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?

A post shared by Elegant Cuisine by Courtney (@hautecuisineforeverandalways) on May 24, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

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!

A post shared by Nicholas Sideris (@n.sideris) on May 13, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

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.

A post shared by Liz White Pear (@whitepearphoto) on Jul 14, 2017 at 3:51am PDT

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!”

A post shared by HowHeAsked (@howheasked) on Apr 18, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

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.

6 Summer Wedding Trends to Consider in 2017

Planning a summer wedding? This year it’s all about ambiance. Don’t stick with traditional colors and decor, mix it up with these six summer wedding trends for 2017.

1. Unique Invitations: Don’t play it safe with a typical black and ivory wedding invitation. Experiment with reverse color schemes and brighter themes to set the tone for your special day. For example, Instead of a bright teal font on a cream colored background, go for cream colored font with a bright teal background. Check out WeddingPaperDivas.com for some invitation inspiration today!

2. Color Pops: Don’t go overboard with color! Pick two bright hues and an accent, in lieu of drowning your reception in color. Rather than multicolored flower arrangements, opt for single colored centerpieces for a more elegant look.

3. Relaxed Music: In place of a traditional pianist or string quartet, go with something a little bit more laid-back for cocktail hour and dinner. Book a steel drum player or singer with a ukulele for a romantic summer beach vibe.

4. Unusual Centerpieces: Centerpieces tend to be large and overstated, but they don’t have to be. Think outside the box — try using hollowed out watermelons as a container for your flowers for a casual and fun look.

5. Flavorful Wedding Cakes: Chocolate and vanilla wedding cakes are a dime a dozen. Choose a citrus inspired cake to add a summer feel to your dessert. Try a lemon, orange, or even key lime flavored wedding cake. Don’t worry, you can use the groom’s cake as a backup vanilla for any guests who may have allergies.

6. Wine Slushies: Margaritas are a staple at any summer BBQ, so why have them at your wedding? Create a signature cocktail for the big night, like a delicious frozen wine slushie. Your guests are sure to be in heaven while sipping on the refreshing concoction.

No matter what you choose to incorporate into your summer wedding, let Dynasty Limousine handle your transportation needs. We’ve 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. Contact us for more information and to check our availability: 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

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service

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!

5 Tips for Creating a Wedding Website

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service
 P: (631) 587-8500

Whether you like it or not, we’re living in a connected world. And for a bride-to-be that means:

• Having a plethora of Pinterest boards to assist in wedding planning
• A specific Instagram hashtag to document your journey to the alter
• A custom Snapchat geofilter for good measure

 And of course - the ‘wedsite.’ 

Your online wedding website should be the one stop shop for all guests looking for information - from wedding room blocks to your registry and beyond. Whether you’re choosing to create a free website on a site like The Knot, Joy, or Wix, or you’re putting your design and coding skills to the test, here are some suggested rules to follow:

 1. Figure out your theme - Similar to your save the dates and invitations, your wedding website should reflect your wedding’s style. Luckily, with the amount of wedding website builders out there you can easily toggle to change your theme if change your mind post production.

2. Have an introduction - You don’t need to have a novel detailing the ins and outs of how you two first met, but some kind of welcome or intro to the website and who you are as a couple is plenty. You may even choose to introduce your guests to the wedding party, including photos of all bridesmaids and groomsmen, add a fun fact for flare.

3. Include travel & accommodation information - You may be familiar with the area you’re getting married in, but there is a good chance your out-of-towners aren’t. Dedicate a portion of your website to directions (from various major highways), where your guests can book their hotel rooms (and at what cost), and all transportation information (what time they should be ready to board the Dynasty Limousine Shuttle Bus over to the reception). You may even want to throw in some ‘things to do nearby’ for guests extending their stay.

4. Registry and RSVP - Save on invitation and postage costs by directing guests to the wedding website for these items! According to an Online Shopping Report for 2015 - nearly 70% of Americans regularly shop online with close to 50% taking advantage of free shipping. We’ll bet anyone looking to purchase items off your registry will be heading to the website anyway, so why not help them get there.

5. Additional perks - Take your wedsite one step further, include a section detailing the weekend’s schedule, provide a fool proof FAQs page, and if you're daring - a song request section.

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 wedding party’s needs - give us a call at 631-587-8500.

Wedding Wednesday: 5 Things A Bride Needs on Her Wedding Day

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service

P: (631) 587-8500

Soon-to-be brides listen up - when it comes to the big day, you may think you have everything under control: you’ve triple checked your floral arrangements, followed up with your photographer, and have Dynasty Limousine on speed dial. But aside from the obvious, there are a few important details often missed.

Here are a few things a bride may not realize she needs on her wedding day:

Food for the bridal party. Too many brides have made this mistake! Don’t forget to not only feed yourselves but your bridal party as well. Be sure to pre-arrange some snacks and meals to hold over hangry bellies until the reception.

Beauty appointments for everyone. While there’s no set rule for this, if you’d prefer to have your bridesmaids get their hair and makeup professionally done, then it is a nice gesture to offer to foot the bill. Consider this as your bridesmaids’ gift or consider making it optional. Just be sure to explain the options to your bridal party. 

Some alone time. From the moment you wake up till the moment you say “I do” - your time is limited. Of course you’ll want to celebrate your big day surrounded by the people who love you most, but some alone time may be necessary. Avoid feeling emotionally overwhelmed and make sure you have some down time scheduled into your itinerary as well.

Some alone time, with your new husband. A short break between the ceremony/photographs and reception may be just what you need. Enjoy your moment together, freshen up, and get ready to make the grand entrance as husband and wife. 

A plan for toasts. Because no one wants to sit through an evening of speeches - or worse, roasts! Make arrangements with your MC or wedding planner prior to the reception to keep wedding toasts controlled. 

Dynasty Limousine has been the ideal choice for brides and groom 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 wedding party’s needs - give us a call at 631-587-8500

Tips for Planning an Engagement Party

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service 

P: (631) 587-8500

 

Did your significant other pop the question this past weekend? If so - congratulations! But now the planning really begins and first up, the engagement party. Typically held soon after a couple becomes engaged (when the news is still fresh), the engagement party is the kick off to the wedding-day countdown.

If you’ve found yourself in this position we’re here to help you get started:

Image from Etsy - The Banner Company

 

Guest List - Generally speaking, those invited to the engagement party should also receive an invite to the wedding. If you aren’t sure of how large your wedding is going to be just yet, keep this guest list to people you are certain will attend the wedding, like immediate loved ones - close friends and family.

Location - Consider the atmosphere you’d like, a low-key gathering at home or something a bit more formal? You may choose to rent a room at your favorite restaurant, have a brunch at a nice catering hall, or keep things small and intimate at your parent’s house.
 

Gifts - Unlike a bridal shower or the wedding itself, gifts aren’t typically given at engagement parties. However, it’s not uncommon for some guests to inquire. If you’re accepting gifts this time around, create a registry with items in the low-mid price range - remember, the wedding is still to come! Otherwise, include a note on your invitations that you are not requesting gifts at this time.
 

Decor - Remember, you don't want to upstage the wedding! Keep things simple, choose decor that reflects you as a couple. You don’t need to match the same color or theme as your wedding day. If budget allows perhaps add some floral centerpieces to perk up the space or try your hand at DIY!
 

Dynasty Limousine has been the ideal choice for brides and groom 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 wedding party’s needs - give us a call at 631-587-8500