5 Sentimental Moments to Make Your Wedding Day Memorable

Every bride wants her wedding day to be memorable and special. After all, it’s the one day of your life where you make a lifetime commitment to the person you love. To make your wedding day even more special and meaningful, consider incorporating these five sentimental moments into your big day. 

1. Incorporate a Special Memory into Your Vows – Vows are when couples express their love for each other in front of their family and friends. It can be very powerful to incorporate a memory that is unique to your relationship into your vows. This can be something funny or sweet that happened between the two of you early on in your relationship, or it could be an inside joke that only the two of you share. This will add an extra level of personalization and sentimentality to your vows. 

2. Have a Moment with Just You and Your Partner – While having family and friends at the wedding is important, it’s also important to have some moments just between you and your partner on this special day! Whether it’s during the ceremony, reception or any other part of the day, take some time for just the two of you so that you can really soak in this momentous occasion together without any distractions from outside sources. 

3. Personalize Your Gift Exchange – A gift exchange is a great way for couples to show how much they appreciate each other on their big day…so why not make it personalized? Instead of buying gifts off a registry, think about crafting something special that will truly reflect how much you care about each other! For example, if your partner loves books then maybe create a scrapbook full of notes explaining why you love them (or find some old letters/notes from when you first started dating). Or if they’re into art then try creating something yourself! There are endless possibilities when trying to find something sentimental for someone who means so much to us!  

4. Honor Loved Ones Who Can't Be There – Chances are there are people in our lives who we wish could be at our wedding but due to various circumstances cannot be present with us on our special day. To honor those loved ones who aren’t able to join us for the festivities, consider setting up a small memorial table filled with photos or mementos from these people who mean so much to us - this way we can still have them close by in spirit even if they physically cannot attend our wedding!    

5. Include Music That's Meaningful To You – Music can often bring back memories and has such power in evoking emotion within us - which is why it should definitely play an important part in making sure that your wedding day is as memorable as possible! Think about including music throughout different parts of the ceremony (entrance music, recessional music), reception (dinner music) etc., that has meaning behind it - whether its songs from when you first started dating or songs that remind both of you of fond memories shared together over time - these pieces will surely give everyone attending goosebumps throughout the evening! 

It’s natural for brides-to-be want everything about their wedding day to be perfect; however, aside from making sure everything looks beautiful on paper what really makes weddings so special are all those little heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the event itself! Incorporating these five sentimental moments into your big day will surely help make it even more meaningful and memorable than ever before - after all memories like these last forever!

Making Wedding Planning Fun and Easy

Getting engaged is an exciting time in your life – but it can also be a bit overwhelming. From choosing a venue to finding the perfect dress, there’s so much to consider when it comes to planning your dream wedding. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help make your wedding planning journey as stress-free and enjoyable as possible! With these tips and tricks for brides, you’ll be ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams. 

Establish a Budget 

Before you can begin thinking about all the fun details, you need to establish a realistic budget. You don’t want to get too deep into the planning process only to find out that you don’t have enough money for everything you wanted. Sit down with both you and your fiancé (or whoever is helping pay for the wedding) and decide what financial resources are available. Once you have that number, do some research on average costs for different aspects of weddings like catering, flowers, photography etc. so that you can figure out how much money will be allocated for each item on your list. 

Make A List Of Your Priorities 

Now that you know what funds are available, it’s time to prioritize what is important to both of you when it comes to your big day. Maybe having an open bar is more important than hiring a videographer or maybe having a live band takes precedence over beautiful centerpieces – whatever it may be, decide together what matters most and allocate funds accordingly. This will help ensure that the things that matter most are taken care of first without going over budget. 

Delegate Tasks To Family And Friends 

Planning an entire wedding by yourself can feel daunting and quite frankly exhausting! That’s why it’s important to enlist some help from family and friends who are willing and able to lend a hand with some tasks like addressing invitations or researching vendors in their area. Not only will this lighten the load on your shoulders, but sharing this special time with loved ones is an added bonus! 

Conclusion:  Wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful - in fact, it should be fun! With these tips and tricks for brides in mind, take some pressure off of yourself by delegating tasks when possible; setting up a realistic budget; prioritizing items based on importance; and most importantly, enjoying every moment leading up to one of the best days ever! Congratulations on taking the next step toward marital bliss – happy planning!

How to Plan the Perfect Lehigh Valley Wedding – The Essential Guide for Every Bride

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to start planning your perfect wedding. Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the details that need to be taken care of. That’s why we have put together this essential guide of five key things every bride should know before they start the planning process. Read on for helpful tips on how you can make sure your day is everything you dreamed it would be! 

1. Budget - The first step in wedding planning is creating a budget and sticking to it. Before you start spending money, work out how much you have available, who will contribute what (if anything) and try to decide where you want to focus your efforts/spend your money. This will help you set realistic expectations about what kind of wedding you will have, and will keep you from getting into debt or overspending. 

2. Venue - It’s important to choose a venue that fits both your vision and budget. Make sure that the venue has enough space for everyone (including potential extras such as a dance floor or photo booth), has good lighting, easy access to parking or public transport, and is available on the date of your choice. If possible, visit during different times of day so that you can get an idea of how the light changes throughout the day – this will help ensure great photos no matter what time of day your ceremony takes place! 

3. Vendors - Once you have chosen a venue, it’s time to think about vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, DJs etc. Do some research online or ask friends/family if they have any recommendations for reputable vendors in your area who fit within your budget range. Make sure that all contracts are signed before any money changes hands so that there are no surprises down the line! 

4. Invitations - Invitations give guests their first glimpse into what type of event they are going to attend – make sure yours reflect the style and tone of your wedding appropriately! When designing invitations take into account factors such as paper weight/style (thickness/color), font size/style (script vs block font etc.), envelope color/style etc., as well as whether or not there are any special requests from guests that need to be included (such as dietary restrictions). You may even want to consider sending out digital invites instead if cost is an issue – this allows for both convenience AND affordability! 

5. Timeline - Creating a timeline for when each task needs to be completed is essential for keeping everything organized and running smoothly leading up to the big day! Make sure that tasks such as finding vendors, ordering supplies/invitations etc., are done with plenty of time before the actual date so that there won't be any last minute panics or stress leading up to it! And don't forget – always leave extra time in case something goes wrong so that there's room for contingencies! 

 Planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task but with these five essential tips in hand, every bride-to-be should feel confident in tackling this job with ease and grace! Remember, stay organized by setting deadlines early; prioritize what matters most; find reliable vendors; design beautiful invitations; and above all else—enjoy yourself while doing it all! Good luck with planning your dream wedding!

Capture The Precious Moments of Your Special Day With Wedding Videography

Capturing the most precious moments of your special day is important. The memories that come from your wedding day are meant to last a lifetime, and what better way to remember them than with wedding videography? Here’s why you should consider hiring a professional, Lehigh Valley wedding videographer for your big day. 

A Professional Touch 

When it comes to capturing the momentous occasion of your wedding, you’re going to want professionals who understand how important this day is and can ensure that every detail is recorded. Hiring a professional videographer allows you to sit back and enjoy your special day instead of worrying about whether or not all the moments were captured. A professional will also be able to help you craft an amazing video that will remind you of all the wonderful memories made on your big day. 

