&Michael

Your DJ:

Let’s face it, your DJ can make or break your reception so why would you hire your friends’ cousin who does it on the side as a hobby. Now, no offence to your friend’s cousin, but do you want to trust this person to run your wedding day?

A professional DJ that is licensed has a lot invested in quality equipment and lighting, not to mention their reputation. They have a large music library and have experience as an MC so all the important announcements and events are not missed.
A professional DJ will work closely with your Planner in making sure the timeline is running smoothly and nothing is left out.
They keep the party going. If dancing at your reception is a BIG deal for to you, then you want a DJ who can read your guests to make sure that people are dancing and having a great time.

One final piece of advice, never let price be the only deciding factor when hiring vendors. Be sure to work with experienced professionals that are licensed and insured. Remember, you get what you pay for, so do your homework.

So now that you have some idea of where to start, what are you waiting for…

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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.

I love hearing from you so leave a comment to let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.

To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it out to you right away.

Until next time, Happy Planning…