Tag: wedding planning

Everything You Need To Know About Picking a Signature Wedding Drink

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Customizing your wedding with small details is a great way to showcase the unique personalities of both yourself and your partner. While there are many ways to go about this, one simple and effective choice is coming up with a signature drink. Whether you opt for a classic mixture like a tequila sunrise, a clever mocktail, or a completely original blend, the right refreshment can go a long way to bring your big day together.  

Explore the Reasons for a Specialty Drink

Creating a specialty cocktail for your event is a fun way to express yourself, but it’s also very practical. Paying for an unlimited open bar can be a huge expense. When you settle on serving signature drinks, you can limit the liquor that is offered at the bar and save some money without denying your guests options beyond wine and beer. This choice can also be a lot of fun, allowing you to come up with silly and clever names for your drink. 

Consider Your Favorite Liquors

When going about the process of choosing your signature drink, you want to begin with the basics. Namely, you should think about your favorite liquor options. Do you enjoy clear spirits like vodka or gin? Do you prefer darker intoxicants like whiskey and spiced rum? Once you have selected the right alcoholic base, you can start looking at mixers and herbs that perfectly complement your choice. 

Create the Drink Based on Your Life

One way you can create your cocktail is by having it reflect your love story. If you took a walk along the beach on your first date, then consider a bay breeze, which is made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cranberry juice. If you spend a lot of time in a big city together, Manhattan could prove to be a perfect drink choice. This simple mix is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry. 

Think About More Than One Choice

If you’re having a difficult time choosing just one drink for your big day, it’s OK to pick more than one signature beverage. People can be particular when it comes to the liquors they prefer, meaning you don’t want to offer only bourbon to a crowd that heavily prefers vodka. However, you don’t want to go overboard and offer too many drinks. According to industry experts, you should have no more than four signature drinks. Offering too many options can put unnecessary pressure on your bartenders and defeat the purpose of serving a limited selection of drinks. 

Play With Names

After you’ve come up with your cocktails, it is time to devise some cute names that describe the drink and reflect your relationship. Puns will be a lifesaver in this scenario, so get as wacky as you’d like while brainstorming ideas. If you’re doing a basic vodka and cranberry, the name could be something like “Berry Much in Love.” Any drink that incorporates mint could easily use the name “Mint To Be.” 

Use Bar Menu Signs

Finally, don’t forget to have signage for the drinks. Guests will need to know what you’re offering, what’s in each cocktail, and the special significance the beverages hold to your relationship. Cute signs that feature the colors and theme of your wedding can help to tie the entire experience together. 

Find the Ideal Drink

Though concocting a specialty cocktail is not a requirement for your wedding, it can be a fun way to enhance the festivities. Consider what ingredients will best encapsulate the relationship you’ve built with your partner and provide your family and friends with a delicious refreshment they will keep coming back to

Pros and Cons of Eloping

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of hosting hundreds of people at a grand wedding? Eloping is a romantic alternative that can save you time and lower your stress. Of course, there are still pros and cons to consider before making your final decision about how you want to get married. As a couple contemplating elopement, you’ll find this guide invaluable in navigating the complexities of such a choice.

Pro # 1: Intimacy and Romance

Eloping offers a level of intimacy and romance that is hard to replicate in a traditional wedding setting. There’s a unique sense of closeness when it’s just the two of you exchanging vows in a secluded spot far from the crowd. 

When you’re away from everyone else, you can create a ceremony that is personal and meaningful. You can choose whether or not to include religious and spiritual elements or simply honor your love by reading each other a letter.

Pro #2: Reduced Stress and Costs

Planning a traditional wedding can be a logistical nightmare and a financial strain. Eloping eliminates much of this stress. There are no guest lists to manage, no seating charts to agonize over, and no need to break the bank on a lavish reception. The money saved can be used for other important life goals, such as buying a home or embarking on a dream honeymoon.

Pro #3: Flexibility and Freedom

If you plan to elope, you will enjoy far more flexibility and freedom than you would planning a large wedding. You won’t have to worry about choosing a venue or church that can hold your guests, which will give you many location options.

The same freedom applies to your choice for the time of day and time of year. There are no rules to follow except those you set for yourselves. You could get married at sunrise on a tiny beach in Thailand or exchange vows on the Cliffs of Dover in early spring. The options are endless.

Con #1: Missing Family and Friends

A significant downside of eloping is that you may miss having your friends and family by your side. Getting married is a big deal, and sharing that milestone with those you love makes it more special.

