Poetry as Important Part of the Wedding
Poems, for such a long time, have been used to express one’s feelings and emotions and to record events and thoughts in an artistic form. Reading poems during a wedding can enhance the beauty of the event.
The wedding poem may be composed and be read by a member of the family as a gift to the groom and bride. However, not many have good skills in writing that poem writing for weddings may also be entrusted to professional wedding writers.
Even if the task of writing the wedding poem has been delegated to an experienced wedding poem writer, the groom and the bride or a member of the family should choose the wedding poem writer carefully and coordinate with the writer as often as possible.
Choosing the wedding poetry writer should take place after the sites for the wedding and reception have been confirmed. This is necessary because some of the sites details may be included in the poem that this should be supplied to the wedding poetry writer as soon as possible.
Also, consider the site for the wedding rites. Some religious institutions do not allow alterations with the wedding rites such as including reading poetry during the ceremony. Therefore, in this case, wedding poetry reading should be done during the reception.
The wedding poetry should represent the groom and the bride and should go well with the theme of the wedding. The wedding poem may also be printed in the program and may also be given as a keepsake. Thus, a good wedding poem is very important. For that reason, brainstorming can help a lot when choosing the wedding poetry writer or vendor.
Before deciding on who will be the wedding poetry vendor and writer, consider what type of poem will you need. For a traditional and formal wedding, an elegantly written poem is suggested. If the wedding will be having an informal ceremony, a poem with a touch of humor will work well.
Do not choose a lengthy poem if the ceremony will be longer than two hours. Decide if music will be played while reading the poem.
If you have decided what you will need, you have to stat looking for a wedding poem vendor. The easiest way to look for reliable information is by asking for suggestions from family and friends, the manager of the reception site, the person who will officiate the marriage, or from your wedding coordinator. You can also search online for poetry vendors.
If possible, ask for a rough draft of what the wedding poem will be so you can decide if this is the one that will be appropriate for the wedding. It is preferable to allow one year for composing the poem. This is to make sure that there is enough time to edit the poem to suit your requirements.
Also, check if the wedding poet can work within your given budget. Wedding poems can cost at least $100. Ask for sample works and suggestions to enhance your wedding poem.
When providing information about the wedding to the wedding poetry vendor, make sure that you have included the following details: the interests of the couple, the type of ceremony, the location of the wedding and the reception, the number of guests and their backgrounds, the theme of the wedding ceremony, who will be the poem reader and whatever unique detail that you can include to make the poem unique.
If you have chosen a good wedding poetry writer and reader, you can make sure that your wedding’s tone and ambience is enhanced to make it more memorable to everyone who will be present.
Essentials Checklist For Baby Shower Supplies
To help you plan yours or a friends baby shower, use this checklist to ensure you have all the supplies you need for a wonderful baby shower.
Printed cards
The invitation card is the primary element in the baby shower. It should carry the theme of the party to let the guests know what to expect. It will also guide them in buying the baby shower gift. Send the invitations at least a month in advance. Make sure to RSVP so you can plan against the right number of guests.
Depending on your budget, you may choose from a variety of invitations. The Internet offers such a variety, from the free and already printable to the online-purchased customized invitations. If you are computer savvy, you may use your home printer and a desktop publishing software to create-your-own themed baby shower invitation.
While on the subject of invitation cards, prepare the thank you cards at the same time. Ensure that your theme emanates in the layout of the thank you card. Sending out thank you cards provides proper closure to the party and gives your guests a lasting memory of the fun they had.
Games and Activities
While your invitations are being produced, plan for the party activities. Games will enliven each activity and entice participation from the guests. Depending on your theme, choose the games that are suitable to the theme, or customize them to suit. For example, the traditional bring me game can be customized by asking to bring me pink colored items, for a baby girl shower theme.
Prizes are as important in making the occasion memorable, so be prepared to give prizes to all game winners and sometimes, even participants.
