Is your close friend a fantastic photographer? Or maybe you have a cousin who is a florist. Are you considering hiring them for your wedding. It could be because they offered to do the job or you think you can get it done for for less this way, than when you hire a professional. While this may seem the easiest way to go about it, it needn’t work out well in all cases. Sometimes, it is better you pay extra and hire a professional for the job instead.
Let us look at why you should think well before you hire friends or family for your wedding.
Your friend may not be as good as you expect
You may want to give your friend some business by hiring him/her for your wedding. But do so only if you know how good they are at it. If they haven’t worked at a wedding before or aren’t as good as they say they are, you will be making a big mistake. Your friend or relative may be super nice, and may have convinced you that they are capable of the job. However, you wouldn’t know unless you saw their wedding portfolio, or have actually seen how well they do their business.
They may not execute your ideas perfectly as a professional would
When you hire a friend for your wedding, it is difficult to be assertive with what you want. Your friend may stick to what they think is best and not go with your original ideas. When it is someone you do not know personally you can usually switch to a different vendor if your ideas clash. But when it is a friend, this will strain your relationship and simply create an unnecessary rift.
With no contract, you are taking a huge risk
One thing that confirms you will have the required service from a vendor, is the service contract you sign. When you entrust the job to a relative or friend, it is unlikely that there will be any contract involved. Imagine what you will do if your friend decides to cancel at the last minute! You will be left without any back-up plan, and there couldn’t be a bigger disaster. On the other hand, most professionals will be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, and will arrange an alternative if they are forced to cancel for any reason.
Your friend will be occupied with their job instead of enjoying your wedding
Wouldn’t you prefer that your friend enjoys your wedding instead of worrying about the service they have to provide? If you do, you won’t have to think twice about hiring a professional for the job.
You now know what to expect and what could go wrong unless you make an informed decision. Nevertheless, remember that each situation is difficult and sometimes you may get a better when you hire a friend. Just think your decision through and go with it only if you are certain that your friend is reliable, capable and will give you what you want.
I do not have much experience to comment on whether it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day, but I can tell you that it certainly isn’t the end of the world if it does. Every bride who plans an outdoor ceremony during the summer worries whether nature will decide to wreak her plans and throw in a shower or two on her big day.
Our suggestion is not to worry, but plan how you can make the most of this unexpected twist in the situation. One bonus of a rainy wedding day is that you can take wedding pictures that are both romantic and one-of-a-kind. How about that?
With these tips you will be all set to have fun on your wedding day, even if it rains. In fact, once you begin planning for a rainy day wedding, you may stop wishing away rain, and may instead hope that it actually poured.
Make a Plan B and stick to it if it rains
Guests soaked to the bone, and shivering in their wet dresses throughout the wedding function, may not be a good idea. So, we suggest that you include a plan B, when you have an outdoor wedding. Set up tents, or book an adjacent indoor location, for “if it rains.” Even when the rain wreaks havoc in the backdrop, your wedding will have a fairy tale mood.
Get set with pretty umbrellas and wellies
If you have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony, stick to it. Just make sure you purchase umbrellas matching the wedding color palette, and you bring along stylish wellies for yourself and the rest of the bridal party. Don’t forget to click a few pictures in these accessories before you head indoors, it will be a fun one!
Choose water-resistant makeup to look fresh and avoid smudges
You do not want makeup to drip off you and ruin your wonderful white dress during your rendezvous in the rain. So, make sure you choose to use water resistant makeup. Go with light nude colors, so you look fresh and naturally beautiful. Stash the makeup in your emergency kit for a quick touch up before the reception, and you will look great throughout the day.
Find a good photographer
The best thing about rainy day weddings, is that your photos come out looking great due to the color saturation that the natural lighting on the day allows. Nevertheless, you must find a professional who can use this to your advantage, and capture the best possible pictures. Check with your photographer beforehand, to know whether he is comfortable shooting in rain.
Aren’t you convinced yet? Take a look at this picture, and now tell me if you still feel that a rainy wedding is a bad idea!
The feeling of being newly engaged! Ah! It is different altogether. If you are like most brides-to-be, you should be feeling ecstatic, nervous, over the moon, happy, overwhelmed, and most importantly, totally in love!
How do you hold on to the fresh memories of being just engaged? With an engagement photo shoot, of course!
Engagement photo sessions are not compulsory. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful experience—capturing pictures of the two of you as a couple, and saving it into your treasure box of wedding memories. There are several reasons why we think engagement photo sessions are a brilliant idea, and here are some of them.
It is a way to document the happiness you feel as a couple
Being engaged and committed to one another is a whole other thing to dating or just being in love. Yes, it takes a lot to decide that you will be spending the rest of your life with this person, who you now are head over heels in love with, and whose proposal you just accepted. This article on the Huff Post puts this point across beautifully. We wholly approve, when the author tells us that the most important reason to have an engagement photo is because your engagement is a historic chapter in your life; one that is priceless and deserves to be preserved for yourself and your future descendants to revisit and remember.
