We all know the saying "You can't please everyone"! While that may be true, these types of guest criticisms are easily avoided by careful planning -- and addressing them now will make everyone's memories of your wedding day so much nicer.
1. The DJ was obnoxious or played lousy music. Find the best wedding DJ available using recommendations from other brides and the advice of wedding industry professionals.
2. The music was TOO LOUD. Again, hire a great DJ who is experienced and focused on creating a fantastic overall experience for you and your guests. Other suggestions to avoid this common complaint: Move tables and chairs away from speakers and seat older guests further from the sound equipment.
3. Speeches were TOO LONG and we couldn't decipher the words. Keep speeches under five minutes. Ideally, they should last between two and five minutes. A good DJ will spend a few moments with each person making a toast or speech, teaching him or her how to correctly operate and speak into the microphone. He will also use a quality microphone!
4. We didn't know anyone at our table. Take the time to carefully plan your seating arrangement, placing guests at tables with others they know. They don’t have to be fast friends, just acquaintances or people with some kind of connection. Try to seat out-of-town guests, who aren't likely to know anyone, with others having similar interests.
5. I resented paying a dollar to dance with the bride. Unless it’s a long-standing family tradition, and you will offend someone if you break the ritual, the dollar dance is best forgotten.
6. We stood forever in the receiving line. The bride & groom, and their parents are the only required greeters. Better yet, couples should instead consider visiting individual tables during or immediately following dinner. (See #10 below)
7. We had too much time to "kill" between the ceremony and reception. Out-of-town guests are often at a loss for ways to fill the time between a two o'clock wedding and a six o'clock reception. Try to keep the down time to a minimum. When it isn't possible to hold the events within an hour or so of each other, ask the hall if it will open its doors early for your visiting guests (and ask them if there’s a charge). Other options include asking relatives or close friends to invite them to their home for a light snack, or arranging a hospitality suite for them at their hotel.
8. The centerpiece was so large that I couldn't see or talk to guests seated across the table. Smaller, shorter arrangements are best. Your centerpiece shouldn't be the center of attention (or main topic of conversation) at the table.
9. I was offended that I had to pay for drinks. Open bars are the accepted norm. If your budget is tight, offer wine and beer only -- or limit drink choices to “call” brands. You can also close the bar during the dinner hour to save on costs.
10. The bride and groom didn't stop by to say hello. Make the rounds of guest tables at your reception, but don’t spend too much time at each. A quick greeting, thank you or compliment will suffice.
11. I was never thanked for my gift! Share this task with your husband. Divide your list, write your notes at the same time, and make a pact to finish a certain number every night until they are finished. Dangle a carrot in front of your noses. When the last note is FINALLY written, reward yourselves with a special bottle of wine or dinner out. It is customary to mail thank-you notes within three months. You don’t want to wait that long for your carrot anyway, do you?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wedding Budgeting 101
Wedding Budgeting 101
Weddings are suppose to be a joyful time in our life, but for many people, they turn out to be a costly nightmare! However, this does not have to be the case at all. In fact, there are tons of different wedding budget ideas out their that you can use to get the most out of your wedding without having to spend an arm and a leg. A wedding budget is also a good way to make sure that you do not go to over the top with planning the wedding. After all, you are starting a new life with the person you love, and you don't want to start off that life in debt because of your wedding! Today we are going to cover a few wedding budget ideas that could save you a ton of money but still give you that wedding you have always dreamed of.
Sample Wedding Budget Ideas that you can use:
•First of all, you already know that flowers can make or break a wedding. However, that does not mean that you have to hire someone to make your flower arrangements. Online you can find tons of different flower arrangements that you can do yourself. After finding the flower arrangement that is right for you (weather it's with fake or real plants), you can gather friends and family together to help you make them. Budget wedding flowers like these can save you tons of money on your wedding.
•The next budget wedding idea has to do with planning your wedding during an off peak season. There are some seasons that are always loaded with weddings. During these times, the prices of popular vendors are going to go through the roof. However, if you can get married during off months, like November through April, then you are going to get a much better deal on services.
•A wedding budget is not complete without a wedding coordinator. When people think of a wedding coordinator, they think of extra expenses. However, wedding coordinators of today can help you by keeping you within a budget that you need. Not only can they help you stay within the budget you have set, but they can help you plan everything, which will take stress off of you.
