i am thinking of getting into wedding photoghaphy. i shoot film because i love it. i have medium format as well 35mm. how much can a photographer charge with no experience in wedding photography.
oh by the way, i meant love film versus digital.

In a western style wedding, the couple is usually asked to cut the wedding cake. What’s the meaning behind the wedding cake?

If you are one of the many couples who became engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, congratulations!  And while the uncertain economy will probably not stop you from tying the knot, it may affect your wedding budget and how much is spent on your wedding dress.  Here are some ideas on how to get that dream wedding dress for your big day without breaking the bank.

Set a budget.  Look at all the expenses for your wedding and decide if there are some adjustments you are willing to make in certain expenses (such as food or reception hall) so that more money can be allocated for your wedding dress.

Style of wedding ceremony.  Depending on the type of wedding ceremony you choose to have (traditional, informal, indoors, outdoors) you may want a wedding dress that reflects the style of the ceremony.  If that ceremony is short, simple and informal, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on a couture, high-fashion wedding dress.  Of course, the wedding should reflect your personal style, so choose your wedding dress and ceremony to match your style and whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Be a smart shopper.  Do your research online and off-line to find the best deals in wedding attire and accessories.  Researching online to find discount and affordable wedding dresses will give you an idea of what types of wedding dresses are available and price ranges.  You can then take that information and look for a local bridal store that can offer comparable prices for wedding dresses as well as various deals and discounts on additional wedding products and services.  Purchasing your wedding dress locally from a reputable bridal store at a good price would be the best option.  You are able to try on the dress and be fitted at the store and if there were problems, you could handle them in person at the shop.  If you are not able to find a bridal store to purchase your wedding dress locally, then you may want to consider ordering it from one of the many  online discount and wholesale bridal stores.  But remember to give yourself enough lead time when ordering your wedding dress online in the event you need to have  it altered.

Remember that details add to the cost of your wedding dress.  Exquisite craftsmanship in a wedding dress adds to its value and price.  Things such as hand embellishments, the bustier, luxurious lining, rich fabric, detailed finishing and machine stitch work all add to the beauty and cost of a wedding dress.

Consider going vintage.  If vintage is your style, you may find your dream wedding dress in a second-hand store at an affordable price.  Or better yet, you may find it in a relative’s attic who would be more than willing to let you have the wedding dress for you to wear on your big day.

Rent it.  Many “green” brides are starting to consider the idea of “reusing” their wedding dress by renting it instead of purchasing a gown.  When you consider what you are really spending your money on (a once-in-a-lifetime dream dress) that will only be used once and then be placed somewhere in a box never to be taken out again, renting your dream wedding dress becomes more affordable.

The most important thing to remember when looking for your wedding dress is don’t compromise your style for your budget.   The key is to find a gown that fits both your budget and style preference.  With a little work and planning, you can have the wedding dress of your dreams without breaking the bank.

If you are about to get married and are having a hard time deciding where to go on your honeymoon then you are not alone. A wedding adds plenty of stress to your life and trying to plan your honeymoon around all the other things you have going on can be difficult. If you are currently unsure of where you and your future spouse would like to go here are the top ten honeymoon destinations for those living in the United States.

1. Hawaii – A Hawaiian honeymoon is one of the most desired and romantic destinations for those who are newly wed. Maui is normally the island of choice with its lush tropical hillsides, long white sand beaches, cloud covered mountains, and world class accommodations that cater to newlyweds. It is truly a honeymoon that will create a lifetime of memories.

2. Mexico – A Mexican honeymoon is a great choice as a destination. There are a number of world class resorts to choose from with a large majority of them being all inclusive. The people are warm and friendly and if you’re on a budget you can’t beat the prices. Plus it is easy to get there with many daily flights to choose from.

3. The Caribbean – A trip to a Caribbean island, or multiple islands if you choose a honeymoon cruise, is a truly romantic experience. The great thing about a Caribbean honeymoon is the sheer number of islands you can choose from, each with its own distinct cultural attractions.

4. Florida – The sunshine state has a little something for everyone. From long stretches of sandy beaches, to the night life of big cities and everything in between a Florida honeymoon is a truly memorable experience. Even Walt Disney World in Orlando has packages for the more adventurous honeymooners.

5. Key West – Technically this secluded little island is in the state of Florida but it deserves a mention all its own. With Anti-bellum homes that have been turned into cozy bed and breakfasts and its New Orleans atmosphere Key West is a well kept honeymoon destination secret.

6. Las Vegas – There is nothing quite like a honeymoon in Sin City. With many world class hotels to choose from your every want and whim will be catered to. And no matter the time of day or night there is always something to do, whether it’s eating at a five star restaurant, seeing a show on the strip, dancing the night away, or relaxing pool side.

7. California – The golden state offers many honeymoon choices. There are large cities such as San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles that have first rate hotels and restaurants. You can spend time at the beach or in rustic mountain towns. And for a truly romantic experience the Napa Valley with its vineyards and small town atmosphere.

