Posts Tagged ‘tips’

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Second Wedding Dress?

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

 

We’re not sure what it is, but we are definitely seeing more and more brides opting for a second and even a third dress after their ceremony.  It could very well have something to do with all the celebrity weddings we are seeing on television or maybe it’s some slick marketing from dress designers to push the trend.  Or, maybe…just maybe, it all started with Kate Middleton doning her sexy sleek second dress at her evening reception that got more brides thinking about how to make a second statement at their own wedding.

But whatever the reason is, if you have the budget to do so, why not?  It truly does make a difference in your comfort level if you are trying to dance the night away or will be floating from guest to guest trying to make sure you have greeted and made pleasantries with all the people that matter in your life.

 

Thinking about getting a second dress to wear at your reception? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

 

  1. Use the opportunity to express two sides of your personality.
  2. Use the same jewelry for both dresses.
  3. Have a classic ceremony gown and a modern reception gown.
  4. Look for a reception dress that has a smaller, or no, train.
  5. Make sure your reception gown is comfortable for dancing.
  6. Make it appropriate. Do not choose a reception gown that is more ornate than your ceremony gown.
  7. Short dresses make perfect reception dresses.
  8. Check online for “second wedding dresses” for other options.
  9. Ask the boutique where you bought your first dress if they will offer a deeper discount if you buy two dresses from them.
  10. Don’t forget to give your groom the option of changing into a second ensemble too so you can coordinate.

 

Don’t forget to visit our awesome vendors in San Antonio and Austin for additional expert help in selecting your second dress.

 

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Wedding Questions You Didn’t Know To Ask: Part 2

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

On the heels of yesterday’s informative list from The Knot, we continue with the conclusion of their top 10 questions you didn’t know to ask for your big day. Would you add any other questions to their list?  We are sure you might have found some unusual situations of your own.

6. Where do I put my engagement ring during the ceremony?

Wear the ring on your right hand or have your aunt or grandma hold it. If you want to wear your engagement ring for the reception, put it on during the ride to your venue or just before being announced. For Jewish weddings, it’s fine to wear your engagement ring, and then exchange stone-free wedding bands if you want to keep with tradition. Also remember: The band is usually worn closest to your heart on your left hand.

7. Who lifts my veil?

While more and more brides are wearing a veil flipped back for the entire ceremony or not wearing one at all, the most traditional bride still wears a veil over her face. If you like to keep things classic, there are two options. One is your dad lifts the veil when he gives you away, “revealing” you to the groom (like you really need help with that one). The other is for the groom to lift the veil just before the kiss.

8. What side are we supposed to stand on during the ceremony?

If you’re in a church facing the altar, the bride stands on the left side and the groom on the right. Guests of the bride and groom should follow suit, sitting on the side of whoever they know best or are related to (hint: tell mutual friends to sit on the side that has less people). For Jewish ceremonies, it’s the opposite.

9. What’s the best way to greet guests if I don’t want a receiving line?

Yeah, we get it — you don’t want to stand around after the ceremony in an assembly line. Instead, greet your guests during the reception by going from table to table during the first course. Just make sure you have time to eat too! Also, make a short speech thanking guests for coming and give a shout-out to vendors and parents (or anyone else who helped pay for your wedding!). While this moment with the mic shouldn’t take the place of personal interaction with guests, it can be a great forum to let them know how much their support means to you.

10. Can I take my shoes off at any time during the reception?

We’ve all been to the wedding where guests cut loose on the dance floor and ditch the heels. But it’s a little different when you’re the bride — especially if you’re wearing a formal dress. Instead of going barefoot, bring a pair of flats for dancing. If you’re getting married in the summer, have baskets of flip-flops in your wedding colors for your guests to slip into before they get down. There’s one exception to the shoes-or-lose rule: beach weddings!

 

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Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Today’s blog comes from our friends at Illuminate Photography. Thanks Lisa for this important and helpful information.

Submitted by Illuminate Photography

Dave and I participate in a few bridal shows each year and this last one got me thinking…

When a bride walks into a bridal show, it is freaking overwhelming. I mean I’m friends with or am usually at least familiar with half of the other vendors at shows and when I walk around to visit my industry friends sometimes I even get a little overwhelmed.

I can see that look on your face. So much to look at. Where do I start? What questions do I even ask? Who can I trust? Who’s really good vs. who’s just really good at marketing? What product or service are you even offering? (Sometimes it’s hard to tell at first glance).

So I try to put myself in the bride’s shoes. Often times I even ask brides what they’re thinking (especially when I see that overwhelmed wide-eyed look on their faces) and they often tell me… they don’t even know what they’re looking for. If you’re not familiar with photography, if you’ve never paid attention to what you really like, you will probably end up just shopping on price. So that’s usually the first question we get: “What packages do you offer?” or “What are your prices?”

And I don’t blame you. But if I can give you a word or two of advice, the last thing you want to do is choose your wedding photographer based solely on price. Besides the groom, one of the few things that will remain from your wedding day will be your photographs. I’ve had brides years later tell me that they still love looking at their wedding photographs. I’ve also heard horror stories from brides who let their wallets decide and ended up regretting their decision. There’s a wise saying that generally holds true when it comes to wedding photography: You get what you pay for.  

Remember: you’re investing in the entire experience, a service and a final product that will last for years, if not your entire lifetime, as well as future generations. 

