Monday, April 19, 2010

7 Truths About Your Wedding Day Schedule

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FUN on your wedding day 101

Since you were a child you dreamed of your Wedding Day. It will be special, magical. The sun will shine, music will play, people will laugh, dance sing. There will be talk for years of how a good time was had by all. It can all happen, but it takes the planning of a Movie Producer, the discipline of General Patton and the patience of a saint.

And guess what? You can do it. And you can have FUN too. All it takes is some planning and organization. I'm going to take it for granted that you have, at this point, done all the necessary ground work to make your Grand Production happen…the hall, the caterer, the church, the photographer, the music, the flowers, etc.Now lets get down to the nitty gritty of the Schedule of the Day.

TRUTH #1…TIME IS YOUR ENEMY
You have a lot to do in a short time during your wedding day. If you can develop a good schedule and stick to it you can accomplish a lot. Work backwards from the time you and your caterer have decided you should arrive at the reception. This is a critical time point because all of the reception activities will follow this point. Remember your schedule at the reception is fairly fixed and will usually follow a tried and true script set out by the caterer. Keep in mind that if you have booked a five hour reception that begins at noon and is set to end at 5:00 PM, you can usually assume that at 5:00 the lights will come on and the caterer will begin to turn over the hall for the 6:30 reception coming in after you.

If you are a half hour late getting to the hall, either the dinner will begin to get cold, or other activities will be rushed. Not a good thing if you are trying to relax and enjoy yourself. By the way, if the hall offers you a separate room for the Bridal Party to hide in during the cocktail hour, let your bridesmaids and ushers use it, but your time and interests are best served by mingling with the guests. This will leave you more time later for dancing and playing rather than the mandatory table visits when the music is too loud anyway.

TRUTH #2…TRAVEL EATS UP TIME
Many couples forget to include this into their estimates. You may spend as much as an hour or more in the limo during course of the day. And god help us all if one of the bridal cars gets lost. It is often a good idea to hire a party bus to transport the critical attendees. Nobody gets lost and, unlike the traditional limo, you can all have fun together.

TRUTH #3…GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TAKES TIME
When you see disaster footage on the local news, victims are always shown looking for their most precious keepsakes…the family photographs. Not their vcr's or hot tubs. Those are the important memories you are looking to preserve. The FORMAL PORTRAITS (not a dirty word) are an important historical record and as such you should devote some time to creating them. You will appreciate them more as you pass them on to your children and grandchildren. You should generally allow about a half hour for them and they are best done right after the ceremony. All the important players are there already, assembled and freshly attired. The worst place to try to get these is at the reception where trying to get people off the dance floor does nothing but eat up time. Receptions are for informal and fun photos.

TRUTH #4…RECEIVING LINES WASTE TIME
After all you will be seeing each of these guests at the hall anyway, right? Why throw away as much as 20 good minutes that you could spend at the cocktail hour.

TRUTH#5…START YOUR DAY EARLY
It's easier to spend a little time waiting for the show to start while lounging in the limo than it is to make up for lost time. This means you should plan to leave for you hair appointment early. If you plan to meet your bridesmaids at your house beforehand and go together, give them an earlier time. Plan a little slack into the schedule early, you will appreciate it later.

TRUTH#6…NUTRITION IS POWER
Yeah, I know this sounds like your mom talking, but it is true. When you don't eat you loose energy…and you can't have any FUN if your tired and hungry. Plan a good breakfast. Even if you think you can't eat a thing, at least drink a diet shake. Have one of your bridesmaids compile a snack basket for everyone to pick at during the day. Soft pretzels work great…no mess and they soak up alcohol. Give the basket to your limo driver to attend to. By the way, Alcohol early in the day is usually a BAD idea. Hangover at the reception…not FUN.

TRUTH#7…YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER IS THE CRUISE DIRECTOR
He will be with you from the beginning of your day until the cake is cut. If you work with him to realistically plan your schedule he will keep you on track and maximize your FUN. Believe it or not this is in his best interest. When you are relaxed your photographs look best.

iMemoryfilms
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Destination Weddings 101

Destination Weddings 101

Once what was thought of as “eloping,” destination weddings are becoming “traditional.” For whatever the reason, couples are choosing destination weddings. When one thinks of a destination wedding, thoughts of those great resorts with their free weddings come to mind or the “Love Boat”. While there are so many great resorts and cruise ships that do a fine job catering to couples that do get married at their resorts or on their ships, there are also unique alternatives. Before you begin the planning stage of your destination wedding, sit down with your fiancĂ© to discuss your budget. Next dream! Decide on the number of guests you would like. Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding like those in the movies at those beautiful homes overlooking the ocean – you can have that and what’s so great about it? -- The party’s not over in five hours.

