Wedding Day Tips: Top Ten Details to Remember

As a wedding photographer, I've seen my share of problem weddings that only add to the ever-present wedding stress. Planned improperly from the get-go, no one person is to blame, but the outcome is upsetting for everyone involved. Often, the bride's face looks utterly uncomfortable in all the pictures thanks to mile-high heels, guests are kept waiting for an inordinate amount of time, and the DJ is running around trying to get everyone name straight for the announcement at the reception. (I've seen this take up to 30 mins.) 

Planning a wedding is serious business, especially if you have out of town guest to worry about and little children to keep an eye on. Here are ten wedding day tips to keep you upbeat - and stress-free - on your special day!

Avoid Wedding Stress with These Ten Wedding Day Tips

#1 - Have an emergency kit on hand: A bride without her trusty emergency kit is a meltdown waiting to happen. Before the wedding day, put together a little kit of must-haves in case something should go wrong. Ideally, you should have extra make-up, safety pins, breath spray, nail polish for snags, hairspray, a comb, and anything else you deem appropriate to combat wedding stress. If a situation does arise, you'll be thankful you had these things with you.

#2 - Bring comfortable shoes to change in to: Please don't maintain the illusion that you can wear those fabulous designer heels all night long. They will begin to hurt your feet and impede your ability to hob-knob with your friends. Pack some cute flats (that you've previously broken in) or some simple white sandals so you can keep dancing all night long!

#3 - Put someone in charge of the vendors: Entrust a friend or family member to keep track of vendors, such as the DJ/band, caterers, florists, facility manager, wait staff, and photography team. Let him or her be the point person if the vendor has a question, if something has changed, or there is an issue. Trust me - this will reduce much of the wedding stress that will occur throughout the day.

#4 - Don't forget to eat before and during the wedding: Number four on this list of wedding day tips is incredibly important. Sounds impossible, but brides do forget to eat with all that's going on. One of the best wedding day tips I can offer is to start the day out with a healthy breakfast that will keep you going until your afternoon or evening meal is served. The last thing that you want to do is add to your wedding stress and pass out in front of your guests or experience hunger pangs all day. Rely on one of your  bridesmaids to fix a plate for you or do it yourself while you converse with guests waiting in line and then actually sit down and eat it. You picked the menu. Don't you deserve to enjoy it?

#5 - Provide your guests with an accurate map and directions: Everyone will tell you this is one of the best wedding tips you could get! The last thing you want to deal with is guests calling you or your friends asking for directions because yours aren't quite clear. Talk about wedding stress! Make sure you provide turn-by-turn navigation (especially helpful for those out-of-towners) as well as a detailed map of your venues with each surrounding street clearly listed and identifiable.

#6 - Make sure your bridal party knows to come early: Every photographer's nightmare - and a major wedding stress inducer - is a scattered, mismanaged bridal party. Make sure to coordinate with your bridesmaids and fiancé's groomsmen beforehand. If pictures are to be taken before the ceremony, everyone needs to show up with ample time to allow for this. If you are dressing at the church or venue and require the assistance of your bridesmaids, set the time back appropriately.

#7 - Set up something special for your guests in the facilities' bathrooms: A basket of toiletries is a clever way to show your creativity at your wedding. Usually, the bathrooms get overwhelmed and guests may need something to get them through the rest of the night.

#8 - Keep the kids in mind: Everyone is having a good time, but what are the kids up to? If you choose to have children at your wedding, so be it. They'll need a little entertainment though if you want to keep wedding stress at bay. One of my favorite wedding day tips is to serve fun finger foods like chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, French fries, and carrot sticks to get them to eat and keep them happy. A great idea is to have all the children at a centrally located children's table - adorn the table with activity and coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and lots of drawing paper to keep them occupied. If you and your fiancé decide not to have children at your wedding, however, make sure that all parents know this well in advance so that they can find a babysitter.

#9 - Hand the rings off to someone responsible: Have one of the attendants in your bridal party hang on to the rings before the ceremony. Instruct her to wait until right before the party is sent down the aisle to give the ring bearer and flower girl the rings so that they don't get lost in the day's hustle and bustle.

#10 - Create a menu for guests to peruse: Number 10 on this list of wedding day tips isn't hard to do, but gives your guests an idea of what kind of food will be served. For a sit-down dinner, this is imperative, of course, as there will be multiple options to choose from. Even if you're having a large buffet meal where guests help themselves, place a menu on each table so that anticipation can build. Sometimes, without a menu, your guests might have even overlooked a food station with their favorite dish!

Preparation Fights Wedding Stress

It's easy to overlook the little things. Planning ahead of time is the only way to keep wedding stress at bay. Don't let months of planning come undone by not being prepared. Combat potential disasters - and that annoying wedding stress.

Destination Weddings

Every bride wants her wedding to be one-of-a-kind. Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.

A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out across the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone?

Location, Location, Location...
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your "to do" list. This day should be perfect from start to finish - that is why finding the right place should be first on your 'to do' list. The place where you and your fiancee will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.


One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.

Helpful Tip - send invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans

Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk (1-800-545-8193) and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.

