WEDDING GUIDE
hello darling!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT
Heather Benge Events is a full service wedding planning and design firm based in Houston, TX. We opened our doors in the summer of 2012 and haven't looked back since. HBE consultants are dedicated to providing you with an excellent experience on one of the biggest days of your life. We understand that all clients are unique and their demands and wishes are different thus we offer personalized service and we promise you won't be treated like just another notch on the belt. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with a stress free experience while we handle the nitty gritty details that make your wedding one of a kind. From ideas to execution, we are there every step of the way.
We had a flawless rehearsal dinner and wedding thanks to her relationships with vendors, attention to details, efficiency, and overall fun attitude. She has high expectations and incredible style. - Rachel
Day-Of Coordination
It’s the perfect selection for the couple that wishes to take care of the entire wedding planning themselves; however, they want the luxury of enjoying their wedding day without the worry of any “day-of” details --(we all know there’s no such thing as day-of, this is actually more like month(s) of!) $2000+ LEADING UP TO THE BIG DAY • Unlimited contact via email and phone • Provide vendor recommendations based on style + budget • Review and become familiar with wedding day plans and activities • Walk through at venue to discuss logistics and aide in creating floorplans • Create day-of timeline to be reviewed and approved by client- including schedules for vendor set-up, hair and make-up, and ceremony and reception activities. • Coordinate with vendors load-in and load-out schedules • Provide itinerary to the bridal party and select vendors participating in day-of activities • Discuss reception activities with vendors involved • Etiquette advice as needed • Coordination at the wedding rehearsal with the wedding party • Email timeline and important instructions to wedding party WEDDING DAY MANAGEMENT • Complete wedding day coordination from set-up to break-down • One additional assistant on location (more may be required based on guest count & setup details, additional charges apply) • Provide Bridal Emergency Kit for those unexpected needs • Organize bridal party flowers and pin corsages and boutonnieres • Provide direction of ceremony procession & activities to family, wedding party, readers, house party, ushers, musicians, and officiant • Greet vendors and oversee the set-up of the ceremony and reception • Assist photographer and organize wedding party and family members for pictures • Cue the members of band or DJ throughout the reception activities • Orchestrate the Grand Entrance, First Dance, First Welcome/Toast, Prayer/Blessing, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/ Son Dance, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss, Last Dance, and Grand Exit • Gather personal items from Bride & Groom’s suites and load them in the getaway vehicle • Gather gifts, toasting flutes, cake serving pieces, guest book, portraits, and all other wedding day accessories and return them to a designated person • Handle final payments + gratuities upon request
Partial Planning
Feeling overwhelmed? This package is for the couple who wants to be involved, but needs some help to get to the final outcome. In addition to the Day-Of package, we will assist with vendor selections and design aspects.
$4000+ LEADING UP TO THE BIG DAY • Unlimited contact via email and phone • Schedule, coordinate and attend all meetings with wedding vendors • Venue Research- locate venues, correspond with venue manager, schedule appointments, and attend tours • Vendor recommendations suitable to client’s budget and taste to include: photographer, videographer, caterer, bar catering, band and/or DJ, florist, cake designer, stationer or invitation designer, and all other wedding professionals • Schedule, coordinate and attend all meetings with wedding vendors • Read and oversee all contracts executed by the client with wedding professionals • Assist in design and décor options to ensure look of wedding fits bride’s style • Assistance with ordering save the dates, invitations, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menu cards, and other stationery needs • Walk through at venue to discuss logistics and create floorplans • Seating arrangement assistance • Create day-of timeline to be reviewed and approved by client- including schedules for vendor set-up, hair and make-up, and ceremony and reception activities. • Coordinate with vendors load-in and load-out schedules • Provide itinerary to the bridal party and select vendors participating in day-of activities • Discuss reception activities with vendors involved • Etiquette advice as needed • Coordination at the wedding rehearsal with the wedding party • Email timeline and important instructions to wedding party