•Another very costly thing at weddings is the bar. There are many companies that you can hire that will set up a “five hour bar” for you. This is a bar that serves drinks for five hours. Normally this is long enough to get people through the party. However, a great alternative to this is to use a budget bar. This is where you have a bar set up where people can just grab beer or wine all night long. Maybe for an hour you will serve cocktails, but mostly it will just be the beer and wine. Also, champagne punch is always a very classy touch if that is what you are looking for. It allows you to be a little classy without having to spend too much money.
•Next you have to note that a wedding budget can not be put together if you wait until the last minute, meaning that you don't need to put tasks off until the last second. Start planning early. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared. You may also note that this helps you to be more relaxed about the wedding.
•Another good task to give you the feeling that you are saving money is to pay ahead of time for things. Do not wait until the wedding day to pay for everything at once. Although you are really still paying the full price, it will feel like you are spending less money, because you are paying for it a little at a time. This helps out more than people know.
•Next, be sure that you are on a realistic track! It is one thing to tell people what you “want” for your wedding and another thing all together to tell people what you “need” for your wedding. Cover the things that you need first, and find out how much it will be before you get into ordering things that you want.
•Another good tip for budget weddings is to have place card favors. This is a great way to tell people thanks for coming to the wedding without having to spend a lot of money. After all, wedding favors should not have to break your bank.
Overall, when it comes to weddings, you want to be debt free by the end of it, or at least not add any more debt to what you already have. You want your wedding to be a fun day, and a day that you remember because you married the person of your dreams, not because you went further into debt!
Weddings are suppose to be a joyful time in our life, but for many people, they turn out to be a costly nightmare! However, this does not have to be the case at all. In fact, there are tons of different wedding budget ideas out their that you can use to get the most out of your wedding without having to spend an arm and a leg. A wedding budget is also a good way to make sure that you do not go to over the top with planning the wedding. After all, you are starting a new life with the person you love, and you don't want to start off that life in debt because of your wedding! Today we are going to cover a few wedding budget ideas that could save you a ton of money but still give you that wedding you have always dreamed of.
Sample Wedding Budget Ideas that you can use:
•First of all, you already know that flowers can make or break a wedding. However, that does not mean that you have to hire someone to make your flower arrangements. Online you can find tons of different flower arrangements that you can do yourself. After finding the flower arrangement that is right for you (weather it's with fake or real plants), you can gather friends and family together to help you make them. Budget wedding flowers like these can save you tons of money on your wedding.
•The next budget wedding idea has to do with planning your wedding during an off peak season. There are some seasons that are always loaded with weddings. During these times, the prices of popular vendors are going to go through the roof. However, if you can get married during off months, like November through April, then you are going to get a much better deal on services.
•A wedding budget is not complete without a wedding coordinator. When people think of a wedding coordinator, they think of extra expenses. However, wedding coordinators of today can help you by keeping you within a budget that you need. Not only can they help you stay within the budget you have set, but they can help you plan everything, which will take stress off of you.
•Another very costly thing at weddings is the bar. There are many companies that you can hire that will set up a “five hour bar” for you. This is a bar that serves drinks for five hours. Normally this is long enough to get people through the party. However, a great alternative to this is to use a budget bar. This is where you have a bar set up where people can just grab beer or wine all night long. Maybe for an hour you will serve cocktails, but mostly it will just be the beer and wine. Also, champagne punch is always a very classy touch if that is what you are looking for. It allows you to be a little classy without having to spend too much money.
•Next you have to note that a wedding budget can not be put together if you wait until the last minute, meaning that you don't need to put tasks off until the last second. Start planning early. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared. You may also note that this helps you to be more relaxed about the wedding.
•Another good task to give you the feeling that you are saving money is to pay ahead of time for things. Do not wait until the wedding day to pay for everything at once. Although you are really still paying the full price, it will feel like you are spending less money, because you are paying for it a little at a time. This helps out more than people know.
•Next, be sure that you are on a realistic track! It is one thing to tell people what you “want” for your wedding and another thing all together to tell people what you “need” for your wedding. Cover the things that you need first, and find out how much it will be before you get into ordering things that you want.
•Another good tip for budget weddings is to have place card favors. This is a great way to tell people thanks for coming to the wedding without having to spend a lot of money. After all, wedding favors should not have to break your bank.
Overall, when it comes to weddings, you want to be debt free by the end of it, or at least not add any more debt to what you already have. You want your wedding to be a fun day, and a day that you remember because you married the person of your dreams, not because you went further into debt!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Great Video Coverage for YOUR Wedding!!
