How do I choose a photographer?

Photographers are one of the many over-populated supplier groups in the wedding world today. Together with florists and cup cake makers you will find yourself very quickly being inundated by many websites and leaflets of the 'best local photographer'. So below I have listed a few questions that I believe you could ask or things to look for maybe, to help you decide on who will fit you and your wedding. These are some thoughts I have picked up along the way, you will have more questions and some won't be relevant but I hope they offer a little guidance to the new bride to be.

1) When you first call them, are they happy to chat to you about your plans, how open are they about their work and how soon do they mention fees. First impressions start on this first call so listen carefully and make sure you put the phone down smiling.

2) Speak to colleagues and friends and when you call their recommended photographers ask them what they liked most about your friends/colleagues wedding and what, if anything, would they do differently.

3) Do they know your church/venue? If not will they do a recce before your wedding to get a feel for the day and meet the venue representative.

4) Can they offer you a choice of packages, are these flexible and do they fit your budget. Can you upgrade and will this cost different depending on when you upgrade (some will need to charge extra after your wedding as they will be tied to set requirements from their album suppliers etc)

5). Do they send the albums away to put together, if so where to and how long will this process take.

6) Will they offer a high resolution disc so that you can reproduce your images at a later stage, what costs will this entail.

7) Do the images they have on show suit your taste, are they more traditional or a little more 'creative'. Think about the type of images you want to see in your album or on your walls, do they have images in their studio to suit just this.

8) Do you like them?! It seems a little personal but it is vital to actually like the photographer you choose, and they you. You have to have a good, relaxed friendship where you are very comfortable to say how you feel and they in return understand your needs (good and bad). Not every bride is happy showing her garter!

9) Consult other suppliers, especially your wedding planner ( be aware some venues may promote suppliers without keeping in touch with them fully ) A recommendation from a trusted wedding provider is a home-run for a bride-to-be!

10) If you can ask to speak to (or email) a previous client, or current one. You will be able to voice any questions or concerns and maybe share the same thoughts and ideas. Plus the photographer will be able to share thoughts with you all, of course permission must be gained for this.

11) Do they have set hours for your wedding package, can they extend these and for what fee.

12) Will they meet you for an engagement shoot and is this included in the package fee you have chosen, can you have an album from this.

It may seem like a big list and more like an interview, but I truly believe that if you spend the time to research this vital supplier well you will have a wonderful experience during your engagement shoot, planning and on the actual day.

Remember we at Isabella Weddings offer a supplier finding service, having worked with many excellent photographers (and some not so!) we can help guide you through the maze and find you the perfect match and maybe save you some money in the process.

www.isabellaweddings.co.uk

Next week .... How to pick a great venue!

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Vintage Girl

Ok so it's official, I am a big vintage fan ...



(image from Manolobrides.com)

Since becoming a wedding planner over 8 years ago I have followed many creative paths, not least during the times of being pregnant and being a new mum when my love of being different wavered somewhat.

I like to stand out and be creative, of course I do, I'm a wedding planner. The one thing I have found tricky though is to identify with a 'theme' as such that I adore. I love a country garden, traditional English garden party, natural and rustic, but then I also love the sharp bright colours of a modern wedding. So do I need a style or a preference?


(image from Not on the High Street)

I love using natural materials to create a theme that is rural and country gentleman, lately however I have noticed the rustic feel has become more lace and pearl. I have begun to wear my hair differently and have craved the essence of a tea party. I've even started to buy mismatched china to feed my desperation to hold a Mad Hatters tea party!


(image from Passion for Flowers, Solihull)

I find myself adoring the pastels, the candy stripes and the relaxed summer feel that vintage tea party brings. So is it here to stay? Some people have been known to comment that Vintage is 'so 2010' but I think it is evolving, you can now buy dresses which range from genuine vintage dresses that have been adapted to fit the modern woman or you can go for a cheaper option which uses the style of vintage but with modern, forgiving material.



(image from Not on the High Street)

You can add colours to vintage, you can cover a range of eras and make it as vibrant as you wish. With so many suppliers and collections out there I truly believe there is so much more choice now.

This week I am going to a Fashion Show dedicated to just Vintage, this is for Frances Farmer and it should prove to be an indulgent time to enjoy all that the era offers, I might even have my hair done to celebrate!


So I am well and truly staying on this train, it's moving fast still and there is so much more to explore. Who's with me??


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Silver lined

So you're getting married, you have set the budget the best man and bridesmaids have accepted their new roles, what's next? Maybe it's time to think about the theme and style of your wedding, after all your venue may be chosen to suit a particular era or style?

One of my favourite styles is silver, this can be a soft, snowy Christmas type of silver or it can be a modern, crisp sharp silver, below I have listed some ideas of incorporating some silver slivers into your theme. Don't forget if you have a wedding planner, she can help you source some great, cost effective ideas and may even know if some unique, hidden gems!

Silver tree guest book, spray or paint a small tree or branch silver and offer your guests paper snowflakes on which to write a short wish, these are sometimes called wishing trees and can be used for christenings and blessings as well as wedding receptions.

Candelabras are a must, silver hand held candle sticks for your tables and floor standing silver candelabras for placing around your reception, fill them with gorgeous flowers and greenery (remember the more green you have the lower the florist cost may be) and fill the room with candle light come dinner time.

Silver Christmas trees are a must for seasonal weddings, as are fairy lights around any outside trees or bushes, walkways or marquee entrances.

Why not go for a starlight drape to hang behind the dance floor or a silver disco ball!

Small silver coins in a jar as favours are a nice touch, go for chocolate ones to save money or choose some old sixpences in a rustic mini bag.

