Q: What should you ask a potential wedding photographer?
Expert: Shaun Menary, owner of Shaun Menary Photography
1. Do you have insurance?
This is such an important question. Obviously, the bride and groom can ensure that their guests and photographer are protected in case of accident or injury involved with the photographer. But the more important and less obvious reason is that a photographer who takes his or her business very seriously will carry insurance.
2. How many weddings have you shot?
This is perhaps the most important question you can ask, because it will give you so many answers. A wedding photographer does more than point a camera at pretty things. They must be able to capture emotion, be able to work with large groups of (sometimes drunk) people, take direction, give direction, help make the wedding-day schedule, always be punctual, and juggle all these (and more) responsibilities with a huge smile. These are things that are honed and perfected with experience.
3. How do you back up your files?
If you get anything other than a confident answer replete with techie lingo that baffles you, dig a little deeper. And if you get a deer-in-the-headlights look, run. Basically, you want your photographer to have your images backed up right after the wedding, especially during busy season when a wedding can wait in the queue for weeks.
4. Do you bring backup gear to your weddings?
Cameras break, lens shutters go bonkers, and accidents happen! If your photographer’s primary equipment becomes unusable, they should have backups that can be accessed .
5. What is your style?
Again, this seems straightforward, but it’s worth asking. Just make sure you choose the photographer who is right for you; otherwise, you will be unhappy with your wedding photos.
6. How do you shoot low-light situations?
A photographer must have quite a bit of technical skill in order to shoot low-light situations. Producing images wherein both the subject is well-lit and the ambiance of the space translates accurately requires a technically proficient photographer.
7. What qualities do you like in the couples you shoot?
People don’t think to ask this. However, some brides don’t realize that photographers are subtly interviewing them. Seasoned photographers know that not every bride is right for their personality and style. Some even refer brides to different photographers after initial meetings. It’s not personal; they simply know it isn’t the right fit. There are so many photographers out there, and there is one that is great for you
Q: My fiancé and I just got engaged and peonies are my favorite flower. Which season are they most plentiful?
Expert: John Holstead, owner of 21 Parc Floral & Events
A key factor for any bride to consider when selecting particular types of flowers for her wedding is the growing season. Many varieties have limited growing seasons, while others are available all year. So, before choosing your favorite flowers, check to ensure they’re available and at current market cost. A few tips are listed below:
Spring
Peonies continue to be the most requested flowers by brides. Brides should keep in mind that this flower’s peak growing season is March through June. That’s when they produce the best, richest, and fullest blooms. Bloom colors include white, pink, red, magenta, burgundy, peach, yellow, and green. Peonies can be located in off-growing season, but be prepared for small blooms and inflated prices. The same applies for ranunculus, another bridal favorite.
Summer
Celosia, more widely known as cockscomb, is customarily used in “garden style” bouquets, but over the past several years we’ve seen it used in “traditionally styled” bridal bouquets, as well. Peak growing season is from April to mid-November. The bright clusters on the flower resemble a rooster’s comb. Color variations include pink, magenta, red, burgundy, orange, yellow, and green.
Fall
Fall is a wonderful time of year for brides—floral varieties are plentiful. Dahlias, also referred to as Georgians, add great depth and texture to any bouquet. Bloom sizes and colors are diverse. Colors include white, lavender, purple, pink, magenta, red, burgundy, peach, orange, yellow, and variegated—my favorite! Availability is from June through October. A perfect addition for early fall weddings.
Winter
Amaryllis, available from mid-October through mid-May, should be on any brides’ floral menu for a winter wedding. There can be two to four trumpet-shaped blooms on each stem, which adds an air of elegance to the bouquet. In December, brides can incorporate other red floral with variegated amaryllis to create a warm holiday feeling. Colors include white, pink, red, peach, orange, or variegated.
If you can’t decide which songs to put on your “must-play” list for your wedding day or haven’t landed on the perfect first-dance tune, here are a few ideas to get you started from Andy Austin Entertainment.
FIRST DANCE
“On A Night Like This” by Dave Barnes
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
“Forever Young” (slow acoustic version)
by Rod Stewart
MOTHER-SON DANCE
“The Wonder of You” by Elvis Presley
GET THE GUESTS ON THE DANCE FLOOR
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
KEEP THE PARTY GOING
“We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
Illustrated map by Shannon Catlett (shannoncatlett.com)
Q: What are some ways to make my guests feel comfortable during our destination-wedding weekend?
