Wedding Reception Exit Strategy

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Mike Staff

You’ve had a beautiful ceremony and an amazing wedding reception, but the night is over.  Enjoy your wedding day a little longer by leaving the end of the night activities to someone else.  Too many brides make the mistake of forgetting to hand these tasks off to a trusting friend.  (Want to know the other mistakes brides make?  Click here)

 

 

Gifts

This is a job that you can give to your most trusted friend.  At the conclusion of the reception, someone should be tasked with collecting the boxes, bags and envelope holder.  Decide in advance who this person will be and where they will place the items.  Often the gifts are placed in the couples hotel room if at the same venue or given to the parents of the couple.  This is particularly important to decide if you are departing in the morning for your honeymoon.

 

Decor

If you have rented any items for your decorations, you may need someone to not only collect them at the end of the evening, but also to return them to the vendor.  Some companies will pickup the rental items, but there may be a fee for doing so.

 

Floral arrangements may be given to guests as they part, donated to a hospital or nursing home or disposed of by the venue.  Be sure to check with the venue to see what items can be left on site at the conclusion of the evening.

 

Fees and Gratuities

Typically, most fees are paid prior to the wedding day, but it is possible you will have some due that evening.  One of the best man’s duties is to handle any fees or gratuities for the couple.  Prepare and label envelopes in advance so he can handle those tasks for you.

We’re ready to help.  Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Recover…Then Relax

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Mike Staff

If you’ve ever tried to go to work after a night out, you know how hard that can be.  Now imagine trying to catch a 6am flight – after your wedding reception.  Many brides make the mistake of attempting just that.  (Want to know the other mistakes brides make?  Click here)

 

After a night of dancing, many couples are enjoying an additional day with family by hosting a morning brunch or afternoon barbecue.  This gives you another chance to thank your family for their involvement in your wedding day – especially if you didn’t have enough time to visit with out of town guests.  How often are all of these people gathered in one place after all?

 

As most weddings take place on the weekend, delaying your travel arrangements by a day can result in less airport congestion and maybe even better pricing.  Fewer travelers are likely on a Monday.  You’ll also have time to pack your bags when you aren’t trying to plan a wedding.

 

An added benefit to leaving a day late; you’ll have time to unwrap gifts – you may even have time to take those wedding gifts to the bank too!

 

We make the planning process stress free.  Email or call 248-689-0777 to learn more.

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Make a Photography Plan

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Mike Staff

Every bride wants amazing, breathtaking images of their wedding day.  But it’s important to remember that you have invited your guests to share the evening celebrating your wedding with your family and friends.  A photography plan can prevent you from spending too much time on photography – a mistake brides often make.  (Want to know the others?  Click here.)  A photographer will likely have suggestions their experience tells them works well, but can only understand your unique wishes by developing a plan with you.  Here’s are some tips and a general timeline for wedding photography:

Pre-ceremony photos with the bride = 1 hour

Hair and make up is completed or near completed when coverage begins.  The photographer will typically spend 1/2 hour photographing details and candids.  The remaining 1/2 hours is spent capturing attendants, family and planned images of the bride.  Be sure to convey your comfort level with having someone in the room as you get ready to your wedding photographer. Together, you and the photographer should develop a list of images and special items you would like the photographer to capture during this time.

 

Pre-ceremony photos with the groom = 1/2 hour

The pre-ceremony images of the groom are often captured at the church, but any location of your choice can be used.  The photographer will typically photograph the groom’s attire, images with groomsmen and family, pinning of boutonnieres, and other detail shots.  If you have specific requests for the groom’s images, be sure to share them with your photographer.

 

Ceremony

Many churches will have restrictions on wedding photography.  If your church does, share that information as early as possible when you are developing the wedding photography plan as it may impact the type of images that can be captured.  As you develop the photography plan, it is a good idea to discuss what you would like the photographer to capture – your last moments with your father before the ceremony or guests being seated.  Let your photographer know if there are honored guests, candle lightings, or other items to make special note of.

 

Post ceremony = 30 minutes

Following the ceremony, many couples like to have a balloon release or bubble exit.  This is typically done immediately after the ceremony so that guests that are not a part of formal altar images can be released.  You will likely sign your marriage license before beginning your family images as well.

 

Altar images = 30 minutes

Again, many churches limit the amount of time you have to capture formal altar images.  Because time must be used effectively, assigning a friend to help gather groupings is most helpful.  Work with your photographer to develop a list of images that should be captured at the ceremony location and those that can be done at the wedding reception.

 

Romantics = 1 hour

This is the time that your wedding photographers artistic abilities can really shine.  Whether you are interested in traditional, photojournalistic or artistic images, develop a plan for what images you would like to capture of you as a couple, with and without the bridal party.  If you like images with an urban or natural background, you and your wedding photographer can discuss locations that match your creative vision.  You should also discuss poses that you’ve seen in the past that appeal to you – and those that don’t too.

