How to Have a Winter Wedding on a Budget

Whether you have thousands of dollars to spend - or hundreds of thousands of dollars, your dream wedding is within reach, as long as you budget wisely. Remember, the best budgets are there to keep you from losing control and guide you - not make you feel stressed or guilty. 

If you’re in the early phases of wedding planning and looking for some budgeting tips, we’ve got you covered:

Figure out who’s paying. Perhaps just you and your partner are splitting the fees, or maybe each family is looking to help finance as well. If that’s the case, discuss with your family and your partner’s family, separately, to see what they’re looking to contribute and help shape your budget from there.

Do your research. You’ll need to know what things cost in your area before setting a final budget. Meet with multiple vendors, get printed price lists, and understand the ballpark of what certain services cost. You don’t want to have your budget for photography set at $1,000 only to find out photographers in your area charge upwards of $5,000!

Make a priority list. Figure out which wedding elements are important to you and start prioritizing. Does saying yes to the dress trump your floral arrangement needs? Does photography matter more to you than booking the best band/DJ in town? Whatever it is that you value most, prioritize. Then aim to put 75 percent of your budget towards those things [in case you need to spend a little more here or there].

Uncover hidden costs. Be prepared to explore hidden costs like overtime charges, gratuities, not to mention all the little things like stamps for RSVPs or marriage license fees. Having a good handle on what the extras will cost will help you cover it all - especially where the above ’75 percent’ of budget is concerned.

Be smart. With all the above situated, now it’s time to put all your budgeting and money management tricks to use. Keep all wedding money in a separate account so you can easily track all withdrawals and additions without confusing them with your normal daily funds. If you have credit cards that offer perks [like miles, rewards, or cash back], pay off wedding expenses with your card and reap the benefits! Just don’t forget to pay off your bill each month!

Since 1988, Dynasty Limousine has been the ideal choice for families in and around the Long Island area. Our massive fleet of limousines, party buses and shuttles will make it easy for everyone to travel in style and comfort!

Click here to contact us and book your ride!

The Most Beautiful Spots for Long Island Engagement Photos

It’s 2017 and Long Island wedding traditions keep getting bigger and better. One of those traditions include elaborate engagement photo shoots — and we LOVE this idea. Not only will these photos provide great imagery for your save-the-dates, but you’ll cherish them forever, along with your wedding photos. But with so many great locations on Long Island, how do you choose the perfect setting?

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Raphael Winery

Peconic, New York

Transport yourself to the village of Tuscany by having your engagement shoot at the breathtaking Raphael Winery. Here you’ll find stunning details such as: beautiful lanterns, intricate chandeliers, and balconies that overlook the vines. It’s gorgeous Great Hall and Renaissance Room provide a rustic ambiance — not to mention the magnificent grounds. Pro Tip: End your shoot with a delicious glass of vino!

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The Muttontown Preserve

East Norwich, New York

Head to the Gold Coast to commemorate your upcoming nuptials at the Muttontown Preserve. Here you’ll find 550-acres of gorgeous fields, woodlands, ponds, and old estate grounds to capture the essence of your love. You’ll also come across the striking ruins of King Zog of Albania’s mansion — which make for a unique but dazzling shoot site.

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Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Brookville, New York

Another Gold Coast Treasure, the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, is nothing short of magical — plus it’s full of both nature AND history. Here you’ll find all sorts of backdrops to choose from. The Camelia Greenhouse and Main Greenhouse are home to gorgeous plants including: hibiscus, succulents, and cacti. Depending on the time of year, you’ll also find woodland paths strewn with wildflowers; finely-manicured landscapes; and even magnificent cherry blossoms and magnolias.

Why not make the day even more special? Dynasty Limousine is here to help — reserve one of our cars to get you to and from your destination and roll up like the King and Queen you and your boo are! Contact us today for more information and availability.

Wedding Proposals | What You Need To Know

Guys, you may not realize it, but the story of how you proposed will actually be told for the rest of your life. You better make it good! There are even companies dedicate to planning marriage proposals, like The Yes Girls Events. To take some of the heat off, we’re here with some romantic ways to propose that will make her sure to say, “YES!”

