One of the benefits of having photographed Weddings and Receptions for over 25 years is being able to witness firsthand what makes a successful Reception. Unfortunately, it seems that very little information is available to the Bride who is looking for helpful Reception Tips and Suggestions in planning the second half of her Big Day.
If you find you could use a little "coaching", then read on - this post is for you! Here is a quick list of considerations which we think you'll find useful:
1. Arrive on Time!
We've all attended Receptions where the Bride and Groom have arrived an hour - or more - late to their Reception. Most figure the Photographer to be the culprit. More often than not, the delay can be attributed to something more basic: A failure to follow a well-defined "game plan" for the day. Remember, your Food Preparers will be anxious to dazzle you and your guests with their best efforts. By arriving on time, you'll help ensure that your dinner will be as good as you envisioned.
Solution: Subdivide your Wedding Day into subparts, complete with "fudge factors" (built-in vacant time intervals which will help you get back on track, should the inevitable unplanned situation arise). Your Photographer should be instrumental in designing a Schedule of Photography which will guarantee that you arrive to your Reception within 10 minutes of its designated Start Time making everybody happy.
With a well-planned agenda, you should know when you'll arrive at your Reception within 10 minutes!
2. Before you enter your Reception, decide when you will be cutting your Cake.
Frequently, Reception Halls and Caterers will encourage the Bridal Couple to cut their Cake immediately upon their arrival to "get it out of the way". Perhaps I'm a purist, but the "Cutting of the Cake" (the desert) prior to dinner is woefully nonsequitur and, in my opinion, diminishes the symbolism involved in the event.
Although I understand there are times when efficiency may trump symbolism, you'll have to decide for yourselves which works best for you.
3. Be sure your DJ is capable of doing more than loading a CD tray
Most Brides assume their DJ (or band) will be acting as a Master of Ceremonies by offering much needed structure throughout the night. Sadly, more often than not, we've found this is not the case. Much of the success of your Reception rests in the hands of your DJ, so if at all possible, be sure to see your DJ in action prior to your event to get a feel for his/her abilities.
Do you want a DJ who will recede into the background, or would you rather have someone who actively "gets the crowd going"? It's actually a matter of preference. Just remember, your Reception spans almost half of your Wedding Day!
Over the years, we've worked with literally hundreds of DJ's and bands, and the Best of the Best include:
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- Zack's Tunes (517) 819-0405
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Zack's Tunes Dean Rusch Entertainment
4. Throw the Bouquet and Garter early!
Many inexperienced DJ's place the throwing of the Bouquet and Garter toward the end of the Reception, only to find that a vast majority of possible participants have already left. Throw the Bouquet and Garter early-on while the level of enthusiasm is highest!
5. Avoid the dreaded "Dollar Dance"
Dollar Dances have fallen out of favor in recent years - and for good reason. They offer limited participation (two people at a time) and sometimes drag on for up to a half hour, dropping the crowd's energy level, and sending people to the exits. Just a suggestion, but you may want to nix the Dollar Dance altogether.
If you are looking for more Tips and Suggestions as you plan your Wedding Day, you can find more hints at http://blog.robertcharlesphotography.com/dashboard/edit-page/id/4
We're here to help make your Wedding an Incredible one!
Until next time,
Rob
For more information about Robert Charles Photography, see us at www.robertcharlesphotography.com or call us directly at 517-394-2192
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wedding tips and suggestions
This is the 4th article in a series of Tips and Suggestions for Brides to help you prepare for your Big Day. To read more, click http://blog.robertcharlesphotography.com/index/view-post/id/40
In over 25 years of photographing Weddings, I've met a variety of different Brides.
Some are very Sanguine, effervescent, and exude an "Energizer Bunny" level of non-stop energy. Others are more reserved, with a quiter spirit.
Still others who are very "left-brained" and approach their big day with a meticulous precission, orchestrating and finessing the finest nuanced details in order to create the "perfect" day. If you find yourself identifying with this third group of Brides, read-on: This instalment is for you!
If you relish overseeing every aspect of your Wedding Day, because you want to make sure every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted, you are in a special class of Brides. You've probably discussed ad infinitum every possiblity and contingency which may arise - and have back-up plans for your back-up plans. You've also probably arrived at your first Wedding Photography consultation with a fully tabulated notebook, replete with questions, lists, and pictures you've cut out from your favorite wedding magazines.
If any of this sounds familiar, let me give you a piece of advice which will make your Wedding Day everything you dreamed it would be: Wedding Tips and Suggestions #14: On your Wedding Day, Delegate the oversight of the details to a trusted friend.
Why? On your Wedding Day, you need to "change hats" from that of "Wedding Planner" to that of "Bride".
