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Coordinating The Wedding Photo Shoot

Ok. So it's the big day and your wedding photographer is ready to start shooting. As a savvy bride you've discussed which wedding photos you'd like to have as part of your photo album. However, getting everyone in position can sometimes be an arduous task. Many photographers have assistants that are able to work with the photographer in readying the shots. However, many wedding photographers may either not have an assistant or opt out of using one according to the size of the wedding and other factors.

To prevent this from slowing down or dampering the mood on your day, select a member of the family or wedding party to be the photo coordinator. The photo coordinator that you choose will be in charge of readying people for the next photos. Your wedding photographer should have a list of the photos to be taken which will help your coordinator know who to gather for the next shots.

When choosing a wedding photo coordinator, consider someone who can command a room in a gentle way. "Firm enough to get the ball rolling but without a cracking whip" is a good description for the type of person that fits this role well. Often parents, aunts, uncles, or sprightly grandparents play this role well as younger members of the wedding party are inclined to follow the instructions of respected elders.

No matter who is chosen, having someone to follow the lead of the wedding photographer but who will also be able to gather the wedding party efficiently is a very helpful addition. This prevents things from slowing down which means that you have time for more shots. You also have more set-up time which means time for better wedding pictures. When your wedding photo album opens in your lap for the first time, you'll be amazed at the memories that will roll out and how thankful you are for your photographer and photo shoot coordinator.

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5 Tips You Whould Use When Choosing Your Wedding Colors

It might be the most frequently asked question of the wedding season, “So, what are your wedding colors?”. As if you haven’t toiled over it enough already. The truth is choosing wedding colors is much easier than you think. The key to creating a stylish and successful wedding color combo is recognizing the relationship amidst the hues. No, you don’t need an Art Degree to apply the ideas. Here’s how you start:

1. Consider the Site. When deciding on colors used for the wedding, it is wise to play up prominent colors offered by your wedding venue. For example, a church layered with burgundy and navy carpet isn't going to be complimentary setting for lime green and hot pink bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. It simply won’t quite cut it. Instead opt for rosey, blue and cream shades or even burgundy and gold. Selecting complimentary colors makes for a much better wedding color and venue combo.

2. Let The Season Be Your Guide. Mother Nature knows best, so take her advice. The fact is all colors can be used year round. However, it’s the shade of the color that matters from season to season. Light pastel hues are perfect for spring and summer weddings. These same colors can look washed out and inappropriately "springy" in winter months. Reserve the darker shades like burnt orange and hunter greens for fall and winter.

3. Visit the Hardware Store. DON’T go buy a jig saw and start making DIY Wedding Decorations. DO visit the paint section. Paint swatches are a great way to see an entire color palate right down to the exact hues you desire. Pick up a few and stick them in your purse while making wedding arrangements.

4. Pair Colors By Personality. Choose colors that have the same color intensity like baby blue and lavender, rather than baby blue and dark purple. You don't want a vibrant color overpowering a soft delicate color.

5. Consider Your Friends. Remember, not all colors are easy to wear and you have bridesmaids to dress. Think of them when considering whether to have "sunburst orange" bridesmaids’ dresses. If your bridesmaids are washed out or look ghastly in the color you choose, all eyes will be on them in horror instead of on your with admiration.

Keep these 5 tips in mind when choosing your wedding colors and you’ll be ready to go … without any mortified bridesmaids!

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Three Must-Knows For Choosing A Wedding Caterer

We all dream of the wedding reception where the food is just right, there is enough for everyone, and the flavors kick taste bud butt. If you've been to this kind of wedding, chances are great that all of these things were the result of a fantastic wedding caterer. Want to know where to get your hands on a good caterer for your wedding? Here are some tips that will help you choose a wedding caterer that will keep guests' tummies happy and satiated.

Sample! Sample!! Sample!!!

It's perfectly acceptable to ask to sample food before hiring a wedding caterer. Now it's impossible to please everyone, but there is some food that even the most finicky eater can't resist. Your caterer will have several options and menus from which to choose. Whether buffet or individual meals, it's your wedding so pick the food that you want! The best way to figure out what you like the best is to sample the offerings at many catering companies.

