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Wedding Store
Wedding Planner and Checklist
Thursday, August 13, 2009
PLANNING ADVICE
Selecting a Photographer
Asking for Recommendations
You can look for a photographer in the phone book, but you'll be taking a risk hiring someone you know nothing about. If you cannot find any recommendations, look to a local bridal association. They will gladly give you a list of reputable recommendations.
Make an Appointment
Many larger operations will have you speak to a sales representative. They will be able to show you portfolios, but they won't necessarily relay your specific needs to the actual person who will be taking your photos. Be sure to speak with the person who will be taking your photographs.
Good Photographers
When you do meet with your photographer, ask to see samples of his or her work. You should see an entire wedding album. Be wary if you are only shown individual photos. Anyone can take a wonderful photo occasionally. A professional photographer will be able to take good photos consistently. Check for things like color, and focus. You should also see a variety of candid photos. Every wedding has its share of standard poses. Candid photos capture the mood of the wedding and provide visual memories. Good photographers have the ability to take candid photos which show their subjects in a good light.
Asking Specifics - Questions For Your Photographer
The number of photographs that will be taken
The cost per print
Fees for traveling long distance
Any special requirements
Many photographers will not allow anyone else to take photos while they are working. Their reasons vary. Some fear that flashes from other cameras will mess up the lighting. Others simply want ownership of all the photos of your wedding so that you will buy more prints.
Ask who has the ownership of your photographs.
Most photographers retain copyrights to the photos they produce. This means that if you want a favorite photo reproduced, you'll probably have to use the same photographer. It is illegal for anyone else to reproduce a photo unless you have ownership of the copyrights.
Who keeps your proofs?
Many couples do not understand that the fee they pay their photographer doesn't always include any photographs. Clearly understand what you will receive for the price they're asking. If you want the proofs of all the photos that were taken, you'll probably end up paying an extra $200-$300.
References
Your photographer should have a list of references handy. Make sure he or she was the actual photographer who took their photos. Call the people on the list. References don't help unless you speak with them. Ask them questions like:
How did they find the photographer
Friends or family of the photographer do not make good references
Were there any unexpected costs
Was the photographer discreet during the ceremony and reception
How long did the photographer stay at the reception
Too Good to be True
You can expect to spend between $500 and $2000 on your wedding photographs. If you getting an entire wedding package for less than $500, you are probably dealing with an amateur. On the same hand, don't be an emotional buyer and pay too much. You should spend about 10 percent of your wedding budget on your photographs.
Working with Your Photographer
Working out the Details
Timing is important. If you meet with your photographer too soon, it is easy for him or her to forget the small details that you asked for. If you meet too late, things are rushed, and something is inevitably left out. Four weeks before the wedding is an acceptable time frame for meeting with your photographer.
The Schedule of Events
It is very important that the photographer know the schedule of events, especially if he or she is planning to take candid shots. The last thing you want to happen is for the photographer to sit down and take a break as the bride and groom are planning to cut the cake. Precious memories are not captured on film when this type of breakdown in communication occurs. Your photographer should know when and in what sequence the following events occur:
The cutting of the cake
The best mans toast
The first dance
The fathers dance
List of Portraits
Any reputable photographer will have experience with weddings and should know what the "traditional" poses are. It is up to the bride and groom to decide who they want in their photographs. It is traditional to have the following portraits taken:
Individual bride
Individual groom
Group of the bridesmaids
Group of the groomsmen
The bride with her bridesmaids
The groom with his groomsmen
The bride with her parents
The groom with his parents
The bride and groom together
The entire bridal party
The bride and groom with both sets of parents
The bride and groom with each set of parents
Any and all special requests
Make Your Wedding Personal
This is your chance to make your wedding personal. Warn your photographer of any surprises so that they can be captured on film.
Try to get most of the portraits taken before the wedding. If superstition prevents you from seeing your spouse to be before the wedding try to get all the bridal party photos done before the wedding and get the rest done quickly after the ceremony.
Back To Top
top
Bridal Gowns
Fashions to suit your form
If you're the type of person who runs away from over - eager salespeople, buy a few wedding magazines first, then visit a bridal store. That way, you can take your time to look at wedding gown styles without being influenced by others (with the possible exceptions of your mother and potential mother - in - law!). Have a clear idea of the wedding theme and the budget. Bring along some magazine clippings of styles you want - sometimes it can be difficult to describe your dream wedding dress to others.
