Josiah Kopp
Are you overwhelmed with all of the logistics of planning your big day? Join the club! We’ve done our best to provide a all types of local resources for wedding venues, attire, photographers, flowers, music and everything in between. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. We hope this directory helps the day be stress-free and all about you. If, at any point, you need to hire a wedding planner then do so! It is your special day and they are the professionals in this sector (more on that below), so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are being helped. They certainly know what they are doing and they have taken on education such as wedding planner courses along with their experience, so keep that in mind.
Read the whole issue at issuu.com.
Photographers
Tips:
- Communicate with your photographer. Make sure to clarify exactly what style of photos you want and discuss what’s feasible.
- Trends come and go. Don’t pick your photos off of trendiness. This ensure you’ll like them 30 years from now.
- Make sure your photographer brings a second shooter to the wedding.
- Establish a backup plan with your photographer in case they aren’t able to attend your wedding.
- Communicate with your photographer. Make sure they know how early they should arrive, when they can leave and what you want photographed. This allows the photographer to capture every moment of your wedding – from the bride and groom getting ready to the last dance of the night.
Flowers
Tips:
- From the table centerpieces to the wedding party, you’ll want your floral arrangements to be on point. Speak with some floral experts in the area to get the best advice when it comes to choosing your stems.
- Look into having a flower attendant for the day of your wedding. They take proper care of the flowers and keep them looking fresh throughout the day.
- Roses are still a hot classic for floral arrangements, and mason jars have become increasingly popular at weddings for a casual, yet elegant look.
- Be sure to have floral arrangement ideas ready for your florist, but keep in mind what will be in season. This will help them find the perfect foliage for your special day.
Videographers
Tips:
- The average price for a videographer is $2,000.
- Keep in mind that it takes around 20 hours to edit a wedding film.
- Make sure to should contact the videographer a year in advance.
- Hiring a professional videographer helps to preserve your memories on your wedding day.
- Many packages include a highlight video and footage of the ceremony.
Cakes & Desserts
Tips:
- Although there’s nothing wrong with a classic wedding cake, there are fun alternatives that can be even more unique. From ice cream to dessert shots, couples today are looking beyond the traditional sweets when it comes to their reception desserts.
- Generally, a three-layer cake will serve 50 to 100 guests; you’ll likely need five layers for 200 guests or more.
- Be sure to double check with your venue that it’s okay to bring in outside cakes and desserts. A few places will require you to go with their cakes as part of a package deal, or won’t let you have outside food.
- Order early, most places take orders up to a year in advance.
Jewelers
Tips:
- Today, two of the biggest trends in rings are vintage-inspired and a halo – a center gem encircled by smaller diamonds.
- It’s recommended you get your ring professionally cleaned three to four times a year.
- Don’t feel rushed when picking out your rings.
- Shop with your partner and/or send them ring ideas for inspiration.
Venues
View The Venue Capacity Guide Here
Tips:
- Once you’ve settled on the number of guests, find out the max capacity of your ideal Wedding Venue in Fort Worth, TX (or wherever you’re getting married).
- Determine if there are any vendor restrictions at your venue of choice. Some venues have strict policies on vendors and you may not be allowed to use the planner you wanted or the photographer you already booked.
- Check if your venue has on-site catering and bar services or even complete setup and teardown of your space.
- Look if your venue has special features that meet your needs – such as built-in screens, projectors or adequate parking.
Music
Tips:
- A band will be one of a kind, but a DJ can make a customized playlist.
- Incorporate meaningful songs from your dating years into your reception playlist.
- If you’re hiring a live band, make sure to listen to and meet the band ahead of time.
- Bands are often more expensive, but are willing to work with the couple.
- Once a band is booked, it’s booked, but DJ companies have more flexibility.
Attire
Tips:
- You’ll need at least six to eight months to get your gown, and that’s if you go with a simple dress. Custom gowns take six to eight months to tailor on average, and heavily-embellished ones can take up to a year.
- Once you’ve found your gown, give yourself at least eight weeks to make alterations.
- When selecting bridesmaids’ dresses, make sure to put their figures into consideration. Not everyone will feel comfortable in a strapless.
- If groomsmen are renting their tuxedos, make sure they try on every element – including cufflinks, bow ties, shoes, etc. – before leaving the shop to make sure the outfit is complete and everything fits.
Transportation
Tips:
- Book early, because some transportation companies take reservations up to a year and a half.
- If you’re hosting a lot of out-of-towners, consider providing them with a ride from their hotel to the wedding and back.
- Scope out the vehicles beforehand. Try to avoid vehicles with more than 100,000 miles.
- Know the difference between drivers and chauffeurs. Chauffeurs clean the vehicle, stock the ice and will assist you in any way possible, and drivers only drive.
- Make sure you plan some buffer room into your schedule. Figure out travel times and routes ahead of time. Then add 20 to 30 minutes of ‘padding’ for traffic and any other potential delays.
Wedding Planners, Design & Rental
Tips:
- Do you have a lot to plan, but don’t know where to start or if you have the time? Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra for a wedding planner or coordinator.
- Book a party-rental supplier two to three months before the wedding. That gives them enough time to secure the products you want.
- If you’re particularly eco-conscious, ask your vendor if they can create a green package that includes recycled glassware, china and/or fabrics.
- Pinterest and wedding magazines are for inspiration, not replication. Use them to get inspired and get the creative juices flowing, and not as a ‘catalog’ of what you want at your event.
