-- The Wedding Planning Experts at JuJu Lee Events Presents --

-- The Wedding Planning Experts at JuJu Lee Events Presents --

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The Average Wedding Now Costs $30,000!*

*Source: https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost

So you think you want to plan and run your own wedding yourself?

Great, you totally can!

But unless you take the time to educate yourself on what to expect, what to consider, how to allocate your budget, how to construct a timeline for your day-of, how to get all your vendors on the same page, what can go wrong, and how to make it all go right, etc., etc.,…. you’d be setting yourself up for failure.

Fear not, we got you covered.

Hi, Amy Stefanik here, founder of JuJu Lee Events. Having planned, designed, and executed hundreds of weddings and events (we currently have 105 weddings on our books), at dozens and dozens of different venues, in multiple states, I can tell you…

When it comes to planning your own wedding, you just don’t know what you don’t know.

There’s nothing wrong with that - it’s to be expected.

I totally get being constrained by a budget for your big day, but that doesn’t mean you should have to settle for anything less than amazing.

We feel every couple deserves the wedding of their dreams.

So if you’ll allow me, I want to use my and my team's expertise and experience to help you have it all go smoothly (let’s face it, the last thing you want is for your wedding to be memorable for all the wrong reasons).

Just like I did recently for a friend of mine that reached out for advice before planning her own wedding.

“Amy, as you know Mike and I are engaged and I’m thinking about planning my own wedding,” she said.

“We just don’t have it in the budget to hire your team, but any advice you could lend would be greatly appreciated…”

Here is my response:

The first thing to consider after the proposal is the venue. There are a lot out there and it can be very overwhelming, exhausting even, trying to find the one that fits your needs.

Regardless of budget, there are a few things you need to consider when it comes to the venue, such as:

• What does the venue include?
• Will you have to rent tables and chairs or do they provide them?
• For how long do you have access to the venue?
• Will you need to get ready at a separate location or do they have accommodations there?
• Do you have to use their vendors?
• Does the venue require you to use their caterer and alcohol package? This is a big one because you could be looking at an additional 10k at a minimum.

If you are working with a budget, then you typically want to choose a venue that will allow you to bring in your own vendors.

After the venue is chosen, you will want to focus on booking the vendors that book out the quickest. These include your DJ, photographer, and videographer along with your caterer.

When you review your videographer and/or photographer packages, make sure you book at least an eight-hour package. You will want them to capture everything from pre-ceremony photos, like setting up, hair & makeup, etc. through the ceremony, to post-ceremony fun like cake-cutting, bouquet toss, dancing, and whatever other foolishness and nonsense that may ensue.

If you go with less than 8 hours, like a six-hour package, it will cut into the prime items you want captured. Remember, the hours you book are consecutive - you can’t just have them shoot for a few hours, take a few hours off, and then shoot some more lol.

Okay, so let's talk about food. Your caterer is the second most expensive vendor, and for good reason. You are typically feeding everyone twice - once at cocktail hour and then again at the reception.

Keep it simple. I know “stations” (like coffee bar stations, ice cream stations, etc.) sound fun, but they add cost not only for the food, but for staffing and decor as well. Going “plated” also has staffing costs.

You can cut down on these extra costs by doing a buffet.

Do not get your linens, flatware, and other rentals through your caterer as this will also add unnecessary costs to the bottom line. There are rental companies that will do this for a lot cheaper. Most caterers would just be outsourcing these items and up-charging you anyway.

After you have checked off securing these vendors, then you can dive into design, which includes your florals and any additional decor rentals (like lighting and signage) you may need.

Florals can get costly, but silk (fake) flowers are not necessarily cheaper. Look into your local wholesale markets where you can buy individual flowers in bulk and then put together your own centerpieces. This will save you a ton!

The typical places for florals are your tables, arbor, and of course your bouquets and boutonnieres. Some wholesale markets will put these items together for you - just ask!

