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10 things wedding guests hate most at weddings

“ A gloomy wedding guest fits not a wedding feast.”  –-Friedrich Schiller 

Your wedding wouldn’t be the same without your guests. Although this special day in your life is a celebration of you and your partner, your guests are an irreplaceable part of the celebration. They are people who make the effort and make time to be part of your lifetime celebration. Unless they are happy and enjoy the events of the day, they will not remember your wedding fondly.

Just think of all the weddings you have attended. There will be those that you loved, and then some others. It is highly unlikely that you had fun at weddings where the guest experience was the couple’s lowest priority. After all, who could enjoy a party where they were treated as an after-thought. When you analyze things from this perspective, you will realize the importance of this factor in your wedding.

Here is our roundup of all that real guests hate most at weddings. Take note and make sure not to overlook these factors at yours.

A remote venue that is difficult to locate

In your search for a unique and unusual venue that also fits your budget, don’t forget to consider how accessible it is. Your guests may not enjoy the trek to a far-off location which is difficult to locate and reach. Although you may provide clear instructions, think of factors like how remote it is and whether they should spend a long time on the road to get there. Also, check whether it has a public transportation option.

There may be guests who aren’t comfortable driving that far. Or it may be expensive to hire a cab to drive them there. If you simply cannot avoid this condition, arrange transportation from a central point to the place. Else, arrange a reception that is within a reasonable distance and invite the majority of guests to this location instead.

A vague dress code

There is nothing like a standard wedding today. From extravagant banquet affairs to rustic loft weddings and laidback beach nuptials, every wedding is different. Thus it isn’t always easy for guests to decide what to wear to a wedding. Nobody wishes to be embarrassed about their dress choice. So, they usually look at your invitation or wedding website to make this decision.

There are many clear, fun and even clever ways to communicate this point in your invitation. There are both traditional and non-traditional ways to let your guests know what your wedding style is. From simple straightforward phrases like “Black Tie” and “Casual” to “Dress to Impress” or “Festive attire”, provide a simple phrase that explains the style clearly. Take a look at this article on the Brides website for how to word it and what each phrase refers to.

Unclear instructions

Nothing spoils fun like a lack of clear instructions. From directions to a proper seating arrangement and instructions of where the various events will be held, guests need clear instructions. Unless you provide it, they just waste time trying to figure things out by themselves. So make sure you communicate all relevant details in a clear and crisp manner. Design and format the layout of your invitation card with a checklist that cites what information your guests need.

Similarly, make sure you mention all other information on your wedding website. Add details like landmarks, traveling time to the venue, nearest public transportation destination, etc, and make things easy for them. If the ceremony and reception venue is different, provide clear directions to get to the second from the first. Similarly, don’t complicate the seating arrangement. It should be easy to understand and follow. Your guests will appreciate finding their seats easily and settle in quickly.

Long breaks between events

It is plain disrespectful to make your guests wait for long spans of time during the day. Everyone values their time. Although your guests won’t look forward to a marathon of events on the day, neither will they be excited about an event that drags on and on. So, give accurate information about timings in your wedding invitation and program. Provide the “guest arrival time” and “ceremony start time” on your invitation to clarify things. This will allow your guests to evaluate the event timeline correctly and plan accordingly.

Make sure that you, your partner, and the members of the wedding party are on time. Also, space the different events of the day without too much delay. If there are long delays, arrange entertainment or refreshments to keep your guests occupied during this gap. Discuss with your wedding planner or photographer to create an accurate timeline that is practical for both you and your guests.

Spending too much money for additional expenses

Your guests will not be happy if they must spend additional money for expenses related to your wedding. Most wedding guests dread attending weddings at venues with high parking fees. Don’t be surprised if your guests get too fidgety if your wedding day events are delayed when they are paying for parking by the hour. It is equally disappointing if you will be having a cash bar, where they have to pay for their own drinks. A limited bar or one with few options will be better received than if they should pay for their drinks.

The same applies to gift registries too. Your guests will want to get you a gift that is useful. However, they may be on a budget. When you register for items with different price ranges, they can choose one that suits their budget. Don’t be a needy couple who looks desperate for contributions from guests to make their day special. So, don’t think twice about ruling out the money dance and honeymoon jar idea!