Tools & Tips for Video Coverage of Your Wedding Day
Everything is perfect: Your family and friends are seated comfortably, the flowers look divine, the music is being played in key, and you know the caterers are busy making sure the food for the reception afterwards is scrumptious. The only thing left to do now is walk down the isle and wed the person of your dreams. Off you go!
Nightmare of all nightmares! You are sitting at the head table and the only reason you know you actually got married is because there is a gold band on your finger! You were so nervous and excited all at once that your mind is drawing a complete blank. All the effort, the planning, the endless sacrifices all year long and you don't have a single recollection of how things went. Yikes.
There is insurance against this all-to-common wedding amnesia: A wedding video! It will bring you, your family and friends, countless evenings of enjoyment and recollection simply at the flick of your remote control. The cost will be nominal and a professional video will bring you countless years of enjoyment.
The best person to entrust with capturing your special day is a professional Wedding-Videographer. The old saying that "A hammer does not a carpenter make" is good to remember when hiring a professional to film your wedding. The best person to ask for advice on this is your Wedding Planner. They will have a Videographer that they trust enough to put their name to so that you will have one less thing to worry about. It's It is after all, their job. If you are planning your own wedding, here are ten questions you should ask to ensure that you pick the best Videographer for the big day:
1. Video cameras are not all the same. Hi8 or DV provide a higher quality than the standard camcorder. Some of the best digital units include the Sony VX 2000 and the Canon XL1.
2. 3-chip CCD cameras will have the best Digital quality. You don't need to know what it means other than "the best possible chipset for the best possible image."
3. Ask to view a "wedding video sample" tape. This will give you an idea of what the quality will be like when you get yours.
4. Do they use wireless microphones? If they do, great, if they don't ask them to get one.
5. Is the Videographer unobtrusive? They should be.
6. What do they dress while filming? Make sure they dress neat and tidy. Blue jeans are NOT acceptable wedding-wear.
7. What back up equipment do they have? It should be comparable in quality to the original.
8. Price?? Most Videographers have several packages. Choose the one that fits within your budget and captures what you desire.
9. Do they use 1 camera or 2?. If 2 cameras is the second operator an extra charge?
10. Bookings? Make sure you give them specific instructions for time, place. Also, be sure to check with the church, Priest, hall, etc., to find out if they have any rules regarding filming of weddings.
Once these questions have been answered to your complete satisfaction you'll be well on your way to hiring the best possible professional to film the big day.
If you decide that a Videographer is simply not within your wedding budget you can still take some action to ensure that you get an acceptable "home video" of your Wedding. Everybody and their Uncle has a home video camera nowadays (we've all had to suffer through their personal movies at one time or another). As you know, having a camera is not enough to make a movie. If that was the case Hollywood would be out of business by now. Here are some tips to help your Uncle Jim or your Cousin Sally to film a video that will bring you tears of joy instead of making you cringe every time your throw it in the VCR:
1. Try to use a Digital or Hi-8 camera. The quality will be drastically improved when transferring or copying for friends and family.
2. Make sure they have a Tripod. This will reduce unwanted motion and save you and your friends from being queasy when you watch the finished product on TV.
3. Do not "zoom" in or out while filming. Do all "zooming" while the camera is NOT recording. If they want to switch from a wide shot to a close up, stop the camera from filming between transitions. All the professionals do this.
4. Be sure to scope out the best possible spot for the camera ahead of time. It should be in a spot that is unobtrusive but can also capture the bride's walk down the isle and ceremony without having to move the tripod & camera.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Be sure to film some "practice" runs before the actual ceremony. This will ensure that the person doing the filming will be ready to capture things in the heat of the moment without any worries or mistakes.
Again, I cannot recommend enough that the best way to capture your wedding on Video is to hire a professional. That being said, the tips above should give you a quality home video that you and yours will enjoy again and again. Professionally shot or captured by a reliable friend or relative, a Wedding Video will bring back all the feelings and wonder that you were too busy to remember on the special day itself!
Everything is perfect: Your family and friends are seated comfortably, the flowers look divine, the music is being played in key, and you know the caterers are busy making sure the food for the reception afterwards is scrumptious. The only thing left to do now is walk down the isle and wed the person of your dreams. Off you go!
Nightmare of all nightmares! You are sitting at the head table and the only reason you know you actually got married is because there is a gold band on your finger! You were so nervous and excited all at once that your mind is drawing a complete blank. All the effort, the planning, the endless sacrifices all year long and you don't have a single recollection of how things went. Yikes.
There is insurance against this all-to-common wedding amnesia: A wedding video! It will bring you, your family and friends, countless evenings of enjoyment and recollection simply at the flick of your remote control. The cost will be nominal and a professional video will bring you countless years of enjoyment.