Expert: Emily Clarke, owner of Emily Clarke Events
The most important thing you can do is provide detailed information up front. A great place to start is providing a packet with a mini itinerary in the save the date. You can add information about a welcome reception or brunch so that people can book their flights accordingly. In the save the date we also like to give information about the best airport to fly into, transportation information from the airport, and hotel blocks. A website is also a great way to deliver information that is a little more budget-friendly than an insert. A lot of times, brides want to include a map in their save the date or invitation, but most guests won’t remember to bring it with them, so include that in the hotel welcome bag. Clearly communicate the hotel choices and which hotel is “home base” for the bridal party and where the transportation will be provided from.
Once guests arrive, a welcome bag is appropriate. This is where you can fine-tune the itinerary and information for the weekend including times, locations, transportation information, and also historical spots, places to dine, and activities for the guests’ free time.
When planning a destination wedding, consider hosting a Friday night get-together. Old etiquette would tell you that you have to invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, but sometimes space restrictions at the rehearsal dinner venue or budget does not allow for the entire guest list to be invited. It’s perfectly acceptable to host a party that starts an hour before the wedding party will arrive so guests can mix and mingle beforehand. Honestly, what people want more than anything is a place to gather and see each other. If you have people offering to host parties, this is a great option for them in lieu of a shower or engagement party. Plus, you may not have as many showers because your guest list is smaller.
As a rule of thumb, if you want a destination wedding, you need to consider transportation accommodations in your budget. You need to make people feel cared for. There are scenarios where maybe it’s not necessary, such as walkable areas in New Orleans or when hosting the wedding and reception at the same hotel venue. But, if your home base hotel is in the town of Aspen and the wedding is at a venue 20 to 30 minutes up the mountain, you need to provide transportation for guests.
When booking hotel blocks, make sure you have a few price points. If you don’t, your guests will find other places to stay. On the response card, a great idea is to include a line for guests to fill in their hotel (so you can still deliver welcome bags) and if they will need transportation. Then you don’t overpay on the buses and you can track your guests.
Finally, do your research! Be wary of festival and holiday weekends that are specific to the city. A word of warning: The venues will never tell you this. I call the concierge at the nicest hotel and ask what the weekend looks like. Festivals and holiday weekends can increase costs to your guests and can be hard to plan around.
Amsale gown, available at Neiman Marcus
Q: What is a sample sale?
Expert: Christina Plumlee, buyer at the Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus
A sample sale is when we offer gowns that we have on display in our store for sale to the public. At each bridal market we buy many gowns for the new season and we need to make room for the new gowns.
What is a sample dress?
A sample gown is one that has been displayed in our salon and tried on by other brides.
What size is a typical sample?
The normal sample is a bridal size 8 or 10. This is comparable to a ready-to-wear size 6 or 8. Remember these are couture sizes and not like a gown you would buy off the rack. You can alter the gowns and make them smaller or, in some cases, larger.
What time of year are sample sales typically held?
I plan our sales twice a year, normally in July and December. This can vary depending on how many of the new gowns have arrived and other trunk shows we have scheduled.
Are the dresses current?
The best answer is yes. There are always a few gowns that have been recently discontinued from a designer’s line, but most of the gowns are still current and can still be ordered new. In our salon’s case, the only reason we have sample sales is that we do not have room to store all the gowns.
Do you have to pay for your own alterations or do they come with the price of the gown?
Yes, you will pay for alterations. Gowns are sold “as is,” so any repairs or alterations are the responsibility of the buyer. Brides are welcome to receive a quote from our alterations staff or they oftentimes take the gown to their tailor.
What are the markdowns?
Our samples start at 30 percent off and go as high as 75 percent off. This is an amazing deal. You can buy a gown that normally sells for $7,000 for as little as $1,750. The price is determined by several factors such as how long we have owned the gown and the condition of the gown.
What are the benefits of a sample sale?
It is a great time to find the gown of your dreams at a very affordable price. Most of our gowns are in great shape. You do need to show up at the start of the sale and decide quickly because they sell fast and there is only one of each style. Remember they are final sale, so be sure you are in love with the gown.
Q: What are the right questions to ask when I’m looking at possible wedding venues?
Expert: Kelley Grosskopf, associate director of catering at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas
Different venues will bring up different issues/ideas to consider, so more questions might arise after your first site tour. No question is a bad question, so do not hesitate to follow-up post-visit with anything you may have forgotten to ask! Your contacts at the different venues you are considering are there to answer all questions—big and small! Here is a sample of some questions to remember to ask:
• What is included with the venue? (Tables, chairs, linens, chargers, votives, etc.)
• Is someone available and present throughout the day/evening to make sure that things run smoothly?
• Will we have a tasting where we can finalize our menu and discuss details?
