The Best Wedding Ever
April 22, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
I planned my own wedding and unbeknownst to me was that I was planning the best wedding ever. I started receiving the feedback when I rang my parents before leaving for our honeymoon and my mother relaying feedback from our family that our wedding was the best that they have ever attended. And my family have attended many weddings. Initially I thought it was nice of my family to say that but then thought nothing of it. Upon returning from my honeymoon and catching up with friends, many of my husband’s friends commented on how good the wedding was and that it was the best wedding they had been to, my friends also shared this opinion as did the people I worked with that attended the wedding.
There were definitely some key elements that made our wedding different and special. So let me tell you more about the wedding and some things that in planning phase made our wedding so entertaining and fun.
Weddings are often considered boring and dutiful occasions full of tradition and ceremony. The speeches are generally long and cumbersome and the music drab and clichéd. I mean if I have to hear ‘nut bush city limits’ at any wedding one more time. So when planning my own wedding, I wanted to create an atmosphere true celebration. A big party if you will.
One of the things most important to me in creating a great atmosphere is the music, and if that isn’t right then the event is bore. Wedding entertainment is often the hardest thing to get right. Coming from and ethnic background and having to accommodate guest s from different walks of life presented a further challenge. Being we are a Middle Eastern and New Zealand couple meant social traditions on both sides. I wanted to incorporate the cultural traditions I liked.
The paid entertainment we included were a belly dancer who engaged the crowd for 20 mins of the event. We also included a band to play Middle Eastern music along with a DJ who also was the MC to play English music. The DJ we hired was fantastic and an integral part of our event. He facilitated and coordinated all the entertainment on the night to ensure that everything ran smoothly and on time. The changeovers between entertainers were seamless. He was also very flexible and amiable as we had some additional unexpected entertainment on the night. My husband’s family being form New Zealand had practiced and decided to surprise us by performing the Hakka which our DJ was also able to fit in to the itinerary. It was brilliant as all cultures were entertained and there was always something to watch.
Our Wedding DJ also included every song we wanted on the night. He was very accommodating, professional and eager to please. He understood the type of music we like and shared our taste in music. He was a perfect fit for our wedding.
The key to making your wedding memorable and special is to create a fun atmosphere. You want your guests to enjoy themselves and celebrate your marriage not to be bogged down by formalities. Perhaps try to find some entertainment for your wedding that’s different and unique and represents you as a couple. Finally, let your hair down and enjoy yourself, after all it is your day. And if the bride and groom are enjoying themselves so will the guests.
Recently I planned my own wedding and unbeknownst to me was that I was planning the best wedding ever. I started receiving the feedback when I rang my parents before leaving for our honeymoon and my mother relaying feedback from our family that our wedding was the best that they have ever attended. And my family have attended many weddings. Initially I thought it was nice of my family to say that but then thought nothing of it. Upon returning from my honeymoon and catching up with friends, many of my husband’s friends commented on how good the wedding was and that it was the best wedding they had been to, my friends also shared this opinion as did the people I worked with that attended the wedding.
There were definitely some key elements that made our wedding different and special. So let me tell you more about the wedding and some things that in planning phase made our wedding so entertaining and fun.
Weddings are often considered boring and dutiful occasions full of tradition and ceremony. The speeches are generally long and cumbersome and the music drab and clichéd. I mean if I have to hear ‘nut bush city limits’ at any wedding one more time. So when planning my own wedding, I wanted to create an atmosphere true celebration. A big party if you will.
One of the things most important to me in creating a great atmosphere is the music, and if that isn’t right then the event is bore. Wedding entertainment is often the hardest thing to get right. Coming from and ethnic background and having to accommodate guest s from different walks of life presented a further challenge. Being we are a Middle Eastern and New Zealand couple meant social traditions on both sides. I wanted to incorporate the cultural traditions I liked.
The paid entertainment we included were a belly dancer who engaged the crowd for 20 mins of the event. We also included a band to play Middle Eastern music along with a DJ who also was the MC to play English music. The DJ we hired was fantastic and an integral part of our event. He facilitated and coordinated all the entertainment on the night to ensure that everything ran smoothly and on time. The changeovers between entertainers were seamless. He was also very flexible and amiable as we had some additional unexpected entertainment on the night. My husband’s family being form New Zealand had practiced and decided to surprise us by performing the Hakka which our DJ was also able to fit in to the itinerary. It was brilliant as all cultures were entertained and there was always something to watch.
Our Wedding DJ also included every song we wanted on the night. He was very accommodating, professional and eager to please. He understood the type of music we like and shared our taste in music. He was a perfect fit for our wedding.
The key to making your wedding memorable and special is to create a fun atmosphere. You want your guests to enjoy themselves and celebrate your marriage not to be bogged down by formalities. Perhaps try to find some entertainment for your wedding that’s different and unique and represents you as a couple. Finally, let your hair down and enjoy yourself, after all it is your day. And if the bride and groom are enjoying themselves so will the guests.
For more information visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au
Thanks to Nariman Taweel for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
There were definitely some key elements that made our wedding different and special. So let me tell you more about the wedding and some things that in planning phase made our wedding so entertaining and fun.
Weddings are often considered boring and dutiful occasions full of tradition and ceremony. The speeches are generally long and cumbersome and the music drab and clichéd. I mean if I have to hear ‘nut bush city limits’ at any wedding one more time. So when planning my own wedding, I wanted to create an atmosphere true celebration. A big party if you will.
One of the things most important to me in creating a great atmosphere is the music, and if that isn’t right then the event is bore. Wedding entertainment is often the hardest thing to get right. Coming from and ethnic background and having to accommodate guest s from different walks of life presented a further challenge. Being we are a Middle Eastern and New Zealand couple meant social traditions on both sides. I wanted to incorporate the cultural traditions I liked.
