Don’t Be a Bride-zilla: Follow These Tips to Keep Your Cool

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s normal to get overwhelmed and stressed from time to time. But, you can’t take that frustration out on others. If you do, you might be dubbed a bride-zilla (or a groom-zilla). Worse yet, you might find yourself with very few wedding guests in attendance. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your cool and keep the peace.

Be Considerate

Your big day may be all about you and your partner, but you still need to be considerate of others. If you’re having a destination wedding in Maui, for example, give everyone plenty of advance notice. That way, they can plan ahead, book their flights, and make other necessary arrangements. Also, be upfront with your bridal party about any expenses they’ll be responsible for so there are no surprises. A good rule of thumb is to try and think like a guest or wedding party member. If there’s something you’d like to be informed of ahead of time, share that information with those who need to know.

Don’t Do Everything Yourself

If you like to be in control, you may be tempted to handle all your wedding responsibilities on your own. However, this can lead to excess stress, which can increase your chances of being short-tempered with those you love. You’ll feel a lot better and treat everyone a lot better if you ask for help when and where you need it. Even better yet, consider hiring a wedding planner to do the really tough work for you.

Let Go of Perfectionism

It’s natural to want everything to go perfectly on your wedding day. After all, it’s a day you’ve dreamed about. But, life isn’t a dream. It’s life, and nothing ever goes 100% according to plan. The sooner you accept that and resolve to go with the flow, the better. Plan well, do your best, but also be willing to laugh off the little imperfections that might pop up. One day, they’ll be fond memories.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to keep a calm head in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Try these strategies, and take some time out to relax and unwind when you need it. You’ll feel better, and your loved ones will benefit too, which means everybody wins on your wedding day.

How To Make That “Just Married” Moment Truly Magical

In movies, brides and grooms rush out of a church and down the steps toward their painted, decorated cars. In the process, they’re showered with birdseed. But, movies aren’t real life, and you’ll find that many venues frown on birdseed. It attracts wildlife and can leave a big mess behind. Plus, do you really want to pick birdseed out of your hair for days to come? The good news is that birdseed isn’t the only option for a magical “just married” moment. There are plenty of other things you can use to celebrate your big event.

Give Confetti A Try

Colorful confetti is becoming an increasingly popular option at weddings. Many couples like to choose confetti in their wedding colors. Even better, if you make the confetti pieces large enough, they’re easy to remove from your clothes or body. However, just like birdseed, confetti can get messy, so you’ll need to have a dedicated sweeper or clean-up crew onhand to tidy up after the celebratory moment. As an added bonus, it’s easy to keep a piece or two as a sweet souvenir.

Make Some Music

If making a mess isn’t your style, consider a more eco-friendly (and much noisier) option. You can supply your well-wishers with small bells, which they can ring as you run out of the venue. It makes a lovely noise, especially if you have a lot of guests in attendance, and everyone can keep their bell as a fun keepsake if they like. You can even have the bells engraved with your names, the wedding date, or other sentimental reminders.

Light it Up

For night weddings, a little light is just the thing for the perfect send-off. Imagine your guests waving candles or, if you’re a concert fan, lighters in the air. Sparklers or, for a modern touch, phones can do the trick as well. Some couples even opt for glow sticks for a fun, neon touch. In any case, light is an easy, mess-free, and very pretty choice for your big farewell to single life.

Whether you’re saying “I do” in Maui, Mexico, Montana, or anywhere in between, you just have to have that special moment at the end of the ceremony. How you do it, though, is up to you. Don’t be afraid to get creative, think outside the box, and dare to be different. Your wedding is sure to be all the more special for it.

Don’t Forget the Wedding Decor

Don’t Forget the Wedding Decor

When you’re planning a wedding, it seems like there’s a million things to do and remember. In fact, many couples feel overwhelmed during the planning stages, which makes it easy to forget something. Fortunately, this handy guide to wedding decor can help you remember the must-haves on your big day.