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Creative Marriage Proposals

Be creative. Your marriage proposal gives you the opportunity to add a personal touch. What do the two of you love? Is there something she’s always hinted at? If you’re going to do it go all out and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re loved ones are sure to be willing to lend a helping hand.

A post shared by HowHeAsked (@howheasked) on Jan 25, 2017 at 2:24pm PST

At-Home Marriage Proposals

Do the two of you value your Netflix and Chill time? Do you frequently stay in more than you go out? Home is where the heart — so decorate your digs with gorgeous candles and flowers and propose in the place where your relationship has blossomed. Afterward, invite your friends and family and friends over to toast your love.

A post shared by HowHeAsked (@howheasked) on Apr 23, 2017 at 11:12am PDT

Destination Marriage Proposals

Want your proposal to be more intimate? Whisk her away to a surprise destination and use the beautiful, natural scenery to set the scene. Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the end of your trip. You’ll want to bask in the newly engaged bliss before heading back to reality.

A post shared by HowHeAsked (@howheasked) on May 12, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

Public Marriage Proposal

Today, truly public marriage proposals are going out of style. They are viewed as attention seeking and less than intimate. Rather than making a public spectacle, arrange to have both of your families go incognito somewhere nearby where they can view the proposal as it happens and make plans for a surprise engagement party to follow. Can you think of better way to share the news with your loved ones?

Once she’s said yes, let the planning begin! If you have any questions about renting the right transportation for your wedding party’s needs, contact us today at 631-587-8500.

Since 1988, Dynasty Limousine has been the ideal choice for brides and grooms in and around the Long Island area. Our massive fleet of limousines, party buses and shuttles will make it easy for everyone from the Bride and Groom to the wedding party and guests to travel in style and comfort!

Hacks to Pay for Your Wedding

You said YES — now it’s time to plan that big, fat, expensive Long Island wedding!

Inevitably the more planning you do, the more daunting your wedding price tag can become. That’s why we’ve taken the time to lay out these five hacks to make paying for your wedding a little bit easier.

Seek Out Vendors Who Offer Payment Plans

A common practice among wedding vendors is to require a deposit at the time of booking with the remaining balance due on the big day. However, many are willing to work out payment plans with you — just be sure to ask up front, as not all vendors will oblige.

Attend Wedding Expos

We highly recommend attending as many wedding expos as possible during the planning process. It may seem tedious — especially if you already know what you want, but many vendors offer special discounts during these events. Check out this list of upcoming bridal events on Long Island and in New York City, courtesy of LIWeddings.com. Make sure you keep any free gifts or discount codes you receive well organized so you don’t miss a beat.

Enter Contests

Is your favorite designer running a contest for a free wedding or bridesmaid dress? What have you got to lose? Many companies offer sweepstakes with chances to win money, dresses, honeymoons, and/or services. Pro Tip: You’ll frequently be entering your email address on websites while planning your dream wedding. Create a NEW email address for all of your wedding planning needs. This way you won’t have to weed through promotional wedding emails until the end of time after you’ve said: “I do.”

Use Credit Cards that Offer Points or Cash Back

While using credit to fund your wedding isn’t ideal if you have to do it make sure you’re using a card that gives you the most for your money. Open a new card that offers 0-percent interest for the first year and a low-interest rate after that. You’ll also want to make sure there’s some sort of cash back or points program. Imagine racking up enough frequent flier miles or hotel reward points to pay for part of your honeymoon?!

Look for a Venue that Offers Package Deals

Last but not least — there are beautiful venues on Long Island that offer all-inclusive wedding packages. One of our favorite deals is for The Cottage at East Wind. Book their special wedding package for 100 guests at just $9,995.  

Last but not least, don’t forget to build wedding day transportation into your budget! Dynasty Limousine is the ideal choice for engaged couples across Long Island. We combine an impressive fleet of immaculately kept luxury vehicles with professional and experienced drivers. If you have any questions about reserving a car, limousine, or party bus for your wedding day, contact us 24/7 at: 631-587-8500.