The paid entertainment we included were a belly dancer who engaged the crowd for 20 mins of the event. We also included a band to play Middle Eastern music along with a DJ who also was the MC to play English music. The DJ we hired was fantastic and an integral part of our event. He facilitated and coordinated all the entertainment on the night to ensure that everything ran smoothly and on time. The changeovers between entertainers were seamless. He was also very flexible and amiable as we had some additional unexpected entertainment on the night. My husband’s family being form New Zealand had practiced and decided to surprise us by performing the Hakka which our DJ was also able to fit in to the itinerary. It was brilliant as all cultures were entertained and there was always something to watch.
Our Wedding DJ also included every song we wanted on the night. He was very accommodating, professional and eager to please. He understood the type of music we like and shared our taste in music. He was a perfect fit for our wedding.
The key to making your wedding memorable and special is to create a fun atmosphere. You want your guests to enjoy themselves and celebrate your marriage not to be bogged down by formalities. Perhaps try to find some entertainment for your wedding that’s different and unique and represents you as a couple. Finally, let your hair down and enjoy yourself, after all it is your day. And if the bride and groom are enjoying themselves so will the guests.
Recently I planned my own wedding and unbeknownst to me was that I was planning the best wedding ever. I started receiving the feedback when I rang my parents before leaving for our honeymoon and my mother relaying feedback from our family that our wedding was the best that they have ever attended. And my family have attended many weddings. Initially I thought it was nice of my family to say that but then thought nothing of it. Upon returning from my honeymoon and catching up with friends, many of my husband’s friends commented on how good the wedding was and that it was the best wedding they had been to, my friends also shared this opinion as did the people I worked with that attended the wedding.
There were definitely some key elements that made our wedding different and special. So let me tell you more about the wedding and some things that in planning phase made our wedding so entertaining and fun.
Weddings are often considered boring and dutiful occasions full of tradition and ceremony. The speeches are generally long and cumbersome and the music drab and clichéd. I mean if I have to hear ‘nut bush city limits’ at any wedding one more time. So when planning my own wedding, I wanted to create an atmosphere true celebration. A big party if you will.
One of the things most important to me in creating a great atmosphere is the music, and if that isn’t right then the event is bore. Wedding entertainment is often the hardest thing to get right. Coming from and ethnic background and having to accommodate guest s from different walks of life presented a further challenge. Being we are a Middle Eastern and New Zealand couple meant social traditions on both sides. I wanted to incorporate the cultural traditions I liked.
The paid entertainment we included were a belly dancer who engaged the crowd for 20 mins of the event. We also included a band to play Middle Eastern music along with a DJ who also was the MC to play English music. The DJ we hired was fantastic and an integral part of our event. He facilitated and coordinated all the entertainment on the night to ensure that everything ran smoothly and on time. The changeovers between entertainers were seamless. He was also very flexible and amiable as we had some additional unexpected entertainment on the night. My husband’s family being form New Zealand had practiced and decided to surprise us by performing the Hakka which our DJ was also able to fit in to the itinerary. It was brilliant as all cultures were entertained and there was always something to watch.
Our Wedding DJ also included every song we wanted on the night. He was very accommodating, professional and eager to please. He understood the type of music we like and shared our taste in music. He was a perfect fit for our wedding.
The key to making your wedding memorable and special is to create a fun atmosphere. You want your guests to enjoy themselves and celebrate your marriage not to be bogged down by formalities. Perhaps try to find some entertainment for your wedding that’s different and unique and represents you as a couple. Finally, let your hair down and enjoy yourself, after all it is your day. And if the bride and groom are enjoying themselves so will the guests.
For more information visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au
Thanks to Nariman Taweel for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Nariman is an accomplished trainer and entrepreneur.
New Ideas for Personalized Wedding Favors
April 21, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
There are so many little things to consider when you are planning your wedding. You want to make sure that everyone is happy, and that you are happy as well. It might seem like the planning never ends! Something that is important to think about early on is your wedding favors. You want to provide your guests with wedding favors that will do two things. The favors should be a compliment to the theme of your wedding or to the two of you as a couple. Secondly, they should be something that will provide your guests with a reminder of the wedding, long after it is over.
Theme and Style
In order to have personalized wedding favors that complement your theme and style, you need to define your wedding in terms of theme. This does not mean that you need to have an out-and-out theme for your wedding, but it does mean that you should have a general idea of what your wedding is all about. Perhaps this could be summed up in a word, like Peace, or Unity, or Family. It might be all about an idea, such as “It’s About The Journey,” or “Looking Towards The Future.” Either way, you want to have a theme or an idea that you can use in your wedding planning, even if you are just keeping it in the back of your mind as inspiration.
Once you know what your wedding is all about, you can look at personalized wedding favors that might help you show this to your guests and tie your wedding together. For instance, if you really are “Looking Towards the Future”, why not give your guests personalized tiny telescopes, or plastic binoculars? If you and your spouse are “Living In Harmony”, why not put out personalized harmonicas, or other musical instruments, that you can find at a party supply store for an affordable price?
Even if you don’t have a theme, you will want to focus on the two of you and on what you would like to use to represent yourselves. For two musicians, personalized guitar picks are great favors. For a couple into photography, a roll of film with your names and wedding dates can be a great way of giving out wedding favors. For two people who love a sport, think about sports-related personalized wedding favors. They can be beautiful and fun, but can also remind your guests about the two of you, and about who you both are apart and together.
