Tips for Preserving Your Wedding Gown...
After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come.
Should I have my gown cleaned?
Whether you decide to keep your gown, donate it or sell it, it is important to consider having it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible to maintain its beauty and value. Caramelized sugar stains from cake icing, white wine, champagne or soft drinks will leave unsightly brown spots/stains if they are not thoroughly removed from the fabric in a timely manner. Perspiration, deodorant, hairspray, perfumes, body lotions and cosmetics can cause discoloration as well. Most of these are not readily visible to the naked eye can also cause damage to the fabric of the gown. Left untreated they can be difficult to impossible to remove over time. As a result, it is highly recommended that you have your gown cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional as soon as possible after your wedding.
What is the difference between dry cleaning and preservation?
Dry cleaning provides a basic cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and ruin your precious gown. It is important to find a highly reputable and experienced preservation service that will carefully examine each gown individually under special lighting and hand treat all stains with gentle yet effective chemicals. They should also treat the fabric with against yellowing and other discolorations with an anti-sugar treatment. Proper cleaning and preservation will permanently remove both visible and invisible stains, as well as protect the fabric from deterioration, so your gown will look just as beautiful as the day you first tried it on.
How much will it cost?
Top quality preservation by a highly reputable company does not have to be expensive. Although some companies will charge upwards of $800 for museum quality preservation, you can get the same high quality for around $150 - $250 if you do your homework. Most dry cleaners will charge as much, if not more, for just basic dry cleaning alone.
How long can I wait to have my dress cleaned and preserved?
Since stains can cause damage to a fabric over time, it is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon after the wedding as is practical. Generally, you can safely wait up to six months after the ceremony. Some brides have waited longer, but it is not recommended as it may start to yellow, the fabric may begin to deteriorate and some stains may not come out at all as they settle into the fabric. Until you send in your gown to be cleaned and preserved, it is best to keep it in a dark (unexposed to sunlight), dry place, folded or rolled in a clean white sheet. Hanging your dress on a hanger is not recommended as it can cause stress to the fabric and create distortion. Do not store your gown in plastic such as a garment bag. Plastic can emit gases that will tend to yellow the fabric.
Will my dress be vacuum sealed if I have it preserved?
Vacuum sealing is never recommended for preserving fabrics of any kind. Professional textile curators always recommend that a fabric be allowed to "breathe". Vacuum sealing traps moisture in the box, promoting mold and mildew growth, which will stain and weaken the fibers of your dress. If stored in plastic that is not acid free, as time passes it can accumulate gasses that will harm the fabric, causing it to yellow and deteriorate. A reputable preservation service will use special acid-free or PH balanced breathable cardboard and tissue, or museum quality muslin, to package your gown, as well as an acid free window (to see your gown) for these reasons.
How should I store my gown after I have it preserved? Once your gown has been cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional it is also important that you continue to store your gown properly. Your gown should be stored in a room where the temperature and humidity levels are constant, such as a guest room or spare closet. Never store your dress in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity. The storage box should also lay flat if possible. If you decide to remove your gown from the preservation box, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling the gown to protect the fabric from natural oils on your hands. Check on your gown once a year to make sure it is still in good condition. Most companies will provide a guarantee against yellowing and will restore your gown for free if you have stored it properly.
Other Options Although most brides keep and treasure their wedding gowns for a lifetime, if should you decide to part with your precious gown, below are some resources for selling or donating your wedding dress that may help contribute to making someone else's dream wedding come true.
Donations:
Making Memories - Brides Against Breast Cancer
I Do Foundation
Heavenly Angels
Sale of Used Gowns:
Sell Your Wedding Dress.com
Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.com
Consignment Shops
Craig's List
Author: Madelaine Melberg, Affordable Preservation Company, www.affordablepreservation.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
818.760.9490
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Miracle of Walking!!
iMemoryfilms starts the new year off with some health, travel, and good-to-know news!