Pick an established bridal store - they would be able to give you better (free!) advice on so many things. Even if you don't buy anything from the store, it's worthwhile listening to the staff, who will be able to offer suggestions on fit and style based on your age and body type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine, but it may not look good on you. Your consultant will help you find the right gown, at the right price. If you feel you need to put on a few store gowns to help you decide, consider wearing a strapless bra. This will help you get a better feeling of how each gown would look during your wedding. Remember - don't rush - take at least one day to decide on the gown you would like to purchase. This will help ensure that you make a rational decision.
Here are some useful questions:
Modern or traditional?
Most Malaysian couples will wear both styles, one for the traditional ceremony and another for the reception. The traditional costume is easy enough as there are really not too many styles for baju Melayu, cheongsams and sarees. You only need to think of the colours and costs involved.
Modern styles need far more thought - do you want to float down the aisle (or hall) in a bell shape gown complete with train and lace, or do you prefer a simpler style? You could go for a form fitting satin gown, perhaps with sequins sewn into it. Many brides in the US and Europe wear mini - length dresses or suits, but here in Malaysia, this might raise a few eyebrows. Whatever you choose, be sure to get the details of your order in writing i.e. dress size, color, style, etc. so that both you and the store or tailor are in complete agreement.
How much do you want to spend on something which will probably not fit you in ten years time - or even sooner ?
Wedding costumes can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand ringgit. Many wedding consultants suggest setting aside about 5% of the total wedding budget on costumes and accessories. Also, alterations may be needed, so you need to factor that in as well.
Payment terms?
Use a credit card. Most cards offer some kind of buyer protection services so if something goes wrong, you may be able to recover some of your losses. Most stores will expect a 50% deposit on the costumes.
How do you look?
Both the bride and groom should try to have at least two fittings - the first to see what needs to be altered, and the second to check that you both look great in your costumes. The rules are - do not rush yourself and the tailor, and bring along someone else who you can trust to tell you how you really look .
Now that your clothes are ready, it may be a good idea to leave them at the bridal store or tailor. Most of these places have proper racks where clothes can be hung neatly to prevent wrinkles.
Serenity or stress?
You may have had visions of a serene wedding day, when everyone remarks how radiant you look. The truth is , your wedding day is going to be very hectic and without proper planning, you'll end up simply looking harassed. Try to have a good night's sleep, and allow yourself at least two hours to get ready before your wedding is scheduled to begin. Take your time and enjoy the company of those around you. Bring an "emergency" kit with you to the wedding venue to deal with last - minute sewing jobs, extra makeup, stockings, and tissues, as well as comfortable shoes just in case you have to stand for long hours. This is not the day for you to experiment with new six - inch high heeled shoes!
Finally…. make sure you're really happy with your choice of clothes and accessories, because when you look good, you feel good.
Asking for Recommendations
You can look for a photographer in the phone book, but you'll be taking a risk hiring someone you know nothing about. If you cannot find any recommendations, look to a local bridal association. They will gladly give you a list of reputable recommendations.
Make an Appointment
Many larger operations will have you speak to a sales representative. They will be able to show you portfolios, but they won't necessarily relay your specific needs to the actual person who will be taking your photos. Be sure to speak with the person who will be taking your photographs.
Good Photographers
When you do meet with your photographer, ask to see samples of his or her work. You should see an entire wedding album. Be wary if you are only shown individual photos. Anyone can take a wonderful photo occasionally. A professional photographer will be able to take good photos consistently. Check for things like color, and focus. You should also see a variety of candid photos. Every wedding has its share of standard poses. Candid photos capture the mood of the wedding and provide visual memories. Good photographers have the ability to take candid photos which show their subjects in a good light.
Asking Specifics - Questions For Your Photographer
The number of photographs that will be taken
The cost per print
Fees for traveling long distance
Any special requirements
Many photographers will not allow anyone else to take photos while they are working. Their reasons vary. Some fear that flashes from other cameras will mess up the lighting. Others simply want ownership of all the photos of your wedding so that you will buy more prints.
Ask who has the ownership of your photographs.
Most photographers retain copyrights to the photos they produce. This means that if you want a favorite photo reproduced, you'll probably have to use the same photographer. It is illegal for anyone else to reproduce a photo unless you have ownership of the copyrights.
Who keeps your proofs?
Many couples do not understand that the fee they pay their photographer doesn't always include any photographs. Clearly understand what you will receive for the price they're asking. If you want the proofs of all the photos that were taken, you'll probably end up paying an extra $200-$300.