Remember When…
Another way to approach your wedding favors is to figure out what your guests might like to have as memories of your wedding. Giving out tiny potted plants is a fantastic way for guests to count the time that has passed since your wedding. You might want to think about using small picture frames with a photo of the two of you in them, too. If you have music that you have played at your wedding, or even a video that you have shared, you might decide to give copies of these to your guests so that they can remind themselves of your wedding and think about you as well.
Personalized
Just about anything can be personalized. It all depends on who you are and on what type of wedding you hosted. Planning on a wild and crazy party? Perhaps your guests will enjoy personalized shot glasses. Having a more subtle event? A packet of seeds printed with your name and wedding date, that your guests can take home and plant, might say more about you and who you both are than anything else you can think of.
The trick with personalized wedding favors is making sure that they are not just items you give you to your guests to thank them for coming. The favors need to represent something, to show something, and to say something about who you are and about what your marriage will be. If you are able to choose the right personalized wedding favors, you will find that you can be very happy with what you have chosen, and you will also be able to know that you have made the right decision when it comes to the wedding favors. It is also okay to have a couple of different types of wedding favors to give different guests. Your fraternity brothers might get something slightly different than your grandmother, and that is perfectly fine.
Think about the long term as well. Gifts that your guests can keep for years will only make your wedding live longer in their hearts as well. And, after all, isn’t that what giving wedding favors should be all about? Find ways for your guests to remember your day, and to remember your marriage, and your wedding favors will be deemed a success.
Thanks to Suzanne Bradley for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Theme and Style
In order to have personalized wedding favors that complement your theme and style, you need to define your wedding in terms of theme. This does not mean that you need to have an out-and-out theme for your wedding, but it does mean that you should have a general idea of what your wedding is all about. Perhaps this could be summed up in a word, like Peace, or Unity, or Family. It might be all about an idea, such as “It’s About The Journey,” or “Looking Towards The Future.” Either way, you want to have a theme or an idea that you can use in your wedding planning, even if you are just keeping it in the back of your mind as inspiration.
Once you know what your wedding is all about, you can look at personalized wedding favors that might help you show this to your guests and tie your wedding together. For instance, if you really are “Looking Towards the Future”, why not give your guests personalized tiny telescopes, or plastic binoculars? If you and your spouse are “Living In Harmony”, why not put out personalized harmonicas, or other musical instruments, that you can find at a party supply store for an affordable price?
Even if you don’t have a theme, you will want to focus on the two of you and on what you would like to use to represent yourselves. For two musicians, personalized guitar picks are great favors. For a couple into photography, a roll of film with your names and wedding dates can be a great way of giving out wedding favors. For two people who love a sport, think about sports-related personalized wedding favors. They can be beautiful and fun, but can also remind your guests about the two of you, and about who you both are apart and together.
Remember When…
Another way to approach your wedding favors is to figure out what your guests might like to have as memories of your wedding. Giving out tiny potted plants is a fantastic way for guests to count the time that has passed since your wedding. You might want to think about using small picture frames with a photo of the two of you in them, too. If you have music that you have played at your wedding, or even a video that you have shared, you might decide to give copies of these to your guests so that they can remind themselves of your wedding and think about you as well.
Personalized
Just about anything can be personalized. It all depends on who you are and on what type of wedding you hosted. Planning on a wild and crazy party? Perhaps your guests will enjoy personalized shot glasses. Having a more subtle event? A packet of seeds printed with your name and wedding date, that your guests can take home and plant, might say more about you and who you both are than anything else you can think of.
The trick with personalized wedding favors is making sure that they are not just items you give you to your guests to thank them for coming. The favors need to represent something, to show something, and to say something about who you are and about what your marriage will be. If you are able to choose the right personalized wedding favors, you will find that you can be very happy with what you have chosen, and you will also be able to know that you have made the right decision when it comes to the wedding favors. It is also okay to have a couple of different types of wedding favors to give different guests. Your fraternity brothers might get something slightly different than your grandmother, and that is perfectly fine.
Think about the long term as well. Gifts that your guests can keep for years will only make your wedding live longer in their hearts as well. And, after all, isn’t that what giving wedding favors should be all about? Find ways for your guests to remember your day, and to remember your marriage, and your wedding favors will be deemed a success.
Thanks to Suzanne Bradley for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Suzanne Bradley is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific aspect of the event such as the wedding invitations.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost
April 20, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
Most people will say that wedding photography is both an art and a science. You need to capture the right emotions during key times that can not be recreated. So how much does a wedding photographer cost? I will tell you this much, you will usually get what you pay for. This includes the creativity and time spent to create something unique. A professional wedding photographer in Michigan works very hard for the fee they request.
You want your wedding to be perfect, and nothing is more important than the images from your once in a lifetime special event. You will look back on these photos ten or twenty years from now reflecting on these precious memories. What do you expect from your wedding photographer? Do you want something simple, or something truly customized to your needs? This is a question you will have to ask yourself before finding out how much a wedding photographer will cost.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost
Well have you decided on what you’re looking for yet? Before you do, you will need to understand the difference between cheap and good. I am sure you heard the slogan, ‘Cheap is not good and good is not cheap’. You will usually get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier this will be reflected in the time and energy put into your wedding day.
Knowing that your memories are on the line, you will have to feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you hire for your special occasion. Do you get the vibe that they will be able to deliver on your wedding day? Can they handle the expectations you have set for them? The best advice is to look over their portfolio and see if you notice any trends. If you do, then you are probably dealing with a cookie cutter service that does not step outside the sphere of influence often. Another Biggie is recent references from brides within the last six months. These people will be able to tell you how they felt about their decision and the wedding photographer you are considering.
