Friends, this year we had the unique opportunity to take on TWO VENUES for the 2017 Weddings in Woodinville. If you missed it, head here to see Alex’s take on “Minimal, but Dramatic” at Hollywood Schoolhouse. Enough about that, let’s focus in on Jen’s take on “Winery Romance” at Novelty Hill Januik located in Woodinville wine country.

Jen loves colors and when the show arrives she is ready for Spring and to start showing off color!   The theme for this year was Winery Romance, was inspired by the romantic elegance of Spain and France with bold colors and metallic accents to showcase the modern lines of the winery. Our tables showed off ways to mix bold colors — blues, greens, pops of pinks, orange and reds that paired with brass candlesticks.

I Do Bridal provided us the perfect STATEMENT dress in the ceremony area. Who wants to wear a floral dress? Someone give us a “YES!” What about an outfit change? This would be such a fun reception dress.

Our model was all dolled up by Anne Timss Makeup and Beauty then buttoned into this fabulous lace dress. We loved showing off how the elegant lace pairs so perfectly with the modern lines of Novelty Hill Januik Winery.

To compliment the colorful and creative vibe of the “Winery Romance” Midori Bakery went all out and hung a cake from the ceiling.

This year Chef Seth showcased their smoker and came out from behind the kitchen to show off his skills and it was a great hit!

The Bridal Suite at Novelty Hill Januik Winery is one of our favorites. Endless natural light and those big gorgeous windows for photos.

The Cellar Room is used on the Wedding Day as the Groom’s Room. It is also a stunning rehearsal dinner space, or perfect for a small gathering. We loved how Fena Flowers dressed it up for the show this year.

Once again, the 12 Lounge was a huge hit with make your own Banh Mi sandwiches and of course Midori went all out with another grooms cake example. This year we were lucky enough to have Groot from Guardian of the Galaxy.

To all of our couples, potential couples, peers, and friends — THANK YOU for joining us at another Weddings in Woodinville. We are already planning for next year and will be back in one venue. The real question here — will we be influenced by Jen’s love of bright colors or the rest of the teams love of subtle pops? You’ll have to come and see next year!

{Planner: Jen of Taylor’d Events Group | Venue: Novelty Hill Januik Winery |Photographer: Alante Photography |Floral: Fena Flowers | DJ: Bugsie Productions | Hair and Makeup: Anne Timss Makeup and Hair| Rentals: Pedersen’s Event Rentals | Cake: Midori Bakery | Invitations & Signage: Perfect Press Invitations | Jeweler: T. Anthony Jewelers | Dresses: I DO Bridal | Gift Boxes: Hummingbird and Holly | Mobile Cocktails: Perfect Pour Cocktail Co. | Indoor Mini Golf: Golf-to-Go | Transportation: Butler Seattle – Valet, Transportation and Tour Specialists}

It is all too common for couples to receive back their banquet event order (BEO) from the caterer and be incredibly confused that the $50 per person dinner now has multiple layers of taxes, fees, and gratuity added on. For almost every couple I work with, we end up chatting about the difference between the service charge and gratuity. So here we are… Let’s break these fees down.

Explain this “Service Charge”

The service charge is a mandatory and automatic fee that is added to your catering or venue contract. This charge and any other fees are almost always listed in the fine print on the bottom of the documents when you get those initial price brochures. Most Seattle caterers, venues and hotels charge a 20-22% charge (The full range I have seen is 18-24%). This is applied to the entire bill — food, beverage, staffing, any upgrade charges.

What does the Service Charge pay for?

The exact breakdown of what this service charge covers is different for each caterer/venue. If you want a list of that vendor’s specific breakdown, don’t be afraid to ask for an itemized breakdown. Speaking in general terms, the service charge covers the venue/caterer’s labor and administrative costs. An “Event Production Fee” or “the cost of doing business” are some other options of how to think of it. Some examples of where this fee goes are dishwashing, facility maintenance, packing for the event, travel time to and from the event, walk-throughs, floorplans, the sales staff’s time they spent planning with you, etc.

Before booking a caterer/venue, be sure that their proposal has the “all-inclusive cost” and all fees and taxes are included in that estimate. If you don’t receive this “all-inclusive cost”, but sign your contract, you will get your full all-inclusive bill that is about 30% (22% service charge + Seattle Tax of 9.6%) higher than what you had budgeted for.

PRO TIP:: When you receive your initial quote that states $60.00++, those two pluses signify all those taxes and fees. Be sure to ask to see an example of a final quote.

What is gratuity?

Definition:: Something given voluntarily or beyond obligation for someone who has performed a service.

Just as you would tip your waitstaff at a restaurant or your hairstylist for great service, you tip your waitstaff and bartenders. (Have more questions about Tipping… check out our tips on that here.) Gratuity to the staff isn’t something you are obligated to do, however, I will say that is pretty customary. Double check your catering contract, as some caterers include this in their initial estimate. Others will leave a line on the final invoice where you can write in the gratuity either before or after the event and run it through with the final payment. If you would prefer to provide the gratuity in cash, place it in a sealed envelope and have a family member or friend give it to the lead server at the end of the night.