 

Reception

You family and friends will be gathered to share a meal with you and your new spouse, visit and dance.  When planning the photography for your wedding reception, remember to take your guests in account.  Share the timeline that you have developed with your wedding DJ with the photographer for the grand entrance, cake cutting. toasts and special dances.  Most couples focus the wedding reception photography on those key moments and take a more candid approach to the remainder of the evening.  This allows them to converse with their guests and have a great time dancing, while the photographer captures those candid moments.

 

By forming a photography plan with your wedding photographer, you can preserve the memories of your wedding day without letting the wedding photography take over.

 

Interested in wedding photography?  Click here.

 Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Michigan Video of the Week: Rachael and Steven

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Mike Staff

Today’s Michigan Video of the Week is from Rachael and Steven’s September 24, 2011 wedding day. Fall is such a great time to get married in Michigan. The color was just beginning to change and made a nice backdrop for their Romantics at The Wyndgate Country Club.

Congratulations Rachael and Steven!

Interested in wedding videography?  Click here to learn more.

Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Party Responsibly

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Mike Staff

You want your wedding ceremony and wedding reception to be events to remember – for all the right reasons.  A great way to make that happen is to avoid the mistake of drinking too early or too often.  (Want to read about other common mistakes?  Click here.)

A champagne toast with your bridesmaids is often a fun tradition (and photo moment), but it is recommended to be cautious and keep it to one toast.  You’ll be walking down the aisle in a few moments and should look your best.

If you are going to capture wedding photographs between the ceremony and wedding reception, too much liquor in the limo can create an unruly bridal party that may be less focused on executing your photography plan.  If you are going to celebrate the moment, consider banning hard liquors and make sure there is plenty of water and snacks.  Too much imbibing on an empty stomach can ruin the rest of your day!

Many couples wait, and ask their bridal party to do so also, until the traditional dances are completed before having a few drinks in the final party hours.  This will insure that you enjoy the day, create positive lasting memories and still have a chance to unwind – it is after all your wedding day!

We’re ready to help with your wedding!  Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Wedding Planning Schedule

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Mike Staff

Wedding planning can seem like a huge task, but not when you do it in small, manageable pieces.  Unfortunately, waiting until the last minute to complete tasks is a mistake too many brides make.  (Want to know the others?  Click here)

The first thing a bride should do is get organized!  Block out time for planning and prioritize what you will do when.   For a copy of Metro Detroit’s ultimate wedding planner, click here.

Depending upon how long of an engagement you will have, the following schedule can keep you organized.

Shortly After the Big Announcement

  1. As you begin to have ideas about the wedding, sit down with both families to formulate a budget. Remember, parents who planned their wedding twenty or thirty years ago can be surprised by today’s costs. Expect to be flexible.
  2. Decide on a date that works for both families and your work schedules.  Be aware of family birthdays, anniversaries or annual events that may cause a conflict.

 

12 to 18 Months Prior to the Wedding

  1. Begin visiting venues!  Peak dates go quickly, so if you have your heart set on a Saturday in June, lock in your venue early.
  2. If you are using a wedding planner, begin interviewing now.  They can help you with the decisions to follow.
  3. Visit bridal shows, the Internet, and look in current magazines or directories for ideas for your wedding day.

 

9 to 18 Months Prior

  1. Hire the photographer, caterer, videographer, officiant, and DJ. Prime dates book quickly, as do good vendors. The earlier you book, the better chance you’ll secure your first choice vendors.
  2. Begin looking at wedding dresses.  If you are considering a custom designed dress, you’ll want to leave plenty of time for it to be prepared.
  3. Schedule your engagement session with your photographer.

 

6 to 9 Months Prior

  1. Bridal party dresses should be ordered, save-the-dates mailed, overnight accommodations reserved for wedding guests.
  2. Order your wedding cake, flowers and transportation for the wedding and reception.

 

4 to 6 Months Prior

  1. Reserve rehearsal dinner location, establish bridal registries, rent tuxedos, order wedding invitations, reserve necessary rental equipment.

2 to 4 Months Prior

  1. Book your honeymoon and secure arrangements for wedding night accommodations.
  2. Schedule appointments for hair, makeup, facials, massages and spa treatments
  3. Order reception favors
  4. Begin dance lessons if you want a choreographed first dance

 

2 Months Prior

  1. Mail wedding invitations
  2. Verify requirement for marriage license
  3. Purchase bridal party gifts
  4. Create ceremony program

 

Final 6 Weeks 

  1. Confirm all vendors, finalize food and beverage choices with your caterer or reception site. Schedule a final dress fitting (tuxes for the gentlemen) and plan seating arrangements for your reception.
  2. Establish a timeline for the wedding day.
  3. Select songs for your ceremony and special dances
  4. Schedule a consultation for your hair and makeup.  Many brides do a “dress rehearsal” to make sure they like the look.