Creative Storytelling 

Wedding videos tell so much more than just a story. They capture the emotions shared between two people in love, as well as between family and friends in attendance. When crafted by a professional, these stories can be told in an artful and creative way that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Whether it’s through interviews with guests or picturesque shots taken at various locations throughout your wedding day, a good videographer will be able to bring out emotion and make sure no moment goes unrecorded. 

Memories That Last Forever 

Finally, having a video recording of your wedding day means that those precious moments will last forever. You can look back on it anytime you want—with friends, family members, or simply just reminiscing on your own! It also makes for great entertainment when hosting dinner parties or reunions; watching everyone laugh and cry while they share in the joy of seeing their loved ones get married all over again! Plus, if any unexpected things happen during the ceremony or reception—like someone dropping their drink or the bride forgetting her vows—you’ll have something entertaining (and hilarious) to watch later on down the line!  

In conclusion, hiring a professional videographer is essential if you want to remember every single detail from one of life's most special days—your wedding day! With creative storytelling and beautiful visuals, having your special moment documented on video ensures that those memories will last forever! So for anyone looking for unique ways to document their big day and make sure every moment is remembered clearly for years down the road…wedding videography might just be exactly what you need!

Capture Your Special Day with a Professional Lehigh Valley Videographer

Your wedding is an exciting day and one that you will want to remember forever. You can make sure your special day is captured in the best way possible by hiring a professional wedding videographer. Hiring a professional videographer will ensure that you get the most out of your wedding video, from capturing all the fun moments of the day to creating beautiful, cinematic videos that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come. Let’s take a look at the top 10 benefits of hiring a wedding videographer. 

1. Capturing Every Moment - A professional videographer can capture every moment of your big day as it happens and create a beautiful, timeless video that you can watch and cherish for years to come. From getting ready in the morning to dancing at night, they’ll be there to capture all the special moments! 

2. Creative Ideas - Wedding videographers are creative professionals who bring their own unique style and ideas when capturing your special day. They know how to create beautiful visuals while still making sure they capture all the important details, making sure nothing is missed! 

3. Professional Editing - Professional editing ensures that all of your footage is edited together seamlessly into one breathtaking video! They will use high-end editing software, filters, transitions and music to make sure your video looks perfect from start to finish! 

4. Quality Equipment - Professional wedding videographers use only top-of-the-line equipment so you can expect quality results each time! Their cameras are designed specifically for shooting weddings so you know everything will turn out looking great! 

5. Unique Perspective - A professional wedding videographer brings their own unique perspective when filming your special day which means they can capture angles and shots that no one else could get! They know how to get those amazing aerial shots or even just unique angles on traditional scenes like walking down the aisle or taking family photos! 

6. Flexible Packages - Most professional wedding videographers offer different packages so you can choose one according to what fits your budget best without compromising on quality or quantity! This also makes it easier if you want extra features such as drone footage or slow motion clips added into your final product! 

7. Multi Camera Coverage - With multiple cameras, there is no worry about missing any important moments during the ceremony or reception because they are always recording from multiple angles at once! This ensures that nothing gets left out in case something goes wrong with one camera during filming!  

8. Storytelling Style - A good wedding videographer knows how to tell stories through their videos and add in personal touches such as interviews with family members or friends which helps give viewers an insight into what life was like on your special day from a more personal perspective than just watching people dance around in circles (although there's nothing wrong with that too!).   

9. Stress Free Process - Hiring a professional wedding videographer takes all the stress away from trying to figure out how you're going to record everything yourself or finding someone who doesn't have any experience filming weddings but has some free time on their hands (not ideal). Working with someone who is experienced makes sure everything runs smoothly so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy yourself while they take care of everything else!  

10. Lasting Memories – At the end of it all, having a professionally filmed video gives you memories that last a lifetime and allow everyone involved in creating it look back fondly on such an amazing experience shared by everyone involved in creating it (including yourself!) 

Hiring a professional wedding videographer comes with many benefits – from giving you peace of mind knowing everything will be recorded correctly, providing creative ideas for shots, using high-end equipment for optimal results, offering flexible packages depending on what fits into budget best and finally giving lasting memories for generations ahead! Whether this is for yourself or someone close to you who's getting married soon; consider hiring under professionals if not just for these reasons alone but also because why not? Why not have beautiful visuals along with the beautiful memories? After all isn't that what life's about? Making those wonderful memories last forever? Don't hesitate; hire those professionals today and get ready for an unforgettable experience tomorrow !

5 Reasons Why Every Couple Needs Wedding Videography

Weddings are one of the most important days of your life; it marks the start of a new beginning with your significant other. Capturing the beauty and emotion of your wedding day is essential to make sure you have something to look back on, cherish, and share with future generations. Hiring a professional Lehgih Valley wedding videographer to film all the special moments of your big day is an absolute must! Here are five reasons why every couple needs wedding videography. 

1. Lasting Memories: When you look back on your wedding photos 10, 20 or even 30 years from now, you’ll remember how beautiful and happy you felt that day—but it will be even more special if you can watch a video that captures those same emotions in motion. With a wedding video, you’ll be able to relive those special moments for years to come. 

2. Share Your Story: Everyone wants their love story to be unique and different from others. With a professional wedding video, couples can show their family and friends exactly how amazing their wedding was! They can capture all the fun details that made their special day so unique — like highlights from their vows or speeches given during the reception. Sharing these videos online will also help people who weren’t able to attend feel like they were there with you! 

3. Capture Special Moments: You won't just get footage of the ceremony itself; professional videographers will take great care to capture all sorts of treasured moments throughout the entire event — like when you exchange rings or when your parents give speeches at the reception —that would otherwise be lost in time without those precious memories being captured on film. 

4. Professional Editing: Wedding videos are not just about capturing footage; they need to be edited too! Professional editing ensures that all those special moments captured on camera turn into beautiful memories that last forever. A professional videographer will take great care in crafting an emotional story out of hours upon hours of footage – making sure each scene flows seamlessly into the next and creating a timeless visual experience for viewers to enjoy for years down the line! 

5. High-Quality Footage: The quality of your wedding video should not be overlooked either! There’s nothing worse than watching grainy footage or hearing distorted audio during pivotal moments like exchanging vows or walking down the aisle – but with a professional team behind it, these issues can easily be avoided so that couples get only high-quality output for their big day! 

Hiring a professional Lehigh Valley wedding videographer is an investment worth making on such an important day in your life! Not only will they capture priceless memories that last long after the event has ended but they also guarantee high-quality output while providing expert editing services along with it—allowing couples to share their stories with friends and family far into the future! Whether getting married soon or already married, investing in hiring a professional team for capturing all those special moments on film is something no couple should overlook - as having that memento makes all those happy memories stay alive forever!

Engagement Photos: A Necessity In Wedding Photography

Planning a wedding can be the Lehigh Valley can be incredibly stressful. With so many details to attend to, it can be easy to overlook the importance of engagement photos. However, these photos are a great way for you and your partner to capture the joy of this special moment in your life. Let’s explore why engagement photos are essential for your wedding photography. 

A Lasting Memory 

Engagement photos are something you will cherish for years to come. They allow you to look back on this momentous occasion with fondness, and serve as a reminder of how far you have come as a couple. Additionally, it is important to remember that engagement photos are not just about the two of you—they are also about the love that brought you together in the first place! By capturing these special moments, engagement photos become lasting reminders of just how much love there is between the two of you. 

