DIY - Your Dream Wedding on a Shoe String Budget

Only when Greg and I married 7 years ago, did I realize the huge costs involved in planning a wedding! There were countless things to consider - it was overwhelming! Thank goodness I had the help of my friends and family which helped reduce the costs tremendously!

I can only imagine what a wedding might cost today considering the world's economy after the crash. So, I did a little more research. How do we cut costs and still have the wedding of our dreams?
I hope that through my research, you may find ways to cut costs in many areas of planning your wedding day.

The very first thing I want to share with you is an awesome "Spread Sheet" that I found that will help you with your budget. I wish I'd had this when I planned for my wedding. You'll be able to decide what stays and what goes :D

	How Much?	Who Pays?
Engagement Party
Location
Date & Time
Bachlorette Party
Location
Date & Time
Bridesmaids' Luncheon
Location
Date & Time
Rehearsal Dinner
Location
Date & Time
Out-of-Town Guests' Brunch
Location
Date & Time
Wedding Coordinator
Stationery
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Invitations
How Many?
Announcements
Save the Date Cards/Magnets
Thank You Cards
Reply Cards
Stamps
Maps, Calligraphy, etc.
Bride's Attire
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Wedding Dress
Hairpiece / Veil
Shoes
Accessories
Clothes for Other Parties
Undergarments / Garter
Hairdresser / Makeup / Nails
Alterations
Cleaning / Preserving
Groom's Attire
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Suit / Tuxedo
Shirt / Shoes
Hairdresser / Nails
Alterations
Photography / Videography
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Formal Portraits
Engagement
Wedding and Reception
Wedding Album
Parents' Albums
Extra Prints
Photos on CD / DVD
Videography of Wedding
Flowers
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Ceremony Arrangements
Locations
Bride's Bouquet
Groom's Boutonniere
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Mothers' Corsages
Reception Arrangements
Locations
Reception
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Food/Caterer
Drink/Bartender
Wedding Cakes
Cake Topper / Cake Serving Set
Rental of Facility
Rentals
Place Cards
Tips
Decorations
Card / Money Holder
Music
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Ceremony
Reception
Transportation
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Limousine/Carriage
Parking
Gifts
	How Much?	Who Pays?
For Your Groom (optional)
Maid / Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids
For Your Parents (optional)
Your Groom's Ring
Fees
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Church / Location
Officiant / Assistants
Attendants Accessories
Odds and Ends
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Guest Favors
How many / Type
Birdseed or Confetti Packets
Monogrammed Napkins
Hotel Accommodations
Guest Book and Pen
Aisle Runner
Honeymoon
	How Much?	Who Pays?
Transportation
Accommodations
Food
Fun Money



Another interesting and important fact that I found was concerning the date, day and season that you choose to get married. The day of the week and the season (high/mid/low) will have the first impact. 

Try and choose another day rather than a Saturday. Having your wedding on a Saturday night have premiums on them which affects your reception costs!

Photograph taken by Morne Marais



How about - DIY Wedding Flowers?


You will be amazed at what you may achieve with little or no experience. If you have an artistic flare then there is nothing holding you back. The average sum spent on flowers is between 5% – 10% of your wedding budget. Here are some ways to dramatically reduce your costs.

First it is necessary to decide whether to do some or all of the flowers yourself. If a beginner, it will be easiest to make the button-holes and reception table decorations yourself, leaving significant arrangements such as the bouquets to a professional. You may want to try making your bridesmaids garlands. Bear in mind:

- do a trial run of each arrangement
- calculate the time it will take to prepare all the arrangements
- research the lifespan of the fresh flowers you have chosen
- consider whether to substitute some silk flowers, particularly for the junior bridesmaids hair flowers
- unless marrying in winter ensure you have access to cold storage
- organise friends to deliver the flowers to the different parties and venues

 
Making A Bridesmaids Garland
Button-Holes are usually made of Carnations, Roses or Orchids with a spray of fern and gypsophillia. You will require:
- the flower of your choice
- ribbon
- florists wire
- box of pins
- plastic bottle with fine mist spray nozzle
Take a spray of fern. Place the flower on top. Cut stems to size. Bind the two stems with the florists wire. Wrap the ribbon over the bound stems. Place on a tray in a cool (or cold) room. Spray with a fine mist of water. Repeat this process according to the number required.

