6 Tax Write-Offs for Your Wedding

Weddings are expensive, so it is too bad that they aren’t tax deductible. But wait – though tax write-offs may not be top-of-mind when you are planning your wedding, with careful planning there are some ways you can garner a tax deduction or two. Here are some ideas: <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/wedding.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-5640 aligncenter" height="283" src="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/wedding.jpg" title="Wedding Write Offs" width="424" /></a><br /><b>1. The church. </b>If you are paying a ceremony fee, it may be tax deductible. If not, ask whether the church waives ceremony fees for members who donate at a certain level. It may be worth upping your donations for the year to get a triple benefit: a fee waiver, a tax write off, and a warm glow from donating to a good cause.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><b>2. The venue.</b> If you are having your reception or getting married at a historical garden, museum or homestead, or even a state or national park, the fee you pay may be deductible as a donation. Check with the site for more details.<br /><br /><b>3. Flowers and food. </b>Once your wedding is over, have a friend take the leftover food and flowers to a homeless shelter, women’s center or similar non-profit organization. Not only will you have done a good deed, with a receipt, you’ll be able to take a deduction for the value of the items donated.<br /><br /><b>4. The gown. </b>Donate your wedding gown to a non-profit organization such as Making Memories or the I Do Foundation, and you’ll help others enjoy their special day in style. The same goes for flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, as well as candles and other decorations that won’t spoil.<br /><br /><b>5. Wedding favors. </b>Instead of soon-forgotten trinkets, make a donation to a charity on behalf of everyone in your wedding and your guests, and you’ll be helping others while garnering yourself a tax deduction. You might even let your wedding party choose the charities they treasure.<br /><br /><b>6. Gift registry. </b>Create a wedding gift registry through the IDoFoundation.org and up to 10% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity. You can harvest charitable rebates with wedding purchases through the foundation, and even create a charity registry where guests can donate to commemorate your special day.<br /><br />Be sure to document these wedding write-offs with receipts and contracts, so you’ll have the backup available at tax time. Then you can claim your deductions, boost your tax refund, and have extra funds to toast your wedded bliss.<br /><br /><a class="bold" href="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/index.php?author=59">Written by Ginita Wall</a>

6 Tax Write-Offs for Your Wedding

Weddings are expensive, so it is too bad that they aren’t tax deductible. But wait – though tax write-offs may not be top-of-mind when yo...

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Soul Mates for your Stiletteos

Every women should have a pair of these!  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SoleMates-Classic-Small-Heeler-Protectors/dp/B002CWYCQW?ie=UTF8&tag=simplynatallt-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">SoleMates</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=simplynatallt-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002CWYCQW" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> heel protectors are the hottest useful wedding accessory since waterproof mascara! They are small, clear plastic heel covers that attach easily to most stiletto and high heels… saving you from sinking into the grass… or getting caught in wood planks… or tearing your isle runner and tripping!<br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://solemates%20classic%20%28small%29%20clear%20high%20heeler%20heel%20protectors%20-%201%20pair/"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJ-XQhyphenhyphenNi3yK5hZa3VZZSwFE1C3BhqIjOVeCguoQNrr34e959GJNsxA5UifimwW5tzvplSjgIvsAnYMa6jHm4BzXQDP7T0uOWoA8MrHjS0zz1_NWHraUfTL6P3Bsm0ADP3FoGQfgaPBrS/s400/solematesle8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=simplynatallt-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002CWYCQW&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>

Soul Mates for your Stiletteos

Every women should have a pair of these!  SoleMates heel protectors are the hottest useful wedding accessory since waterproof mascara! The...

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25 Questions to Ask Your DJ

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg959hOmPSoI5a2K5Bp_J91B5xjz5_UPpfrOaalRWzYM0_PzmVE1BEhZYoxrRhHNj2-Pvydjb6gp0XAVzwhIwzkL8gFd-3sr8F1zRlNAyRW1Yi2OKgDbm1nVu2gMdGyQ0jqGJ4-e4-QBXbk/s1600/questions%252Bor%252Bthings%252Bto%252Bask%252Byour%252Bwedding%252Bdj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg959hOmPSoI5a2K5Bp_J91B5xjz5_UPpfrOaalRWzYM0_PzmVE1BEhZYoxrRhHNj2-Pvydjb6gp0XAVzwhIwzkL8gFd-3sr8F1zRlNAyRW1Yi2OKgDbm1nVu2gMdGyQ0jqGJ4-e4-QBXbk/s400/questions%252Bor%252Bthings%252Bto%252Bask%252Byour%252Bwedding%252Bdj.png" width="400" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=simplynatallt-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0049OSQ18" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times";}@font-face { font-family: "ＭＳ ゴシック";}@font-face { font-family: "Verdana";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }span.HeaderChar { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }div.Section2 { page: Section2; }</style> <br /><div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Will you personally be the DJ for our reception?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Have you performed at our chosen wedding venue before?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  If so, how did that go and what difficulties did you experience?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  How many weddings have you performed your services at?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Do you also Emcee the reception?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  What does that consist of?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  What time do you arrive to setup your equipment?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  What is your attire you will be wearing during your DJ service?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  How many songs do you have in your music library?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  What format is your music in? (i.e. records, cassettes, CD)<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Do you provide cocktail/ dinner music?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Do you provide a wireless microphone for speeches?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Do you bring backup equipment with you?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Can we choose from a song list?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Are basic effects lighting included?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Will you need a tablecloth or linens for the DJ table?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Is a deposit required? If so, how much?\<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  When is the deposit due?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  When is the final payment due?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  What percentage are the taxes?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Is gratuity included in the price?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Are there any additional charges not mentioned? (i.e. travel)<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Will you be available to eat a meal while DJing?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  How many breaks do you take?<br /><input name="option1" type="checkbox" value="" />  Do you provide a written contract and guarantee?</span></div></div>

25 Questions to Ask Your DJ

 Will you personally be the DJ for our reception?  Have you performed at our chosen wedding venue before?  If so, how did that go an...