Wedding Programs

Whether you’re getting married in tropical Maui or your own back yard, guests will want a keepsake of your wedding. And, for some couples, wedding programs are the perfect solution. Programs double as a type of decor, and your guests can take them home as a souvenir. Ideally, programs should include basic information about your wedding, such as the date and members of the wedding party, and a rundown of the day’s events. Of course, programs are optional, so don’t feel pressured to include them if you don’t want to.

Table Decor

Tables need a lot of dressing up to make them look special. That’s probably why so many couples leave out an item or two in this category. To avoid forgetfulness, you can hire a service to dress and decorate your tables. If you take a do-it-yourself approach, remember that you’ll need, at a minimum:

● Tablecloths

● Decorative centerpieces

● Placemats

● Plates

● Silverware

● Glasses

● Napkins

Ceremony Decor

Your ceremony is where the magic happens. Thus, pay careful attention to all the decor surrounding the “I do’s.” You’ll want some kind of backdrop or arch to draw attention to you and your partner, as well as decor for the altar and the aisle. Some couples also like to dress up each individual seat.

Ultimately, you need a lot of decor to pull off a pretty wedding. This guide can help you start thinking about what you’ll need. Remember, too, that you can always hire a wedding planner to reduce your risk of forgetting something. And, if you do leave something out, don’t panic. Your wedding day should be less about the decor and more about celebrating and declaring your love for your partner. If you can keep that in mind, your wedding will be beautiful no matter what.

Alcohol Alternatives to Serve at Your Wedding Reception

Alcohol Alternatives to Serve at Your Wedding Reception

These days, wedding receptions are less about following tradition and more about doing what’s right for you and your partner. As such, a lot of couples are forgoing the traditional alcoholic beverages often found at wedding celebrations. Instead, they’re opting for mocktails and other alcohol-free drinks.

Some couples choose an alcohol-free reception to keep everyone on their best behavior or because they live an alcohol-free life. Others like that skipping the alcohol keeps costs down. Whatever the reason, if you're planning a dry wedding or just trying to add in a few non-alcoholic options, here are some drink ideas that could work for you.

Imitation Alcohol

It might surprise you to learn that there are many drink brands that specialize in mimicking standard alcohol without the actual alcohol. For example, Pentire makes a gin-like beverage while WIlfred’s offers up a Campari-style drink. These are just two of many popular imitations. So, if you want to serve drinks that are alcohol-like without the inebriating effects, do your research on these and other faux alcohols to find your favorites.

Virgin Mimosas

Nothing beats the sweet, tangy taste of a mimosa. Luckily, you can capture that same flavor without adding alcohol. All you have to do is mix complementary juices together, and you can get as creative as you like. Grape juice and orange juice make for an awesome combination, as do pineapple juice and orange juice, but the choice is yours. As an added bonus, these refreshing drinks pair perfectly with an outdoor wedding. So, if you’re thinking of getting married on the beaches of Maui, put this option at the top of your list.

Soda Bars

For brides who want a “bar feel” without alcohol, soda bars can be a lot of fun. You can give guests a chance to pick their favorite sodas and add in fun flavors, like a hint of cherry or a squeeze of lime. You can rent a soda fountain specifically for this purpose or even hire a mixologist to create some customized sodas.

As you can see, there’s no need to offer alcohol at your wedding reception if you don’t want to. There are plenty of other great drinks you can serve. So, make the choice that’s right for you and then dance the night away!

Make a Lasting Impression with these Unforgettable Wedding Favors

Make a Lasting Impression with these Unforgettable Wedding Favors

Weddings are magical events. Part of what makes them so magical is sharing them with the people you love most. Luckily, you’ll have photos and maybe even a video to remember your big day. But, what about your guests? They want a keepsake too, which is where wedding favors come into play. These favors don’t have to be extravagant, but they should show that you’ve put real thought into them. So, with that in mind, consider these fun, unforgettable wedding favors.