You always have the option of inviting a few people to your elopement. You could include your parents, a mentor, or a handful of close friends. Just because you want to elope doesn’t mean you can’t have a couple of your loved ones with you.

Con #2: Lack of Wedding Traditions

Most elopements lack many of the wedding traditions you might be used to. If you have always dreamed of making a grand entrance, walking down the aisle, having a first dance, cutting a cake, and more, then you might feel disappointed when you elope. This is even more true if you want to honor your religious, spiritual, or cultural background.

Con #3: Working Through Legal Issues

You might have to work through challenging legal issues and other logistical concerns to elope.  If you want to elope outside of your home country, research the marriage laws and regulations of your ideal destination. Many countries still don’t allow legal same-sex marriages, so that may limit your options if you’re a queer couple.

Finding Your Path to Happily Ever After

The decision to elope or have a traditional wedding is deeply personal. It doesn’t mean you have to exclude your loved ones or forgo your favorite wedding traditions. What matters most is that your wedding day reflects your love story and creates lasting memories that you both cherish.

Whether you choose to elope or not, make sure it’s a decision that resonates with you and your partner because it will set the stage for your new life together.

Tips for Keeping Children Entertained on Your Wedding Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Whether it’s nieces and nephews, your best friend’s children, or young cousins, sometimes, inviting children to a wedding is unavoidable. While you can always request on the invitation that no children attend, if you want friends and family with children to be able to attend, it may be best to leave this requirement off the invitation. Children are often unpredictable, which does not go well with a wedding day. Here are some things you can do to keep children entertained and well-behaved on your wedding day.

Hire a Babysitter

If the parents of the children are part of the wedding, consider hiring a babysitter or caregiver for the children. The babysitter can tend to the children’s needs and keep them entertained. You might hire someone from the family who is less involved in the wedding or perhaps a professional nanny if you have room in the budget. You can find one online or ask your friends and family with children if they have a babysitter or nanny they recommend.

Designate a Special Area for Them

If you have activities to keep children entertained, they will be less likely to get bored and start complaining or creating issues. Consider having an area that is just for them. Adding a “children only” sign can be a nice touch, making them feel special and more likely to hang out there. Choose some age-appropriate activities that will prevent boredom. Things such as coloring books, crayons, crafts, and board games can be helpful.

Similarly, consider making a personalized pack with activities for the children to do throughout the day. This will make them feel particularly special, and you can include things you know they enjoy doing.

Allow Them To Burn Off Energy

Children are full of energy and need a way to burn it off. Otherwise, you’re just asking for trouble, as they’ll likely be disruptive at the worst times. If the weather is nice, someone can take the kids outside and allow them to run around a bit (while taking care that they don’t get too dirty, of course). Alternatively, many games can be played indoors that will safely allow them to run around a bit and expel some of that seemingly endless amount of energy children have. Some of these games may include:

  • Duck, Duck, Goose
  • Ring Around the Rosie
  • Simon Says
  • Red Light, Green Light

Have Special Snacks

Children love to snack, and their small stomachs often require it. So find some child-friendly snacks that the children can eat throughout the day to prevent their blood sugar from crashing, which may make them cranky. And, of course, you need to talk with the parents or caregivers to ensure the kids don’t have any food allergies. Finally, you will want to choose snacks that do not make much of a mess, so the children don’t stain their wedding clothes.

Make Them Feel Included

Children often want to be involved and feel like they are an essential part of the day. Find a way to make them feel included and special. Girls and boys alike may enjoy being part of the process of getting ready and can even perform little tasks that help with the last-minute wedding preparations.

Above all else, try not to set your expectations high and expect kids to behave perfectly. Children being ornery often make some of the best wedding memories. Doing these things can help the children feel entertained and included, but they will likely still ask questions and want to be a part of your special day. Try to embrace that fact and enjoy having them be a part of your day.

Common Misconceptions About Weddings To Help You Plan Your Big Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Getting married can be an exciting decision. Of course, it also tends to bring about a lot of stress. Even though statistics highlight that roughly 2 million people tie the knot in the United States every year, there are still a ton of misconceptions surrounding modern weddings. Review these points and gain perspective on how to best plan for your nuptials. 

Forget About Your Wedding Being the Most Important Day

Couples put a lot of pressure on themselves, their families, and their vendors when it comes to planning their weddings. This is predominantly due to the prevailing notion that a wedding is supposed to be the happiest or most important day in a person’s life. While it is definitely one of the more noteworthy events of your life, deeming it the most important is an easy way to set your expectations far too high. 