The best person to entrust with capturing your special day is a professional Wedding-Videographer. The old saying that "A hammer does not a carpenter make" is good to remember when hiring a professional to film your wedding. The best person to ask for advice on this is your Wedding Planner. They will have a Videographer that they trust enough to put their name to so that you will have one less thing to worry about. It's It is after all, their job. If you are planning your own wedding, here are ten questions you should ask to ensure that you pick the best Videographer for the big day:
1. Video cameras are not all the same. Hi8 or DV provide a higher quality than the standard camcorder. Some of the best digital units include the Sony VX 2000 and the Canon XL1.
2. 3-chip CCD cameras will have the best Digital quality. You don't need to know what it means other than "the best possible chipset for the best possible image."
3. Ask to view a "wedding video sample" tape. This will give you an idea of what the quality will be like when you get yours.
4. Do they use wireless microphones? If they do, great, if they don't ask them to get one.
5. Is the Videographer unobtrusive? They should be.
6. What do they dress while filming? Make sure they dress neat and tidy. Blue jeans are NOT acceptable wedding-wear.
7. What back up equipment do they have? It should be comparable in quality to the original.
8. Price?? Most Videographers have several packages. Choose the one that fits within your budget and captures what you desire.
9. Do they use 1 camera or 2?. If 2 cameras is the second operator an extra charge?
10. Bookings? Make sure you give them specific instructions for time, place. Also, be sure to check with the church, Priest, hall, etc., to find out if they have any rules regarding filming of weddings.
Once these questions have been answered to your complete satisfaction you'll be well on your way to hiring the best possible professional to film the big day.
If you decide that a Videographer is simply not within your wedding budget you can still take some action to ensure that you get an acceptable "home video" of your Wedding. Everybody and their Uncle has a home video camera nowadays (we've all had to suffer through their personal movies at one time or another). As you know, having a camera is not enough to make a movie. If that was the case Hollywood would be out of business by now. Here are some tips to help your Uncle Jim or your Cousin Sally to film a video that will bring you tears of joy instead of making you cringe every time your throw it in the VCR:
1. Try to use a Digital or Hi-8 camera. The quality will be drastically improved when transferring or copying for friends and family.
2. Make sure they have a Tripod. This will reduce unwanted motion and save you and your friends from being queasy when you watch the finished product on TV.
3. Do not "zoom" in or out while filming. Do all "zooming" while the camera is NOT recording. If they want to switch from a wide shot to a close up, stop the camera from filming between transitions. All the professionals do this.
4. Be sure to scope out the best possible spot for the camera ahead of time. It should be in a spot that is unobtrusive but can also capture the bride's walk down the isle and ceremony without having to move the tripod & camera.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Be sure to film some "practice" runs before the actual ceremony. This will ensure that the person doing the filming will be ready to capture things in the heat of the moment without any worries or mistakes.
Again, I cannot recommend enough that the best way to capture your wedding on Video is to hire a professional. That being said, the tips above should give you a quality home video that you and yours will enjoy again and again. Professionally shot or captured by a reliable friend or relative, a Wedding Video will bring back all the feelings and wonder that you were too busy to remember on the special day itself!
Friday, October 2, 2009
FUN Lingerie Bridal Showers!
Bridal Showers are fun, girly events and having a shower with a theme makes it that much more exciting.
A really fun, sexy theme is a lingerie bridal shower--it can be as risqué or played down as you like. Lingerie themes especially work for a smaller event with close girlfriends vs a huge guest list where not many people know one another.
Here are some ideas on how to make your lingerie bridal shower a success:
Dress code: Decide whether or not you want your guests to all where lingerie and set some guidelines--maybe you want everyone to come in their favorite leopard print or hot pink, maybe you want all your guests to wear a nightie or baby doll to have it a little more covered up. Also you may want to set perimeters on how risqué you want the outfits to be. Keep in mind, you can have a lingerie shower without actually having your guests wear lingerie. You don't have to list a dress code and instead the bridesmaids and bride can be the ones wearing lingerie.
Decorations: This can be funny or intimate and romantic. If you're going for funny, consider hanging different colors and styles of bras from the ceiling. If you want a more romantic feel, dark roses and candles are an excellent choice, consider tealight candles surrounding a vase of roses. Or fill a glass bowl with water and top it with floating candles and sprinkle some rose petals and tealights around it. Deep colors like red, deep purple and even a classic black work nicely--try to choose satin and silk fabrics for linens. Dim lighting and candles will make the ambience just right.
