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: 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.

Wedding Planning:

A Step By Step Planning Guide To A Stress

Free Day

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. A day that is a promise of joy and happiness can also be one of the most stressful days and events in your life. For many, this is the case due to not being prepared or as planned out as they thought they would be.

The problem most people face is the assumption that everything will go off without hitch or that everything, and everyone, is fully available at your last minute beckon call. Only to find out, this is not the case.

Whether you are planning your beautiful traditional wedding in Hawaii or anywhere else, follow the below planning guidelines to assist you in making your special day one of joy and happiness, and not one of stress and misery.

12 Months Before Your Wedding

• Announce your engagement.
• Decide on what kind of wedding you want to have. Whether it is an outdoor or indoor wedding? How formal or informal will it be?
• Select the date for your ceremony. However, be prepared to be flexible if the location is important to you, as it may already be booked for the date you had in mind.
• Select the location for your ceremony. However, be prepared to be flexible if you have a special date in mind, as it may already be booked for the date you had in mind.
• Select a location for your reception.
• Set a budget for the wedding and reception.
• Decide if you want to use a wedding coordinator. If you are getting married in Hawaii, it is best to select a Hawaii-based consultant. They will know all the do’s and don’ts of getting married on the Islands.
• Decide the size of your wedding party. Select attendants. If you are traveling to Hawaii for your wedding, keep the cost of airfare and lodging in mind when asking friends and family to accompany you. (Note: Some consultants believe it is proper for the bride and groom to cover the cost of lodging for their attendants where “destination weddings” are concerned.)
• Shop for a wedding dress and accessories. If you are traveling to Hawaii for your wedding, it may not make sense to wait until you arrive to shop for an outfit. To make things easier, consider shopping with Hawaii‘s fine retailers online for either formal or informal attire.
• If you are not using a wedding consultant, begin shopping for vendors. These include photographers/videographers, musicians/disc jockeys, florists and caterers.
• Determine who will be officiating your ceremony.
• Enlist your wedding party to help you fold 1,001 tiny origami cranes. (NOTE: This is a local tradition of Japanese origin, though brides of many ethnicities have adopted it. The folding of 1,001 cranes is expected to bring good luck.) The cranes are then flattened, mounted and framed as a good-luck keepsake for the couple.
• If you plan on registering with a bridal gift registry, do so now.
• Order wedding invitations and stationary.

6 to 10 Months Before

• Establish a guest list.
• If you are traveling to Hawaii for your ceremony and want family or friends to travel with you, send invitations now to those people, allowing them ample time to prepare financially and otherwise.
• Select and order attendants’ gowns. (Note to non-residents: Keep Hawaii‘s tropical climate in mind when selecting gowns. Long sleeves and heavy fabrics may not be appropriate. Also keep footwear in mind if you are planning a beach wedding; wearing high heels in sandy areas is downright dangerous.
• Get fabric samples to match shoes.
• Select and order men’s attire. Again, keep Hawaii‘s climate in mind.
• Make reception plans; discuss details with vendors and the manager of the reception facility.
• Shop for honeymoon travel deals and make reservations.

4 to 6 Months Before

• Order a wedding cake.
• Arrange a car, limousine or other transportation.
• Arrange Hawaii accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Schedule a consultation with a hair and make-up stylist.
• If you are traveling from another country, make sure you have a passport.
• Make arrangements for a rehearsal dinner. (This is traditionally the responsibility of the groom’s family.)

3 Months Before

• If you are a resident and your guests live in Hawaii, send wedding invitations now.
• Choose gifts for attendants.
• Arrange for special musical selections during the ceremony and/or reception.
• Schedule hair and make-up appointment for wedding day.
• Write thank you notes for gifts as they arrive.
• Open a joint checking and savings account, if you do not already have one. (Note: Some couples prefer to keep separate accounts.)
• Name your fiancé as beneficiary to your insurance policy and will, if appropriate.
• Plan a bridesmaids’ luncheon. If you would like to do this in Hawaii, find a good Hawaii restaurant.
• Finalize all travel plans.

2 Months Before

• Schedule final fitting of bride’s gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Confirm details with all vendors.
• Meet with, e-mail or call your officiant to discuss ceremony details.
• Make transportation arrangements to the airport for the day you leave and for when you come home.
• Take care of all business and legal affairs. Make appropriate changes to insurance policies, medical plans, wills, bank accounts and credit cards.

3 to 4 Weeks Before

• Contact guests who have not responded to the invitation to more clearly determine the head count for the caterer.
• Notify caterer of final guest count.

2 Weeks Before

• Get necessary forms to change names on driver’s license, etc., if either bride or groom will be changing surname.
• Gather all necessary documents for travel: airline tickets, hotel and car rental reservation documents and vouchers for wedding services. Put these in a safe place where they will not be forgotten. (Tip: Pack these in your carry-on bags, in case your luggage is lost or delayed.)

7 Days Before

• Make a final check with vendors and officiant.
• Pack for your trip. You may want to carry your wedding attire onto the plane to avoid problems associated with lost luggage.
• Put wedding rings in a safe place. If you’re traveling to Hawaii for your ceremony, make sure to pack the rings in your carry-on.
• Arrange head table seating.
• Reconfirm honeymoon/travel arrangements.
• Make certain attendants and others helping out have instructions and are prepared with any special readings or performances they are expected to give.
• Pick up wedding gown and attendants’ gowns. Make sure all attire fits.

3 Days Before

• If you’re arriving from out of town, be sure to obtain your marriage certificate

1 Day Before

• Have your nails manicured.
• Attend ceremony rehearsal.
• Greet out-of-town guests.

YOUR WEDDING DAY

• Have hair and make-up done.
• Allow at least 3 hours to dress and relax.
• Enjoy your special day!