Cheap Wedding Photographers in Michigan
Buyer beware, there are many part time hobbyist out there that claim the title as a full time devoted wedding specialist. When looking over their portfolios do you notice color and emotion? Do their pictures tell a story about the day as it unfolds? Some different poses and indoor outdoor shots will give you an idea of the imagination of the vendor you are working with. This has to be one of the most important aspects of the choice you make. For example, many cheap wedding photographers in Michigan might not carry this trait. If they do, then their prices may be set low to acquire business because of a lack of referrals. You will have to do the investigating to figure out how their prices compare and what is the reasoning behind their pricing structure.
Average Wedding Photographer Prices
It never ceases to amaze me that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone. This is a big no no when it comes to hiring the company that can make or break the entire evening let alone day. Going back to what we said earlier price should be the least important factor. Now I would like you to think really hard for one moment.
Do you want your wedding reception and wedding ceremony pictures to be average
Honestly, no bride does. Your wedding is different from all the others being planned. So how does your photographer set him/herself apart from the competition? Do they bring additional assistants to get more than one perspective? What is the turn around time on the proofs? To help you distinguish between the average and the exceptional, I have laid out a couple of helpful tips on how to choose a wedding photographer below.
Why hire a professional wedding photographer
First of all you will have piece of mind knowing that you are in good hands. The last thing you need to be is stressed on your wedding day wondering if the photographer is going to show up. Now you many save hundreds by cutting corners and going with a lower priced service, but it may cost you thousands later down the road. Looking back on those precious images will they hold up to the standards and quality that you were expecting? Also a professional wedding photographer has to be able to finesse themselves into intimate situations to get the shot. This means having the courtesy not to compromise that special moment just to get the shot.
How do I search for a professional wedding photographer
If you stumbled upon this article, then you are searching over the web. This is a good place to start to get a general idea of what is expected. From there I would setup up several consultations to see their work and discuss their packages. Something to pay close attention to is the way they handle their consultation. Are you just another bride, or do they work extra hard to make sure you completely understand the options and how they will personalize your day? If you are hung up on the pricing, then you may ignore their reasoning and justifications until you get a price and that can cloud your decision.
Another good place to start the hunt for the photographer is through friends and family. They will also be able to tell you of their experiences and results. Make sure to get references and check with at least three of them. Most wedding photographers in Michigan will travel. Find out what their coverage area is if you are planning a destination wedding.
Narrow down the list of photographers for your wedding
Now that you are a pro at interviewing and knowing what to expect, you may be on the fence with several companies. Do not get me wrong, price is important but going back to the main question you will have to find out what you want. Not all photographers are created equally so you will have to find the one that suits your particular style. Several different styles are traditional, classic, and casual candid. You may also what to check with the cinematic or photojournalistic approaches. A professional wedding photographer will be able to distinguish and explain the different approaches better.
When do I speak with my wedding photographer company
Everyone is different on this issue. Personally a reputable company will want to maintain a close relation and constant communication with their client to ensure a mutual understanding. However, some may have a few conversations over the phone or in their studio to finalize the details. Either way, it is important that you express exactly what you want so that the two of you are on the same page.
The photographer you are speaking with, will they be the one shooting on your big day? Make sure to see the portfolio shots of the actual photographer that will be shooting on your wedding day.
How much does a wedding photographer cost
The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value. This price range can vary between $1,000 to $10,000. You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a small Sunday wedding and a minimum of $2,500 for a small Saturday wedding. If you are offered a package for less than $1,000 then you are probably dealing with a cheap wedding photographer that does not have the experience. Most couples under estimate the cost of their photographer by as much as 50%! A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay twice as much as you are considering. A typical wedding photographer is usually 15-25% of the total wedding cost.
How Much Time Does a Professional Wedding Photographer require in order to give me what I need
The time your photographer spends on your wedding, will depend on what type of events you will have. No two weddings are the same, and your options vary. This includes:
Rehearsal dinners and services
Brides preparation
Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding
Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding
Wedding ceremony
Leaving the church (post ceremony)
Formal group photographs
Reception photography, including grand entrance, speeches, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter, and final departure from the reception
How many wedding photographs should I get
Many professional wedding photographers include the cost of proofs in their packages. These proofs are typically 4×6″ prints. The amount of proofs will depend on how much film is shooting. The minimum is roughly 120-150 shots. This is a typical number to work from, because from there you can select the best shots for your album or to be enlarged.
About those wedding photography negatives, who keeps them
Some Michigan wedding photographers will keep the negatives and have their brides order reprints after the wedding reception. These photographers make a portion of their income from these orders and enlargements. These photographers will usually keep the negatives on file for 2 years giving you the option to order if necessary. Other wedding photographers in Michigan will give back the negatives for you to use. Keep in mind that this option may be more costly since you will only have to use their services once. Make sure to ask this question to find out what exactly happens to the negatives after the wedding.
Wedding Photography packages in Michigan
Many photographers in Michigan offer packages with their services that cover a variety of options. This way you can select the one that best fits with what you are looking for. It is sometimes more effective to have the wedding photographer arrange the album (if it is included in your package), because they will have the creativity of arranging the images in a way that tells a story. Not only will this save you time, but this cost is usually a small percentage of the total price. However the cost will depend on a couple of different things:
Time allowed to photograph the wedding ceremony and reception
The amount of wedding proofs/photos
The number of enlargements requested
The overall layout and type of photo albums. You can have them for your parents or just different themes. As mentioned earlier the cost is usually not that significant however the more expensive albums will have a better quality and longer life span.
