Special Diets Driving You Crazy?

     When trying to decide what and how to serve the food for your wedding, you will want to make sure that you offer things that everyone can eat. You may have family or guests that are on special diets due to diabetes, or other health issues. There may be those that are on lo-calorie, lo-fat, lo-carb, lo-salt, or even allergic to peanuts or wheat, or those that are lactose intolerant.

Be confident that if your menu offers variety, even those that are diet restricted can eat something you offer. Don’t let it drive you crazy. You as the hostess are responsible for offering a variety of foods, but you are not responsible for a complete days dietary requirements for each person. For example those that are vegetarians can easily eat pasta, salads, and other side dishes and just choose not to eat the meat. If it is a matter of a severe allergy like with peanuts, you may want to give that special attention. However with a good variety of meats, produce, and carbs, your guests can pick or choose what they can and want to eat.

Photojournalism For Your Wedding

Photojournalism. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It was a wise marketer who coined that term to be used in regards to wedding photography. It serves to give the impression that more coverage telling more of the true story of your special day will be given. In reality the word has simply replaced the old term “candids”. People tend to think a new word gives a whole new meaning and photographers that are using the new term are gathering more customers than those that still say candids.

After all if the photographer is up to date on all the latest in his field he/she would also be up to date on terms. You can debate that fact all you want, but in the end, all your getting now that is different than before are a few more shots of people dancing and being caught unaware in a photo. When it comes time to pick out pictures to be used in your final album from your many proofs, you’ll find these photojournalistic shots are rarely chosen.

My advice is not to let that term determine who shoots your wedding. Rely on viewing samples and ask to see recent actual wedding photos to make your choice.

Digital vs. Film Photography

     Many photographers are opting for digital photography rather than the old reliable film. The main reason is that it’s a lot cheaper to shoot digital. Film and the processing can be expensive, so for the photographer, digital is better. The big question is, is it better than film?

In my over thirty years of experience I have seen bad photos from film and good photos from digital, but overall if your photographer knows how to use his or her camera, you will get better photos from film. Digital is just not there yet.  There are variations with the color of the final photo in some cases that cannot be controlled with digital, and lighting in the location where the photo is taken can affect the picture too.

Your best bet is to find a photographer that uses both film and digital, and will duplicate the most important shots using both mediums. For those of you who elect to have a photographer with you all day and takes about a thousand or so photos, this should not be a problem. A good studio will not put a cap on the number of photos taken, unless you choose a package that states there are limitations.

There are advances in photography all the time, and it’s thought in the near future all will be digital. Just remember, it’s not quite time to throw away the old film just yet.

Wedding Planning Tells You More About Your Intended?

I’ve always heard that you don’t really know someone until you travel together, but Dahlia’s Day talks about how planning your wedding  can tell you more about your spouse.

Can you tell how your future husband or wife will turn out when planning your wedding? A friend of mine recently got married to her long-time college friend and we started to talk about the whole wedding planning experience. One of the more interesting aspects of this discussion turned to the idea that some people don’t really know who they are marrying until you start planning a wedding together.

Read the whole article here.

Choosing A Photographer for Your Wedding

Your wedding is a day to be cherished and remembered. Having tangible memories through photos is important and hiring the right photographer to get the job done well, will ensure you have the best possible.

One of the best ways to get a good photographer is through referrals. Ask your friends and family or co-workers if they know of a good professional photographer, one who they have personal experience with.

If you can’t get any referrals, make phone calls to professional studios and ask for an appointment to see their work and ask questions.

Questions to ask:

What is their level of experience?

Will they personally do the photo shoot or send an assistant?

Ask about cost. Make sure you understand everything that is included for the price you are paying. Some studios have set packages and some will allow you to customize what you want.

Is a deposit required? If so, how much?

How long will it take to get your proofs back and subsequently your photos?

What are the terms of the contract? Make sure everything will be in writing.

Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from the photographer. A good photographer will be confident in offering this. Call previous clients to see if they were pleased with the photos.

Ask to see complete albums of recent weddings. Photographers have different styles and one may not be right for you, while another may be perfect.

A wedding photo album tells a beautiful love story. A good photographer captures behind the scene shots as well as the actual ceremony. Talk to them about what shots are “must haves”, the scenery and poses you would like.