A great alternative to this mindset is to think about your wedding as the start of the next leg of your journey with your significant other. Observing this event as a transitional moment is an easy way to take some of the pressure off and allow you the flexibility to actually enjoy the experience. 

Ditch Strict Attire Guidelines 

While it is true that your wedding should be all about the wants and needs you and your partner share, you must always take your guests into consideration while planning. A great example of this can be found in the idea of the dress code. When you are strict with guidelines surrounding attire, you are often forcing your guests to jump through hoops to be in attendance. Not only is this annoying to many friends and family members, but it can cause you stress should you notice someone shows up wearing something that doesn’t match your instructions. 

Being lax with your dress code can make the event more enjoyable for everyone involved. Simply trust in the fact that the people you invite will have enough sense to wear appropriate outfits to your reception. 

Make Your Guest List Your Own

Other than you and your partner, there is no one else in your life who is required to be at your wedding. This means you should not feel obligated to invite anyone you don’t want to take part in your special day. If you have a tumultuous relationship with your parents and they refuse to give their blessing for your union, then you are allowed to refuse them invitations. Whether you’re worried about inviting a racist uncle or have a few friends who cannot control themselves around alcohol, you don’t need to include anyone you feel uncomfortable inviting to the event.

Naturally, you might need to explain your decision to those you exclude. It is also important to note that opting to not invite certain people might forever sour or break certain bonds. As long as you understand this, you are free to make whatever choices you find best regarding your guest list.

Keep Things Short

While a wedding does not need to fly by, it also should not move at a snail’s pace. One mistake many couples make is allowing certain elements of the event to drag on for far too long. This is most common with moments like the wedding party’s entrance, the speeches and toasts, and the preliminary dances between the couple and their parents. Wedding experts advise timing all of these moments in advance. If anything feels like it is going on and on, then it is in your best interest to make cuts so you can keep your guests engaged. 

Learn About Common Mistakes

Getting married might be fun, but it is far from a simple or straightforward experience. When you take time to learn about common wedding misconceptions, you can do your part to avoid committing commonplace errors.

How To Create a Wedding Budget

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Knowing how to craft a well-thought-out budget is one of the most important skills you can have as an adult. You’ll use financial planning at many different times in your life, especially for big events such as moving to a new city and getting married. Once you’re engaged, you and your partner might wonder how and where to start with estimating the costs of a marriage ceremony and reception. Here’s a helpful guide you can follow to create a wedding budget.

Determine Your Total Resources

Before you get emotionally invested in a specific vision for your big day, you need to determine the total amount you’ll have in your pool of resources. This figure may come from your salary, what you have in savings, and contributions from your family. 

Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford. You can plan for an intimate ceremony or discuss eloping if you have limited resources. The most effective way to budget is to spend within your means.

Set Your Priorities

Sit down with your partner to discuss your priorities. What aspects of the wedding are most important to you? Is it the venue, the photographer, the guest list, the food, or the entertainment?

Once you’ve identified the things you can’t sacrifice, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these elements. This sets the tone for the entire budgeting process.

Break Down Your Expenses

The most tedious part of the process comes next, where you will create an itemized list of expenses. A traditional wedding involves these categories:

  • Venue and catering
  • Decorations and flowers
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Photography and Videography
  • Entertainment
  • Transportation

If you’re planning to elope, your expenses will look a little different. You won’t have to worry about catering for a large group or decorating a party hall. However, you might spend more getting to a special destination. 

Allocate Funds to Each Category

Next, you’ll allocate funds based on your priorities. This step requires some trade-offs. For example, if your venue and catering are at the top of your list, you might need to trim expenses in other areas. Use a spreadsheet or budgeting tool to keep track of allocations, and ensure that you don’t exceed your total budget.

Research and Comparison

As you navigate your budget, collect quotes and estimates from potential vendors and services. Get multiple quotes and don’t hesitate to negotiate. This is an area where you can potentially save a significant amount of money.

Compare the options available within your budget, and be sure to read reviews and check references for vendors to ensure the quality of their work. You might also discover alternative solutions, such as a friend or family member who can provide a service.

Monitor and Adjust as Needed

A wedding budget is not a static document, and there’s no point in making a budget if you don’t monitor what you spend along the way. The reality of planning a complex event is that there will always be costs you didn’t plan for. Similarly, you may decide to change your priorities along the way. This may be particularly true if you’re planning the wedding over several years. 