Is black and white wedding photography still in style
A more traditional approach to wedding photos is black and white instead of color. This will give a timeless feel with a touch of elegance. Your wedding photographer should offer B&W along with color photos. You can always change a color picture into B&W, but a pro will shoot the negative in black and white. The impression that black and white photos will give is amazing, and usually these pictures are more costly. Any reputable wedding photographer should have a printer dedicated solely to printing these images.
Final considerations for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan
So we laid out 10 points above on how to narrow down the gap between the wedding photographers you are looking at. A couple of final considerations are the type of lighting your photographer will be using, the equipment/filters, how many assistants, and photo copyrights. Now that you have been given some great advice on how to choose a wedding photographer, it is up to you to make the final decision.
Thanks to Robert Reno for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
You want your wedding to be perfect, and nothing is more important than the images from your once in a lifetime special event. You will look back on these photos ten or twenty years from now reflecting on these precious memories. What do you expect from your wedding photographer? Do you want something simple, or something truly customized to your needs? This is a question you will have to ask yourself before finding out how much a wedding photographer will cost.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost
Well have you decided on what you’re looking for yet? Before you do, you will need to understand the difference between cheap and good. I am sure you heard the slogan, ‘Cheap is not good and good is not cheap’. You will usually get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier this will be reflected in the time and energy put into your wedding day.
Knowing that your memories are on the line, you will have to feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you hire for your special occasion. Do you get the vibe that they will be able to deliver on your wedding day? Can they handle the expectations you have set for them? The best advice is to look over their portfolio and see if you notice any trends. If you do, then you are probably dealing with a cookie cutter service that does not step outside the sphere of influence often. Another Biggie is recent references from brides within the last six months. These people will be able to tell you how they felt about their decision and the wedding photographer you are considering.
Cheap Wedding Photographers in Michigan
Buyer beware, there are many part time hobbyist out there that claim the title as a full time devoted wedding specialist. When looking over their portfolios do you notice color and emotion? Do their pictures tell a story about the day as it unfolds? Some different poses and indoor outdoor shots will give you an idea of the imagination of the vendor you are working with. This has to be one of the most important aspects of the choice you make. For example, many cheap wedding photographers in Michigan might not carry this trait. If they do, then their prices may be set low to acquire business because of a lack of referrals. You will have to do the investigating to figure out how their prices compare and what is the reasoning behind their pricing structure.
Average Wedding Photographer Prices
It never ceases to amaze me that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone. This is a big no no when it comes to hiring the company that can make or break the entire evening let alone day. Going back to what we said earlier price should be the least important factor. Now I would like you to think really hard for one moment.
Do you want your wedding reception and wedding ceremony pictures to be average
Honestly, no bride does. Your wedding is different from all the others being planned. So how does your photographer set him/herself apart from the competition? Do they bring additional assistants to get more than one perspective? What is the turn around time on the proofs? To help you distinguish between the average and the exceptional, I have laid out a couple of helpful tips on how to choose a wedding photographer below.
Why hire a professional wedding photographer
First of all you will have piece of mind knowing that you are in good hands. The last thing you need to be is stressed on your wedding day wondering if the photographer is going to show up. Now you many save hundreds by cutting corners and going with a lower priced service, but it may cost you thousands later down the road. Looking back on those precious images will they hold up to the standards and quality that you were expecting? Also a professional wedding photographer has to be able to finesse themselves into intimate situations to get the shot. This means having the courtesy not to compromise that special moment just to get the shot.
How do I search for a professional wedding photographer
If you stumbled upon this article, then you are searching over the web. This is a good place to start to get a general idea of what is expected. From there I would setup up several consultations to see their work and discuss their packages. Something to pay close attention to is the way they handle their consultation. Are you just another bride, or do they work extra hard to make sure you completely understand the options and how they will personalize your day? If you are hung up on the pricing, then you may ignore their reasoning and justifications until you get a price and that can cloud your decision.
Another good place to start the hunt for the photographer is through friends and family. They will also be able to tell you of their experiences and results. Make sure to get references and check with at least three of them. Most wedding photographers in Michigan will travel. Find out what their coverage area is if you are planning a destination wedding.
Narrow down the list of photographers for your wedding
Now that you are a pro at interviewing and knowing what to expect, you may be on the fence with several companies. Do not get me wrong, price is important but going back to the main question you will have to find out what you want. Not all photographers are created equally so you will have to find the one that suits your particular style. Several different styles are traditional, classic, and casual candid. You may also what to check with the cinematic or photojournalistic approaches. A professional wedding photographer will be able to distinguish and explain the different approaches better.
When do I speak with my wedding photographer company
Everyone is different on this issue. Personally a reputable company will want to maintain a close relation and constant communication with their client to ensure a mutual understanding. However, some may have a few conversations over the phone or in their studio to finalize the details. Either way, it is important that you express exactly what you want so that the two of you are on the same page.
The photographer you are speaking with, will they be the one shooting on your big day? Make sure to see the portfolio shots of the actual photographer that will be shooting on your wedding day.
How much does a wedding photographer cost
The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value. This price range can vary between $1,000 to $10,000. You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a small Sunday wedding and a minimum of $2,500 for a small Saturday wedding. If you are offered a package for less than $1,000 then you are probably dealing with a cheap wedding photographer that does not have the experience. Most couples under estimate the cost of their photographer by as much as 50%! A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay twice as much as you are considering. A typical wedding photographer is usually 15-25% of the total wedding cost.
