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!

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.

Wacky Wedding Facts, Traditions, and Superstitions

Weddings have a long, long history behind them. After all, they’ve been taking place since 3,000 BC — that’s over 5,000 years of saying “I do!” After all this time, many traditions and superstitions have been born. Read on for a list of the most interesting facts we could find.

Good Luck

• You may have heard that rain on your wedding day means good luck — but did you know that the English believe it’s actually finding a spider in your wedding dress!?
• In addition, English traditions say that Wednesday is the best day of the week to get married, while Monday is for wealth, and Tuesday is for health.
• Egyptians actually pinch the bride for good luck on her wedding day.
• The Greeks believe that if a bride tucks a sugar cube in her glove on the big day, it will sweeten her marriage for years to come.
• The superstition behind carrying the bride over the threshold on her wedding night is to protect her from evil spirits.

Bad Luck

• Contrary to Americans, the English actually believe that Saturday is the unluckiest day of the week to say “I do.”
• The Romans believed that getting married in May was very bad luck. This is because they held their festival for the dead during that month. There is even a children's nursery rhyme that goes, “marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day."
• Steer clear of yellow roses in your bouquet and at your reception. They are thought to symbolize jealousy.
• This extremely dramatic superstition says that if someone drops one of the rings during the wedding ceremony, they’ll die.

The Rings

• Many believe that De Beers popularized the diamond engagement ring in 1938 — however, they actually first became a trend in the late 1400’s.
• Ever wonder why the “ring finger” is considered the fourth finger of your left hand? This is because it was widely believed that the vein in that finger leads directly to your heart.
• Non-Traditional engagement rings continue to grow in popularity, but don’t go for a pearl stone! They are believed to represent tears.
• The aquamarine is said to represent marital bliss and ensure a harmonious marriage.

Are you currently planning your dream wedding? Choose Dynasty Limousine for all of your transportation needs. We provide exceptional limousines, party buses, and cars for weddings. Contact us today to discuss your options 631-587-8500!

5 Secrets to Crushing the Wedding Game

Of course, the most important part of your wedding is the ceremony itself, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw an out-of-this-world reception to celebrate your nuptials with friends and family. Never fear, we’re here with five secrets to crushing the wedding game!

1. Plan Surprise Entertainment: The best wedding receptions are the ones where you don’t know what’s coming next. Plan some unexpected entertainment during cocktail hour or dinner — like a professional dance performance (check out The Honey Taps) or aerial entertainment.

   A post shared by stanley green (@stanbymee) on Apr 28, 2017 at 4:16am PDT

2. Serve a Leisurely Dinner: Let’s be honest —  the best part of every wedding is cocktail hour? So why limit yourself to only ONE hour. Instead of a sit-down dinner, opt for something more leisurely. Make cocktail hour last all night long so guests can mingle, dance, and have their fill of yummy food whenever they get hungry.

   A post shared by VIP Caterers (@vipcaterers) on Jan 30, 2016 at 9:55pm PST

3. Add a Lounge: Sometimes, weddings are so much fun your guests need a little break! Designate an area of your reception, whether it’s outside or in the lobby area, for your guests to lounge for a few minutes after they’ve given it all they have on the dance floor!

   A post shared by danaegrace_events (@danaegrace_events) on Mar 22, 2017 at 6:29pm PDT

4. Keep Your Guests Informed: Don’t forget to keep your guests informed. Nothing is worse than planning an epic after party, only to have most of your guests go home because they didn’t know it was occurring. Chalkboard signs or a framed itinerary on each table are a cute way to get the word out.

5. Make Transportation Arrangements for Guests: Are you reserving a hotel block for friends and out-of-town guests? They’ll be thrilled to find out you’ve arranged to have a shuttle bus bring them to and from the venue. Again, be sure to let everyone know in advance so they can plan accordingly. This can easily be done by adding a note to the accommodations card in your invitation.  

   A post shared by Emilia Mocarski (@emocarski) on Aug 8, 2015 at 4:19pm PDT

Dynasty Limousine’s 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. We’re one of the largest and most established limousine services on Long Island with a long history of wedding transportation. Contact us today to discuss your options 631-587-8500!

