Planning: 6 Reasons You May Not Be A DIY Bride

I envy those people that get excited at the thought of picking up a tool or thingy or thingamajig or whodat or whatdowehavehere in the attempt to recreate an item that they have seen on Pinterest but refuse to buy because they can do it better. KU-DOS!!! I am NOT-THE-ONE. THERE...I said it...whew, what a load off ! There is a time and place for everything and while I commend those that have the patience and energy for it...JunePlumm Events does not for a number of reasons:

1) I just don't want to

2) DIY isn't always the easiest route. If you are like me, no patience for the perfectionism that it takes to create or recreate that totally awesome Pinterest thingy that you MUST have. Then it will drive you insane if it doesn't come out EXACTLY as you have seen online. CAUTION...BEWARE...DO NOT PASS GO!

3) DIY isn't always the cheapest option. Items purchased in bulk are typically more affordable than those purchased one here and one there. So unless this is something the is being created or recreated on a consistent basis the cost per product will be more. Not to mention if you do not have a wholesale ID affording you the option to get these items at a cost savings then...$$$$$$$

4) DIY takes patience and time. Nobody move..no one talk to me... no one even think about breathing as I attempt to stripe this vase. Yeah... doesn't sound fun to me either. I just grew another grey hair remembering that time that I tried to... you know what, I wont go there. Let's move on

5) I just don't want to

6) See #'s 1 and 5

AGAIN: Let me be clear, I APPLAUD those that are DIY'ers but it is completely okay if you are not the one. So brides, understand that while planners may have a love for most things wedding, it does not mean that everyone of us want to recreate it ourselves. There are vendors out there that have built up the skill (and patience) to handle these items in bulk and for a fraction of the cost that it would cost your planner to do it themselves. So yeah... it's not a fun project for everyone.

DISCLAIMER: While I am not into DIY I will spray paint the heck out of anything. Oh yeah, and I'm mean with it too.

Photo: Courtesy of Pinterest

Planning: You are bound to piss off someone

Twice this weekend I found myself telling two seperate brides the exact same thing, "You are bound to piss off someone while planning your wedding". It isn't becuase you are a mean (insert word the rhymes with itch HERE). It's becuase friends, family and people have a set of expections from your wedding that is most likely different from yours.

• You can't invite EVERYONE
• You can't buy EVERYTHING
• You probably won't buy the dress someone wanted you to wear
• You are not going to serve the food that everybody wanted to eat that day
• Someone will want you to play hip hop when all you want to hear is RnB during the last half hour of the wedding

...and guess what, it's okay. Whose wedding is this anyway? Im sorry I thought it was yours. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to completely ignore your guests and don't consider them at all. Afterall, you are creating an experience for them as well. What I AM saying is, utimately you have to make the best decision that you know how to make and please don't loose sleep over the fact that 1 guest/person will be pissed off becuase you did something that they may not approve of. *oops my bad*...and now we continue.

So while you are there on a tight budget mulling over if you should invite kids, friends of friends, colleagues that you don't speak to but they are in the same office even though you can't stand them... just say to yourself " what would Jesus do". WAIT, no don't say that to yourself... look in your purse and say hmmmmmmmm now how far am I willing to make this dollar stretch?

Happy Planning

Planning: The Hard Part

So you think you have it figured out.

You hired...

• The DJ
• The Florist
• The Photographer
• The Cinematographer
• The Stationer
• The Make up Artist
• The Pastor
• The Hairstylist
• The Venue
• The Limo company
• Etc.

And so the hard part is over right? Well:

What is your DJ going to play, when will they start, do they have insurance, do they MC, how many bars of your first dance song will they play, which song is a do not play, when should they play slow jams, when should they drop it like it's hot, where do they set up, what equipment do and don't they need, etc.

What kind of flowers do you want, do you want high & lows or all highs and or all lows, do you want peonies, roses and lilies or all of them or some of them, what color white, off white or cream, do you want flowers for the ceremony, do you want flowers by the head table, do you want a hanging bouquet or a round bouquet or a bouquet purse, will you need a bouquet to toss, what kind of vases do you want lacquer or round or reflective or hurricane or square or rectangle or oblong, or etc...

