Why A Wedding Photographer ~ Part 3

Time for round three, folks! In the last two blog posts we covered why you would want to hire a wedding photographer and why they charge what they do. This time around we're going to look at some strategies for working within your budget.

Now, a quick disclaimer. Not all of these tips are 100% effective. Sometimes a photographer simply can’t go as low as you need them to go, and that’s okay. If you’re realistic with your budget, you will find the right photographer for you. So here we go:

· Go to wedding shows. Wedding photographers will often offer lower prices and discounts to people who book them as the result of a show. Wedding shows are a great way for photographers to drive traffic to their business and they’re a great way for you to snag a great deal. Not only that, but wedding shows offer excellent opportunities to actually meet photographers and get to know their personalities before booking anything.

· Talk to photographers about your specific needs. A recent couple that I worked with had a budget between two of my determined package prices. Because they explained exactly what they wanted, we were able to adjust the higher package to fit their needs and stay within their budget. So if you want the full day of coverage but not the wedding album, just ask!

· Set a budget, and then share it. Ask the photographer if he or she would be willing to work within that, and what they'd be willing to do. You'd be surprised at how sympathetic and helpful a good photographer can be. Remember, the worst they can do is they say no.

· Always ask if a photographer is available! Whether you have a short engagement or your original photographer bailed on you, it’s tempting to throw in the towel and have Uncle Bob shoot your wedding, even though you know the photos won’t be great. But don’t give up! Sometimes you can get better deals with last-minute bookings. Why? Because if a photographer has an open date, they're not likely to fill it with a customer paying the full rate in just a few weeks. The downside is, of course, that it's difficult to find a good photographer just a few weeks out, especially on popular dates. So, while I wouldn’t recommend purposefully waiting and thereby gambling your wedding photos, don’t shy away from asking a professional photographer if he or she is available on late notice.

Overall, remain polite and understanding. I mentioned in a previous blog why photographers tend to cost such a considerable amount. There’s a reason for the price tag, and if you show your photographer that you understand this and respect their work, they’ll be more willing to work with you. Keep this in mind as you're shopping around.

Have some of your own tips and suggestions?  Leave it in the comments! We'd love to hear from you.

Contributed by Professional Member of Puget Sound Wedding Professionals -- Jason Comerford

Jason Comerford Photography                                     http://jcomerfordphoto.blogspot.com/

Wedding Planning 101, R.S.V.P. Defined

R.S.V.P. ( répondez s'il vous plaît) or Respond Please! Why this is so important (and frustrating) for anyone planning a wedding or other event! Here's some RSVP 101 and my devious ideas!

Does anyone understand the significance of this? They might not! That is, until they are the ones planning an event. It comes down to showing a host the common courtesy of knowing whether you are going to be attending or not.

For a wedding, it can influence the costs tremendously! Most people think that it's just the cost of the food. That is the biggest concern, but a lot of people don't think of the extra costs that a bride and groom might incur because they want to make sure that no one goes hungry or doesn't have a place to sit. Here are some extra expenses you might not even think of in addition to the food. If a person doesn't have an accurate count it can add to wasted money on tables, chairs, chair covers, chair sashes, tablecloths, napkins, glassware, stemware, centerpieces, cutlery, etc. These things do not always come automatically with the catering. (More on that in another blog entry!)

When people don't RSVP by a certain date is causes unprecedented stress on the bride, groom and their families when they least need it! They already have enough things on their minds and have the extra weight due to other's lack of courtesy.

If only you could put in the invitation...if you don't RSVP and you show up, you will be sitting on the floor, be the last ones to be called up to the buffet line, wish you had brought a plate, eat the food with your fingers, wipe your mouth on your sleeve, go thirsty...and be roasted, (oops!) toasted during the reception. Maybe you can just give the name of the town where the wedding will be and not give the location of the wedding until they RSVP. I've never thought of that before! Hmmm. You could make them get up and dance during the reception, but instead of dancing to Y-M-C-A, you could make them do the same only to the letters R-S-V-P. It's your party, you can do what you want to! 8)

Contributed by Puget Sound Wedding Professional Janis of Greatest of Days Wedding & Event Planning.

Meet our Vendors ~ Lifetime Memories & Events

Name:  Janine Goehler

Website:  Lifetime Memories & Events           

1) How would you describe your business?

My business, "Lifetime Memories & Events", is an affordable custom wedding and events planning service. The bulk of my time is devoted to weddings but I love it when given the opportunity to branch out into a different type of party. I give all of my clients, no matter the size of their budget, event, or type of package they decide on, the utmost of individual attention. I do not limit them to a particular number of contacts with me and always go the extra mile to make them happy. After all, why be in this business if not to make people happy on their important occasions.

2) What has been your sweetest success story?

I was referred to a local couple by a past client. This couple needed someone to help them coordinate a bi-coastal wedding. I was asked to travel to NYC to coordinate a ceremony and reception on the outskirts of the city for about 75 guests, mainly the Bride's friends and family. A month later we did a 275 guest reception locally for the Groom's friends and family with a lot of the east coast guests also making the journey. It was very satisfying, first of all, to receive the referral but also to be able to coordinate meetings for my couple with vendors I had never met in NYC. It took a lot of phone calls and research to narrow down the field but knowing that my couple loved the way their wedding turned out was a very "sweet" moment for me. It is so satisfying to make your clients and their families so happy, especially on two coasts.

3) What should a Bride know about your expertise and experience?

I have been a Professional Bridal Consultant for eight years. I studied with Penn Foster College to receive my certificate in wedding planning. Although I was given eighteen months to complete the course, I was so anxious to get started serving local couples that I completed it in six months. I make sure that I have studied some sort of continuing education every year so that I can stay current will all of the traditions, designs and wedding etiquette. I give all of my clients, no matter the size of their budget, event, or type of package they decide on, the utmost of individual attention. I do not limit them to a particular number of contacts with me and always go the extra mile to make them happy. After all, why be in this business if not to make people happy on their important occasions.

4) What is the most awkward/memorable moment you’ve experienced while on the job?

My most awkward but also my most memorable wedding was caused by a very sad event. It was a true exercise in team work and proved, without a doubt, that planners must think "on their feet" and also that every planner needs a strong group of vendors on her team. The Groom's Father passed away the night before the wedding. As you can imagine, everyone was in shock and so sad. A great many of the guests had traveled from out-of-town as had both the Bride and Groom and all of the Groom's family. There was no recourse but to carry on with the wedding and try to make the day as happy as possible for my Bride and Groom. My "vendor team" rallied as we many numerous changes to everything from who would walk the Mother-of-the Groom down the aisle, to the dinner seating and place cards to the toasts. Needless to say, it was a very difficult day but everyone pulled together and in the end, after a beautiful tribute from the Groom to his Father, the Bride and Groom had a happy day and really enjoyed themselves.

** Thank-you Jenine for taking the time from your busy day to answer our questions and allow our readers to get to know you and your business.  To learn more about her services be sure to check out her website at the link on top.