Food: A chocolate fondue with strawberries for dipping is a great choice, bite size sandwiches and exotic drinks like pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris will make for a perfect lingerie theme spread.
Games: "Guess Whose Lingerie This is!" In the invitation ask each guest to bring one item from their lingerie drawer. Have the host collect each person's lingerie at the door and put them in a basket. Than when it's time to play the host or the bride will pull out each one and the guests will have to guess who's it is and give 1 example of why they think it's that person's--this will make everyone learn a lot about each other and can be played just for fun or as an icebreaker.
Party Favors: Don't forget to send your guests home with something to remember the event with. Personalized Bridal Shower Favors are an excellent choice; you can pick one with a lingerie design and have it personalized to say whatever you would like. Or select a bridal shower favor that matches the decor or the bride's personality.
Remember to be as creative as you like and to be sure to get the bride's input, you certainly don't want the bride to be uncomfortable, plus she'll have a pulse on what the guests are like.
Have fun planning!
A really fun, sexy theme is a lingerie bridal shower--it can be as risqué or played down as you like. Lingerie themes especially work for a smaller event with close girlfriends vs a huge guest list where not many people know one another.
Here are some ideas on how to make your lingerie bridal shower a success:
Dress code: Decide whether or not you want your guests to all where lingerie and set some guidelines--maybe you want everyone to come in their favorite leopard print or hot pink, maybe you want all your guests to wear a nightie or baby doll to have it a little more covered up. Also you may want to set perimeters on how risqué you want the outfits to be. Keep in mind, you can have a lingerie shower without actually having your guests wear lingerie. You don't have to list a dress code and instead the bridesmaids and bride can be the ones wearing lingerie.
Decorations: This can be funny or intimate and romantic. If you're going for funny, consider hanging different colors and styles of bras from the ceiling. If you want a more romantic feel, dark roses and candles are an excellent choice, consider tealight candles surrounding a vase of roses. Or fill a glass bowl with water and top it with floating candles and sprinkle some rose petals and tealights around it. Deep colors like red, deep purple and even a classic black work nicely--try to choose satin and silk fabrics for linens. Dim lighting and candles will make the ambience just right.
Food: A chocolate fondue with strawberries for dipping is a great choice, bite size sandwiches and exotic drinks like pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris will make for a perfect lingerie theme spread.
Games: "Guess Whose Lingerie This is!" In the invitation ask each guest to bring one item from their lingerie drawer. Have the host collect each person's lingerie at the door and put them in a basket. Than when it's time to play the host or the bride will pull out each one and the guests will have to guess who's it is and give 1 example of why they think it's that person's--this will make everyone learn a lot about each other and can be played just for fun or as an icebreaker.
Party Favors: Don't forget to send your guests home with something to remember the event with. Personalized Bridal Shower Favors are an excellent choice; you can pick one with a lingerie design and have it personalized to say whatever you would like. Or select a bridal shower favor that matches the decor or the bride's personality.
Remember to be as creative as you like and to be sure to get the bride's input, you certainly don't want the bride to be uncomfortable, plus she'll have a pulse on what the guests are like.
Have fun planning!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wedding Cake Do's and Dont's
Wedding Cakes - Do's and Dont's
You spent several hundred dollars for a beautiful and elaborate wedding cake, a replica of one that you saw in a magazine. Everyone remarks on how pretty it is, and you are delighted. Then, a half hour into the reception, just as you are beginning to relax and enjoy yourself, your coordinator tells you that the cake is starting to collapse and you need to cut it now while there is still time to salvage it and to get those special pictures. You rush to the cake table, place a forced smile on your face and quickly cut the cake.
Unfortunately, this scenario occurs all too often, especially at summer weddings, but it can be prevented. You can alleviate some of the problems by considering the following things when you choose your cake:
• Cakes don't tolerate heat, particularly those made with buttercreme icing, nor do they tolerate wind. Keep the cake indoors, if possible, or in the shade. If the cake must be placed outdoors, first place it in a refrigerator, if possible.
Place the cake in a location that is level; otherwise, the layers may tip or slide. Shim the table legs if necessary to make them level. This is particularly important at outdoor locations.
• Cakes that have pillars between the layers are more apt to tip or collapse than those in which the layers are stacked on top of one another or placed on individual pedestals. Neither pillars nor pedestals do well in windy locations, however.
• Have the cake delivered as late as possible so that it doesn't stand for several hours before being cut.