We hate to see anyone have regrets around their wedding, so here are a few things to consider when searching for your perfect wedding photographer…

Style

Traditional, photojournalistic, illustrative, fashion, fine art. There are tons of labels out there. Take a look at some samples of wedding photography (wedding magazines and blogs, pinterest and friend’s wedding photographs are a great place to start) and decide which style you’re drawn to. There’s no right or wrong answer. Photography is art. You have permission to like what you like.

Type of Photographer

Full-time professional, weekend warrior, aspiring amateur. Check out this helpful pro-con list of 8 types of wedding photographers to help guide your decision.

Referrals

At a bridal show or when meeting with other vendors, ask for recommendations. They’ll be able to give you the behind the scenes scoop on other wedding professionals – who’s just in it as a business vs. who’s really got integrity and passion. Other wedding professionals will be able to let you know. The last thing you want is a photographer with a bad rep in the wedding industry. And another bonus is that your wedding will run more smoothly the better your vendors gel with one another.

And of course, ask your friends! You’ll spend a majority of your wedding day with your photographer either interacting with or at least having him or her close by, so you want someone who will enhance the vibe of your day, not have your rolling your eyes. A good rule of thumb… if you wouldn’t invite your photographer to a social gathering, you might want to keep looking.

Budget

We understand that although money shouldn’t be your main deciding factor, your budget is an important part of the decision-making process. So here are a few tips to help you get the best value for your investment:

  • Get the best wedding day coverage you can afford and find out if you can purchase the CD of images later on or order your wedding album for your first anniversary.
  • Set up a payment plan.
  • Register for your wedding album or other professional services.

Quality & Experience

Photography is unique in that it’s one of the few things you purchase before seeing the final product. So a photographer’s experience and portfolio will be your best window into the chances that you’ll end up with pictures similar to what they’re showing. Ask them how many weddings they’ve photographed. Ask to see a full wedding with diverse lighting conditions.

Understand that being a great photographer requires a tremendous amount of personal and technical skill. An experienced wedding photographer might cost more, but the value of being able to:

  • anticipate moments and surprises
  • deal with every detail of a wedding
  • capture your list of must-have shots
  • interact pleasantly with the bride & groom, their families and hundreds of guests
  • be prepared to handle an array of lighting situations

…all while maintaining the highest level of technical skill possible definitely takes a professional with experience. You have to decide how much their experience and the peace of mind that it provides is worth to you.

So where does Illuminate Photography fit in? 

Dave and I both believe that stories are best told in the context of a conversation. And we believe that everyone’s story deserves to be told. So our goal when we meet with you, whether at a bridal show or on our first appointment, is to first engage in a conversation. We want to hear about you, your history, your hopes and dreams, your needs and wants. Then if we’re a good fit, we work together to create images that visually tell your story. In doing so, together we co-create memories that are uniquely you.

Our photography style leans toward photojournalism, but with a more creative and intentionally stylized bent aimed at telling your story.

If you’d like to know how we’d answer any of the above questions, just ask. We’d love to start a conversation.

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Tips on Tipping

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Tips on Tipping

 

What is a tip?

The dictionary defines a gratuity as something given voluntarily or beyond obligation for a service

 

Who gets a tip?

Anyone you feel has gone above and beyond for your wedding. A general rule is that those who own their own company do not require a tip, but one may be given for exemplary service.

How is the tip given to the vendor?

All vendors would love a thank you card. It is a great reminder of happy clients and it will help them book future clients. Pre-write thank you cards for your vendors and insert the tip in cash and clearly mark each envelope with the vendors name. Your wedding consultant will distribute the envelopes at the end of the night before the vendor leaves.

Guidelines

 

Caterer, club manager, hotel banquet manager: 15 to 20 percent of the food and drink bill. The tip is often calculated into the contract and paid in advance. For an additional tip, $20 per server and $50 for the banquet captain would be appropriate.

Bartenders – 10 percent of the total liquor bill if gratuity has not already been added

Limousine or carriage driver(s): 15 to 20 percent of the total bill

Musicians: $5-$10 per person/per hour; this can be in one envelope and given to the band leader

DJ: $50 to $100 for each DJ present

Beauty, hair and nails: 10 to 15 percent of your bill, unless your service is done by the owner of the salon

Officiate – The person who performs your ceremony is not necessarily tipped, but typically receives a donation or honorarium for their services. Depending on if you already paid a fee for the services, the officiate generally receives $100-$300.

Wedding Consultant: – 10 percent of the total fee plus $50 for each assistant wedding coordinator present at the wedding

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Six Must Do’s For Your Wedding

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Following these six “Must Do’s” before you say your “I do’s” will ensure you plan your wedding without stress or disappointment. This is an amazing time for you; it is your chance to make your most important day everything you imagine. Enjoy it!

1. Set the Date: After announcing your engagement, your friends and family will want to know the wedding date. Set the wedding date as soon as possible so the rest of your planning can begin.

2. Set a budget: Setting your budget is the most important thing you will do while planning your wedding. No one should go into debt as they embark on marriage, and setting your budget will keep you from doing so.

3. Hire a planner: Wedding consultants are no longer just for the rich and famous. Most modern day brides hire consultants who save them time and money.

4. Choose your locations early: Choose your ceremony and reception sites as early as possible to ensure that you don’t fall in love with a venue that is already booked on your date.

5. Request references: It is important that you request references from all the vendors you do business with. You will be giving deposits, and it is important to know that they follow though with the promises they make.

6. Get it in writing: From the planner to the cake and dress, make sure you get the services you are promised from each vendor in writing. If they don’t put it in writing, don’t use them.

Submitted by San Antonio Wedding and Event Consultants

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