Archive for September, 2009

The engagement photo shoot is important, but not necessary. If it’s part of the wedding photographer’s package deals, then it’s a good purchase to do this. Most couples haven’t been professionally photographed… together; so it’s a smart exercise to learn some thing (like what’s your best side) and to get comfortable with how the photographer operates.  The engagement photo shoot is also an opportunity for the photographer to expand the rapport with the wedding couple, see how you interact as a couple, and you both get to have some fun and establish a level of trust before the high-pressured event. The engagement shoot will build your trust in the photographer’s creative suggestions… this way you’ll enjoy the actually day more, and have fewer things to worry about.

This is also a test run for the process of reviewing and ordering the proofs (either online or hard copy), the same way that you’ll be doing when you get the actual wedding photos back. This is critical, because you’ll be able to see how the photographer re-touches the photos or does any other alterations and presents you with a finished product. Plus, the engagement photos will serve as a means to get your families pumped up about the big day… and give you one more set of memories to fawn over.

Now you might decide that you don’t want to do an engagement photo shoot, that’s okay; but that means that you’ll have to keep up your dialog going with the photographer that much more. The on-the-ball wedding photographer will be obsessed with your wedding schedule, and since you don’t have that engagement photo shoot and the affiliated time to talk with him or her, you’ll need to be as specific and direct as possible.

This is a no-brainer question, of course you want to hire a wedding photographer… you’ll kick yourself over and over again if you don’t have this ultimate day preserved for future review by other generations of your family, your friends and others. And it’s important to hire a professional (so don’t go asking your friends who have digital cameras to shoot your wedding, because he or she won’t get to enjoy the event or catch up with friends as they’ll be running around working, while everyone else is having fun). You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you should definitely make some sort of cash outlay so that you have a dedicated individual behind the lens, doing the creative, planned and/or spontaneous work of documenting the emotional, chaotic and satisfying day. The professional wedding photographer is there to do a job, and capture the moments that will signify the day, with the appropriate lighting, and understand of how to get the best out of every possible scenario, subject and circumstance.

A pro will sit down with the bride and groom ahead of time to map out a game plan on what to get (and what not to get) and how to best achieve those goals in terms of scheduling the traditional shots that are the hallmarks of wedding photography. By outlining the expectations of what you want the photographer to photograph, you’ll be that much happier with the outcome.

Maybe you want the photographer to start the night before at the rehearsal dinner to capture the roasting of the bride and groom in that carefree moment or you want the photographer to start photographing the groom and his groomsman the second they arrive and start putting on their tuxedo; or maybe she’ll be granted access to the bride as she gets ready.  It is ideas like this that a pro can co-organize with bride and groom and you can rest assured that they’ll be executed extremely well by engaging a professional.

Choosing your venue should be a breeze with these simple steps and helpful guides.

Step 1 – Guests Attending and Accomodation

Prior to your venue search, ask yourself how many people are going to be attending your wedding. It is suggested that the best way to figure out how many guests are attending is to take the total amount of wedding invitations you sent out, and subtract about a quarter to a half, as most likely not everyone will actually attend. If you plan accordingly, you should have plenty of space for all of your guests to share your special day, making it easier to find and book a venue.

Step 2 – Number of Venues

Decide if you want separate venues for both your wedding and reception. If you want to do them both separately, a good idea is choosing venues that are near to each other, eliminating stress on your wedding day. Make sure that the reception venue is going to seat all the guests that attended the ceremony as well as a few more. Statistics show that more guests attend receptions than the actual wedding.

Step 3 – Visiting Locations

Do a walk through of each and every place you consider for your wedding. This is very important, and may make it easier for you to narrow down your picks. Remember to bring a camera to document specific things you think make one site better than another. Also, carry a notepad and pen to make any notes or jot down any questions you might have.

Step 4 – Venue Ideas

Research different venues for your wedding. Consider churches, botanical gardens, community centers and any building that rents space as a viable option. Don’t remove a site from your consideration until you have seen it, you may be pleasantly surprised as there‘s more to see than what meets the eye.

Step 5 – Narrowing Your List

Compare prices of all of the venues you are considering. It might help to make a column of pros and cons for each site and use that to help you make a decision.

Step 6 – Ask Questions

Always ask prospective vendors questions. Here is a list of questions that may help on your quest of finding your perfect wedding venue. Happy hunting!

You may not make as much money as Hollywood’s A-List celebrities, but that doesn’t have to stop you from planning a glamorous wedding. According to Strictly Weddings and Lori Wilson of www.sheknows.com, the following are the top five celebrity wedding trends that you can use for your very own lavish affair.

Inspired favors

Most couples offer their guests a favor as a thank you for coming to their wedding. They usually consist of candy or something monogrammed, but you don’t fall into this clichéd trap!

Look to Hollywood and embrace a more interesting way of showing your appreciation for your guests. If you are marrying into another culture, do what actress Anna Chlumsky (“My Girl”) did and give away something that’s representative of the culture. In her case, it was chopsticks. Other ideas include giving female guests colorful bangles for an Indian wedding or candy apples if you’re from New York.

It doesn’t even have to be culturally inspired. It could just represent what you and your future husband enjoy. If you are into 80s rock, give your guests a CD of your favorite tunes. Make your wedding favors personal, and they will be more meaningful.

As seen in In Style Weddings, John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos created kitschy air-fresheners printed with a ’70s style photo of themselves and the words “our love will last forever” — then had the valets hang them in guests’ cars.
Although their love didn’t last forever, it certainly left an impression with their creativity.

Look to nature

Apparently landscaping is the latest trend for wedding decorations. Instead of standard flowers for centerpieces, celebrity-wedding planner Michele Rago says the new trends are bead-strewn crystal candelabras, potted herbs and even mushrooms. A landscaping theme might include moss, pretty bowls or even something more rustic — like getting married on a ranch, as did Jenna Bush.

Veils are back in

Recently out of fashion, it seems the dramatic veil is making a comeback. Celebrities are apparently into them again. Don’t feel as if the reception is off-limits from the veil either.

Dance like the stars

With the rash of reality shows that focus on dancing (i.e. “Dancing with the Stars”), it seems more people are taking their cue when it comes to their first dance together as husband and wife. If you want to make a serious impression at your reception (like singer Katherine McPhee did, complete with twirls and dips), then take your intended to a dance class and learn the waltz, fox trot, rumba or jive and dazzle your guests.

A cake just for him

This is a southern tradition that is picking up steam. It’s simply a cake that represents something specific about the groom. For instance, jewelry designer Erica Courtney’s son, Josh Cappo, had an armadillo-shaped red velvet cake. Whether it represents where they’re from, a professional sports team they root for or an activity they participate in, it should be a fun reflection of the groom’s personality and style.

With these few Celebrity trends and Wedding tips, you’ll be on your way to having a Hollywood Wedding fit for the stars! Check out the original article at http://www.sheknows.com/articles/804312.htm