Monday 19 April 2010

How To Plan Your Wedding: 8 things you need to do!

What you are about to read will help you to get your wedding plans started and keep you organized.
 
Planning your wedding is not an easy task. In fact, it can be quite stressful and a trying time, especially as your big day gets closer and closer. 
 
Couples are very concerned and worry about coordinating all the details and make sure everything goes to plan. To help you get started and on track here are 8 things you need to do:
 
Step 1: Setting the date - 
One of the most important details of the wedding you and your spouse have to decide upon is the actual date of the wedding. This should be taken cared of first and the factors in choosing a date includes the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and the availability of friends and family.
 
Step 2: The Budget -
This is also a very important step, even before you start to make your plans. Know how much you want to spend for each detail of your wedding. With the average wedding costing approximately $20,000 you certainly want to setup a budget for each detail so you don't find yourself over extending. 
 
Step 3: Your Venue -
Where your wedding reception will take place. Looking for a place to have your wedding certainly is important and it is also the biggest chunk of your budget besides your honeymoon. But there are ways to reduce this cost. Here are a few tips to help with your decision when choosing your venue.
 
Some venues will offer you a discount on days when traditionally weddings are not held. Also the time of year and day will also become a factor in this expense. 
 
For example, certain weekdays and Sunday, as well as mornings and afternoon receptions are typically cheaper. Another point, usually after a holiday, is not considered a peak time and again the price tends to be less expensive.
 
Step 4: The size of your wedding -
It is very important to talk with your future spouse about the size of your wedding that you both have in mind. 
 
A dream wedding for one may not be that of the other. So it is important to discuss these details regarding the arrangement of the wedding such as, location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited, and the choice of entertainment. 
 
Step 5: Photographs/Videographer -
Sure your friends and family will be taking pictures and some of them will own camcorders. But for this special occasion you will want to consider a professional because you want something very special, lasting and visually presentable. 
 
Step 6: The cake -
Dont forget the cake! When in search for your wedding cake it's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. To make this fun invite some friends and family to the tasting!
 
Step 7: Ordering wedding invitations -
If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way you can customize them and add your own personal touch to them.
 
Step 8: Your wedding attire -
Don't forget to start looking for your wedding gown months before the wedding day. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting. 
 
Also, the groom should make arrangements for either buying or renting a tuxedo. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you would have some time to make other arrangements.
 
There you have it. 8 steps to get you started on your wedding plans. Planning your own wedding is really not difficult, being organized and knowing what steps to take when, certainly reduces the stress involved.
 
Now put these steps into action and never look back, you are embarking on a wonderful journey and to help you more with your wedding plans you can find many resources on the internet.

How To Plan Your Wedding

It's the big one. You want it to be right. You want everything to go smoothly. You want to remember it fondly…forever.
 
Something like that doesn't just happen. You have to dedicate time, effort and energy to create the perfect wedding. You can do it, but make sure you give yourselves enough time—and money!—to create the most memorable, beautiful, perfect wedding for each of you. After all, the memory will last a lifetime!
 
A year is the usual amount of time recommended to accomplish this. The budget is whatever you two decide upon, remembering that you do have a year to put aside money from time to time.
 
Use the checklist below as a guide for your perfect wedding. The items are listed in order, so that the first ones should be accomplished right away.
 
1-Church or Civil Wedding?
If it's a church wedding, talk to the appropriate church officials as soon as possible. There are lots of details to go through just to get this part right. Be patient! It'll be worth it!
 
2-The Reception
This may take a long time to arrange, so start arranging it right away. Talk to different caterers and go see the possible venues. Make a list of the type of entertainment you want. Band or DJ, Magician or Caricaturist, the list is endless. Select a few and interview them either in person or over the telephone. Gather all the costs and information you can! Click here if you would like more information about a Wedding DJ.
 
3-The Dress
If you haven't got a theme yet for your wedding, you may want to fix on one at this point. A Renaissance theme, for example, is a popular one, and it makes all your decisions easier, such as the type of Dress—and tux!
 
4-The Pictures
Some of the best wedding photographers book over a year in advance, so get right on it!
 
5-The Flowers
They can be as meaningful as you want. Set aside some time to research the meaning of flowers, as well as the cost.
 
6-The Rings
No single wedding-related objects are as important. Spend the time and money you must to get the wedding rings that will express your love for a lifetime.
 