Long boring speeches

Unless you have a small, intimate wedding, save your guests the trouble of tolerating long speeches that they barely relate to. If your wedding speeches and toasts just go on and on, it will simply bore them to death. Don’t have more than five speeches. Also, ask all speakers to limit their toasts to five minutes or less. This will not take up much time.

Let anyone else who wishes to speak at your wedding do it at the rehearsal dinner. Since that will be a smaller and contained event, it will be an apt occasion for your friends and family to speak all they want. Also, make sure that there is a mic if your reception is at a non-traditional venue. You do not want your guests to strain and struggle to understand what is being said.

Being seated with strangers

We perfectly understand that creating a seating plan for your wedding is no walk in the park. However, you should do it with care. It isn’t fun for your guests when you assign seating in such a way that they are seated with total strangers. Most dates that accompany guests end up in such situations. Unfortunately, not all of them take it well.

Although it is impossible to make perfect groups, we advise that you do not randomly create your seating plan. Try to arrange the seating in such a way that there is at least one person who everyone knows at their table. It is a good idea to discuss the seating plan with your groom, parents, and the wedding party. A group effort will yield better results and help to avoid confusion.

Photographers who get in the way

Too many photographers can ruin the entire visual experience of your wedding. Whether it is that they shoot the couple or take selfies, this simple action can spoil the calm atmosphere. When guests are too busy capturing photos on their mobile phones, it often disrupts the view of the other guests. They can also get in the way of the professional photographer and spoil their shots. If you have hired a professional photographer for your wedding, trust him to do a good job. Also, inform the rest of your guests that you do not appreciate photos being clicked during the course of events.

Convey this clearly, but not in a condescending way. There are several ways in which you can do this. Put a note in your wedding program or make an announcement prior to the wedding. You can also display signs at various places in the venue. Just make sure that there is no chance it is overlooked or missed. When you have an unplugged wedding, your photographer will be able to do a better job of capturing your wedding pictures. Take a look at this article on Glamour.com to find out how to do it efficiently. 

Loud and blaring music

You may have hired a highly energetic band for your wedding because you love their kind of music. However, it needn’t be the case with your guests. Music that deafens can really aggravate those who do not enjoy it. Be considerate and realize that there may be those who do not like the music you play at your wedding. For their benefit, keep the volume down. This will let them relax and chat or sit and watch without much difficulty.

Your guests should basically be able to talk to each other without having to scream because of the blaring background music. It is fine to occasionally raise the volume, to get the desired impact for certain song numbers. However, don’t make the mistake of maintaining the same volume throughout the evening. Your guests may rush to the washroom or out of the venue to rest their pounding heads. Most of all, this will ruin the entire day for them. Give your band or DJ a mix of songs in the playlist, so there is something that appeals to everyone there.

When the couple are totally engrossed in themselves

Nobody enjoys an event with ungracious hosts. Even when the guest count is huge, your guests expect to be treated with courtesy. So acknowledge their presence. Of course, they understand that you have a busy day and do not have time to chit-chat. However a quick hello, thank you or goodbye makes it worth their while.

If you are too busy taking photos or spending time with selected guests only, it can put off the others. After all, they made the effort to attend your wedding because they care for you. So, use the cocktail hour to mingle with your guests. Or wave hello to them when they step up to take a photograph. Treat your guests well and your wedding will be a memorable one for them as well.

Do you have any more things to add to this list? If so, do let us know through the comments section below.

Every wedding poses a unique set of challenges. Creating a great experience for your guests is just one of them. While there isn’t much we can do to help you with this, Best for Bride can help you with another equally important wedding planning task—finding the perfect wedding dress. Browse through our wedding dress collection to find a stunning variety of dresses that fit every style, weather, and wedding type. Apart from that we also feature a great collection of dresses for the wedding party. Visit the Best for Bride gallery today and begin shortlisting your favorites from our collection.

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Wedding ideas that were totally unexpected 10 years ago

Modern day weddings are no longer cookie cutter versions of the same thing. For there was a time when all the bridesmaids dressed in cotton candy dresses and couples cut towering cakes! Today, every wedding is unique in it’s own way.