When does your photographer arrive, how many shooters will you want or need or have, who will go where and when, what photography style do you want, to reveal or not to reveal, when do you take your portraits, where do you take your portraits, what are the must have family pics, what are the must have detail pics, etc.

What typography do you want, how many invites do you need, what color envelop, what type of paper, what weight in paper do you prefer, what kind of design, calligraphy or not, table numbers or table names, with return or E-RSVP, save the date or not, etc...

I think you see where I am going with this. 

In the past 6 days I have had 3 inquiries into JunePlumm Events Partial Planning Service in which the bride said "We have the hard part done since we have all of our vendors". I quickly ran down the list, similar to what I have stated above and it was a light bulb moment or an OH Sugar-Honey-Ice-Tea moment. I had to remind them that compared to everything that needs to be done, finding the vendors was the easy part. The hard stuff is all the itty bitty gritty details that have to be asked and answered for each "Hard Part Vendor" that was booked.  That's where the real hair pulling comes in. It's like this, you move out of your parents house for the first time. You know you need a bed, a sofa and a dining room table. BUT did you remember that you need, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, pots, pans, spoons, forks, knives, dish rags, toaster, broom, garbage bags, garbage pans, sanitizer, 409, Lysol, Fabreeze, grater, lotion, strainer, spoon rest, dish washing liquid, sponge, potato peeler, bathroom mats, glass cleaner, band aids, gas, cable, wifi, light, and the list goes on and on and on. Those are the little things that you forget you need until the moment you need them and then OH Sugar-Honey-Ice-Tea again...I don't have it. Off to the corner store you go. 

This is why you need a planner. We put it together, we pull it together and we keep it together.    

The REAL hard part!

Planning: Marriage in New York Minute

What's a wedding without a marriage license...INVALID. So for all you newly engaged and almost married boys and girls ( in NYC), here are a few items you should consider when going for your marriage license:

• Other than military personnel, your marriage license is ONLY valid for 60 days. So plan ahead, just not too far ahead
• It'll cost you $35 (credit card or money order) to obtain a marriage license. Affordable right
• Your license is ONLY valid in NY State.
• You MUST complete an application (available online)
• You MUST appear in person together to obtain your marriage license (no stand ins)
• You and your spouse must provide the city clerk's office with sufficient identification in order to obtain a marriage license. Some of which include: a valid US Driver's License, Passport, Alien Registration Card, Military ID...to name a few
• Upon receipt of your marriage license, it becomes valid after a FULL 24 hours (unless you receive a judicial waiver)
• If you have were previously married, bring proof of your divorce or be ready to provide the full name and date of death of your deceased spouse

Hopefully you will find this is a helpful quick tips in getting you started on getting your marriage license. For additional details please check the Office of The City Clerk Online HERE or in person at the following locations:

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Municipal Building
210 Joralemon Street, Room 205
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Manhattan

141 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013

Hours: 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, Monday through Friday

Queens

Borough Hall Building
120-55 Queens Boulevard, Ground Floor, Room X001
Kew Gardens, NY 11424

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Bronx

Supreme Court Building
851 Grand Concourse, Room B131
Bronx, NY 10451

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Staten Island

Borough Hall Building
10 Richmond Terrace, Room 311
Staten Island, NY 10301

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

HAPPY MARRYING

Planning: It's been a long time...

I know...I know. It has been a very slow summer for the A Little Bit A' This Blog, my apologies but I have had a lot on my plate this summer (and that's a good thing), and needed to scale back a bit. But I have promised even though I have been a bit M.I.A have not forgotten you all. And to make sure you haven't forgotten me, let's get reacquainted with some new and old "me" facts:

• My name is Camille A. Plummer
• I've been planning events for 5+ years now
• I was born in Jamaica WI ( and go back every year)
• I have developed an insane obsession with feathers
• I love the color Chartreuse
• I love cymbidium and phalaenopsis orchids
• Half open doors and drawers irk me
• I hate the sound of biting into apples or pencils (cringe)
• I obsess over the details
• I am an eager Godmother in waiting (God-daughter Brookie will be here any day now)
• I love to dance...and is darn good at it
• I have been playing mass (think Brazil carnival) in Trinidad for 4 years in a row now and I'm hooked
• Once upon a time I wanted to become a Family and Relationship therapist (I often play one in my everyday life)
• I am a big sap
• I am a Taurus...and YES I can be stubborn
• My ideal client is one that likes to revel in the moment and not in the details
• Next to weddings, baby showers are my favorite event
• I'm an only child (kinda)
• I do not wear watches to tell time...but I will for style
• I love marshmallows
• I truly believe everyone deserves a little bling in life
• I am 5 feet 2 inches tall... (that's my story and I'm sticking to it)
• I hate cab driver seat belts touching my face
• I'm not a yes ma'am. If I'm planning your event, and I think something is tacky...I'm telling you it's tacky.
• I thank GOD every chance I get for all of my successes and not-so-successes. without him I wouldn't be where I am today!

