Tips from a Wedding Photographer

For your ceremony, suggest or provide your officiant with a small journal or book of faith for their notes. Looks a LOT better than a giant three ring binder!

When using an arbor for your ceremony, leave some space between it and you to allow your photographer to shoot from more angles.

Have your maid of honor and best man be in charge of making sure everyone cleans up their stuff in the getting ready space. A clean room makes prettier pictures.

Instruct the wedding party to refrain from chewing gum, hair elastics on their wrists, cell phones in their pockets (mystery tumor!), and cameras plastered to their face.

If you can, make sure you’re getting ready in a space with windows. A large horizontal directional light source is much prettier than small overhead lights. Consider how your space looks as well. It will be the background of all your photos.

Even if your ceremony site doesn’t mention it, ASK if they have any restrictions for photographers. You do not want to find out this information on your wedding day.

Think about having a “first look” if you’re concerned about making your guests wait for you at the reception or missing your cocktail hour.

Tips from a Wedding Pastry Chef

For your consultation have an idea of the style and flavors you’d like, know your budget, and bring pictures if you have them.

Set up the cake table away from the bride and groom. Get rid of the silver-plated stand and go for one with character to match the cake and style of your wedding

If you need to cut cost but don’t want to sacrifice quality, consider cupcakes, 8″ cakes as centerpieces, or a table with whole desserts, old school layer cakes, and pies.

Tips from a Wedding Caterer

Pick a caterer that has time to discuss and plan your menu with you. You don’t have to settle for the “Choose three appetizers from column A and two entrees from column B” caterer. Plan a menu that is unique to you and your wedding style.

Be sure to give your caterer as much information as you can. Date/time of year, location, and estimated number of guests, are all important factors when quoting an event. By doing so, you’ll receive a quicker, more accurate proposal. You wouldn’t believe how many phone calls we get where the voice on the other end of the phone says, “Hi. How much will it cost for you to cater my wedding?”

Decide on your budget before you meet with your caterer. Doing so allows the chef or catering account manager to propose menu ideas or customize a package within your price range. Be open to alternative or new ideas if your exact dream menu is not within your price range.

Discuss with your caterer the products and services they can offer; e.g., bar, place settings and linens, tables and rentals, custom cakes and dessert displays. Some caterers carry these products in house–others may extend their preferred pricing from their vendors on to you.

There are no rules. You’d be surprised how many brides sit down with us, and proceed to plan their entire wedding day based on a check-list or set of rules torn from a bridal magazine. It’s YOUR day – eat what you like, drink what tastes good, and dance at the wedding of YOUR dreams.

Tips from a Wedding Rentals Company

Take 5 minutes to measure your table. Make sure to rent a linen that will go all the way to the floor. There is nothing more elegant than fantastic linens that are measured correctly.

Chairs are a huge statement piece that can convert any room into a different space. You can rent a variety of chairs that will fit any theme or design. It only takes a few minutes to view a rental company’s offerings on their website. Then pick up the phone and they will deliver them and pick them up for you. No stress.

Switch it up a bit. Round dishes aren’t the only option! Try square, rectangle or triangle dishes. Adding shape to your party table is a simple way to make it stand out and have your guests thinking you put tons of effort into the wedding. You can apply the same to tables. Use a combination of square, rectangle and round tables to add dimension to the room.

Utilize small, “tidbit” plates to turn desserts or apps into something special. By serving things in small bite size plates you look super chic and can control cost better!

Rent high-top tables with the proper linens (that reach all the way to the floor!). This is a quick way to create a cocktail area and separate your event into stages. Once drinks and appetizers are served, invite the guests to sit for the main meal. You can even put the high tops tables in a separate room to build anticipation for what is next!