Prepare or add on to this list as required by the activities that you have planned. Make sure that you have listed all the things needed to make the activity successful and to avoid last-minute paraphernalia substitutes.
Party Venue Set-up
As dictated by the theme, set-up the party place accordingly. If it is a layette party, hang a clothesline all around the room and clip colored paper cutouts of baby clothes and stuffs. For the Hollywood theme, copy the set-up by having a red carpet where guests will walk-in.
Food and Drinks
The other half of a lively party is overflowing food and drinks. Make sure that as you finalize the number of guests, you are able to buy enough food and drink supplies for the headcount. Buy an extra 10% more to make sure that hungry guests get their fill. Like the games and activities list, expand this section to include details on the supplies needed for your specific menu.
Baby Shower Souvenirs
Aside from the game prizes, give your guests a thank you token for attending and participating in the baby shower. Note that this is different from a thank you card, which will be sent to individual guests as a thank you for their gift. Thus, guest who may not have brought gifts can still receive this baby shower souvenir. It does not need to be expensive, especially if there are game prizes given out. Just be sure to have it in-line with your theme to complete the effect.
Celebrate the coming of a newborn in an organized fashion. Use this checklist of baby shower supplies to plan for a successful baby shower.
How to Plan for a Wedding
Planning for a wedding is not an easy task. It could be an extremely stressful, and trying time, especially as the big day approaches. When couples worry about coordinating all of the details of the wedding, just to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Probably, one of the most important details of the wedding that a couple has to decide on is the actual date of the wedding. This is usually the detail that is taken care of first. Factors in choosing a date include: the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place. Availability of friends and family on the assigned date.
Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also become a factor in the expense. For example, mornings, and afternoon receptions are somewhat more cheaper that receptions held at nighttime.
It is also advisable to set a budget, even before a couple start to make plans. This way they’d be able to organize the details according to the budget they could afford.
Once you’ve done this, you can now choose a venue for the wedding. Some places offer discounts, depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays, would be a good time to hold a wedding, if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a ‘peak time’, therefore the price tend to be less expensive.
For couples who are about to get married, it is important to talk about the size of wedding they both have in mind. The dream wedding of one person might not be that of the other. So it is necessary for couples to discuss details regarding the arrangement of the wedding, such as: the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding reception, and the choice of entertainment.
It is important to reach an agreement pertaining to the guest list and the entourage. Whether you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, in which case the bride and groom will just invite their family and friends; or maybe, they’d want to make this affair, into the wedding of the century. In which case, the bride and groom get to invite the whole neighborhood, long lost relatives, high school buddies, etc., in addition to their friends and family. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.
Hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure you friends can take good pictures, and most of them own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. So you’d have something to remember this occasion by. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.
Don’t forget the cake! It’s best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends, for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!
Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.
Don’t forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding. This way, the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. Also, the groom should make arrangement to rent or buy a tuxedo, preferably in advance also. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you’d have some time to make other arrangements.
Couples who don’t have enough time on their hands, or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming, can always just hire a wedding planner! This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them.
Baby Shower FAQs
A baby is always a reason to have a celebration. Thus, there is the baby shower.
Baby showers have gained considerable popularity in the past decade. This may be attributed to families becoming smaller; therefore each child gets more individual attention.
What is a baby shower?
A baby shower is a party thrown in honor of a couple who is expecting their firstborn. Baby showers are held with the purpose of bestowing gifts upon the first-time mother so she’ll have the items needed by the baby on its arrival day.
Baby showers also serve as a welcoming event for a new member to the family.
Who can have a baby shower?
By tradition, a baby shower is held only for the first baby. Today, a shower is held for every baby. After all, each and every baby is special, don’t you agree?
Who hosts the baby shower?
Traditionally, a close friend or a family member from either side organizes the baby shower. But, you can have anyone throw a baby shower for you. Be it family, friends, or co-workers.
