Dos + Don'ts for planning your wedding!

Photography By Brittni Marie | 2016

There are so many things to consider when planning your wedding. What should I do? What shouldn't I do? Here I came up with a short list of things to do and not to do when planning your wedding! 

DO NOT be a superbride.

I know, I know, easier said than done. I know you want to plan every last detail. You want to do everything. It can be done, don't get me wrong, but you're going to stress yourself completely out! You know what happens to most superbrides? They lose steam about 2 months before the big day and are left scrambling to get things organized and completed. Want an easy solution? Ask for help. That's what your MOH is for. Thats what your mom, dad, grandma, sister, cousin, etc is for! Solicit help for those who want to help you anyways. You can still create all of the ideas and plans, but let someone help you complete all of your tasks. (And don't forget to create a checklist!)

DO your ceremony decor.

Your ceremony is likely to only last anywhere from 20 mins to an hour. You can totally create some beautiful decor for your ceremony especially if the site is already beautiful! Any extra flowers or candles would make a great start for doing this.

DO NOT have a cash bar.

Please do not do this. People get soo offended when this happens. Your guests would much rather give you a monetary gift than have to pay for their own beverages. You do not have to go crazy with top shelf options either. You could even decide to do just a select few.

Photography By Brittni Marie | 2016

Photography By Brittni Marie | 2016

DO your wedding favors.

It's always nice to add a personal touch to wedding favors. People get a good feeling from something handmade like treats or cookies or candies. I shot a wedding that had michigan shaped cookie cutters with a sugar-cookie recipe from the bride's grandma. It was cute, simple, and sweet!

DO NOT do your own music.

Your I-tunes library will run out eventually and you will be left running back and forth to your music and it will be chaos. You could hire a DJ or a live band. Either option is great and saves you a hassle! (Ask me for some recommendations!)





DO your own invitations.

It is super easy to create your own invitations, save the dates, etc. You could even have your photographer create one for you. Sometimes its hard to find the perfect one pre-created that is not too cliche.
I partner with basic invite. They have some super adorable options! Feel free to use my code below to get a discount!

DO NOT do your own photos.

As much as you would love to rely on your family to capture all of the details of your day its very unlikely they will get everything (and well). Hire someone to do this. Keep you life stress free! Check out my link here to see my post on why to hire a professional photographer!






Ok now that I have bombarded you with some dos and don'ts here is a maybe. haha



MAYBE do you own makeup.

Now this one is a maybe because if you already love the way you do your make up then I say go for it! Some people have the creative touch to do perfect make up. If you are not gifted in this area hire someone. Make sure you do a trial run first to make sure you like what they do!

Photography By Brittni Marie | 2016

Thanks for reading! Comment below if you agree! Let me know if you have any additional ideas as well!

Michigan Wedding Venues & Questions to ask before you book

I know that planning a wedding can be both exhilarating and daunting. You want every little detail to be perfect AND within budget. As a wedding photographer I totally understand. You want to find photographers, DJS, Florists and a venue that are both budget friendly AND have value.

As much as I agree with keeping on budget, it truly makes me sad to see people planning their wedding and they only budget $800 for their photographer. I understand that budget is important, but I CANNOT stress enough how much you are rooking yourself here. That photographer, that one that only charges you $800 for the entire day is not a reputable photographer. They probably fall in to several of these categories: Lack of experience, Not licensed (meaning they are not paying taxes), or this is merely a side job for them as opposed to a career. (they would have to book over 60 weddings at this price a year to make $40K)
That being said, if this is there side job that is fine as long as they area a quality photographer. When you look back in 10 years at your wedding photos, will you smile because the images are beautiful and timeless or will you frown a little because the photos are in fact NOT what you imagined? You can book a fantastic photographer at a decent price. $1800 for a photographer is not a whole lot to spend. Honestly, if that gives you a better photographer with more experience and the classic look you want, then splurge a little. Heck splurge a lot if that what it takes. Anyways, enough about the photography aspect.

Booking your venue is important as well. You need to remember to ask all of the important questions.

1. What is included

2. How much can I customize? Or is decor already set in stone?

3. Open bar? Or pay per bottle? Can we bring our own alcohol?

4. How late can we stay?

5. Can we pay in installments? When is deposit due?

6. How many people can your venue host?

7. Are table and chairs included?

8. Is food provided and if so can we sample?

9. Does it cost extra if we decide to have someone else cater our wedding?

10. Can I hold my ceremony here as well?

11. What time can my venders start setting up?

12. How is parking? Do you provide valet?

13. Do you have liability insurance?

14. Can I hire my own venders (photographer, dj, etc) Or must I use ones on your preferred list?


These are all VERY important questions to ask your Wedding venue.

There are plenty of beautiful Wedding Venues in Michigan to fit your specific budget, style, and needs.

CASTLE FARMS

Romantic courtyard chapels, magnificent gardens, soaring towers, and stone archways all combine to create unique and elegant castle weddings and receptions. This French Renaissance Castle will make your wedding day memorable for years to come. From intimate weddings and receptions to large parties, this premiere wedding destination is surprisingly affordable.

5052 North M-66

Charlevoix, MI 49720

231-237-0884

231-237-0994

ssayre@castlefarms.com

www.castlefarms.com

THE DEARBORN INN, A MARRIOTT HOTEL

Set on 23 tranquil acres, The Dearborn Inn provides a unique historic site for weddings up to 500 guests. Tie the knot in front of our outdoor gazebo, with beautiful gardens and colonial architecture as the backdrop, then choose one of our newly renovated classic ballrooms to celebrate.

