Natosha Graham 8/19/24 Natosha Graham 8/19/24

5 Tips for your to help cut wedding budget

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet financially daunting task. However, with a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Here are five tips for cutting your wedding budget:

Prioritize Your Must-Haves: Before diving into the planning process, sit down with your partner and create a list of your top priorities. This could be anything from a specific venue, a favorite photographer, or a live band. By identifying what matters most to you, you can allocate a larger portion of your budget to these areas and find more cost-effective options for the less critical elements.
Trim the Guest List: One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is by limiting the number of guests. A smaller guest list means you'll spend less on catering, invitations, and even the size of the venue. Consider inviting only close family and friends and perhaps hosting a more intimate celebration. This approach not only saves money but also creates a more personal and memorable atmosphere.
DIY Decorations and Favors: Embrace your creative side by making your own decorations and wedding favors. DIY projects can be fun and significantly cheaper than purchasing ready-made items. From handcrafted seating charts to personalized party favors, there are countless tutorials and ideas available online to inspire you. Plus, these personal touches can add a unique charm to your wedding day.
Choose an Off-Peak Date: Wedding venues and vendors often charge premium prices during peak wedding seasons, such as summer and early fall. To cut costs, consider booking your wedding during the off-peak months or on a weekday. Many venues offer discounts for off-peak dates, and you'll likely find more availability and flexibility with other vendors as well.
Simplify the Menu: Catering can be one of the most significant expenses of a wedding. To save money, opt for a simpler menu with fewer courses, or consider a buffet-style meal instead of a plated dinner. You can also explore less traditional catering options, such as food trucks or a potluck-style reception, where guests contribute a dish. These alternatives can be more budget-friendly and add a unique twist to your celebration.

By implementing these tips, you can keep your wedding budget in check while still creating a beautiful and memorable event. Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is the celebration of your love and commitment, and that can be achieved without overspending.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina. Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 8/1/24 Natosha Graham 8/1/24

Wedding Coordinator VS Venue Coordinator

In wedding planning, recognizing the difference between a wedding coordinator and a venue coordinator is crucial, as each plays a unique and vital role in making your special day runs smoothy.

A wedding coordinator, often referred to day-of coordinator, is hired by the couple to manage the overall logistics and coordination of the wedding. This professional is involved in the early stages well before the actual event, helping to organize timelines, vendor contracts, and the intricate details that bring the couple's vision to life. On the wedding day, the wedding coordinator ensures that all elements, from the ceremony to the reception, are executed flawlessly. They handle unexpected issues, manage the schedule, and provide support to the couple and their families, allowing everyone to enjoy the day without stress.

In contrast, a venue coordinator is employed by the wedding venue itself and their primary focus is on the logistics related to the venue. Their responsibilities include overseeing the setup and breakdown of the event space, ensuring that the venue's rules and regulations are followed, and coordinating with their in-house staff. While they can be incredibly helpful with venue-specific questions and needs, their role does not extend to managing external vendors or the broader aspects of the wedding day. They are essentially the liaison between the couple and the venue, ensuring that the space is ready and that everything runs smoothly from the venue's perspective.

In summary, while both coordinators are essential for a successful wedding, their roles do not overlap. A wedding coordinator offers comprehensive support tailored to the couple's specific needs, whereas a venue coordinator focuses on the venue-related details, ensuring that the space accommodates the couple's plans. Having both professionals involved can provide a seamless and stress-free wedding experience. Click here so we can help you on your special day.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 7/16/24 Natosha Graham 7/16/24

Real Event: 80th Birthday Celebration | The Hilton Greenville, NC

We had the pleasure of planning an 80th birthday celebration for our client’s mother. Shawn contacted us on an evening in Spring looking for a local event planner who could plan his mother’s birthday celebration due to him living out of state.

During the initial consultation Shawn informed me that he wanted a non-traditional birthday party for his mom, who would be turning 80. He let us know that his mother had never had a birthday party before, and it was very important to him that she have one. He gave me all the details of the plans he already started implementing and once we were booked, we started doing what we do best. From booking our vendors to assist with florals and entertainment, we worked alongside The Hilton in Greenville, NC to ensure that the room layout, catering services, and all the details that Shawn requested were up to par.

On the day of the event, Bonnie arrived and smiled the entire night. She was thankful that Shawn loved her so much to make ensure she had a birthday celebration with her close family and friends.

Vendor Team

Venue & Catering: The Hilton, Greenville, NC | Florals: Cheryl Floral Design | DJ: DJMixTic | Photographer: Bryant Creative Services | Planner & Balloon Garland: Exquisite Events Wedding & Event Planning

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 7/1/24 Natosha Graham 7/1/24

6 Tips for Planning a Summer Wedding

If you're a bride dreaming of an outdoor wedding or reception in North Carolina, we offer several tips that will assist you as you embark on the wedding planning journey. These tips are also beneficial if you're planning an outdoor soirée in North Carolina.