• If you choose to use colored icing on your cake, the food coloring can stain your gown and your hands. Butter and shortening used in the icing will also stain, particularly if you wipe your hands on your gown (a natural tendency when they are sticky). Use forks, not your fingers, to serve each other and don't under any circumstances shove cake in each other's face.
With a bit of planning, you can have your cake and eat it too.
You spent several hundred dollars for a beautiful and elaborate wedding cake, a replica of one that you saw in a magazine. Everyone remarks on how pretty it is, and you are delighted. Then, a half hour into the reception, just as you are beginning to relax and enjoy yourself, your coordinator tells you that the cake is starting to collapse and you need to cut it now while there is still time to salvage it and to get those special pictures. You rush to the cake table, place a forced smile on your face and quickly cut the cake.
Unfortunately, this scenario occurs all too often, especially at summer weddings, but it can be prevented. You can alleviate some of the problems by considering the following things when you choose your cake:
• Cakes don't tolerate heat, particularly those made with buttercreme icing, nor do they tolerate wind. Keep the cake indoors, if possible, or in the shade. If the cake must be placed outdoors, first place it in a refrigerator, if possible.
Place the cake in a location that is level; otherwise, the layers may tip or slide. Shim the table legs if necessary to make them level. This is particularly important at outdoor locations.
• Cakes that have pillars between the layers are more apt to tip or collapse than those in which the layers are stacked on top of one another or placed on individual pedestals. Neither pillars nor pedestals do well in windy locations, however.
• Have the cake delivered as late as possible so that it doesn't stand for several hours before being cut.
• If you choose to use colored icing on your cake, the food coloring can stain your gown and your hands. Butter and shortening used in the icing will also stain, particularly if you wipe your hands on your gown (a natural tendency when they are sticky). Use forks, not your fingers, to serve each other and don't under any circumstances shove cake in each other's face.
With a bit of planning, you can have your cake and eat it too.
6 GREAT Centerpiece Ideas
Six Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas
A lot of planning goes into creating the wedding of your dreams. A large part of your budget and time will be dedicated to your wedding reception. The menu, entertainment, decorations and wedding favors you choose are all important parts of your big day.
Wedding centerpieces can play a large part in helping to set the theme and tone of your reception. You want your wedding to be memorable, and the centerpieces you choose can help set your wedding apart from all the others.
Wedding guests often times don’t notice or remember the small details of weddings. However, one of the few things that guests often remember are the wedding centerpieces you choose. They will be looking at them for four or five hours during your reception, so why not do something unique and different?
Usually when most people think of wedding centerpieces the first thing that comes to mind is flowers. While most wedding centerpieces have at least some flowers in them, choosing a unique wedding centerpiece idea allows you to stand out from the crowd.
Here are six unique wedding centerpiece ideas:
- Even if you do choose a flower-based centerpiece, you can still add some uniqueness to your reception tables by choosing unique vases or containers to hold the flowers. Ideas include square vases, vases with a design or color and even a unique shape like the Eiffel tower.
- Simply adding things to your flower vases can make your centerpieces unique. For example, add color by adding a few drops of dye to match your wedding colors, or add pearls to the bottom of the vases.
- Add other things like fruit, stones or candles to your flower wedding
centerpieces. Fruit like lemons, limes and oranges are perfect for spring and summer weddings. Candles come in many shapes and sizes, and they can really help to set the mood of your reception.
- Use your wedding theme for unique wedding centerpiece ideas. For example, in the fall add pumpkins, leaves or apples to your centerpiece to help finish off a fall-themed wedding. For a beach-themed wedding add items like shells and sand.
- Combine your wedding centerpieces with your wedding favors. Have small potted plants in the center which can double as favors. Or, have frames with different photos in each displayed in the center of the table.
- Cake wedding centerpieces can also be fun. Have small or mini individual wedding cakes in the center of each table as your centerpiece. Each table can have a uniquely decorated cake for your guests to enjoy.
Don't be afraid to use your creativity to come up with your own unique wedding centerpiece idea.
A lot of planning goes into creating the wedding of your dreams. A large part of your budget and time will be dedicated to your wedding reception. The menu, entertainment, decorations and wedding favors you choose are all important parts of your big day.
Wedding centerpieces can play a large part in helping to set the theme and tone of your reception. You want your wedding to be memorable, and the centerpieces you choose can help set your wedding apart from all the others.
Wedding guests often times don’t notice or remember the small details of weddings. However, one of the few things that guests often remember are the wedding centerpieces you choose. They will be looking at them for four or five hours during your reception, so why not do something unique and different?
