2015 Weddings

JANUARY 2015

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

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Photo Fabulous Make your engagement photo shoot a success

Postage Pointers Wedding invitation postage tips

Registries Done Right How to build a wedding registry

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

A Supplement of

117 N. Second Street, Edwardsville 618.656.4700 PUBLISHER Denise Vonder Haar, Ext. 14 dvonderhaar@hearstnp.com EDITOR Bill Tucker, Ext. 47 btucker@edwpub.net ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Amy Schaake, Ext. 35 aschaake@edwpub.net AD DESIGN MANAGER Jennifer Dyer, Ext. 32 jdyer@edwpub.net

www.theintelligencer.com

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The guide to choosing groomsmen

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Wedding invitation and postage tips

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Creative ways to make a memorable wedding entrance

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How to decide between a band or deejay

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Hidden expenses that can sink your wedding budget

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Groom’s cakes make a comeback

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Hot trends in wedding cuisine

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Make your engagement photo shoot a success

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Factors to consider when choosing a wedding photography package

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Music mistakes to avoid

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Modern trends in wedding videography

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After party planning pointers

Wedding Cakes & Specialty Desserts Wedding cake consults by appointment

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here are various theories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory suggests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the honeymoon was initially steeped in cynicism. “Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of affection and sweetness newly married couples harbor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes. One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth century, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During this period, newly married couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of marriage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015 have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, then you can just ask both of your brothers to serve as groomsmen. Friends are unlikely be offended if family members get the nod ahead of them, so discuss numbers with your fiancée before you begin trimming your list of candidates. If you already have an idea of who you want to be your groomsmen but your choices outnumber your fiancée’s, see if she has anyone else she can add to her party so no one is left out.

The guide to choosing groomsmen

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rooms-to-be face many decisions regarding their pending nuptials, but few may prove as delicate as choosing the groomsmen for the big day. Friends who expect to be groomsmen may be disappointed if they are not ultimately chosen, while brothers may feel left out if they are

not asked to walk a bridesmaid up the aisle.

Choosing groomsmen should not be taken lightly. Grooms-to-be who are facing some difficult choices with regard to that decision can follow a few pointers to ensure they make the right call.

• Pick a number. Before you even consider who you want your groomsmen to be, speak to your fiancée about how many bridesmaids she hopes to have. The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids typically matches, so your fiancée’s intentions may make your decision a lot easier. For example, if you have two brothers and several friends you’re considering, but your fiancée only intends to

• Choose the best man for the job. Many grooms pick a brother to serve as their best man, and while that’s a nice sentiment, it’s important that grooms recognize that being a best man carries with it some responsibility.

A best man will organize the bachelor party, give a toast at the wedding and handle any post-wedding duties, such as returning the tuxes or arranging for the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport. If your brother is already incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the task of being a best man, then you might be better off asking him to be a groomsman and finding another best man who’s more capable of juggling the numerous responsibilities that come with being best man.

• Don’t forget your fiancée’s family. While you should not feel pressured to pick anyone in particular as your best man, if your fiancée has any brothers, ask her if she had her heart set on including any of them in the

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bridal party. Some brides want their brothers to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your fiancée before asking anyone to line up beside you. This discussion can go both ways as well, as you can ask your bride-tobe to include a favorite sister in her bridal party if you so desire.

• Confirm their availability. When asking friends or family members to be groomsmen, it’s best to ensure they can actually make it to the ceremony. This is a concern for grooms who are planning a destination wedding or those getting married in their fiancée’s hometown and not their own, as some guests, including potential groomsmen, may not be able to afford to attend an overseas or faraway ceremony. When asking, explain the situation to them, and let them know you fully understand if they cannot commit to being a groomsmen due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm their availability as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be down one groomsman come your big day. For those who you want to be a groomsmen but are unable to make it, it can be a nice gesture to buy them a groomsmen gift as a token of your appreciation for their friendship.

Many grooms face difficult decisions when choosing their groomsmen. But there are ways to make such decisions a lot easier than they may seem.

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

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hether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or a more low key affair, the wedding invitations are an essential part of keeping guests informed about the big day.

While couples can now share details of their wedding through email or even digital invitations, many still prefer to go the traditional route and send paper invitations. In addition to the cost of the invitations themselves, couples need to factor postage into their wedding budgets. It may not seem like much, but the cost of postage can add up quickly. The following are a few postage pointers for couples about to tie the knot.