Capturing Your Love Story 

Engagement photos provide an opportunity to tell your story as a couple—from when you first met all the way up until now. These photos allow friends and family members who may not have known you when you first started dating get an inside glimpse into your relationship and its progression over time. This can make them feel more connected and invested in your wedding celebration, adding another layer of sentimentality to your big day. 

Choosing A Photographer 

When selecting an engagement photographer, it is important to find someone who understands what makes each couple unique and can capture those moments in creative ways. At Lehigh Valley Fine Art Wedding Photography, we specialize in creating stunning fine art images that make real-life memories last forever! Our experienced team takes pride in creating beautiful photographs for couples who want their engagements captured in unique ways that reflect their personalities and interests.                        

Engagement photos are an essential part of any wedding photography package because they provide lasting memories that will be cherished long after the ceremony has ended. Not only do they give couples a chance to capture their love story but they also offer friends and family members a glimpse into their relationship before taking part in the big day itself! If you’re looking for a Lehigh Valley wedding photographer with experience creating fine art images that reflect each couple’s individual style and personality, then look no further than Lehigh Valley Fine Art Wedding Photography! Contact us today to book your session!

How To Find A Quality Lehigh Valley Wedding Photographer on a Budget

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. For couples who are considering hiring a wedding photographer, the thought of spending thousands of dollars can be daunting. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help you find the perfect photographer at an affordable price. Let's take a look at how you can save money without sacrificing quality when it comes to your wedding photography. 

Shop Around for Prices 

When it comes to finding the right photographer, price is usually one of the biggest factors. Before deciding on any one photographer, ask around and compare prices from different photographers in your area. You may find that certain photographers offer packages or discounts that fit within your budget much better than others. Additionally, don’t forget to factor in travel costs if you need to hire someone who isn’t local. 

Be Mindful of What You Need 

As part of shopping around for prices, remember that sometimes less really is more! Consider what you actually need from your wedding photographer and make sure they are willing to provide those services without charging extra fees or overcharging you for services you won’t use. It might be worth investing a little more in pre-wedding photos rather than post-wedding photos if those are the pictures that will be most important to you and your family members.  

 Take Advantage of Online Tools 

Finally, consider taking advantage of online tools like Lehigh Valley Wedding Photography’s website which offers detailed reviews and recommendations for quality wedding photographers in the Lehigh Valley area. Not only does this resource help simplify your search process by giving potential customers direct access to photographers in their area with ratings and reviews from past customers, but it also allows customers to contact multiple photographers with just one inquiry so they can quickly compare quotes and services offered before making their final decision. 

Finding quality wedding photography on a budget doesn't have to be hard! With these tips in mind—shopping around for prices, being mindful of what you need, and taking advantage of online resources—you should have no problem locating an experienced photographer whose services fit within your budget while still providing beautiful photos for years to come! Don't forget about Lehigh Valley Wedding Photography as an excellent starting point during your search for a fine art wedding photographer! Best wishes as you embark on this exciting next chapter in life!

Budgeting Your Wedding: Why Invest In Photography & Videography?

Getting married is probably one of the most exciting events of your life. It’s a time for celebration and for making memories that will last a lifetime. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the budgeting aspect of your wedding. You want to make sure you can create the perfect day without breaking the bank. One of the most important investments you can make on your wedding day is in photography and videography services. Here are four reasons why spending money on quality Lehigh Valley Wedding Photography is worth it! 

1. Quality Photos & Videos Last Forever - The single biggest reason to invest in photography and videography services is because they will capture moments that would otherwise be lost forever. Not only that, but high-quality photos and videos allow you to relive those moments over and over again—even decades later! That way, you can always fondly remember your special day, no matter how much time passes. 

2. Professional Services Take Stress Off Your Shoulders - Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’re trying to do everything yourself. Hiring professional photographers or videographers takes a lot of weight off your shoulders so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your big day—not worrying about what’s happening behind the camera lens! Plus, Lehigh Valley Fine Art Wedding Photographers know exactly how to capture all the little details of your wedding in an aesthetically pleasing way so that you get beautiful pictures that reflect all your hard work! 

3. Easily Share With Family & Friends - Another great reason to hire professional photographers or videographers for your wedding is because it makes it easier for family and friends who are unable to attend to still experience what happened at your ceremony or reception. This also ensures that everyone who was present gets access to quality photos and videos they can share with their own friends and family members via social media or email!           

4. Capturing Special Moments - Lastly, having professionals take photos or record videos during your wedding allows them to capture special moments that may otherwise go unnoticed—such as an emotional speech from a close friend or family member, or even just a sweet exchange between newlyweds! These candid shots are some of the most treasured memories from any wedding day, and they’re definitely worth investing in so you can look back on them fondly down the line! 

When budgeting for your wedding, keep in mind that investing in quality photography and videography services should be near the top of your priority list if you want beautiful memories captured from one of the most important days in life! Not only do these help preserve memories so they don’t fade over time, but they also make sharing those memories with loved ones easy—and even allow special moments throughout the day to be captured so they can be remembered forever! With Lehigh Valley Weddings' award winning photography team, you’ll have photographs worthy of hanging on walls for years (or even decades) to come—so book today! 

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10 Questions to Ask Your Lehigh Valley Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and you want to make sure that it is captured in the best way possible. Hiring a Lehigh Valley wedding photographer can be a daunting task, so we’ve put together a list of questions to help guide you through the process. 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or fine art wedding photographer, these questions will help ensure that your big day is captured with the utmost care and quality. 

1. What kind of packages do you offer? - It is important to know beforehand what packages are offered by your potential photographer as this will determine how much coverage they can provide before and during your wedding day. You should also ask about additional services such as engagement sessions, bridal shower photography, or albums and prints. 

2. What is included in each package? - Once you have determined which package fits your needs best, it is important to ask exactly what is included in that package so that there are no surprises when it comes time for payment. 

3. How long have you been photographing weddings? - Knowing how many years of experience your potential photographer has can give you an idea of their level of expertise when capturing all the special moments from your special day. 

4. Do you offer digital copies of my photos? - If digital copies are important for sharing on social media and other outlets, then make sure to ask if this service is available with the package that you choose. 

5. Are there any additional fees? - When discussing the details of the package with your potential photographer, make sure to ask if there any hidden fees or costs associated with any additional services they may offer such as reprints or travel expenses when applicable.     

6. What type of equipment do you use? - Knowing what type of equipment your potential photographer uses could be beneficial in determining whether or not they are capable enough to capture all the details and moments from your special day perfectly!  

7. Do you have backup equipment available just in case something goes wrong? - You want to make sure that nothing goes wrong on such an important occasion, so asking about backup equipment can help alleviate some anxiety knowing that even if something does happen, they will still be able to capture those perfect shots!  

8. How long after my event will I receive my photos? - This question can be crucial in knowing how quickly you will get back those beautiful photos from your special day!  

9. Can I see samples from recent weddings? – Seeing samples from their previous work could give insight into their style and help determine if they are right for capturing all those important moments during your event!

10. Do I need a permit/license for certain locations? – Depending on where you plan on having your event, certain permits/licenses may be needed for photography sessions at certain locations so make sure to ask about this before booking anything!    