References
Your photographer should have a list of references handy. Make sure he or she was the actual photographer who took their photos. Call the people on the list. References don't help unless you speak with them. Ask them questions like:
How did they find the photographer
Friends or family of the photographer do not make good references
Were there any unexpected costs
Was the photographer discreet during the ceremony and reception
How long did the photographer stay at the reception
Too Good to be True
You can expect to spend between $500 and $2000 on your wedding photographs. If you getting an entire wedding package for less than $500, you are probably dealing with an amateur. On the same hand, don't be an emotional buyer and pay too much. You should spend about 10 percent of your wedding budget on your photographs.
Working with Your Photographer
Working out the Details
Timing is important. If you meet with your photographer too soon, it is easy for him or her to forget the small details that you asked for. If you meet too late, things are rushed, and something is inevitably left out. Four weeks before the wedding is an acceptable time frame for meeting with your photographer.
The Schedule of Events
It is very important that the photographer know the schedule of events, especially if he or she is planning to take candid shots. The last thing you want to happen is for the photographer to sit down and take a break as the bride and groom are planning to cut the cake. Precious memories are not captured on film when this type of breakdown in communication occurs. Your photographer should know when and in what sequence the following events occur:
The cutting of the cake
The best mans toast
The first dance
The fathers dance
List of Portraits
Any reputable photographer will have experience with weddings and should know what the "traditional" poses are. It is up to the bride and groom to decide who they want in their photographs. It is traditional to have the following portraits taken:
Individual bride
Individual groom
Group of the bridesmaids
Group of the groomsmen
The bride with her bridesmaids
The groom with his groomsmen
The bride with her parents
The groom with his parents
The bride and groom together
The entire bridal party
The bride and groom with both sets of parents
The bride and groom with each set of parents
Any and all special requests
Make Your Wedding Personal
This is your chance to make your wedding personal. Warn your photographer of any surprises so that they can be captured on film.
Try to get most of the portraits taken before the wedding. If superstition prevents you from seeing your spouse to be before the wedding try to get all the bridal party photos done before the wedding and get the rest done quickly after the ceremony.
Back To Top
top
Bridal Gowns
Fashions to suit your form
If you're the type of person who runs away from over - eager salespeople, buy a few wedding magazines first, then visit a bridal store. That way, you can take your time to look at wedding gown styles without being influenced by others (with the possible exceptions of your mother and potential mother - in - law!). Have a clear idea of the wedding theme and the budget. Bring along some magazine clippings of styles you want - sometimes it can be difficult to describe your dream wedding dress to others.
Pick an established bridal store - they would be able to give you better (free!) advice on so many things. Even if you don't buy anything from the store, it's worthwhile listening to the staff, who will be able to offer suggestions on fit and style based on your age and body type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine, but it may not look good on you. Your consultant will help you find the right gown, at the right price. If you feel you need to put on a few store gowns to help you decide, consider wearing a strapless bra. This will help you get a better feeling of how each gown would look during your wedding. Remember - don't rush - take at least one day to decide on the gown you would like to purchase. This will help ensure that you make a rational decision.
Here are some useful questions:
Modern or traditional?
Most Malaysian couples will wear both styles, one for the traditional ceremony and another for the reception. The traditional costume is easy enough as there are really not too many styles for baju Melayu, cheongsams and sarees. You only need to think of the colours and costs involved.
Modern styles need far more thought - do you want to float down the aisle (or hall) in a bell shape gown complete with train and lace, or do you prefer a simpler style? You could go for a form fitting satin gown, perhaps with sequins sewn into it. Many brides in the US and Europe wear mini - length dresses or suits, but here in Malaysia, this might raise a few eyebrows. Whatever you choose, be sure to get the details of your order in writing i.e. dress size, color, style, etc. so that both you and the store or tailor are in complete agreement.
How much do you want to spend on something which will probably not fit you in ten years time - or even sooner ?
Wedding costumes can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand ringgit. Many wedding consultants suggest setting aside about 5% of the total wedding budget on costumes and accessories. Also, alterations may be needed, so you need to factor that in as well.
Payment terms?
Use a credit card. Most cards offer some kind of buyer protection services so if something goes wrong, you may be able to recover some of your losses. Most stores will expect a 50% deposit on the costumes.
How do you look?
Both the bride and groom should try to have at least two fittings - the first to see what needs to be altered, and the second to check that you both look great in your costumes. The rules are - do not rush yourself and the tailor, and bring along someone else who you can trust to tell you how you really look .
Now that your clothes are ready, it may be a good idea to leave them at the bridal store or tailor. Most of these places have proper racks where clothes can be hung neatly to prevent wrinkles.
