Everyday Wedding advice

     Brides-to-Be are so cute with their binders and checklists.  It’s great to be organized.  The last few years I’ve noticed some funny things that occur in a consultation, so I just want to give you ladies an idea of what should happen in the first visit. 

     First of all, any vendor you are interviewing as a prospective service provider should be equally as prepared.  If they are meeting you, they should not be late.  If you are meeting them, they should have their albums, cake displays or portfolio ready to show.  I like to offer my brides a CD slide show with random samples of wedding and engagement photos.  This lets them see my style and also serves as a token that they can take home to show the mom, bridesmaids or fiancé.  Ask for samples.  Clearly understand the pricing structures of the vendor’s packages so that you both know what will be included in your package.  There’s nothing worse than signing up with someone only to have them nickel and dime you to death when the wedding finally rolls around.  This is especially true with a facility you may be choosing.  Does it include meals?  Tablecloths?  Decorations?  Think of each detail you may need to know.  This is where your checklist will come in handy.

     On the other hand, it is not necessary to go down the list of obvious items.  It’s amazing how often I get asked, “Will you take pictures of us cutting the cake?” or of all the tables, etc.  Of course!  All photographers will be there for all of your pictures.  Asking them to take obvious pictures is something that is included in their job description.  When you go to the dentist it is not necessary to ask them if they will be cleaning your teeth, so it is therefore unnecessary to ask if the photographer will take photos that should be apparent in the job description.  DO tell them about anything unusual that you want.  All of the secrets should be told to the photographer and videographer because these vendors will need to be there to capture those moments.  For example, I had a bride’s family that was hiring a plane to fly by with a congratulatory banner with their names and the wedding date.  In order for me to be in the right place when the fly-by was scheduled to happen, the parents had to clue me in on this little secret.  I was able to capture the couple’s faces as they saw the plane for the first time, as well as have my telephoto lens ready to get great close-ups of the plane.

     Another thing to look for in a consultation is the personalities of the providers.  You may like their work but if you get a bad vibe or they don’t answer your questions with confidence then you may want to keep searching.  You’re spending a lot of money and the most special day of your life with these people so you need to make 100% sure you feel good about the work they will do for you.

     Finally, after you have chosen those vendors whom you feel best about, don’t waste time thinking about it for months.  The spots may be taken by another bride and you will have to start your quest all over again.  Leave a deposit and sign a contract.  Don’t make any verbal agreements.  Make sure everything is written down and signed by both parties.  Then let it go and just relax.  Let the service providers you have chosen do their job.  They know what to do and will help to ensure that your wedding is memorable.  Don’t be a micromanager.  DO become a friend and get to know them.  The better we as service providers know you - the bride - the better we can do to give you exactly what you want.  Happy Planning!

Anne Violette is a freelance writer and professional photographer in Delray Beach, FL.  Find her at:  www.photomaine.com

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