When is the best time to have the baby shower?
Usually, the baby shower is held in the later stages of the pregnancy, around four to six weeks prior to the due date.
Sometimes, people purposefully wait for the baby to arrive for some reason.
Who are to be invited to the baby shower?
It depends. If it is a work place shower, naturally you might only invite co-workers of the mommy to be. Or if it is a family shower, invite family members. But you may also opt to just hold one big baby shower where everyone is invited.
These days, couples showers are also becoming popular. During a couples shower, both men and women are invited. And surprisingly, guys enjoy baby showers as much as women do.
Be also mindful when inviting friends who have recently experienced losses or are having problems having a child. Most may feel left out if uninvited. What you can do is to ask them personally if they would be able to come in respect to their current situation.
And to avoid leaving out someone uninvited unintentionally, write a guest list beforehand.
What themes are appropriate for a baby shower?
Themed baby showers are of course a bit more difficult to organized. The more famous themes include,
1. Mother Shower. Shower the mommy with gifts to pamper her. This is a nice twist over the usual gifts of baby items.
2. Dad’s Shower. Gifts for dad like coffee, Tylenol, etc. will be appropriate.
3. Baby Safety Shower. All presents must be of a safety nature.
4. Nursery Theme Showers. Concept of the baby shower is based on the nursery’s theme.
What to serve the guests on the baby shower?
If you are adopting a theme, try to match the food you will serve with your particular theme.
The time of day when the baby shower is to be held also plays an important factor. If you are having the shower at about noon or at dinnertime, serve a full meal as this will be what your guests expect to be served. For early afternoon or early evening baby showers, finger foods, cake, and a light punch will do.
As with the choice of food, as much as possible serve those that may also be ingested by the mother-to-be. Which most likely does not include alcohol. As a substitute, serve sparkling cider instead.
There are a lot of things to consider during a baby shower. But of course, nothing beats proper planning and early preparation.
Have a great baby shower!
The Advantages of a Wedding Planner
Have you ever wondered why Jennifer Lopez had made such a great impact on her movie, The Wedding Planner? This is because most people, after watching the film, had finally realized the importance of hiring a wedding planner.
Long before, most couples are having second thoughts on the idea of hiring a wedding planner. They have doubts if hiring the services of a wedding planner is really worth their money, especially those who are in a tight budget.
Basically, hiring the services of a wedding planner is actually a matter of choice and personal preference. If you think that you and your fianc can handle most of the wedding planning without any burden, then, go on with your plans.
But if you think that doing all the planning from the very beginning is already tedious, then, it is time for you to hire the services of a wedding planner.
Basically, a wedding planner is someone who is adept and knowledgeable when it comes to wedding plans. Wedding planners have already established their contacts with many businesses that are important in the wedding such as flower arrangers, caterers, venues, etc.
So, for most people who are not yet aware the benefits they can derive from hiring a wedding planner, here are some facts that you need to know:
1. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time.
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. It can even be more tedious if the person who plans the wedding is a participant also like the bride or the groom. It can be really difficult to have an open mind especially with all the jitters and everything.
Moreover, planning a wedding does not happen overnight. Usually, it would take you 200 to 300 hours of planning, thinking, and brainstorming. Hence, to save you time and effort, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.
2. More savings
Many people contend that the reason why they do not hire a wedding planner is that it will be an additional cost on their part.
What they do not know is that hiring the services of a wedding planner can actually save you more money because most of the wedding planners have already established solid contacts with some of the common wedding businesses like flower arrangers, venues, and the like. Therefore, discounts are more likely to happen because they have their own connections already.
3. Organized planning
With wedding planners, weddings can be more organized because most wedding planners are very particular from the biggest down to the last details of the wedding.
After all, it is their job so they know what should be done best.
Moreover, wedding planners have actual timeline that they follow in order to have all the details be ready on time or even way ahead of time, leaving all the last-minute changes behind.