To make a corsage follow the same procedure as above. The difference is that a corsage involves more than one flower. It may also be worn on the wrist and secured with ribbon and a bow. 

Making Table Decorations
 Collect various low dishes, e.g.: shells, fish bowls, flat dishes, terracotta pots, miniature metallic buckets, etc. The easiest decorations to make are to float blooms in the dishes with floating candles.

If you are having candelabra as a centerpiece variegated ivy is excellent to twist around the ‘arms’ or base. Other blooms may be attached with coloured ribbon.

If making a floral arrangement ensure they are low enough so that seated guests may see each other over them. In addition to the various low dishes you will require an oasis, (plastic water reservoir), cut to the size of the bowl/dish. For a beginner it is easier to make an effective display with one variety of flowers, e.g. roses. Alternatively you may use tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies, freesias, gardenia, gerberas, lisianthus, etc. For those whose stems tend to droop you may fix this by inserting fine florists wire to hold them erect. For a bridesmaid’s garland, or floral tiara, made of rose buds, you will require:
- florist’s wire
- alice band, or high comb, and hair grips
- rose buds
- green fern, gypsophilia, even variegated ivy
- coloured ribbon
Make a circle of the florists wire to the size of the child’s head. Secure the flowers using the wire. You may either do so by piercing the stem, or wrapping the wire around the stem. Alternatively you may use coloured ribbon as an anchor, securing the stems with small bows. Make sure any wire ends are wrapped with ribbon so they do not stick into your bridesmaid’s heads. You may wish to have some ribbons trailing down the back, particularly if the junior bridesmaids have long hair.

For those too young to keep a garland in their hair consider putting their hair up in a bun and fix some rose buds with hair grips around the bun.

Making a daisy chain garland:The daisy flower heads should be no more than an inch apart. Cut the stems to size and make a slit in the end of each stem. Pick up two daisies and thread through the stem of one daisy through the other. Pick up a third daisy and thread it through the stem of the second. Repeat this process until the daisy chain is large enough. Secure the daisy chain with white ribbon. You may wish to wrap a fine string of beads round the stems for added decoration or white/green ribbon.

Making Button-Holes, Or Corsages
- grow your own flowers
- ask friends to contribute flowers from their gardens
- choose flowers that are in season
- bearing in mind preservation laws, see what nature provides
- consider other non-floral decorations for your table settings
- instead of fresh cut flowers use potted flowers that may be reused, e.g. in your garden, as wedding favours, etc.
- consider hiring potted flowers  



DIY Wedding Cakes

More and more people are making their own, or asking their mum/dad, or a friend, to do so. The cost: whereas parents may do this for free, it would be considerate to purchase, (or at least offer to purchase), the ingredients if being made by a friend or extended member of the family. Having obtained help there are different options that you may choose from.

Photograph taken by Morne Marais

 Options

- make the cake in its entirety
- buy the base and do the icing and decorate yourself
- make the base and get someone else to decorate, or use professional cake decorator
- purchase a packet mix (ready to make) base, do the icing and decorate yourself
- go “Hollywood” only making the top two tiers, using Styrofoam for the rest covered in fondant icing. Behind the scenes have a long sheet cake to cut for your guests.

It is quite acceptable to break from the traditional tier wedding cakes that cost a fortune. Why not consider just having a sheet cake that may be made into any shape you want. If having a large number of guests join two or more sheet cakes together – under the icing no one will know!

Alternatives
Again, breaking away from tradition, you may wish to consider some of the following:
- offering individual cakes with different bases
- asking three people to make a single (one tier) cake of their choice the common denominator being the colour theme, cake base and if used ribbon
- just icing your cake and instead of decorating it, adorn it with a spray of fresh flowers in your wedding colours
- have a chocolate fondue instead
- dispense with a cake altogether



DIY Wedding Ideas

Wedding costs always increase. Any ideas to save on costs are worth exploring even if you don't use them in the end.