8. The U.S. Virgin Islands – With beautiful white sand beaches and warm tropical waters these three islands are true romantic paradise. And since they are a U.S. territory you don’t need a passport. In fact any of the three islands, St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John is the perfect destination for a white sand wedding and honeymoon.

9. Puerto Rico – Another US territory in the Caribbean Puerto Rico offers all manner of amenities to the honeymooning couple. Scuba diving, snorkeling, marling fishing, and many other activities for water enthusiasts abound. Then there is Rincon Beach and Resort, a 4 star resort known for its honeymoon packages.

10. New York City and Niagara Falls – The city that never sleeps and the great falls 500 miles to its north are both known as great honeymoon destinations. The city itself offers every amenity you can imagine with 5 star hotels and dining, Broadway shows, and shopping. A honeymoon in the Big Apple is hard to beat.

While you don’t have to go to one of these top ten honeymoon destinations be assured that you can’t go wrong if you do decide to visit anyone one of these destinations. In the end wherever you go with your loved one you will create a memory that will last for the rest of your lives together.

i have to make my first wedding cake in a couple weeks and really am starting to panic and second guess myself, if you guys could give me some tips for the frosting or for the decorations (simple please) i would really appreciate it!

Live music contributes a certain quality of atmosphere to any event and a wedding is the perfect event to be enhanced by it. While DJ’s may seem cost effective, there is a great deal a DJ cannot provide in terms of mood that a live wedding band can. With this in mind, let’s explore several important tips for choosing wedding bands and working with musicians that will help to aid your collaboration with your chosen wedding band so that you can work together to create a unique and inviting atmosphere for your wedding ceremony or reception. 

Let’s discuss some essential tips for choosing wedding bands. First and most importantly, you will want to have your ceremony and reception sites booked before hiring your musicians. This is essential, because most sites have at least some specific guidelines detailing aspects such as sound, band size and so on. Some sites, such as churches and synagogues, will have a list of preferred wedding musicians that they would like you to work with. After you have secured your locations and determined their rules and specifications, you will want to book your band as early as possible. However, before you can do this, there are some important suggestions you should follow in order to make your search as easy as possible. These include:



To find musicians who will fit both your taste and budget, interview at least three different musicians or go through a music management company. 

Try to attend the interviews as a couple, as both the bride and groom will have input. 

Bring a pen and notepad with you to all of your interviews to quickly write down any information or questions you may have throughout the interview. 

Most importantly, consider these aspects both before and after interviewing wedding musicians in order to make an objective and informed decision: 



Budget: Do not “cut corners”. Quality should be of the utmost importance to you. However, that doesn’t mean you should go beyond your budget, either. Try to find a happy medium between your budget and the atmosphere you want. 

Theme / Mood and Atmosphere: Consider the theme of your wedding as well as the mood and atmosphere you want to achieve. 

Musical Taste: Keep your own musical tastes in mind; ultimately, it’s your wedding. 

Location: As previously mentioned, the location of your ceremony and reception may have certain rules or restrictions. In addition, certain décor lends itself more easily to live music. For example, hardwood floors and minimalist decorations create wonderful acoustics, where carpeting and tile ceilings can absorb sound so more amplification may be required. 

Guests: Live music is an excellent choice for your reception, as it entertains guests during particular events such as while you are being photographed. Your guests will take their cue from you; if you are enjoying the music, so will they. 

Hiring a Professional Wedding Band with Experienced Musicians helps you to plan a day full of festive, romantic music for your occasion. These musicians are faithful to schedules, always prepared, and most importantly able to help you choose the most fitting music for your event based on circumstances such as location and theme. Be ready to trust their judgment.

Securing Your Wedding Music: A deposit of one-third or one-half of the total cost should be paid in advance. Many times, the balance will be asked for two weeks in advance. Also keep in mind that patrons of the arts (in this event, you) are obliged to provide food and drink for your hired musicians. Musicians work exceptionally hard and need food, drink, and rest occasionally. 

Using a Wedding Coordinator may help take the guesswork out of planning your own wedding. Hiring one is highly recommended.







 

 Your day is one that both yourself and your guests will remember always. Following these tips will assure you peace of mind on your special day, and your guests will revel in your happiness!

I have no idea what a Wedding Photographer costs. Can anyone give me a rough estimate? I live in Oklahoma if that helps.

I am making a Patio and I am planning to make wedding cake steps for my entry from the house to patio. My door is 30″ wide and 24″ above the ground (excluding 4″ gravel).

Please advise ASAP

The Wedding song had the hymn, My Jesus I love Thee incorporated with the famous Pachbel’s Canon in D. I saw the piano player with a book, so I know it’s a song book and not sheet music. I really would like to know the title of the song and the songbook. Thank you!

I know that wedding cakes are made in advance, usually a few days to a week, of the wedding day. I’m wondering if there is something unique about a wedding cake recipe that differs from a typical cake recipe so that the cake stays moist for so long. We’re looking for a great chocolate wedding cake recipe if anyone as any! THANKS!