How Much Time Does a Professional Wedding Photographer require in order to give me what I need
The time your photographer spends on your wedding, will depend on what type of events you will have. No two weddings are the same, and your options vary. This includes:
Rehearsal dinners and services
Brides preparation
Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding
Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding
Wedding ceremony
Leaving the church (post ceremony)
Formal group photographs
Reception photography, including grand entrance, speeches, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter, and final departure from the reception
How many wedding photographs should I get
Many professional wedding photographers include the cost of proofs in their packages. These proofs are typically 4×6″ prints. The amount of proofs will depend on how much film is shooting. The minimum is roughly 120-150 shots. This is a typical number to work from, because from there you can select the best shots for your album or to be enlarged.
About those wedding photography negatives, who keeps them
Some Michigan wedding photographers will keep the negatives and have their brides order reprints after the wedding reception. These photographers make a portion of their income from these orders and enlargements. These photographers will usually keep the negatives on file for 2 years giving you the option to order if necessary. Other wedding photographers in Michigan will give back the negatives for you to use. Keep in mind that this option may be more costly since you will only have to use their services once. Make sure to ask this question to find out what exactly happens to the negatives after the wedding.
Wedding Photography packages in Michigan
Many photographers in Michigan offer packages with their services that cover a variety of options. This way you can select the one that best fits with what you are looking for. It is sometimes more effective to have the wedding photographer arrange the album (if it is included in your package), because they will have the creativity of arranging the images in a way that tells a story. Not only will this save you time, but this cost is usually a small percentage of the total price. However the cost will depend on a couple of different things:
Time allowed to photograph the wedding ceremony and reception
The amount of wedding proofs/photos
The number of enlargements requested
The overall layout and type of photo albums. You can have them for your parents or just different themes. As mentioned earlier the cost is usually not that significant however the more expensive albums will have a better quality and longer life span.
Is black and white wedding photography still in style
A more traditional approach to wedding photos is black and white instead of color. This will give a timeless feel with a touch of elegance. Your wedding photographer should offer B&W along with color photos. You can always change a color picture into B&W, but a pro will shoot the negative in black and white. The impression that black and white photos will give is amazing, and usually these pictures are more costly. Any reputable wedding photographer should have a printer dedicated solely to printing these images.
Final considerations for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan
So we laid out 10 points above on how to narrow down the gap between the wedding photographers you are looking at. A couple of final considerations are the type of lighting your photographer will be using, the equipment/filters, how many assistants, and photo copyrights. Now that you have been given some great advice on how to choose a wedding photographer, it is up to you to make the final decision.
Thanks to Robert Reno for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about a How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost or the Michigan DJ.
From Wedding Invitations to Favors: How to Make Your Wedding Stand Out
April 13, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
Everyone wants their wedding to be unique and memorable, but finding the best way to accomplish this is not always easy. While many people will look for elaborate ways to make sure that guests remember their wedding for years to come, there are actually a number of small things that you can do to help ensure that memories of your wedding will always bring joy. Best of all, quite a few of these basic methods of making your wedding stand out will cost quite a bit less than all of the work that will go into coming up with an elaborate wedding plan.
Much of the work of making your wedding memorable can be accomplished simply by making sure that every part of your wedding is well-presented. This includes choosing the right invitations and the perfect color scheme, but also involves planning out the reception and any other after-ceremony activities so that decorating for the entire wedding can fall within an overall design plan. Here are some things to think about when planning your wedding so that you will be able to make it stand out easily in the memories of your guests.
Invitations
The first thing your guests are going to see in regards to your wedding will be the invitations that you send out. Make sure you choose invitations that not only are pleasant to look at but that also fit in well with your wedding’s overall theme. Whether you choose a “Garden of Love” design on your invitations for an outdoor wedding or choose a “Bible by Candlelight” option because you are having a deeply religious ceremony, try to keep the wedding plan in mind and match it to the invites that you send out. If you can match the invitation colors to those colors that you plan on using in the wedding party then your guests will already be accustomed to the wedding colors before they arrive at the event.
Color Considerations
Many people forget that color is a great way to tie a wedding together, instead coordinating bridesmaid dresses and then choosing unrelated color schemes for other parts of the wedding. Try and establish an overall theme in regards to the colors that you use in your wedding, letting accents of your colors appear in everything from the invitations to the wedding party’s clothes.
You might even choose to have the wedding’s colors appear as accents on the wedding cake to really tie everything together with a colorful splash. Remember that the use of color does not have to be overpowering, and that a central theme of colors can be used to great effect as small accents against a white or neutral background.
Place Settings
If you are going to have assigned seating at your reception or wedding dinner, don’t forget to take the time to make personalized place settings for each of your guests. Not only will this make finding assigned seats much easier, but it can add a very professional touch to your wedding even if you have planned everything at home by yourself. Do not forget to incorporate the wedding’s colors into the place settings, and if possible use the same fonts and designs from the invitation to better tie everything together and create a more distinct theme for the post-ceremony activities.
Wedding Favors
Having matching wedding favors can not only provide guests with yet another connection to the wedding’s central theme and chosen colors, but it can also give them a physical reminder that will bring to mind memories of your wedding whenever they see it. Wedding favors do not have to be either elaborate or expensive; they can include everything from small soaps and candles in wedding colors to individual-sized bubble mixes or birdseed sachets to allow the bride and groom to make a grand entrance or exit from the reception hall. By using tasteful wedding favors you may even give others ideas for small things that they could do to help their own wedding have a much larger impact on their guests.