Usually when most people think of wedding centerpieces the first thing that comes to mind is flowers. While most wedding centerpieces have at least some flowers in them, choosing a unique wedding centerpiece idea allows you to stand out from the crowd.
Here are six unique wedding centerpiece ideas:
- Even if you do choose a flower-based centerpiece, you can still add some uniqueness to your reception tables by choosing unique vases or containers to hold the flowers. Ideas include square vases, vases with a design or color and even a unique shape like the Eiffel tower.
- Simply adding things to your flower vases can make your centerpieces unique. For example, add color by adding a few drops of dye to match your wedding colors, or add pearls to the bottom of the vases.
- Add other things like fruit, stones or candles to your flower wedding
centerpieces. Fruit like lemons, limes and oranges are perfect for spring and summer weddings. Candles come in many shapes and sizes, and they can really help to set the mood of your reception.
- Use your wedding theme for unique wedding centerpiece ideas. For example, in the fall add pumpkins, leaves or apples to your centerpiece to help finish off a fall-themed wedding. For a beach-themed wedding add items like shells and sand.
- Combine your wedding centerpieces with your wedding favors. Have small potted plants in the center which can double as favors. Or, have frames with different photos in each displayed in the center of the table.
- Cake wedding centerpieces can also be fun. Have small or mini individual wedding cakes in the center of each table as your centerpiece. Each table can have a uniquely decorated cake for your guests to enjoy.
Don't be afraid to use your creativity to come up with your own unique wedding centerpiece idea.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tips for a GREAT Wedding Video
Tips For Producing a Unique Wedding Video
Creating a wedding video that is unique to you and your new spouse is not always something a bride and groom thinks about when hiring a wedding videographer. After all your wedding day is all about you and the wedding video or DVD should reflect your personal tastes as well.
Videos can be as simple as letting the camera roll on your wedding day or can be as detailed as a television documentary. When looking for just the right videographer, couples want someone who can capture that special day with crystal clear video and sound but have no idea what other options are available. Know that you can customize your video anyway you like depending on the videographer and your budget.
First when looking for a videographer, check to see if the videographer belongs to a professional organization, such as the Wedding and Events Videographers Association (WEVA.com). Also find out how long the video company has been in business. You don't want a novice shooting your video since there is only one chance to get it right. When requesting demos from prospective videographers, don't just settle for viewing a demo reel, ask to see several different weddings. Also ask the videographer if he has shot at your wedding location before and then request to see video from that specific location. When viewing the demo reel ask yourself if they all look the same, like a cookie cutter presentation or are the videos unique.
When meeting with videographers be prepared and know what you want ahead of time. Bring notes and take notes. Make sure everything you request is included on a written contract.
With the advances in today's technology the sky is the limit on wedding video options. You can request whatever your heart desires. The possibility of your special requests all depends on your budget but here are a few options that can add that special touch to your video.
Real Film - Many videographers are offering real 8mm film as an option or add-on. It is usually just two-to-four rolls of film edited into the actual video to give a retro flavor that will awe you and your family. Don't settle for a "film-effect" that is created on a computer, it just isn't the same.
Engagement Music Video - This can be done ahead of time and presented at the reception on big screen projector. Hire your videographer to attend your engagement photo session where he can get behind-the-scenes video that can later be combined with the engagement photographs. When set to music this can be a wonderful piece to showcase on your wedding day.
The Love Story - This option has exploded in popularity. The Love Story is an interview with the bride-to-be and her fiancé, which tells the story of how they met and how they arrived at this point. Some of the video can be shot at the spot where he proposed, at the couples home or favorite spot. The Love Story is probably the most emotion-packed segment, next to the ceremony video of your vows. This feature can also be completed ahead of time and presented on a big screen presentation at the reception.
Photo Montage - Photo Montages have always been popular and can easily achieve that personal touch without blowing your wedding budget. A photo montage is another great way to tell the story of how you met or you can go as far back as to your childhood photos. It's all a story of how you arrived at this day and it is a way to bring new life to those photographs stored in the back of your closet. The photo montage can also be shown at your reception.
Streaming Video - Many couples personalize their wedding by creating a wedding website to keep family members in-the-know about changes in upcoming wedding plans. Streaming videos can be used to create exciting engagement announcements for your wedding website. This would be a good way to introduce your wedding theme as a movie trailer to increase the anticipation leading up to your wedding.
