Friday 24 February 2012

The Advantages of a Wedding Planner


Have you ever wondered why Jennifer Lopez had made such a great impact on her movie, “The Wedding Planner?” This is because most people, after watching the film, had finally realized the importance of hiring a wedding planner.


Long before, most couples are having second thoughts on the idea of hiring a wedding planner. They have doubts if hiring the services of a wedding planner is really worth their money, especially those who are in a tight budget.


Basically, hiring the services of a wedding planner is actually a matter of choice and personal preference. If you think that you and your fiancé can handle most of the wedding planning without any burden, then, go on with your plans.


But if you think that doing all the planning from the very beginning is already tedious, then, it is time for you to hire the services of a wedding planner.


Basically, a wedding planner is someone who is adept and knowledgeable when it comes to wedding plans. Wedding planners have already established their contacts with many businesses that are important in the wedding such as flower arrangers, caterers, venues, etc.


So, for most people who are not yet aware the benefits they can derive from hiring a wedding planner, here are some facts that you need to know:


1. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. It can even be more tedious if the person who plans the wedding is a participant also like the bride or the groom. It can be really difficult to have an open mind especially with all the jitters and everything.

Moreover, planning a wedding does not happen overnight. Usually, it would take you 200 to 300 hours of planning, thinking, and brainstorming. Hence, to save you time and effort, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.

2. More savings

Many people contend that the reason why they do not hire a wedding planner is that it will be an additional cost on their part.

What they do not know is that hiring the services of a wedding planner can actually save you more money because most of the wedding planners have already established solid contacts with some of the common wedding businesses like flower arrangers, venues, and the like. Therefore, discounts are more likely to happen because they have their own connections already.


3. Organized planning


With wedding planners, weddings can be more organized because most wedding planners are very particular from the biggest down to the last details of the wedding.


After all, it is their job so they know what should be done best.


Moreover, wedding planners have actual timeline that they follow in order to have all the details be ready on time or even way ahead of time, leaving all the last-minute changes behind.


4. The decisions are still yours


With wedding planners, the decisions are still with the couple. The wedding planner will just guide, render some suggestions, and assist the couple in making the decision.


Hence, the couple will be able to, still, have their own style and preference with regards to the planning of their wedding.


5. Confidence boosters


One of the best things about wedding planners is that they act as confidence boosters for the bride and the groom.


We all know how jittery and edgy wedding couples can be especially if they are in a rush or having trouble finding the perfect item for their wedding. But wedding planner, they will be more at ease and more confident that their wedding will be perfect because they know that they have laid the details of their wedding upon the hands of a professional.


Indeed, there could be no better person who really knows the ins and outs of wedding planning more than what the wedding planner can do.


So, for great weddings, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Wedding photos - Memories in print


Wedding photos are a vivid reminder of a couple's wedding day. In essence, wedding photos capture the spirit and joy of that blessed day when the couple exchanged 'I dos'. Wedding photos commemorate the memorable events that took place on the couple's wedding day.


Getting quality wedding photos is important for every couple in order to preserve the joyous events of their wedding day. A substantial portion of a couple's wedding expenses goes into the preparation and production of the wedding photos. Depending on a couple's style and budget, there are a number of ways they can get the best wedding photos they want at the price they can afford.
 
Professional services for wedding photos


Hiring a professional wedding photographer is always a good idea for couples that want to have the best wedding photos from their wedding day. But many couples shy away from hiring professional photographers for their wedding photos because of the high costs associated with their services.


Fortunately, there are a number of professional wedding photographers that offer a variety of photography packages for wedding photos at reasonable prices. In addition, many of these professional photographers may also be open to arranging a customized package to help out couples that are on a limited budget.


At the same time, couples should also be cautious about getting the least expensive package for their wedding photos. Most of the time, a couple may end up spending more to get additional shots included in the package they initially ordered. It is better to get a slightly more expensive package that covers a lot more than to spend extra cash at the last minute.


When working with a professional wedding photographer, be sure to get a signed agreement that outlines the terms of service to be provided. The contract would include matters concerning payments, cancellations as well as the delivery of wedding photos after development.