 

Week of Your Wedding 

  1. Confirm timeline and desired shot list with your photographer and videographer
  2. Discuss song selections with your DJ
  3. Get plenty of sleep and practice good nutrition
  4. Relax!  It’s almost time for the big day!

 

Click here to get started!

Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Communicating With Your Bridal Party

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Mike Staff

Your bridal party will be comprised of your closest friends.  So of course, they have your best interests at heart, but they may not always seem to!  Often these misunderstandings occur because they do not know what is expected.  Not communicating with their bridal party is one of the biggest mistakes brides make.  (Want to know the others?  Click here)

 

Explain Their Roles

While your friends will be honored to stand with you on your wedding day, it is possible that they do not know their duties extend beyond that.  Here are some of the traditional roles of the bridal party.

  • Best Man.  The Best Man is the groom’s aide and advisor during the wedding planning process and wedding day.  He usually helps to pick out the tuxes, plans the bachelor party and helps to keep the other groomsmen on task.  Think of him as the chief of staff of the groomsmen crew.  Other duties include keeping the groom on schedule, paying fees and gratuities to the wedding officiant and other vendors, witnessing the marriage license, holding the bride’s ring, and giving a toast at the wedding reception.
  • Groomsmen.  The groomsmen assist the Best Man in planning and paying for the bachelor party.  The often act as ushers for the wedding reception and escorts for the bridesmaids for the day.

  • Maid/Matron of Honor.  Much like her counterpart, the Maid or Matron of Honor acts as the sounding board for the bride as she plans the wedding, often attending meetings or bridal shows with the bride.  She will help to choose the wedding day attire, plan the bachelorette party, mind the wedding day schedule, hold the groom’s ring and give a toast at the reception.
  • Bridesmaids.  The bridesmaids assist the bride and maid of honor when asked by helping with the bridal shower, planning and cost of bachelorette party, addressing invitations and other planning tasks.  They assist the bride as she gets ready on her wedding day and asks as hostesses to guests at the wedding reception; often by being the first ones on the dance floor to get the party started.

 

Involve Them In the Planning

As you plan your wedding, it is likely that you will need some assistance to complete tasks such as making decorations, addressing invitations, creating seating charts and more.  Your bridal party should be a great resource in helping with these tasks – if you ask.  Remember, this is your wedding and they may not know how to help if you don’t tell them.

 

Share the Timeline

You will work with your wedding vendors to create a timeline for your wedding day.  The successful execution of this schedule is dependent upon the cooperation of your bridal party.  Share the timeline with them, and explain it’s importance in having the wedding you dream of, so that they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and when.  You will need their cooperation and participation for formal photographs and dances so it a good idea to explain when those will take place and what will be involved.

 

Thank Them

It is easy to get so caught up in the planning process and the wedding day itself.  Be sure to thank your bridal party for the help, friendship and participation in creating the wedding day you dreamed of.

 

How can we help?  Email us or call 248-689-0777

www.mikestaff.com 

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Communicating With Your Wedding Vendors

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Mike Staff

On your wedding day, you will trust your vendors to execute your dream wedding plans.  One of the biggest mistakes brides make on their wedding day is not communicating well with their vendors.  (Want to know the others?  Click here.)  To avoid this mistake, try some of the following strategies.

 

Form a Photography and Videography Plan

After the wedding day, you will have very few tangible memories more precious than your wedding photographs and video.  When working with a professional photographer and videographer, it is important that you convey your vision to them so they can create the wedding keepsake you desire.  Form a photography and videography plan that is built upon your unique wishes by letting them know if you prefer photojournalistic, candid or cinematic images – or a mixture of each.  The more specific you are about the type of images that appeal to you, the better your photographer and videographer can capture those images.  Discuss images you would like to capture through the day; poses you love and the ones you hate, but don’t create too large of a “shot list”.  You want your wedding photographer and videographer to have some artistic license.  That’s how he or she captured the images that made you want to hire them.

 

Discuss Your Musical Tastes

It’s your wedding reception and you should have a say in the soundtrack.  Work with your wedding DJ to identify songs that he must play, should try to play, and should absolutely not play.  While you should have input in the music played at your wedding reception, it’s not a good idea to create a playlist for the entire evening.  A professional DJ knows how to read a crowd and can identify the best song to play next to keep your wedding reception rocking.