Fancy Fans

Remember those ornate handheld fans you played with when you were a kid? Well, they’re making a comeback in the wedding circuit. They can be made of paper or woven material, and you can print your names, the wedding date, or other details on them. As an added bonus, these fans work well if you’re having an outdoor wedding in the summer months, making them a perfect fit for brides getting married on the beaches of Maui.

Seeds

For a simple but sweet wedding favor, consider handing out flower seeds. Many couples purchase or create custom packaging for their seeds to make them stand out. Plus, you can encourage guests to plant them in their yards or gardens. That way, they'll have a growing, green reminder of your special day.

Personalized Glasses

Everyone uses drinking glasses, so giving them as a wedding favor is sure to be a hit. You can choose from wine glasses, tumblers, coffee mugs, shot glasses, and more. Even better, you can imprint your wedding date, a photo, or your names on the glasses to add to the charm. Then, guests can remember your big day with every sip.

Edible Treats

For something truly sweet, give your guests an edible take-home treat. From fresh cookies to prettily packaged candies, everyone will enjoy something to nibble on. You can put them in a pretty, reusable gift bag or other custom packaging to give your guests a more lasting memento.

Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to hand out wedding favors. So, if you can’t find something that speaks to you or are trying to cut costs, it’s okay to skip them. If you do decide to give favors, however, these ideas are a great place to start.

How To Choose The Right Wedding Officiant

How To Choose The Right Wedding Officiant

A lot of people are involved in making a wedding a success. One of the most important of these people, however, is the officiant. Simply put, this is the person who officiates or conducts the wedding ceremony and oversees your vow exchange. Officiants can be religious professionals, or they may simply have the legal ability to perform a wedding ceremony. Either way, you’ll want to put care into choosing the best one for your big day.

Pricing

Unless you have an unlimited wedding budget, you’ll want to inquire about an officiant’s pricing structure. For example, is the fee all-inclusive? Or, if you’re having a destination wedding, like in Maui, are there extra fees for travel? You need to know what you’ll be expected to pay and what is included in the price. From there, you can compare an officiant’s fees to average officiant fees in the area to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Personalization

The best wedding officiants don’t approach every single ceremony in the same way. Instead, they’ll take time to get to know you, your preferences, and the general “vibe” you want your wedding to have. Whether that’s a very serious and formal feel or something more casual and laid back, pick an officiant who is going to match your desired energy and put emphasis on what you want.

Experience

Experience is not an absolute must in an officiant. After all, some people have friends or family members do the job. With that said, experience definitely doesn’t hurt. If you’re going to go to the trouble of hiring a professional, look for someone who has performed diverse weddings in the past. If possible, ask to see videos of them officiating so you can get an idea of their style. You can also read reviews or talk to other couples who have used the officiant. Generally, the more couples an officiant has served, the more likely they are to be adept at the job.

Your officiant plays a big role in how your wedding goes. So, as you’re choosing the flowers and the decor, don’t overlook the importance of hiring the right officiant. It can ultimately make a major difference in how satisfied you are with your special day.

Should You Make Your Own Floral Arrangements?

Should You Make Your Own Floral Arrangements?

When you’re planning a wedding, you have a lot of tough choices to make. For example, you’ll have to decide what kind of flowers you want and how much you can spend on them. And, because florals can be pricey, some couples prefer a DIY approach. In fact, making your own wedding floral arrangements has become quite popular. It does take some real time and work, though, and not everyone is up to the task. If you’re considering designing your own arrangements, think through this decision with care.

It’s An Investment

DIY floral arrangements can help you save money, but they probably won’t help you save time. You’ll need to watch videos or read articles to learn how to craft even the simplest arrangements. Then, you’ll need time to actually sit down and get the job done . . . all while still planning your wedding. Unless you’re confident that you can take the time to do the job right, it’s probably best to stick to a professional. Also, DIY approaches tend to work best when you have plenty of friends who are willing to pitch in and help.