Keep track of all your expenses, even small ones, to avoid overspending. Be prepared to adjust your allocations if necessary. Maintain an open mind and stay focused on the big picture, which is the fact that you’re getting married to the love of your life.

Remember that a well-organized budget is the key to a stress-free and enjoyable wedding planning process. With careful preparation and discipline, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selecting Your Wedding Favors

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

While it is not a required part of your wedding, many couples find that giving out favors to guests is a wonderful way to make their special days even more memorable. Naturally, selecting the right favors is far from a simple or straightforward task. If you’re struggling to find the right presents for your family and friends, take a moment to look at these tips. By avoiding some common favor mistakes, you will have an easier time picking out favors that will impress guests and make you feel content. 

Go for Something Special

If you Google “wedding favor ideas,” you will undoubtedly come across list after list of the same ideas. While there is nothing wrong with giving something commonplace to your guests, you may want to stand out. The whole concept of the favor is to give out gifts that thank them for taking part in this important milestone in your lives. By handing out something generic, you are letting go of an opportunity to really shine. 

Try not to gravitate towards basic items that have been personalized with your names. While it might be cute, your guests likely aren’t going to be impressed by custom pens, koozies, shot glasses, or other items that can be found at a job fair.

Make It Practical for Travel

Next, you must consider the size of the favor itself. While it might be a cute idea to give your guests custom throw pillows, these might be too cumbersome for your friends and family to travel with. Since plenty of your guests will be coming from places near and far, you need to think about items that are easy to toss in the car or take on public transportation. Anything too bulky should be avoided for the convenience of your loved ones. 

It is also important to avoid anything fragile. Materials like glass are not great for travel and greatly increase the odds of the items breaking while in transit. 

Consider the Level of Work

In the last decade or so, DIY favors have grown in popularity. While this can be a fantastic way to save money, many people forget how much work is involved when it comes to making favors by hand. If you are scouring Pinterest for ideas and seeing some DIY gifts that you think would be perfect, be sure to sit down and look at how much work will be involved before you settle on your final option. 

When considering this option, be sure to think over the amount of effort you will need to put in. Take to heart factors like how much the materials will cost, how much time is involved in assembly, and how many guests you will need to make favors for. 

Make It Accessible

A lot of couples assume that their favors need to be customized with details about the wedding. While this is cute, it actually is much less practical than many people realize. If you give your guests monogrammed handkerchiefs with your initials, it makes it less likely that the person will use the item. Having someone else’s name or wedding date printed on an item makes it feel more like a “collectible,” meaning it will be tossed on a shelf, in a box, or in the trash.

If you want guests to use the gifts you give them, then you need to make them appealing. Keep the designs simple and avoid too much customization and it can go a long way.

Select What Works Best

There are several ways you can go about selecting appropriate favors for your wedding. As long as the gifts capture your gratitude, you will be able to impress your family and friends while simultaneously adding to the overall aesthetic of your big day.

A Quick Guide To Selecting the Right Wedding Music

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

According to William Shakespeare, music is the food of love. It seems these sentiments are as true today as they were in 1601, as it is hard to envision a romantic setting without the presence of some kind of soundtrack. If you’re planning your wedding, then you likely are spending a lot of time deciding what music should be used throughout the event. From the tune you walk down the aisle to, the first dance song, to the jams played by the DJ, each choice will help to set the right mood. Pick the right music with these tips.

Selecting Your Entertainment

Before deciding on the exact songs that will be played throughout the event, you must have your entertainment set in stone. Specifically, it is important to know whether you will be using a DJ or a live band. While both options should be able to meet your needs, a band might need advance notice on specific songs you would like played. A DJ, conversely, should be able to use the internet to pull up any obscure tune you’d like at a moment’s notice. Once you’ve got your choice booked, it is time to look at song options.

Start With What You Know

Just as it is best to start a to-do list by writing down a task you’ve already completed and checking it off, you should start picking wedding songs by focusing on what you already know you want. If you and your partner have a song that you absolutely want played for your first dance, write it down and move on to the next. This will make you feel like you’re making progress, even if you’re struggling to select music for certain parts of the celebration. 

It can also be useful to start by picking the songs for the “big” moments of the event. Think about what songs you’d like played when the wedding party enters the venue or what tunes would make the most sense when you cut the cake. 

Please the Crowd

While you should absolutely go with songs that align with your tastes, you must also be mindful of the crowd. Group dances at weddings might seem cheesy or cliche, but songs like “The Electric Slide” and “Cha-Cha Shuffle” get people out of their seats and on the dance floor. In fact, you’re most likely to get people of all ages dancing when you play these songs. While it might not be “cool,” be sure to play a mix of these songs throughout the event to keep all of your guests in good spirits. 