 

Create a “Loose” Timeline

It’s important that you create a timeline for how you would like your wedding day to flow.  It’s just as important to realize in advance, that you will need flexibility in your schedule.  If the timeline is so tight that a red light on the way to the wedding reception knocks the whole thing off track, you’ll spend the rest of the day chasing time.  Work with your vendors to identify when you would like important events to take place, such as the grand entrance or cake cutting, but allow some flexibility.  You wouldn’t want to miss pictures against a beautiful sunset because the timeline says you should be visiting table 27 at that exact minute!  Click here for the timeline of a typical wedding reception.

 

Appoint a Helper

It’s your wedding day and you should enjoy it.  There will be moments throughout the day that your wedding vendors will need to verify or clarify information from your plan.  Consider appointing a close friend, that isn’t a member of the bridal party, to assist your vendors.  They can help identify people for family formals, move items between venues, check the setup of the wedding reception decorations, and locate people for your grand introduction.  They can also be the point of contact for florists, caterers and other vendors on the day of the wedding.  If you decide to appoint a bridal helper, be sure to share her contact information with your wedding vendors too.

We’re ready to help!  Email us or call 248-689-0777.

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Prioritize Your Wedding Reception Budget

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Mike Staff

You will spend more time at your reception on your wedding day than anywhere else.  You want a party to be remembered so you should budget accordingly.  Not prioritizing your budget for the reception is one of the biggest wedding mistakes brides make.  (Want to know the others?  Click here)  It is best to prioritize your spending on the following areas which will have the biggest impact on the success of your wedding reception.

The Venue

Selecting the right venue for your wedding reception is key.  The venue is the stage for your dream wedding so you should prioritize your budget accordingly.  When choosing a venue consider:

  • The Guest List – Can the venue accommodate the size of your party?
  • The Vibe – Does the venue create the vibe you want for your wedding reception?
  • The Location – Is it conveniently located near the ceremony site?
  • Photo Opportunities – Does the venue have a look you want captured?
  • Price – Does the venue fit within the budget you’ve set?

 

The Entertainment

Your wedding reception is the party to celebrate your marriage so of course you want entertainment that delivers!  You can’t understate the importance of hiring a professional wedding DJ.  Your DJ will not only be responsible for spinning the music at your wedding reception, but will also act as the master of ceremonies; coordinating the night’s activities so you can enjoy your reception.  When choosing a DJ consider:

  • The Play List – Will your DJ work with you to develop a list of the must play and do not play songs for your wedding reception?
  • The Performance – Have you viewed your wedding DJs announcement skills?  Have you read reviews by actual brides?
  • The Equipment – Does your wedding DJ use professional DJ equipment?  Does he carry backup gear in case of an emergency?
  • Appearance – Does the DJ dress in a manner that is professional and represents himself and you well?
  • Coordination – Does the DJ have experience working with other vendors and creating a wedding team for your reception?
  • For more signs of a GREAT DJ, click here.

 

The Decor

Your wedding reception is the perfect location to let your personal style shine.  Again, you will spend the most time of your wedding day at this location.  Some venues will provide basic decorations such as mirrors or candles that you can begin building your wedding reception look from.  When selecting decor for your reception consider:

 

  • Flowers – What seasonal blooms will be the most budget friendly?
  • Candles – What centerpiece arrangements work well with candles?
  • Uplighting – Are there architectural elements to highlight at the venue?
  • Table linens – Are there unique ways to incorporate your wedding colors through the use of table linens?

How can we help with your wedding reception?  Email us or call 248-689-0777

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Fun Wedding Reception Ideas

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Mike Staff

Every bride wants her wedding reception to be fun and something people talk about for years.  Here’s a few ideas that you could try to increase the fun factor.

The People In Your Lives
Recognize your guests as the important people in your lives by adding them to the reception decor.  Decorate the tables in the cocktail area with framed images of you and your guests through the years.  It is a great way to start conversations during the cocktail hour as the guests reminisce and socialize.

Make it a GRAND entrance
If you want your reception to be all about fun, start it off with a GRAND, grand entrance.  You can stop and pose or dance your way into the room.  Your wedding DJ can work with you to customize the grand entrance music so that it matches the mood you want to set.  This is a great way to make a big impression and set the stage for a fun wedding .  Read more about Grand Entrances here.

Add a Little Something Extra
Was you first date at a comedy club?  Bring in a stand-up comic for cocktail entertainment.  Want to pay tribute to your heritage?  Hire ethnic dancers to perform for your guests.  Enjoy going to carnivals?  Tarot card readers, magicians and caricature artists might be your thing.

Have Fun
If you want your guests to have fun, make sure you do!  If you spend the night circling the room to visit with your guests, many will feel obligated to remain seated, waiting for their turn to visit.  The best way to get your guests to the dance floor, is to lead the way!

We’re ready to help you with your wedding reception.  Click here to learn more.

Email us or call 248-689-0777

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