Services

Flowers

Flowers for people and places

For people involved

• bridal bouquet
• boutonnieres

• best man and groomsmen
• ushers
• ring bearer
• pastor/officiant
• special speaker (if you have one)
• fathers and grandfathers
• male musicians (optional)

• corsages

• mothers and grandmothers
• female musicians (optional)

• regular bouquets

• maid of honor and bridesmaids
• people who have helped

• honor attendants (if you have one or more)

• petals for flower girl (with a basket)

The ceremony site

• in vases, baskets, etc.
• pew flowers
• on a trellis/arch

The reception site

• on the cake
• on the head table
• on guests’ tables
• bouquet for tossing

Making preparations

Decide what you really need to buy. If your church has flowers that match, find out if you can use them. Remember that you can cut down on costs by doing some things yourself, like arranging your own flowers or using a store-bought bouquet to toss at the reception.

When you buy or order flowers, bring a swatch matching the bridesmaids’ dresses to make sure you have the exact same color.

Draw a diagram of the ceremony and reception sites to help you, the florist, and the decorators know where to set the flowers.

Choosing flowers:

Silk flowers

Artificial flowers will save you much money on flowers for reception tables and the practice bouquet. These can be found at department stores and thrift stores.

Dried flowers

Dried flowers can cost less than fresh, yet still have good quality. You can find these in a craft store, or dry them yourself (an easy way is to let them hang upside-down).

Fresh flowers

If you are trying to save money, consider using fresh flowers for bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages, and using dried or silk for everything else. It is possible to buy and arrange your own flowers, but is obviously much more work than having a florist do them.

Compare services & prices

Budget for flowers $_____

Company Name   Price             Advantages            Appointment         Phone #

When you meet with the florist, be prepared to ask and answer questions. Also look for a brochure that may answer your questions. Here are some things to look for:

• Work hours (days and times available)
• Kinds of wedding packages
• Any extra charges for optional services
• Experience
• Previous customers’ reviews
• Pictures (look for albums)
• Are flowers priced individually?
• Deposit and payments
• Is it necessary to buy entire centerpieces that hold the flowers, or can you simply rent them?
• Flowers that will be in season
• Fee for delivery
• Time of delivery
• Arranging flowers at the ceremony and reception: included? cost?
• Deadline for returning rented items
• Having bouquet preserved (if that is something you are planning on)

If you will have flowers on the cake, see if the florist can drop off flowers at the bakery.

Photography

Choosing a photographer

Professional photographer

When meeting with your photographer, look through sample pictures to see the quality of their work.

Here are some things to look for or ask about:

• working hours
• cost per hour
• proofs
• experience
• fee for overtime and traveling
• prints per package (size and number of prints)

Compare services & prices:

Budget for photography $_____

Company Name    Price         Advantages                  Appt date            Phone #

Obviously, you will want to see photos of previous weddings. These will probably be in albums on display or on the photographer's website.

Give your photographer a list of all the times you would like pictures taken, including details you prefer, such as angles or close-ups. It may help your photographer to have a copy of the ceremony program and list of events before and after.

Amateur photographer

Of course, your family and friends will be more than willing to take pictures, and you may have someone in your family who does a good job at pictures and knows how to edit them in a computer program. If you know someone who is willing to volunteer to be the main photographer, plan a nice gift and provide anything necessary for printing photos.

Choosing a location

Choose a location for formal photos with the groom, such as a garden. Find out whether there is a fee, the hours it is open, and whether you need a reservation for your group.

If you plan to have your pictures taken outside, have a plan in case of rain.

Planning with your photographer

Make a list of specifics for your photographer—times to take pictures at the ceremony and reception, what angle to come from, and specific places for formal photos.

Informing your guests

Your guests may not be thinking of the photographer as they take pictures. Let them know to let the photographer have enough room to take pictures, and not to use flash (it interferes with the photographers’ shots). You can do this by making a note in your wedding program.

Videography (recording)

Choosing a videographer

Professional videographer

Compare services & prices:

Budget for videography $_____

Company Name    Price             Advantages            Appointment         Phone #

Amateur videographer

Having a recording of your wedding is even better than pictures, but it doesn’t have to be expensive! Ask if someone you know would be willing to record it for you. Use a tripod to keep the camera steady.

Planning with your videographer

In addition to having the wedding recorded, talk with your videographer about recording before and after the wedding, including specific times during the reception.

Find a convenient place for the videographer to record (the back of the sanctuary, balcony above sanctuary, etc.).

Food Service

Choosing a food service

Professional

Sample the food at several different catering services (most likely at restaurants).

See what is included in the service (plates, silverware, napkins, and whether the food will be kept warm).

Compare services & prices:

Budget for food $_____        Number of guests ___

Company Name    Price              Advantages            Appointment         Phone #

Homemade

You may have family members or friends who enjoy cooking. As long as you are not expecting hundreds of guests, it’s reasonable for them to cook for the reception.

If you go with homemade food, here are some tips to remember:

• Buy the food for your cooks and offer to pay them for their help.
• Make sure you have enough plates and cups (foam, paper, or plastic), utensils, and napkins for everyone; get extra in case guests take second helpings.

• Set condiments on the main food tables.

• Choose someone to check on food levels and refill drink dispensers if necessary.

Cake

Choosing a cake service

Professional

Read customer reviews and services offered by each cake service. Once you have found the one that looks best, set an appointment for sampling the cake. This will probably be a non-refundable appointment since you are sampling food.

Find out what is included with the expenses. If you have cake stands at home, you can save money and opt out of renting them. Find out whether the cake service will be available on the date of your wedding, and when it will need to be picked up or delivered. Give them directions to the reception site, as well as a diagram of where the cake table will be.

Compare services & prices:

Budget for cake $_____        Number of guests ___                        

Company Name    Price             Advantages            Appt date            Phone #

Homemade

If you know someone who is experienced in baking large cakes, and is willing to help, prepare by finding a recipe and discussing how it will be decorated.

Having the cake served

Your cake service may offer to cut and serve cake for a fee, or someone you know may be willing to do it. Place the cake knife, serving utensil, and plates next to the cake. Traditionally, the top layer of a tier cake is saved for the couple’s first anniversary. Let your server know if you plan to do this so it can be set aside.

Leftovers

Have boxes or containers ready to save leftover cake. Decide who will take them (your parents, wedding attendants, or anyone else who is willing to help).