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• Choose envelopes wisely. The size of your envelopes contributes to the cost of the postage necessary to mail your invitations. Postal services have specific size and shape parameters that govern postage. Envelopes that are oddly shaped or fall outside of these strict measurements are usually susceptible to additional postage charges.

That’s because the envelope cannot run through standard sorting machinery and must be hand-processed.

• Consider the weight. Mailings that exceed one ounce will require additional postage, even if they are in standard envelopes. Invitations, with their various

components and thick card stock, typically weigh more than one ounce. Never purchase postage in advance, as you will not know what the completed invitation costs prior to mailing. Always weigh the invitation with all inserts included to get an accurate estimate of postage.

Then purchase stamps accordingly.

• Get to know your local postal employee. Many postal employees, especially those who work at the smaller branches, grow accustomed to seeing the same customers over and over. They can be very helpful and good resources when it comes to saving money on postage. Strike up a conversation with the person behind the counter and ask advice on the best way to mail invitations and ensure they arrive looking beautiful.

Choose an off-peak time so the postal employee can give you his or her full attention and will not feel rushed by a line forming behind you. The

Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015

employee may suggest hand-canceling envelopes, which means the invitation will be processed by hand rather than run through machinery to avoid damage.

• Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response cards that guests will send back to confirm if they will be attending the festivities. To facilitate the RSVP process, stamp the response card.

• Prep invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Invitations should be mailed nearly two months prior to the wedding.

This allows guests to plan and respond accordingly.

• Double-check envelopes before sending. Ensure that postage is sticking well and that envelopes are well-sealed.

In addition, verify that you have the most current addresses for recipients. If invitations get returned to sender, they can cost you even more time and money to resolve any issues.

• Consider custom postage. The post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps.

However, you also may be able to go online and purchase custom postage that features a graphic or an uploaded image to make the invitations even more special.

• Do a test run. You may want to send a complete invitation to yourself just to see how it arrives in the mail. This way you can check the level of damage and have an opportunity to make any changes, such as adding a piece of vellum to prevent ink from smudging or to place bows or adornments in another area.

• Give your mail carrier a heads-up.

Let your assigned mail carrier know that response cards will be on the way.

They tend to be small and can get lost in among other letters and mail. A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card, for your mail carrier may ensure all of your response cards arrive.

A wedding just isn’t the same without the guests. Make sure friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and ensuring the proper postage will get those invites where they need to go.

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

Creative ways to make a memorable wedding entrance in the reception hall, may not require a lot of planning but can have a dramatic effect.

Unpredictable entrances also include unexpected song choices or dramatic lighting to immediately draw everyone’s attention.

• Stick to one or two songs. Some couples think it might be fun to have each member of the wedding party enter with a different song.

Not only will this take a lot of coordination on the part of the deejay, but it can make the entrance choppy as well. Introductions may go more smoothly if couples have the entire wedding party enter to a particular song that revs up the crowd and gets them excited for the grand entrance. At the height of the song, the bride and groom will enter. The entrance typically segues into a couple’s first dance.

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nce wedding vows and rings have been exchanged, many couples join their friends and family to celebrate with a wedding reception. Many brides and grooms eagerly await the moment when they can make their grand entrance to the reception, and over the years it has become customary for couples to make a bit of a splash when making their first appearance as husband and wife. Some enter with a special

song. Others prefer something a bit more theatrical. Explore these ideas for memorable wedding reception entrances.

• Catch guests by surprise. Wedding guests will probably expect the wedding party to enter through a certain door and the bride and groom to follow afterward. An element of surprise, such as the couple rising from the floor or appearing from a different area

• Go with people’s strengths. A couple may want to showcase special skills as they enter the reception hall. There’s no limit to what couples can do, from acrobatic techniques to tap dancing to juggling. If it’s entertaining, it very well may prove memorable.

• Make sure everyone is on board. Couples should recognize that some members of the wedding party may be uncomfortable acting like clowns in front of a crowd. Do not force anyone to participate in crazy antics if they

do not want to. Find things each member of a wedding party feels comfortable doing.

Couples may want their bridal party members to enter in a more traditional way before the newlyweds do something more dramatic and humorous.

• Include the entrance in your planning.

If you want to follow a certain theme, such as “Star Wars” or “Mission Impossible,” coordinate in advance with a deejay or band members. Talk about what, if any, props you plan to use and the type of music that will be playing. If entrances involve choreography, be certain to practice in advance of the wedding so everything will work out well and look professional. However, even stunts that go awry can be entertaining and funny for guests.