Choosing the right wedding photographer is an incredibly important decision as these photos will serve as memories for years down the road! Asking these questions should help guide in finding someone who can capture all those special moments perfectly and create beautiful images that can last forever! By doing research ahead of time and taking into consideration all similar services offered by different photographers, couples can find someone who meets their needs while staying within their budget range! With these 10 questions in mind while searching for a Lehigh Valley wedding photographer, couples can find someone who best suits them and ensures an unforgettable experience on their big day!

Capturing Emotion In Fine Art Wedding Photography

The art of capturing emotion in fine art wedding photography is something that we, as Lehigh Valley wedding photographers, strive for. With the right combination of technical and creative skills, the professional photographer can create beautiful and timeless photos that reflect the joy of a couple’s special day. Let’s take a look at how to capture emotion in fine art wedding photography. 

Lighting & Angles 

One of the most important elements of creating an emotional image is lighting and angles. By utilizing various lighting techniques such as natural light, studio lights, or reflections, your Lehigh Valley fine art wedding photographer can bring out the emotion in a subject’s face. Additionally, using different angles such as high angle shots or low angle shots can help to emphasize certain emotions and make them even more powerful. 

Candid Moments 

Another great way to capture emotion in fine art wedding photography is to focus on capturing candid moments between the bride and groom or their families. These are often some of the most powerful images because they show an unguarded moment and convey real feelings that cannot be faked or staged. Candid moments also tend to be very unique and personal which helps to make them even more special when they are captured on film. 

Edit & Enhance 

Finally, editing and enhancing photos can also help to bring out emotion in fine art wedding photography. By adjusting colors, sharpening details, cropping images, or adding textures such as grainy filters or soft focus effects, your Lehigh Valley wedding photographer will be able to enhance your photos so that they look even better than before! 

At the end of the day, capturing emotion in fine art wedding photography is all about utilizing technical skills combined with creative vision from a professional Lehigh Valley Wedding Photographer. With experience in both natural light & studio lighting techniques; different angles; candid moments; editing & enhancing; you will have beautiful images that you will cherish for years to come!  Plus, it's an amazing way for you to remember your special day by preserving all those emotions you felt!   So why not book a Lehigh Valley Fine Art Wedding Photographer today? You won't regret it!

5 Essential Tips For Planning Your Wedding Day

You’ve been dreaming of this day for as long as you can remember. The day you finally get to marry the love of your life and say “I do” in front of all your friends and family. It’s a stressful yet exciting time, but planning a wedding can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start or what to expect. Here are five essential tips that all brides should know when planning their wedding day! 

Start Early and Set Deadlines 

With any project, it’s best to start early and set realistic deadlines so that you can get everything done in time before the big day arrives. Start by setting up a timeline with an overview of what needs to be accomplished and when. This way, you won’t forget anything important—and if something slips through the cracks, there will still be enough time to make up for it. 

Choose your Venue Carefully 

Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s important to choose one that fits both your style and budget. Start by making a list of all the must-haves that are important for your special day—like a beautiful view or great acoustics—so that you can narrow down your options quickly and easily.  Don't forget about catering too - consider whether there is space at the venue or if food will need to be catered from outside?  Also take into consideration whether alcoholic drinks will be served - this will affect both catering costs as well as licensing requirements.  

Hire Professional Help 

Hiring professionals such as photographers, videographers, florists, cake makers, caterers etc., is essential if you want everything to go according to plan on the big day. Research different vendors online and ask around for recommendations from friends who have recently gotten married — they may have some good advice on who they used! Make sure that everyone you hire is properly licensed and insured before signing any contracts so that you’re protected in case something goes wrong on the day itself.  

Stay Organized During Planning Process 

Make sure that all your plans are documented so that everyone involved knows exactly what needs to happen on the big day. Have checklists of tasks assigned out along with timelines pinned up at home or saved in an app like Trello or Basecamp—this ensures nothing slips through the cracks during hectic days leading up to your wedding date.  

Enjoy Yourself! 

Remember why you are doing all this planning in the first place – because you want a beautiful memory of one of the most important days of your life! Although there might be some hiccups along the way, don't forget about enjoying yourself throughout this process! Take breaks whenever needed and delegate tasks when possible; after all, having fun is just as important as having everything turn out perfect!  

Planning a wedding can seem daunting at first but with these five tips in mind – starting early, choosing the right venue carefully, hiring professional help, staying organized during planning process and enjoying yourself – it doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task! Follow these tips closely–you won't regret it on your special day! Good luck with organizing what will most likely be one of the most wonderful days of your life!

Make 2023 Your Year With These New Years Wedding Resolutions

It’s a new year, and that means one thing: a brand-new set of resolutions!

One of the biggest moments of your life is only months away, so why not add some wedding planning goals to your list? Whether you’re a newly engaged couple or one that has been together for years, making and keeping these resolutions will make 2023 the best year yet. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate wedding planning into your New Years Resolutions. 

This new year gives you the opportunity to start fresh with everything from budgeting to communication. One goal could be setting boundaries for yourselves before getting too far into the details of planning. Do you want an intimate gathering, or an all-out grand affair? Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something that both of you are comfortable with and have agreed upon. Establishing expectations early on helps avoid any potential arguments down the road. This can help create a great foundation for a lasting marriage! 

Start Fresh 

This new year gives you the opportunity to start fresh with everything from budgeting to communication. One goal could be setting boundaries for yourselves before getting too far into the details of planning. Do you want an intimate gathering, or an all-out grand affair? Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something that both of you are comfortable with and have agreed upon. Establishing expectations early on helps avoid any potential arguments down the road. This can help create a great foundation for a lasting marriage! 

Create A Checklist & Get Organized  

Make lists! Create a checklist of all the things that need to be done in order to plan your wedding; this may include booking vendors and venues, designing invitations, choosing flowers and more. Then organize them in order of importance. The feeling of accomplishment as each task is completed is invaluable and so rewarding – trust us! Seeing what (and how much) has been accomplished will give you a boost of confidence throughout the planning process. 

Research & Set Aside Time for Planning 

Research is key when it comes to wedding planning. Check out various vendors and venues online until you find exactly what you’re looking for—it might take some time but it’ll be worth it in the end! The Lehigh Valley, alone, has tons of beautiful and unique venues. When researching and putting together ideas during specific times in the week (like during lunch breaks or weekends), it keeps your planning organized and less overwhelming than if done sporadically throughout days/weeks/months at random times.  Setting aside specific time allows for tasks to get done quicker because there won't be any distractions pulling away focus from achieving goals efficiently - just make sure not to overdo it - don't forget to keep taking breaks too! 

Creating resolution goals helps strengthen relationships while also providing structure when tackling big projects like wedding planning. With these tips, we hope 2023 will be your best year yet – now go forth and crush those wedding planning goals! And remember – every now and then, take a break from planning so that both partners can enjoy each other’s company without worrying about seating charts or flower arrangements – let yourself just breathe and take it all in - you deserve it! It seems like such a long journey ahead but trust us…it flies by so savor every moment! Happy New Year!

The Inception of TM Weddings: From Foundation to Present Day

For the founding couple of TM Weddings, the two-year transition from a small local production team to a professional wedding photography company was a very easy decision. For the founders (and newlyweds) Tony and Brynn Martinez, their reasoning for their current life’s work was simple: they love to bear witness to love. In this installment of the TM Blog (and in the spirit of welcoming everyone for our upcoming weekly newsletters, beginning today, June 20th), we will hear a bit about the who’s, what’s, when’s, where’s, why’s, and how’s of TM Weddings, in part from the couple themselves!