Every couple has their own notions of the most important day in their life. They carefully plan every aspect of a wedding and personalize all the relevant details. Most couples are quite adventurous too and ready to take risks, so they can enjoy a memorable wedding day. Breaking rules is so common that there are hardly any rules left to break! The result? Every wedding is fresh and interesting, since we do not know what to expect till we are at the event.

Best for bride has catered to brides for over a decade. Since that time, we have closely observed everything in the wedding scene evolve. From wedding dresses to wedding décor and party themes, a lot of things changed over the years. While many of these were a slow transition, others were quick to appear on the scene. But the best thing about changing trends is that they make weddings unique and appealing.

Here are some of the trends we have seen over the years that were totally unexpected. I can safely say that these trends strike us as interesting because we never imagined them to gain such wide acceptance. Take a look!

The bride must wear white, or must she?

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Queen Victoria created the tradition of the divine, white wedding gown that symbolized virginity and purity. Although white is still a favorite with brides, it has many contenders. Every year, leading wedding designers bring out colored wedding dresses that tempt many a bride to embrace something other than white for her wedding day.

While the safe and favored choices include soft, muted shades of pink, blue and gray, there are also brides who do it big with bright and bold colors. And it isn’t just colors! Printed wedding dresses, dresses with colored appliques and huge, bold colorful designs are all present on the bridal fashion scene.

Bridal jumpsuits, trousers, the little white dress and more

Just as the traditional notion of brides in white wedding dresses found a replacement in colorful wedding gowns, so did traditional dress styles. The ball gown always fit the vision of a bridal dress. There was a time when no bride would be seen in anything but a billowing big meringue gown at her wedding. Later, brides chose to show off their style and natural curves in sheath and A-line dresses. And finally came the mermaid silhouette for brides who wanted to really flaunt their figure!

All these were gradual changes, but none of them prepared us for the big changes of the 2010’s and beyond. Little white dresses shared space with modular dresses, bridal pant suits and jumpsuits. These extremely unconventional wedding outfits heralded an new era in bridal fashion. Often seen at informal weddings and weddings featuring casual themes, these dress styles continue as the fashion-forward option for brides.

Casual wedding themes

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Classic weddings are an eternal favorite. Nevertheless, many casual and unusual wedding themes make their appearance time and again. Popular wedding venues for casual themes include beaches, barns and even backyards. Who would ever have expected to see weddings planned around rainbows, vintage circuses or woodland creatures? However, such themes are only some of the many unusual themes that are popular in the world of weddings these days. When everyone wants a wedding that is like nothing anyone’s seen before, wedding planners and clever couples come up with such ideas. So, it is not surprising that food trucks, ice cream vans and naked cakes are all part and parcel of the wedding world today!

Anything but cake!

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Sometime back, we could never imagine a reception without a cake! After all, a huge tiered cake was the highlight of every reception in the 20th century. As couples fiddled and played with traditional favorites, it was time to give a twist to this tradition as well. And that is how cookie tiers, gourmet cakes and cheese tables came to replace wedding cakes.

Not only are these options economical, they are better suited to satisfy the various tastes of the guests. Some couples incorporate this into their weddings to just keep it unique. With interesting dessert buffets with a variety of options, I think this is something to appreciate. Pancake stations, cupcake tiers and individual portions of tempting deserts are always more inviting than a slice of cake. All the couple need is a gourmet cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, and everyone is happy at the end of the day!

Bridesmaids who do not match

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Bridesmaids are the bride’s best friends, sisters and cousins. They always held an important role in the wedding from time immemorial. Nonetheless, it wasn’t surprising that most women dreaded this wedding day, for their outfits were hideous. Although brides eliminated bright colored comic costumes from the scene over time, brides still chose matching outfits for their bridesmaids. So, irrespective of their size, body shape, complexion or build, all the women would dress in copies of the exact same dress.

The story is totally different now. Matching bridesmaids are a thing of the past. Although we wouldn’t have expected it at time, it is delightful to see these women in dresses that actually make them look good. Another detail for the bride to work on, but different necklines, hemlines, styles and colors are the various factors that brides consider when mixing and matching bridesmaids outfits.