Engagement photos help you keep the window of time you found each other, alive forever
As I mentioned before, the time you got engaged is perhaps one of the most important milestone events in your personal life. Not only does it have to be celebrated, it should also be preserved. Give it the due importance it deserves, by freezing it into a frame for all eternity. If you will be having a long engagement before getting married, your engagement photo will be a fond memory to hold on to and keep that special feeling alive.
It gives you the opportunity to test the skills of your wedding photographer
Moving onto more practical details, wedding planning begins almost immediately after your engagement. One of the crucial planning tasks is finding an ace photographer to shoot your wedding. You may have chosen the person for the job based on recommendations from friends, after looking at their portfolio and holding lengthy discussions. Nonetheless, we suggest having an engagement photo session done by the same photographer to personally find out how talented he is. This will give you an actual idea of how well he does his job, and if you like how he shoots the two of you.
It gives you a test run of what you will go through on your wedding day
Wedding photography is entirely different from all the other photos you’ve taken in your life. While you can always just go with the flow, remember that you will be investing quite some money in it. Preparing for your wedding photo shoot with a trial session will help you get a better idea of what to expect on your D-day, and how to make the most of it so your photos end up great. You can understand your photographer’s style of work and it allows you the opportunity to make suggestions if you want something extra or different.
Get your first proper couple photos done professionally
Nowadays every moment is instantly captured as selfies on our phones or hand-held devices. But, just think of how nice it would be if you could have a few photos where you aren’t straining your necks and smiling at the camera from close contact? Your engagement photos will be a beautiful and unique presentation of yourselves looking your best, one that can be framed and made a part of your home décor forever.
It gives you the perfect picture to personalize your wedding stationery with
Wedding invitations with a picture of the couple are a growing trend. Make the most of it, by having a great engagement picture added to your wedding stationery. You can also use the same picture on wedding favors like coasters, photo mint tins and Christmas tree ornaments. This personal touch will make your favors and invitations very endearing.
In short, we can say that engagement photo shoots are fun and something you shouldn’t miss. Now that you know why you should consider an engagement shoot, let’s get down to more serious business. Here are the tips we promised you.
How to nail your engagement photo session
1.What to wear
The best engagement photos are those in which the couple look natural and relaxed. So, choose outfits that you are comfortable in. It is a good idea to make sure that your outfits complement each other, but skip the perfectly matching combination unless that is the look you will still love when you look at your pictures five years later. You can also consider having pictures taken in more than one outfit, as it can spice up the imagery. If either of you chooses a bold solid color or vivid and bright patterns, make sure that the other complements you by wearing a neutral or softer shade in the same color palette that goes with it. Clashing colors can look wild and some patterns may look dated in few years.
2.Get the details right
One important factor to consider is the location where your shoot will be organized. How well will your dress work in this location? Since your photos will be shot from different angles and in both wide and close-up style, make sure that you get all the details including jewelry and accessories like shoes and belts right. Since the focus is to be on both of you, it is best to avoid flashy accessories that can distract. Simple accessories that just enhance your overall style are the best choice.
3.The style to wear
You can save the professionally dressed hair and face for the actual wedding. Even if you choose to get your hair and makeup done professionally for your engagement shoot, make sure you still look natural and like yourself. I like this suggestion on the Every last Detail blog that suggests you make use of the engagement photo shoot to give your wedding makeup artist a trial session. This way, you can see if you are happy with your makeup artist’s skills as well as look great in your pictures.
4.Casual, candid or posed?
This is a decision that you and your partner have to make, prior to your engagement shot. It depends on how you like to see yourselves in pictures. Formal shots can be done in a studio, while casual shots are best taken outdoors. Also think of where you will be using these pictures to decide the style you want to opt for. If you want to share it with your parents and relatives, properly posed pictures with the focus on your faces will be ideal. For your wedding stationery and your own homes, turn to your general decorating style. Is it casual and eclectic, or serious and perfect? Candid photos look best in casual settings while posed photos are a better choice for serious interiors. You may also like consider the color of your outfits or whether you want the actual shots framed or converted into black and white, to find the ones that will look best on your walls.
5.Plan the backdrop
In continuation to the previous point, the backdrop for your picture impacts the overall effect you get with it. You should find a comfortable location, whether it is indoors or outdoors, to get the perfect pictures. If you feel uneasy posing in an outdoor location, but still prefer a natural background, consider having it taken at a good spot in your own backyard. If you want a monochrome background where it’s just the two of you in focus, your pictures can be shot in the studio itself. You can also consider having your pictures taken at a place that is meaningful to the two of you—like the place where you were proposed at, where your first met or where you always hang out.
6.Do you practice for the session?
