Maui Wedding Photographer

Wedding Planning Guide

Congratulations, you just got engaged. Enjoy your moment because afterwards, until the day of your wedding, there are a lot of things that need to plan. You have dresses, guest lists, rings and much more, but what about the two main events? Your ceremony and reception.

Since there are many details, not to mention the services of outside vendors, you just want to be sure everything happens without a hitch. Besides, your guests will be witnessed to both, so you want to leave a favorable impression. They are not part of the behind the scenes items, so they only remember the main events.

Your Wedding Ceremony

Once you have set the date, you have to consider the following:

• Type of Wedding. Will it be indoors, outdoors, local or out of town. Will you go formal or, themed? This decision will be what drives the rest of your planning for both the ceremony and the reception. Also, plan out three or four dates until you have your destinations decided on, in the event those places are already booked on your selected date.

• Size of Wedding Party. Who will be responsible for what during both events?

• Who is Performing the Service. Sometimes this can be tricky if you have different religions involved, so discuss it first. Also, if different religions are involved, you may consider both officiate.

Use of Vendors. In the event you are not using a wedding coordinator, you will have to select particular vendors that meet your wants and needs, as well as your budget. Don’t feel obligated to anyone and don’t settle on the first one. There may be more value for your money out there.

• Photographers. More than any other vendor you hire, the photographer is the one that should be of the utmost importance. After all, they are the ones that will be capturing your lifetime moments. Be sure to look at their portfolios, websites and spend time with them. Do they seem like someone that you can work WITH or against you? Do they seem like they care about you or your money? Be thorough and comfortable.

• Videographers. Much like your photographer but not as distributable as photos. Much like the photographer, see plenty of their work and get a feel for their personality. Are they creative enough or can a tripod in the corner do as well.

• Florists. The flower arrangements you decide on are the first things your guests will see as they arrive. So select flowers that are in bloom, that represent you and arrangements that will catch their attention. Be sure your florist can be at both locations early for set up.

• Music. Selecting the proper mood music prior to the start of the ceremony sets the tone for the ceremony. Is it sleepy or too annoying? Is it music people will know or be offended? This also goes for the music that is played during the ceremony. Do you need an instrumentalist? A singer? Or just music on a cd?

Your Reception Ceremony

Much like the wedding itself, your reception will reflect you and how beautiful or memorable people will remember after they have left. Therefore, many of the above suggestions from the wedding ceremony also play out here.

• A Themed Reception? Make this decision early as it will dictate how the location will be decorated or what music will be played, as well as the attire by your guests; such as a Hawaiian theme.

• Your Vendors. The vendors used for your wedding should also be used for the reception. The only exceptions would be the music, the cake and the caterers.

• Music. Will your music be provided by a live band, a DJ or prerecorded music? If you are going with a band or a DJ, get references. Were they boring during and in between songs, did they keep the party moving and fun, and do you feel comfortable with them. What kind of music do they have or play? Be thorough.

• The Wedding Cake. Be sure they arrive early for placement and sample their cakes for taste. Also, see photographs of their work.

• Your Caterers. Much like the wedding cake (and sometimes they can be the same person), look over their menus. Look at all the options and ask questions. Be sure they have food that vegetarians can also enjoy. Will it be served or buffet style? Be sure to give them a final count of guests as this will allow them to prepare plenty of food. In addition, discuss any seating arrangements with them ahead of time, so they know where the people of priority are sitting, such as parents of couple, etc.

So as you can see, details are everything. Just be sure once you have decided on your vendors to follow up with them a couple of times, including a week before just to touch base. Never feel obligated to hire a vendor, especially if you are not comfortable with them. This is your day, not theirs. Now go and have fun!

Wedding Planning; Countdown To Your Wedding Day

The most anticipated day of your life may just be your wedding day. A day you expect to be filled with joy and happiness. Unfortunately, the events leading up to your big day can be some of the most stressful days and events in your life. This is usually the case when you are not prepared as you would like to be.

The problem most people face is assuming that everything will go off without hitch or that everyone is available at your beckon call. Only to find out, this is not the case. Whether you are planning a wedding in Hawaii or anywhere else, follow some key guidelines to planning your day to assist you.

Six – Twelve Months Out:

Other than announcing your engagement, this is the time to outline your plans. A lot of the bigger decisions need to be made during this time before planning out their details. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• Type of wedding (in/out doors, formal/informal, theme/traditional, etc).
• Select dates of the wedding, pre-wedding parties, travel, etc.
• Select locations of each event and budgets.
• Decide on a wedding coordinator, wedding party participants, officiate, guest list, photographer/videographer, band/DJ, transportation, florists and caterers.
• Shop for: dress, accessories, attendant’s gowns, men’s attire, rings, bridal registry, the cake.
• Meet your hairdresser to discuss style.
• Decide and plan honeymoon (plan ahead if the bride is traveling under married name, then all documents need to match).
• Begin to finalize all bookings.

Three – Six Months Out:

Now that you have all the big issues planned out, it’s time to start detailing those plans. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• Begin to make purchases, such as marriage licenses, ceremony programs, gifts for wedding party, vaccinations and passports (if needed).
• Send out invitations (give out-of-towners time to plan their travel, including you if are getting married elsewhere).
• Begin confirmations with all your bookings.
• Plan out wedding day details (if you don’t have a coordinator), such as: music/hymns, readings, vows, who will do what and the order of the ceremony.

One – Three Months Out:

You are now at the finalization process so that you can relay information to parties that require it. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• Final fittings and schedule pick-up dates.
• Finish confirmations with all vendors.
• Plan wedding rehearsal dinner.
• Follow up with guests that have not RSVP’d so that you can get that final count to caterer.