• Low-key entrances are acceptable, too.

Couples who aren’t into much fanfare should not feel pressured to make an entrance with a dance routine or to have any stunning visual effects. If you want a low-key introduction, arrange for such an entrance with the emcee.

Wedding entrances are what a couple makes of them, and they can run the gamut from traditional introductions to theatrical skits and dance routines.

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How to decide between

a band or deejay

Couples choosing the music for their weddings should know that bands and deejays each provide uniquely different experiences for couples and their guests.

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ew things set the tone for a wedding ceremony and reception better than music. Music establishes ambience and serves to transition guests through the various components of the day.

Music is played in various ways throughout a wedding. For example, the wedding ceremony may be accompanied by a pianist or violinist, while music during the reception is usually provided by a band or deejay.

The decision of whether to hire a band or deejay often comes down to personal preference and budget. The following are some things couples should consider as they make their decision to go with a band or deejay.

Band Live musicians spend years honing their crafts, and watching a band play at a wedding reception can be akin to attending a concert.

A live band can bring with it a sense of sophistication. Performers can tone the music to the crowd and improvise if necessary to meet the needs of the room. A good bandleader also will serve as a master of ceremonies at the reception.

Many wedding bands can competently play songs from various genres of music, while some are especially skilled at recreating the sound of a particular group.

Bands tend to be more expensive than deejays, and that’s something couples must factor into their budgets if they prefer a band to a deejay.

Deejay The deejay is one of the first vendors people think of when they envision a wedding reception. Perhaps because they are less expensive, deejays tend to be more popular than bands among today’s couples.

Deejays are advantageous for various reasons. Thanks to the accessibility of digital music, deejays can often procure just about any song a couple desires for the reception. That’s a significant benefit for couples who want to hear the original versions of their favorite songs, and not a band’s take on those songs.

Deejays also can read the crowd and make adjustments to the music at any time. If a particular genre is not working, deejays can easily transition to another type of music to get guests back on their feet. That’s not always possible for bands whose repertoire is exclusive to a particular genre.

Many deejays also blend songs seamlessly and may incorporate lights and other effects into their performances, which can encourage guests to loosen up and hit the dance floor.

Deejays also tend to travel with less equipment than bands, so they will take up less space in a party room.

No matter which road a couple chooses to travel, it’s a good idea to listen to a deejay or band perform in a live situation before making a final decision. Couples also should confirm that the performers they meet or audition will be the ones who will perform at their weddings. Make sure this is written into your contract.

Couples should provide a list of songs they want to hear well in advance of their wedding day. This affords a deejay ample time to find each song or bands to learn the songs before the big

day arrives.

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

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n the days of yore, the responsibility of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to finance their weddings. Few couples enter the process of planning their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful.

Couples know that certain wedding expenses, such as the cost of booking a reception hall, will eat up a large portion of their budgets. But there are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid finding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

• Taxes: Sales tax might not seem so significant when you’re buying everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding. Depending on where you live, state and local sales tax can exceed 9 percent in the United States, and some Canadians pay as much as 15 percent in combined sales taxes depending on where they live. Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts, as failing to do so may result in a several thousand dollar surprise when the time to pay up arrives.

• Gratuities: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense that often takes engaged couples by surprise as they start to plan their weddings. Some reception halls build gratuities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues.

But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for additional vendors the day of the wedding. Couples may be expected

to tip the florist, photographer, band or deejay and even the reception hall maitre d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip. Brides-to-be typically tip their hairstylist and makeup artist on the day of the wedding as well.

• Postage: Couples who plan to invite guests via email or online invitations can skirt the cost of postage. But many couples still prefer traditional paper invitations, which include return envelopes that tradition suggests should also be stamped. Save-the-date cards have grown in popularity as well, and these cards must also be stamped and mailed. Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invitation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you cards once the big day has come and gone.

• Overtime: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imagine needing more than the predetermined allotment of time noted in their contracts. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a misplaced wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus extend past its deadline. Set aside some money for overtime so you don’t find yourselves scrounging for dollars or charging the extra few hundred dollars on your credit cards.

Weddings are expensive, and even more so when hidden fees start to make their presence felt. Couples who build such fees into their budgets will find it easier to avoid breaking the bank than those who don’t.

Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015

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Groom’s cakes make a comeback A number of couples are bringing back the tradition of a groom’s cake at their wedding celebrations. floral bouquets and frilly gowns, that dominate many weddings.

Groom’s cake designs often reflect a particular hobby or interest of the groom’s.

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uests and well-wishers expect to see at least one cake at wedding receptions. But wedding guests should not be surprised if they attend a wedding and notice two cakes sharing the spotlight on the dessert table.

Groom’s cakes have existed for generations but have fallen out of favor in many parts of North America since the 1970s.

Now groom’s cakes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

A groom’s cake traditionally represents something masculine, providing a contrast to the oft-feminine features, such as

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Historically, groom’s cakes are chocolate, a sharp contrast to traditional wedding cakes, which tend to be vanilla and white. Tradition once called for single women at the wedding to take home a slice of the groom’s cake to sleep with under their pillows. It was believed the cake would help them have sweet dreams of the man they would eventually marry.

Women today are likely no longer snuggling up to fondant and mousse cake slices at night, and wedding cakes are no longer relegated to vanilla cake with vanilla icing, which may account for the waning popularity of groom’s cakes. Yet with wedding cake bakers showing off their creative prowess on television or through their own artistic bakery displays, it’s no wonder that couples looking for some-

thing unique are once again embracing the tradition of groom’s cakes.

Couples who are mulling whether or not to add a groom’s cake to their menus should consider the following tips.

• Make sure it is highly personal.

Groom’s cakes typically reference hobbies, affiliations or interests of the groom.

Some men may want their cake to showcase the logo of their favorite professional sports team, while others may want a cake inspired by a favorite superhero.

• Involve the groom in the process.

Despite the name, groom’s cakes may not always involve the groom. A cake may be designed or selected by the groom’s bride-to-be or his mother. Some forward-thinking brides may want to encourage their grooms-to-be to select their own cakes and offer input on their designs.

• Find a bakery that has experience in whimsical cakes. Groom’s cakes are very often intricate structures and sculptures. The groom’s cake may be more labor-intensive than the traditional wedding cake, so couples may want to shop

around for a cake chef with the experience to pull off the design they desire.

• Experiment with flavor combinations.

Because the groom’s cake is all about that special guy, the flavor of the cake should be centered around what he would enjoy. The sky is the limit on flavors and can include traditional chocolate, candy bar-inspired flavors, coffee, coconut, or even a bacon-infused cake.

• Consider serving the groom’s cake at the rehearsal. Some couples prefer to serve the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner rather than having two cakes at the wedding. Guests may not be able to fit two slices of cake after a large wedding meal, so serving the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner may be the best of both worlds.

The bride — and her cake — typically steal the show at the average wedding.

Therefore, a groom’s cake can be a special touch that allows the groom to bask in his own wedding-day spotlight.

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

Hot trends in wedding cuisine

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nce a couple has officially tied the knot, the newly recognized man and wife and all of their guests will retire to a party room where they can mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal.

In the past, standard fare like prime rib and roasted chicken dominated wedding menus.

But today’s weddings cater to people of various culinary tastes, and couples and their guests can expect more upscale and creative cuisine to be rolled out for wedding receptions. The following are a handful of the more popular trends with regard to wedding cuisine.

Miniature bites Many people say good things come in small packages, and when it comes to miniature versions of favorite foods, they may be right.

Instead of large meals that fill guests up fast, they can munch on smaller bites of their favorite dishes. How about a piece of meatloaf topped with whipped mashed potatoes? A cherry tomato with a small piece of mozzarella cheese makes a mini caprese salad. Turning favorite foods into bite-sized adventures can add a touch of whimsy to the reception.

Breakfast for dinner Some couples are circumventing high price tags for their weddings by choosing to hold the festivities at less expensive times of day.

Brunch-themed weddings are a big hit with those who would much rather dine on a stack of pancakes than a dish of pasta. Omelet stations, croissants and a bevy of other breakfast table fare can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Dim sum Dim sum allows guests to sample different foods without filling up. Carts of dumplings and other small plates of appetizers can be wheeled around so everyone can choose what they want and what they want to avoid.

Gourmet comfort food People love familiar comfort foods, but now gourmet comfort foods are shaking up wedding receptions. Mac-and-cheese with gouda and brie or chicken pot pie with a puff-pastry crust are a few offerings that can add glamour to down-home cooking.

Food with a show Instead of passed foods or buffet stations, couples are opting to make food an experience for guests. An oyster bar with a chef serving fresh seafood or a dessert master whipping up flambé is a feast for the eyes and mouth.