THERE!...now that we have become reacquainted, what have you been up to?

Planning: What To Expect When you are Expecting

Your best friend is engaged and expect you to play an integral part in your wedding...BUT, you just found out you are expecting... NOW WHAT! Well lucky for you, the old wives tail that expectant mothers should not take part in weddings is phooey. But before you say yes to the dress, consider the following:

• Be honest, ensure the bride is fully aware that you are expecting. And if you are NOT comfortable with taking part in the wedding as a pregnant bridesmaid, then say so. There are plenty of ways for you to be a part of the event and show your love without walking down the aisle.
• Be comfortable, do not constrain yourself in a garment that is restricted and does not breathe well. Consider the fabric of the dress and the time of year of the wedding.
• Consider how far along you will be at the time of the wedding. The size you are now, is probably not the size you will be when you walk down the aisle as a bridesmaid. So inform the staff at the bridal salon that you are expecting. They will be knowledgeable enough to guide you in ordering the correct dress in the proper size. They may even suggest waiting until you are in a specific part of your pregnancy before ordering the bridesmaid dress
• Wear comfy shoes. Let's face it, your feet may swell up to the size of a balloon. So comfort is a necessity. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Consider the your due date and the date of the wedding. The wedding day is probably not the time for your to welcome your plus 1

All things considered, if you do decide to take part in the wedding, don't stress over your size or weight or position (easier said than done I know). Just remember you are there for your friend, and it's her moment. She will be sure to return the favor, love and attention when it is your moment...to welcome your beautiful baby boy or girl.

Planning: Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen!

You have a huge support group behind you, in front of you and beside you. Mom is an expert. BFF is an expert. Sister is an expert. EVERYONE is an expert. BUT, are they really all experts? Brides planning weddings on your own (and even non-brides planning other events), I am happy that all your "peeps" are available to lend helping hands, expertise and suggestions. They all mean well, but is EVERYONE on the same page. You have Mom telling you to go left, BFF telling you to go right, and Sister telling you don't go at all. Which way do you go? See how confusing this can be?

If you select to plan your wedding without the assistance of a hired professional, narrow down your pool of "experts". It's confusing enough to have to manage it on your own. That last thing you need, is to have to stop and process everyone else's opinion PLUS your own. After about 2.2 seconds, it become frustrating.

And if you still feel it is necessary to have all these "expert" opinions, bring everyone to the table. Ensure sure you are all on the same page, assign responsibility and ask yourself this:

• Do they see your vision
• Are they committed to helping you carry out YOUR vision to fruition
• Do you have similar taste in decor and design
• Do you work well together under pressure
• Do they have your back...ALWAYS
• Have they assisted with wedding planning before
• Can they handle it if you tell them NO to one of their ideas
• Do they respect YOUR opinion
• Do you respect their opinion in everyday occurrences

If you cannot answer YES to EVERY question, run...don't walk, RUN. Spare yourself the time it would take to decipher the opinions now, so you don't have to deal with it later.

And remember...too many cooks spoil the soup.

Planning: How Much Is Too Much?

How much is too much to drink at your wedding...