Once you hire a videographer to shoot your wedding, there are things that you can do to help the videographer create your perfect wedding video:
* Give your videographer a copy of the invitation, program with the names of the bridal party and anyone who will speak at the ceremony, a list of your favorite songs or the DJ play list from the reception, and a list of anyone who must be in your video, such as your great-grandmother or a relative who has traveled a great distance to come to your wedding.
* Speak to your bridal party at the wedding rehearsal about their placement during the ceremony. Ask them to be aware of the videographer and to be careful not to block the camera at the ceremony.
* Let the videographer know ahead of time if there will be any special performances or live entertainment such as Flamenco dancers.
* Require the videographer to attend the wedding rehearsal. Most experienced videographers will include this service in their price list.
With a little creativity and preparation, your wedding video can be as unique as you are. Your videographer can work with you to give your video that personal touch that will reflect who you are as a couple and be watched for many years to come.
Creating a wedding video that is unique to you and your new spouse is not always something a bride and groom thinks about when hiring a wedding videographer. After all your wedding day is all about you and the wedding video or DVD should reflect your personal tastes as well.
Videos can be as simple as letting the camera roll on your wedding day or can be as detailed as a television documentary. When looking for just the right videographer, couples want someone who can capture that special day with crystal clear video and sound but have no idea what other options are available. Know that you can customize your video anyway you like depending on the videographer and your budget.
First when looking for a videographer, check to see if the videographer belongs to a professional organization, such as the Wedding and Events Videographers Association (WEVA.com). Also find out how long the video company has been in business. You don't want a novice shooting your video since there is only one chance to get it right. When requesting demos from prospective videographers, don't just settle for viewing a demo reel, ask to see several different weddings. Also ask the videographer if he has shot at your wedding location before and then request to see video from that specific location. When viewing the demo reel ask yourself if they all look the same, like a cookie cutter presentation or are the videos unique.
When meeting with videographers be prepared and know what you want ahead of time. Bring notes and take notes. Make sure everything you request is included on a written contract.
With the advances in today's technology the sky is the limit on wedding video options. You can request whatever your heart desires. The possibility of your special requests all depends on your budget but here are a few options that can add that special touch to your video.
Real Film - Many videographers are offering real 8mm film as an option or add-on. It is usually just two-to-four rolls of film edited into the actual video to give a retro flavor that will awe you and your family. Don't settle for a "film-effect" that is created on a computer, it just isn't the same.
Engagement Music Video - This can be done ahead of time and presented at the reception on big screen projector. Hire your videographer to attend your engagement photo session where he can get behind-the-scenes video that can later be combined with the engagement photographs. When set to music this can be a wonderful piece to showcase on your wedding day.
The Love Story - This option has exploded in popularity. The Love Story is an interview with the bride-to-be and her fiancé, which tells the story of how they met and how they arrived at this point. Some of the video can be shot at the spot where he proposed, at the couples home or favorite spot. The Love Story is probably the most emotion-packed segment, next to the ceremony video of your vows. This feature can also be completed ahead of time and presented on a big screen presentation at the reception.
Photo Montage - Photo Montages have always been popular and can easily achieve that personal touch without blowing your wedding budget. A photo montage is another great way to tell the story of how you met or you can go as far back as to your childhood photos. It's all a story of how you arrived at this day and it is a way to bring new life to those photographs stored in the back of your closet. The photo montage can also be shown at your reception.
Streaming Video - Many couples personalize their wedding by creating a wedding website to keep family members in-the-know about changes in upcoming wedding plans. Streaming videos can be used to create exciting engagement announcements for your wedding website. This would be a good way to introduce your wedding theme as a movie trailer to increase the anticipation leading up to your wedding.
Once you hire a videographer to shoot your wedding, there are things that you can do to help the videographer create your perfect wedding video:
* Give your videographer a copy of the invitation, program with the names of the bridal party and anyone who will speak at the ceremony, a list of your favorite songs or the DJ play list from the reception, and a list of anyone who must be in your video, such as your great-grandmother or a relative who has traveled a great distance to come to your wedding.
* Speak to your bridal party at the wedding rehearsal about their placement during the ceremony. Ask them to be aware of the videographer and to be careful not to block the camera at the ceremony.
* Let the videographer know ahead of time if there will be any special performances or live entertainment such as Flamenco dancers.
* Require the videographer to attend the wedding rehearsal. Most experienced videographers will include this service in their price list.
With a little creativity and preparation, your wedding video can be as unique as you are. Your videographer can work with you to give your video that personal touch that will reflect who you are as a couple and be watched for many years to come.
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