Make Your Own Wedding Jewelry:

There are numerous jewelry making kits on the market (and web) to choose from. Alternatively you and your bridesmaid(s) may collect various beads: glass, crystal, opal, pearl, diamante, etc. and just purchase the jewelry wire and one set of tools to share. For your "Kitchen Tea", get everyone to design their own earrings and necklaces and have a go at making them.

Make Your Own Wedding Veil:

To make your own Wedding Veil you will need:
- fabric of your choice e.g. net, lace, tulle, cut to your desired length and shape
- satin edging for your veil if desired
- decorations for your veil if desired, e.g. seed pearls, crystals, rose buds, etc.
- comb upon which to fix your veil and hold in your hair
- needle and cotton matching the colour of your tulle

Edge your chosen fabric. Sew on your decorations (a random pattern is better). Place the fabric over your head to ascertain the correct position of the comb. Attach the comb by sewing it to the fabric.

Make Your Own Confetti:

Choose one of the following and put them in little gift boxes
- save the round cutout paper from any hole punches
- colour/dye some rice with edible food dye
- collect rose petals

Make Your Own Ring Cushion:

To make your own square Ring Cushion you will need:
- an off cut of velveteen fabric
- cushion stuffing (anything from old tights, etc.)
- needle and thread – the cotton to be the same colour as the fabric
- if feeling adventurous some edging for the cushion

Cut two equally sized squares from the fabric. Place the outside of the fabric back to back and sew along three of the sides. Turn the fabric the right side out. Stuff. Sew up the fourth edge. Add trimming if desired.

Make Your Own Flower Girl Basket:

To make your own Flower Girl Basket you will need:
- a basket (size and shape of your choice) with a hoop handle
- florists “oasis”, cut to the size of the basket
- waterproof lining for the basket, e.g. plastic bag
- ribbon reflecting your colour theme
- flowers

Line your basket with the water proof lining. Having soaked your oasis place it in the basket. Display your flowers. The ribbon may be wound around the basket handle, finished in a bow. The ribbon may also be threaded amongst the flowers.

And lastly, try to make as much time as possible to:-

- save for essential items i.e. those you cannot, for example, borrow, or have donated;
- travel to car boot sales, garage sales, cash converters, charity shops, school/village fetes, flea markets,    

 closing down sales;
- make various items e.g. your dress/outfit, table decorations, and homemade invitations;
- prepare in advance e.g. food which may be frozen, non-perishable bonbonairs.
- make your own invitations
- skip the wedding favours
- have a cash bar

Always keep to the KISS principal - “keep it simple st..id”.

Who pays for what?

- the groom purchases the engagement ring
- the bride and groom buy a wedding ring for each other
- the bachelor party is hosted and paid for by the best man
- the bride and groom purchase their own wedding outfits and accessories
- the groom’s family host and pay for the wedding dress rehearsal dinner
- the groom is responsible for purchasing the bride’s bouquet, mothers corsages, and buttonholes for himself, his groomsmen and ushers
- the bride’s family purchases the bridesmaids bouquets, grandmothers corsages, flowers for the ceremony, reception and any additional flowers wanted, e.g. pew ends, arch for the entrance of the church.
- the printing and stationery is the bride’s family’s responsibility
- the marriage license is paid for by the groom, as are the clergy/officient’s fees
- the church fee, choir’s fee and any soloist’s fee is paid for by the bride’s family
- the wedding breakfast (reception), catering, entertainment, cake, favours, photography, etc. is hosted and paid for by the bride’s family
- attendants in the bridal party pay for their own outfits. However, if a one-off specific colour and style of dress is to be made the bride’s family may pay.
- junior attendants outfits are paid for by their families
- the groom is responsible for paying for the gloves, ties, ascots for his attendants
- the groom also picks up the wedding transport and honeymoon expenses

Finally, when determining your wedding budget you will need to consider the following:-

- Announcements
- Bridal parties dresses/outfits
- Destination Wedding
- Diamond Wedding Ring
- Dry Cleaning
- Gold Wedding Ring
- Grooms attire
- Guests: numbers attending
- Hair for wedding
- Honeymoon and spending money
- Insurance & Legalities
- Living arrangements as a married couple
- Miscellaneous items
- Wedding MC