Your destination wedding can be practically anything you wish, and anywhere your heart desires. If you are torn between a destination wedding and a traditional wedding, or you’re undecided because you have guests who won’t fly (hey! this is your wedding, show those folks the video when you return – just kidding!) you should know that there are many great locations within driving distance no matter where you live that can be a great destination wedding site.

Once you wake up from your dream about your perfect wedding, it’s time to start planning. You should seek the assistance of a wedding specialist who has knowledge of destination weddings who will be able to help you pick the perfect location for your wedding (not just offer you resorts or cruise ships, but expand your ideas and open your mind to new ideas); obtain marriage license requirements and restrictions on residency; obtain the best possible group rates for air, hotel, etc.; and have knowledge of working with vendors in that particular area, not just resorts but photographers, caterers, florists, etc. Even for those of you who wish to plan your wedding yourself, you will be happier and more well rested trusting a professional to help you plan your perfect day.

One of California's TOP wedding photographers who specializes in Destination Weddings is, www.chrisschmittphotography.com,..check them out! 866.803.9585

www.imemoryfilms.com

"The video experts for the perfect wedding."

818.760.9490

Info@imemoryfilms.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Out-Of-Town Wedding Guest Tips 101

Out-of-Town Wedding Guest 101.
You have found the perfect venue, you have beautiful decor, an awesome band or DJ, and wonderful wedding favors, the big day is just around the corner, and you want to be sure that your out of town guests that have traveled many miles to share in your wedding celebration feel appreciated, and are left with wonderful memories.

To ensure this, provide the following for your out of town guests:

Hotel Accommodations Select a hotel, or a few properties in the area of your reception, and reserve a block of rooms for your guests. You should be able to obtain a special rate for your guests. Some hotels will provide free shuttle service for your guests to and from your venue which adds a really nice touch. Reserve room types that fit into all budgets.

Provide Welcome Baskets When your guests arrive at the hotel to check in have a welcome gift basket waiting for them. This basket should include basics like snacks, water bottles, and other items to use in the room, but a nice touch is to add some local items. For example if your event was in Napa/Sonoma area you could provide maps to various wineries, or if your event is in a major city like New York then include some NY keepsakes and suggestions of attractions for the guests to see.

Day After Brunch One of the nicest things you can provide for your out of town guests is to have a brunch with them the next morning. It provides an opportunity for the bride and groom to have a relaxing and more intimate meal with those that took the effort to travel to share in your celebration. This brunch can also be planned with a local theme, offer bagels in New York, breakfast burritos or huevos rancheros in the West.

If you take these added steps your visiting guests will certainly leave with very fond memories of your wedding.

You can find Hotel Accommodations, gift baskets, and restaurants for the morning after brunch in our local wedding directory.

www.imemoryfilms.com

310.993.9103

Info@imemoryfilms.com

Friday, March 12, 2010

GREAT Wedding Hair Tips

Wedding hair tips to make your day beautiful!

Bridal hair specialist and author of The Business of Bridal Beauty, as well as creator of www.weddinghair.com, Gretchen Maurer has some excellent tips to offer. She is also a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.

Bridal hairstyles need to reflect the brides' personality and personal style. The "natural" days are finally ending as today's bride looks for "more" from her wedding day salon services. More fun, more beauty, and more individuality are what brides are in search of. Theme weddings, museum receptions, and creative personal touches help originate a "signature touch" for the couples' big day.

Long Hair

If your hair is long and you wear it pulled back most of the time than an elegant Updo would be just the look. Incorporate a detail from your gown into your hair design. Details such as braiding or twisting of fabric can be duplicated into the hairstyle. Or look to the texture of the dress. A soft wispy hairstyle complements a full-skirted tulle gown. A smooth gown of a heavy weight fabric is complemented by a smooth, shiny hairstyle of knots or rolls. Do you wear your long hair down most of the time? Then try wearing some of it up away from your face and leave the rest to cascade around your shoulders. Let few tendrils escape to float around your face, they can be curled or left natural. Having it all down is just too casual for the big day.

Tip: Natural curls? Enhance them and work with them; keep your look soft. Straight hair? Don’t expect a set to last all day, wear it up. If the curls are pinned in place there will be less worry.