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What's the difference between a Wedding Coordinator and a Catering Manager/Venue Coordinator

This question comes often. A catering manager is employed by the venue and primarily specializes in food and beverage sales for the venue. They are usually there on your wedding day, but often depart after the first course is served. A wedding planner is your personal consultant that interfaces with ALL aspects of the planning process and, without hesitations, will mediate, negotiate and co-create with you and for you. Bottom line: you employ the wedding planner and you do not employ the catering manager. Knowing who will provide you with each of these services throughout the planning process will ensure no last minute surprises, and keep you “duty free.”<br /><br />Your Catering Manager will<br /><ul><li>Provide a personalized tour of the venue</li><li>Act as a menu consultant for all food and beverage selections </li><li>Detail your banquet event order (BEO) and catering contract, outlining event specifics, and ensure that the information is clearly communicated to the operational team of the venue </li><li>Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitment to the venue </li><li>Arrange and attend your menu tasting </li><li>Oversee the ceremony and reception set up, food preparation and other venue operations </li><li>Act as on site Liaison between your Wedding Coordinator and venue operations staff</li><li>Ensure a seamless transition to the venue’s Banquet Director/ Captain once the grand entrance has occurred (that is typically when the Catering Manager </li><li>leaves the reception) </li><li>Review your banquet checks and billing for accuracy prior to your receipt of </li><li>the final bill </li></ul><br />Your Wedding Coordinator will:<br /><ul><li>Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts </li><li>Create a comprehensive timeline for your wedding day, including the ceremony and reception </li><li>Work with you to organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal </li><li>Create floor plans for your function spaces and assist with seating arrangements </li><li>Remind bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day </li><li>Confirm “call times” and details with all vendors prior to the wedding day </li><li>Be available to have conversations as needed, including weekends and evenings (depending on the coordination package that is chosen) </li><li>Act as liaison between your family, bridal party, band/DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and other vendors to create a seamless operation </li><li>Assist the bride and bridal party with dressing </li><li>Ensure that the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc., and assist with the pinning of boutonnieres </li><li>Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors, reserved seating for the ceremony and handle any personal items </li><li>Coordinate your actual ceremony including line up of bridal party, and assisting with the bride’s dress </li><li>Coordinate your reception (grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting,etc. </li><li>Collect any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of the reception. </li></ul>

What's the difference between a Wedding Coordinator and a Catering Manager/Venue Coordinator

This question comes often. A catering manager is employed by the venue and primarily specializes in food and beverage sales for the venue. ...

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New Year's Resolution

<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" >You're getting married this year--now there's something to toast to! We all know planning a wedding can be stressful, so make resolutions to help make your lives a little easier.<br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/vintage%20new%20year25e225802599s%20eve%20postcard/photofishy/new%20years/PostcardVintageNewYearOldAndNew.jpg?o=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii71/photofishy/new%20years/PostcardVintageNewYearOldAndNew.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here's a great list from Naomi Gladen.<br /><br /><strong>Resolve not to do all the wedding planning.</strong> Brides seem to get stuck with all the phone calls and trips to the flower shop and all of those other tasks. You don't have time for that, girl! Make sure your fiance understands that this is <em>both</em> of your responsibility. And don't' be afraid to delegate. Hire a wedding planner will help tremendously.<br /></span><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><strong>Create a wedding planning schedule (if schedules don't make you crazy)</strong>. If you're the kind of person who works better with detailed to-do lists, then make yourself one, complete with deadlines, and resolve to stick to your schedule. However, if to-do lists make your feel more stressed out instead of less, this might not be the best strategy. </span><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><br /><strong>Be nice to your partner.</strong> It's almost inevitable that you two are going to bicker a little bit about all this stressful planning, but resolve to keep this to a minimum. Spend as much time as you can together doing something other than wedding planning.<br /></span><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; font-style: italic;"><div style="display: none;"><li><strong>Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding.</strong> This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together.</li><li><strong>Remember to enjoy yourself. </strong>This is supposed to be a joyful occasion. Don't forget that!</li><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />Read more at Suite101: <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">New Year's Resolutions for Brides: Resolve to Make Your Wedding Planning Less Stressful</a> <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN</a><br /></div></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><strong>Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding.</strong> This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together.</span><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><strong>Remember to enjoy yourself. </strong>This is a joyful occasion. Don't forget that!</span><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="display: none;"><li><strong>Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding.</strong> This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together.</li><li><strong>Remember to enjoy yourself. </strong>This is supposed to be a joyful occasion. Don't forget that!</li><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />Read more at Suite101: <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">New Year's Resolutions for Brides: Resolve to Make Your Wedding Planning Less Stressful</a> <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN</a><br /></div><div style="display: none;"><li><strong>Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding.</strong> This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together.</li><li><strong>Remember to enjoy yourself. </strong>This is supposed to be a joyful occasion. Don't forget that!</li><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />Read more at Suite101: <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">New Year's Resolutions for Brides: Resolve to Make Your Wedding Planning Less Stressful</a> <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN">http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULWBOSN</a><br /></div><strong>Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding.</strong> This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together.<div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />Read more at Suite101: <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULfg7TT">New Year's Resolutions for Brides: Resolve to Make Your Wedding Planning Less Stressful</a> <a href="http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULfg7TT">http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_years_resolutions_for_brides#ixzz0bULfg7TT</a><br /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>

New Year's Resolution

You're getting married this year--now there's something to toast to! We all know planning a wedding can be stressful, so make resol...

Read more »