Helpful Tip - Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.

According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20% of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combining your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.

If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location (check references) and visit if possible beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test-drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and "try them out." If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.

Before you go be sure to check on local marriage license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring - visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back-up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season. :)

www.crystalimagephoto.com

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Don't Let a Friend Shoot Your Wedding

Your wedding budget is starting to get a little high and you need to cut a few corners to save some cash and so you ask your buddy to get behind the camera. Wrong move. Never let your friend, be it your best friend or even a close family member, run the camera at your wedding. There are a few reasons for this.

First off, there is so much more involved in capturing a wedding on video than your friend will think about. Sound, lighting, positioning, framing, storyline, style, each of these broad categories has numerous tiny little elements where if one is off the whole thing doesn't look or sound right. Normally a friend will wait until the last minute to get equipment and then not know what they need usually showing up with a less than quality camcorder and only a built in microphone. Batteries, tapes, they don't think about these things. The less they know, the less they will show up with.

Secondly, holding a camcorder and capturing a wedding and reception isn't like being there enjoying the moment, It's work and you need to concentrate on what your doing such as how the shot looks, sounds, where you need to be next, iris, focus, and a bunch of other little nuances. That lends very little time to enjoy the wedding and the people involved which is what you want your family and friends to do while they are there.

Lastly, if something should go wrong it could possibly ruin a friendship. It's happened many times before and will happen again, a friend wants to be involved with the wedding and only shoots a little bit of footage and not good video because he wants to get that part over with. Or, he forgets the sound, or he forgets to hit record, or he's out of focus or he just doesn't know where to be and when, all in all the video recorded isn't good and most of your wedding is unusable. This will definitely put a strain on any friendship because a wedding video is very important, avoid this potential hazardous situation and hire someone, outsource the videographer, it's your best bet.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

 

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The Changing Face Of Wedding Photography

When your grandparents got married they may have had a few photographs taken of them that were then placed of walls or shelves. Possibly these photos were snapped by a friend or relatives and they may not have been very professional looking. They were probably black and white photos and may not have been of good quality. By the time your parents were getting married they may have had a selection of colored pictures taken. These photos were always posed and most were group pictures. These may have been put in a plastic album that they took out for family reunions and other occasions.

Are you wondering what options you will have for your wedding?

 Photography has come a long way since your parent’s day. You will not only have better equipment that will be used, your choice for photos; albums and even online sharing will be something grandma never imagined. Technology has changed so much in the last twenty five years. You will be glad that you are getting married in this age of high tech digital cameras. Your wedding photographer will know if they have captured the best shots of you in each frame. They will be able to keep snapping until they know that they have captured the proper shot. In the past, photographers had no way of telling if the picture they were taking was of good quality or not. They had to wait until the photographs were developed before they knew the results.

A photographer today will ask you what group pictures you would like to take at your wedding. This is a great idea because you won't want to miss having a picture with that favorite aunt. Photographers, however, now take more photos that are not posed. Your photographer will be constantly taking pictures, telling the story of your wedding day. Candid and random photos are often amazing and can capture the feeling and emotions of your important moments. Having videos of your wedding may not be necessary if your photographer takes a series of photographers depicting the complete picture of your wedding day. Many photographers are experts at this and a professional photo album can be made of your wedding. From getting ready to the throwing of the rice your wedding can be captured. 

Photography today is more exciting than ever. From digital cameras to new methods of putting these photos in albums, today's photography has come a long way from grandma’s day. You have great options to create memories that will last a lifetime take advantage of all of the possibilities.

You're Engaged! ~ Choosing A Wedding Date

The most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are informed of your engagement is "When is the wedding?" Choosing a wedding date is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help you pick a perfect date for your wedding. 

If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, especially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked very quickly.

Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal attire choices.

Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christmas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too much for some people.


Are there important people in your life that you feel must attend the wedding? While there will always be people who will not be able to make it, some people may be higher on your priority list than others. For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date with these important people to avoid any problems.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

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How to Plan Your Wedding Photography - 4 Steps to Memorable Wedding Pictures

 As one of the most important decisions you will make concerning the big day, planning your wedding photography should be considered with care. Follow these four steps to ensure your wedding pictures capture these priceless wedding day memories.

1) Select Your Photography Style

How do you envision your wedding photographs? Wedding Photographers generally fall into three stylistic categories: traditional, photojournalist, or a combination of both. Traditional photographers are practiced in obtaining great portraits and posed shots. For more candid shots that document the day's emotions and all the behind-the-scenes action, you may lean towards the photojournalistic style of photography (a hot trend for today's weddings). For brides who simply cannot decide, seek a wedding photographer who can offer the perfect mix. (that’s us) J

2) Consider the Cost

This really is one area in which you should avoid cutting corners, as your photographs will be one of the few keepsakes you can actually take from your wedding. Expect to allocate at least $1000 to your wedding photography budget (the bottom line in metro areas will be higher). If budget is a concern, consider ordering the most basic package, but avoid hiring an inexperienced photographer to save money.