7 Wedding Transportation Tips

With warm weather, comes spring engagements! It’s easy to get sidetracked with all of the excitement. We’re here to remind you that it’s important not to neglect your wedding transportation plans. Get started today with these six simple wedding transportation tips:

1. Be Creative: Sure, a traditional white stretch limousine is nice, but you have the opportunity to get creative with your wedding transportation. Why not opt for our white Rolls Royce Phantom V on the big day?

2. Don’t Forget Your Friends: While you aren’t required to provide transportation for your bridal party, it’s certainly a nice gesture. It also minimizes the stress of worrying about whether or not everyone will be on time. Consider booking one of our Cadillac Escalade Limousines.

3. Book a Shuttle for Out of Town Guests: If you’re reserving a hotel block for friends and out-of-town guests, it’s wise to arrange for a shuttle bus to bring guests to and from the venue. That way no one will have to worry about choosing a designated driver or calling an uber. Choose a bus from our fleet to get your guests from point A to point B in style! (Pro Tip: If you’re planning a gathering at the hotel bar after the reception, a shuttle is a great way to ensure more of your guests attend the after-party — even if they’re not staying overnight.)

4. Pad Your Reservation Time: Unexpected delays can throw a wrench in the most expertly planned weddings. Be sure to pad some extra time for each trip you’ll be making. About 20 to 30 minutes should do the trick. (Pro Tip: Make sure you do research on any irregular events that may be taking place around town that could impact your trip. IE: Sporting events, festivals, street fairs, etc.)
5. Be Picky: It’s completely reasonable for you to be a bit picky on your big day. Feel free to make special requests, from the type of champagne you want to be stocked to the type of music connection you require (like an AUX cord for your iPhone.) You can also request a specific dress code for the drivers to adhere to. We’ll do our best to fulfill all of your needs.
6. Book in Advance: Finally, our last and most important piece of advice. Book your vehicles as early as possible. Once you have the date, ceremony, and reception sites set, you should start thinking about your transportation needs. If you’re planning a Long Island wedding, you already know things book up well in advance and transportation services are no exception.

Dynasty Limousine is one of the largest and most established limousine services on Long Island with a long history of wedding transportation. 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. Contact us today to discuss your options 631-587-8500!

5 Quick Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Wedding

You said YES! Now what?!

Sometimes that never ending wedding checklist can be so overwhelming, you’ll be ready to escape it all and elope. To help keep you sane, here are some quick and dirty tips for stress-free wedding planning.

1. Just breathe: When your in-laws insist you invite that distant relative you’ve never met or your fiancé is set on having a Star Wars themed reception, just take a deep breath and regroup. Removing yourself from the situation and coming back to it once you’ve had time to cool off will help you see clearly and alleviate any unnecessary stress.
   
2. Compromise: When it comes to negotiations, whether with your mother, fiancé, or bridesmaids, always ask yourself this question: “Who wants it more?” Compromise is the foundation of a healthy marriage. If sweet treats aren’t your favorite, concede to your fiancé on the cake flavor.
   
3. Take a break: It’s easy to get carried away with your wedding plans. Be sure to take a break every once and awhile. Designate certain periods of time during the week or on weekends for non-wedding related things — like simply enjoying being engaged!
   
4. Delegate: You don’t have to do it all by yourself, but know the difference between what you CAN and CAN’T delegate. By all means, let your bridesmaids stuff invitations and wrap favors, but don’t trust your cousin to pick your wedding band just because he plays the guitar.
   
5. Trust your vendors: Hire seasoned vendors to take care of you when it comes time to say “I do.” The best way to ensure you’re in capable hands is to read as many reviews as possible. Once you’ve chosen a vendor, trust them to get the job done! After all, this is their area of expertise.

Trust Dynasty Limousine to get you to the altar with ease! Our stylish, modern fleet of vehicles is trumped only by our exceptional customer service. Contact one of our transportation specialists for more information and to view our availability: 631-587-8500!

Wedding Planning Hacks

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P: (631) 587-8500

Congrats you’re engaged! And now the true chaos begins — the wedding planning process. Before you feel like things are spiraling out of control, we want to help you save your time, sanity and some funds by offering some wedding planning hacks!