Sure, by the end of the day you may have a check mark next to every single item on the Wedding Day Checklist that you've created. And sure, you may ultimately arrive at the end of the day, with a well-deserved smile of satisfaction, knowing you "pulled-off" the biggest, most complicated day you've ever planned without a hitch. But, if you do, you will not have enjoyed the day as a Bride!
Here are few suggestions in bullet point:
- - Hire only Vendors and trusted Professionals to be on your Wedding Day "team"
- - Because they are Professionals, loosen the reigns - and allow them to surpass your expectations!
- - Delegate - to a trusted friend - the responsibility of making sure everything on your Final Check List will be taken care of
- - Find a friend or relative who will be willing to act as "go-for" on your Wedding Day - to run errands when needed, etc
- - And here's the most important suggestion of all: On the morning of your Wedding Day, shift gears from "Wedding Planner" to "Bride", knowing that you've done a great job planning your Wedding!
- - Then enjoy - truly enjoy - you Wedding Day!
You've done all the planning ... now enjoy your Wedding Day!
We've been helping to plan weddings for over 25 years. Give us a call! We're here to help.
Studio: 517-394-2192 or Direct to Cell: 517-285-3688
Until next time!
Rob
www.robertcharlesphotography.com
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wedding tips and suggestions
All too frequently, Brides feel overloaded as they try to sort through the myriad of options surrounding their Wedding Day. And when it comes to Photography, the options don't seem to get any easier. "Where do I start?" is the common question.
Here's the problem: Recent technological advances have opened the door to a flood of photo enthusiasts anxious to try their hand at Wedding Photography. It seems that the appearance of an image on the back of one's camera provides enough confidence to make one's services available for hire professionally. After all, a good camera will take good pictures, right?
Unfortunately it's not that simple. To analogize: Using the same pots and pans used by Rachael Ray will not make you a great chef. They are only the tools of the trade. Obviously something more is required.
What follows is a check list of considerations you may want to consider as you interview prospective Photographers:
1. What experience does the Photographer have? Experience may include the number of years Professionally photographing weddings, but it should also include the variety - and yes, the quality - of weddings found on one's resume.
2. Who will actually photograph my weddiing? Although it sounds simple, you should know that many Studios have more than one photographer available to photograph a wedding on a given day, and they usually reserve the right to assign photographers as they see fit.
3. Will I be able to see samples from the photographer who will be photographing my wedding? Many Studios will provide a collection of images owned by the Studio - but not necessarily taken by any single photographer. Our suggestion is to ask to see all of the wedding images taken at a single wedding, rather than an "All Star" collection of images amassed over the past 5 or 10 years. In so doing, you will have the most accurate representation of the quality of work, and, more importantly, what will be placed in your hands when you pick up your pictures.
4. Is the Photographer versed in both Photojournalism and Assisted Photography? Unfortunately, much of "Wedding Photography" today is nothing more than someone taking snapshots of people in wedding clothes. If the images being presented to you for consideration resemble those of a backyard BBQ or family reunion, you may want to raise your aspirations to include someone who possesses both the skills and Craftsmanship which are due on such an important day.
5. Will my Photographer be using multiple flash units to light indoor pictures, or will he/she be using a single, on-camera flash unit, similar to "Uncle Henry's"? Lighting - and the use of light - is perhaps the single greatest factor which seperates great photography from snapshooting. Single flash, on-camera lighting rarely provides the awe-inspiring emotional impact you will hope to find on your special day.
6. What, if any, post-Wedding adjustments and enhancements will be made to my wedding images before I view them? We are always dismayed by Brides who gleefully exude that their pictures will be posted within 24-48 hours of their wedding. To us, that translates to: "Little or nothing will be done to improve your images other than to edit some of the very poor ones". Some Studios will, at a minimum, provide automated processes to remove color casts or improve them in other very basic ways. Very rarely will a Studio correct, adjust, enhance and retouch every image prior to delivery. We do.
7. Will I be able to obtain the copyrights to my images? Before you ask this question, you had better know exactly what you are contracting for. If all of your images have not been improved to the point of being "Lab-Ready", obtaining the rights to your images only means you will be able to enlarge as many disappointingly "unprepped" images as you'd like. Know what it is you are obtaining, if you choose to contract for the "rights" to your images!
Although you may have additional questions for your prospective Photographer, you may want to include some of these considerations to help yo find the Photographer who will memorialize your special day for years to come. And if you have any questions, please feel free to call our Studio. We're here to help you! 517-394-2192 or see us on the web www.robertcharlesphotography.com
Until next time,
Rob
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wedding tips and suggestions
Today is the final instalment of our 10 Wedding Tips and Suggestions for your Wedding Day. All too frequently I have seen some of the same situations arise which are well beyond the contemplation of the Bride and Groom. Today we list the final three.
