Making the decision as to what wedding favors you want to hand out at your wedding can be somewhat difficult for many brides as of course there are literally hundreds and hundreds of options from which to choose. Some brides get overwhelmed very quickly and just purchase the first thing that catches their eye, and then wind up regretting that decision rather quickly as they realize they have something that doesn’t fit their wedding décor and that really doesn’t fit their own personal style.

This is also a good way to spend far too much on wedding favors; it’s so easy to forget about how the cost adds up once you purchase enough favors for all your guests, especially considering tax, shipping charges, and anything else you may need for a beautiful presentation.

So how does a smart bride shop for wedding favors? There are a few simple steps you’ll want to keep in mind before you browse.

For one thing, what is your budget? If you’re having 100 guests and have a budget of $200 for wedding favors then remember that you can’t really spend two dollars per favors as you’ll need to figure in tax, shipping, and any other accessories for your favors such as wrapping paper or ribbon for each one. A $200 budget for 100 guests means about $1.50 per favor. When purchasing anything for your wedding you always want to leave yourself a little “wriggle room.”

Taking your time to browse is also a good idea when shopping for wedding favors. Remember that there are endless options for you; don’t just pick up the first nice candle or coffee packet you see. Give it some thought - what would really express something about you and your fiancée, your hobbies and interests, and your wedding overall? You don’t want to make your wedding favors too personal as they should be something your guests will appreciate, but you can balance these two if you think about it.
For example, if the two of you love to travel and are real “city” people, a small paperweight in the shape of the Eiffel Tower may be appreciated and can be very affordable. Most major museums have little key chains and other tokens that could work well as wedding favors so if you have a favorite museum you both love, go online and see what they may offer.

Or suppose you and your fiancée are very romantic; candle wedding favors are always a romantic choice and just about everyone can use a nice candle for their home or apartment. If you appreciate greenery and gardening, a small potted flowering plant can cost around one dollar and can be appreciate by just about anyone for their home or office. By giving some thought to your own personality and that of your fiancée, you can make a good choice by way of wedding favors that really express those personalities.

And when you’re shopping for wedding favors, don’t rule out something unique and original, and something you find at any retail store. If a beautiful set of note cards catch your eye, who says they can’t work as wedding favors? You can even mix and match designs if they coordinate - different flowers, different autumn designs, and so on.

Make sure your wedding favors work well with your reception’s theme and feel as well. If you’re having a very elegant and traditional wedding you might want to steer clear of the fun little trinkets. If you’re having a beach wedding then an autumn-themed favor might not make sense. Remember that many choices for wedding favors are available in a wide variety of options - candles in what look like little sand pails are great for beach weddings, picture frames that are wood rather than silver work better for an autumn wedding, and so on.

By giving some thought and making sure that you set aside some time to really shop and browse, you’ll be sure to choose the right wedding favors for you, the way any smart bride would!

 

The wedding video is a timeless detail that can bring lasting memories for years to come There’s a list of questions you should present to several wedding videographers prior to selecting ‘the one.’ You can consider it an interview, where you are the boss that is looking to hire the right candidate for the job. And that’s exactly how it is: you need someone to perform a task for you. Is this person qualified? Can they be trusted? Will they be able to deliver everything they’re promising?

Instead of throwing your trust on the line, the following questions should let you know if this wedding videographer is ‘the one’ you want to hire for your wedding.

How long have you been a wedding videographer? Anyone with a camcorder can call themselves a ‘videographer’ because they video-taped their kid sister’s recital. You want to make sure you’re dealing with a professional. How long has this person been in the business? How many weddings has this person documented? You want to make sure that you’re hiring someone that’s long-term, not here today-gone the day before your wedding.

Are you the same person that will videotape my wedding? While this question may seem irrelevant, it’s really not. Basically you’re trying to find out if this is the person that will be documenting your wedding. Wouldn’t you be surprised if someone else showed up? It actually happens. Confirm that this man/woman is the same person that will be taping your wedding video on your wedding day.
What kind of lighting do you use? If they say natural light, walk the other way. This doesn’t sound like a professional. Some videographers use lights on their cameras, others use stand-alone soft box-like lights.

What type of microphones do you use? The quality of sound is just as important as the quality of the wedding video. What good is a videotape with muffles, echoes, and inaudible mumbling? Most modern grooms and brides wear wireless microphones on their tuxedos and gowns during the wedding ceremony. This way the exchange of vows can actually be heard. Make sure to discuss microphone placement with your videographer prior to the big day.