 

Only pay for the expertise that you need!
Planners, coordinators, designers — but which planning service is right for you? If you’re looking for someone to be there each step of the way — negotiating contracts, securing vendors, organizing details — a wedding planner is your best bet. This person also tends to take on the role of a wedding coordinator the day of your wedding, however if you are planning to do majority of the planning yourself, a separate wedding coordinator may be all you need. Finally there are the designers, the people who are focused on creating stunning visual displays for your big day. Their primary focus is to transform your event space, not to handle the logistics of your guest list! Once you know what you need help with, seek out those professionals — or one who specializes in all of the above.

Consider booking an off-date.
Celebs and civilians alike are leaning towards an off-date wedding for a variety of reasons: Venues tend to book up during peak weekend times, making Thursday and Friday celebrations a more common occurrence; choosing to marry in the off-season (November — March) can significantly decrease costs; plus, you have a higher chance at securing your favorite vendors who may have previously been booked.

Create a wedding specific email.
As you know, being organized is key — especially during the wedding planning process. Use a separate wedding email for anything wedding related, from RSVPs to vendor communications. This way you keep important emails separate from accidentally being marked as spam, and you’ll have an address to use for any joint bills down the line!

Read the fine print in your photography package.
Before you sign your photography contract, make sure you will own the personal-use rights to your images immediately following your wedding. If you won’t, you’ll likely have to buy each image you want separately, or get involved in a long battle with the photography company.

Don’t skimp on the transportation costs.
While there is no official rule in regards to limo etiquette, you want to make sure your bridal party and guests can get to and from your venue safely. For example, if you have a lot of out of town guests staying at a hotel near by, it’s common to offer some type of shuttle or bus service so they don’t need to navigate an unfamiliar city. To save a little, you may consider reusing your limo! Meaning, have a limousine pick up the groom and groomsmen first, drop them off, then circle back to pick up the ladies.

If you have any questions about renting the right transportation for your wedding party’s needs - give us a call 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!

7 Wedding Traditions Explained

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P: (631) 587-8500

Whether you’ve attended countless weddings or have only seen ceremonies in films, you know there is a white dress and a bouquet toss – but do you know why? Why is the ring finger, the ring finger? What’s the purpose of a veil? Is it just us, or does the groom and his groomsmen always tend to stand to the right side? 

Find out where these wedding traditions come from – hint, a whole lot of superstition. 

1. English speakers borrowed the term fiancé (“to trust” in Latin) from the French in mid-19th century. But did you know the word fiancé is masculine and fiancée is feminine – pronounced exactly the same! So while we tend to use fiancé across the board, where technicalities are concerned, your future Mrs. is actually your fiancée. 
2. The “ring finger” dates back to Roman times, as they believed the vein in that finger ran directly to the heart. 
3. Several wedding traditions involve warding off evil spirits! For example – In Roman times, bridesmaids were required to dress exactly like the bride to confuse the evil spirits that would attend the wedding specifically to curse the bride and groom. A bride’s veil was also considered protection from evil spirits and the reason the groom would carry the bride across the threshold? You guessed it, to protect her from the evil spirits lurking below.
4. The white wedding dress is a nod to Queen Victoria (1840)! Before her white gown made its debut, brides would simply wear the nicest dress they own. In fact, blue was a popular choice because it represented purity, as now the white dress does for modern brides.  
5. Today’s bridal bouquet has come a long way since the first of its kind. Now, brides can choose any flower in the book but initially bouquets were made up of bunches of garlic, herbs and spices. The reasoning is a bit blurred, some say it was to disguise body odor others say it was to ward off those pesky spirits again.
6. Speaking of the bouquet, the tossing of it wasn’t always a wedding staple. In 14th century England, it was considered good luck to tear off a piece of the bride’s dress – and since the dress wasn’t fancy, this was no problem. Today’s bridal dresses are worth a bit more than that and since we bet you wouldn’t want guests chasing you town to tear about your dress, the bouquet toss seemed to be a better choice. 
7. To the left, to the left – brides stand next to your groom, to the left! You know the time during the ceremony when the officiant asks for any objections? This was once quiet common. Back to the days of arranged marriages, objections came from family members or other suitors of the bride. The groom would stand to the right of the bride so that his sword hand (usually his right hand) was free. Should anyone approach, he would be able to push the bride away and draw his sword.