Specially styled beverages and bars

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The bar which was once standard fare at weddings was also pretty expensive. Most guests looked forward to it when attending a wedding. There was a typical menu with a range of drinks served at every wedding. So, it wasn’t easy to replace. While limited bars offered a happy middle ground to open bars and hosted bars, it wasn’t an adventurous choice either.

That’s when the idea of signature cocktails, local wine collections and beers became a big hit. This is now pretty common at many wedding receptions. Couples serve up a collection of signature cocktails, local wines and beers to not only offset their alcohol bills, but also to make a lasting impression through their wedding parties.

Wedding websites

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Although the internet has been in existence for ages, it wasn’t so popular in the early years of this century. Hence, wedding websites were unheard of. All information would be in wedding invitations and passed on by word of mouth. Something as simple as a wedding website revolutionized all this.

Now, almost every couple has their own wedding website. This is a one-stop destination for all information about the wedding. It has everything from the wedding details to extras like the wedding registry. It may even have photos of the couple and include their engagement story. The modern generation is naturally inclined to check the wedding website of a couple than scan through the information sent to them in the form of a traditional invitation card.

Wedding brunches

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According to English tradition, high noon weddings were most stylish. However, this idea didn’t hold for long. By the turn of the century weddings were always evening affairs. Lavish wedding dinners was always a given at a wedding.

So, wedding brunches are a novelty when we think that the idea was non-existent in weddings of this generation. However, this option comes with its advantages. It is not only practical and simple, it is also budget-friendly. With the advent of casual wedding themes, a wedding brunch is good for hosting guests without bursting your budget. It is pretty fun too, as the daytime creates a relaxed ambiance that is more welcoming than a formal reception in the evening.

Hashtag weddings

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I don’t think you would be surprised if you were to notice a poster or board at a wedding listing the couple’s hashtag. In fact, if you are clicking pictures on this occasion, you will probably be tagging yours with the same. However, this idea was entirely unheard of a few decades ago.

Although social media has been in the picture for years, the idea of segregating all the information from a wedding in a single location was not there.  Instead of clicking pictures, most people just watched the wedding and let the photographer do his job. It was only after smart phones became popular that everyone became obsessed with this idea of posing and clicking pictures all the time.

Decor and venues that aren’t traditional wedding fare

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Classic themes have continued down centuries. However, more and more couples today want to surprise their guests by thinking of extraordinary settings and elements for their wedding. This perhaps explains the popularity of burlap and wood at weddings that follow a vintage theme.

Vintage wedding themes not only embrace the wedding styles of yesteryear, but also often replicate more than what we’d ever expect at a wedding. So, weddings in barns, elements like bird cages, distressed wood and burlap are trendy on the wedding scene. These were never expected to play into the settings a few years ago.

Unconventional bouquets for the non-traditional bride

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Bridal bouquets had names, like the nosegay, cascade or round bouquets. They were traditionally formed of flowers that a florist gathered fresh and dressed into a tight setting. This isn’t always the case today.

Modern brides experiment with a range of unconventional bouquet options for various reasons. With loosely gathered wildflower bouquets, paper flower bouquets, those with brooches, paper and even fruits and berries, the options are numerous. The composite is also a trending style. In this design, florists use several smaller flowers and make a single big flower.

Tradition meets modern in blue wedding shoes

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We just love it when modern brides put interesting twists on tradition. Over the last decade,brides switched out traditional white and cream wedding shoes for blue beauties. This is a modern twist on a very traditional part of weddings. It is not just interesting, but beautiful too.

Brides needn’t any longer find shoes that match the wedding dress or dye shoes that may never be used again. Blue shoes can usually be worn with many different outfits. So, there is a good chance of the bride using it again after her wedding day.

The first-look shot

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It was a common belief among brides and grooms that meeting each other before the ceremony was bad luck. Most couples kept up with this practice till someone discovered it wasn’t helping with good photographs.

So, with the support of their photographers, more and more couples ignore this belief. This means better photographs for the album, and a chance for the bride and groom to see each other and enjoy their private moment before the wedding.

At Best for Bride, we love both traditions and modern practices. Hence, we are the best destination to fulfill your bridal shopping needs. Whether you are a traditional bride with a penchant for classic style, or a modern bride who wants everything unique and surprising, come and visit us. We have a vast collection of both traditional and modern wedding dresses. For more details on our bridal dress inventory, dresses for the wedding party, wedding services, accessories and online shopping option, check out our website here.