Medium Hair

If your hair is medium in length it can be curled and worn with a sparkly headband or tiara to dress it up. Or simply tuck some hair behind your ears and use one of the very popular decorative hair clips to hold it back. With the help of a talented stylist, your hair can also be worn up.

Tip: If your dream is to wear it up and you have a few months grow it out, go for it. Medium hair is versatile, try a few looks with your stylist at least a few months ahead of time. This helps to chart out the growing process.

Short Hair

Believe me there is lots that can be done! Dust off your curling iron and give your hair some fullness in the crown area and back. Don't curl the front, it won't look like you. Flatter fronts are in right now so sweep the hair off to the side and save the curls for the back area. Today's "curls" are for creating texture. Many hair products on the market are designed for "texturizing the hair" not necessarily for hold.

Tip: Don't touch the curls while they are warm, it will loosen them up too much. Once cooled run your finger through your hair with some hair wax and pinch and place the "texture" where you want it! Don't brush them out it will look too poufy, frizzy, and (Horror!) dated!! Top your do with a tiara or a few hair clips and you are ready to go!

Headpieces
Here is the best advice!

* Pick out your wedding gown first
* Decide on your hairstyle second
* Choose the headpiece and veil third

I have actually tore apart a headpiece on the brides wedding day and redesigned it because it did not go with the hairstyle she wanted. The best way of course is to have a couple of trial run appointments at the hair salon prior to the big day. This way an exchange can be made for a different style headpiece if necessary. Don’t feel pressured into purchasing a headpiece because it "matches your dress". Instead look for a detail from the gown you would like to enhance and find a headpiece that complements. It may be pearls, a flower detail, or the trim. Or match the flowers in your bouquet.

Petite? If you are finding that the headpieces seem to big, look at what is offered for first communion headpieces and ask the bridal salon to add a longer veil.

Second marriage? Having a veil is fine if you want one, but you may want to skip the blusher. A beautiful tiara is perfect or ornament your hairstyle. Try a hat, they are coming back!

New Trend!! Ornament your hairstyle! Look in the bridal section of the craft store for fun finds! There are also many beautiful decorative hair sticks, barrettes and bobby pins to add to your hairstyle! Simply attach a comb with netting to cascade down the back of the hairstyle, i.e. (easily removable at the reception.)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bouquet Jewelry is THE Hottest New Wedding Accessory

Bouquet Jewelry is a hot new bridal accessory that is being used to accentuate and personalize bridal bouquets. They are also turning up in bridesmaid’s flowers, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and even customizing the wedding cake. The jewelry is usually inserted into the bouquet by a six inch post, but may also be attached to stems and hand-tied ribbons.

A popular choice is Swarovski crystal monograms using the bride and groom’s initials. They may choose to use the initial for each of their first names as well as the initial for the groom’s last name. Six mm faux diamonds can also be inserted into the center of each flower to give the bouquet a dazzling new look.

Besides monograms, most online companies have the same selection of jewels: pearl clusters, bows, snowflake, bee, frog, dragonfly, starfish, flip flop sandal, palm tree, butterfly and crucifix. The bee only comes in clear crystal and the frog and palm tree come only in peridot crystals. The flip flop sandal comes in blue or pink. Pearls come in pink, yellow, white, blue, green, lavendar, peach, champagne and platinum. The bows come in a wide range of colors with gold or silver plating.

The prices range from $12.00 (snowflake) to $20.00 (dragonfly) each. Some are sold individually while others have a discount if you purchase in groups of ten. The crystal bee sells for $18.00 each and $153.00 for ten. That would be a savings of $27.00. The starfish sells for $13.00 each and $110.00 for ten. That would be a $20.00 discount.

The bouquet jewelry should be chosen to reflect the bride’s personal taste or reflect the theme of the wedding. Starfish, flip flop sandals and palm trees would be perfect for a beach theme wedding. The crystal crucifix would reflect a more solemn and spiritual wedding and could also be used around the holidays.

The bride and groom can continue to use the jewelry long after the wedding for holiday centerpieces and floral arrangements. They should choose the colors carefully, because many online companies advise they are non returnable and non refundable.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Cool tips on NEW Wedding Photography

The NEW Photography in Weddings.

There have been incredible changes in wedding photography over the past few years, which is great news to anyone who is currently shopping for a wedding photographer. The trend is toward a new, more contemporary style of photography. It's more relaxed, more natural and more artistic than ever. Gone are the old, forced, unnatural looking poses of the past. Today's couples are more educated consumers and don't want the old, stuffy styles of photography that their parents had on their wedding day.