For even more fun, wedding facts, check out this Babble article. 

If you’re looking for the perfect wedding gown or bridesmaid dress to live up to the above traditions, look no further. Our bridal shops are sure to have the dress of your dreams. Between our sister companies and our transportation services, Dynasty Limousine truly is your one stop shop for your upcoming nuptials. Visit us online to learn more! 

Long Island Wedding Venues: Golf Course Edition

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P: (631) 587-8500

With over 100 public and private courses, Long Island is truly a golfers’ paradise. But whether you are a fan of the sport or not, there’s certainly one thing we can all agree on. Beautifully manicured grounds and stunning scenic views make for the perfect place to say “I do.”

Stonebridge Country Club – Smithtown, NY 

Budget: $32,137 to $34,652 for 150 guests

Maximum Guests: 320

This beautiful and peaceful venue is nestled on the pristinely manicured grounds of Stonebridge Country Club – a private country club open for public ceremonies and receptions. Choose to say your vows inside or outside under the garden gazebo, then head indoors to toast to an unforgettable wedding day!

Hamlet Golf & Country Club – Commack, NY 

Budget: $19,187 to $22,837 for 120 guests

Maximum Guests: 350

Enjoy sweeping views of one of the most spectacular championship golf courses on the island while saying “I do” at a beautiful lakeside ceremony. With a wall of French doors in the ballroom overlooking the golf course, you’ll be sure to have fantastic views of the grounds throughout the evening!

360 East at Montauk Downs – Hamptons, NY 

Budget: $20,508 to $23,311 for 100 guests

Maximum Guests: 218

With vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows plus wrap around terrace, you’ll surround yourself with panoramic views of Montauk and a Robert Trent Jones designed 18-hole golf course. Hold you ceremony atop the Montauk Bluffs, the base of the historic Montauk lighthouse, or right on Hither Hills Beach!

Wind Watch Golf and Country Club – Hauppauge, NY 

Budget: $29,964 to $39,525 for 100 guests

Maximum Guests: 200 guests

Nestled atop of one of LI’s highest points you’ll find Wind Watch Golf & Country Club. Take in mesmerizing panoramic views of the North Sure while overlooking the rolling hills of a beautifully manicured golf course.

Dynasty Limousine has been the ideal choice for brides and grooms in and around the Long Island area because we combine an impressive fleet of immaculately kept luxury vehicles with professional and experienced drivers. If you have any questions about renting the right transportation for your golf course wedding - give us a call at 631-587-8500. 

Above budget information courtesy of Wedding Spot.

Spring or Summer Wedding? Book Your Transportation Now

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service 

P: (631) 587-8500

With the flurry of excitement the holidays bring, it’s easy to press pause on your wedding planning. But as the New Year approaches and your spring and summer weddings come into focus - it’s time to make sure you’ve booked all the necessary vendors; specifically, your transportation! 

And here’s why!

1. The spring and summer seasons are peak wedding seasons - not to mention all the High School Proms! If you wait too long to book your transportation, there’s a good chance your selection of vehicles will be limited. 

2. Early booking lets you perfectly customize your wedding style. Perhaps you had your heart set on the classic Rolls Royce Phantom V. Since this is one of the very few still in service, waiting too long to reserve your ride could mean another bride has snatched it up for the same day. 

3. You’ll make sure your guests are taken care of! Maybe you only thought you needed transportation for your wedding party, but if you plan to have many out of town guests stay at a local hotel – you may want to consider additional transportation. A shuttle bus is the perfect option for getting your guests to and from your reception safely!

4. And it’s one less headache! You’ll breathe a sigh of relief knowing your bridal party and guests will be in attendance to your wedding. At Dynasty Limousine, our drivers are familiar with all local hotels and halls and our fleet comes equipped with GPS tracking and navigation systems for added routing ability and safety. We’ll make sure your guests will arrive safely, timely, and in style! 

Now that all your big vendors are taken care of, it’s time to focus on the little things. Leave these next few months to finalizing your seating chart, scheduling your dress fittings, looking into your marriage license, and more!  

Contact us today to discuss your options (631) 587-8500! 

Dynasty Limousines is one of the largest and most established limousine services on Long Island with a long history of wedding transportation. 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.