- Perfume & Cologne

- Postage
- Pre-wedding activities & hospitality

- Security

- Shoes
- Wedding Accessories
- Wedding Bouquets and Flowers
- Wedding Cake
- Weddding Catering
- Wedding Decorations/Ice Sculptures
- Wedding Dresses
- Wedding Drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)& Corkage

- Wedding Gifts & Favors
- Wedding Jewellery
- Wedding Make-Over
- Wedding Make-Up
- Wedding Music & Entertainment
- Wedding Night/Bridal Suite
- Wedding Photography
- Wedding Printing & Stationery
- Wedding Transport
- Wedding Venues
- Wedding Videos

HAVE FUN AND TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO A REALITY

Always remember the old adage about the best laid plans ………… keep a sense of humor and your wedding day will be magical.

Please not that all information gathered has come from researched sources

I really do hope that you will find this of great value as you prepare for your dream wedding.

Love,
Challice

Interview with Professional Make up Artist - Zandri Van Eck

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing a dynamic Professional "Make-Up" Artist here in our own city of Port Elizabeth. I think that many times we look at the greener pastures elsewhere when we should be looking at the phenominal talent that we have right here in our very own gorgeous city.
Quote from Zandri via Facebook :- "Nothing gives me more pleasure than to share my knowledge with enthusiastic ladies who are passionate about their aesthetic appearance like I am."
Allow me to give my own personal first impression of Zandri - Not only is she gorgeous, but she has a heart to match. She truly cares about what she does, and what she does, she does with excellence. She is extremely down to earth and so easy to get along with. I absolutely loved her!

Please note that all photographs on this blog page were not taken by me.

This photograph of Zandri was taken by her husband from Eclipse Photography.

Me: What do you like most about being a make-up artist?

Zandri: I can be me through my make-up. I love being creative, working with colours and meeting new people.

Me: What do you dislike most about being a make-up artist?

Zandri: Can I be honest? So many women just don't look after their skin, and that is a real concern to me.

Me: Where or what was your training to become a make-up artist?

Zandri: I initially got my training from Total Concept from 2005 - 2008 where I graduated in Comprehensive Health + Skin Care Course which also included a make-up course.

Then in 2010, I did my training with CK Make-up for all occassions in Johannesburg.

Me: How do you get your inspiration?

Zandri: It just comes. I get a brainstorm from random things just lying arround like feathers, beads, sweets etc and think about how to incorporate it into make-up. Reino, my husband is a great help when I come up with an idea, we get to feed off each others creative side.

Me: What in your opinion are the make-up trends for Brides for 2011/2012?

Zandri: Most brides in Port Elizabeth still tend to go with the "Natural Glowing Look" as most of them do not usually wear make-up. It's very rare for a bride to want the "Dark Smokey Look."

Lips are usually "nude" or "peach" to go with the "Natural Look."

False Eyelashes are definitely "in."

Me: As a creative person, what are some other creative things you like to do?

Zandri: Well, I love playing around with my husband's camera and love planning his creative shots. I also enjoy writing, but only for pleasure, I love playing with words. I also enjoy marketing.

Me: Tell me about one memorable job experience.

Zandri: I have a friend that I studied with who I contacted and asked if she would be prepared to allow me to use her as a model for my portfolio. I had an idea in my head which I was going to use but as I started working on her the idea changed. It was so much fun as she allowed me to play to my heart's desire. I loved it!

Me: What has been your biggest obstacle/trial?

Zandri: Mmmmm...definitely the make up I was asked to do for a Halloween Party. G + L Dub Step Group approached me and I took up the challenge even although I have never had any "Theatrical" make- up training. There were 3 guys to do make-up on. I started at about 5pm and ended around 11.30pm.

Me: To end off our interview Zandri, will you tell the readers what is your Top Beauty Tip?

Zandri: Ladies...Take care of your skin. Exfoliate regularly, moisturize daily and most of all have a basic daily skin care routine in place.