7-The Invitations
The guest list can make or break a wedding and reception celebration. Take your time on this one! More information on wedding invitations.
 
8-The Honeymoon
You can dream about it throughout the year, but at some point you will have to decide. Make it a place you both are crazy about, then book it!
 

If you've gotten this far, the rest is only logic. Follow through, and it'll be a piece of (many-tiered?) cake!

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Not only does your wedding day have enormous emotional significance, but it also represents months of planning and preparation - and a significant financial cost. Friends and loved ones will be there to witness your special day, and the chances are good that you'll be nervous, excited, and even a bit absentminded. After their weddings, many brides remember little but a flurry of activity and well-wishers, and count on their wedding photographer to capture all of the day's precious moments. That's why, whether you're hiring a Detroit photographer or a Los Angeles photographer, it's important to make the right choice. Here are tips to ensure that you choose a photographer who will make your wedding day extra special. 
 
Experience is Key
 
Whether you're looking for a photographer in California or a Michigan wedding photographer, ensure that he or she has extensive experience. An experienced photographer will have a substantial portfolio that you can review. When looking at his or her portfolio, check to make sure that all of the standard compositions (such as the bride prior to the wedding, ceremony photos, and those with family members) are there, as well as more creative interpretations of the couples' special days. Look for unique lighting and settings, as well as pictures that seem to capture the brides' and grooms' personalities. After all, you don't want a cookie cutter Detroit photographer - you want one who understands you and your needs.
 
Chemistry is a Must
 
You and your photographer should have a similar vision for your special day. You have enough on your plate, and shouldn't have to spend time on your wedding day supervising your photographer. He or she should be open to the shots you have in mind, and you should be open to his or her interpretation of events as they unfold. Put simply, you have to trust your photographer. You can give him or her a list of photos you want taken; after all, the photographer doesn't know that Aunt Betsy is one of the most important people in your life. However, you also need to be able to trust his or her artistic vision, and follow his or her suggestions. 
 
Price is Important, But...
 
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer you need to stay within your budget but still feel confident that you will get treasured photos from your wedding day. A good wedding photographer will have a variety of packages and prices from which to choose. This way, you can book a talented photographer at a price you can afford.

More than Pictures
 
A good wedding photographer becomes part of the infrastructure of your wedding day, and is an expert you can rely upon for advice. He or she can guide you through the maze of engagement photos, rehearsal dinner photos, and other Michigan event photography by offering advice on settings, hair and makeup, and even clothing that will help you to shine. 
 
Ultimately, your goal is to find a wedding photographer that will make your memories last forever. When you hire a photographer who is experienced, whom you connect with, and who has the pricing you need, you'll have a professional at your side who can ensure that you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Table Decorating For A Wedding Reception

Table decorating for a wedding reception is definitely a big concern for most brides. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on the decorations to have them look great. Many brides try to combine table decorations with wedding party favours so that the tables not only look great during the wedding reception, but can also go home with their guests. Potted plants, fish in bowls, individual baskets of goodies, picture frames, and other little items can make your wedding reception table look great, but will help cut down on cost because each item will actually be two! There are many table decorations to make for your wedding that will help cut down on cost, too. You can go to the craft store and make decorations with artificial flowers, ribbon, and hot glue that will look expensive but will cost next to nothing.
 
Of course, everyone has to think about money when they are planning their wedding, and when you plan ahead you can have beautiful decorations that don’t look cheap at all! Wedding party supplies can be purchased at discount party supply stores if you are going to make your own decorations or simply want to buy decorations that don’t cost quite as much as the ones that you buy at a bridal boutique. These supplies can be used to decorate the location of your rehearsal dinner, your ceremony, as well as your wedding reception tables and reception hall or ballroom. Wedding party favours such as sparklers, bubbles, and confetti can usually be bought in bulk at such stores as well, which will save you even more money.
 
If you are working with a bigger budget, you can always go for the more expensive decorations, but if you really want to customize your decorations there are plenty of ceremony and reception decorations to make. A mixture of purchased and homemade decorations is often the nicest as you have the beautiful things that you like as well as some things that are special because you have made them yourself to make your special day even more beautiful. Each bride and groom must determine what ceremony decorations, wedding reception table décor, and more is suitable for them. In the long run it only matters if the couple is happy with the decorations, and with so many options to buy and make, every bride and groom can plan a truly unique wedding that they love!
 

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