Making Memories
Your wedding day will live on forever in your photographs.
That makes your choice of photographer and videographer that
much more important.
Word of mouth is the best way to find photographers (and other
wedding service providers) in your area. During your initial
visit, you should ask about the following:
- Get references. Ask for the names of the vendors and
former clients to contact. A glowing review from another
wedding professional is a good recommendation for the
photographer that consistently does high-quality work.
- Look at more than one book. You'll get a better sense
of the photographer's style if you see several examples
of his work.
- Discuss your expectations. Do you want mostly traditionally-posed
shots or more of a candid, photojournalistic style? Your
photographer should be an expert in the style of photography
you want.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with your photographer.
Remember, you'll be spending most of the day with him
or her.
- If you select a particular studio's style, be sure the
photographer you book is the one who took the shots you
love.
- Get specifics on paper. Be clear about how many rolls
of film should be shot, what's included in your wedding
package, and how long the photographer will keep the negatives
in case you want to order more photographs later.
The Bridal Portrait
Arrange to have your formal bridal portrait
taken about a month before your wedding. Here are a few
tips to make your picture perfect:
- Schedule the photo session earlier in the month, when
you'll be less tired and stressed.
- Keep your hair simple. Your hair stylist can show you
how to create an easy, elegant look that will work with
your headpiece and dress.
- Don't overdo the makeup. Your face should look natural
in the shots. If you plan to have a professional do your
wedding-day makeup, have your initial consultation before
the portrait so you have an idea of what looks best.
- Make sure you have your gown and accessories ready in
plenty of time for your portrait.
Love in Bloom
Nothing adds romance to the wedding
day like gorgeous flowers. But you'll need more than a few
bouquets and a boutonniere or two. Here's a list of the
common wedding flower requirements:
Rehearsal Dinner (optional)
- Bride's corsage
- Mother's corsages
- Table centerpieces
Ceremony
- Bridal bouquet
- Headpiece
- Honor attendant's bouquet
- Bridesmaids' bouquets
- Groom's boutonnieres
- Fathers' boutonnieres
- Mother's corsages
- Flower girl arrangement
- Corsages and boutonnieres for other honored guests
- Floral arrangements for the ceremony sites
- Pew arrangements
- Aisle runners
Reception
- Centerpieces for main table and guest tables
- Drapes, garlands and decorations for doorways and dance
floor
- Flower petals or birdseed to toss when you and your
spouse depart
- Arrangements for cake table, guest-book table and ladies'
restroom
- Bride's tossing bouquet
- Bride's going-away corsage
Because flowers are such a substantial
portion of your wedding budget, you'll want to choose your
florist carefully. Here are some things you should consider
when you look for a florist:
- Make sure they've seen your ceremony and reception sites.
You and your florist might need to visit them together
to see how they can best decorate these spaces.
- See examples of their work. Florists should be happy
to show you photographs of other weddings they've done.
- Check out the particulars. Find out when they'll deliver
the flowers and if there will be any additional fees for
physically setting the arrangements. Ask your florist
to supply a detailed list of the arrangements and bouquets
you requested, including the type of flowers he/she'll
be using and any acceptable substitutions should those
flowers be unavailable. Include the list in your contract.
- Explore other decorating needs. If your reception sites
don't have them, your florist may be able to provide aisle
runners, candelabras or other decorative elements.
- As with everything, figure out the finances. Your florist
should put the estimated total cost and payment schedules
into the contract.
Ceremony Music
Before you book any musician(s) for the ceremony, check with
the site and the wedding officiant. A religious facility may
require that you use its regular organist, or have other restrictions
on what type of musician can play at your ceremony. Also,
ask the wedding officiant about any rules regarding musical
selections before you get your heart set on a certain ballad.
Be sure to listen to any muscians before you hire them. You
can ask for their advice on selections for your ceremony,
or request certain songs. Just be sure the musicians have
plenty of time to learn any unfamiliar music before your wedding
day.
Traditionally, the wedding music is provided by an organist
and a soloist, but you could also hire string and horn musicians
for a different sound.