Be Prepared When Meeting With Your Wedding Caterer

Catering a wedding is tricky stuff. Your wedding caterer is going to need a lot of information, but thankfully it's pretty easy to figure out. Ask yourself a few simple questions before the meeting and take your answers with you. Caterers are sure to ask the same ones.

  • Buffet style or individual servings?
  • How many people will be eating?
  • Do you require special options such as a vegetarian/vegan option?

Discuss Alternative Ideas For Your Wedding Reception Catering

Have the theme of your wedding in mind. The catering company that you hire should be able to adjust the food options to reflect the style and theme of your wedding. For instance, are you opting for a cupcake cake? This shows whimsy and may inspire individual sandwiches with colored bread. It can also rule out other options such as petit fours. More traditional weddings may call for very traditional meals. It's all up to you and your groom, but be prepared to discuss alternative ideas for your wedding catering.

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The Top 3 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

We all know what we like when it comes to photography. Certain things just catch our eye. The same is true of wedding photography. It's so easy to get lost in the romance and magic of the wedding when flipping through the photo album. It's enough that we instantly "ooo," "awww," and share the pictures with our closest friends. It's this exciting time to relive fine memories that makes having the ideal wedding photographs so important. To get the most from your wedding photography package, here are the top 3 most important questions to ask your wedding photographer.

What packages are available? — Obviously there will be many wedding packages to choose from. Package items can range from a small amount of snapshots and prints to a large amount of photos and prints with digital enhancement and unique photography techniques. For this reason, it is important to discuss with your wedding photographer which package best fits your ceremony.

*Remember:  The size, location, and budget are the biggest factors in the selection to bring this information to your consultation.*

What digital techniques and enhancements are available? — See a great black and white shot of a bride holding her full-color bouquet? These and other unique techniques enhance photos for more memorable, valuable shots. Discuss wedding photography ideas that you like such as black and white wedding photos, sepia tone and other colored photos, unique bridal portraits, collages and more.

Which portions of the wedding are covered in this package? — While most wedding photographers cover pre-ceremony to post-reception, many prefer to include certain time frames into specific pacakages. For instance, the wedding ceremony and reception may be included in one package while another package includes photos of the wedding part in a different location.

*Remember:  Most wedding photo packages are based on the number of photographs taken as well as the number of locations. A greater number of set-ups and material costs ups the price of the package, so don't be scared to talk with your photographer about which packages are right for your wedding.*

*Remember:  If also using a videographer, try to arrange at least one pre-wedding consultation with both professionals together. This will help solidify in your mind which packages are truly best for your wedding. A videographer may reduce the amount of pictures that you want in your package. Alternatively, a wedding photographer may be able to capture many moments of the entire wedding in a particular package while the videographer for the wedding may only include the ceremony or reception in the package.

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Honeymoon Time? You Need This Airport Security Tip Checklist!

You Can't Take It With You, Or Can You?

We all know what it's like to spend countless boring minutes in line at the airport. However, when we're traveling with our sweetie en route to our honeymoon destinations, we don't want to be stuck in line delaying the celebration. Well instead of buttering up the people ahead in line for cutsies, think of these helpful tips when packing your suitcases.

What's That In Your Pocket?
You've heard of dressing to impress, right? Well this time dress to keep the lines moving. Start by placing your wallet, keys, cell phones and similar items in outer pockets of your jacket. This makes them easily accessible so that taking them out and putting them back is really easy. After standing in line for that long, you'll be happy with how fast a few extra seconds seems to be. Also consider wearing shoes that slip on and off easily. Don't forget socks! Standing in bare feet on a dirty airport floor is about as inviting an idea as it seems. (Not one!)

I'm Thirsty. Got 3 Ounces of Something Tasty?
Don't forget about the 3-1-1 rule. The rule states that you must carry all liquids and gels in containers not exceeding three ounces. These containers must be sealed in a one-quart plastic baggy, and only one bag is allowed per person. Think travel toothpaste, shampoo and the like for this little baggy as these are more easily recognized. Sure, security may open them anyway but it'll be worth it to keep from having to explain exactly what is in which unmarked bottle. Keep this bag at the top of your carry on because having fast access to it will greatly expediate the process of going through security.

Another good idea is to bring along some extra Ziploc baggies. Just in case some forgotten items slip into your bag, having an extra plastic bag can prevent those items from being confiscated.