20301 Oakwood Boulevard

Dearborn, MI 48124

313-271-3899

www.dearborninnweddings.com

FRANKENMUTH BAVARIAN INN LODGE

Time honored tradition and contemporary convenience intertwine at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, where weddings are an imaginative, historic experience of romance and fun in world-famous Frankenmuth. Our beautiful banquet facilities offer buffet style Bavarian Inn dinners for up to 425 people. The Lodge offers breath-taking indoor and outdoor ceremony sites.

11 Covered Bridge Lane

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

989-652-7200

888-775-6343

www.frankenmuthweddings.com

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Incredible and unforgettable weddings and receptions like the movie stars have only at a fraction of the cost!

W1409 Pointe Labarbe Rd.

St. Ignace, MI 48781

906-643-8621

www.lighthousepte.com

MEADOW BROOK HALL

Meadow Brook Hall is renowned for its architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square-feet. The unique spaces of The Hall and its expansive grounds and gardens make it the perfect location to celebrate your wedding. Our nationally renowned catering operation is rated four stars for both quality of the food and service.

Rochester, Michigan

Wedding & Social Events

248-364-6222

www.meadowbrookhall.org

GOODELLS COUNTY PARK

Goodells County Park is a beautiful venue know for vast property. Ceremonies can be help in the newly built chapel or outside. Barns are fully customizable so if you love the idea of planning every detail, then this is the place for you. You can fully design every aspect of your wedding here. 

Goodells, Michigan

Wedding & Social Events810-989-6960

http://www.stclaircounty.org/Offices/parks/reservations.aspx

BELLE ISLE

Belle Isle is a wonderful location for a wedding. Not only does it offer beautiful scenery, but there are several spots on the Isle that you can host your wedding. You can have your ceremony in front of the conservatory and even have your reception at the old casino. There is so much character here. Its a very timeless location. 

Detroit, Michigan

Weddings & Social Events

313-396-0217

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_67024_67524-321534--,00.html

Here is a full list from Metro Detroit Brides:

http://www.metrodetroitbride.com/CeremonyReception.php

Wedding Tips

Looking for a few helpful tips on planning your wedding? I know, I know, it can be very daunting.
Weddings are a combination of happy and scary! But what if everything doesn't have to be? Let me explain. What if a few tips can save you a little bit of stress and worry?

Being that I am a photographer, I only have limited advice to give you, but its enough to help you choose the right photographer!

1.)  Hire a professional…. period! Not that newcomers are not equipped to photograph your wedding beautifully, but make sure they know what they are talking about. Do they have a degree? If not do they have the experience and artistic style you are looking for? They may have a TON of experience, yet their style is not quite YOUR style. That's ok, find a photographer that matches your style! Check out their website, their blog, their Facebook page, their reviews. Do not be afraid to hire someone with limited wedding experience if you already love their style. Are they a very talented child photographer and have images that is just to die for? Ask if they do weddings! Just make sure they are someone you can trust. Not your friends uncles cousin who does wedding photography for fun. This goes for DJs and many other vendors as well.

2.)  Spending MORE money can often get you a better photographer. Ask what their packages include. How much time are they spending with you? Do they include a flash drive? Do they include an album? Or are you simply paying for their time? These are all questions that can help you decide what photographer gives you more for your money without compromising the quality and professionalism.

To me, the photographs are the most important part. I want to have those memories to cherish forever. I want them to be crisp, clean, and timeless. I do not want to look back and regret not spending more money on someone who could have delivered all of that. If someone is only charging $500 to capture your wedding it sounds like a great deal, but take a look at their work. Is it even good? No possible photographer could make a living on that. They would have to photograph 80 weddings a year in order to make $40,000. That is almost two weddings a weekend. Crazy!

3.)  Maybe hire a professional for the lighting at your reception. If you are having your reception at a hall ask if they have lighting set up. If not you will have to find someone to do this for you. This is a benefit not only to you, but also your photographer. Otherwise they have a much harder time setting up lights and capturing good images.

4.)  Find a beautiful place to get ready (not the kitchen of the church). This will help with your getting ready photos if they are somewhere that is a natural setting to be getting ready.

5.)  Make sure you time things out correctly. You want to make sure there are enough time in between the ceremony and the reception for pictures. This is usually where you will go to your alternate location for your couples photos as well as the photos with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. You will need at least an hour or two. Maybe this is cocktail hour at your reception.

6.)  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Let me repeat: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!  You want to ensure your wedding day is happy and carefree. Make sure everything is planned well in advance and have a go to person that is to be asked any questions people have. A good person for this would be the mother of the bride or the maid of honor. This way the bride and groom can relax before they said I DO!

7.)  Give your photographer a list of MUST HAVE photos. They want to make sure they capture every detail of your wedding perfectly for you. This helps them out a ton and ensures you get all of the photographs you wanted.

8.)  Make sure you are getting everything you want from your photographer. Meet with them for coffee. Talk about every little detail, even things you may think are silly. You need to know everything that is included, sign contracts, and so on. Some photographers even include a free engagement session. Book early! Photographers fill up quickly, especially wedding photographers. They often only book one, maybe two weddings per weekend. Snag your date up right away. Even if its a year and a half early! If they are the photographer you want, do not wait.

9.) Pinterest it up. Follow your photographer on pinterest. They may have some great wedding pins that fit your style. Obviously they can't take every pinterest inspired photograph you like, but they can envision the style you are going for. Are you going for clean and classic? Rustic and Chic? Vintage? Retro? Modern? Let them get a feel for your style so they know what you are going for.


Thanks for stopping by!
Photography By Brittni Marie