WHO?

The founders of TM Weddings are, of course, Tony and Brynn Martinez, who met one another in first grade — at about 6-7 years old. It was here where their longtime friendship, and later, partnership, began. Later in their life, they began dating, and because of the time they spent together, they share a deep bond that I rarely see formed between anyone. 

The thing I notice most about Tony and Brynn are that they value friendship, kindness, love, and empathy before anything else — and it is no wonder to me (or them) that they love a profession that keeps them surrounded by the values they appreciate the most. For a couple so centered on love, care, and passion for one another, what is more natural than wedding photography? This is one of the main reasons why Tony and Brynn find working with weddings to be intuitive and enjoyable. 

WHAT?

The what? TM Weddings! TM Weddings was the result of Tony Martinez realizing through his production company that he wanted weddings to become his specialty. Before becoming TM Weddings, Tony was focused on producing anything and everything -- and he still often does. But now, TM Weddings is his primary focus. 

WHEN?

TM Weddings was established in 2019, after 7 months of deliberation, licensing, and development. It was a quick process, and now, after two years, TM Weddings is seeing more clients than ever! 

WHERE? 

TM Weddings is formally located in Macungie, Pennsylvania. But, this doesn’t stop Tony, Brynn, and the rest of his production team from shooting weddings all over the country. For example, just in the last couple of months, Tony and Brynn (and the rest of the crew, too) travelled to South Carolina, New York, and more. So, we can see, location is typically something pretty flexible. 

WHY?

The “why” of TM Weddings is a beautiful explanation of the passion that people can have for their jobs -- and part of what makes Tony and Brynn so suited for their line of work. As Tony put it to me, he resonates the most with the energy found in community, caring, and love that exists between a couple. He also believes that “although everyone perceives beauty differently, there will always be something beautiful about capturing love no matter how it manifests”. By basing their business on their passion for one another and their desire to capture undeniably beautiful moments, Tony and Brynn have managed to find their perfect niche for their skills.

HOW?

How TM Wedding’s got its start was through the hard work and efforts of Tony and Brynn themselves. Currently, they both spend a great amount of time on edits, shooting, and photography and videography, and it was a big process to reach this point. From gathering tons of high end equipment, gathering licensing for the business as well as the programs they use, and creating a space where this can all come together, the battle was long but well worth it. The shift from a production team to a wedding service company was definitely helpful in facilitating this transition, but also critical is the love that Tony and Brynn have for capturing beauty and passion -- especially the nascent and pure kind that tends to surface at times like a wedding.

All in all, we can see TM Weddings as a professional manifestation of the passion of a fantastic couple -- and I find everything that they’ve managed to do quite remarkable. For me, it's certainly a privilege to work for people who are so caring and genuine -- and I’m sure for couples, it is this dedication and passion that makes TM Weddings unique. This is the story of TM Weddings and also of Tony and Brynn -- and to the TM Blog readers, we wish you a great day, and hope that you have seen just a glimpse of what makes Tony, Brynn, and TM Weddings stand out.

Catering your Wedding -- How to Plan Hors d'Oeuvres, Main Courses, Desserts, and Everything In Between for a Low Price! (Plus, a TM Wedding’s Promotional Discount!)

When it comes to budgeting, many wedding planners find that catering can constitute up to 35% of their entire balance for the entire event. Now, this does not need to be true -- there are many ways in which you can save money on catering, whether it is by doing the catering yourself or with help from family and friends, or just by making smart decisions on the menu items and catering service you choose during your planning stage. This article will provide you resources on exactly how to save money catering your wedding, ranging from good tips for those who want to cater their wedding alone, to ways to save money when simply selecting the catering services and menus. It will also give you tips on how to be informed when deciding how exactly you will cater your wedding as well.

At the end of the blog, there is also a special TM Weddings promotion, where readers may receive 10% off of a catering order of $100 or more from the Lower Merion’s Japanese restaurant Gin Za -- so stay tuned! 

HOW TO CATERING YOURSELF -- HOW TO EASILY SAVE MONEY BY CATERING YOUR OWN WEDDING

Purchase Catering Equipment Yourself

For those hoping to cater their own wedding, it may seem reasonable to rent the equipment that you will need (think burners, heat lamps, decor/plates/silverware). However, the cost of renting equipment has increased in recent times -- and catering companies and rental services are charging more than ever for this service. 

This is true to such an extent that it is usually cheaper to buy this equipment yourself -- most catering equipment can come for a low price if you are willing to do the searching. Finding metal trays, some gas stoves, and affordable plates and silverware can be a much more customizable and cheap means of catering, and is a great way to save money on your catering endeavor.

The best part of this is, if you purchase all of the gear to cater your own wedding, you could sell or gift it to the next person getting married that you know. Thus, by buying your own gear, you can pass it along to a friend -- making some of your money back, or just sharing the gift of the gear to help a friend cater their own wedding as well. 

Select Foods That Are Easy to Make in Bulk

This may seem like a fairly obvious point, but it is a surefire way to save a lot of money when catering your own event. By making items in bulk, you make catering a much more feasible experience. It may be tempting to select complicated hor d'oeuvres or intricate meals that require many ingredients -- and this is also okay! But, your budget and your capabilities will be much less strained if you can choose simple yet delicious items that are made on a large scale. These sorts of items can include protein items like braised ribs or roasted chicken breasts, large garden salads, or various pasta dishes, where sauces, vegetables, and noodles can be combined in large quantities. 

Plan Your Cooking Ahead of Time

Another self-evident point about catering your own wedding is to know how many people you are cooking for, and to decide exactly what it is that you are cooking. If you have these two aspects down, you can devise a schedule for how to actually execute the cooking aspect of your wedding. Consider this -- you have made noodles for a pasta two days early, and the day of your wedding finally comes. You notice the noodles have become quite soggy by now, and the salad you prepared has also wilted since yesterday as well! 

This is the sort of crisis you really want to avoid. If you know your menu, you can figure out when and how to execute your cooking plan -- which may entail cooking some items on your wedding day, or others several days before. If you want a salad, this is best made fresh, and can be feasibly done the day of your wedding. However, if you are making something like roasted chicken, which can easily be stored and heated up later, this is something you can schedule two days early, for example. 

To plan your cooking ahead of time is to ensure your food comes out in the best quality as possible, as well as to relieve your cooking burden by having a solid plan before you actually begin. Thus, if you know your menu and your guest list, you are ready to start determining your plan for your cooking schedule.

Get Your Friends Involved!

Catering your own wedding does not just involve cooking -- it also involves the transport, setup, decor, and serving of all of the food as well. This can seem like quite a daunting prospect, given all of the logistics (i.e. making sure items are the right temperature, having the space to store the food, having time to set up all of the food when the time comes). However, if you have friends and family available to help you, you can design an efficient and flawless system where your food is cooked, transported, stored, set up, and served with ease. 

To execute this step pragmatically, consider several things. Do you have the fridge and kitchen space to cater your wedding? Do you have the time and space to transport all of this food when the day comes? Will you do buffet style or have servers to serve the food? Who could potentially serve, transport, or give me the space to cook? These questions can help you figure out where exactly you do need help in the process, and who can help you with it as well. 

