Wedding Questions

The wedding ceremony entrance will need a few basic things:
1. A guest book

2. A signing pen

3. Decorations

4. A table to hold the items above

Each one of these has a wide variety of options. For example, the guest book doesn’t actually have to be a book with empty pages or a lined page. Some couples choose a book they loved as kids, with plenty of space in the pictures around it. Others might get an actual book printed with their pictures on a service like CreateSpace, then let people sign it like a school yearbook. It doesn’t have to stay a book either – some people choose Christmas tree skirts, beach towels, etc. The downside is how quickly it fades.

The pen itself can even be a creative endeavor, some people even choose a feather and ink. But markers, crayons, and many other writing devices have been used for weddings. It really depends on the personality of the couple. The main thing is making sure it writes (without smudges) on the paper of the book.

Decorations here can either match the theme of the other wedding flowers, or go in a totally different direction like a torch or candles. Remember little kids may be running around so safety is an issue. Some couples choose balloons, lights, trees, lamps, lights, etc. Some factors depend on the setting, but everything should be considered when planning this out.

If you’re still starving for ideas, head over to Pinterest. So many brides-to-be are pinning ideas you are bound to run across some that you can copy or tweak to your own wedding. If you’re planning a wedding, you owe it to yourself to spend a few hours on there browsing around.

Choosing a personalized wedding gift is easy with so many outlets available online. There are so many custom products today, everything is available from wine to perfume. But choosing a gift that will look great and be cherished for years can be difficult. There are some things to consider.

1. Usefulness
Gifts like picture frames and clocks will always have a place. As long as the color is neutral it can fit in any room they choose.

2. Style
An overly elegant style on things like wine glasses will only be for show, however they may be proudly displayed in a cabinet.

A few ideas:
1. Canvas
Canvas photos are a growing trend right now. They are always an eye-catcher in a house and they look fantastic. Selecting the right size is key to it fitting in their home.

2. Wine Box
While many people opt for wine glasses or custom label bottles of wine, your gift can stand out with a wine box.

3. Wine Chillers
Again around the idea of wine, custom wine chillers are available.

4. Wall Vinyl
While most guests will choose picture frames, wall vinyl is very artsy. It won’t last forever, especially if they move. But a cool design can really accentuate a room. If a spouse is getting a canvas as a gift, you could pick and choose wall art to match that canvas to make the wall look great.

No matter what type of gift you choose, try to get one that’s truly unique. Changing out text on a product for a couple’s last name isn’t going to be helpful if someone else picks the same gift. Personalized becomes truly special when it is unique or combines with other gifts. Avoid the generic gifts, especially if you are close to the couple. Stay away from things that look like they belong in a tourist shop. Go out of your way to make something special, they will appreciate it.

There are some things one will have to ask anyone that could be hired to work at a wedding. It is not just a simple “will you be there and on time?” or “will you get this done.” It is not always people referred to, especially if the wedding is a long distance from home. They may have been found on a Google search, just like many find this website. No matter what, here are some questions to get to the bottom of whether potential staff at a wedding will do a good job:

1. “Tell me about the last weddings you worked.”
Don’t just ask how many weddings. Experience doesn’t mean quality.
2. “What is in the contract?”
Professionals use contracts. This will help you hold them liable, and protects them in case if you or your future husband get cold feet and cancel the wedding.
3. “How much of my time and money total?” “Extra charges?”
Some planners may ask you all the questions; when you want them to do guesswork. Find out the control level early. And don’t be afraid to ask the total so there is not a surprise when it is time to settle up. This is true of photographers, caterers, and just about anyone else. Make sure the terms go in the contract.
4. “How many weddings are you working around our date?”
Top professionals in large cities will be busy, ask them how they plan to accommodate your wedding.
5. “What is the backup?”
Imagine a worst case scenario; the food is burnt. The camera won’t function. The guitarist loses his case. See how quickly they can respond and judge how clever it is.
6. “What is your limit?”
A musician probably won’t play for four hours straight, and a photographer won’t take 4,000 photos.

Find the boundaries early and get solutions to hypothetical problems. It is comforting to some couples that a witty person can pull off miracles, compared to others only do a specific task well.

You’ll want to register for at least eight settings, and maybe even twelve.  That may sound like a lot of dishes when there are just two of you to start but in time, your family will grow and so will the place settings at your holiday dinners!

Choosing fine china doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take a few minutes outside of the store to think about the life you envision.

1. Recycle Your Invite.  Every bride already loves her invitations (that’s why she chose them to begin with), so she’ll definitely love a tastefully framed version to display with her wedding memories.  Be creative here and think about including a special memory of the couple’s dating moments or a photo that you have of the bride and groom.  Use a solid frame and consider having it professionally matted for a polished, never throw away effect.
2. Celebrate their future. The best presents are sometimes those that we wait to open.  Consider giving your friends a bottle of good champagne with a card instructing them to use it to toast on a future anniversary or a gift card for a night’s stay at a bed and breakfast or hotel.  If you are giving lodging, make sure that your card gives them lots of options … you won’t want to force them into a time period or specific destination unless you already know of somewhere they love.
3. Cash.  It sounds impersonal maybe but every wedding costs money and most couples are paying for a portion (or even all) of it out of their own pockets.  They’ll appreciate a simple card with well wishes and a little financial help for the start of their new life together.
4. Most anything monogramed.  Serving platters, bath soaps, towels and sheet sets are all more appealing when the initials of the bride and groom are involved.  Keep your color choices simple and classic so that the couple can match them with items of their choosing.
5. Date Nights.  Pick up a gift certificate to a local great restaurant, movie theater or sports complex for the couple to use long after the wedding chaos has died down.
6. Photo Albums.  In this digital photography age, keeping printed photographs is a lost art.  Everyone means to but it’s hard enough to take the time to print and organize photos.  You’ll make this memory keeping task easier by giving the couple a book or two to start their collection.  Consider monograming or choosing complimentary colors patterns pretty enough to display with pride.

1. Are you available on (your wedding day)?
2. Do you have a price list that you can send me?  While you shouldn’t skimp on your wedding photos, you will want to make sure that your final choice fits your budget.
3. What is your preferred style of shooting a wedding? Black and white / color, traditional / candid shots?
4. How many weddings have you photographed?  Experience is always a good thing.
5. Can you send me some examples of your work or point me to your online portfolio?Most good photographers will be more than happy to show you samples.

After you’ve narrowed down your list of favorites to a manageable number, make an appointment to meet (in person) with the actual photographer that would be shooting your wedding.  Many times, with larger studios several photographers are possibilities so you want to make sure you meet the exact person.

Prepare for your meeting by cutting out photos in magazines that you love or printing some off of the internet.  You’ll want to be able to describe what it is about a photo that makes you love it (is it an angle, lighting, a candid moment).

When you meet, be sure to also pay attention to how personable your prospect is.  Let them ask questions.  Your ideal photographer will want to get to know you so that they can produce photos that you’ll love.

After all, your recommendation is what’s going to drive new business their way.

Once you’ve settled on a photographer, relax and trust them to do the work!  Your photos will be more beautiful if you are not thinking about them throughout your special day.