This reminds me of Monica’s and Chandler’s engagement photo session in the sitcom Friends! Unless you or your fiance has trouble like Chandler and freezes in front of the camera, practice isn’t really necessary. Just follow your photographer’s suggestions and all will be well. If you have any favorite poses, that highlight the best of both of you, you can share that with your photographer and adapt your shots to match this idea. Given that your photographer is a professional, he should ideally be able to identify your best angles and shoot accordingly. When you look at the photographer’s portfolio, make a note of the poses you really liked, and ask if you can do the same. Or if you have your own ideas, bring pictures along, so your photographer knows what you are after.
7.Chalkboards, signage and other props
Not necessary, unless you are particularly fond of them. Remember that in a few years time, these may look cheesy and you may not appreciate the funny engagement photo that you love today. So, while you may want the bushy mustache and tiara now, make sure you take a few pictures without any paraphernalia, so you have a safe bet for the future, should your tastes change with time. One prop you shouldn’t however forget, is your engagement ring. That will be a valuable addition to your pictures.
8.Get creative
This goes for all the factors, from poses to outfits to using your pictures. Make the most of your engagement session by breaking free and finding yourselves. Strike a few poses, but if it doesn’t seem to work out, be yourself. You may even set a new trend that way! Try an unusual location or a dress style that you may not wear otherwise. Draw all the inspiration you want from Pinterest and the beautiful pictures floating around on the internet everyday, but ultimately let your engagement photos be a reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple.
9.Have fun
Don’t worry too much about how your engagement photos will turn out. Just make sure you have the best time you can, and trust the rest to your photographer. A good professional will know how to make the best of what is available, and will make sure that your pictures reflect the best. Or, if you have a friend who is an amateur photographer with exquisite photography skills in the outdoors, ask him to do your pictures instead. Ultimately all that matters is getting a few fabulous photos that are perfect for the frame. Plan your photo session for a time when you are relaxed, calm and free from stress. This will allow you to enjoy yourselves to the most, and capture the best photographs you can possibly get.
So, what do you say? Will you be having an engagement photo session?
To help you understand what type of photography would best suit your personality, we suggest you take a look at this article on Best for bride on the different styles of wedding photography.
At Best for Bride we offer brides-to-be a range of photography options and specialized package deals to cater to every requirement of yours. Check out the samples we have online, and you can easily identify the style of photography that suits you, and the photographer who can accomplish it. Or you can get in touch with us and we can help you identify the best choice for your taste as well as customize the available packages to suit your specific requirements.
Our team will make sure that your photographs are a befitting addition to your wedding package, and will help you relive the biggest event in your life, through these memories captured digitally. Whether you have a modern or traditional wedding, and whether it is held indoors or outdoors, we will make sure that you get the best choice, and that your wedding memories live on forever, in style.
As a soon-to-be bride, it is likely that you follow TLC’s show “Say Yes to the Dress”, at least occasionally. In that case, you may not be too surprised to see brides who take their fiance wedding shopping with them.
If you are old-school, you may not agree to this idea, as it is believed to be bad luck for the groom to see his bride in her wedding dress, before the actual wedding day. In this context, it is only apt that we look at what is behind this tradition.
According to this article on CNN, this practice originated in the days when arranged marriages were the norm. The bridegroom was not allowed to see the bride at all (wedding dress or not!), till the time they were actually wed. This was so that if either of them were disappointed with who was to be their life partner, they wouldn’t have the option of backing out.
Today, the situation is different. Although many brides follow this without question, there are others who choose to do so for another reason. It is a memorable moment when the bridegroom first sees the bride in her bridal finesse, and one that the couple will fondly remember. Not to mention, the first-look is a photography favorite that most couples don’t want to ruin.
Nevertheless, what if you want your fiance’s opinion on this matter? What if you believe that he is the best person to give you an honest feedback when you look for your bridal gown?
In this article on the Glamor weddings website, the author Jenny Feldman shares her experience of how she went shopping with the girls, but showed all the dresses she ordered to her husband, and made her final decision with him. Despite this, the experience of seeing each other in their wedding outfits on the actual day was in no way less special.
In short, it entirely depends on your personal situation, and what you would like to do. Here are some factors to consider.
Are you sure that your fiance will love your wedding dress, no matter what you select? Or does he have very strong opinions on what you wear, and you are worried about disappointing him by choosing something he wouldn’t approve?
Does he understand your taste, and does he help you make good dress choices?
Do you think that the magic of the moment when you first see each other on your wedding day, will be ruined, if your groom has already seen you in your wedding dress?
If the two of you are paying for the dress, it may be advisable to consult him as it is a considerable expense that you want to spend right.
Finally, make sure you discuss your ideas beforehand, so he knows what to expect and both of you are on the same page when you go shopping. Also, don’t forget to check out our bridal gallery at Best for Bride, to shortlist the dresses that will be perfect for your big day.
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