*Venue:* *The English Country Barn in Magnolia, NC*
*Photographer:* *Paige Lee Photography*

6 Tips for Planning a Summer Wedding

Be prepared for the weather. Summer weddings = Summer temperatures. Provide your guests with cooling options to beat the heat. Water stations and fans are a great way to cool off in the summer heat.
Check with your vendors especially DJs, photographers, and videographers to see if they provide services during extreme temperatures. We’ve heard of equipment overheating due to high temperatures even when under a tent.
Book a venue that offers an inside location (with AC) as a Plan B (rain and high temperatures) may result in implementing the backup plan.
Be sure when choosing decor, that they can also with stand high temperature and outdoor elements. Remember paper stationary will blow away if not weighted down
Consider booking a waterfront venue. Waterfront venues may offer a cool breeze off of the water. A few of our favorite waterfront venues are Amelia Grove and Copper Ridge on the Neuse both located in New Bern, NC as well as The Beaufort Hotel located in Beaufort, NC.
Hire a professional wedding or event planner to help assist you with your wedding day or soiree. Click here to chat with us!

To ensure that your guests have a fabulous time at you outdoor wedding and event, you may want to book during the cooler months April, May, early June, September, and October.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 3/25/24 Natosha Graham 3/25/24

How to get married in Greenville, NC

Congratulations on your recent engagement! Are you looking to get married in Greenville, NC? Whether you are planning a wedding or deciding to get married at the courthouse, there is one thing you will need to make it official, no matter which one you choose and that’s a MARRIAGE LICENSE!

Check out the steps below in getting your marriage license.

Steps to Getting a marriage License in Greenville, NC

The prospective applicants must come into our office together with the following:

Have identification and Social Security Card. A. Driver’s license, DMV identification card or Passport. B. Social Security card, W-2 showing full number or previously filed tax records. If an individual is not eligible to obtain a Social Security number, then an affidavit must be completed.
If divorced, have the date (month and year) of divorce. If divorce is final within the last 30 days, must bring certified copy of divorce decree. If previous spouse is deceased, you will need a certified copy of death certificate if within the past 30 day. Must know date of death (month and year).
If 16 or 17 years old, current picture identification (see 1 A above), a certified birth certificate, and a parent with current picture identification (see 1 A above) to sign the license in our office. If parents are divorced, bring parent that has custody along with a certified copy of the custody papers. Age difference must not be more than 4 years between parties.

The fee is $60.00 (effective September 1, 2009) which is payable in cash only; $30.00 of this fee will be forwarded to the State of North Carolina to be used for family violence programs. Five dollars ($5.00) of the cost is forwarded to the NC Children’s Trust Fund.

There is no waiting period in North Carolina; however, license must be used within 60 days from date of issue as stated on license and returned to the county that issued the license.

Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. Please allow at least 20-30 minutes for the license to be completed.

You may go online and complete the marriage application at www.pittcountync.gov. Select About Us, Departments, Register of Deeds, then click on the online application and complete. After completion, submit.

LOOKING TO ELOPE AT THE COURT HOUSE at the courthouse in Greenville, NC?

Call Pitt County’s Magistrate Office at 252-695-7395 to schedule an appointment. be sure to have your marriage license first.

A few questions to ask, if information is not given when scheduling the appointment are…

How many attendees are allowed in the office besides the 2 witnesses?
Am I able to have a professional photographer inside the magistrate’s office?
Bride, am I able to have a bouquet in the magistrate’s office?

Photographer: Bryant Tyson Photography Raleigh, NC

Venue: The Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, NC

Floral Designer: Cheryl’s Floral Design Goldsboro, nc

Need Assistance planning your Perfect Day, complete our inquiry form below for a complimentary consultation.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full-Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and worldwide.

Natosha Graham 1/30/24 Natosha Graham 1/30/24

How to Plan a Destination Celebration

We’ve had the pleasure of working with clients for out of state to plan their wedding and social celebration. With each one of our clients that allowed us to do what we do best and entrusted us to plan and execute their celebration without worrying about a thing

Here are 6 tips to help you plan your destination wedding or event

Hire a professional wedding or event planner from the area you are looking to host your wedding or event.
Select event date.
Select estimated guest count.
Have a minimum budget in mind.
Share inspiration photos and theme with your hired professional.
Trust, Trust, Trust your planner

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 2/14/21 Natosha Graham 2/14/21

Real Wedding: Brooke and Chris | The Firehouse

Let’s just say this wedding was absolutely amazing!! When I meet with the couple for the first time they knew exactly what they wanted. There was no detail left out when planning this wedding. From the horse drawn carriage to the violinist, everything was thought out carefully.

Real Wedding: Brooke and Chris | The Firehouse

GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

Exquisite Events Wedding & Planning was booked for wedding day coordination. With a guest count of 200 guest, a wedding party of 20+, and a vendor team of 10+ vendors, it was very important to have coordinator to communicate and manage everyone on the day of the wedding so the couple and their families could enjoy the day. We are very grateful and thankful that the couple chose us to manage and execute their special day.

This gorgeous sunset wedding ceremony and reception was held at The Firehouse located downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina. This venue comes with a courtyard, outside patio, farmhouse tables, bridal suite, and more.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 3/14/20 Natosha Graham 3/14/20

Real Event: A Baby Shower | Elizabeth and Zach | October 2019

A Baseball Themed Baby Shower | La Grange,NC

Hi guys! Did you know we do more than just weddings? That’s right, we love planning social celebrations. This past October we had the pleasure of celebrating this momentous occasion with this lovely couple and their twins. When our mom to be let us know she wanted a baseball theme baby shower, our design team got together to come up with simple yet cute design. From the baseball theme baby shower games to the miniature baseball bat for the guest to sign, this couple had amazing time and family and friends showered them with gifts, love, and blessings.

Are you wanted to plan a baby shower, bridal shower, or any social celebration? Contact us to see how we can help put your event together.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.