If you don’t feel comfortable with one photographer, keep looking until you find one that fits what you are looking for. It’s important to have the right chemistry between yourself and the photographer so you can work together to get the best memories possible.

Selecting Shoes for Your Wedding Dress

It is imperative that you select shoes that you can easily walk in for your wedding dress.  Many brides like to wear a high heel pump that will add height and make their feet look sexy without being an open sandal.  You can also consider wearing a wedge heel that will provide height but be easier to walk in if you are not comfortable with heels.

 

All colors are not exactly the same.  A white shoe in a department store or shoe store might look like it will match your dress but actually be a different shade.  You should take a piece of your wedding dress fabric with you when purchasing your wedding shoes to make certain that the shoes are indeed going to be the perfect shade.  You’d hate to get the wrong shade of shoes for your wedding dress and have to start the shoe shopping all over again.

 

For your dress alterations wear either the shoes that you will wear for the wedding or shoes of the same height.  This will make certain that the alterations are done accurately.  If you wear shoes higher than the dress, you could have it hemmed too much and vice versa.  Keep in mind what height shoes you want prior to doing any alterations.  If possible, already have your shoes purchased.

Destination Wedding Dresses

Many couples are opting for destination weddings or weddings that are not in their home towns.  They are travelling to exotic places and enjoying their wedding and honeymoon often in the same destination.  But what about your wedding dress?  There are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting a dress for a destination wedding.

 

Consider how well the dress will travel.  Brides should not have to hassle with finding someone to steam their dress and get it back into shape after travelling.  You should avoid dresses that are beaded, heavily jeweled or heavy fabrics.  Most destinations will require a light weight dress.

 

Consider a dress that has a partial train and is not full floor length.  You can adorn your ankles and feet with decorative jewelry and even go barefoot in the sand for your wedding ceremony.  Avoid dresses with long and heavy gloves because these will be hot while you’re saying your vows.

 

Most importantly check your dress as a carry on and in its own luggage holder.  This will keep it from getting damage and make it easier to unpack when you arrive at your destination.

Using Virgin Cleaners on Your Wedding Dress

A wedding dress is something to treasure and keep for many years or even a lifetime after your big day and saying your vows.  Many brides will have their dresses dry cleaned after their honeymoon.  It is important to pick out a dry cleaner that specializes in wedding dress cleaning.

 

Ask the dry cleaner if they use virgin cleaners.  Some cleaners don’t and the deposits from the cleaners can remain in the dress.  Even though the dress will look clean when you pick it up, the solvents and cleaning agents that do not completely come out of the dress will show up as spots several years down the road and can completely ruin your dress.

 

If the dry cleaner leaves dresses with an odor to them that is cleaning agents that will later ruin the dress.  There should be no odor at all for the dress.  When you store your dress store it out of the light and away from UV rays to keep it from aging and turning yellow.

Bachelor Parties

It’s important to discuss, with your fiance, your thoughts on a bachelor party. Some couples don’t make it to the altar because of what went on during these parties. The last thing you want is to be filled with resentment before your wedding or worse…call off the wedding with the person you love and planned to spend the rest of your life with.

Plans for a party should be discussed well before the wedding. Your partner should know your values long before this time and it shouldn’t be a surprise as to what is acceptable.

Often bachelor parties take place at a strip club. If this goes against your values, tell your partner your feelings. Your partner shouldn’t feel pressured by his buddies to do something that goes against his values or would be disrespectful toward you. There are many activities that are enjoyable that don’t include looking at strange women undress and gyrate on your lap. That doesn’t celebrate love and the sacred union of two people on the path toward marriage.

Bachelor parties at strip clubs may be a common custom, but it doesn’t mean everyone has to do it. Do what you and your partner are comfortable with. Hold firm to both of your values so you enter into a new life together with the deepest of devotion and respect.

Spend the Weekend with Your Partner Prior to Vows

I cannot tell you how much you can learn about someone by spending an entire weekend with them.  You can learn even more by spending several different weekends with them.  People are just different in the privacy of their homes and for extended periods of time.  Anyone can be on their best behavior for a few dates over the weekend.  But how are they when you’re together from Friday night until Sunday night?

 

You do not have to have physical relations with someone and break your morals to spend a weekend or even several weekends with your partner.  You can sleep in separate rooms and use discretion.  But it is important to spend some continuous time with one another to truly learn how your partner is.  This will really help your relationship and give you a chance to really bond with one another.

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