This is the first habit in the 2011 Longevity Program, a yearlong plan of monthly activities that come from the habits of centenarians from around the world. The idea of this program is that by choosing a simple activity and doing it every day, you will gradually develop 12 new healthy habits by the end of the year. Would you like to do the whole year program? Look at my previous Yahoo! Blog “The Longevity Resolution: Live to 100”.
If you are interested in a more formal longevity program, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that will transform your health and lengthen your years.
January’s Habit: Walk (or exercise) 20 minutes every day
Here’s why: In my two decades of investigating the daily activities of centenarians, I found that every one walked for at least 30 minutes a day, and most walked more than an hour. Aside from the proven benefits for your heart, walking is the perfect gentle exercise for cleansing your lymphatic system, increasing your circulation, and improving your digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract.
Your body is naturally equipped with a self-cleaning process. But too much sugar, caffeine, processed foods, stress, environmental toxins, and too little exercise can slow the body’s natural detox function to a slow pace. Your body will process and eliminate many of the toxins that enter it, but overflow gets stored in the liver, lungs, kidneys, fat cells, intestines, blood stream, and skin -- which can result in chronic illnesses down the line. Physical activity unclogs your body’s systems, helping it to eliminate wastes more efficiently. Even though walking is a gentle exercise, it is still enough of a physical activity to enhance bodily functions and help detoxify the body.
The directions say 20 minutes a day, but of course, you can always increase the time to 30 minutes or more, as long as the exercise is gentle on your body.
Reward Yourself
First of all, think of a way to reward yourself if you successfully walk/exercise almost every day. It you give yourself a goal with a perk in sight, you will be more likely to follow through. Some rewards could include a fun outing or purchasing a brand new pair of walking shoes.
Stay on track
Now, to really stay on track, ask yourself these questions every day. It will help you stay motivated to keep a written record of daily answers.
• Are you doing 20 minutes every day? How was the experience? Did you look forward to it or did you resist it?
• How did you feel today compared to yesterday? Also, look at your overall energy level. If you have more energy, it indicates that the exercise is having the desired effect of cleansing your body.
• What are the obstacles that are keeping you from exercising 20 minutes every day?
Consider having a friend or family member hold you accountable for your daily exercise; they can simply ask you how it’s going every few days. Better yet, have a friend do it with you!
How to make it happen: An answer for every excuse
• Missed a day? If you miss a day or two, don’t feel like a failure! Forgive yourself and examine the reasons behind the break. What could you do differently next time? Then, recommit and continue where you left off the next day. Never give up!
• No time! First, see if you can find any wiggle room in your schedule. If time truly is an issue, find ways to work exercise into your schedule as it is. Park farther from your destination so that you will be walking ten minutes to and from. Walk to your errands. Take the stairs whenever you can.
• Winter is too cold. Bundle up, put on your boots if necessary, and take a walk, enjoying the winter nature. Another option is to walk indoors around a local mall. Also, you can try a different indoor activity.
• Not a fan of walking. If walking is just not for you, get your blood circulating with a daily 20 minutes of dancing, cardio, yoga, swimming, or other indoor activity that really interests you. An all-around excellent choice is tai chi, a gentle practice that can be done at any age and improves cardiovascular capacity, cultivates balance, lowers blood pressure, and relieves arthritis. Find a teacher in your area or learn with an instructional DVD. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to warm up before and cool down after exercise to avoid wear and tear.
• Too out of shape. If you are recovering from an illness or just feel completely out of shape, begin gently by exercising only five minutes a day -- but do it every day. Incrementally increase the time by five minutes each week. By week 4, you’ll be up to 20 minutes.
On January 31: If you have been walking every day, you have most likely created a new habit. Keep up the good work and stay tuned for February, which will focus on practices for restoration! Look for my monthly articles to guide you through a healthy and happy 2011.
You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle.
I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
—Dr. Mao
www.iMemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
This is the first habit in the 2011 Longevity Program, a yearlong plan of monthly activities that come from the habits of centenarians from around the world. The idea of this program is that by choosing a simple activity and doing it every day, you will gradually develop 12 new healthy habits by the end of the year. Would you like to do the whole year program? Look at my previous Yahoo! Blog “The Longevity Resolution: Live to 100”.
