Wedding Tips

As regular readers will know, I absolutely love weddings and wish every couple to have the best wedding possible. I also understand the contribution that professional suppliers can have in turning a mediocre wedding into one which is truly unforgettable. Unfortunately, sometimes due to the budget spiralling out of control, some key wedding services  are either deemed unnecessary, a very low cost option is secured or inexperienced friends & relatives are given various roles normally filled by professionals. In these situations, more often than not, the final result can be far less than satisfactory for many reasons.

Others in the wedding industry have witnessed first hand and therefore understand the huge impact that great entertainment and a professional MC can have on the success of a wedding celebration and the enjoyment of the guests. Now I could write another article on this topic but then it would seem that I was merely promoting the types of services that I provide and could be seen as biased. A little while ago, I came across an article by one of Sydney’s best known and professional wedding planners, Girl Friday Weddings (with which I have no business or personal relationship other than that I have ‘Liked’ their Facebook page because I admire the high standards of their work and professionalism) which talked about how their clients regretted overlooking some key services after the event. The article has been reproduced in its entirety below to offer an unbiased view from a non related wedding professional. Hope you enjoy this article.

3 Of The Most Underrated Services Left Off On A Vendor List by Girl Friday Weddings

Upon our very first meeting with any of our clients, one of the first things that we will discuss is vendor bookings. Many of our couples have already made some progress with their arrangements, and just need help, guidance… and yes recommendations. We wouldn’t be very good wedding planners without being able to point them in the right direction. Working with as many different couples as we do, we tend to see similar patterns and trends in vendor bookings. And more often than not in an attempt to pull the budget in, or keep a wedding personal, some vendors are passed over all together. And many couples will tell you, after it’s all said and done – that they’ve regretted it. Want to know the 3 most commonly left off vendors?

1. DJ or Live Music

iPod music. Great idea in theory. When a couple explains that they’re playing music off their iPod, I can’t help but feel nervous. Most couples tend to do this because they would argue that the DJ does all his best work from his mac anyway. What they fail to remember is that the DJ brings along his PA giving you great sound, can often bring along a wireless microphone if you need one for the speeches, can sometimes MC for you, can start as well as stop and cue music at any time. Perfect for bridal entries, first dances, or pulling a song half way through if it’s not a crowd pleaser. They’ll be able to cue tracks according to the mood of your guests, and unfortunately our friends at apple haven’t managed an app for this particular function yet. There are so many variables when it comes to playlists on an iPod. Do we notice the difference when a DJ or band is in control. Most definitely. Yes an iPod will probably save you money, but in terms of the guest experience and a good night, is it money that you are able to save elsewhere?

2. The Master of Ceremonies

The MC has such a crucial role, and you really don’t know what a bad MC is, until you’ve sat through a wedding with a cringe on your face. Being the official host for the evening they are responsible for keeping events moving. Along with your wedding planner and floor manager, probably one of the most important jobs when it comes to making sure that everything is as it should be. To be a part of a wedding which looks amazing, with the most exceptional food and wine, only have to have it tainted by the brides uncle who is also the MC is quite distressing. Bad jokes, clunky delivery and introductions, and sense of humour (which only you’d know after watching Ricky Gervais in an episode of The Office) really says it all. If you don’t know anyone capable or confident enough to MC your wedding, invest in a good MC. No it’s not lame. Your guests will thank you, and so will you – when your food leaves the kitchen still hot because the MC is doing his job correctly!

3. Videographer

When it comes to videography, it has been a huge shift to the more popular cinematic experience which we see much of today. Unfortunately the humble videographer had such a bad reputation back in the days for making bridal parties do ridiculous things (that they’d never usually do), and produce a montage of the day’s events to a video clip with a tune from Grease as the backing track. Wow, things really have come a long way! Yes it was always going to be hard for them to regain their credibility and get the great kudos that they really deserve today. Hiring any decent videographer is a costly decision, and if you’re going to do something – do it right. But don’t make the choice not to hire a videographer based old school thought that their work is staged, tacky and superfluous. Videography doesn’t need to be any more staged than a candid photographer from the best studio. Many couples who’ve invested in videography have said that it’s one of the best choices they’ve made. And couples are really spoiled for choice with how they can use their videographer today. Super 8, cinematic productions and same day edits to name just a few. Cheap? No. Worth a second thought? Absolutely.

