Photography is an important element for any event – it captures little moments in time. When we sit down with our brides and ask them about the importance of certain areas of their wedding, photography is usually about an 8-9 out of 10. With so many great photographers to choose from in Memphis (and the rest of the country!), you need to sit down with your fiance and talk about what you want. Here are some things to think about:

Photographer Style:
Do you like a more journalistic approach? Less posing, more sporadic, real moments? Or maybe you want more planned poses. What about a photographer who’s more involved with the shots as opposed to a photographer who captures the moments that just happen? Each photographer is different, as is his or her level of involvement.

Photo Style:
Do you want your wedding photos to look more colorful? More vintage? Black and white, color, or a mix? Do you want artsy photos or personal ones? This will also help to determine your photographer. Check their portfolios and let them know which photos you like and why.

Photos Captured:
Think about which moments you want captured during your wedding. Are there certain family members you want included? Certain design elements? Let the photographer know! If you want great bouquet and centerpiece shots or more shots of you and your guests having fun, let him or her know.

After-Elements:
What do you want done with your pictures? An album? Framed canvas? Slideshow? DVD? Make sure the photographer knows up front what you want. This will save time and heartache if he or she can’t fulfill what you’re wanting.

When you meet with photographers (and really any vendor) for the first time, be specific. They don’t know what you want or expect unless you tell them. Communication is key!

Happy Planning!
Southern Event Planners
Memphis, TN Wedding Planners

You’re looking for vendors, narrowing down your choices, and now it’s time to meet with them face-to-face. Who goes with you? Do you go alone? Do you bring your fiance, mother-in-law, maid of honor, mom and Aunt Carol?

The answer is: it depends. And it really does depend on several factors. If you’re paying for everything yourself, you can just have your fiance accompany you. If your getting a little help from family, have one or two of them come with you to help answer any money questions. Some vendors will start off by asking what your budget is for that particular element. If you can’t answer that question or give an estimate, the meeting probably won’t be as productive as you would like.

If your mom wants to pay for the cake as your wedding present, have her go with you. If your dad wants to make sure the rehearsal dinner is taken care of, include him. If you’re not comfortable bringing people to your meetings, that’s OK too!

When you schedule a meeting with a vendor that has to do with food, always tell them the correct amount of people that will be attending the tasting. The caterer needs to know how much of each option to prepare for you and your guests. Honestly, we would recommend keeping the number to 2 or 3 people for tastings and meetings. If you have too many people telling you their opinions, it will stop being your wedding. It will be a mish mosh of everyone else’s idea of your wedding. Opinions aren’t bad, but they shouldn’t override what you want.

Happy Planning!
Southern Event Planners
Memphis, TN Wedding Planners