4. The decisions are still yours
With wedding planners, the decisions are still with the couple. The wedding planner will just guide, render some suggestions, and assist the couple in making the decision.
Hence, the couple will be able to, still, have their own style and preference with regards to the planning of their wedding.
5. Confidence boosters
One of the best things about wedding planners is that they act as confidence boosters for the bride and the groom.
We all know how jittery and edgy wedding couples can be especially if they are in a rush or having trouble finding the perfect item for their wedding. But wedding planner, they will be more at ease and more confident that their wedding will be perfect because they know that they have laid the details of their wedding upon the hands of a professional.
Indeed, there could be no better person who really knows the ins and outs of wedding planning more than what the wedding planner can do.
So, for great weddings, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.
5 Must-know Wedding Pictures Tips
As the old adage goes, Pictures are worth a thousand words. This is especially true and applicable to wedding pictures.
Normally, wedding pictures are photographs of the scenes from the wedding. Most of them are focused on the bride and the group.
However, what people do not know is that wedding pictures are not just mere solid representation of what had transpired during the event. Wedding pictures are more of a memorabilia of the wonderful moments that the couple had long been wanting to have.
And with wedding pictures always available for their perusal, it brings them back to the time they have once shared their union as husband and wife in front of the public.
For this reason, choosing the wedding photographer should never be taken for granted. This is because the angles and kinds of shots that must be incorporated therein should only be done by a professional.
Therefore, to have the best wedding pictures, it is best to hire a professional wedding photographer who can handle the shots perfectly.
However, there are some factors to be considered first before hiring the services of a wedding photographer. Here is a list of the factors that you need to know:
1. The style of your wedding
It is important to decide first the style of your wedding. Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? Whatever style you have chosen, this will definitely determine the kind of wedding photographer you should choose.
For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, it is best to hire wedding photographers that are traditional in styles. This is because traditional photographers consider all the details when it comes to photography and establishing good angle shots.
2. Your budget
Keep in mind that not all wedding photographers are created equal. Hence, it is important to stick to your budget to know which type of wedding photographer you will hire.
Of course, it will do you no good if you will extend or go beyond your budget just because you want to hire the best wedding photographer there is. So, better stick to your budget.
3. Know what you are paying for
Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be keen on the details of the agreement and that you should know the items or services that you will be paying for. Other wise, there might be some discrepancies regarding to what has been agreed upon and yet, you can no longer make any claims or complaints against the photographer because you have already affixed your signature.
4. Know your rights as a client
There are instances wherein wedding photographers are so engrossed with their jobs that they no longer take some suggestions from their clients. This should not be the case because the client has still the final discretion. The wedding photographer should only assist the couple on their decisions.
5. The photographers complete profile
You wouldnt want spoiled films or pictures, right? So, it would be better if you will check on the profile and background of the photographer.
In this sense, it will give you some insight on the capabilities of the photographer and his reputation in the industry.
Boiled down, wedding pictures can be good, bad, or perfect. It all depends on the wedding photographer, so, it is best to hire the best.
BABY SHOWER RECIPES: SOME SAMPLES TO CHOOSE FROM
A baby shower is a kind of party that celebrates and welcomes a new member to the family. In this tradition, expectant parents usually receive gifts or money for their expected child, which, in a way, supports the parents by helping them get the things that they need for their baby (or the things that they may not be able to afford).
Baby showers are generally held in the later stages of pregnancy (in the last 2 months, for instance). There are, however, certain cultural beliefs that make people purposefully wait for the baby to arrive before having a baby shower. Adoptive parents, at times, wait until after the adoption is final and the baby has arrived in their home.
Baby showers are generally organized by close friends, relatives, or co-workers of the expectant parents (because baby showers center on gift-giving, it is considered inappropriate for a family member to host such events).