Besides looking more natural, how is it different that traditional photography? Contemporary photographers know that today's couples want to enjoy their wedding day. Couples spend so much time and money planning and preparing for the event. It does not make sense to miss a few hours of the wedding, being ordered around by a photographer who makes them maintain stiff, rigid, uncomfortable poses. Many photographers now offer a "photojournalistic" style of photography, where the day is recorded just the way it happens.

The photographs tell the story of your day. No posing, no taking time away from the fun....just natural, artistic and beautiful photos that capture the events and moods of the day. What about the family and group shots? Many of these photographers will take these group shots before or after the ceremony, taking less time than photographers of the past so you can get on with your day and not miss out on the fun. Make sure you ask this question before you hire a photographer if family and group shots are important to you.

Black and white photography is also extremely popular, but is it a trend? Many modern couples are requesting to have their weddings photographed solely or partially in black and white. There is just something about it. It has a very classic, timeless and artistic feel. It has it's own mood. It lends itself well to the photojournalistic style. This trend is probably here to stay.

Black and white has been around a long time. It doesn't fade as fast as color photographs. Go to any photography gallery and you will see that most of what you see is in black and white. It is now, and always will be, a classic form of art. It is always nice to have a combination of both color and black and white.

Do all photographers photograph in this style? No, there are still plenty of the traditional photographers out there who have not changed their ways. When interviewing photographers, ask them if they specialize in a photojournalistic style of photography, or if they do a combination of both photojournalistic and traditional styles. Make sure you see samples of work from the specific photographer who is going to photograph your wedding, not just samples from a studio that may send out a different photographer. Consider not only the style of different photographers, but also the personality and choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with. Let's face it...the wedding you are spending so much time planning is only going to last a few short hours. The music will stop, the food will be eaten, and the flowers wilt, but you will always have those photos to remember your day. And that is why it is so important to find a good photographer who will give you beautiful, artistic pictures you will love!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wedding Videography 101

Wedding Videography 101

When it comes to the big day of your wedding, there are special moments that you want to video. There is so much to remember, from the preparation, to the marriage itself, and even what happens after. Naturally you will wish to record these memories as absolutely as you can.

Video makes greater memories of a wedding than pictures do. Videos are able to show movement, the fun and also the sounds that the guests make during the marriage ceremony. They are records of the full event as it happens in time, which means you have progression from one thing to another unlike photos. To produce the right video that seizures the event and then tell the story well, needs expertise. Requiring a videographer with the required technique to supply outstanding shots that will better show the events at your special day.

If you had to choose videographer over the Net, try to meet them in person. At the meeting, you will be able to assess his competency by seeing his samples and determine whether his shots are looking good.

Also ensure that he has professional top quality equipment and not the low cost type camcorder. Professional video cameras has a better zoom lens, many features and defined shots than amateur home camcorders.

Find a videographer who has helpers to work with him over the ceremony. Some like to work alone to reduce costs, but this can be extremely unproductive when they need to cover a important event such a event where an assistant is required to assist with the microphone and light.

Ask your videographer what format he will give his finished product. You should be able to receive the video in various electronic formats so you can use it for numerous purposes including transmitting them online to your friends. Uploading the video on internet sites such as YouTube and playing it on your home tv or digital recorder.

You need to make sure your videographer has not created hundreds of wedding videos that are exactly the opposite approach appeals to you. It is also important if he interprets what you require from him. You don't have to watch all his videos and you don't want to see a video montage of greatest clips. You want to view what he has created as a complete project. Look Into if the videos were steady. Is he using a hand held video camera instead of a tripod. Is the editing right, does it go from the wedding ceremony to the reception or from the reception decorations to the ceremony? Has he captured all of the members of the wedding party? Was he too slow and didn't get the brides entrance? Where the close ups just too close? Are you having an open air wedding? What if it is windy? Does he have unnoticeable mikes for the wedding ceremony? Or will you end up with the sound of wind on the wedding video and quiet voices? You can also speak to previous happy customers from the wedding videos you liked the most.

Effective videos call for a expert video. Look for a qualified videographer with the correct software and equipment to produce the correct results for your big day. Your videographer must be experienced enough to get in just the right places to cover the day completely. The fact is, you will spend a lot of money on the coverage so make sure your happy with his work and how he can give the completed video to you in a variety of formats for your records and lasting memories.

A top videographer will ensure the videos still looks good no matter how long has passed since the marriage occasion.