There May Be Some Limitations

Unless you’re a professional florist with professional connections, you can’t always get every flower at every time of year, at least not easily. Flower availability may also be dependent on your wedding venue. For example, if you’re getting married in Maui, sticking to local tropical flowers makes the most sense. Thus, be prepared to face and work within a few limitations when you create your own bouquets.

Expect Imperfection

When you use a professional florist, there’s an expectation that your arrangements will be perfect. If they’re not, you can send them back and request changes. When you’re making your own arrangements, you’re in control. You’re also the only one to blame if your arrangements don’t turn out exactly like you hoped. And, since you’re not a professional, be prepared for some imperfections. If you’re okay with that, then go ahead and craft away. If not, it’s time to call a florist.

There’s no right or wrong way to prepare for your wedding. It’s all about what you want and what you feel comfortable with. If you’re leaning toward DIY flowers, that’s perfectly fine. Just have realistic expectations so you aren’t met with unwanted surprises.

Happy 4th of July from Your Aloha Wedding

Happy 4th of July from Your Aloha Wedding

Searching for a Wedding Dress? Try These Tips

Searching for a Wedding Dress? Try These Tips

Finding the perfect wedding dress can feel like a daunting feat. If you’re still searching, take a deep breath. Your dream dress is out there. You just have to find it, and, luckily, these tips will help you do just that.

Tip #1: Think Outside the Box

To start with, know that your “dress” doesn’t have to be a dress at all. In fact, many brides are bucking tradition and thinking outside the box these days. If you find an evening gown, a cocktail dress, or even a fancy pantsuit that you love, go for it! Many of these options may work quite well, especially if you’re getting married outdoors. A short dress on the sandy beaches of Maui, for instance, is a wise choice.Opening yourself up to non-traditional ideas will give you even more possibilities to choose from.

Tip #2: Design It Yourself

If you’ve been shopping for forever and can’t find anything you love, consider designing your own dress. This is particularly easy if you’re a skilled seamstress. Even if you’re not, there are designers who can make something from scratch or embellish an existing dress. The costs can vary somewhat, though, so you’ll want to make sure your designer plans fit into your budget.

Tip #3: Go Vintage

There’s no rule that says your wedding dress has to be brand new. Many brides take pride in wearing dresses passed down from their mothers or grandmothers. Others enjoy showing off their style in vintage dresses. There’s also no shame in buying a secondhand dress from a thrift store or borrowing one from a beloved friend.

Tip #4: Rent A Dress

When you buy a wedding dress, you have to store it for life. The only other alternative is to sell it, which can be hard for sentimental brides. If you don’t want to deal with that kind of decision, consider renting a wedding dress. There are many companies that rent gorgeous dresses and allow you to wear them on your special day before shipping them back. The upside is you’ll save a lot of money and you won’t have a dress taking up space in your closet for years to come.

As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to secure the wedding attire of your choice. Consider these ideas with care and then do whatever works best for you. After all, it’s not what you wear that matters. It’s how you feel when you say, “I do.”

Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

Your wedding vows consist of pledges and promises that you make to your spouse-to-be. They can be funny, romantic, heartfelt, or a combination of all three. Because so many couples desire personal, meaningful vows, it’s not uncommon for one or both people to write their own. If you’re trying to decide whether that’s right for you, consider these questions.

Are You Good With Words?

There’s a reason that people sometimes hire professional vow writers. Writing is hard work, and it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. So, before you grab a pen, be honest with yourself about your writing ability. If you’re good at communicating through words, then go for it. If writing isn’t your strong suit, however, you may want to stick to the basics or have a more seasoned writer lend a hand.

Are You Okay With Getting Personal?

Writing your own vows is one thing, but saying them out loud, in a room full of people, is something else entirely. As you craft your vows, think about how comfortable you feel with actually speaking them. If you feel scared or uncomfortable at the thought, you may want to rethink your decision. After all, you can always write a letter to your partner and share it privately. Some couples even find this more meaningful than publicly sharing their private feelings.

Do You Dare To Be Different?