If your officiant is thanking you for inviting him to the cocktail hour, reception and wishing you love and happiness throughout your wedding, THEN you stick your tongue in your spouses ear and say "later baby"...
-you have had too much to drink

If you are giving your thank you speech and no one can hear you because you are holding the microphone upside down...
-you have had too much to drink

If you introduce your wife to your cousin she as never met as "what's your name again...I ah ah ah can't ahh do we know each other"...
-you have had too much to drink

If you are about to do the ceremonious cutting of the cake and you start doing the "Do you smell what the Rock is cooking" display...
-you have had too much to drink

If you know you are not receiving the best dancer of the year award and you proceed to entertain your guest with your own rendition of flashdance...complete with chair...
-you have had too much to drink

If you approach your wedding planner to thank her for a job well done by trying to kiss her ON THE MOUTH in front of your wife...
-you have had too much to drink

A wedding is supposed to be an enjoyable special occasion. Don't compromise it by over indulging in drink offers by your friends and guests. I know you don't want to offend anyone by turning down the offer to toss one back for ole' times sake, but you also want to remember your wedding tomorrow. Learn to say thanks for the offer but I have had enough.

You will be glad you did.

Planning: Too Cool for Skool...Part 3

We covered Old Skool and New Skool, now for the final part to this trilogy is Too Cool for Skool.
Here is Brides New York's lists as the Next Big Thing to hit the mainstream:

All White Bridal Party: Agreed This bridal party will look very clean, neat and crisp.

Tangerine/Cobalt Color Scheme: Agreed, This is a powerhouse combo. Great for someone that loves a combustion of color.

Birdcage Veils: Should have been New Skool. These fabulous accessories are making a huge splash in weddings, and every day events. Are you game to wear the heck out of one?

Veggie Centerpieces: Agreed. Now we are not talking about taking the whole farmers market and sticking it in the middle of your centerpiece. What is being referenced is including veggies in the midst of your floral centerpiece to not only give it a splash of color but also texture.

Multiple Wedding Cakes: Agreed, but this too is a bit New Skool. Multiple wedding cakes have been gracing weddings for a bit now. But it hasn't had that big boom as yet that we are seeing in the Candy Stations. But hang tight, it is about to explode

Courtesy of PinkCake Box

Rented Jukebox At the Reception: Agreed

Gruner Veltliner: Agreed. If you are a wine drinker this Austrian white grape wine is one to check out.

Create Your Own Mojito Bar: Agreed, This will pick up where the signature drinks is leaving off.

Gospel Choir At The Ceremony: Agreed, now some of you might be saying that your family has been doing this for years. Well yours might, but not hers. I hope this does catch on. There is a magical feeling when you are serenaded by the lively sounds of a gospel choir. No snoozing at this ceremony.

Bright Colorful Heels Under The Wedding Gown: This too should have been New Skool. Ladies have been stepping outside the white shoe box for a minute now. But I have a feeling this too has some more catching on to do.

PaperCuts: Agreed, this are images cut out of paper by hand or knife. LOVE IT!!! How awesome would it be to have papercut monograms or table numbers.

So what did you think? Do you agree or disagree with this list. Do you have any trends that you would add to the Old Skool, Now Skool or Too Cool for Skool list?

Planning: New Skool...Part 2

We covered the Old Skool now let's take a look at what Brides New York says is New Skool, trends that are taking on the mainstream by any means necessary.

Patterned Bridesmaids Dresses: Agreed and might I add LOVE IT. I am a huge lover of a bold patterned dress with a flattering feminine cut. It's fun, classy and a great way to put some pizzaz into your bridal party.

Portrait Stations: Agreed. What A great way to capture all your guests.

Silhouettes: Agreed. You can use this trend in your favors, your stationary, in your room decor, in just about anything.

Turquoise/Red Combo: Agreed. A very vibrant color combination. Try it before it becomes old skool:)

Pearlescent Paper: Agreed. A little...okay maybe allot... of glitz goes a long way, why not have some glitz in your paper too. My favorite are brown/bronze hues.

Old Fashion Lawn Games: Agreed. Great for outdoor weddings to give your guests an opportunity to partake in a fun and lite sporty event

Candy Buffets: Eh, I still love the candy buffets but I think this trend might be on the verge of aging

Mariachi Bands: Agreed... Ole'

Engagement Shoots: Agreed. This has been around for a while but is still hottt enough to stay out of the Old Skool zone. This is also a great way to capture your love in photo. Use them as eye candy at your wedding for your guests to peruse during cocktail hour or even in your reception.

Are you using any of these trends in your upcoming wedding or event?