These are the 4 Cornerstones for a skin care routine:

1. Cleanse

2. Exfoliate

3. Mask

4. Moisturize

I truly believe that if I can help a woman get her skin basics right, when make-up is applied the skin will appear almost flawless.

So who has the last word when there are two women? Well me of course, I'm conducting the interview ;D

Me: Zandri...You mentioned earlier while we were having coffee that you do a workshop and that you also have some kind of Bridal Package - Tell the readers about them.

Zandri: Firstly for the Brides I have what I call a "Bridal Bliss Package."

This includes:-

1. Bridal Make-Up Trial

2. Bridal Make-Up on her day

3. Deep Cleanse Facial

4. Facial Wax

5. Brow Tint

Secondly I give a workshop to teach ladies how to apply make-up step by step. I teach them about foundations, techniques, make-up brands. It's basically an education workshop on make-up products and application.

A warm thank you to Zandri Van Eck for sharing her art.

Should you want to cantact Zandri for further information, please e-mail her on:-

info@zandrimakeup.co.za

 

Diamonds are a Brides Best Friend or Not?

I recently came across an article about Gemstones, and I thought to myself, wow...my birthstone is a Ruby...had I known that when I got engaged 7 + half years ago, I might have hinted that a Ruby Ring would've been "nice."



Do you know what your birthstone is? Take a look.



Month	Modern Birthstone
January	garnet
February	amethyst
March	aquamarine
April	diamond
May	emerald
June	pearl , moonstone
July	ruby
August	peridot
September	sapphire
October	opal , tourmaline
November	topaz , citrine
December	turquoise , blue topaz, zircon



Interestingly enough, I asked myself the question, "Why Diamonds, why not our birthstones?"

Well let's be honest, I suppose we can choose anything we want after all we do live in a modern society where it seems we want to move away from the traditional - well some of us anyway ;D

I searched and came up with this:-

Diamond engagement rings are a tradition. In fact in some regions of the world they have been a tradition for many years now. It is a common thing for the men to pop up the big question and give the bride to be an engagement ring. This ring shouldn't be a common one as the occasion is definitely not a common one either.

What does the engagement ring mean? It is a symbol used mainly in the Western cultures that indicates the future union between two people. These are usually worn by women and most of the times have diamonds. Men also have engagement rings, but these are also used as wedding rings. Everybody knows that the custom is to wear it on the ring finger of the left hand. This is a tradition that started in Egypt many centuries ago. Back then people thought that this finger had an important vein that went straight to the heart.

Why choose a diamond ring? For many reasons. Even though you are not Archduke Maximilian of Austria and you are not getting engaged with Mary of Burgundy, your future bride deserves to be treated as a queen. This famous couple was the first one to use a diamond ring as a betrothal gift in 1477. Nowadays it is a tradition that sometimes goes in the family to give the bride to be a diamond ring.

We all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend. So why not give the woman you love a beautiful diamond ring as a sign of your appreciation? They look fabulous, but one would look even more beautiful on your future wife's finger. It is said that the circle shape of the engagement ring, as well as the wedding one, is a symbol of the eternal love between the two lovers. The diamond can be the symbol of how much a man values his partner.

Most of the times the future grooms buys the engagement ring alone and surprises his partner. But many modern couples go purchase it together. If you are one of those traditional men, you can always ask for the help of the salesperson. The advantage of a diamond ring is the fact that no matter the shape and the model, the woman you love will definitely adore it. The only thing you need to do is find out the right size.

And just to end off...I thought you might be interested in:-



Here is a list of traditional / modern gifts for wedding anniversaries. 01. Paper / Clocks 20. China / Platinum 02. Cotton / China 25. Silver / Sterling Silver 03. Leather / Chrystal, Glass 30. Pearl / Diamond 04. Linen, Silk / Appliances 35. Coral or Jade / Jade 05. Wood / Silverware 40. Ruby / Ruby 06. Iron / Wood 45. Sapphire / Sapphire 07. Wool or Copper / Desk Sets 50. Gold / Gold 08. Bronze / Linens, lace 55. Emerald / Emerald 09. Pottery or China / Leather 60. Diamond / Diamond 10. Tin or Aluminum / Diamond 11. Steel / Fashion Jewelry 12. Silk / Pearl, Coloured Gems 13. Lace / Textiles, Furs 14. Ivory / Gold Jewelry 15. Crystal / Watches

2011 & 2012 Wedding Trends

COLOUR TRENDS

The following colors are featuring on all the fashion runways: Turquoise, Coral, Black & White, Yellow,Fuchsia, Deep Red, Slate Grey, Purple & Latte.