For some people, tradition is best. If you’ve always dreamed of saying more standard vows and having a more traditional wedding, that’s perfectly okay. Writing your own vows is fine too, and you don’t necessarily have to stick to what you think vows are supposed to sound like. There really are no rules, so if you want to sing your vows, put them in a poem, or do something else a little off the beaten path, the choice is yours to make.

Whether you’re getting married in beautiful Maui or your own back yard, the words you say matter. They matter as long as you say them from the heart, regardless of whether you wrote them or not. So, do what feels right for you and your partner, and then put your heart into whatever you choose to say. That’s a surefire way to guarantee wedding success.

Creative Wedding Party Proposal Ideas

Creative Wedding Party Proposal Ideas

If you’re planning a wedding, there’s a good chance that you or your partner “popped the question.” These days, however, “will you marry me?” isn’t the only proposal. A lot of couples plan wedding party proposals, where they formally ask their friends and family members to serve as members of the wedding party. If you like this idea, consider these fun proposal ideas.

A Group Invite

Some couples pop that special question individually to each prospective member of their wedding party. And, while you could do that, you may find it easier to do a big “group ask.” If so, there are many ways to go about a group proposal. You could gather everyone for a party and then surprise them with the invite. Some couples like to play a special video with the question included, while others hand out small cards or gifts with the question inside.

Say It With Song

If you’re the creative or musical type, consider coming up with a little “will you be in the wedding party?” song. It’s a fun way to ask this meaningful question, and you can deliver it how you want. You could sing it personally to each person or record yourself singing and send out the videos. Some people post the song to YouTube or burn it on a CD and then surprise their loved ones.

Send a Bouquet

For those who love flowers, why not send a bouquet or even a single flower to each person you want in the wedding party? You can include a card that asks them to be a part of your big day. Even better, your flowers can represent your upcoming wedding. If you’re getting married in Maui, for example, you could send Hawaiian flowers, or you could choose flowers in your wedding colors.

When asking people to be in your wedding party, the sky's the limit. You can keep things simple and sweet or go all out. Just make sure you ask in a way that won’t break your wedding budget before you even get started. Hopefully, no matter how you ask, you’ll get a lot of “yes” answers from the people who mean the most to you.

Planning An Outdoor Wedding? Make A Backup Plan

Planning An Outdoor Wedding? Make A Backup Plan

Outdoor weddings can be amazing, especially if you’re getting married somewhere scenic and beautiful. For example, it’s hard to imagine anything better than saying “I do” on the island of Maui. However, outdoor weddings do come with some degree of risk. There’s always the possibility of rain, extreme heat, or other upsets. For this reason, make sure you have some kind of backup plan in place.

A Rain Date

Many couples are insistent upon having their wedding in the great outdoors. As such, they’ll set a rain date in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on their big day. This is an alternate day on which to have their wedding. Some venues will actually build a rain date into your wedding contract, often for a small fee or a refundable deposit. Of course, if you’ve staked out a public outdoor location for yourself, you can change the date as needed, but it’s still smart to map out a rain date so your guests can tentatively plan for anything unexpected.

Take Cover

A little rain doesn’t have to put an end to your outdoor wedding. If you’re prepared with tents, temporary structures, or other sheltering elements, you can still enjoy your wedding no matter what the weather does. In fact, you may even want to use tents or other features regardless of the weather. They can make an outdoor wedding feel more intimate while offering protection from the sun.

Indoor Options

If you’ve planned an outdoor wedding, it’s probably because you had your heart set on it. But, if worst comes to worst, it’s nice to know you can move your wedding indoors if you need to. Ask your venue about an indoor space you could use in case of emergency. Or, scope one out for yourself and secure the necessary permissions just in case.

Hopefully, you’ll never need your backup plan at all. But, it’s better to have one and not use it than to need one and not have it. So, do the smart thing and make a contingency plan. It won’t hurt, and it may just help.

What Wedding Day Expenses Should You Cover?

What Wedding Day Expenses Should You Cover?