Can I have my Video on DVD instead of VHS? It’s a standard question. Many modern couples find VHS out-dated. Nevertheless, while DVD quality is much better, Videotapes can withstand a little more. If your DVD gets scratched, it may skip. Despite this, many videographers can customize their DVDs with wedding chapters, scene selections, and a customized case that displays your wedding picture.

How can I obtain a sample of your work? Ideally, you want to see an actual demo VHS/DVD in person. However, it’s a very contemporary trend for videographers to send you to their websites to view a polished sample of their recent work. Let the videographer know that you’d prefer to see an actual demo VHS tape or DVD.

Your John Hancock, please! Ah, signing the contract. Before you put the tip of your pen to that paper, make sure that all of your verbal agreement coincide with what is written in print. Ask how much of a deposit is required and make sure that your deposit is removed from the final balance. Bring a close friend or your fiancé to witness the signing of the document. Never ever EVER pay for the total sum up front. You may regret it later.

Wedding photographers require creative zeal as well as technical knowledge of cameras, lighting and posing. Creative wedding photographers constantly strive to improve their work and endeavor to avoid the pitfall of producing the same poses week after week. Today’s brides want something a little bit different, so that their wedding pictures will be truly distinctive.

Unlike most other commercial areas of photography, wedding photographers need not be full-time or “professional” photographers. Most weddings occur on weekends-when most people are not working at their regular nine-to-five jobs-and anyone who owns the proper equipment and possesses the ability can photograph a wedding. For this reason, many people are or would like to become what professional full-time photographers call “weekenders”. Weekenders frequently start out very innocently, when a friend or relative who knows that they take “nice pictures” asks them to take pictures at a wedding.

Temperament is as important to a wedding photographer as fine pictures. A typical wedding day may include encounters with crying mothers, intoxicated or angry guests and a variety of people who may intentionally or unintentionally become bothersome. Being able to deal with interpersonal relationships is therefore an invaluable asset. Short tempers, ulcers, a heart condition, and the like are not conducive to this type of work. On the other hand, some photographers, because of their charm, are so well liked that the client will be very happy with the pictures if they are slightly flawed in some way.

Once you decide to become a wedding photographer, two important questions arise. The first is how to learn to become a good wedding photographer. The emphasis here is on the word good, since anyone who takes pictures, assuming that the photographs are relative clear and properly exposed, can be considered a wedding photographer. The second question is whether to freelance or work for a studio. Apprenticeship may be a little-used expression in most other fields. It is however, the best way to learn wedding photography.

To really appreciate the strains and complexities encountered, you must go out and see what it’s like. The standard procedure calls for the apprentice to first watch what the photographer does. Once he thinks he knows what is happening, he will be able to assist the photographer in setting up equipment, he will be able to assist the photographer in setting up equipment or posing people. Later, using his own equipment, he will be allowed to shoot doubles of what the photographer takes. When the photographer feels confident in the work of his apprentice, he will allow him to shoot parts for the wedding alone. The final stage is when the apprentice-now photographer-does an entire job on his own.

Some wedding photographers work for studios as weekenders, some for themselves as weekenders, and many, to the chagrin of studio owners, do both. Most studios want people who are experienced and who can show samples of work already completed. A studio may train you if it feels that you have potential and show desire. Even if you have experience, a studio may want to retrain you to follow its particular style. Studios expect their photographers to work on a regular basis. They do not want to book your own jobs, nor are they happy if you work for their competitors. The greatest competition for most studios are weekenders,and usually their own! Talented freelancers have the potential to earn high fees. Getting started is the most difficult problem. No one wants you to experiment on their wedding day. One shortcoming of being a freelancer is that some brides insist that some formal pictures be taken in a studio.

Wedding dresses have usually been based on the most popular styles of the day. In the 1920’s the wedding dresses were usually short in the front and had a longer train in the back. These wedding dresses were worn with a cloche-style wedding veil. The tendency of the wedding gown to follow current fashions was to continue until the late 1940’s. It then became popular to wear a long full-skirted dress that was reminiscent of the Victorian era. This trend has continued until today.

The tradition of having a white wedding dress continues to this very day. Prior to the Victorian era any color was acceptable for a wedding dress except black which was the color or mourning and red which symbolized prostitution. Later, many people felt that the color of white symbolized virginity although this was not the original intent. Today, having a white wedding dress is understood as just being the most popular and the most traditional choice for weddings.