Next Stop: Too Cool for Skool

Credits:

Silhouettes: Bird and Banner

Flowers: The Knot

Invite: Zazzle

Dress: The Dessy Group

Planning: The Old Skool...Part 1

While on my mini break that became an extended vaca (my bad) I started catching up on some of my bridal mags and literature. I became engrossed in the fall/winter issue of Brides New York, particularly an article on trends. It lists, what is becoming old skool, new skool and too cool for skool. I want to share the list with you but I will break it into 3 posts. Don’t want to inundate you with TMI (well not all at once at least).

Beginning with the old skool (trends that need to be retired), according to Brides New York, these trends will soon have maxed out on their 15 minutes of fame:

Eco-Everything: Not sure I agree with the fact that it is getting outdated just yet. We still need to be aware of the care and maintenance of our planet in all aspects of our lives.

Wedding Tchotchkes: Agreed. Stop wasting time with doohickeys, whatchamacallits and thingamajigs. It’s not worth the money.

Crazy Brides aka Bridezillas. Agreed. Do you really think it is cute to be referred to as a crazy lunatic who should be institutionalized…really?

Choreographed Group Dancing: Not Agreed. I agree it no longer holds it’s “surprise” factor. But who wouldn’t love to see a choreographed routine featuring hubby in front of 150 of his closest friends who knows he couldn’t dance on beat if you paid him…priceless . The act of him giving it a good faith effort to entertain his guests is enough to keep me interested…for now at least

Colored Sashes: On the fence on this one. I feel if it is used correctly, it can still be a welcomed burst of color.

Pink/Brown: ahhhm okay, not sure this was an "in" trend, but if it was then it is time to move on.

Damask: I completely agree that it is a popular trend, however I am not ready to see this go away just yet.

"At Last": I completely Agree. Although I love this song, it has become a bit over-popularized. But those of you looking to waltz down the aisle or dance your first dance to this song don’t give up yet, give it a minute or two and it will be "new" again.

Pick-up skirts: Agreed... next

Tomorrow, New Skool

Credits:

Invitations courtesy of White Aisle.

Wedding Gown courtesy of My Angels Wear

Planning: Your Bridesmaid-zilla?

While watching re-runs and a new episodes of Bridezilla on WE, we were introduced to a new Bridezilla; Bernie. This is the first marriage for Bernie and the 3rd for her fiancee. Needless to say Bernie is excited and has officially entered full Bridezilla mode. On last night's episode, Bernie handed her bridesmaids a rules of conduct list. While I see where she was going with it, her tact could use some severe buffering. Which is evident in the coming previews showing Bernie loosing attendants left and right. No doubt these women have grown sick of her mess.

Had Bernie taken a course on how to plan a wedding without pissing off your attendants and/or chose attendants who will stick by her through thick and thin and put up with her mess, she may have been able to avoid her current situation. Bernie obviously felt that becoming one of her bridesmaids was such an honor that they would be more than cooperative of her nonsense. She was obviously misled. The ring is not an invitation to be rude, nor is it an excuse to put up with someones rudeness.

I often see brides so frustrated with their attendants and often have to say, "is she acting any differently than she used to act"? For instance:

1) Has she proven herself to be completely un-supportive of you and your aspirations?
2) Is she notorious for being late?
3) Is she confrontational?
4) Is she usually disrespectful of your decisions?
5) Has she been un-supportive of your relationship with your fiancee during the courtship?
6) Has she been an attendant in a prior wedding and cause a ruckus for that bride?
7) Is she a spoiled brat?
8) Does she have a full social calender and often put those activities before you?
9) Is she jealous of your success?
10) Does she ignore you when you have a meltdown?

If you have answered more than 40% of the preceding questions with YES, allot of the time, or let me think about it, then you need to rethink the structure of your bridal party or make her a second usher.

Just because you become suddenly engaged, it doesn't mean that your "friends" are going to suddenly buck-up and begin showing up on time, putting your needs first and dealing with your attitude. They are going to show the same behaviors that they have shown you before. As far as they are concerned nothing is different. And in most situations, the negative behaviors may escalate, because now they are in full competition mode due to your escalating Bridezilla-ness.

So, do yourself a favor, and before you elect them to your highest honor, ensure they are the correct person for the roll. You have enough to deal with, the last thing you need is an attendant that doesn't care about putting your needs first.

Have you had to deal with an unruly attendant? How did you handle it?

Planning: They Mean Well?