WEDDING RECEPTION DECORATIONS
Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same colour tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique fillers include glass marbles, glass sea shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals, /beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.
Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells and mini star fish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with tulle, fabric overlays with bows or sashes, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include: Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffets, this consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allow guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favours.

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping

between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Candles are always a popular choice for centerpieces, and lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters.

Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles or battery operated

LED lights. Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom.

Naturally, posed pictures are still enjoyed and requesting that some of the photos be black and white is

common.

WEDDING FAVORS

thank their guests for coming. In many cases, the favours do double-duty as place-card holders, table decorations, and even centerpiece arrangements where larger favours are grouped together in the centre of the reception tables.

Favours can be ready-made items, although currently popular are hand-made items embellished with ribbon & assents that coordinate with the wedding theme or colour scheme. This is definitely an aspect of weddings that has gone DIY in recent months.

WEDDING THEMES
Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour", "woodland/rustic", and "Tiffany Blue" (aqua) and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices.

WEDDING BOUQUETS
Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbonwrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.
The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.

WEDDING CAKES
Cakes decorated with handmade icing flowers, shells/starfish and delicate dots and scrollwork remain popular. Couples are choosing cakes that fit with the location, theme and season of their wedding. Four to five layers is the average size for a wedding of 150-200 people. Butter cream or smooth fondant frostings are most common. Popular cake flavors include lemon, chocolate, carrot, spice and "white" although some couples are choosing non-traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso and hazelnut.
Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake top.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
The photo-journalistic (candid) approach to wedding photography is preferred by many brides to the traditional posed shots. Capturing the day's events as they happen helps tell the story of your wedding.

Wedding Planning - Which do you think is the most important?

"Today, I will like to start with an important discussion. Of all the vendors and service providers arranged for a wedding, which do you think is most important?  That's probably a tough question especially when you consider just how many things a couple need to buy for their wedding and how many service providers there are for the big day. 

Women of course can usually start making a list in their head of all the things they need to purchase and services they require for the wedding ceremony and reception. For example, everyone knows she needs to buy a dress but many brides also go to a salon to get their nails, hair, and makeup done for the wedding. There are flowers for not just her bouquet but boutonnieres for all the men and family members, as well as for decoration and to mark off certain rows of chairs or pews for those family members. 

Food of course is another important part of the reception and a bride and groom may also have a separate provider for alcohol. Usually an entirely different company also prepares the wedding cake.  A professional decorator may be called in for the reception site; this person may provide not just decorations for the room but also centerpieces for the tables. There is also transportation whether it's limousines or horse-drawn carriages or something else. Many brides also purchase wedding favors as a small token of appreciation to hand out to their guests as they leave. And most wedding receptions provide some type of music so that everyone can dance; this means a deejay or band.

So which of these is most important? Obviously they all are - just about everyone can recall going to a wedding where the food was subpar or the deejay was offensive or too loud, or may remember one where everything was absolutely spectacular and beautiful. But all these services and items provided lasted for how long? The food is gone, the decorations are put away, the music is over. Sure, the bride probably saved her dress and some flowers from her bouquet and maybe even one of the wedding favors as a souvenir, but what else about the wedding lasts long after the ceremony and the reception?

The quick answer is the photographs. Of everything else about a wedding, the photographs are one of the few items that are meant to last a lifetime. And considering all the time and energy a bride will put into picking out those items and making sure the details are what she wants, you understand how important photos are. It might be difficult to recall what those centerpieces or what the wedding cake looked like ... so check out the photos.

Wedding photography is much more important than some people realize. Getting good photos that really capture not just the details but the tone, theme, and emotions of the day is absolutely imperative. After all, photos may be the only way that one can recall all those important details over the years to come."

(Quote taken from : Nick Smith)