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Wedding Tips and Recommendations
Even if we don't photograph your wedding. We really hope that these ideas will help your day go smoother! We are fortunate to be able to photograph a number of weddings each year. We realize that most people that are planning a wedding do not have the opportunity to attend one or two weddings per week as we do. Hopefully the following tips and recommendations, that we have accumulated over the years, will help you. Email me if I have left out any major ones and I will add them to the list!
- Consider doing all of the formal "alter" shots before the ceremony. Try not to give in to the old tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Ask for "private time" before the ceremony to see each other. The day flows smoother, you are fresher and the photographs look much better, and the bride and the groom have time to have fun together before the wedding.
- Wear comfortable shoes! This is especially important for the bride. Consider wearing slippers or "dressy flats" !
- Don't put anything off until the last minute. There is no such thing as planning too far ahead! Make lists, especially of what you need to take to the church. Take an extra pair of stockings. Have an assigned place for the rings and the marriage licence.
- Don't panic if something doesn't go exactly as planned on the wedding day. Chances are that everything will work out well especially if you have hired skilled professionals to help you. Wedding professionals are very resourceful! Remember that the cheapest way is not always the best way! Touch base with everyone at least two weeks in advance.
- Think twice before you have family/friends do the photography and video. (I know this sounds like a plug for photographers but we get a fair number of last minute calls from brides in a panic). Not many amateur photographers have the opportunity to attend and participate in 200+ weddings.
- Do not be "super bride". Delegate the tasks on the day of the wedding. People are more than happy to help and are anxious to do so. Don't wait until your wedding day, though, to ask them.
- This tip is especially for the groom and groomsmen. DO NOT DRINK TOO MUCH and/or STAY OUT ALL NIGHT the night before the wedding! In order to appreciate and enjoy the day you need to be rested and sharp!
- Have light snacks available for you and the wedding party. Eat a good meal before going to the wedding. Don't over eat - just eat! Have bottled water available, leave the soda drinks at the reception site. Cola and sugar do not look good on bridal clothing.
- Everyone in the bridal party needs to try on everything no later than a day before the wedding. NO EXCEPTIONS! Get the groom and extra tuxedo shirt and buttons.
- If you have a dance, have the dollar/money dance start early in the evening. Older guests tend to leave early in the evening. Additionally, the dollar dance slows the party way down, it is better to get it done towards the first of the night.
- If your dress has a detachable train bring a small pair of needle nose pliers so that the hooks can be "crimped" so that the train doesn't come off going down the aisle! If your train does not detach make sure that your mother, attendant or other person knows how to bustle your dress and has practiced it before the rush comes to leave the church!
- Take a small "emergency" kit with you to the wedding site. Include band aids, antacid tablets, mints, aspirin, needle/thread, Kleenex, lint brush etc.
- If you are going to have a receiving line make sure everyone that is to be in the line knows where, when and the order you want them to be in. Consider the traffic flow of guests trying to get out of the sactuary to get a drink of water, use the rest rooms or take care of a crying baby vs. going through the receiving line.
- Consider having the receiving line at the reception right before the dinner. If you are having a buffet, cut the cake first! That way your guests only have to go through one line. It saves your guests having to stand in lines all evening. Consider having the DJ or MC release tables so that everyone doesn't try to get in line all at once.
- Hire a professional bartender if you are serving alcohol one that is not afraid to "card" people or cut them off if needed. Remember you may be liable for alcohol related problems.
- Consider having two or more lines if you have a buffet. Additional lines allow your guests to get their food quicker. For really large dinners consider two separate serving tables. If you keep the evening moving more people will stay longer.
- HAVE FUN! I know that this goes without saying but this day is one of the most important days of your life. Trust in the people that you have selected to help you during the day that they will do a great job for you. You just need to sit back and soak in as many memories as possible!
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