Something For The Groom To Wear

Image via WikipediaUsually dressing the groom is a much easier task than for the bride as there are fewer options to
choose from.

The formality of the wedding and the time of day the wedding is being held, are two factors that can determine what type of outfit the groom should wear. These days the dress code for weddings is much more relaxed and so as long as the groom chooses an outfit that is acceptable and compliments the bride's outfit then the options are wide open.

If you are planning on a formal wedding and want something very formal then hiring the groom's might be the cheapest and easiest option. If you do decide on hiring a suit, it's best to start looking a few months before the wedding and as soon as the wedding colors are set.

Otherwise, if you just want something like a formal dinner suit or day to day suit that you think might be worn for other occasions then look at buying an off-the-rack suit from a men's store.

Another option is to check around for places that offer taylor-made suits at very low rates and often ready to be picked up in less that a week or so.

Tip: if you are buying new shoes to wear at the wedding, it's a good idea to wear them when getting a suit, so that the pant leg length can be measured accurately to the style of the shoes.

Tips To Save Money On A Suit
If you're hiring a suit, make sure the groomsmen and father of the bride get their suits at the same place to be sure everyone is matching. Ask the hire store if they give discounts for hiring more than one suit.

Sometimes they will include accessories like belts, or bow ties etc for free.

If you are buying a suit, wait until the sales and then get the suit, shoes, shirt etc at the same time.

If you're having the bridesmaids dresses made by a dressmaker then you could save money by getting her to also make bow ties and cummerbunds from the same material.

Here is a short video for the groom, showing how to tie a cravat...

A Picture Worth The Memories - Photography

Image via WikipediaIn this age of digital photography,  you have a lot of different options when it comes to photographing your wedding memories.

Once upon a time, you had to wait days or even weeks before your photos were developed and you could see how they turned out.

With digital photos you can have them almost instantaneously. You don't even have to wait for them to be printed you can choose to have them put on a CD and then only print out what you want when you want.

Photos are the most tangible memories we have of our wedding day. So it's important that you decide how important the wedding photos are to you. If you decide to use a professional photographer then expect that it will use up a fair amount of your wedding budget.

Tip: When choosing a photographer always shop around, ask to see examples of their work and if possible references from past customers. Sometimes you can find the information on their websites if they have one. Also make sure that the photographer is someone you can trust and get along with as you need to be able to work with them on the day.

Wedding Photo Packages
There are usually a few different packages available. The more expensive packages usually offer extra services and time spent taking photos and can include things like more photos taken, more editing options, extra albums and an assistant to the photographer.

Some Questions To Ask The Photographer

• What's included in the package and what isn't?
• Can we see examples from previous weddings and can you offer references from past customers?
• How much will extra photos, prints, CDs, albums cost?
• Do you charge for extra editing such as panorama short, sepia, black and white?
• Can we choose to have the images on a disc?
• Do we get to keep the proofs?
• Will you have an assistant on the day?
• Do you have payment options?
• Are there any extra costs we haven't discussed?
• What happens if it rains on the day or you can't get to the wedding?
• What type of shots do you need to take on the day and how intrusive do you get during
• the wedding?
• Will you give us a quote?
• Can we give you a list of photos that we would like taken?
• Do you have a list of photos that you usually take?

Money Saving Tips
A wedding package is usually cheaper than buying each single unit separately.

Hire a photographer for just the ceremony and after photos will cut down the price. You can then
have disposable cameras on the tables at the reception and get your guests to take the reception
photos.

Look at hiring a student photographer to take your photos.

Contact photography clubs in your local area, they may have members who are interested in doing
wedding photography for a small price.

Make sure you do your homework carefully and shop around to get the best photographer who also
offers the best packages at the best price.

Here is a short video with 5 great photo-taking tips to make your pictures worth a life-time of memories....

To Have And To Hold - Wedding Ceremony Basics

Image via WikipediaThe wedding ceremony is the main event of every wedding.

These days the majority of wedding ceremonies happen outside a church venue allowing couples to plan a ceremony that's more versatile and in a setting that's more personal and intimate.

For our wedding we held the ceremony in the beautiful gardens of the place where we had the reception. They even supplied all the flowers and decorations for the ceremony. We then hired a local musician I found in the yellow pages, to play our wedding music.

Planning The Ceremony
You need to book your ceremony at the same time you book the reception to make sure that both are available on the same day and at a time that will work in with the time set for the reception.
The things you will need depend on the type of ceremony you want to have and where you want to hold it. A church wedding usally includes most things you'll need in the package such as the minister, the flowers, the music etc. The same usually applies if you hold the ceremony at the same venue as the reception.

If you plan a wedding setting in another location such as a park or on the beach then you will need to supply all the elements, such as chairs, table, flowers, decorations and a marriage celebrant.

Questions You May Want To Ask About The Ceremony

• Book a time for a rehearsal
• Order of Service guide for the ceremony
• List of possible readings for the service
• Options for personalising your wedding vows
• Hiring your own musicians, flowers or decorations?
• Can guests throw confetti, rice or flower petals?
• What paperwork do you need to fill out to apply for a marriage certificate
• What certificates, licences, and other documents do you need to supply in order to meet the
• local legal requirements for entering into a marriage.

Money Saving Tips

1. Combining the ceremony with the reception will often work out cheaper because you won't have to cover costs associated with having a service in a church or separate venue.
2. Hire or make your own elements such as bows for chairs, floral arrangements, wedding arches and any other elements you want for your wedding ceremony.
3. Put together your own wedding music onto a CD and then organise someone to take charge of the music during the service.
4. Holding your service in a park or on the beach could be very cheap. Just contact your local council to see if you need to apply for special permits.
5. Hire a student musician to play live music during the service.

Here is a short video on a simple and money-saving tip for making pew decorations for the ceremony that you can then use for centerpieces for the reception later.





Here is a great site that reviews some of the best wedding planning book available for you to check out, just Click Here!

Good luck with your wedding planning,

Regards,


The Wedding Fairy