Your rentals are next to check off your to-do list.

You will need table linens and trust me, you do not want to purchase these yourself. Linens come shipped very wrinkled and an iron and/or steamer do not work. Ask me how I know lol.

So to get the wrinkles out, you’ll need to take them to get pressed after purchase so you end up spending more than just renting them.

You can get your plates, glasses, and flatware through Amazon or at your local Dollar Tree type stores.  Search for acrylic items that look real but will save you hundreds over glass, porcelain, or ceramic.

Lastly, let's get your cake.

There are so many options when it comes to sweets. You can do an assorted cookie table, a cutting cake, cupcakes, or you can go traditional and get your three-tiered wedding-style cake.

I know this might sound like the perfect time to call up a favor from a baker in the family, but unfortunately every venue I've ever worked with requires anyone who serves food (and alcohol) to be licensed and insured.

I have found local grocery stores like Publix to be a tremendous asset for cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. They truly are a hidden gem when you are on a budget. Their cakes and treats are amazing and they can decorate a wedding cake like a pro and at a fixed cost - usually at least half the price of a bakery.

We’re all for shopping local, but avoid local independent shops for your sweets. It’s like they hear the word “wedding” in front of your requested items and suddenly the cost shoots up 10-fold.

On the day of your wedding, you will need a pre-set timeline and someone to keep everyone on schedule. It’s important that this is NOT someone in your wedding party. You can ask your DJ or photographer if they can keep you on track but someone needs to lead the show.

Finally, be sure to keep in mind when everyone has to be out of the venue as you will want to allot time for cleanup. You might get charged extra if you go over time and/or leave things untidy.

Hope this helps!

“Wow, thank you so much!”

I knew it was as detailed as I could really get without writing a whole book. I just felt so bad for her because, although there was a lot of great advice in what I shared with her, it wasn’t enough to ensure everything went as smoothly as I knew we’d make it.

So, I sat down with my team and asked, “what else could we do to help her and also others that were in a similar situation?”

After putting our heads together and brainstorming on all the extras we could provide to help her plan and run her wedding as well as possible (short of us actually being there)...

We finally did it.

It's Like Having Our Team Coach You On Your Wedding

"We believe everybody deserves a great wedding planner for their special day, but we also understand not everyone can afford our team.  This is why we've created our DIY Wedding Planning Blueprint.  You get the expertise of our entire team and years of experience from hundreds of weddings packed into one blueprint to plan and run your wedding like we would."

Julia Tracy, Partner
JuJu Lee Events

Founder & Lead Planner

Hi! I'm Amy Stefanik, Co-Founder of Juju Lee Events. I'm a mother of three, the wife of 20 years to a lifelong entrepreneur, a published author, retreat host, and wedding planner.  I started my event planning journey years ago  starting with wellness retreats and eventually landed in the wedding space.

I am here to keep everything running smoothly for our couples and to make sure everyone has the most magical Juju Lee experience!

Partner & Lead Designer

Hi! I'm Julia Tracy, Co-Founder of Juju Lee Events and the daughter to our mother-daughter duo. I began planning weddings with Amy a few years ago when my husband was in the Marines. Once we were able to come home we
partnered to make Juju Lee what it is today.

I lead the wedding design team and my passion is to take your vision and make it a reality! Whether it's Boho chic,  Great Gatsby glam, or something else I will pull it all together with my amazing team of vendors and designers.

Director of Entertainment

Hey Travis Bizzell here!  I started my DJ career in the mid 90’s in NYC. After relocating to Charlotte and holding down residencies in many area clubs and nightlife spots, I turned my focus to the Private Event Space.  

As Executive Event Director, I am the liason between the client and the hired entertainment.  My FMG Event Company now performs at over 200 weddings, corporate, private and charity events yearly.

I also still DJ for over 100 events per year, but in the past couple of years I have been helping other entrepreneurs find their passion by consulting, creating and managing digital media, recording podcasts and producing videos.