CATERING SERVICES -- HOW TO MAKE SMART AND COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICES

Knowing Your Headcount and Devising a Per-Person Estimate

When it comes to selecting a caterer and a menu, the most critical aspect for your budget is knowing your headcount and devising a per-person cost estimate. These two things will allow you to be prepared to discuss with a caterer, who will often require you to know these things before you talk prices. Here are the most important things to be aware of when devising a per-person cost estimate. To come up with this estimate, it is best to refer to the average per-person costs highlighted in the above point (“Select your Catering Style”) to get a feel for how much you will be spending. It is also important to know that most couples spend an average of $1,800 to $7,000 dollars on their catering for their weddings.

As aforementioned, your per-person estimate must be compatible with your catering service, and if you are not willing to stretch on this estimate, you help make sure that you select a catering service within your price range. By being aware of these average prices, knowing your person count, and deciding on a buffet or a plated dinner situation, you can expand your knowledge of your budget, and avoid paying more than you want to for a catering service by having a well-informed budget.

Know your Average Costs, and Saving Money via Catering Styles

When budgeting for catering, it is most important to know whether your catering will be plated dinners or buffet style. It is also important to know if you will have an open bar or not, if you will have hors d’eouvres, desserts, or anything extra of this sort. The average per-person cost for a plated dinner is $40. If you cater with a buffet, the average per-person cost is $27. Adding an open bar will typically cost $15 extra per-person. These are three cornerstone average costs that most wedding planners will encounter.  Knowing how much food (and at what times of the wedding you want them) will ensure that you will be aware of your costs before you plan with a caterer.  

In terms of saving money, a buffet-style catering situation is the best. Keeping things simple is also a great way of saving money, especially on hors d’eouvres, which can become quite complicated and expensive. Thus, if you want to save money, these are a couple good ways of keeping your budget in check when selecting catering styles -- simple, accessible foods, and buffet style self-service. 

Another great way to save money if you have an open bar is an open tab. This means that instead of paying the entire price for an open bar (knowing that some people may not drink), your guests will charge their drinks to your open tab -- thus reducing costs on those who decide to not drink. 

Selecting a Trustworthy and Quality Caterer

When selecting a caterer, there are several critical factors involved. A trustworthy and helpful caterer is one of the most important aspects of finding a good business to help you on your big day. So, how can you decide? 

One good way to select a caterer is to know what it is that they serve. This could mean that the catering service you hire is one that you know -- or even a friend of yours! Having people affiliated with you catering your wedding is a great way to ensure they are invested in making and serving quality food on your good day. If you are not hiring a business you are familiar with, then it is a great idea to schedule a tasting. This way, you can taste the food you are selecting, and get to know the people behind your catering operation. 

Another great way of determining if a caterer is right for you is to ask them one simple question -- how much of their menu is frozen? If a catering business is used to setting up, heating frozen food, and then serving it, your money would be better spent on something else -- as you could easily do this job on your own. This is a critical question that makes sure your caterer is invested in providing good quality food that you could not simply provide yourself, and ensure that the food being served is unique and good tasting as well. 

One final way to select a quality and trustworthy caterer is to ask them questions such as this: “what makes your business unique?”. This question is critical -- if they are unable to particularly answer this, they may not be as passionate about their craft as you would hope. You want to ensure that your caterer provides quality and standout food, and that they are trustworthy and invested in their own business. By asking these sorts of questions, scheduling tastings, and knowing their menu inside and out, you are a step closer to making an informed decision. It will also let you know how much of your money you hope to spend on this aspect of your wedding -- what you will settle for, what special add-ons and ideas for catering that you want, and beyond. 

Be Aware of Tips and Wildcards!

One final note on catering is that there are typically extra costs to be wary of. Catering businesses will usually expect a 15-20% tip for their services, and beyond this, many catering businesses have sorts of “hidden fees” that might not be expected. This can range from service fees (i.e. time spent serving) to even more random ones, such as a flat rate for each slice of cake that is cut. When discussing with a caterer, find out what exactly these fees are expected to amount to, and make sure to make this a part of your budget that you are informed of rather than surprised by. 

A SPECIAL TM WEDDINGS PROMOTION -- 20% OFF OF CATERING FROM GIN ZA JAPANESE RESTAURANT OF LOWER MERION  

If you are looking for a deal on high quality, authentic sushi and Japanese food to cater your wedding, look no further -- TM Weddings has just arranged a great deal for all of our readers! For those of you who are reading from Pennsylvania, the Lower Merion restaurant Gin Za is offering 10% off of all catering-related orders for your wedding above $100. As mentioned in the article, buffet-style catering is a great way to save money on your wedding’s budget. From Gin Za, you can select from a whole menu of sushi, ranging from intricate special sushi rolls to simpler, traditional rolls that would truly spice up any wedding buffet or menu. They also have high-quality sushi and sashimi, which could also make a great add-on as well. Furthermore, their menu contains many traditional Japanese dishes that could be served in a buffet or even on an individual plate basis, such as teriyakis, yakisoba noodles, and more. 

Gin Za Japanese Restaurant of Lower Merion is now working with TM Weddings to provide our readers with a 10% discount on all wedding catering orders above $100. To receive the discount, simply call the restaurant when you are ready to plan, and mention our blog promotion to their owner, Kyung Kang. The restaurant is willing to deliver their catering within a 20-mile radius -- ranging from all of greater Philadelphia, into Camden, King of Prussia, and Media as well. If you fall out of the delivery range, pick-up is also a suitable option. 

For more information on Gin Za, you can refer to their website here ( http://www.ginzamainline.com/ ), or find their reviews online via Google or Yelp. Make sure you search for Gin Za Mainline, and not a different, incorrect Gin Za! We at TM Weddings wish our readers the best of luck with catering their weddings, and hope that our promotion offers you some help in adding some quality, fancy flairs to your wedding’s food!

Making Your Wedding Day Go Right: Tips from Professionals on How to Have a Stress-Free, Beautiful Wedding Day For You and Your Partner

“Above everything else, a wedding day is purely about brides and grooms celebrating their union. So why all of the stress? Rest assured, worries about making your prospective wedding run smoothly are not misplaced. Anyone who is preoccupied with “making their day go right”, is setting the stage for an effortlessly wonderful wedding once it arrives.”

Couples spend countless days planning for a perfect wedding day -- but why can excessive planning still end in unnecessary stress? In a 2010 survey by Dana Rebecca Designs, out of 2,000 newlyweds, 58% experienced stress on their wedding day. Furthermore, almost half stated that “they should have enjoyed it more”.  In our opinion (and that of other married people), the duress of heavy planning is worth it -- so long as planning and preoccupation do not prevent you and your partner from enjoying your wedding day to its fullest. 

So, what can we do to plan for a stress-free, beautiful wedding that transcends appearances, and is focused on you and your partner? To help you figure this out, we interviewed licensed professional counselor Adrienne Blatcher about how to have a stress-free wedding day. We also asked wedding photographer Tony Martinez himself for some tips about how to minimize your stress on wedding day. Spoiler: strong pre-planning and a positive mindset (free of pressure and expectations) are both major keys. 