If you are interested in a more formal longevity program, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that will transform your health and lengthen your years.
January’s Habit: Walk (or exercise) 20 minutes every day
Here’s why: In my two decades of investigating the daily activities of centenarians, I found that every one walked for at least 30 minutes a day, and most walked more than an hour. Aside from the proven benefits for your heart, walking is the perfect gentle exercise for cleansing your lymphatic system, increasing your circulation, and improving your digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract.
Your body is naturally equipped with a self-cleaning process. But too much sugar, caffeine, processed foods, stress, environmental toxins, and too little exercise can slow the body’s natural detox function to a slow pace. Your body will process and eliminate many of the toxins that enter it, but overflow gets stored in the liver, lungs, kidneys, fat cells, intestines, blood stream, and skin -- which can result in chronic illnesses down the line. Physical activity unclogs your body’s systems, helping it to eliminate wastes more efficiently. Even though walking is a gentle exercise, it is still enough of a physical activity to enhance bodily functions and help detoxify the body.
The directions say 20 minutes a day, but of course, you can always increase the time to 30 minutes or more, as long as the exercise is gentle on your body.
Reward Yourself
First of all, think of a way to reward yourself if you successfully walk/exercise almost every day. It you give yourself a goal with a perk in sight, you will be more likely to follow through. Some rewards could include a fun outing or purchasing a brand new pair of walking shoes.
Stay on track
Now, to really stay on track, ask yourself these questions every day. It will help you stay motivated to keep a written record of daily answers.
• Are you doing 20 minutes every day? How was the experience? Did you look forward to it or did you resist it?
• How did you feel today compared to yesterday? Also, look at your overall energy level. If you have more energy, it indicates that the exercise is having the desired effect of cleansing your body.
• What are the obstacles that are keeping you from exercising 20 minutes every day?
Consider having a friend or family member hold you accountable for your daily exercise; they can simply ask you how it’s going every few days. Better yet, have a friend do it with you!
How to make it happen: An answer for every excuse
• Missed a day? If you miss a day or two, don’t feel like a failure! Forgive yourself and examine the reasons behind the break. What could you do differently next time? Then, recommit and continue where you left off the next day. Never give up!
• No time! First, see if you can find any wiggle room in your schedule. If time truly is an issue, find ways to work exercise into your schedule as it is. Park farther from your destination so that you will be walking ten minutes to and from. Walk to your errands. Take the stairs whenever you can.
• Winter is too cold. Bundle up, put on your boots if necessary, and take a walk, enjoying the winter nature. Another option is to walk indoors around a local mall. Also, you can try a different indoor activity.
• Not a fan of walking. If walking is just not for you, get your blood circulating with a daily 20 minutes of dancing, cardio, yoga, swimming, or other indoor activity that really interests you. An all-around excellent choice is tai chi, a gentle practice that can be done at any age and improves cardiovascular capacity, cultivates balance, lowers blood pressure, and relieves arthritis. Find a teacher in your area or learn with an instructional DVD. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to warm up before and cool down after exercise to avoid wear and tear.
• Too out of shape. If you are recovering from an illness or just feel completely out of shape, begin gently by exercising only five minutes a day -- but do it every day. Incrementally increase the time by five minutes each week. By week 4, you’ll be up to 20 minutes.
On January 31: If you have been walking every day, you have most likely created a new habit. Keep up the good work and stay tuned for February, which will focus on practices for restoration! Look for my monthly articles to guide you through a healthy and happy 2011.
You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle.
