Planning an event comes with a lot of decisions—but one of the most important is how to allocate your budget. Knowing where to invest and where to cut back can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable experience without overspending. Here’s how to spend smart and prioritize what really matters. ✨ Where to Splurge These are the elements that have the biggest impact on your event and guest experience: 📍 Venue Your venue sets the entire tone. A beautiful location ca

📅 12 Months Out (Big Picture Planning) Focus: vision, budgeting, and major decisions Define goal or purpose Set a realistic budget Choose date or timeframe Research options (venues, destinations, vendors, etc.) Book high-demand items (venue, flights, key vendors) Start a rough guest or participant list Outline major milestones Check any legal or logistical requirements (permits, documents) Begin saving or setting up a payment plan Create a master planning document or tracker

When couples first get engaged, wedding planning often feels exciting, magical, and full of possibility. Pinterest boards grow overnight. Guest lists are drafted in notes apps. Venues are toured. Dresses are bookmarked. It’s a season filled with anticipation and dreams of the perfect day. Then reality sets in. Planning a wedding is not just choosing colors and flowers — it is a full-scale event production involving logistics, contracts, budgets, timelines, personalities, and

One of the first thoughts we all have when planning a wedding is about the decorations or the vibe. Then we wonder, well, how in the world can I afford all of this? 

Root Catering Here’s a top-tier wedding menu inspired by seasonal and regional favorites from Upstate New York, blending elegance with...

Shayna and Matt were married on Matt’s family property overlooking Canandaigua Lake. With stunning lake views, a beautiful summer day, and unforgettable touches like fireworks and bull riding, their wedding was truly spectacular. VENDORS: Planning @valleyview_events Photo @ramblingbearmedia DJ @turnermusicproductions Hair @_gorjess_hair & @tkosalon Makeup @bredforbeauty Food Love Handles Eatery Restroom @rentalstogo Ice Cream Jojo’s Cool Bus Ice Cream

Planning a Wedding While Working Full-Time: Tips for Staying Sane Planning a wedding while working full time is common in our fast-paced...

Kate and Obi's Wedding was on a beautiful summer day at Ventosa Vineyards in June. Their day was filled with all their favorite people making it a perfect day to say "I do". Thank you for letting me be apart of your special day, it was a great way to kick off the 2025 season! "We hired Sierra for her 1-year planning option for our wedding earlier this month, and it was truly one of the best decisions we made. While we had most major vendors booked, Sierra brought everything t

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are a time-honored tradition designed to celebrate a bride-to-be’s upcoming marriage with her closest...

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, but there's no need to break the bank when it comes to catering. Here are 10 wedding food...

When picking out an engagement ring for your partner, here are some tips to consider: Establish a Budget:  Before you start shopping,...

A winter wedding offers a unique and enchanting experience that can make your special day truly memorable. Here are several reasons why...

Lexi and Reid were a dream to work with! They are one of the most fun, outgoing, kind couples I have worked with. Thank you for allowing...

I have been working with Katie and Greg for the better part of a year on their beautiful Wedding. It was a day filled with their closest...

McKenna and Jarrett had a beautiful day filled with their family and friends celebrating their love at Abandon Brewery. It was a perfect...

Hope and Bobby had a perfect day saying "I do" at their parents home on Canandaigua Lake. Thank you for having me be apart of it! VENDORS...

Emily and Dylan celebrated a beautiful day at Birdhouse Brewing where Dylan is the head chef. It was a day for say "I do", good beer, and...

Jenna and Jacob had an elegant Wedding at The Lockstone with 200 guests cheering them on. It was beautiful and we are so glad we were...

Lauren and Jimmy had their closet friends and family to witness their vows at Lauren's Parents house overlooking Seneca Lake in Penn Yan. It was a colorful and fun night filled with love and laughter. Thanks for having us be apart of your day! VENDORS Planning @valleyview_events Flowers @budbreakflowerco Desserts @parkcafebath Food Tru Roots Photography @kateri_connolly Rentals @mccarthyevents

It was a fun weekend with Laura & Bernie! They had a beautiful Wedding at Abandon Brewery with some amazing vendors. Thank you for...