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Top Wedding photography mistakes and how to avoid them

Every couple makes memories on their wedding day, and these special memories are captured forever in a couple’s wedding album.

Wedding photographs document of the most special day of your life. Hence, it is one wedding detail that deserves a lot of attention. Never undermine the importance of planning your wedding photography well. Why? Only then will your wedding photos help you recollect every beautiful memory of this big day in the best possible way.

The quality of your pictures will greatly depend on the skill of the photographer you hired for the job. Nevertheless, minor and major mistakes from your side can also create problems on your wedding day. Unfortunately, this means that you will end up with photographs that are less than satisfactory.

Let us take a look at what these potential mistakes are, and how you can overcome them.

Never prioritize cost over quality

I strongly believe that no couple should compromise on cost when they choose their wedding photographer. After all, this is the one record of the biggest event in your lifetime. There is no way you can enjoy the details of this special day later unless your photographs capture it well. So, remember that a seasoned expert in photography is worth his price.

There will be amateur photographers or those who offer you a cheaper deal than a professional. However the risk of ending up with poor quality images is high in this case. And that is definitely not worth doing. If you have a very small budget, opt for a smaller package from a good photographer. Leave the album compilation for later, when you have the funds for it.

You should familiarize yourself with the photographer before the wedding day

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You will be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day. Hence, it is really important that you connect with him. Not all couples are naturally camera-friendly. If this is the case, you can overcome your shyness by becoming familiar with the photographer before your wedding day.

Engagement shoots are a great way to get to know your photographer’s style of work. It also gives you the opportunity to get used to the camera and become comfortable with it. This experience will make you more comfortable to face the camera on your wedding day. It will help you prepare better for the photography sessions on your wedding day. If you aren’t sure of whether you want an engagement shoot, take a look at what the Huff Post has to say about it. I’m sure it’ll have you convinced in no time. 

Make sure to discuss how you want your photos

Not all couples realize that there are different types of wedding photography. This article on A Practical Wedding will guide you through the common styles.  It is important to recognize which of these is your preferred style, and then find a photographer who follows it. The photographer’s portfolio will give you a general idea of his style of working. So, use this as your guide.

Even after you choose your photographer, you should clearly communicate your expectations to him. Discuss how you want to look in the pictures, what to include in it and any other relevant information. This will allow him to direct his shots accordingly.

Do settle on a realistic wedding day schedule

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If there is one person you should consult before you finalize your wedding day timeline, it is your photographer. Every important detail and event on the day deserves photo coverage. His previous experience will help your photographer guide you on how much time you should allot to the different things you have to do on the day. You should have plenty of buffer time between different events, in case anything falls behind schedule. Plan this with your photographer, so he won’t have to cut down on taking essential pictures.

If you run short of time, you may have to rush through or cancel your photo shoots at the last minute. This means you will be missing valuable pictures that ought to make it to your album. You should also get his opinion when planning the couple shoot and outdoor pictures. The quality of the images will depend on the amount of natural lighting available. So, plan your timeline to incorporate all these factors. Remember that the best photos are those that aren’t rushed but which feature you in your natural element.

Enlist help for collecting everyone for your pictures

Every couple will be doing portrait shoots with family and friends, apart from with the bridal party. Unless your photographer personally knows both your families, it will be impossible for him to get all the people for each of the shots in place on time. You can avoid this by simply assigning the job of collecting everyone for the photos to one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen. Make sure this is someone who knows everyone from both families.

While you give your photographer a list of group photos to be taken, make a copy of the list for the shoot organizer. Discuss details with them in advance and tell them who should come together in each picture. They can then direct everyone to the right place on time, and ensure they miss nobody.

You must have at least few candid shots

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The best pictures are those in which you look yourself. Although you will have to pose for a number of portraits and group pictures, that shouldn’t be all that is in your album. For a true documentation of your wedding day, allow your photographer to roam around and take pictures according to will.

You should always have a list of must-have’s, but trust your photographer to do the rest according to his own ideas. A creative and skilled photographer will know what all to include to make your album truly special. Leave him to take at least few candid shots of you and the guests at the party, and your album will be unique in it’s own way.