WEDDING DAY MANAGEMENT • Complete wedding day coordination from set-up to break-down • One additional assistant on location (more may be required based on guest count & setup details, additional charges apply) • Provide Bridal Emergency Kit for those unexpected needs • Organize bridal party flowers and pin corsages and boutonnieres • Provide direction of ceremony procession & activities to family, wedding party, readers, house party, ushers, musicians, and officiant • Greet vendors and oversee the set-up of the ceremony and reception • Assist photographer and organize wedding party and family members for pictures • Cue the members of band or DJ throughout the reception activities • Orchestrate the Grand Entrance, First Dance, First Welcome/Toast, Prayer/Blessing, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/ Son Dance, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss, Last Dance, and Grand Exit • Gather personal items from Bride & Groom’s suites and load them in the getaway vehicle • Gather gifts, toasting flutes, cake serving pieces, guest book, portraits, and all other wedding day accessories and return them to a designated person • Handle final payments + gratuities upon request
“Hea ther and Jennif er a re a mazing: besides their prof es siona lism, enthusia sm a nd k nowl edge a bout everything w edd ings, (they) truly became a fri end a nd conf idant. My C eremo ny w as a t St. P a ul ’s United Methodist and my Receptio n w as a t the Hotel Zaz a in Ho us to n a nd with 30 0 people; Heather a nd her sta ff made ev ery thing fl aw less for my husba nd and I. Ev ery thing I ha d env isioned f or my wedding da y a nd reception ca me to life a nd w as better tha n I ha d ev er expec ted!” - Mi ndy
Full Planning & Design
This is our elite level of service that includes full planning and design consulting. We will make sure all aspects of your wedding are covered from timelines, budget, and logistics to wedding design development and consulting and branding, we are here to help with it all.
$6000+
LEADING UP TO THE BIG DAY • Unlimited personal consultations for meetings and vendor consults • Unlimited contact via email and phone • Preparation and allocation of budget • Manage budget and provide updates during planning process with monies spent • Provide wedding planning timeline + checklist and maintain schedule for meetings, deadlines and vendor payments • Schedule, coordinate and attend all meetings with wedding vendors • Venue Research- locate venues, correspond with venue manager, schedule appointments, and attend tours • Vendor recommendations suitable to client’s budget and taste to include: photographer, videographer, caterer, bar catering, band and/or DJ, florist, cake designer, stationer or invitation designer, and all other wedding professionals • Schedule, coordinate and attend all meetings with wedding vendors • Read and oversee all contracts executed by the client with wedding professionals • Negotiate contracts, promotions, and discounts with wedding professionals • Complete Style and Design planning to include a design board • Wedding style consultation to review ideas for the wedding day- save the dates, invitations, stationery items, floral and décor, linens, lighting, bride and groom’s cakes, cuisine, favors, and other miscellaneous details • Bridal style assistance with wedding gown, jewelry, accessories, hair, make-up, and recommendations for boutiques and stylists • Assistance with ordering save the dates, invitations, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menu cards, and other stationery needs • Assist with selecting catering and beverage menus • Arrange transportation and hotel accommodations for wedding party and out of town guests • Walk through at venue to discuss logistics and create floorplans • Seating arrangement assistance • Create day-of timeline to be reviewed and approved by client- including schedules for vendor set-up, hair and make-up, and ceremony and reception activities. • Coordinate with vendors load-in and load-out schedules • Provide itinerary to the bridal party and select vendors participating in day-of activities • Discuss reception activities with vendors involved • Etiquette advice as needed • Coordination at the wedding rehearsal with the wedding party • Email timeline and important instructions to wedding party