3) Hire your Wedding Photographer

Do your research, and compile a list of potentials and commence the "meet and greet." When meeting with potential photographers, be sure to review his or her work and remember to consider the importance of personality. Your photographer will capture some of the best shots behind the scenes, so you must feel comfortable in working with this person and inviting them backstage. Trust your instinct: if you find anything disagreeable about working with this person, keep looking. And don't forget to get everything in writing.

4) Plan the Wedding Pictures

Well before your wedding day, make sure you have considered the must-have photography shots and their execution. You should discuss these details with your photographer so that he or she will be familiar with the site location, the VIPs of the wedding (attendants, parents etc.), and the best and most un-obtrusive way to get these important shots.

Consider every aspect of your wedding day and how you would like it captured. From the pre-ceremony preparation, to your walk down the aisle, to your "I Dos," to your first dance and finally to your departure, make sure to discuss the perfect shots for each special moment. Throughout the planning process, be in the lookout out for images that catch your eye, and consider bringing clips to your photographer. Browse this gallery of creative wedding pictures for inspiration.

Now that you know the basics, this complete wedding photography guide will walk you the rest of the way towards planning your wedding day pictures.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

It's your turn! ~ Ask Me Any Photography Questions You Have

On any given week I am asked questions about photography. Rather related to general photography "How To" questions or questions on how to start or run a successful photography studio or about Project CIP (something very special to me)

Here is your chance to ask me any photography related question you may have.

For the next week, until July 19th I will take and answer your questions.

All questions and answers will be posted here on the blog for others to read and learn from (no names will be used) so, don't be shy! Ask away!

The one who submits the best question will receive a gift certificate towards a portrait session with Crystal Image Photography and I personally will spend an hour with them showing them just what it is I do and answering any other questions.

So, if you're an inspiring photographer or a newbie here is your chance!

Send your questions to:  cv@crystalimagephoto.com

Photographers Be Nice.....To Each Other!

Photographers Let's be nice to each other~

Just a few weeks ago I saw a post from a young photographer just learning her way around a camera and how a professional photographer had basically put her down and criticized her. 

Now, this young photographer fired back! Stating how she was not a pro...just a beginner and didnt need a pro telling her she was not good....it was her customers who she looked to for approval.

I commented on her post, giving her encouragement, agreeing with her.

As I drove home that afternoon I began to think more about it.

All professional photographers had to start somewhere! Did we not? We all started out as beginners. I'm sure we all as beginners had other professionals looking at our work and judging it. Shoot, even pros judge other pros and put each other down! Why?

My thoughts on that - other photographers do not pay my bills or your bills nor do they define us. We each have our own style and way of doing things.

It is our customers that we should seek approval and satisfaction from. They are the ones who spend their hard earned money on our photography.....Why? Because THEY like what it is we do!

Becoming a better photographer requires times, practice and learning new things.....The things your customers  want....the type of photography they want and will buy. Not what another photographers say is right or wrong.

This is exactly why I do not belong to  professional photography groups, clubs, or otherwise. Oh, I have in the past. But each time, I find the same thing....a room full of arrogant photographers (now there is always a few who are not) seeking to come across as they are more skilled than the next.

No matter what it is we do or the type of job or service one preforms there is always room for improvement, so help one another and stop putting each other down because you may not like their style of photography.

Life's about helping one another! Pass it on! And, remember we all started out as beginners!

www.crystalimagephoto.com

Two Important Wedding Photography Questions We're Rarely Asked

As wedding photographers, it's no surprise that we meet with a lot of brides. And their mothers. So it goes without saying that we have become professionals at answering questions about wedding photography as well just about everything else that has to do with weddings.

I guess it's precisely because we answer so many questions that we've become aware of the questions that aren't being asked. And the ones that should be.

I think the first question stems more from my personal conviction than from the hearts of brides. But if they knew ins and outs of wedding photography, my bet is that more brides would be asking this question, "what is your backup strategy and how do you protect my files against data loss and corruption?" Or, more simply stated, "what do you do to make sure you don't lose our pictures?!"

From my brief research, i've picked up that approximately 7% of hard drives crash in their first year, and by the end of the second year, that number climbs closer to 20%. Yikes! That means that if your wedding pictures are being saved on a drive that's at least two years old, then there's a one in five chance that that drive will crash. That's comforting.

While this article is not a primer on digital backup and media protection, I do hope that it encourages more brides to simply ask the question. For what it's worth, we maintain copies of every wedding, including one offsite in the event our studio burns down, until our product has been delivered and archived online.

The second obvious question that's rarely asked is, "how many weddings have you been the lead shooter for?" Well, I’ve been the lead for just about all the weddings we do. But, this is a question you may want to ask if you’re looking at bigger studios with several photographers.

 In these days of website templates, it's rather easy for photographers to come by some great photos and fancy websites which really make them appear established. I encourage brides to ask for links to view complete wedding galleries from recent weddings as this will give them a good idea of what they might expect to receive. Anyone can come up with a few good shots for their website. But it's much more difficult to come by a complete and impressive gallery.

www.crystalimagephoto.com