Serenity or stress?
You may have had visions of a serene wedding day, when everyone remarks how radiant you look. The truth is , your wedding day is going to be very hectic and without proper planning, you'll end up simply looking harassed. Try to have a good night's sleep, and allow yourself at least two hours to get ready before your wedding is scheduled to begin. Take your time and enjoy the company of those around you. Bring an "emergency" kit with you to the wedding venue to deal with last - minute sewing jobs, extra makeup, stockings, and tissues, as well as comfortable shoes just in case you have to stand for long hours. This is not the day for you to experiment with new six - inch high heeled shoes!
Finally…. make sure you're really happy with your choice of clothes and accessories, because when you look good, you feel good.
WEDDING CHECKLIST
6-10 Months
i. Set the date
ii. Determine the type of wedding you want. If you intend to have your wedding solemnized by your religious leaders, consult them on this.
iii. Check with the Civil Registry that grants marriage licenses and follow their instructions.
iv. Discuss the budget with your fiance as well as with both families.
v. Telephone the Catering Sales Manager to discuss the wedding packages available. Make early reservations to avoid disappointment.
vi. Choose the bridesmaid and bestman.
vii. Meet with florist and photographer to discuss budgets and options.
viii. Select your dress, veil, formal wear gown and going away dress.
ix. Choose the bridesmaid's gown and the groomsmen's attire.
x. Decide on the number of guests and make a list.
xi. Decide where you will be living after the wedding. If you are moving into your own home, you will also have to plan to furnish and decorate your new home so that it will be ready in time.
4-6 Months
i. Mail the invitations and announcements.
ii. Write thank you notes as gifts arrive.
iii. Prepare the wedding thanksgiving speech.
iv. arrange for a second fitting of your wedding gown and formal wear.
v. Put finishing touches to your new home home or your matrimonial room if you live with either parents.
3-6 Months
i. Meet with your religious officials to discuss the service and premarital counseling which many places of worship require.
ii. Order the invitations, announcements and personal stationery.
iii. Make honeymoon plans and reservations.
iv. Make accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
v. Choose and order your wedding rings.
vi. See your doctor for a complete physical.
vii. Help both mothers select their dresses for the wedding.
viii. Ensure Civil Registry's instructions on marriage registration are carried out.
ix. If immunisations are necessary for the honeymoon abroad, arrange for them.
x. Check on validity of passports.
xi. Compile a list of wedding presents.
xii. Confirm wedding ceremony arrangements.
xiii. Appoint a master-of-ceremony.
xiv. Co-ordinate colours of dress, flowers, cakes, etc.
2-4 Months
i. Arrange a display of wedding gifts.
ii. Confirm accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
iii. Submit wedding announcements to the newspapers.
iv. Schedule a pre-wedding appointment with your hairstylist and make-up artist.
v. Come to the hotel and review all the final details with the Catering Sales Manager . Confirm the number of guests expected. Place seating arrangements.
vi. Do a final check with the photographer, car-hire company and cake-maker to make sure the bookings are in order. If it's a church wedding, time the journey to the church.
vii. Make sure you have assembled any new or special outfits for your honeymoon and check swimsuit and suitcase.
viii. Groom, bestman, fathers and ushers should make arrangements for the hire of the clothes, or double check that their own are in good order.
ix. Arrange rehearsals for the wedding party.
7 Days
i. Notify the Catering Sales Manager of the final number of guests and check on reception/dinner plans.
ii. Go over the final details with the florist, photographer and musicians.
iii. Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements and begin packing.
iv. Make certain rehearsals are carried out and that any hitches are taken care of immediately. Give gifts at rehearsals.
v. Make certain your guests have directions and know accommodation arrangements.
(Back To Top)
1 Day
i. Greet out-of-town guests as they arrive or arrange for them to be met directed to their accommodation.
ii. Pack everything you will need at the wedding venue.
iii. Make sure you have all bridal accessories, spare pantyhose, safety pins and other emergency items.
iv. Find a quiet moment to exchange gifts between you and your husband-to be.
v. Take going-away clothes to the Hotel the night before the wedding and make arrangements for the bestman to pick up your honeymoon luggage.
i. Set the date
ii. Determine the type of wedding you want. If you intend to have your wedding solemnized by your religious leaders, consult them on this.
iii. Check with the Civil Registry that grants marriage licenses and follow their instructions.
iv. Discuss the budget with your fiance as well as with both families.
v. Telephone the Catering Sales Manager to discuss the wedding packages available. Make early reservations to avoid disappointment.
vi. Choose the bridesmaid and bestman.
vii. Meet with florist and photographer to discuss budgets and options.
viii. Select your dress, veil, formal wear gown and going away dress.
ix. Choose the bridesmaid's gown and the groomsmen's attire.
x. Decide on the number of guests and make a list.
xi. Decide where you will be living after the wedding. If you are moving into your own home, you will also have to plan to furnish and decorate your new home so that it will be ready in time.