Additionally, be mindful of how obscure your music selection gets. Even though it is your big day, try to include a mix of popular tracks and songs that align with your tastes. This will keep the energy levels high and encourage people to dance.

Allow Requests

Finally, it is usually a wise idea to allow guests to make requests throughout the event. If a friend or family member thinks that a certain song will improve the vibe of the reception or get more people dancing, then provide the ability to get that tune played. Most entertainers will have no problem with requests, but you should still discuss it with the vendor in advance. Too many requests can throw off the DJ’s own playlists, so giving a bit of advance notice can help with timing out the music. 

Get Up and Dance

Picking the right songs for your wedding might take a bit of time, but there are plenty of ways to discover tunes that bring your event to life. As long as the music you choose gets everyone on the dance floor, you’ve made the right choice.

Woman Vows To Be Submissive in Wedding

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

A woman has vowed to be submissive in her wedding vows to her husband during their wedding ceremony. The woman, whose video was posted to Twitter, stated that she would submit to her husband during their marriage as she kneeled in front of him. A bridesmaid held the microphone as she made this promise, stating that she would follow her husband and build the home as a submissive wife. She referenced their faith in God and said that their marriage went beyond love and was part of a covenant made before God.

While cheers, applause, and whistles can be heard from the crowd, others on social media do not agree with the bride’s vows, kneeling, or promises to be submissive. Many felt that the kneeling was excessive and that the couple should be seen as equal partners in their relationship. 

Proverbs 31 Wife

Supporters of the bride’s vows to be submissive feel that they reflect the Biblical idea of how a wife should act. These supporters mainly reference Proverbs 31, which describes characteristics such as nobility, eagerness to work, generosity, selflessness, and prioritizing the needs of others.

They also cite the New Testament, where wives are told to submit to their husbands, and husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

What Does It Mean To Be Submissive?

People may have different interpretations of what the term “submissive” means. For a person who wants to be submissive to their partner, it typically means they want their significant other to be in charge. How extensive this can be will vary on a case-by-case basis.

For example, some individuals may want to be submissive only in the bedroom, while others want their partner to make all major life decisions for them. Examples of this include:

  • Asking for permission to make big purchases
  • Seeking your partner’s approval before making changes to the home’s decor or style
  • Letting your partner decide what foods you eat
  • Giving your partner control over how the kids should be raised

Consent Is Key 

As long as both partners willingly and comfortably participate in this type of relationship, it can be healthy and fulfilling. However, many marriage experts agree that a relationship like this is not sustainable long term. Not only will the submissive partner likely start to suffer from low self-esteem and depression, but they may also begin to harbor bitter feelings toward their partner. For this reason, if either participant is uninterested in taking a submissive position or feels uncomfortable with their role in the relationship, they must speak up. Again, it will only be a healthy relationship if it is fulfilling for both parties. 

If a submissive person changes their mind or someone doesn’t want to be submissive in the first place, then it is imperative that their partner respect and support their decision. Otherwise, the relationship can cross the line into abusive territory. The most critical aspect of these relationships is having consent from everyone involved.

Signs of an Unhealthy Submissive Relationship

A dominant partner can sometimes become too controlling toward their spouse, causing fear and anxiety. Because there can be a fine line between acceptable dominant behavior and abuse, it’s important to know the signs of an unhealthy submissive relationship. A submissive person who frequently appears timid, displays body language indicating discomfort, or seems insecure is likely not in a healthy relationship.

For now, the husband and wife featured on Twitter are on the same page about her submission to him. However, only time will tell whether this will work long-term or if the relationship will have to shift from a submissive relationship to a partnership.

Five Ways To Help Guests Who Attend Your Destination Wedding

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Have you always dreamed of a destination wedding? Have you always wanted to leave the confines of your small town and get married somewhere luxurious? If this has always been your plan and you can afford it, you should make it happen. First, however, there are several things you should do to help make the trip easier for the friends and family that you would like to attend.

Limit the Guest List

Chances are most people in your life won’t be able to come to your wedding if it isn’t local. Whether it’s because of money, time, or lack of child care, it’s hard for people to get away. For this reason, you should limit your guest list as much as possible. Instead, aim for close friends and family who you think will be able to and want to make the trip. Doing this gives you a better idea of who can attend, which will make planning much easier for everybody.