Silver ribbon around your cake, silver sashes on your chairs, snowy dusting on your desserts, small silver love hearts for favours or place settings.

There are lots of options, have fun!


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The best memories

So you have the day of your life planned, the flowers, the food, the music, the groom ... You have thought about every detail and intend to savour every second. But will you? As soon as you begin walking down the aisle your day will accelerate at the speed of lightening and you won't remember to look at every detail, or study the flowers or note every decoration, so why do you take so much time and effort on producing the perfect day when you won't remember half of it??

This got me thinking about what really is important and memorable on your special day, what will stick in your mind and those of others. I have compiled a list of top 3 'areas' of a wedding day that is remembered most by the bride and groom and then by the guests, bear this in mind when you plan your day!

The happy couple:

1) The vows, you will probably always be able to quote these back as they are such an important part if your ceremony

2) Your new husband/wife's face as you see each other for the first time

3) The number of guests and if they had a good time!

Guests:

1) That the day didn't drag and had plenty to keep them entertained

2) Lots of good food

3) A chance to dance and drink

So really it should be simple, feed your guests well and keep them entrained and you are there! As for yourself, I defy you to try and brush past those little details, if it matters to you do it but don't burn out, keep perspective and delegate! Flowers are lovely but trust your florist, it's important the venue is perfect but trust your venue manager, and so on.

Here at Isabella Weddings we are here to make sure those little details happen, ask about out decoration and set up package, for just £50 we can dress your venue and realise your vision for your tables and decoration.









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Love me love my ...

So apart from your hubby to be what or who is the most important thing in your life and how do you begin to think about sharing it?

For some it could be a material item, a coveted new gadget or shiny new car or could it be a relative, child or a best buddy? Maybe it is your sense of 'one-ness' that you worry about sharing or indeed losing?

As I grow older (ok ok not that old!) I begin to see what is really important to me and I feel that had I decided to hold a wedding for each decade of my youth the events would vary wildly.

In my twenties I would have wanted to prove how I could throw the biggest and the best party, maybe something different or quirky, a cool live band, a free bar and of course made sure that everyone had a heavy hangover the next day. In my thirties (which is when I actually got married) I wanted to have simple things, a good honeymoon, nice food and nice surroundings. Maybe the showy part of me had lessened so that could finally see what was important to me - to enjoy the day for me.

Now I approach my 40's (OMG) and I feel different still, I value my friendships more (now I have less of them!) and I see money as a part of life, as long as we have enough to enjoy our lives then we don't need more. I would rather have 24 hours with those true, dear loved ones than a whole months wages. Honest. So how would I have my wedding in my 40's? Simple, elegant, but fun. I would pack a bag, grab 5-6 close friends and our mums and head off to a country cottage for the weekend, I wouldn't overspend but I would worry about detail, I would worry that my loved ones felt loved and respected.

I wonder if we will renew our vows in our 50's!!




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Cake Pops!

The new cupcake has arrived, these lovely cakelicious treats are my new favourite wedding trend by far!




I love these, my friend handed me one when I popped over to see her yesterday (not a 'will you marry me' one i hasten to add!) and I was bowled over! They are gorgeous little cake on sticks, the possibilities are endless and you can use them for all sorts of things!





Why not offer them as favours, gifts for the children, an alternative dessert or maybe just to accompany evening buffet.

If you fancy trying some of your own try this simple recipe on http://myfindsonline.com/2010/08/11/devils-food-cake-pops/





Perfect ..... Watch this space for the new wedding cake craze!


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How to choose a supplier

Many Brides worry when choosing a supplier for their wedding, will they over spend, will they turn up on time, will they do what I ask!

There are so many wedding providers and like any other area of business there are good and there are bad. I have put some tips together to help you get the right supplier for your big day:

1) Ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend anyone and ask what they liked most about them

2) Speak to your venue, no doubt they have experience of working with some good suppliers BUT check that they have actually seen their work not just have a name on their books. The latter is fine but best to know so you can further investigate.

3) Personality. Make sure you get on with them when you meet, having a good relationship with the person capturing your day is vital in ensuring your requirements are fulfilled. The exceptions to this are those suppliers you won't be meeting on the day - these may include furniture delivery, stationery, favour makers etc. Where as really liking your photographer is vital. Getting on with them may mean you feel more comfortable about making late changes and asking new things from them on the day.

4) Check out their history, ask how long they have traded for, how many weddings they do a year, how many they will take on per day.

5) New suppliers are starting up all the time, just because they are new does not mean avoid them, many a bargain can be made by bagging a brand new supplier wanting to build a portfolio. Talk through any concerns and ask for references from previous work placements or training centres.

6) Speak to a bride they have worked with previously and ask her about her likes and dislikes over the entire day, things to be aware of, request or look out for.

7) Check their paperwork, do they have insurance and belong to any relevant governing bodies or organisations.

8) Ask your wedding planner, this is an ideal source of recommendation as they work with different suppliers every weekend and know the right questions to ask.

9) Ask your supplier if they can recommend other suppliers, who do they enjoy working with and why. This will ensure commitment from any 'linked' companies and you will also help their working relationships at the same time.

10) Lastly ask plenty of questions, what is their passion, do they want to spend time discussing your day, can they add ideas to your plans and work with you, make sure you also like their payment terms. Also make sure they are easy to contact, do they have time for you and any last minute requests.

Do remember Isabella Weddings can help you with sourcing suppliers or venues and also researching that special theme - you don't have to book a package to take advantage of this. Take a look at our website for more www.isabellaweddings.co.uk

So there we have it, I hope that helps. There are many wonderful suppliers just waiting to share your day with you, happy hunting!