It’s no secret that planning a wedding costs money. However, attending a wedding can be costly too. This is especially true for people who are actually in the wedding. Plus, costs can rise even more if it’s a destination wedding. If you’re getting married in Maui, for example, guests should be prepared to pay for airfare and a hotel stay.

The key is to make sure your guests and wedding party members understand what is and is not covered by you. You also have to make sure you’re taking care of at least some of the expenses so your guests don’t feel cheated.

Floral Arrangements

To start with, couples should not expect their wedding party members to pay for anything flower-related. This includes any floral displays, individual bouquets, and boutonnieres. If you want these things in your wedding, you’ll have to take care of the cost yourself. Asking your guests to foot the floral bill or even part of it is considered rude.

Food

Before you panic, know that engaged couples aren’t expected to pay for every single meal their guests have leading up to the big day. However, you should be prepared to feed your attendees at least twice. It’s customary for couples or their families to pay for the rehearsal dinner and any food at the wedding reception. Keep in mind that you can cut costs by preparing the food yourself. Furthermore, you don’t have to serve a full meal at the reception if you don’t want to.

Gifts and Mementos

When people attend your wedding, they expect to leave with at least a small souvenir. Thus, be prepared to spend money on favors for all guests and gifts for each member of your wedding party. Again, you don’t have to go all out or break the bank. Something small and thoughtful will do the trick just fine.

Weddings do come with some expense involved. That’s true whether you’re saying “I do” or just sitting in the audience. As long as everyone understands this fact and pulls their financial weight, your special day should be a huge success.

Dreaming Of A Destination Wedding? Try These Tips

Dreaming Of A Destination Wedding? Try These Tips

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding? If so, you’re in for a lot of fun. Destination weddings can be a blast to plan. However, they do take some real work and thought. As long as you plan with care, though, your dream destination wedding can become a reality.

Research Your Destination

The key factor in a destination wedding is, of course, the destination! Whether you’re thinking about Maui or Jamaica or anywhere in between, research prospective destinations thoroughly. Know the average wedding cost in your chosen area, approximate flight and hotel costs, and even what the weather is like during your wedding month. You can also look into fun activities, tourist sites, honeymoon packages, and other offerings. The more you know, the easier it is to pick a destination that’s just right for you.

Plan Away

Once you’ve picked a destination, start planning. The sooner you do this, the better. Depending on your destination, you might need to purchase a passport, help loved ones arrange travel plans, or request extra time off work. A lot of things have to fall into place for a destination wedding to happen, so don’t wait until the last minute to get your ducks in a row.

Make Some Local Connections

When you’re hosting a wedding away from home, finding the help you need can be challenging. You’ll need lots of locals, like caterers, decorators, and florists, to help put your wedding together. If you’ve booked a nice hotel or already have your venue, reach out to the staff for local recommendations. You can also make phone calls and arrange video chats to find and hire providers without being there in person. Or, if your budget allows, you can hire a local wedding planner to take care of all of that for you.

Do destination weddings require a little extra work? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! A destination wedding can feel like a living fairytale, and if it’s what you want, go for it. As long as you’re prepared and willing to tackle each challenge that comes your way, you can have the magical wedding you’ve always wanted.

Wonderful Wedding Reading Ideas

Wonderful Wedding Reading Ideas

Wedding readings are very popular at weddings these days. They’re typically small speeches or readings of published works that take place near the beginning of your ceremony. When used correctly, they can set the tone for your wedding and for your marriage itself. And, whether you’re getting married in Maui or in your hometown church, they can be a beautiful addition to your special day. The key is to choose them with care, and luckily, there are many options to pick from.

Write Something Original

Readings don’t always have to be stiff, formal, or from some famous work. Instead, they can just be sentimental words of your own. If you’re the creative type, you can come up with a reading by yourself. Even better, you and your partner can craft the reading together. If you take this route, spend some time thinking about the feel of your wedding and what you want to communicate to your guests and to each other.