I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
—Dr. Mao
www.iMemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Wedding Cake Tips
Happy Endings - Your Wedding Cake
When you think of wedding receptions, what is the one thing that they all have? A "stately mountain of snowy frosting and royal icing blossoms," (from "The Perfect Wedding Cake" by Kate Manchester), aka the wedding cake! Not bad for a dessert which has its roots clear back to the Roman Empire. But back then, there was no beautifully decorated, sweet confection. Instead, a loaf of barley bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolize her fertility. Can you imagine picking crumbs out of your hair? As the barley bread evolved into today’s wedding cake, the symbolism of the cake and the cake cutting ceremony evolved into your first joint act as a married couple, your commitment to provide for each other, and the sweet life you will share together.
Your wedding cake should taste absolutely wonderful, however, it is not just dessert. Your wedding cake will be an integral part of the reception decor, so place it in a strategic location where all of your guests can easily see it. How about in the center of the dance floor? It can be removed after the cake cutting ceremony - table and all - so you have room for your first dance as husband and wife. Just be sure that someone carefully cleans up any stray icing that may hit the floor which can be very slippery and dangerous. Or how about placing your wedding cake in a corner with pin lights or a small spotlight highlighting its glory?
The Statue of Liberty has its pedestal, a queen has her throne, the cake table needs to be worthy to hold such a beautiful creation. Like a beautiful frame that surrounds a lovely painting, the cake table should be decorated to complement the wonderful confection that it holds. Decorating the cake table needn’t be time consuming nor expensive. You may already have something appropriate in your closet or on the dining room table. A lace tablecloth would be lovely draped across the cake table. A length of tulle loosely billowed on the top of the table gives the impression of your cake floating on clouds. Or, swag the table with tulle, organza, lame, or garlands of greenery and flowers.
If your motto is "Life’s too short, eat dessert first," then you may want to go all out with your desserts. Have a dessert bar with trays of different scrumptious delicacies – iced cookies, brownies, mini bite-sized cheesecakes – with your wedding cake as the centerpiece. And speaking of centerpieces, if one large cake to feed hundreds of people isn’t your thing, how about a small (only big enough for two) cake which you and your new spouse get to cut and feed each other, and in place of the more traditional floral or candle centerpieces for each guest table, have a single tiered cake that serves 8-10 people.
by Jean Neuhart,
Weddings From The Heart
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms
818.760.9490
When you think of wedding receptions, what is the one thing that they all have? A "stately mountain of snowy frosting and royal icing blossoms," (from "The Perfect Wedding Cake" by Kate Manchester), aka the wedding cake! Not bad for a dessert which has its roots clear back to the Roman Empire. But back then, there was no beautifully decorated, sweet confection. Instead, a loaf of barley bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolize her fertility. Can you imagine picking crumbs out of your hair? As the barley bread evolved into today’s wedding cake, the symbolism of the cake and the cake cutting ceremony evolved into your first joint act as a married couple, your commitment to provide for each other, and the sweet life you will share together.
Your wedding cake should taste absolutely wonderful, however, it is not just dessert. Your wedding cake will be an integral part of the reception decor, so place it in a strategic location where all of your guests can easily see it. How about in the center of the dance floor? It can be removed after the cake cutting ceremony - table and all - so you have room for your first dance as husband and wife. Just be sure that someone carefully cleans up any stray icing that may hit the floor which can be very slippery and dangerous. Or how about placing your wedding cake in a corner with pin lights or a small spotlight highlighting its glory?
The Statue of Liberty has its pedestal, a queen has her throne, the cake table needs to be worthy to hold such a beautiful creation. Like a beautiful frame that surrounds a lovely painting, the cake table should be decorated to complement the wonderful confection that it holds. Decorating the cake table needn’t be time consuming nor expensive. You may already have something appropriate in your closet or on the dining room table. A lace tablecloth would be lovely draped across the cake table. A length of tulle loosely billowed on the top of the table gives the impression of your cake floating on clouds. Or, swag the table with tulle, organza, lame, or garlands of greenery and flowers.