4-6 Months
i. Mail the invitations and announcements.
ii. Write thank you notes as gifts arrive.
iii. Prepare the wedding thanksgiving speech.
iv. arrange for a second fitting of your wedding gown and formal wear.
v. Put finishing touches to your new home home or your matrimonial room if you live with either parents.
3-6 Months
i. Meet with your religious officials to discuss the service and premarital counseling which many places of worship require.
ii. Order the invitations, announcements and personal stationery.
iii. Make honeymoon plans and reservations.
iv. Make accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
v. Choose and order your wedding rings.
vi. See your doctor for a complete physical.
vii. Help both mothers select their dresses for the wedding.
viii. Ensure Civil Registry's instructions on marriage registration are carried out.
ix. If immunisations are necessary for the honeymoon abroad, arrange for them.
x. Check on validity of passports.
xi. Compile a list of wedding presents.
xii. Confirm wedding ceremony arrangements.
xiii. Appoint a master-of-ceremony.
xiv. Co-ordinate colours of dress, flowers, cakes, etc.
2-4 Months
i. Arrange a display of wedding gifts.
ii. Confirm accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
iii. Submit wedding announcements to the newspapers.
iv. Schedule a pre-wedding appointment with your hairstylist and make-up artist.
v. Come to the hotel and review all the final details with the Catering Sales Manager . Confirm the number of guests expected. Place seating arrangements.
vi. Do a final check with the photographer, car-hire company and cake-maker to make sure the bookings are in order. If it's a church wedding, time the journey to the church.
vii. Make sure you have assembled any new or special outfits for your honeymoon and check swimsuit and suitcase.
viii. Groom, bestman, fathers and ushers should make arrangements for the hire of the clothes, or double check that their own are in good order.
ix. Arrange rehearsals for the wedding party.
7 Days
i. Notify the Catering Sales Manager of the final number of guests and check on reception/dinner plans.
ii. Go over the final details with the florist, photographer and musicians.
iii. Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements and begin packing.
iv. Make certain rehearsals are carried out and that any hitches are taken care of immediately. Give gifts at rehearsals.
v. Make certain your guests have directions and know accommodation arrangements.
(Back To Top)
1 Day
i. Greet out-of-town guests as they arrive or arrange for them to be met directed to their accommodation.
ii. Pack everything you will need at the wedding venue.
iii. Make sure you have all bridal accessories, spare pantyhose, safety pins and other emergency items.
iv. Find a quiet moment to exchange gifts between you and your husband-to be.
v. Take going-away clothes to the Hotel the night before the wedding and make arrangements for the bestman to pick up your honeymoon luggage.
The Big Day
i. See you hairstylist and make-up artist for the final beauty preparations.
ii. Have a good breakfast so you won't have butterflies in your stomach.
iii. Relax, smile and thank everyone for his/her help.
iv. Most of all, enjoy the celebrations you have worked so long and hard to plan for.
After The Wedding
i. It's easy to forget that life does not stop after the ceremony. Someone will have to tie up the loose ends of the arrangements while you are away on you honeymoon.
Ask Family and Friends
i. Check your wedding clothes after you have changed into going-away clothes and return them to your home or hire company.
ii. Send wedding cake to those who could not attend the wedding.
iii. Pack the wedding presents if on display or given to you at the reception and have them delivered as possible.
iv. Send the wedding pictures for development.
i. See you hairstylist and make-up artist for the final beauty preparations.
ii. Have a good breakfast so you won't have butterflies in your stomach.
iii. Relax, smile and thank everyone for his/her help.
iv. Most of all, enjoy the celebrations you have worked so long and hard to plan for.
After The Wedding
i. It's easy to forget that life does not stop after the ceremony. Someone will have to tie up the loose ends of the arrangements while you are away on you honeymoon.
Ask Family and Friends
i. Check your wedding clothes after you have changed into going-away clothes and return them to your home or hire company.
ii. Send wedding cake to those who could not attend the wedding.
iii. Pack the wedding presents if on display or given to you at the reception and have them delivered as possible.
iv. Send the wedding pictures for development.
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