Interesting buffet stations Keep guests on their toes with various meal stations. A bountiful display of artisanal cheeses, fruits and breads will be a cheese lover’s dream.

These stations also can be appetizing focal points around the room and ensure all guests get a bite of what they like best.

Family style Rustic and informal weddings have grown in popularity. Rather than food being brought to the guests or participants lining up in buffet lines, family-style dining allows guests to share conversation and pass the peas at the same time.

Larger, rectangular tables allow more guests to sit with one another and serve themselves food from community plates located in the center of the tables.

Food and beverage pairings Food-forward wedding couples are offering guests mouthwatering appetizers matched with a cocktail. A slider and a craft beer or a dumpling and a shot of saki are examples of this trend.

Nontraditional ‘fake’ cakes

Vegan and gluten-free options Instead of a multi-tiered cake or the cupcake fad that is starting to fizzle, couples are now opting for something new. Desserts that mimic the look of cake, but aren’t quite that combination of sponge and frosting are trending.

Crepes, pies, cookies, and doughnuts are acceptable and can add a creative spark

to the cake-cutting ceremony. When offered along with dessert stations, guests can certainly get their fill of sweet delights.

Chances are one or more people attending the reception will be on a restricted diet.

Rather than relegate these guests to dining on side dishes and patchwork meals, certain couples are building entire offerings around vegan and gluten-free foods.

Couples are getting creative with their food and beverage offerings at their weddings.

Guests never know which culinary wonders they will encounter as they gather to wish the newlyweds well.

Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015

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Make your engagement photo shoot a success

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ngagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for save-the-date cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid back shots featuring couples in more everyday attire.

When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photo shoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photo shoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success.

• Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photo shoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are looking for with their photoshoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous. Before you hire anyone, ask for samples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experiencing shooting the type of photos you want to take.

• Solicit ideas from the photographer.

Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However, many couples have little or no experience with professional photo shoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or seasoned photographer should

propose several ideas. Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone.

• Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photo shoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photo shoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio photo shoot is

likely to deliver.

• Don’t forget candid shots. Candid shots make the photo shoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit. Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road.

Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result.

An engagement photo shoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

Factors to consider when choosing a wedding

photography package

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ouples must make a host of important decisions when planning their weddings. Some decisions, such as choosing a venue to host the reception, require more effort and research on the part of couples than others.

One decision that couples must make carefully concerns the photography package they choose for their ceremonies and receptions. Wedding photographers play a big role on a couple’s big day, and it’s important that men and women about to tie the knot consider a host of factors before choosing the men or women they will ultimately task with visually documenting their wedding days.

• Engagement photo shoot: Couples who want to do an engagement photo shoot may want to negotiate such a shoot into their photography package. Some agencies include engagement shoots in their packages while others do not. If the engagement photo shoot is on your list of

needs, then look for an agency that provides such services as part of its packages or agencies willing to include the engagement photo shoot for free or for an added fee.

• Party size: The number of people on the guest list should factor into your choice of wedding photographer. If your guest list is especially large, then you might want to consider hiring two or more photographers to document the day.

Many agencies offer separate packages for couples who want one photographer

and couples who prefer two or more photographers, so it pays to examine the price differences between such packages to see if more than one photographer can fit into your budget. Couples with relatively small guests lists can typically get by with just a single photographer to document their ceremonies and receptions.

• Travel: When discussing a wedding photography package, ask how much travel is included in the package. This is important for couples whose ceremonies are in a separate location from their receptions. If the distance between the ceremony site and the reception venue is

considerable, you may have to pay extra for the photographer to travel between both sites. While a reasonable amount of travel is typically included in a photography package, it’s best that you confirm this prior to signing an agreement.

• Videography: Many photography agencies also offer videography services in some of their wedding packages.

Videography can be a great way for couples to document their wedding days, and it can be fun for couples to watch their wedding videos with their families down the road.

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Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015

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Music mistakes

to avoid

Steering clear of wedding music mistakes means couples have a greater likelihood of throwing spectacular

parties.

can seem never-ending while others are waiting around.

Avoid very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat. The wedding isn’t the time to play “American Pie” by Don McClean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”

W

edding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party.

Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons.

review your requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection.

• Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely.

Remember that guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and a five-minute song

• Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the music at an acceptable volume, and avoid songs with suggestive language or curse words that are inappropriate in a family setting.