• What is the venue’s food and beverage minimum and required room rental fee?
• Are there any setup fees, cake-cutting fees, cleanup fees, etc., that I should be mindful of?
• Is there a location on property where we might be able to host our ceremony? If it is outside, is there a weather contingency plan?
• Do you have a preferred vendors list? Are we required to use only vendors included on this list?
Gold teak wood table numbers, ($8 each, bhldn.com)
Q: I would like to have a seated dinner, but I don’t even know where to start when it comes to assigning seats! What are some good tips to remember?
Expert: Elizabeth Gonzalez, owner of After Yes
1. Assigning tables is a must!
“Do I really need a seating chart?” is a question many brides ask. The answer is: “Yes!” When guests first enter your reception they are looking for direction: “Where do I put my gift, sign in, get a drink, or put my bag?” Minimizing questions makes the transition from ceremony to reception smoother and creates a relaxed environment for your guests.
2. Clearly organize from start to finish.
Starting with a well-organized guest list will ease the process. Have separate columns for last name, first name, table number, etc., so the list can be sorted different ways. As your planners, we like to have copies sorted both by table number and last name for quick reference. This comes in handy for last-minute changes. When displaying escort cards, be sure to arrange them alphabetically by last name and allow plenty of space for each one to be easily seen.
3. Assign wedding party first.
Assigning tables for hundreds of your closest friends and family isn’t easy. Start with your wedding party. We typically see a long head table consisting of the wedding party and their dates, surrounded by a few family tables and then remaining guest tables fill the space from there.
4. Allow for wiggle room.
The general rule for no-shows and extras is plus or minus 10 percent. A 60-inch round table seats eight to 10 guests comfortably, depending on the type of chair and use of charger or not. A six-foot rectangle table seats six. Each table does not have to have the same number to begin with. You’ll set up based on the “final” list and be prepared for changes. Be sure there is a 5 percent overage for all rentals needed to set the table.
5. Be flexible and know when to “let it go.”
There will always be last-minute changes, no-shows, and extras. Coming to terms with this from the beginning will help your stress level. Call it “final” at a week to three days before the wedding and leave any remaining changes to your wedding planner to handle.
Q: What are some tips and tricks for getting my skin ready for the wedding day?
Expert: Jennifer Massoud, owner of JenXFaces
A proper skincare routine is the key to longevity in your makeup for the big day! Good skin starts from within. A customized skincare consultation for each client can prepare her physically and mentally for the wedding day. Skin is the largest organ in the body, yet it is often the last place to receive nutrients and the first to show signs of inflammation (redness, breakouts, uneven tone/texture, dryness /dehydration). You would be surprised how many women don’t remove their makeup and then blame their foundation for breaking them out!
First, here is a basic skin-care routine:
1. Wash and remove your makeup with coconut oil. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal and it will remove your makeup without stripping your skin of its natural hydration.
2. Tone your face with Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel. Add a drop of apple cider vinegar if you struggle with acne.
3. Use evening primrose oil during the day as your facial oil. It helps tone, texture, and prevent breakouts. Use pure vitamin E oil at night. It is nature’s Band-Aid, and it is full of antioxidant protection. You will never need to buy an eye cream again!
This basic routine is the holistic way to keep your skin happy so that you can use all your favorite makeup and you will not break out. I like to start my brides on a routine six to nine months in advance of the wedding day. Each bride makes different choices in her life and those choices can create inflammation in the skin or can heal the skin.
Here is a list of things to remember:
1. Honor the commitment to take care of your body from the inside out, especially on your journey as a bride-to-be. Weddings can be stressful, and stress leads to inflamed skin that results in breakouts, dehydration, and uneven texture and tone.
2. I always recommend sticking with your current routine when it comes to med-spa facials, treatments, or prescription creams. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest treatment!
3. Be patient. Results don’t happen overnight. Your skin needs three to six months on a new regimen to start seeing differences.
4. Be willing to make changes however small or big. Forgetting to remove your makeup happens from time to time, but don’t expect to see improvement if you aren’t willing to change your habits.
5. Start early! I prefer to begin working with my brides nine months in advance so we have time to really see some distinctions in the skin.
6. Be honest with yourself about what you are willing to change and not willing to change.
7. I recommend that my brides do not add in new treatments three months prior to the wedding. Lots of factors can affect the skin when trying a new facial/treatment and one session could take months to recover from.
8. Get your brows done the week of your wedding, but no fewer than three days before.
9. If you do decide to try new treatments within three months of the wedding, then your choices in nutrition will make the biggest difference in seeing the effects from the facials.