In its early form, baby showers were held exclusively for mothers-to-be, and only women were invited to attend the party. In addition, baby showers were traditionally held only for the first child. Today, however, many people arrange baby showers for both parents, and they can now be also arranged for every succeeding children (even children who have been adopted).
Activities in a baby shower typically include games, special activies, presents, and, most especially, food.
Below are some of the most common baby shower recipes:
Pizza Sandwiches
Pizza sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)
Cottage cheese (lowfat)
English muffins
Parmesan cheese
1. Mix 2-3 tbsp of pizza sauce with 2-3 tbsp of cottage cheese.
2. Spread the mixture onto one half of the English muffin.
3. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve.
Creamy Tomato Soup
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 can tomato soup (condensed)
Milk
1 tbsp basil
Mozarella or croutons (for toppings)
1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the tomato soup.
3. Add milk (approximately the same amount as that of the tomato soup).
4. Add basil and cook slowly on low heat (do not boil).
5. Top with a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and croutons. Serve.
Cheese Balls
lb cheese (cheddar or grated)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pack cream cheese
4 oz Tabasco sauce
2 tsp onion
Chopped nuts
2 tsp catsup or chili sauce
1. Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or a food processor (the cheese should be at room temperature).
2. Empty mixed ingredients on small bowls lined with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. To serve, remove wrap and sprinkle with nuts. Serve with assorted crackers.
Chicken Puffs
4 tbsp butter
cup boiling water
cup flour
2 eggs
cup shredded cheese
2 cups cooked chicken
2 tbsp olives
2 tbsp wine
cup mayonnaise
1. Melt butter in boiling water.
2. Add flour.
3. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
5. Add egg and beat briskly until smooth.
6. Stir in cheese.
7. Scoop 1 tsp dough into a greased baking sheet.
8. Preheat oven to 400F.
9. Bake the puffs for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and split.
10. Combine the remaining ingredients with the finely chopped cooked chicken, pimiento, and olives.
11. Fill each puff with 2 tsp of the mixture. Serve.
There are just some of the baby shower recipes, there are numerous others to choose from - from sandwiches & finger foods, to snacks and dips and sweets - appetizing, yet simple and very easy to prepare.
Baby Shower Poems Add Vibrance to Life
Poetry is such vibrant means of communicating. It is ones creative way of expressing emotion, intellect and aspirations. It is filled with sentiment and mirrors the individuals true inner being. Such channel of expression is befitting an equally elating occasion: the anticipated arrival of a newborn. Here are ways of incorporating poems into the momentous event, the baby shower.
Invitation Poems
Poetry about babies can give the baby shower invitation added charm. Think of what it feels like to have a baby, the hope of anticipation and the fulfillment of birth. Include in the poem how youd like those wonderful feelings to be shared with the guest being invited. Finally, to give the invitation a customized appeal, include the invitation details in the poem, carefully spreading the details, all throughout the verse, if possible.
Thank You Poems
Thank you poems are creative ways of expressing love and happiness for the future newborn. With the upcoming occasion, there are many things to thank for: having Gods blessing in such a feeble form or having the support of family and friends while playing the waiting game. Mom-to-be can deliver the thank you poem. If it is a co-ed baby shower, the Dad-to-be can do the honors.
Another way of saying thank you is through the baby shower thank you card. This is sent to all guests who gave gifts for the occasion. Include a short rhyme on how blessed the baby is for having guardians as loving as the guest who sent the gift. Then end by thanking them for it.
Poems for Baby Shower Activities
It is unusual to have a baby shower and poetry reading in one, but it is an idea that can work among a very strong lyrical society. Most poets are very comfortable in expressing and conversing in verses, and if the future parents are poets themselves, then a poetry reading baby shower is not a bad idea. Who knows they maybe anticipating a future rhymester!
However, if you are like the rest of the world, incorporating poems is not impossible in the conventional baby shower. It actually adds an enriching dimension to the event that everyone can gain knowledge from. Use rhymes to open and close the event, or when praising the Mom-to-be or future newborn. Riddles are also poems so use them in a game of treasure hunt or guessing game.
