The ‘Bottom Line’ of Weddings - Who Pays for What?
Photo by Emma Dodge Hanson
A few questions always come up in my first meeting with an engaged couple. “Who pays for what?” is one of those questions. We all think we know the answer. At least, we have an idea—sometimes vague, sometimes clear—of who paid for what back in the days when there were ironclad etiquette rules for such things. (I’ll refresh your memory of the ‘traditional’ breakdown of costs and responsibilities, according to Emily Post, below.)
Generally, the best man acts as the toastmaster, and prepares a list of the order in which each person will make a toast. There is an established protocol which the couple may or may not choose to follow.Hiring A Photographer
How soon before your wedding should you hire a photographer?In most cases you should start looking for a photographer almost as soon as you book your reception hall. Keep in mind most of the better photographers are taken a year or more in advance.
What is the advantage of hiring a professional?
A professional takes photographs for a living. As a professional, you can be assured of receiving the highest quality in service and photographs. A professional photographer uses the best equipment and labs to assure your satisfaction.
Julia Nichols Prem - Photographer
Ease, elegance and whimsy says it all. The moment you meet Julia Nichols Prem you can feel her warmth and creative energy. She is not just a photographer but an artist and a humanitarian.
Catering FAQ's
Get all estimates in writing; contracts should state what food and drink is to be served, how many servers will be needed, and a provision to inform the caterer of the final number of expected guests at least a week before the wedding.
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Make sure the caterer is licensed or you may be liable if something happens.
If outdoors, make sure they have refrigeration.
Find out how they dress.
What is the estimated cost per person for a seated dinner? Buffet? Cocktail reception? Open bar? What does the cost include?
What is the staff-to-guest ratio? (For seated meals, the ratio is usually one waiter to 8-10 guests.)
Lisa Light's Advice on...Wedding Insurance
Every life holds great drama, and a few big watershed events: education, marriage, a first home, children. Momentous events such as these do not come without expense, or risk (along with a hopefully much greater set of blessings and rewards!). You wouldn't sink your life's savings (and perhaps some of your parents'...) into your first home without insuring your investment, would you?
Kids, Weddings & Childcare: To Invite, Or Not to Invite Little Ones to Your Wedding
And whichever way you choose, tips for doing it right...
For some couples, deciding whether or not to invite kids to the wedding is not an easy, slam-dunk kind of question. Kids certainly add an air of "unpredictability" to a wedding, But as we all know...unpredictability can go any number of ways. If you are on the fence about whether to include kids or have a strictly adults-only event: read on. Or, worse yet, if you and your fiancé are on opposite sides of the fence on this issue: read on. These are some points to consider, which will hopefully help you make the right decision.