Other Decoration Concerns
Unless you are going for an over-the-top decoration scheme, it is generally best to keep your wedding and reception decorations minimal enough that your guests are not going to feel overpowered by how much work went into getting the decorations ready. Remember that the goal is to impress your guests and to give them a night to remember, but you want to make sure that they remember more than just how complex some of the decoration items were. Incorporate any colors and themes that were included in the rest of your wedding planning, making sure that you remember the small connections that can make a big difference in how your wedding is taken in as a whole by those you invite.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Much of the work of making your wedding memorable can be accomplished simply by making sure that every part of your wedding is well-presented. This includes choosing the right invitations and the perfect color scheme, but also involves planning out the reception and any other after-ceremony activities so that decorating for the entire wedding can fall within an overall design plan. Here are some things to think about when planning your wedding so that you will be able to make it stand out easily in the memories of your guests.
Invitations
The first thing your guests are going to see in regards to your wedding will be the invitations that you send out. Make sure you choose invitations that not only are pleasant to look at but that also fit in well with your wedding’s overall theme. Whether you choose a “Garden of Love” design on your invitations for an outdoor wedding or choose a “Bible by Candlelight” option because you are having a deeply religious ceremony, try to keep the wedding plan in mind and match it to the invites that you send out. If you can match the invitation colors to those colors that you plan on using in the wedding party then your guests will already be accustomed to the wedding colors before they arrive at the event.
Color Considerations
Many people forget that color is a great way to tie a wedding together, instead coordinating bridesmaid dresses and then choosing unrelated color schemes for other parts of the wedding. Try and establish an overall theme in regards to the colors that you use in your wedding, letting accents of your colors appear in everything from the invitations to the wedding party’s clothes.
You might even choose to have the wedding’s colors appear as accents on the wedding cake to really tie everything together with a colorful splash. Remember that the use of color does not have to be overpowering, and that a central theme of colors can be used to great effect as small accents against a white or neutral background.
Place Settings
If you are going to have assigned seating at your reception or wedding dinner, don’t forget to take the time to make personalized place settings for each of your guests. Not only will this make finding assigned seats much easier, but it can add a very professional touch to your wedding even if you have planned everything at home by yourself. Do not forget to incorporate the wedding’s colors into the place settings, and if possible use the same fonts and designs from the invitation to better tie everything together and create a more distinct theme for the post-ceremony activities.
Wedding Favors
Having matching wedding favors can not only provide guests with yet another connection to the wedding’s central theme and chosen colors, but it can also give them a physical reminder that will bring to mind memories of your wedding whenever they see it. Wedding favors do not have to be either elaborate or expensive; they can include everything from small soaps and candles in wedding colors to individual-sized bubble mixes or birdseed sachets to allow the bride and groom to make a grand entrance or exit from the reception hall. By using tasteful wedding favors you may even give others ideas for small things that they could do to help their own wedding have a much larger impact on their guests.
Other Decoration Concerns
Unless you are going for an over-the-top decoration scheme, it is generally best to keep your wedding and reception decorations minimal enough that your guests are not going to feel overpowered by how much work went into getting the decorations ready. Remember that the goal is to impress your guests and to give them a night to remember, but you want to make sure that they remember more than just how complex some of the decoration items were. Incorporate any colors and themes that were included in the rest of your wedding planning, making sure that you remember the small connections that can make a big difference in how your wedding is taken in as a whole by those you invite.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about everything from fashion to family, cooking to pet care. Ms. Jackson also focuses on family events, such as weddings, as well as specific aspects of a wedding such as the wedding favors.
Planning Your Wedding in Toronto
April 9, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
In the course of every individual’s life, he must go through the process of planning his own wedding, and how spectacular the wedding is and entertained the guests are all depends on how much time and effort the bride and groom puts forth into the planning process.
Whether the person is organized and professional is all shown through one’s own wedding. Typically, if a couple is planning to marry, they should start planning the ceremony of their lives one year ahead of time. Especially in a busy city such as Toronto, planning ahead is important since numerous wedding services are constantly in demand. Not only will a couple succeed with good organization skills, good innovative thinking and creativity will also play a large role in creating the perfect Toronto Wedding.
First and foremost, before a couple decides the details of their wedding, they must decide on a specific date and setting. As soon as the time and location has been chosen, it would be wise to reserve the location immediately to avoid possible conflicts with others who are planning their wedding in Toronto. There are hundreds to thousands of beautiful wedding reception facilities and banquet halls in Toronto, and choosing the right one may take some time. As soon as the time and location is set, it would be a good idea to draw up a guest list, which actually takes an unbelievably a long time to do.
After the couple has selected their Toronto wedding location and date, they can start looking for numerous assets and services for their wedding. Choosing the bride’s wedding dress nine to twelve months before the wedding allows the bride ample time to select the perfect dress for her special night. It will also give her time to request modifications or changes if needed. Allow a few months time to carefully select the perfect decorations, chair covers, and lien. It would also be wise to spend more time in deciding the right wedding photographers in Toronto, since there are thousands of them to choose from. Choosing the right photographer is essential and possibly one of the most important parts of a Toronto wedding because these photos will be the memory pieces of the beautiful moments during the wedding.
Another crucial aspect that should be planned at least nine months before the Toronto wedding is selecting the wedding cake. The wedding cake is like a monument representing the couple in the wedding. The creativity and design of the wedding cake allows the couple to stand out during their wedding. Not only will an elegant and large wedding cake bring praises from guests, it will also instill pride within the couple, as having one of the most unique wedding cakes in Toronto.
In about half year’s time, the to-be-married couple should start creating their menu and reserve their caterers in Toronto if they have not done so. Food is also another important aspect in a wedding and is a way to show the elegance and grandeurs of the Toronto wedding. The type of food should match the decorations and central theme of the wedding. If the reception facility is a Chinese restaurant, then the food and decorations should be of an Oriental theme. Choosing the right caterer is important to deliver the best and most delicious food to impress guests.