The first thing a bride usually does after the proposal is to go in search of the perfect wedding dress. After all, this is the formal attire that she will be wearing during all of those wedding pictures, and it will be something that will be commemorated years to come. The bride-to-be wants to look radiant, gorgeous and ****.

The wedding dress can range in style from simple to elegant to flashy. Usually most Bridal Gown vendors will have a gown off the shelf that will fit the taste and the personality of most brides. In the event this is not the case, a bride can always have a dress custom made to her specifications. With enough time a designer can usually create a beautiful dress that will exceed any new bride’s expectations. So make sure that you have left enough time to find that perfect dress, there is no way that you want to be at the altar upset about the wedding dress.

You’re the star of your wedding day, and with that comes an entourage of photographers and videographers bending backwards to get that killer shot. Now that you’ve hired them, your wedding day photo sessions should make you feel like you’ve just walked the red carpet. Here’s how to get ready for your close-up, and look glamorous on film and video.

Finding The Right Shooter …

Many couples consider their photographer and videographer among the most important vendors - it’s no surprise the wedding details are preserved in your leather bound photo album and wedding DVD. That’s not to say your wedding is forgettable, but for most brides it passes in a blur - it’s the job of your videographer and photographer to capture the most important events.

You should pick a pro whose style best reflects the look your going for. If you see a lot of photos in the sample albums with shadows under the nose or eyes, run for the hills - the expectation will be less than professional. If you love the way a photographer uses soft light to create a romantic look, you can expect the same sort of quality in your own shots.

The best time to begin looking for your photographer and videographer is as soon as you’ve picked your wedding date and location. Like most other vendors, the best are often booked months in advance. Here are a few tips to find your perfect pro:

? Take a peek at the photographer and videographer’s website for samples and galleries of their work.

? One you’ve chosen a photographer, ask if he/she can recommend a video professional they’ve worked with.

? Alternatively, you can work with a studio that offers both photography and video. The benefit - you’re guaranteed your photo and video team will be familiar with each other’s styles, and will work together to give you the best coverage.

? Agencies representing photographers will match you with a professional suited to the style you want for your wedding. This makes finding your photographer easy. The only downside is you may be left with less one-on-one time beforehand with the person who’s actually shooting your wedding.

Important Questions …

Once you’ve filtered down your list to a few potential photographers and videographers ask them some essential questions to more about their approach.

? What is the cost of services and what is included in the package?

? What type of equipment do you use?

? If your shooting film, can I purchase the negatives?

? Do you offer raw video footage?

? What types of guarantees and protection do you offer in the event you become sick?

? What are your techniques to get the most out of the subject?

It is also advisable to ask a few more open-ended questions. You’ll get a glimpse into his work philosophy for each wedding, and you’ll be able to gauge how passionate he is about his craft. Several great questions include:

? What inspired you to get into a career of photography/videography?

? What do you like most about your job?

? Is there a particular shot you love to take at every wedding?

? Has your style changed since you began in the wedding photo/video industry?

Timeline Of A Wedding …

Another important wedding detail you don’t want to miss is how many hours your photo and video team will spend shooting. Plan ahead and make sure they know your schedule before the wedding. Getting-ready shots are often the most intimate and revealing and proper planning will prevent a headache.

Consider capturing some of those movements you normally don’t witness on the wedding day. If you plan on having two cameramen (highly recommended better coverage), work with them to make a list of your most anticipated moments. For example, a montage of you and your bridesmaids getting prepared, then edited with shots of your groom and his guys before the ceremony is a true classic. You’ll get to see how well (or not so well) he handled his nerves. Other important and touching moments you might potentially miss (unless they’re captured on film) are your parent’s reactions during your vows, the smiles and laughter during your toast, and your own expressions as you make your grand entrance.

Here are five more glamorous shots worth adding to your album:

? Touching up your lipstick in a mirror before the ceremony.

? Making your grand exit from the ceremony to a cheering crowd of guests.

? Taking a smiling peek back to the camera as you walk away holding hands with your husband.

? Kissing under a golden sunset.

? Kissing in the backseat of your limousine as you depart the reception.

Striking A Pose …

If your concerned that you sometimes do no good to the camera, don’t stress - after having your hair and makeup done, you’ll look and feel great. Stay tuned for part 2 as we talk about:

? Getting a perfect album. Tips for a well-balanced photo book.

? Studying your favorite photos.

? Ignoring the camera and getting comfortable with your shooter.

? Film or digital photography.

? Ready for HD Video.