An Interview with Adrienne Blatcher: 

A licensed professional counselor in the Lower Merion, Pennsylvania area, Adrienne Blatcher does marriage, couple, and family counseling among other things -- including teaching at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Here are some of her insights to a stress-free wedding day derived from her experiences.

Kincaid: On your wedding day, did you experience any stress? 

Adrienne: Above all, my main source of stress was nervousness. At your wedding, it’s all people you care about, and you want them to be happy.  It certainly helps to make sure you have your helpers -- people who are there to bring you everything you need to so you can enjoy yourself without worrying too much about small things. Still, for me, nervousness was the more notable source of stress -- I wanted everyone to enjoy themselves!

Kincaid: So about nervousness, what are some ways couples can avoid being nervous on their wedding day? Or, how can they avoid any other negative feelings?

Adrienne: First and foremost, I think it is important to know that sometimes, the “stress” you’re feeling is actually excitement, so don’t fight it and let yourself feel it instead! It is very easy to attribute many different emotions to “stress”, and on a wedding day, excitement (paired with all the other emotions of marriage) can really add up. Instead, try to let yourself feel these emotions for what they are, rather than chalking them all up to stress.

It’s important, too, to stay positive and enter into things without expectations for the day. Starting your wedding day with a positive mindset and with no expectations for what will happen (or what could go wrong!) will relieve some of the pressure you feel. This is because it’s so important to remember what you’re there for: it’s not supposed to be the perfect “party of the century,” it is a celebration of the future of you and your partner.  Don’t preoccupy yourself with what can go wrong or let pressure mount from your preparation -- at the end of the day, you are doing something that will make you happy for a lifetime, and your preparation is part of what will set you free! So many people fall into traps of what “perfect” is for their wedding. I think that really gets to people. Make sure that your wedding is right and comfortable for you both instead of focusing on how the experience will be -- the first step to a “perfect” wedding is actually enjoying it yourself and celebrating your union!

Kincaid: Aside from mindset and self-awareness, what else do you think is helpful to minimizing stress on the day of your wedding? 

A: Like I was saying before, to have your “helpers” is critical. Your bridesmaids (or groomsmen) should be well-prepared and ready to help you with whatever you need -- you don’t need burdens of small things chronically coming back to you throughout the occasion. Choosing good caterers, bartenders, and the like is important. But these people may still have to ask questions and need guidance -- this is what your helpers are good for. Making sure that your bridesmaids or groomsmen are prepared to handle all of the small technicalities and concerns that amount along the way is relieving. To make sure this all happens, careful planning, trustworthy workers, and prepared helpers are the key. By preparing and having a good team, the stage is set for you to work through your feelings and be calm, so that you can enjoy your day with your partner and have a stress-free wedding. In terms of planning, nothing should be done last minute. Make sure you have all the aspects of your wedding down to a time and place, and that there are people to help facilitate the different parts as well -- this way, technicalities won’t disturb you enjoying the day with your partner.

Wedding Tips from Tony Martinez: 

Tony Martinez of TM Weddings is in agreement. Tony, who was just married 8 months ago, spends a lot of time at weddings. As a wedding photographer, he is especially familiar with the technical aspects of a wedding day. When we asked Tony for a list of tips based on his personal and professional experience, he gave us some well-informed advice on what can alleviate wedding day stresses.

Coincidently, Tony had many similar ideas to Adrienne. Tony first states that an organized itinerary, as well as distributing jobs amongst helpers will make sure that a wedding takes care of itself. When your event runs itself, from your employees to your friends, you have very little tasks to worry about! In the same vein, Tony also stressed the importance of choosing the right vendors. At his wedding, he especially chose people who ran businesses that he knew and trusted. By selecting reliable vendors and workers (people who actually care for you and your wedding) you can be absolutely sure that your wedding staff truly hopes to make your day special and carefree. 

Lastly, Tony closes on the most important note of all -- mentally accepting that things may go “wrong.” Wrong, here, doesn’t even exactly mean “bad!” Know that your wedding isn’t perfect because of the wedding event itself -- it is already perfect because you are celebrating a beautiful lifetime decision. Your close friends and family will enjoy it for that reason alone. Like Adrienne stated, too, going into your wedding day without expectations will allow you to roll with whatever happens, and to be happy to share the day with your partner. By doing this, you are free to understand and experience your wedding in the present moment, unburdened by appearances, technicalities, and small slip-ups. Paradoxically, by simply being happy for your day regardless of circumstances, you can give your guests the experience of a “perfect” wedding, even in spite of problems!

Wrapping Up: The Importance of Mindset, Mindfulness, and Preparation in Mitigating Wedding Stress

Conclusive from our interview with Adrienne and the tips from Tony, we see that adequate preparation and a carefree, positive mindset before your wedding is the best route to a beautiful and happy wedding day. Realizing that your “stress” can actually be excitement, passion, or even happiness is very important too! At the end of the day, your wedding itself is a celebration of only one thing -- your marriage with your partner. Anything else that occurs outside of this is not so much an issue. 

Mitigating these outside factors is a plus -- if you make sure you plan well, and have formidable helpers by your side, things will run themselves! From a well-done itinerary, good and trustworthy vendors, and designated jobs for those involved, preparation will give you space to ensure you have a positive and happy outlook no matter what. 

Just know, if some food does not arrive in time, or if one of your friends holds onto the microphone for a bit too long, these things shouldn’t detract from your day of celebration with your partner -- this is between you two only. Of course, impressing your wedding attendees and making your family proud is important: but if everything doesn’t go exactly to plan, you can bet that you and your partner will still look fondly and happily upon the day you committed to one another for life. We are sure that with these tips and some good plans, there can be nothing that will shake you and your partner from having a beautiful day. 

The Importance of Flower Arrangements for your Wedding: Five Tips on How to Choose Flower Arrangements and Bouquets for your Special Day (And Save Some Money!)

When we plan for our weddings, there are many different needs to account for. One commonly overlooked aspect of wedding planning? Selecting, budgeting, and planning flower arrangements. Although many people aren’t always aware of the details and price ranges of arrangements, boutonnieres, and bouquets, they are a great opportunity to express yourself, while also greatly boosting the aesthetics of your overall day.

Flowers are something that deserve much more recognition in wedding planning, given the dramatic effect they can have on a wedding as a whole. With the right amount of planning, aesthetic knowledge, and a bit of research, flowers can be a highlight of your wedding day, and greatly improve your wedding venue! This aside, sometimes flowers can make or break some great wedding pictures -- especially when it comes to the bride’s bouquet. 

Some other uses of wedding florals? Flowers are a powerful accentuator in photos, a pivotal part of table arrangements, and they have the ability to subtly change the whole mood of a reception. They are an effective method of turning a public venue into a location that feels and matches you and your partner’s own story. So, how do you select beautiful (and suitable!) flowers within your budget? 

With the right amount of floral knowledge, you can easily find good ways to save your money and select fantastic, seasonal arrangements that will compliment your entire day. This article will help give you some knowledge and resources about how to do so -- so stay tuned! 

1.) Consider the weather and season

The season in which your wedding will take place is one of the most important aspects of flower selection. In general, a good florist will guide you in the right direction in terms of your personal preferences for your wedding flowers -- and season is one of their biggest concerns. For example, if you are hard-set on having hydrangeas at a hot summer wedding, you’ll likely find a bride with a wilting bouquet within two hours! 

