Grandiflora's Wedding Tips

What to ask your photographer

Photographers vary in style. Check photographers portfolios to choose a style that works for you - formal, classic, photojournalistic or artistic. Also check to what extent does the photographer use post - processing techniques & whether you like his editing style.

Appearance
The photographer may often be in the foreground - make sure his/her dress style is in line with your dress code.

The Package
Make sure you know exactly what is included in the package. Ask about high resolution pictures, amount of hours, cost of overtime, prints, printing options such as designer albums, canvas printing etc

Delivery
How long will you have to wait for your pictures? Will the photographer make a few available for you after the wedding.

Transport
Do you pay for the photographers transport?

Venues

One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding is choosing the correct venue – the venue must match the theme of the wedding.  If your theme for the wedding is very traditional then the venue must reflect that, an ultra modern venue would be completely out of place.

When choosing a venue the following aspects must be taken into account;  budget, accessibility, capacity, parking, church or a place where a legal ceremony can take place, well equipped kitchen, bar facilities, bridal suite, parking ushers, cutlery, crockery, wedding adviser, waiters and waitresses, floral arrangements, drapery, linen, time of vacating the premises, confetti requirements, deposit to secure venue, how long in advance the venue need’s to be booked, music, photographer/video, minister or licensed official.

Most venues assist the bride and groom with the Order of Service which entails the following; Processional, Welcome, Hymn, Opening Prayer, Scripture Reading, Sermon, Marriage Vows, Ring Ceremony, Pronouncement, Signing of Register, Hymn, Candle Ceremony, Presentation, Prayer of Dedication, Closing Chorus, Closing Prayer and Recessional Music.

Financials

The most important part of planning any wedding is the budget. A budget needs to be allocated which will cover every aspect of the wedding and reception. Lists must be drawn up which will include every last cent to be spent so that there cannot be any unpleasant surprises which there is no funds for. The budget must be strictly adhered to as it is very easy to get carried away and overspend. It is not a good idea to start a marriage with a mountain of debt from the wedding festivities. The wedding should be about the marriage and the commitment to one another the two of you are making not about upstaging previous family weddings.

One way of cutting down on costs for the wedding is to use silk flowers instead of fresh ones. There is such a variety of silk flowers available which look very much like the real thing at only the fraction of the cost. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference.

Rope in family and friends to assist you, especially if they are creative. Hire your table linens, vases, glasses, crockery and cutlery. Shop around for wedding invitations – they don't have to be exorbitant. Get friends to assist you with errands or getting quotations. Most importantly of all – HAVE FUN!