Ignore the camera unless told otherwise

It is your special day, and you want to look perfect in your pictures. This is possible only if you relax and enjoy your photography session. Many couples focus too much on the photo shoot and look unnatural and uneasy in their pictures. When exhausted, people also make the mistake of faking a grin for the camera. This can ruin the entire effect.

Unless it is a portrait shot or a group photo where you are facing the camera, it is best to ignore the camera and lose yourself in the day. Follow your photographer’s cues and he will ask you to look at the camera when required. Try and look natural, and your photographs will still be great even if you aren’t looking into the camera.

Practice your poses

8 Interesting wedding dress features to inspire the modern bride

Do you remember me mentioning that you will have to pose for portraits and group photos at your wedding photo shoot? Prepare yourself for it in advance and practice your best poses. Take a look at some of your old photos, and identify those that you like best. Pay attention to how you faced the camera in each of them. This will help you identify your best angles, profile and look. Practice this in front of the mirror during the days leading up to your wedding. So, when it is time to smile, you can quickly settle into this pose.

If you are unsure, ask your photographer to help you identify your best profile. Nevertheless, don’t be too rigid or pose too much, as this can become boring. Stand up straight, pull your chin in and simply angle yourself in the right direction to look your best.

Don’t take too many trendy pictures

From wedding dress trends to trends in wedding favors and even in photography props, there are plenty of trends to tempt couples. Following the trend is often exciting. However, don’t forget that trends come and go. On the other hand, classic styles and poses are timeless.

Think of whether you will be just as satisfied with the props, poses and shots when you look at your album ten years of now, when embracing a trend. Remember how some of the photos in your parents albums look outdated now. Some of them may even seem hilarious. Do you want to experience the same? If not, follow trends in moderation and avoid anything that is too extreme.

Discuss essential details

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You will have a list of people to include in the photos and the different events during the day that you want in your wedding album. Create a similar list for the various details that you want to be part of your album.

For instance, you may want a close-up shot of your expensive wedding jewelry or a picture in a particular location in your house. Make sure you mention it to your photographer. This way, he will not overlook the detail.

Choose photogenic makeup and colors

Not all makeup and hairstyles are photogenic. Unless you consider how your make-up and hairstyle will look on camera in advance, you may be in for a nasty surprise. Spray tans, for example, will give you an orange complexion in most lighting. Similarly, glitter may look glamorous in person, but looks like sweat in photos. In the case of hairstyles, leaving your hair open in a windy outdoor venue can result in your face being obscured by your hair flying in the wind.

Consider these factors when choosing your hair and makeup. Opt for a bridal portrait or engagement shoot. This gives you the opportunity to try the same hair and makeup as you want for your wedding day. You can see firsthand how it translates into pictures and change it if doesn’t look flattering.

Research and explore the options at the venue

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Each venue will offer unique photography options. You will not know about it unless you explore the location in advance. When you visit the venue before the wedding, walk around and locate unique spots that will make good backdrops for your pictures. Talk to the venue manager to find out if there are unique spots for photos that you may not have noticed.

Natural lighting looks best in pictures. So, try to include at least few outdoor shots in your pictures. Discuss possible locations with your photographer, both indoors and outdoors. If lighting is limited in any area, tell your photographer about it. He can then bring extra lighting equipment.

Follow the photographer’s instructions, even if they sound odd

Trust your photographer when he asks you to do something, even if it seems unusual. With a skilled person behind the camera, you can be sure he knows what he is doing. Sometimes its these unusual poses and expressions that translate into unique pictures. So, don’t worry too much about making everything perfect. As long as you have a great photographer and you have dressed your absolute best, everything should quickly fall into place.

Just relax and enjoy yourself, and the happiness will permeate your photographs. Make the most of this rare opportunity of being in the limelight. Enjoy every moment. Your album will be proof of the best fun you ever had.

To look your best on your wedding day, you need a dream wedding dress and a beautiful bridal party to match!

Look no further, for both these needs can be realized at Best for Bride, Canada’s leading bridal destination. Check out our website here for the latest and trending wedding dress collections. There is enough variety to meet every bride’s wedding vision. Also take a tour through our accessories page, bridal party dresses and dresses for special occasions to find all that you need for your big milestone event.