That News Cuts Me Like A Fingernail Clipper
Of course, items like scissors, pocketknives, fingernail clippers and golf clubs are definite no-no's. Steer clear of these kinds of things when packing. Items like this can be bought at a local store, so why go through the hassle of having them confiscated?

Honey, The Toaster Just Won't Fit!
Thinking about bringing electronics along? Now while you're probably not porting along your DVD player, you may be thinking about bringing along your mp3 player and docking station. Try calling ahead to see if your hotel accommodations include a docking station and speakers. Not only are these items large, tangled wires can be a hassle. If bringing your laptop, take it out of its case and put it on the security belt.

The Pretty Bow Must Go
Bringing a wedding night gift for your hubby? Forget the bows and ribbons until landing. Security may unwrap any wrapped packages so try to be sneaky about how you conceal the gift from your husband while making sure security has no issue with it.

No More "They Lost My Luggage" Blues
Pre-wedding jitters tend to put a damper on the mood to pack for the honeymoon. Even if you are happy as a lark about making the plans, nervous excitement may keep a few necessities from making it to the baggage. One good suggestion is to look into sending the bags ahead via FedEx, UPS, or the USPS. This could wind up saving you time and money. Remember to check the TSA's website for regulation changes a few days prior to your departure.

You're now pretty ahead of the game as far as honeymoon planning goes, but we want to make this even simpler. Print the following for a quick checklist of things to remember when packing your luggage.

Remember This When Packing Your Suitcase:

  • Buy travel sized toiletries, liquids in containers not exceeding three ounces.
  • Keep all liquid containers (i.e. toiletries) in one clear plastic bag.
  • Keep your plastic bag toward the top of the suitcase for easy removal.
  • Don't carry wrapped gift items. Security will probably unwrap them in front of your honey.

Remember This When Packing Your Carry-On Bag:

  • No fingernail clippers, nail files, pocket knives, scissors or similar items.
  • Opt to buy beverages and snacks on the plane. Most will not pass inspection and will be confiscated.
  • Ipods and mp3 players are fine, but have the cords neatly wound.
  • Call the hotel ahead of time for information about mp3 player docking stations and speakers.

Remember This When Dressing For Travel:

  • Wear slip on shoes or easily removable shoes along with socks.
  • Keep items to be removed in outside pockets that can be quickly and easily accessed. These items should include wallets, keys, cell phones, coins, etc.

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How To Become Your Wedding Photographer's Best Work

Discussing The Wedding Photos That You Want

Modern brides are intelligent women that have been to many wedding in their lifetime. Having peered through the wedding photos after the ceremonies of friends, these brides have a pretty good idea of what they'd like to see in their own photo album. It's perfectly acceptable (and advisable) to discuss your favorite poses with your wedding photographer whether it's something standard like wedding cake pictures that show off its intricate designs and detail or less traditional wedding photos like groomsmen jumping together in their tuxedos.

Politely Reviewing Your Photographer's Previous Work

Your photographer's portfolio is an excellent representation of the types of wedding photos that he or she will shoot for your big day. Wedding photography isn't an exact science, so asking about different tones and poses is a great way to get ideas that will lead to the perfect wedding photo album.

When reviewing your photographer's portfolio, note the use of various tones such as sepia and black and white. Consider superimposed images and other techniques. A very popular style is wedding photos with a single bouquet or other feature enhanced while surrounded by a neutral tone over the rest of the photo. There are many techniques that your wedding photographer can use to make your pictures fabulous. Noting the ideas that you like and discussing these with your photographer will also go far toward quality wedding photos.

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A Change In Scenery: Unique Wedding Photography

There are many unique wedding photography ideas that can elevate the memories of your wedding from "big day" to "best day ever." Depending on the location of your ceremony, the outdoors can be utilized for quality photos. Destination weddings offer many ideas for wedding photographers, especially those who welcome a break from the traditional church and chapel scenery. Beach wedding photography enhances the bride and groom by reflecting the natural beauty of the sand, sun and sparkling water. These are fun pictures that capture the entertaining spirits of the happy couple.

Outdoor weddings in state parks, smoky canyon chapels, or even a grand backyard give wedding photography an edge. With the backdrop of mother nature at your disposal, you'll soon find that there isn't a better background to be had! Imagine the first kiss between bride and groom set against a fall sunset. It's a beautiful portrait of the happy couple that can't be imitated or forgotten.