If your motto is "Life’s too short, eat dessert first," then you may want to go all out with your desserts. Have a dessert bar with trays of different scrumptious delicacies – iced cookies, brownies, mini bite-sized cheesecakes – with your wedding cake as the centerpiece. And speaking of centerpieces, if one large cake to feed hundreds of people isn’t your thing, how about a small (only big enough for two) cake which you and your new spouse get to cut and feed each other, and in place of the more traditional floral or candle centerpieces for each guest table, have a single tiered cake that serves 8-10 people.
by Jean Neuhart,
Weddings From The Heart
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms
818.760.9490
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Should I Let a Friend Videotape my Wedding?
I was recently at a wedding where, during the ceremony, there were probably 7-8 people crowding around the bride and groom. Each person was armed with a palmcorder or handycam, jocking for a good spot and nearly pushing the photographer, a paid professional, and myself out of the way. She, the photographer, had to kindly inform someone that she was getting paid and had to ask them to move. I noticed that over half of the seated guests were pointing either digital cameras or cell phones at the bride and groom and, even though the ceremony was outside, on a sunny day, the repeated auto-flashes, strobing and beeping was enough to cause a headache.
With that many people holding a camera of some sort, it made me wonder why anyone would hire a professional videographer. With digital technology becoming less expensive and more accessible, and with it getting easier to share pics and video clips with anyone in the world that has internet access, it seems that just about anybody could, possibly, shoot a decent and watchable wedding video.
So, should you let a friend or family member shoot yours? Chances are, you probably know a few people that own a camera and probably own one yourself. Why not let someone you know do it for you? They'll enjoy having a chance to be creative and you'll save some money.
The benefit of having a friend shoot your wedding video is that while you might have to give them a few bucks for tapes, you won't have to spend anywhere from $600 to $3000, or more, to hire a professional. With a professional, though, they know what they're doing. That's not to say that your friend isn't capable of producing a quality video that you'll enjoy watching, but more than likely, a professional has gone to school and received training, or both, for specifically this kind of work, has shot numerous wedding videos, has years of experience, and has spent literally thousands of dollars on pro-grade equipment.
Some real-life examples:
My partner took a job where the groom used his own camera to shoot he and his bride's wedding video. During the ceremony, the camera was mounted on a tripod and positioned at the back end of the room. You could see everything in the frame, albeit, not clearly. The bride and groom looked like a couple of blurry dots in the background, which was probably due to the camera being set on auto mode. And, since the built-in, on-camera microphone was used, the sound was almost unbearable to listen to. There was a continuous noise that sounded like tape hiss throughout and the guests seated on the back rows, talking and sniffling, were about the only thing that could be heard. The exchange of vows was missed entirely. Those important words, "I do" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife," were completely inaudible.
Another couple wanted their wedding video put on DVD. They had also asked someone they knew to shoot it for them. It seemed that there was an almost endless amount of footage that was mostly boring to watch. Aside from having some bad footage and bad audio (again, the built-in mic was used), the couple didn't have the proper tools and skills to take the footage from their tapes and transfer it to DVD. They also didn't have the right tools or know-how to edit the video in order to make it more interesting and enjoyable to watch. A professional videographer is, in many cases, an editor as well, and would normally allot 20-30 hours just for editing a wedding video.
These are just 2 examples, and quality isn't necessarily everything. You could purchase a digital videocamera for $200 or $300 and spend $40 or $50 on a simple editing program, and either do it yourself, or have a friend or family member do it for you. But, hiring a professional videographer, one who is equipped with the right gear, may be a better choice than handing a camera to someone you know and trusting that they'll produce a video that you'll actually want to watch. Professional camera, sound and editing equipment can cost more than a new car and it takes a considerable amount of time, training and talent to learn how to use it effectively and proficiently.
A consumer-end camera manned by a friend would get the job done. You would definitely have a document of your wedding day, but here are some questions you might ask:
If the picture and sound quality were poor, would you watch the video once and store it on a shelf or in a box somewhere?
Would you be able to even watch it once without fast-forwarding to the good spots?
Would your friend be able to hold the camera steady and keep the subjects, you and your soon-to-be husband, in focus?
Would your friend simply put the camera on a tripod and hit record, hoping that the camera's automatic functions do the job and that the picture and sound are clear?