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6 helpful things to know before you start wedding planning

Now that you are newly engaged and finished celebrating your engagement party with your dear folks, are you all set to dive into wedding planning? Just wait a second! There are certain things that you should be aware of, before you start wedding planning. These will help you save a lot of money, as well as make your planning process a lot easier.

Today, let us take a look at a handful of helpful tips to use when planning your wedding. Trust us, it will save you a lot of confusion and regrets later. And, here they are!

1.Booking the venue—what to remember

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While factors like matching your wedding theme, the ease of reaching the location and number of people it can accommodate are all relevant factors, there are some things to remember, if you are on a budget. They are:

Peak wedding months are expensive: June to August is peak wedding season, and everything is at a premium cost during this time. Consider getting married earlier in the year, when winter is no longer as severe, and spring is just about to arrive. Or, you can consider early fall for your wedding, as venues often slash their prices this time of the year.

Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount: Don’t assume that the price you receive on your venue is final! Even if it is just falls within your budget, don’t quickly jump at the quote and book the venue right away. Negotiate with the venue manager and find out if there is any possibility of getting it at a lower price. If you are lucky, you may get yourself a better bargain.

Look at alternatives, before visiting your preferred location: This helps in two ways. First, you will know which option you will consider, should your first choice not work out. Secondly, it allows you to know what else is on offer, and make a wise decision based on it. As with anything wedding related, it is a good idea to research and explore your choices before you settle down with what you actually choose for the wedding.

2.Wedding planner—what are the options

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Booking a wedding planner will make your wedding planning a lot easier. However, you should know that there are different options, and depending on what you choose, the service you receive and the price you pay will be different. So, let us take a look at what are your options.

Event planners: This is the whole package, where the planner will be involved in every aspect of planning your wedding. They will literally do your job for you, and will be responsible for executing everything at your wedding and making sure there are no hassles on the day. Event planners are quite expensive, as they will be working on your wedding for several months and you have to compensate them for their time and effort.

Part-time planners: This is where you do not outsource the entire wedding planning process, but only selected aspects that you aren’t able to handle yourself. This is more budget-friendly, as you can delegate the tasks that you do not have the time for, and pay only for it. Since you will be doing the greater share of the work, you will find it much cheaper than booking an event planner. If you are naturally organized and want to personally oversee your wedding details, this may be the right option for you.

Day-of coordinator: Even if you are handling everything about your wedding yourself, a day-of coordinator should definitely be considered. This is because you do not want to worry yourself with last-minute details on your wedding day. If you want a stress-free wedding day, a day-of coordinator can take charge of managing the various factors on that day. They will see that everything progresses smoothly and as per plan, leaving you to enjoy your wedding as you should.

Once you choose which of these services meets your needs best, again discuss the charges with the people you consider for the job. Compare the rates for an all-inclusive package with one for customized services, and choose the one that is best for your budget and needs.

3.Before paying for Wedding Entertainment

Choosing between a DJ and a band can be really confusing. You may be under the general impression that a DJ costs much lesser than a band. However, it can be quite expensive to book a good DJ who can actually make your party come alive. There are ways in which you can get a reasonable quote for a band too, and here are some tips for that.

Look for experienced student groups: If there is a music school in your area, you may be in luck. Student groups are usually energetic, exciting and just as efficient as a trained band in creating a lively party atmosphere. The bonus is that they cost much less. So, if you are up for the risk, look around for such a band.

Ask for the breakup charges: Instead of just being shocked by the overall quote from a band, ask them for the breakup costs. If it includes transportation, see if you can arrange a cheaper alternative and save some cash that way. Also, look at the list of musicians and ask if you can downsize to just those who you actually need.

4.Before you go wedding shopping

Cool wedding accessories for the winter bride

Wedding dresses are crucial to transforming you into a splendid bride, however they can be quite pricey. Before you step into the shop, do your research and know your options. Here are some ways to make the most of your wedding dress budget.

Consider more than one style: If you keep your options open, it is easier to find a dress that falls within budget. Do your research ahead of time, and identify which styles will look good on you. Then look at dresses in these styles and choose the one that you are satisfied with, both in look and in price.

