Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Wedding Photography Tips For the Bride and Groom

Getting married is one of the most exciting and unforgettable event in one’s life. It is definitely a must to document it so you can easily reminisce and look back on the occasion as you grow older. Here are six (6) tips for the bride and the groom on getting their wedding photographed. 

  • Consider budget. Is it part of the budget? Can you afford someone whose expertise guarantees highest quality or would you go for somebody you can depend on like a family or a friend? It all boils down to the cost.
  • Decide between professional and amateur. Once you take the budget into consideration, choose the type of photography you and your partner want. Evaluate the pros and cons between the two. If you are tying the knot on a baroque church like Our Lady of Remedies, a professional can capture the history and magnificence of the church and make you feel like you’re traveling in time. Or if you are having a sunset affair on a garden like The Oasis, he can use the lighting and flower backdrops to its maximum and come up with excellent and intimate photos. However, on the opposite side, it can make your day extra special if the person taking pictures is someone you can trust and love.
  • Start ahead of time. Whichever photographer you pick, you need lots of time to prepare. For pro, do your research, make a list and book early especially if the wedding will take place on a busy month like June. For amateur, search for tips and recommendations. Practice. Have a good knowledge of the venue.
  • Narrow down the list. Should you opt for pro, ensure that you check his portfolio, contract and payment terms. Does he have back-up equipment? Does he have an assistant who can work on the lil things that the main photographer won’t be able do? Should you stick to amateur? Who among your buddies and loved ones can perform this task?
  • Communicate. How would you like your photos to come out? Do you have any location preference? Where will you have your pre-wedding photo shoot? What are his suggestions in connection to the theme? When do you get the pictures? Supply a list of significant moments that you want to capture on cam – bridal shower, bachelor’s party, preparation time during the wedding, before and after the ceremony. Build your camaraderie with the photographer. It will help you relax during the big day. 

  • Let everyone know about the plan. If you’re shooting on a certain area right after the nuptials, inform your entourage and guests about it. Get them involved so you can create a remarkable memory to treasure.

Friday, 14 June 2013

Wedding Flowers: Best Flowers For The Altar And Aisle

Weddings are occasions that call for the use of many flowers. The abundance of flowers in a wedding can easily create a positive mood and a classy, vibrant, and romantic atmosphere. Although the flowers used in the bridal bouquet are often the flowers that get the most attention in any wedding, flowers are often used everywhere and they all have their specific purpose.
In the reception venue, flowers are often used in the buffet tables and as table centerpieces. In church weddings, flowers are mainly used to adorn the altar and to line the aisle. Some churches such as the San Agustin Church are ornate enough that you do not need to put too many flowers. There are also some churches such as the Our Lady of Remedies Church in Malate that will benefit from well-placed and well-chosen flowers.
 No matter how your wedding church looks, putting flowers will add an air of festivity and celebration. If you are unsure of which flowers to use in the altar and aisle floral arrangements, below are some of the best flowers you can use.
  • Calla lily. If you want something simple yet elegant, calla lilies are your best bets for aisle and altar floral decorations. For church decorations, especially for those that will be placed along the aisles, it is best to use the calla lilies with long, thicker stems. Although white or cream calla lilies are the popular choice, feel free to choose the more vibrant shades of calla lilies such as deep plum, orange, yellow, and mauve. However, calla lilies tend to be more expensive than other flowers but you can remedy this by using just a few stems for the aisles.
  • Orchids. There are many different types of orchids you can use for your altar and aisle floral decorations. They come in various colors and they are dainty and delicate looking. Feel free to go minimalist by using just orchids or you can also put more volume to the floral arrangement by adding other leaves and flowers.

  • Roses. A favorite no matter for what purpose, roses are the classic romantic flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors and you can choose to go with one color or a mix of colors. There are numerous possibilities when it comes to floral arrangements using roses so make sure to choose one that reflects the type of wedding that you want to have.

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Wedding Dance : Five (5) Tips To Get the Guests Dancing

The secret to making the wedding celebration a success lies to great inspiration, good planning and right execution. To get the party started, here are five (5) simple tips so that the guests would enjoy the program and do a little dancing.

1.      Have a must-play and must-not-play list. Talk with your beloved about his/her must-have tunes. There might be modifications to the original line-up as you go along but at least, you have the control of the overall theme of the event. Make sure that the checklist has an item that jives with the entire wedding concept. If you are having a Christmas ceremony, a couple of holiday love songs would be a welcome addition.

2.      Have each attendee sign a most-requested song. As soon as they arrive at the catering venue or while they wait for the husband and wife to sit to their places, have them jot down their faves on a tiny piece of paper. Another option is have them pick one from the selection. Coordinate with the DJ which among the choices are apt for the occasion and when is the best time to have them played. The higher the number of request for a particular music is, the bigger the chance that the requesters would perform in the central stage.

3.      It’s all in the song playlist. When creating your masterlist, choose songs that are fit for all generation. Learn to balance the genre – there should be a category for teens and kids, something relatable to those who are in a relationship or married and something completely different for single males and females. Be diverse. Take note of the age, relationship status, gender, even dancing skills.

4.      Start early and be inspired. Inspire everyone by leading the way. After the couple’s first wedding dance, setup irresistible pair-ups – the ring bearer and the grandma of the bride, the flower girl and the groom. Not only would it be priceless to see but it would also encourage the people to ask somebody to dance.

5.      Consider having a unique dance craze headed by the wedded pair. Call the attention of those who attended the affair and make them stand up from their seats – from the parents, relatives, friends, to the entourage, band members, and catering services personnel. On this activity, the newlyweds can take the initiative and teach the basic steps. The rest of the crowd will be urged to follow. Once the music plays, you will then all dance based on the newly-learned moves. This is also an opportunity to infuse your culture, custom or tradition.