Thus, choosing flowers seasonally is very critical, so be sure to consider the climate of your wedding. Like the hydrangeas wilting on a hot summer day, winter flowers like amaryllis, sweet pea, or camellias will not last long in a summer wedding. They will wilt for photos, and furthermore, there’s a pretty high chance they won’t match their surroundings -- especially if your wedding is outdoors. Seasonal flowers naturally match their outdoor surroundings -- and going against nature might mean that your arrangements could appear out of place. 

Selecting seasonal flowers depends on your wedding climate, your surroundings (venue), and flower resilience. In other words, make sure your flowers are tough enough to be carried as a bouquet all day, or to sit as a centerpiece for hours. 

To choose a suitable flower that will stay strong, match your background & setting, and accentuate your wedding, in-season is the way to go! No matter how much you might like those peonies, they might not be the best choice for an autumn wedding. It may be that chrysanthemums are much more suitable for the season and your day. 

Also, if this isn’t convincing enough to curb your potential desire for out-of-season florals, it is also true that in-season flowers are much cheaper than ones that are not currently blooming. So, save yourself some money, work with the aesthetics of your season, and opt for a safe choice that won’t wilt at your reception! For a guide on seasonal wedding flowers, you can see this link below for “Wedding Flower Availability and Colors by Season”. 

For lists of seasonal flowers, see here

2.) Buy the dress first

This point may seem fairly logical, but it is a classic mistake that many florists and photographers have noted! It’s obvious that the selection of the bride’s dress will have a great effect on the other aesthetic aspects of a wedding. In a lot of ways, a dress dictates the color palette of a reception -- ideally complimenting or matching with the colors of a location. 

Florals are powerful, and can accentuate a dress and transform an entire venue. However, if a bride is to carry a bouquet that does not match her dress, this is something that will definitely stand out in photos. If the bouquet doesn’t match the bride, it also will typically follow that the florals of the wedding will not match with much at all.

As stated, florals have great aesthetic power -- but they do not do all of this work alone. By working with your environment and color palettes, you can unlock the massive potential of wedding florals. This should be done in careful accordance with the dress of the bride (especially the bouquet), and even better, with some consideration of the attire of the groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids. So, make sure to follow this point: it may be obvious, but it is a mistake best avoided. 

3.) Plan thoroughly, and plan within your budget

One of the most important things when considering your florals is to already know your floral budget. According to brides.com, the average cost of florals in a whole wedding budget is around 10%. However, this is something totally flexible! If you follow the other steps of this guide (saving money on in-season flowers, or becoming familiar with your options), you will better understand your style and preferences, and thus, your budget. Through this sort of personal research, you will naturally find ways for you to either reduce your floral budget or to save money on your wedding as a whole. Definitely note, though, that a florist should be accommodating to all budgets! However, to make this budget, you must also have a plan of what you like. 

If you are having trouble determining what types of arrangements and flowers are “your style,” you are not alone. For general knowledge, there are three types of “arrangements” that are important: the bouquet, the boutonniere (lapel flowers), and the centerpiece. Bouquets come in different-named styles and varieties, as do boutonnieres. Centerpieces, as well, come with diverse types. By narrowing down your season, matching your dresses and suits to bouquets and boutonnieres, and taking into account your wedding color palette (see #4), you are far beyond halfway of a great plan for your wedding florals. 

As we said, these aspects (clothing, color palette, and venue) are basically what will constitute your floral style at your reception. In other words, once you know what everyone will wear and what your location and colors will be like, a real florist will have little trouble steering you in the right direction! For help with your planning, and to give you some good references, here are some examples of bouquet, boutonniere, and centerpiece styles.

For boutonnieres, see here

For bouquets, see here

For wedding centerpieces, see here

4.) Consider your wedding color palette

In selecting your attire, venue, and wedding season, you are well on your way to deciding your wedding color palette. A color palette for your wedding ensures that in-person and in photographs, there is an aesthetically cohesive appearance that is attractive to the eye. Once you’ve selected a color palette, you have an amazing setup to browse cohesive arrangements with your florist. If you can pick your flowers based on a color palette you’ve already established, you now have a beautiful and complimentary selection of colors, flowers, and clothing present. Your wedding will be immediately eye-catching, and produce conscious and subconscious sentiments of beauty for those who are to witness it. 

Selecting a wedding color palette involves many different things at work -- but the best way to decide your color palette is through your own research and considerations. If you’re lost on how to begin this, the color wheel itself is a great place to begin. By selecting colors from a color wheel, you can see what colors are complementary and match with your color of choice. Knowing your dress or your wedding’s attire is also a good starting point. If you are still uninspired, there are also many websites with color palettes for artists, and they are available online for anyone to view. Gathering inspiration and seeing other artist-made color palettes is very helpful if you do not know what exactly it is that you want.

If you are selecting a color palette through research, try to ensure that it matches seasonally and physically with your wedding venue. This will make sure that everything matches and compliments on the day of your wedding. Whether you choose your wedding’s palette before your own dress (or vice versa), your flowers will be able to accentuate all possible colors, so long as they are cohesive. 

If you are having trouble deciding on color palettes, this website is a free and open platform for color inspiration, and has thousands of hand-picked color selections for anything from art to a wedding palette. 

For wedding color palette inspiration, see here

5.) Find Trustworthy Professionals

Up to now, you hopefully understand what work you will have to do in order to decide on your wedding florals. In fact, if you follow this list, you’ve probably gone above and beyond, and will be very prepared to select flower arrangements with a professional florist. Any florist would appreciate this much forethought! However, if the florists themselves aren’t helpful, then all this work will have gone to waste. If you make sure you pick a reliable and trustworthy florist, then you can avoid classic mistakes, such as gaps in bouquets, unprofessional arrangements, or any other occupational hazards that come with entrusting creative freedom to somebody who is not suitable for your wedding. To find a trustworthy professional florist, there are three good rules of thumb. 

First of all, you should consider the florist’s specialty. Granted your plans for florals, you will want to select a florist that specializes in something similar to what you want. Some florists specialize in only weddings, while others have different events and locations that they work best within. Finding a florist that specializes in weddings is very important, and one that specializes in types of arrangements you like is a definite plus. If you’re selecting a florist, look through their website to see their work, and you can get a feel for their style to make a better choice.

Secondly, experience is critical in selecting a florist. You want to verify that the florist you are selecting is well-versed in styles of arrangements, care for flowers, and can adjust to suit your wedding needs. Again, one of the best ways to do this is to check their website or to talk with them - this way, you can find out what work they’ve done in the past, and how well they do it.

Lastly, customer service is a very important aspect of selecting a florist. When you select a florist, you will have many talks with them about your choices and your styles, as well as your budget. Having a rude, impersonal, or uncaring florist can have far-reaching consequences for your wallet and your wedding plans. To figure out if a florist has good customer service, public reviews are a great place to start. Another good way to determine a florist with good customer service and a trustworthy business is to go somewhere local. Selecting someone that you know personally (or is maybe a friend of a friend) can go a long way -- it is always great to have people who care for you and your wedding close by. 

For some resources on how to select a trustworthy and professional florist, check out this article

TM Weddings wishes all of our readers good luck with any and all wedding planning, and we hope you can find some great, affordable, and professional arrangements that suit your wedding! Happy hunting!