Look at the clearance and sale section: Many bridal shops like Best for Bride, will always have dresses on discounts and on sale. Before you look at the latest collection, it may be a good idea to see what is available in the sale section. You may find a dress that is quite similar to what you love in the current collection, at a fraction of a price.

Wait for trunk shows: Trunk shows are a bride’s dream-come-true, especially if you are in a standard 8-12 size group. These shows allow you to find the dress of your dreams at a reduced cost. If you are engaged for a year or more, it is likely that you will come across at least one trunk show during this time. So, call up the boutiques in the area and find out whether they have one scheduled in the near future. Put off your wedding shopping session till after wards, so you can take a chance and hope to find your wedding dress at the trunk show.

Save on alterations: When you fix your wedding dress budget, you also have to account for the alteration charges for the dress. It is highly unlikely that you will perfectly fit into a dress you find off-the-rack. So, you will have to pay extra to alter it to fit you. However, you will have to pay less on alterations if you take care of the following factors

  • find a dress that is closest to your actual size, neither too big nor too small
  • not make expensive custom changes, like altering the neckline or design feature as any amount of rework will cost more money

Rent your dress: If you really want to make the most of your wedding dress budget, consider renting the dress instead of buying it. At shops like Best for Bride, the rental section has ample choices in different sizes. You can rent the dress along with the accessories for a fraction of the original cost, and not worry about boxing or caring for the dress afterwards and put the money to some other use. Alternately, you can also scour the internet for unused dresses on sales, that usually are a great bargain as they are brand new, but not as expensive as a fresh piece in a shop.

5.Before you take any pictures

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Wedding photography is an essential for every wedding, and you can choose from different types and packages based on your preferences and budget. Before you even set out to look for a photographer, consider how you want your wedding photographs to be captured. The different types of wedding photography include:

Traditional: The classic portrait style photographs with group pictures in specified poses.

Casual: Candid photography, where the photographer captures casual and original moments of the day, and shoots from unconventional angles. The photographer aims to recreate the memories of the day, by capturing the wedding with the most relevant and unique pictures that characterize the wedding.

A mix of the two: Here, the photographer uses both casual and posed portraits to completely cover the wedding.

Art-style: Here the focus is on creating one-of-a-kind photographs that transcend into the realm of art. It is anything but traditional.

Depending on your personal taste, you can decide upon the type of photography to have at your wedding, and then find photographers who work with the style you choose. Some tips to help you, before you start shortlisting photographers are as follows.

Compare packages and custom deals: You may not always require all that is included in a photographer’s package. If this is the case, ask if you can have a custom quote based on what you require. This is also useful if you need an extra service from what is included in a package deal.

Discuss how many hours you will need the photographer to cover your wedding: Before you meet with a photographer, be clear on how much time you will need his services for. You must make sure that he will be available for the important events both at the start and the end of the day. If he charges overtime rates for staying beyond certain number of hours, and in case your wedding goes on for longer than anticipated, make sure you know in advance.

6.The food factor

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There are many factors that decide the food expenses you will have to incur. Factors to consider when choosing your caterer are as follows.

Choice of menu: Remember that gourmet meals will cost more than standard meals. So, let the choice of cuisine be one of the guiding factors in determining your food budget. The overall presentation and whether the dishes have to be created fresh on-site or can be prepared in advance will also decide the catering cost.

Buffet or plated-style: Buffets and plated meals, both have their own pros and cons. The sensible and budget-friendly option is to have a mix of both styles. This means you can use shared platters for the main meal, while individual portions are served as starters. This will minimize wastage and maximize the value for money.

This brings us to the end of the various factors that will prevent a headache for you, later. Do your research and plan the possible workable options for each of these choices, and you will be able to work it out very easily.

Best for Bride is a wedding shop that brings you the latest and trendiest in wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and attire for the wedding party. We also have invitations, wedding favors and services like wedding cakes, décor arrangements and florists. Visit our online bridal shop to learn more about all our services, and also find out about the latest offers, discounts and sales we have. Experience the best of bridal shopping with our seasoned bridal consultants who will assist you in finding the dream gown for your big day. For a fun-filled and enjoyable experience, contact us today and book your appointment.