Would you end up with an artistic, cinematic video that runs between 45 minutes and an hour long, which tells only your story and shows exactly what you would want to see, or would you end up with 3 to 4 hours of raw footage, where only a small portion is interesting to watch?
There are many other factors to consider when trying to decide if you want to hire a professional videographer or go with a friend, but the key thing is whether you would want to basically be the star of your own movie, or if you would rather have a home video.
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
With that many people holding a camera of some sort, it made me wonder why anyone would hire a professional videographer. With digital technology becoming less expensive and more accessible, and with it getting easier to share pics and video clips with anyone in the world that has internet access, it seems that just about anybody could, possibly, shoot a decent and watchable wedding video.
So, should you let a friend or family member shoot yours? Chances are, you probably know a few people that own a camera and probably own one yourself. Why not let someone you know do it for you? They'll enjoy having a chance to be creative and you'll save some money.
The benefit of having a friend shoot your wedding video is that while you might have to give them a few bucks for tapes, you won't have to spend anywhere from $600 to $3000, or more, to hire a professional. With a professional, though, they know what they're doing. That's not to say that your friend isn't capable of producing a quality video that you'll enjoy watching, but more than likely, a professional has gone to school and received training, or both, for specifically this kind of work, has shot numerous wedding videos, has years of experience, and has spent literally thousands of dollars on pro-grade equipment.
Some real-life examples:
My partner took a job where the groom used his own camera to shoot he and his bride's wedding video. During the ceremony, the camera was mounted on a tripod and positioned at the back end of the room. You could see everything in the frame, albeit, not clearly. The bride and groom looked like a couple of blurry dots in the background, which was probably due to the camera being set on auto mode. And, since the built-in, on-camera microphone was used, the sound was almost unbearable to listen to. There was a continuous noise that sounded like tape hiss throughout and the guests seated on the back rows, talking and sniffling, were about the only thing that could be heard. The exchange of vows was missed entirely. Those important words, "I do" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife," were completely inaudible.
Another couple wanted their wedding video put on DVD. They had also asked someone they knew to shoot it for them. It seemed that there was an almost endless amount of footage that was mostly boring to watch. Aside from having some bad footage and bad audio (again, the built-in mic was used), the couple didn't have the proper tools and skills to take the footage from their tapes and transfer it to DVD. They also didn't have the right tools or know-how to edit the video in order to make it more interesting and enjoyable to watch. A professional videographer is, in many cases, an editor as well, and would normally allot 20-30 hours just for editing a wedding video.
These are just 2 examples, and quality isn't necessarily everything. You could purchase a digital videocamera for $200 or $300 and spend $40 or $50 on a simple editing program, and either do it yourself, or have a friend or family member do it for you. But, hiring a professional videographer, one who is equipped with the right gear, may be a better choice than handing a camera to someone you know and trusting that they'll produce a video that you'll actually want to watch. Professional camera, sound and editing equipment can cost more than a new car and it takes a considerable amount of time, training and talent to learn how to use it effectively and proficiently.
A consumer-end camera manned by a friend would get the job done. You would definitely have a document of your wedding day, but here are some questions you might ask:
If the picture and sound quality were poor, would you watch the video once and store it on a shelf or in a box somewhere?
Would you be able to even watch it once without fast-forwarding to the good spots?
Would your friend be able to hold the camera steady and keep the subjects, you and your soon-to-be husband, in focus?
Would your friend simply put the camera on a tripod and hit record, hoping that the camera's automatic functions do the job and that the picture and sound are clear?
Would you end up with an artistic, cinematic video that runs between 45 minutes and an hour long, which tells only your story and shows exactly what you would want to see, or would you end up with 3 to 4 hours of raw footage, where only a small portion is interesting to watch?
There are many other factors to consider when trying to decide if you want to hire a professional videographer or go with a friend, but the key thing is whether you would want to basically be the star of your own movie, or if you would rather have a home video.
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
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
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 fiancé 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
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 fiancé 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
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
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