Do Something Spiritual

If you and your partner are the religious or spiritual type, why not incorporate your faith into your special day? If there are scriptures from a religious text that speak to you, have them read at your wedding. Alternately, you could take lyrics from a hymn or have your opening reading be more of a prayer.

Ponder Prose

When you think of love and romance, you probably think of poetry. After all, a great many poems and sonnets have been written on the subject of love and marriage. Many of these poems make excellent wedding readings, so comb through books or look online to find the perfect poem to express how you feel. Song lyrics can work here too, especially if you and your partner have a song that’s special to you.

Believe it or not, these are just a few of many ideas for your wedding reading. You could hire a writer to craft a reading for you. Or, you could use quotes from your favorite movie or TV show. There’s really no wrong or right way to go about it. As long as your reading is meaningful to you, that’s all that matters.

Fun Ways To Remember Your Wedding Day

Fun Ways To Remember Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a day you’ll remember and cherish for years to come. Making an effort to create meaningful memories can make it even more special. If you’ve been looking for some clever ways to commemorate the day you said “I do,” give these tricks a try.

Take Away A Little Something

Mementos don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, some of the best souvenirs are simple little reminders. If you’re getting married in Maui, for example, you could scoop a little sand into a bottle. You could also keep a card from your venue, press a wedding flower, or buy a silly souvenir to display proudly in your home.

Get Your Friends Involved

Your wedding is about you and your partner, but it’s also about bringing together the people you love. Don’t hesitate to get those loved ones involved in the memory making. You could ask everyone to write down a memory they have of the two of you. Someone could then read these memories at the reception, or you could keep them and take a look on your anniversary. Some couples also like to get creative with the guestbook, like having guests draw on a canvas or asking them to record a short video message to you on your big day.

Frame Your Favorites

Once the wedding is behind you, you’ll probably want to rest and not do anything for quite a while. But, before you put your feet up, go through your wedding photos. If you find pictures you love, get them sized, framed, and displayed right away. The longer you put it off, the less likely it is that you’ll actually do it. And, since you pay good money for wedding photos, you might as well make use of them.

Your beautiful memories will help get you through difficult days, so work hard to preserve those cherished moments. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. Just create memories in a way that works for you and your spouse. It may take a little effort, but you’ll be so glad you did it.

Don’t Make These Mistakes with Your Wedding Photos

Don’t Make These Mistakes With Your Wedding Photos

Your wedding is a special day that only happens once. However, it will live on in photos for years to come. For this reason, you want to do everything you can to ensure your pictures turn out as perfect as possible. So, with that in mind, take care to avoid these all-too-common wedding photography mistakes.

Not Hiring A Professional

These days, lots of people advertise their photography services. Anyone can create an ad, but not everyone is actually skilled at photography. As such, take care to hire a real, seasoned professional with real, professional equipment. Ask to see past work they’ve done, read reviews, and make sure your photographer has experience and skill. Otherwise, you might not be so happy with how your pictures turn out.

Pictures Full Of Phones

People are constantly on their phones. Even worse, when they want to remember something, they’ll whip them out and take pictures or videos. Sadly, this can ruin your wedding photos. The last thing you want is a photo album full of pictures with people waving their phones in the air. Be firm with your guests about not using their phones during the ceremony, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you see anyone breaking the rules.

Not Having A Trial Run

You probably have a vision of how you want to look on your big day. More than likely, you have a plan in mind for your hair, your makeup, and the kinds of pictures you’ll take. But, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Book trial sessions with any hair or makeup artists you intend to hire to ensure they can get your dream look down. If your wedding is outdoors, this will give you a chance to see how your makeup and hair hold up against the windy beaches of Maui, the heat of Jamaica, or other natural elements. Outside of that, be sure and speak with your photographer about the types of photos you want and ask to see similar shots in their portfolio.

While you can’t control everything, you can make an effort to make your wedding pictures the best they can be. By avoiding these pitfalls and planning your photos with care, chances are that you’ll like the images you end up with.