10. Sleep eight hours a night. Our bodies were designed to rest, and good sleep makes beautiful skin.
11. Have fun! Make a list of things that bring joy to your life and schedule them in your calendar. Joy keeps your skin glowing!
12. Skip the facials and fancy treatments altogether and eat differently! The best tips for happy skin are removing gluten and processed sugar from your diet. They affect the gut, and an unhealthy gut shows up on your face. Eating fermented foods; organic, dark-green vegetables; grass-fed butter; responsibly raised meats; wild-caught fish; raw dairy; and coconut oil are just a few ways to treat your skin from within.
13. Try lymphatic massage. My team includes a lymphatic massage specialist who uses highly specialized techniques to pull toxins from the body and improve skin (especially puffiness and wrinkles on the face). Plus it feels amazing. Massages can be done the week of the wedding and even on the wedding day.
Rachel Burt, wedding planner with As You Wish.
Q: What are the duties of a bridesmaid and a groomsman?
Expert: Rachel Burt, owner of As You Wish Events
If you’ve recently been asked to be a bridesmaid or groomsman at an upcoming wedding, you may be wondering what all it entails. Don’t worry! Just refer to this short and simple list that outlines the key responsibilities to help the bride and groom from now until their wedding day:
Bridesmaids:
• Assist Maid/Matron of Honor in planning and hosting bridal showers and the bachelorette party.
• Purchase the bridesmaids gowns the bride has selected and accessories to wear in the wedding and schedule fittings/alterations as needed.
• Secure transportation and lodging in a timely manner if coming in from out of town.
• Purchase a wedding present for the couple. You may all get together with the Maid/Matron of Honor to do a joint gift and really knock their socks off!
• Attend rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and all other pre-wedding festivities if applicable.
• Attend the bridesmaids luncheon if applicable.
• Participate in the processional and
recessional of the wedding ceremony.
• Dance and be gracious at the wedding reception.
• You are a reflection of the bride! Help keep the dance floor full and mingle with all of the guests.
• Support the bride and keep her calm.
• Run any last-minute errands if needed.
Groomsmen:
• Assist the Best Man in planning and hosting the bachelor party.
• Purchase or rent tuxedos or specified groomsmen attire from the selected store and get fitted in a timely manner.
• Secure transportation and lodging in a timely manner if coming in from out of town.
• Purchase a wedding present for the couple. You may all get together with the Best Man to do a joint gift and really knock their socks off!
• Attend rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and all other pre-wedding festivities if applicable.
• Participate in the processional and recessional of the wedding ceremony.
• Dance and be social at the wedding reception.
• You are a reflection of the groom! Help keep the dance floor full and mingle with all of the guests.
• Support the groom and keep him calm.
The most important thing is to be timely and communicative. The last thing a bride or groom want to do is constantly check in on you and remind you of tasks you need to accomplish. Save both parties the stress and refer to this list to ensure you will live up to your role and have fun in the process!
Q: What are the perks of choosing a hotel as my wedding venue?
Expert: Mia Chargois, senior catering sales manager, and Kristina Madsen, catering sales manager at Hotel ZaZa Dallas
1. Location, location, location! Hosting at a hotel provides the wedding party and guests one general location to gather and celebrate. This helps eliminate travel time to and from venues, as well as optimal flow from ceremony to reception.
2. Hotels offer multiple spaces within the property to host your event no matter how big or small. Hotels also offer great options for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches.
3. Guests have the option to stay on property during the wedding events. Most hotels offer room blocks for the guests of the wedding and can be negotiated with your sales/catering contact. Room blocks are an option to offer your guests a convenient place to stay at a discounted rate.
4. Hotels offer a full culinary staff at your fingertips during the planning process to help create menus, food stations, etc., with not only great quality, but also above-and-beyond presentation.
5. Hosting weddings and receptions at hotels provides the bride and groom with a “can-do staff.” An extra set of hands can help with all of those last-minute requests that can easily be overlooked.
6. With all hotels come additional perks and amenities. For example, we provide all of our brides with a customized wedding-night gift including: monogrammed robes, iPods with a wedding-night playlist, custom scented candles, and luxury massage oils and bath salts.
7. Hotels can offer a unique combination of settings and spaces. Hotel ZaZa is outfitted with upgraded features that are standard, but we can offer in-house furniture at no additional charge, such as Chiavari chairs, tables, linens, and lounge furniture.
8. Most hotels offer unique suites and spaces for bridal suites, hair and makeup time, day-of suites, and wedding-night rooms. At Hotel ZaZa, couples can chose from a wide range of concept suites such as Rockstar and Erotica.
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