WEDDING DAY MANAGEMENT • Complete wedding day coordination from set-up to break-down • One additional assistant on location (more may be required based on guest count & setup details, additional charges apply) • Provide Bridal Emergency Kit for those unexpected needs • Organize bridal party flowers and pin corsages and boutonnieres • Provide direction of ceremony procession & activities to family, wedding party, readers, house party, ushers, musicians, and officiant • Greet vendors and oversee the set-up of the ceremony and reception • Assist photographer and organize wedding party and family members for pictures • Cue the members of band or DJ throughout the reception activities • Orchestrate the Grand Entrance, First Dance, First Welcome/Toast, Prayer/Blessing, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/ Son Dance, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss, Last Dance, and Grand Exit • Gather personal items from Bride & Groom’s suites and load them in the getaway vehicle • Gather gifts, toasting flutes, cake serving pieces, guest book, portraits, and all other wedding day accessories and return them to a designated person • Handle final payments + gratuities upon request REHEARSAL DINNER PLANNING (OPTIONAL) • Venue Research- locate venues, correspond with venue manager, schedule appointments, and attend tours • Assist with menu selection • Correspond with venue catering manager on food and beverage order • Complete Style and Design planning to include a design board • Vendor recommendations for invitations, floral and décor, entertainment, and misc. services • Assistance with selecting and ordering invitations, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menu cards, and other stationery needs • Assist with wording on invitations • Choose entertainment and discuss music playlist • Organize transportation for out of town guests to the venue (if necessary) • Assist with seating chart, if necessary • Present ideas and select favors for guests • Create an itinerary for day-of execution • Email itinerary to client and all participating vendors • Correspond with selected vendors for set up and break-down DAY-OF REHEARSAL DINNER EXECUTION (OPTIONAL) • Oversee set-up for rehearsal dinner • Greet and direct vendors upon arrival • Artfully display menu cards, place cards, and guestbook • Full coordination of rehearsal dinner from set-up to break-down • Cue speeches and toasts • Oversee food and beverage service • Coordinate with photographer to take family and guest pictures • Coordinate slideshow with photographer if necessary • Deliver checks/payments/gratuities to necessary vendors • Schedule return of rentals and décor pick-up from venue
Frequently Asked Questions Why should I hire a wedding consultant? For many couples, it is their very first time planning a wedding. They are confused as to where to begin, how much everything costs, and how to choose vendors. Planning a wedding is not only about choosing your colors, flowers, and menu. There are logistical matters to attend to such as the timing of events, parking situations, and knowing which vendors are reputable. We are here to guide you and to take care of all of these concerns. We are able to help save you time and money as well as your sanity so you can actually enjoy your wedding day!
Do you have a business license? Yes, Heather Benge Events is a Sole Proprietorship and holds a business license in the state of Texas.
Do you support or cater to any specific religions? We cater to all religions.
Do you accept commissions or kickbacks from any vendors? No. We do not accept any commissions or kickbacks from vendors and will only refer qualified, reputable vendors who will best suit your needs, style, and budget.
Do you charge for an initial consultation? Our initial consultations are complimentary. This is a chance for us to get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Do you charge an hourly rate, a flat rate or a percentage of my overall wedding budget? What is the retainer to secure your services? We charge a flat rate for your customized wedding planning service. In most cases, a retainer of 25% is required to secure our services. A fee schedule will be tailored to your needs prior to signing a contract.
How much communication will we have? We have a policy to respond to all emails and phone messages in a timely manner. Regardless of the service contracted for, all clients will have access to unlimited communication with us.
How many weddings or events will you coordinate per day? Each planner will only take one wedding or event per day. This time is yours and you deserve all of our attention.
Will you be at my actual wedding day? Absolutely. The wedding planner and assistant you have worked with all along will be present.
How many assistants will you have on my wedding day? The wedding planner and one assistant will be at most weddings. More assistants may be required should you have multiple locations, a large bridal party, or a large guest count.
How do you dress for our event? For weddings, all consultants and assistants will wear professional attire.
Will you eat and drink during the reception and how comfortable will you make yourself? Since weddings can turn into 10, 12, and even 14 hour days, vendor meals during your reception are much appreciated. However, we are there to do a job and will absolutely not drink any alcohol or join your guests on the dance floor.
READY TO GET STARTED? CONTACT US TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION! 713.854.3667 events@heatherbenge.com
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