FINALLY!!! Your engaged and well into planning mode. You have selected the venue, the ceremony site, your vision and your bridal party. You are set and on a roll. BUT before you can get too excited, reality sets in. Mom, cousin, sister, auntie, soon to be MIL all of a sudden has OPINIONS and SUGGESTIONS...arrrrgh.

I know I know. At first maybe you think it is cute because they are all so excited about the upcoming nuptials but that cuteness wears off very quickly. And before you become labeled as a first class, grade A B*%#! ...Bridezilla, and flip out, take a step back and assess the situation. They really mean well, and are not purposely trying to piss you off or add to your stress ( well most of them at least). They truly deep deep deep deep down think they are doing you a favor and helping out. So try to hold back on the yelling, screaming, eye and neck rolling, finger wagging and try another approach. For Instance:

Let's say you choose pink and lilac as your color scheme but your mom says she thinks yellowish gold would be a nicer color:

What you want to say: (insert neck roll) It is my wedding I'm gonna do what I want and besides gold is too old fashion for me.

What mom wants to hear: Yellowish gold, perfrect. Why didn't I think of that.

What you should say: Thanks for the suggestion mom but the gold may not work with the vision I have for the ceremony and venue, but I will consider it though.

Or for instance, one of your bridesmaids says she hates the dress you picked out:

What you want to say: (insert finger wave) Look heffa, if you are going to be in my wedding you are going to wear what I want you to wear and that is final.

What she wants to hear: Okay let's get you a dress that you want.

What you should say: Really, you do not like the dress? I picked this particular dress because it shows off that sexy back of yours and you always look AMAZING in purple. Girl you know no one can work a strapless like you can...heeeeeeey (wink).

Or, let's say your soon to be MIL has been taking cake decorating classes at Michael's and insists that she bakes your wedding cake.

What you want to say: (insert eye roll and neck roll combo) Heeeeeeeeeel no, I have seen your baking skills and trust me, you are no Betty Crocker.

What she wants to hear: That would be great!!! Of course you can bake our wedding cake. Thanks Mom.

What you should say:That is such a wonderful offer, but unfortunately I have already paid for the cake and my payment is non-refundable. But you can bake the cake for the rehearsal dinner or Bridal Party brunch.

And what if your fiance suggests having Applebee's (your favorite neighborhood restaurant) cater your wedding.

What you want to say: Hell No!

What he wants to hear: Sure honey, Great idea.

What you should say: Hell No!!

You see, there is always a bad, good and better way to address these "opinions" and "suggestions". So before you prepare to extend the finger on the right hand as the left hand is perched on your left hip, and you begin to loosen up that neck of yours, remember they mean well. Most of the time.

Planning: Use YOUR voice

Recently I have been in discussions with a few vendors for services for an upcoming wedding. One vendor in particular (who's name and industry I will withhold for obvious reasons) was holding steadfast to rates in their respective field. I truly understood the position that was taken as we in the service business have to maintain a threshold where we feel we are not providing our services for free. But I also understood that my client's position is sticking to the budget. The service fees quoted was a few hundred out of our budget and neither was willing to fold...not yet at least.

Realizing I was getting nowhere with this particular vendor, I decided to switch it up a bit. Instead of continuing to negotiate for lower rates, I began to inquire into additional services/amenities they may be willing to offer to cushion the blow to the wallet. Being that this vendor was such a stickler I neeeeeeeeeeeever thought we were going to get anywhere with this, but surprisingly enough, we both reach a satisfactory agreement. We were offered not one but TWO extra amenities with an approximate value of $350...yeahhh. I am still in shock over this one.

By using my (our) voice, I was able to secure amenities for my client that would have never been received had I not asked. In the end, we spent a little extra here but save far more over there thus still rendering us under budget.

During your conversations with vendors/service providers, always remember to listen to your inner voice and use your outer voice. SPEAK UP!!! You may not always win (by no means am I suggesting that my situation is the norm) however, if you don't try anything you are running the risk of losing out on something...spectacular.

Remember, those in the service business want to make money, and unless you are asking for something totally unrealistic and ridiculous, you two are probably going to walk away from the table reaching a happy medium.

Oh, before I go, ALWAYS make sure all of your additional perks and amenities are clearly stated in your service contract. I would hate for you to be stuck with a vendor that has a sudden case of amnesia.