Less Than One Month Out:

At this point you will feel the end is never going to get here. Relax and go over your outline to verify nothing is forgotten. Then recap and confirm all issues still needed verification and/or needs to be settled. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• If you are changing your last name, be sure to get all documents changed over, such as driver’s license, social security, wills, insurance, beneficiary, etc.
• Gather all documents needed for travel and plan for your packing in the event you are traveling for the wedding or the honeymoon.

Final Week:

Well you are in the final week and you will either feel unready or you will be completely at ease. It all depends on how prepared you were throughout the entire process. It also helps to know what will happen, will happen. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• Make a final check with all vendors, including your honeymoon.
• Pack for your trip if needed (be sure to take care of your wedding rings).
• Verify that your wedding party is ready to go and that anyone that has a role to play in the ceremony and reception is prepared from ushers to toasters.
• Final fittings and pick ups of all attire for both parties.
• Get your manicure and pedicure.
• Attend the ceremony rehearsal and dinner.
• Greet out-of-town guests.

The Big Day:

You made it! Congratulations. Issues to consider during this time period include:

• Get your hair and make-up done.
• Allow three hours to get dressed, travel to ceremony and relax.

Something To Consider On Your Big Day:

Not sure what time to do the things you need to do on your wedding day? Below is a guideline (based on a 2pm wedding). Alter your times based on the time of your wedding. Your timetable should run like this:

08:00 – Take a relaxing shower/bath.

08:30 – Have a light breakfast.

09:00 – Polish your nails.

09:30 – Have your hair styled.

11:00 – Bridesmaids, pageboys and best man arrive (collects cards and luggage, if needed).

12:00 – Have your makeover.

12:30 – Bride and bridesmaids get dressed.

13:00 – Photographer arrives. Takes pre-arranged photos.

13:30 – First wedding car will take mother and bridesmaids to the church.

13:45 – Second wedding car will take the bride and her father to the church.

14:00 – Ceremony begins.

Remember to enjoy your moment and have fun. You deserve it!

Wedding Planning: A Countdown Guide To Your Big Day

For some, a wedding planning guide is just what you will need to help you stay organized for a perfect big day. Below is just the guide that help you stay on track and not so stressed about missing anything.

Months Before

· Decide upon your wedding date and budget.

· Meet with your local minister or registrar.

· Start looking for your wedding dress.

· Decide on your bridal party.

· Make a guest list.

· Book the wedding reception.

· Book the band or DJ and/or other wedding entertainment if any.

· Book the caterers, the florists, photographer and/or videographer.

· Book transportation if required.

· Book the honeymoon. If needed, apply for a new passport (the bride may wish to travel under her married name, but be prepared to be unable to travel until your wedding date, as your old passport will be invalid).

· Order the cake.

· Book an over-night stay in a hotel room/bridal suit if needed.

· Confirm all bookings in writing.

6 Months Before

· Get initial fitting for the wedding dress. Choose wedding shoes and accessories.

· Choose attire for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers.

· Choose the wedding rings.

· Order your wedding favors.

· Notify your bank, building society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and the date it will take affect.

· Order the invitations and other stationary.

· Take out wedding insurance, if required.

· See your hairdresser about the hairstyle that you want. Brides should bring a picture of the dress, veil or headdress and other accessories to help the hairdresser create a hairstyle that will complimentary.

3 Months Before

· Buy your marriage license from the registrar.

· Send out the invitations.

· Decide upon your wedding list. Make it available to all your wedding guests.

· Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodations now while there is still availability.

· Confirm your ceremony details with either the registrar or the minister.

· Decide your wedding music or hymns.

· Arrange for the wedding program to be printed.

· Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids.

· Discuss the seating plan with the caterer.

· Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required.

· Start to plan your bachelor/bachelorette parties.

· If you have a Will, get it updated to ensure it remains active after your wedding.

1 Month Before

· Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress.

· Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, transportation and all entertainment.

· Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements.

· Have bachelor/bachelorette night.

· Finalize the seating plan with the caterer.

· Arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal, if required.

· Send out thank you cards to all guests who have responded to your invitation.

· Telephone any guests who have not yet responded to your invitation.

· Organize a date when you can pick up your wedding outfits.

· Write any wedding day speeches.

7 Days Before

· Have the wedding rehearsal.

· Pack for your honeymoon.

· Wear-in your wedding shoes. Allows brides to practice walking in high heels.

· Organize an emergency wedding kit just for the bride. Containing makeup and repair kit for the dress, so you can be ready for any minor hiccups through the day.

· Give your wedding program to the minister.

· Order your foreign currency and/or travelers cheques.

· Give rings to the best man.

· Give best man a list of all the wedding services involved in your wedding day, in case they need to be contacted.

The Day Before

· Take the day off from work.

· Brides and grooms have your nails manicured.

· Grooms have your hair tidied up around the back and sides.

· Spend the rest of the day relaxing and try and get an early night.

The Day of the Wedding

Based on a 2pm wedding, the bride’s timetable should run like this:

08:00 Take a relaxing shower/bath.

08:30 Have breakfast, but don’t have anything too heavy that may upset your stomach.

09:00 Polish your nails.

09:30 Have hairdresser style your hair. See if they will come to you instead of you going to them.

11:00 Best man arrives to collect any cards and luggage, if needed.

11:30 Bridesmaids and pageboys arrive.

12:00 Have your makeover.

12:30 Bride and bridesmaids get dressed.

13:00 Photographer arrives. Takes pre-arranged photos.

13:30 First wedding car will take mother and bridesmaids to the church.

13:45 Second wedding car will take the bride and her father to the church.

13:58 The bride and her father will stand at the entrance of the church, with the bridesmaids lined up behind you. The verger will greet you.

14:00 Ceremony begins. Good luck and congratulations.