Music is a key element of any good party, including a wedding reception, and it’s essential that couples take steps to avoid any musical miscues.

• Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence. Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well as when they’re entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities.

• Second-guessing a professional: In an effort to curb costs, some couples provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or a streaming service for the music. This is often a mistake.

Hiring a professional means you will not have to worry about managing music on top of your many other wedding day responsibilities. A band or deejay usually also serves as the emcee for the event, announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance floor.

• Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music will alienate some of the guests who simply are not interested in that type of music.

Professional deejays or performers know how to offer a great mix that will appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to span different decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible.

• Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories. Band leaders and deejays are not mind readers. Give your band leader or deejay ample time to

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January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

Modern trends in

wedding videography

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couple’s wedding day is often a whirlwind for the bride- and groomto-be. Happy couples hope to remember every little detail, but that can be difficult when so much is going on.

That is why many brides and grooms hire videographers to preserve the memories of their weddings.

Couples who fail to capture their ceremony and reception on film may feel like they missed out once their big day has come and gone. As a result, a professional videographer can be a wise investment.

Today’s wedding videos have come a long way from their poorly produced predecessors. Gone are the potentially cheesy soundbites and elevator music.

Many of today’s videos are artfully edited and highly cinematic productions that could have couples wishing they were viewing videos in theaters. The following are some wedding video trends popular among today’s couples.

• Brief clips and highlights: Few people want to sit through their entire wedding day frame-by-frame. Montages of key elements of the day are much more popular than a chronological unfolding of the ceremony and reception. Some videographers like to show snippets of what’s to come at the start of the wedding video, then go into more extensive segments later on.

• Special filters or film: Filters and lighting effects can give a wedding video an entirely different feel. For example, filming in 8mm can lend a grainy touch to the video and make it seem ethereal or even part of a home movie collection.

However, few people want the stark reality of a high-definition camera that highlights every flaw.

• Film chapters: Dividing segments of the video into different chapters allows viewers to fast forward to the parts they want to see and pass those they can skip. This saves the hassle of having to watch the video in its entirety.

• Cinematic styling: Instead of a stationary camera on a tripod, this method of filming incorporates different angles and close-up shots to give the video a modern feel. It’s shot more like a movie than a documentary, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re really experiencing the event.

• Artistic, indy feel: Film buffs may want a wedding video that breaks the mold.

Ask videographers to create something that would fit in at the Sundance or Tribeca film festivals.

• Same-day editing: Want to revisit the ceremony at your wedding reception?

Some videographers will edit portions of the ceremony and preparations for the big day in the time between the ceremony and reception. This gives all guests, including those who may not have been able to make the ceremony, the chance to view the nuptials.

• Unobtrusive technology: This trend relates to the equipment used to capture wedding memories rather than the actual finished product. No one wants their view of the ceremony or reception to be marred by a big, bulky camera. Smaller video cameras enable videographers to seamlessly blend in and perhaps capture shots that larger cameras could not.

Preserving wedding memories takes on new meaning when couples explore the growing trends in wedding videos.

Theintelligencer.com • January, 2015

15

After party planning pointers

N

comfortable attire.

owadays, many wedding guests are not ready to call it a night after the deejay plays the last dance at the reception. After parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after party is not necessarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole.

• Take advantage of hotel services.

Many hotels have conference rooms or attached bars and restaurants that make perfect gathering places for an after party.

Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or the front desk in advance.

After parties can be anything a couple wants them to be. They can be a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club. But it pays for couples to heed a few after party pointers.

• Choose a place within walking distance or close by to the reception hall or hotel. Guests have likely been indulging in alcohol during the wedding, and safety should always be a priority. If only a few people are going out, you may be able to pile into a cab, but if your affair will be attended by more than a handful of guests, choose a venue close by so it’s easy for guests to get there and get home.

• Limit the food and drink choices. Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or

• Delegate responsibilities. A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer.

sangria and finger foods. This will help avoid disagreements over trying to tally up and split the bill afterward.

• Go comfortably. If you’re ready to get out of wedding finery, by all means change into something more comfortable.

You probably will enjoy yourself more at the after party if you can mingle in more

• Leave whenever you want.

Partygoers will eventually need some sleep. Feel free to leave the after party whenever you want. Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.

After parties are growing in popularity. Those planning on celebrating into the early hours

of the morning can start thinking creatively.

16

January, 2015 • theintelligencer.com

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