Digital Photography - digital wedding photos


Technology has brought about a marked increased in the development of highly sophisticated digital cameras. Many professional wedding photographers now make use of these digital cameras to produce high quality digital wedding photos. Even amateurs are using the latest digital cameras to produce professional looking wedding photos.



But keep in mind that many amateurs may not have the artistic skill to create beautiful wedding photos. Unlike professional wedding photographers, most amateur photographers have no concept of light and composition, which are essential factors in taking professional wedding photos. Keep in mind that no amount of computer enhancement can fix poorly shot wedding photos.


How to save on wedding photos


Weddings can be quite expensive considering all the costs associated with the occasion. In particular, wedding photos can eat up a big chunk of the wedding funds because of all the photos that need to be taken. Formal, informal and group wedding photos with family and friends can be quite costly especially for a big wedding. A good way to limit costs is to employ the help of family and friends in taking additional wedding photos.

The couple can hire a professional photographer to cover the ceremony. The photographer would only take the formal wedding photos before and during the ceremony. Family and friends can help take candid wedding photos during the reception. Candid wedding photos are a great way to remember the fun and merriment of the day.

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Guide to Good Wedding Photography


It’s your wedding…one of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. Read this guide to make sure you choose the right wedding photography service for your big day.



The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couple’s special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.


Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.


It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.


Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.


Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.


Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:

  • Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.
  • Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.
  • What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a "leaf" shutter or "focal plane"?
  • What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.
  • Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?


Asking intelligent questions will encourage photographers to deal openly with customers. Remember, it’s your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Trust Your Memories Only To A Professional Wedding Photographer


It is a must the one gets a professional photographer for her wedding day. Wedding pictures will last a lifetime, keeping memories of this very special day. It will live longer than the flowers and the catered food, therefore, you would only want a photographer who understands what you want and can be relied upon to capture every minute of this special day.






Hire a professional, look for the following:

  1. 1. A valid and legal sales tax license.
  2. Ask latest proof of business insurance.
  3. Specialized and well kept professional equipment (includes a medium format camera aside from a professional 35mm camera).
  4. Membership in any professional association.
  5. 5. A permanent studio.




Things to consider:


Level of experience. Check his background and ask for names of persons that he has photographed. Call them and ask if they were satisfied on the photographer’s work.


Personality. Is his ideas same as yours? Can you communicate with him easily? Meaning he understands what you want or what is your idea regarding the style of photography that you want to be achieved.


Style of photography. Do the images that are presented appeal to you? Do you like his style?


References. Ask for references and meet with them personally so you can take a look of his works as well as ask them if they were happy with the outcome of with his work. A person who is hesitant to give references is definitely not the photographer that you should hire.


Packages. Ask about each package that he presents to you. If you are not comfortable with the packages, can he make one to satisfy your needs?


Accomplished work. Ask how long will it take for him to finish your album, your bridal portrait and all the photos taken during the wedding.


Price. Can you afford his services? If not, is he worth the price difference as compared to others you’ve met? Take the time to ask all that you need to know and make sure you understand all services and photos include in the cost.


Payments and deposits. Should you cancel, can he give a refund? If he, in any circumstance, does not show up, what happens? Does he have a partner to take his place just in case? Make sure you clear all of this to him as well as discuss with him all your concerns. His answer should be able to convince you that he can be trusted.


Contract. Check and read it carefully before signing. If there is anything that you don’t understand, ask him or ask that he leaves you the contract overnight so you can study it. Be certain that everything you both had agreed on is in the contract.


When looking at the photographer’s work, look for the following:

  1. Each sample album must consist of only one wedding. Does he have a lot of sample albums?
  2. Does he have a recent actual wedding that he could have you look at? Look through his most recent wedding album.
  3. Study each album well and see if the album is telling the story of the wedding and not just filling the album up with similar photos.
  4. Are the portraits clear and did the photographer capture the subject’s mood?
  5. Are all the photos done artistically? Is there a play of light and shadow?
  6. Are candid shots taken? Are they clear and well composed?


Remember that photos will remind you of and will bring!