Unique wedding photography doesn't always have to rely on the backdrop. If a church wedding is the plan for your big day, consider asking about different poses or candid snapshots. Unique photography is as much about capturing a special side of the people in the photo as it is about a unique location. Your photographer can offer many suggestions for unique wedding pictures such as groomsmen jumping for joy in front of the church, bride and bridesmaids throwing their bouquets together, ring bearer and flower girl feeding ducks together and many other great snapshots.

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Top 5 Poses For The Perfect Wedding Photo Album

There are some photos that are standard across most wedding ceremonies. Whether twisting the night away at a wedding reception in Indianapolis or exchanging vows at a wedding ceremony in San Diego, these popular poses are stand-out additions to the wedding photo album.

  • Wedding cake photos are among the most popular wedding pictures at everyone's special occasion. Then again, what better way to detail the intricacies of everyone's favorite reception staple?
  • It's easy to show off the beauty of the bride, but wedding dress pictures bring to light her elegance and style as well.
  • What better time than the wedding to capture unique shots of the families looking their best? Family portraits allow both families to come together for the first time as one.
  • Bridal portraits stand alone as the single most sought-after wedding photos. The bride in her radiance is a beautiful woman. Her stunning appeal on the wedding day is a cherished memory that no one wants to forget.
  • Of all the pictures in the wedding photo album, the most treasured of all is the bride and groom picture. Never more in love than that day, wedding photographers love capturing the sweetness of newlyweds.

Ask your wedding photographer about the best ways to capture these photos then sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen!

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Start To Finish Checklist: The Top 5 Photos For Your Wedding

Modern weddings are a lot of fun. Throughout the wedding day, pre-ceremony to post-reception, there are many moments that brides and grooms want to remember forever. Cutting the wedding cake and walking down the aisle are pretty standard to most, but sometimes even the simple can be easily forgotten during the hustle and bustle of busy celebration. To make sure that your wedding photos capture every precious moment, discuss this checklist of the top five pictures during the wedding day with your local wedding photographer.

Popular Wedding Ceremony Photos

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Wedding Cake Designs: Taking Shape

Wedding cakes come in many shapes and sizes, giving you plenty of tasty options. For a traditional or contemporary wedding reception, the cake stands out as the delicious representation of the bride’s personality. The flavor of the cake may be largely a personal choice, but the shape of the cake should be as much about practicality as design. Form and function playing a large part, consider these popular shapes when choosing the wedding cake design of your dreams.

  • Square wedding cakes have recently gained popularity and can be decorated to reflect a traditional or contemporary feel. Alternating corners of each tier is a simple way to add creativity while selecting a unique design for the icing definitely ups the appeal. Perhaps the easiest to cut, these cakes tend to feed more people than round wedding cakes.
  • Fountain wedding cakes are tiered cakes that begin with the main tier on a pedestal surrounded by smaller tiers suspended on lower pedestals thus resembling a fountain. These tiered wedding cakes are especially popular for ease of cutting, unique design, and a decorative way to provide more cake for large weddings.
  • Round wedding cakes are the most traditional but modern weddings also favor this design. Elegant wedding cakes are usually round with many layers of decoration and creative icing design. Round wedding cakes feed less people than the same sized square cake, but only marginally.

Whether tiers of wedding cake flow across the table or a simple wedding cake will do, consider this shapes and size information when visiting your local cake bakery.

Something Old, or Something New?

Is the return to “timeless, chic, and nostalgic” just a trend in and of itself? Is this turning back of the clock and attention to traditional sophistication really timeless or just another aesthetic?…

What if it rains on my wedding day?

There’s nothing more romantic than a wedding day—except maybe a wedding day with a soft drizzle and a sky full of drama (hello, moody photos!). But let’s be honest, most couples don’t dream of rain when they picture their big day. That’s why having a solid rain plan and the right mindset can turn unexpected weather into part of the magic!

The Hottest Bachelorette Themes for 2025

Planning the bachelorette parties can be just as much fun as the party itself! Bachelorette celebrations have come a long way from simple weekend trips and nights out. Now, it's all about crafting a dreamy experience that compliments the bride-to-be's personality. Check out our favorite themes for 2025 and find a perfect bachelorette theme to celebrate her last fling before the ring!