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
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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
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.)
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.
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!!
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.
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.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Awesome Tips for Planning A Wedding!
Awesome Tips for Planning a Wedding
Planning a wedding can be a very stressful task. For brides who have never been married before, and even for those who are making it down the aisle a second time, there are many facets to preparing a wedding, it's no wonder that brides can feel daunted. When I first meet with my clients, we sit down and go over all their thoughts about what a dream wedding would be for them. I usually bring a list of words, that I ask the client to look over, and choose which ones bring to mind their fantasy wedding. Though this may seem like a silly task, from the words that are chosen, I can get a feel for the theme or style that this particular bride is hoping for during her wedding. That is one of the most important elements of planning a wedding. Once a theme or style is determined, it can set in motion the vendors who need to be chosen to bring this dream to life. It also make the planning easier when one has something precise in their mind; all the vendors then know what is being asked of them, and can cooperate to make that goal a reality.
Another tip is to always compare prices. Even though you may meet with one vendor and fall in love with that person's ideas, it is in the client's best interest to measure that with someone else's thoughts. By receiving proposals from a few vendors, you can compare prices, and also see who will give you more for your money. Some vendors will be very attentive to your needs, and the level of their devotion to your wedding will be outlined in their proposal, and during your initial consultation. When you see a vendor who is willing to go the extra mile for a client (i.e. staying later than necessary during the day of, is always prompt when returning your calls, listens to your concerns), you know this person will perform to the best of his/her capabilities when it really counts on your wedding day.
A piece of advice that should not be ignored is to get everything in writing. From your vendors, to your ceremony location, it is in your best interest to have your wants stated in a contract or agreement. Some officiants tend to not want to send out a contract, so I suggest asking him/her to write a letter acknowledging all the services expected for the wedding day. It always important to have your desires written to avoid any confusion with your vendors regarding your dreams, and it also acts as an insurance policy if they do not comply with your ideas in the end. Also, if you are planning on doing something unique (using unusual flowers, for example), it is most important that it is written so everyone is clear and understands what his/her responsibilities may be. A contract enables both the client and vendor to know exactly what they both need to do in order to make the day a success.
When meeting with prospective vendors, one should ask if he/she is certified or a member of an affiliated national group. While being in an organization or having certification does not necessarily make one vendor better than another, it does show that this individual took an extra step. Likewise, just because a vendor does not belong to a reputable organization, it does not mean that your perfect event will become a disaster unless you use someone who is certified. All this truly shows it the level of importance the business is in that vendor's life, which shows the level of commitment you may receive.
Do not overlook the importance of tasting the food! One wouldn't purchase a new car without test-driving it, so the same should be said in regard to the food served at a wedding. A caterer may be the nicest person in the world, but if the food doesn't taste well, that is what the guests are going to always remember. Choosing the right caterer for your wedding is one area that is best not to skimp on, as it is an incredibly important component of the reception.
Some people may view hiring a wedding coordinator to be a luxury, but in many cases, enlisting the assistance of a professional can truly make planning a wedding much easier. While it is another expense, if one uses a great coordinator, they can work within any budget to make the wedding a success. In today's busy world, engaged couples do not have the time to do all of the legwork and research needed to plan their special day. By hiring a coordinator, he/she already knows of many locations, vendors, and resources that would best fit into the couples planning, and therefore saves the couple precious time. Also, a great coordinator can even help the couple save money by knowing where to cut costs. A coordinator takes care of the many intricate little details that occur when putting on a wedding, to ensure the couple can relax, and have a wonderful and stress-free day.
Planning a wedding can be a very stressful task. For brides who have never been married before, and even for those who are making it down the aisle a second time, there are many facets to preparing a wedding, it's no wonder that brides can feel daunted. When I first meet with my clients, we sit down and go over all their thoughts about what a dream wedding would be for them. I usually bring a list of words, that I ask the client to look over, and choose which ones bring to mind their fantasy wedding. Though this may seem like a silly task, from the words that are chosen, I can get a feel for the theme or style that this particular bride is hoping for during her wedding. That is one of the most important elements of planning a wedding. Once a theme or style is determined, it can set in motion the vendors who need to be chosen to bring this dream to life. It also make the planning easier when one has something precise in their mind; all the vendors then know what is being asked of them, and can cooperate to make that goal a reality.
Another tip is to always compare prices. Even though you may meet with one vendor and fall in love with that person's ideas, it is in the client's best interest to measure that with someone else's thoughts. By receiving proposals from a few vendors, you can compare prices, and also see who will give you more for your money. Some vendors will be very attentive to your needs, and the level of their devotion to your wedding will be outlined in their proposal, and during your initial consultation. When you see a vendor who is willing to go the extra mile for a client (i.e. staying later than necessary during the day of, is always prompt when returning your calls, listens to your concerns), you know this person will perform to the best of his/her capabilities when it really counts on your wedding day.
A piece of advice that should not be ignored is to get everything in writing. From your vendors, to your ceremony location, it is in your best interest to have your wants stated in a contract or agreement. Some officiants tend to not want to send out a contract, so I suggest asking him/her to write a letter acknowledging all the services expected for the wedding day. It always important to have your desires written to avoid any confusion with your vendors regarding your dreams, and it also acts as an insurance policy if they do not comply with your ideas in the end. Also, if you are planning on doing something unique (using unusual flowers, for example), it is most important that it is written so everyone is clear and understands what his/her responsibilities may be. A contract enables both the client and vendor to know exactly what they both need to do in order to make the day a success.
When meeting with prospective vendors, one should ask if he/she is certified or a member of an affiliated national group. While being in an organization or having certification does not necessarily make one vendor better than another, it does show that this individual took an extra step. Likewise, just because a vendor does not belong to a reputable organization, it does not mean that your perfect event will become a disaster unless you use someone who is certified. All this truly shows it the level of importance the business is in that vendor's life, which shows the level of commitment you may receive.
Do not overlook the importance of tasting the food! One wouldn't purchase a new car without test-driving it, so the same should be said in regard to the food served at a wedding. A caterer may be the nicest person in the world, but if the food doesn't taste well, that is what the guests are going to always remember. Choosing the right caterer for your wedding is one area that is best not to skimp on, as it is an incredibly important component of the reception.
Some people may view hiring a wedding coordinator to be a luxury, but in many cases, enlisting the assistance of a professional can truly make planning a wedding much easier. While it is another expense, if one uses a great coordinator, they can work within any budget to make the wedding a success. In today's busy world, engaged couples do not have the time to do all of the legwork and research needed to plan their special day. By hiring a coordinator, he/she already knows of many locations, vendors, and resources that would best fit into the couples planning, and therefore saves the couple precious time. Also, a great coordinator can even help the couple save money by knowing where to cut costs. A coordinator takes care of the many intricate little details that occur when putting on a wedding, to ensure the couple can relax, and have a wonderful and stress-free day.
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