Three months before the wedding, most of the planning such as decorations, live music and entertainment should be completed. It would also be a good time to reserve limousines or other modes of transportation to the wedding. The traditional arrival for the marrying couple is through riding Toronto wedding limousines, but one can be creative and choose something else such as motorcycles, old-fashioned vehicles or even helicopters. Be brave and try something new! Not only will a creative mode of transportation to a wedding impress guests upon arrival, it will also be fun and an enjoyable experience for the bride and groom.
With two months to one month before the grand wedding, everything should be all well planned out. The marrying couple should be in their final stages of planning. Booking make-up, hairdressers, and beauty salons should be done during this time. Also, buying gifts and favors should also be started since they are a big hassle if left to the last week before the wedding. Everything should be finalized and almost ready. Vows and speeches should be already drafted and ready to go.
If planned efficiently, the final weeks before a wedding should not be too extremely stressful. If caterers and other services have not been confirmed, it would be a wise idea to give them a call. Also give a call to all guests as a reminder of the grand Toronto wedding. Basically, the last few weeks before the wedding should be all about confirmations and making sure everything will go smoothly as planned on that special day. Have several rehearsal dinners to make sure everything will go perfectly smooth. This time would also be a good time for bachelor and bachelorette parties and close bonding with future in-laws and friends.
The amount of stress before and wedding and the grandeur impressions from guests all depends on how much time and organization the bride and groom decides to put forth. If one if dedicated and organized, the process of this commonly-deemed tedious task in planning a wedding will go as smoothly as slicing butter. With great planning and organization, the bride and groom will be able to sit down for a cup of coffee even before the day of their Toronto wedding.
Thanks to Dave Page for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Whether the person is organized and professional is all shown through one’s own wedding. Typically, if a couple is planning to marry, they should start planning the ceremony of their lives one year ahead of time. Especially in a busy city such as Toronto, planning ahead is important since numerous wedding services are constantly in demand. Not only will a couple succeed with good organization skills, good innovative thinking and creativity will also play a large role in creating the perfect Toronto Wedding.
First and foremost, before a couple decides the details of their wedding, they must decide on a specific date and setting. As soon as the time and location has been chosen, it would be wise to reserve the location immediately to avoid possible conflicts with others who are planning their wedding in Toronto. There are hundreds to thousands of beautiful wedding reception facilities and banquet halls in Toronto, and choosing the right one may take some time. As soon as the time and location is set, it would be a good idea to draw up a guest list, which actually takes an unbelievably a long time to do.
After the couple has selected their Toronto wedding location and date, they can start looking for numerous assets and services for their wedding. Choosing the bride’s wedding dress nine to twelve months before the wedding allows the bride ample time to select the perfect dress for her special night. It will also give her time to request modifications or changes if needed. Allow a few months time to carefully select the perfect decorations, chair covers, and lien. It would also be wise to spend more time in deciding the right wedding photographers in Toronto, since there are thousands of them to choose from. Choosing the right photographer is essential and possibly one of the most important parts of a Toronto wedding because these photos will be the memory pieces of the beautiful moments during the wedding.
Another crucial aspect that should be planned at least nine months before the Toronto wedding is selecting the wedding cake. The wedding cake is like a monument representing the couple in the wedding. The creativity and design of the wedding cake allows the couple to stand out during their wedding. Not only will an elegant and large wedding cake bring praises from guests, it will also instill pride within the couple, as having one of the most unique wedding cakes in Toronto.
In about half year’s time, the to-be-married couple should start creating their menu and reserve their caterers in Toronto if they have not done so. Food is also another important aspect in a wedding and is a way to show the elegance and grandeurs of the Toronto wedding. The type of food should match the decorations and central theme of the wedding. If the reception facility is a Chinese restaurant, then the food and decorations should be of an Oriental theme. Choosing the right caterer is important to deliver the best and most delicious food to impress guests.
Three months before the wedding, most of the planning such as decorations, live music and entertainment should be completed. It would also be a good time to reserve limousines or other modes of transportation to the wedding. The traditional arrival for the marrying couple is through riding Toronto wedding limousines, but one can be creative and choose something else such as motorcycles, old-fashioned vehicles or even helicopters. Be brave and try something new! Not only will a creative mode of transportation to a wedding impress guests upon arrival, it will also be fun and an enjoyable experience for the bride and groom.
With two months to one month before the grand wedding, everything should be all well planned out. The marrying couple should be in their final stages of planning. Booking make-up, hairdressers, and beauty salons should be done during this time. Also, buying gifts and favors should also be started since they are a big hassle if left to the last week before the wedding. Everything should be finalized and almost ready. Vows and speeches should be already drafted and ready to go.
If planned efficiently, the final weeks before a wedding should not be too extremely stressful. If caterers and other services have not been confirmed, it would be a wise idea to give them a call. Also give a call to all guests as a reminder of the grand Toronto wedding. Basically, the last few weeks before the wedding should be all about confirmations and making sure everything will go smoothly as planned on that special day. Have several rehearsal dinners to make sure everything will go perfectly smooth. This time would also be a good time for bachelor and bachelorette parties and close bonding with future in-laws and friends.
The amount of stress before and wedding and the grandeur impressions from guests all depends on how much time and organization the bride and groom decides to put forth. If one if dedicated and organized, the process of this commonly-deemed tedious task in planning a wedding will go as smoothly as slicing butter. With great planning and organization, the bride and groom will be able to sit down for a cup of coffee even before the day of their Toronto wedding.
Thanks to Dave Page for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Visit us to get more info on Toronto Wedding Photographer, Wedding Flower in Toronto and Banquet Hall in Toronto.