Sales Tax

Please remember in the the State of Washington sales tax is charged on top of both the subtotal and the service charge. Some basic math looks like this::

What other questions does this bring up? Leave us a comment below and we will answer!

Last, but not least, let’s talk a bit about Jen, our fearless leader. Jen started Taylor’d Events over 10 years ago. This little company has helped hundreds of couples over the years pull off one of the most meaningful days of their lives. Beyond just Jen was one of the Co-Founders of Wedding Network USA, a Founding Board Member of Weddings in Woodinville, a contributor to many national publications, and an amazing speaker traveling to conferences around the country. I am probably forgetting something in there (I have no idea if she sleeps, BTW). It’s hard to keep tabs on all the things she is up to. Just last week we were dreaming up a new conference — more on that to come.

Besides Wedding Planner Educator and her own couples. Jen is busy leading all of us here at Taylor’d Events. Madi, Ashley, Brittney and I [Hey! Alex here!] all agree that we wouldn’t be where we are today with Jen. She’s been the most open and honest boss lady. From letting us into her business and allowing us to all take our own small piece of ownership in Taylor’d Events to sharing her guidance, connections, and smarts. We are beyond thankful for you, Jen.

Why am I telling you all of this? Jen has always been active in helping the wedding industry, providing guidance, and helping many professionals in the area build their businesses. She has limited the number of couples she is taking and is focusing on launching her newest adventure, Wedding Planner Educator and The Taylor’d Plan. We couldn’t be more proud or supportive of her. Knowing all the guidance she has provided us… there are other wedding planners out there that deserve to grow their business and reach new heights. Those new heights are exactly what she has provided to us.

Jen’s current couples all share her love of destination weddings. You’ll see gorgeous weddings coming from our couples heading over to Maui or some of Jen’s favorite PNW destination venues. We aren’t complaining either, we love tagging along and helping these couples tie the knot somewhere meaningful.

At the onset of planning, Jeena and Shaffiq were living in Dubai finishing up their final months before a trans-continental move back to Seattle. They were looking for a simple affair that was centered around the comfort of their guests and allowed for a ceremony in Jeena’s childhood church. Mixing in a few southern Indian traditions and keeping in mind that many of the groom’s guests were traveling from Dubai we set out to create the perfect day for them with their guests in mind.

The day started off with the Bride and her bridesmaids getting ready at her family home. We were so honored to be present and a part of so many of these moments. I will NEVER forget Jeena playing a song for her loved ones or the blessings and prayers showered upon the Bride just a few short moments before we headed to the church.

Shaffiq and his groomsman had a relaxing morning together. The groomsmen even managed to sneak off and practice their surprise performance later in the evening.

Opting to not see each other before the ceremony, J+S exchanged notes while tucked just out of sight right before walking down the ceremony.

Their ceremony was in Jeena’s family church. We adored learning about all the traditions they were incorporating, how they saw their ceremony flowing, and we always love when a couple adds that special touch of asking a friend to sing in the ceremony.

After looking at multiple venues early on in the planning process, Magnuson Park Hangar 30 was “the one.” Don’t get me wrong — They thought I had lost it when I initially suggested an airplane hangar. The venue allowed for the perfect blank slate to create their vision and also had a lovely connection to many aviation influences in their lives. We couldn’t be more thrilled they believed our promises and that we were able to deliver the unique space they had envisioned.

Upon arrival, the guests had the opportunity for caricature drawings, photo booth, and Shaffiq’s favorite —  Blackjack and Roulette tables. All the guests received custom monogrammed poker chips to play with. We also incorporated a signature drink that had the couple and guests reminiscing about one of the couple’s favorite bars in Dubai.

Dinner was served family style and the menu was entirely inspired by different meals they had enjoyed during their time together. A dish the bride’s family made growing up, another from one of their first dates – Each dish had its own story. We spiced up the dining room mixing square, round, and long family style tables. With formalities before and after the meal, J+S were able to hear from multiple loved ones, enjoy heartfelt dances, and even mix in a few surprises.

After a quick outfit change, the bridal party surprised the couple with their choreographed dances.

Thanks to Austin Beaver, the guests partied well into the night. Oh, and YES, a Confetti Cannon was a MUST for this celebration. Plentiful late night snack options kept the guests dancing until the wee hours of the morning. No craving was going unsatisfied — Dante’s Hotdogs, a Tater Tot bar, and a S’mores station.

Many thanks to the incredible team of wedding professionals who pulled out all the stops to craft the couple’s vision and given them a day they will never forget.