Money doesn’t grow on trees. And we know this, because we keep trying ourselves in the studio! But before you dismiss these vendors, give it some more thought. Is there a better way for you to keep the budget lean and mean? Are you better off forgoing a few guests off your list that you’re unlikely to still be in touch with in 10 years anyway? In our experience though, before you dismiss a vendor because of the numbers on paper, weigh up the pros and cons, and speak to people! Never make a choice based on the cheapest option alone, and make sure you do your research – because in our experience, you’ll get what you pay for.

Original Girl Friday Weddings article can be found here. Image from WeddingByColor.com

After all the time spent planning and organising a spectacular wedding, you may possibly want to leave with just as much excitement as when you entered. Most couples tend to go with the ‘human tunnel’ option, but there are many other ways to make the exit, and even though it is the last event of your wedding, it can certainly be both fun and unique.

Some options include;

Rose Petal Exit: If you are a couple that loves flowers, rose petals or lavender can be placed in decorative bags or cones for the guests to scatter over you as you exit. Against the white of the bride’s dress, the rose petals or lavender will look beautiful.

Bubble Exit: Bubbles are great during a couple’s final exit. The light from the photographer’s camera flash reflects off the bubbles, often giving the photos an ethereal look. In addition, many venues restrict the use of certain items during a couple’s send off (like confetti and rice) due to the extra time it would take to clean up. Bubbles are fantastic in this aspect in that they will simply float and pop, making clean up non-existent.

Ribbon Wand Exit: Makes for a charming send off as they are waved by the guests during the bride and groom’s exit. Environmentally friendly and no mess.

Streamer Popper Exit: Simple hand held party poppers containing silver tinsel streamers can give a dramatic and epic effect.

Noisemakers: Clapping hands, maracas, kazoos, and party horns can be wild and perfect for a send off if you like a lot of noise (and your venue is fine with this). Making noise at weddings is actually based on an old superstition that loud noise will drive away evil spirits. That is also the reason that they ring church bells at the end of a marriage ceremony.

Silly String: For the couple that loves to have fun, the guests can send them off in a blast of silly string. Make sure the cans Silly String are both non-toxic and non-staining. The last thing you will want is stains on the wedding dress or the groom’s suit.

Sparkler Exit: If you want to dazzle everyone as you exit a Sparkler exit may be just the right option. Things to note however is that the lighting of the sparklers, and the bride and groom exiting must be carefully choreographed so that the best photographs can be captured and to keep everyone safe at the same time. If the sparklers are lit too early, they will burn out before the bride and groom make their way through the exit line. If the guests are standing too close to the bride and groom, the sparklers could burn the bride’s dress. Don’t forget to tell the guests what to do with their sparklers (they are very hot) once they have burned out (it is a good idea to have a few buckets of sand where the guests can dispose of the sparklers).

Glow Stick Exit: Using glow sticks are an awesome way to exit. They are easy to use and it does not take much to organise the guests either. They can make for awesome pictures! Glow sticks would certainly show your fun and quirky personality as a couple and excite guests. The only thing though, is that in order to capture great photos it will need to be quite dark.

I hope that this post provides some inspiration. These are just a few of the possible ways you can exit your reception in a fun and memorable way. Other options are only limited by your imagination (and if your venue will allow it). When planning your wedding don’t forget about the exit, it need not be elaborate or over the top, it can be quite simple, but still fun and unique. If you have any great exit ideas, please do not hesitate to share by adding a comment below – your idea may help inspire some couple with their wedding exit.

Images sourced from: PatriciaSuzanne.com,  Matt Miller ourblogoflove.com, kerrieandstefan.com, blog.christopherwrenphoto.com, yourperfectday1.blogspot.com.au, jeremyigo.com, lovetheschultzes.com, carolynscottphotography.com Individual photographs also contain credit as part of image name.