Wedding Planning Guide

Jun 01
2010
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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!

Written by nicole in: Maui Photography | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Wedding Photographers: What to look for

Apr 12
2010
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Wedding Photographers: What To Look For


A wedding photographer is often overlooked until late in the wedding planning. Many couples plan out the look and feel of their wedding and receptions as their priority; then they will begin to look for a photographer.

Often a couple misses out on a opportunity and visual advice from the wedding photographer. After all, they are the ones that will be capturing the sights and moments on film that will last forever. In addition, the wedding photographer has been to more weddings than most people and may be able to offer advice that would enhance the setting even more. Furthermore, once the party is over and everyone has gone home, it’s the photographer that will bring the moments of your very special day back to life.

Your Initial Search

When it comes to looking for a wedding photographer, start early and don’t settle on the first one. Much like a car, you want to see what a few models have to offer. You may really like the first one you talk to, but later find someone that offers so much more or at a better price. You may meet a photographer that has certain techniques that others do not offer. If you start the process early, you will have more time to choose the photographer you are most comfortable with, as well as getting that advice on ceremony and reception set up and lighting that they may suggest before planning that aspect. Besides, after meeting a few photographers, you may find yourself still drawn to that first one, but now you are better prepared.

Be sure the photographer has a portfolio with a variety of wedding photographs. This will really give you insight of the quality of their photographs, as well as the creativity. Never just take their word for it. Many wedding photographers now have websites dedicated to their craft. You can use this tool as well to either weed out those from interviewing, and wasting your time, and some you want to meet to see more of what they have to offer. In addition, just because a photographer has many years of experience, does not mean they are good at what they do. You may come across someone who has less experience, but whose photos speak to you and more of your style. Let the photography speak to you.

Capturing the Moment

Just like every wedding is different, so too are wedding photographers. Therefore, when meeting potential photographers, as you look through their portfolios, ask yourself if their photos say something to you or are they just pictures. A really great wedding photographer should be able to bring emotion in their shots and bring it to life. Do their photos capture all the key moments, but also the little moments that go unnoticed. When viewing the romantic moments of your day, can you feel the emotion of love? When viewing the reception, can you feel the fun and excitement of the guests? Also, are they intrusive to your guests or are do they stay in the background? A good wedding photographer should be able to bring your day back to life. If you don’t see it or feel it in their photographs, move on to someone else.

Things You Need To Ask

Part of the interviewing process is more than just the photographs. First, how are you getting along? Is the wedding photographer adaptable to your needs or are they dictating to you? What is their availability? What are their prices? Do they offer packages and if so, what exactly do you get for your money? Do they get paid by the hour or by the event? Are they willing to alter packages to meet your needs? Who keeps the negatives? How much value are you getting for you money? Are they an individual wedding photographer or part of a team? If they are part of a team, this would be an important aspect to know, because you will want to get to know and see the work of the photographer that will be assigned to your wedding. You need to take all of this in consideration, along with their photographic abilities before deciding on someone. Remember this is YOUR day, and not theirs.

You see there is more to getting the right wedding photographer than just picking a name in the yellow pages. You need to do a little research and be sure you get the right person for the job. One that is going to deliver quality photographs that will last for a lifetime; someone you feel comfortable working with; someone that can offer some advice on the look of your ceremony and reception that will enhance your photos; someone that can truly deliver great value for your money.

Now you can see, by choosing a wedding photographer late in the planning, how it can be a detriment to your big day. Start early so that you have the time you need to be comfortable with your choice and can enjoy the whole experience.


Written by nicole in: Hawaii Photographer, HAWAII PORTRAITS, hawaii professional photographers, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, Maui Wedding Photography, Wedding photography, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MAUI, wedding pictures maui, WEDDINGS MAUI | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Planning: Step By Step

Apr 10
2010
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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!

Written by nicole in: Hawaii Photographer, hawaii professional photographers, MAUI PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, maui wedding photography service, Wedding photography, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MAUI, WEDDINGS MAUI | Tags: , , , , , ,
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