8. MINISTER'S LOCATION DURING THE CEREMONY
Recently, for some unexplained reason, some Ministers/Officiants have decided to locate themselves immediately in front of the Bride and Groom for the duration of the Ceremony. This unfortunately obscures the view of the Bride and Groom during such critical moments as the Vows and Ring Exchange.
Obviously, if the Officiant chooses to stand immediately in front of the Couple, not only will you be hidden from the view of your guests, but there is a good chance your Photographer will be hampered in recording important parts of your ceremony as well. Please discuss with the presiding Officiant where they will be located during the Ceremony.
9. UNITY CANDLE
Many ceremonies include the lighting of a Unity Candle. If one is to be lit, consider placing the candle forward enough to allow for the lighting of the candle while standing behind it - facing your guests. This way, onlookers will see the front of you, rather than your backs, as the candle is lit!
10. AISLE RUNNERS
Aisle Runners are equipped with a pull-string that is usually tied in a bow and stuffed inside the tubing. If the string is not untied, the string will appear to be inadequately short, and the aisle runner will not unroll correctly, causing an awkward moment for the unsuspecting ushers. Before the Wedding Day, check to see if the pull-string provided has at least four feet of clearance from the Runner roll when pulled taut.
These are some of the many tips and suggestions we give our Brides when we discuss how to make her day flow as smoothly as possible. We hope they are helpful!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call (517) 394-2192 or email us rcharlesphoto@tds.net . We're here to help!
Until next time,
Rob
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wedding tips and suggestions
In an earlier post, we gave the first 3 suggestions in a continuing series which may help make your Wedding Day flow more smoothly. Today we continue with four more ideas you may want to consider.
4. BRIDAL BOUQUETS
If you have selected "real" flowers for your Bridal Bouquet, and the Bouquet is of a substantial size, you may want to consider its weight - because you will be holding it throughout much of the day. A Bride who is slight of build will find it difficult to hold a heavy bouquet in a graceful manner, which may be evident in the photographs. "Artificial" flowers photograph well, will not wilt in the summer heat, and are substantially lighter weight than "real" flowers.
5. ALLOW 50% EXTRA TIME FOR HAIR APPOINTMENTS
Over the years, the number one reason for a Bride and Groom to arrive at their Reception later than planned can be traced all the way back to the start of the day - at the Hair Salon. More often than not, Hair Stylists usually underestimate the time required to create an intricate hair design. The result is a Bride who arrives late to the church for important pictures which are scheduled prior to the Ceremony. These are pictures which will still need to be taken; however they will now have to be done after the Ceremony. Plan for at least 50% extra time if your day includes a trip to the hair salon.
6. SCHEDULE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Your Photographer should provide you with a Schedule of Photography which will act as an excellent Day Planner as you organize your day. You may want to make photocopies of it, highlight time slots, and mail them to the various participants to inform them of their respective times to be photographed.
7. ENLIST A "GOFOR"
To expedite group and individual photography both before and after the Ceremony, it has been shown to be very helpful to have one person appointed as "gofor" who can assist in "rounding-up" persons who are to be photographed.
Hopefully these four tips will be helpful as you plan your Wedding Day. We'll be posting the last 3 tips in an upcoming blog entry soon!
If you have questions, we're here to help. Give us a call! 517-394-2192 or visit us on the web at www.robertcharlesphotography.com
Until next time,
Rob
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wedding tips and suggestions
From time to time, we will be posing some Tips and Suggestions to make your Wedding Day flow more smoothly. All too often, we see at least one (or more) of the 10 problems which can hamper an otherwise well-planned day. Today we'll post the first 3 problems in a series.
1. DON'T BE ON TIME - BE EARLY!
The biggest favor you can do for yourself on your Wedding Day is to be ready early. A late start guarantees a frenetic pace in an attempt to recover lost time - and will lower the quality of photography your Photographer will be able to provide for you.
The number one reason why the day starts behind schedule? Hair stylists who underestimate the time necessary to finish their work. If you are planning on having an intricate hair style, we suggest you allow at least 30-45 minutes of a "fudge factor"!
2. ACCESS TO THE CHURCH
Your Photographer may need access to the site where photography will begin as much as one hour prior to the start of photography. Please make sure arrangements have been made to allow your Photographer access before your listed "Start Time".
3. DELIVERY OF FLOWERS
The Bridal Bouquet and Attendants' flowers will be needed prior to the start of any photography. We suggest you call the Florist to make sure flowers will be delivered at least 30 minutes before photos are to begin. This way, even if the Florist is running late, Photography can still start on time without a hitch.
We hope these first 3 suggestions are helpful as you plan your wedding. Look for the next 3 hints in one of our upcoming instalments!
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wedding tips and suggestions