Cake Poetic Inscriptions
Since Verses and Rhymes is a good theme for a baby shower, why not include a line on the cake? Express how your future newborn is as sweet as the cake, or how much everyone is lovingly waiting for the baby. Mom-to-be does the honor of articulating the cake inscription before cutting it.
Baby Shower Favors
A fundamental part of any baby shower is the party favors, both as prizes and memorabilia. This is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate poems!
For winning games, contests or solving riddles, prizes can be awarded together with a poem about how remarkable the win was. The poetic party host can pronounce, in verses, how amazing the game was played and how miraculous winner won. Lastly, prize recipients can give their own thank you verse or two.
As the guests leave, give them an inexpensive memento of the occasion, and as in the whole baby shower theme, include a poem about how it was made special because of the guests presence.
Poems indeed, add more life to such a warmhearted occasion about giving life: the baby shower.
Wedding photos - Memories in print
Wedding photos are a vivid reminder of a couple’s wedding day. In essence, wedding photos capture the spirit and joy of that blessed day when the couple exchanged ‘I dos’. Wedding photos commemorate the memorable events that took place on the couple’s wedding day.
Getting quality wedding photos is important for every couple in order to preserve the joyous events of their wedding day. A substantial portion of a couple’s wedding expenses goes into the preparation and production of the wedding photos. Depending on a couple’s style and budget, there are a number of ways they can get the best wedding photos they want at the price they can afford.
Professional services for wedding photos
Hiring a professional wedding photographer is always a good idea for couples that want to have the best wedding photos from their wedding day. But many couples shy away from hiring professional photographers for their wedding photos because of the high costs associated with their services.
Fortunately, there are a number of professional wedding photographers that offer a variety of photography packages for wedding photos at reasonable prices. In addition, many of these professional photographers may also be open to arranging a customized package to help out couples that are on a limited budget.
At the same time, couples should also be cautious about getting the least expensive package for their wedding photos. Most of the time, a couple may end up spending more to get additional shots included in the package they initially ordered. It is better to get a slightly more expensive package that covers a lot more than to spend extra cash at the last minute.
When working with a professional wedding photographer, be sure to get a signed agreement that outlines the terms of service to be provided. The contract would include matters concerning payments, cancellations as well as the delivery of wedding photos after development.
Digital Photography - digital wedding photos
Technology has brought about a marked increased in the development of highly sophisticated digital cameras. Many professional wedding photographers now make use of these digital cameras to produce high quality digital wedding photos. Even amateurs are using the latest digital cameras to produce professional looking wedding photos.
But keep in mind that many amateurs may not have the artistic skill to create beautiful wedding photos. Unlike professional wedding photographers, most amateur photographers have no concept of light and composition, which are essential factors in taking professional wedding photos. Keep in mind that no amount of computer enhancement can fix poorly shot wedding photos.
How to save on wedding photos
Weddings can be quite expensive considering all the costs associated with the occasion. In particular, wedding photos can eat up a big chunk of the wedding funds because of all the photos that need to be taken. Formal, informal and group wedding photos with family and friends can be quite costly especially for a big wedding. A good way to limit costs is to employ the help of family and friends in taking additional wedding photos.
The couple can hire a professional photographer to cover the ceremony. The photographer would only take the formal wedding photos before and during the ceremony. Family and friends can help take candid wedding photos during the reception. Candid wedding photos are a great way to remember the fun and merriment of the day.
Guide to Good Wedding Photography
Its your weddingone of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. Read this guide to make sure you choose the right wedding photography service for your big day.
The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couples special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.
Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.
It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.
Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.
Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.
Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:
Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.
Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.
What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a “leaf” shutter or “focal plane”?
What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.
Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?
Asking intelligent questions will encourage photographers to deal openly with customers. Remember, its your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.