Offset Costs However Possible

Your guests will likely spend a lot of money when paying for travel, lodging, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. See what you can do to help offset the costs of your wedding. Even things such as providing some of the meals can go a long way.

In addition, you can rent a larger space where your guests can stay. This shouldn’t cost you too much money but would help with the affordability of your guests’ trip. If you can’t afford that, call around and see what deals hotels in the area offer. You may save some money by booking several hotel rooms at once, and you can find some at different price points so that guests can stay within their lodging budget.

Tell Them As Soon as Possible

Let your guests know the date and location as soon as possible. The more time they have to plan, the easier for them to come. Solidifying a date and place should be the first thing you do to give your guests as much time as possible to make travel arrangements.

In addition, provide them with an itinerary you plan to stick with. This shows them the more specific times they will need to be available. For example, if you have family who will need to be in photos, giving them that information will be helpful for them.

Reach Out to Those Who Can’t Come

Some guests simply cannot afford the time or money to attend your wedding. Ensure you clarify that this is not an expectation and that you completely understand if they cannot come. Consider having a brunch or party locally that they can attend to celebrate your wedding, so they feel like they were still a part of your special day. During this event, you can share photos and tell stories about your wedding day and the days surrounding it.

Put Less Expensive Gifts on the Registry

Many of your guests will be spending a lot of money to attend your wedding. For this reason, consider putting some inexpensive items on your wedding registry. This will help if they cannot afford both the trip and an expensive wedding present. You may also consider letting them know that they do not have to get you a gift but that their presence at your wedding is enough.

These are several ways you can make the experience for your guests a bit easier, which makes it more likely that you will have a good turnout. By doing what you can to help prevent this from being a stressful experience, you are helping ensure that your wedding will be a wonderful time and a great vacation for anyone who can attend.

An Overview of Different Wedding Photography Styles

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind of activities and emotions. Between greeting guests, following an itinerary, and handling last-minute details with vendors, you may find it difficult to stop and appreciate the hard work you’ve put into making this day come to life. This is why you want to find the right photographer to capture this special moment. Reviewing different wedding photography styles can help you feel confident about your choice. Consider these options and determine which aesthetic suits you best.

Going With a Classic Approach

Though there are many ways to go about your wedding photos, you may find the traditional method most appealing. Classic wedding photography involves a mix of posed portraits and group shots. The photographer will gather the couple, the wedding party, and specific relatives and friends to take a variety of staged pictures. If this is your preferred style, you want to hire a professional with a lot of experience directing large groups, especially if there are children involved. The photographer should also have familiarity with posing people naturally and effortlessly. 

Capturing the Romance

In recent years, many couples have opted for a light and airy aesthetic. Essentially, this style involves taking photos that utilize natural light to set a tone that is both romantic and whimsical. A professional specializing in this kind of photography may also prefer taking some pictures on film, as classic cameras produce a subtle grain that gives a soft texture to the finished product. Though this option can work for any event, it is ideal for outdoor weddings or during the spring and summer. 

Telling a Story

Staged photos may not be your preference. Some people find posing for pictures to be unnatural and awkward, which is why another popular choice to consider is candid photography. With this method, the photographer will act like a fly on the wall of your event and capture pictures without getting in the way of the celebration. The end result tells the story of your big day as it actually happened, showcasing you and your guests enjoying the festivities naturally. Photographers with a background in journalism often excel with this aesthetic. 

Creating a Mood

Do you have a flair for the dramatic? If so, you may want your wedding photos to capture your epic personality. Some photographers are exceptional at creating a specific mood that stands out from other wedding pictures you have seen. Examples of moody photography can include warm tones, oversaturated colors, and bright flashes. This style combines fashion photography and traditional wedding pictures, creating a finished product that perfectly showcases your sense of adventure. Explore sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr to get a better feel for the different ways to go about using mood-driven photos. 

Finding the Right Emotion

Since weddings tend to be emotional events, you may want your photos to reflect everything you’re feeling on your big day. A photographer who centers his or her work around emotional responses can deliver pictures that perfectly capture everything you experienced during this milestone. Instead of using a traditional approach of asking you to stand and pose, the photographer will interact more with you and your guests. He or she might ask you to tell the story of how you met your partner or recall a funny anecdote to capture the intense, beautiful emotions that flow forth. 

Discovering the Best Style

Picking the right photography style for your wedding is no small task. Take time to explore the variety of aesthetics available to you and discover a fit that perfectly reflects your tastes.