Planner, Decorator

Hi, I’m Kathleen! I am an event coordinator and administrative assistant for Juju Lee Events. You can expect a welcome email + thank you card from me when you join our “bride tribe,” as well as regular communications in our private, members-only Facebook group.

Originally from upstate NY + an alum from Xavier University in OH, I can confidently say the south has my heart! My professional educator background combined with my passion and experience working hands-on with so many families + people make me a supportive, organized, and responsive wedding and event coordinator. As a bride-to-be myself, I can truly understand your needs + wishes to make your day perfect for you!

Empowerment through Knowledge

Our DIY Wedding Planning Blueprint puts you in the driver's seat, providing you with a wealth of insider tips, industry secrets, and expert advice. No longer will you feel overwhelmed by the endless options and decisions. You'll gain a deep understanding of every aspect of wedding planning, from budgeting and vendor selection to timeline creation and decor.


Save Time and Money

Weddings can quickly become expensive affairs, but with our blueprint, you'll learn how to plan your wedding without breaking the bank. According to industry data, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $30,000. However, by leveraging the insights and strategies in our blueprint, you'll discover how to achieve your dream wedding while staying within your desired budget. We'll show you how to make informed decisions, helping you allocate your resources efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.


Personalization at Its Best

Your wedding day should reflect your love story and unique personality. With our blueprint, you'll master the art of personalization, ensuring that every detail resonates with you and your partner. From selecting a theme that captures your essence to incorporating meaningful elements into your ceremony and reception, we'll guide you every step of the way to create an unforgettable experience.


Stress-Free Planning

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Our blueprint takes you on a well-organized journey, breaking down the planning process into manageable steps – from 12 months out all the way to your wedding day and every important time frame in between. We'll provide you with detailed checklists, timelines, and templates, so you can stay organized and stress-free throughout the entire planning process. With our guidance, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the journey, and focus on creating beautiful memories.

Vendor Connections

Finding reliable and talented vendors can be a daunting task. With our DIY Wedding Planning Blueprint, you'll learn how to discover trusted vendors in your area, vetting professionals who value excellence, reliability, and exceptional service. You'll save countless hours of research and connect with vendors who will bring your wedding vision to life.


Creative Inspiration

Spark your imagination and uncover endless possibilities with our blueprint's creative inspiration section. We'll introduce you to the latest trends, innovative ideas, and unique concepts that will make your wedding stand out. Whether you're envisioning an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom extravaganza, our blueprint will inspire you to dream big and create an event that is truly unforgettable.

Expert Support

We understand that questions and doubts may arise along the way, and that's why our blueprint comes with access to our private, members-only community on Facebook. Our wedding planning experts are just a post away, ready to provide personalized guidance, answer your queries, and offer solutions to any challenges you may encounter during your planning journey.

Imagine the feeling of confidence as you embark on your wedding planning adventure, armed with a comprehensive blueprint that provides you with all the knowledge, tools, and support you need. Picture the smile on your partner's face as they see their vision come to life, and the joy of your loved ones as they celebrate your union in a beautifully crafted setting.

With our "DIY Wedding Planning Blueprint," you have the power to create the wedding of your dreams. Don't let overwhelm or uncertainty hold you back. Take control of your wedding planning journey and unlock a world of possibilities.

Invest in your wedding vision today and join the countless couples who have successfully planned their weddings with confidence and joy. Let our blueprint be your guiding light, empowering you to create a celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Because your love story deserves the perfect wedding.

...And start planning your wedding like a pro.

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Like I said, I wanted to make sure we provide you with everything we can...
to help ensure you plan and execute your wedding day as well as possible...

That we've also created and are including the following:

For over a decade, the team at JuJu Lee Events have been helping clients create beautiful experiences.  If you are looking to enjoy an unforgettable retreat, celebrate a memorable life event, or create the wedding of your dreams, we have you covered.    Contact us today and let's make magic happen together.

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