ALSO PUBLISHED on::

Maharani Weddings — Part 1 
Maharani Weddings — Part 2
Maharani Weddings — Part 3

{Planner:: Alex with Taylor’d Events Group | Photography: Alante Photography || Videography: Bogle Productions | Ceremony Venue: Kent United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Magnuson Park Hangar 30  | Florist: Floressence | Cake and Desserts: The Sweetside Seattle | Rentals: CORT Party Rentals, CORT Events, and  Benchmark Productions | Linens: BBJ Linens | Catering: Foodz Catering |DJ and Lighting: Austin Beaver | Drapery: Prop Gallery Events | Hair and Makeup: Salon Maison | Entertainment: Over the Line Art, 321 Foto Photo Booth, Lucky Lady Events| Late Night Food: Dante’s Inferno Hot Dogs |Wedding Invitations: Appy Couple | Day-of Stationary: Perfect Press Invitations| Logo Design: Crowberry Co | Transportation: Creative Bus | Valet: Butler Valet | Suits: The Black Tux | Dress: Hayley Paige from Marcella’s La Boutique}

Photo by Bethany Small Photography

As a trusted resource and guide throughout the planning process, we are often the confidants that clients reach out to in those final days to ask about what is customary for tipping wedding professionals. After searching out as many resources as possible, we hope that the thoughts below will be a trusted resource for not only our couple’s but any couple’s getting married. Knowing who, how much and when to tip your wedding pros can be a tricky situation.

I have pulled together a list of expected and recommended vendors to tip, but let’s take a moment to remember the purpose of wedding tips. You should opt to give your vendors a tip because you felt you couldn’t have had your day be as perfect without them. Every vendor’s goal is to go above and beyond for their couples and make your day as smooth as possible.

Some Final Tipping Tips

• Dig out all of those contracts and look through. Mark down anyone that has already included a gratuity in their contract. Better yet, if you are reading this early in the planning process, make notes in your planning files on who automatically includes the gratuity in their contract.
• Guests never tip at a wedding. Check in with any vendors that would normally receive a tip such as the bartenders or wait staff, even the valet if you are providing valet services. Inform these vendors that you will be tipping them directly.
• My suggestion is always to put the gratuities in sealed and labeled envelopes a few days before the wedding. If you are working with us, bring those envelopes to rehearsal and we will hand them out on the day-of the wedding. If you are reading this, and don’t have a coordinator ask a family member or friend to handle this task.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

Until next time,

Alex

We love being a part of Weddings in Woodinville every year! We love it so much, that this year Alex and Jen separated and crafted up two unique venues. Alex was located at The Hollywood Schoolhouse with the fantastic team that crafted up this “Minimal, yet Dramatic” scene. Scroll through, pin away and be inspire, you wonderful people!

 Jen was Every Guest was dropped off at the Historic Hollywood Schoolhouse and greeted by Taylor’d Events with a Thank you Note doubling as a program designed by Kinder Ink. Kinder Ink is offering a unique service that allows you to create a personalized handwriting font and save you hours after your wedding when in the midst of the thank you note grind. We are already looking for an excuse to use them!

Guests then met some of the area’s best wedding pros – Those that were key in the styled shoot we pulled together for that day were The Popes Photography, Kat St John Makeup and Beauty, Frankie & Maude, Everling Jewelry, Unified Cinematic Wedding Videography and CORT Party Rentals.

All of this was topped with the STUNNING blooms by Bleedfoot Florals. We got asked a million times what the name of those dusty pink roses are – I can’t tell you, but they stole our heart. We also love the asymmetric climbing greenery used to bring some drama to the ceremony.

Together with Bleedfoot Florals, Taylor’d Events designed a Minimal, yet Dramatic look with modern overtones showcasing the versatility of this space and the ability to mix the modern with the historic. Draping softened and separated this spacious venue into a variety of distinct areas and showcasing the versatility of the space.

We were lucky enough to be able to showcase some of CORT Party Rental’s new products – namely the Harley Chairs and Panama Linens. These gorgeous items set the base for us to build upon with the modern and simple White Classic Coupe Dishware and Pure Glassware. The cherry-on-top of this table was the Urban Slate Flatware, because who doesn’t love a dramatic, yet minimal touch of black on the tables?

Lucky to have one of the region’s best in front of the soundboard all day long. Kris McKoskery DJ and MC set the mood and we couldn’t be more thankful for his expertise.

The Cakewalk Shop poured hours of time into their three unique cake designs just for the show. Our favorite was the marble inspired cake. Guests, of course, had to stop by for a sample and weren’t disappointed by their creative flavor offerings and overall delicious AND beautiful cakes.

Thanks to everyone that joined us for the 2017 Weddings in Woodinville Show. It is such a labor of love for every wedding pro involved to pull off something inspiring and we hope that you loved it as much as we did.

{Planner: Alex of Taylor’d Events Group | Venue: The Hollywood Schoolhouse |Photographer: The Popes Photography |Floral: Bleedfoot Florals | DJ: Kris McCoskery DJ | Hair and Makeup: Kat St. John Makeup Artistry | Rentals: CORT Party Rentals | Cake : The Cakewalk Shop | Live Music: Windsong Trio | Thank You Notes: Kinder Ink | Jewler: Everling Jewelry | Dress: Frankie & Maude | Photobooth: Holodeck 3D Studios | Winery: Goose Ridge Estate Winery | Beer and Cider: McMenamins Anderson School | Transportation: Butler Seattle – Valet, Transportation and Tour Specialists}