It’s all in the details! Surprise your out of town guest with a gift bag when they check in to the hotel.

 Here’s what you should include~

 ·       Map’s of everything with detailed directions. Visit Map Quest on line and enter the destinations they might be going and print maps. Be sure that this includes the reception dinner location, church, reception locations. Include maps on to the mall and other places of interest.

 ·       Snacks and bottled water are a great thing for anyone to have in your hotel room.

 ·       A note from you and the groom thanking them in advance for taking the time to be part of this special weekend.

 ·       Decorate your bag with tissue and a bow. They can either be given to them at check in or left in their room for their arrival.

1.  What is your emergency back-up plan in case of a personal emergency?

2.  Are you the one that will be shooting my wedding?

3.  Ask to see a complete wedding from start to finish.

4.  What is your style when shooting a wedding?

5.  How do you like to interact with your subjects?

6.  What is your process in getting to know your client so you will know what is important to the Bride and Groom?

7.  What can we expect after the Wedding?

Be sure and check out Wedding Ideas recommended photographers.

Laske Images @ www.laskeimages.comor call 405-340-3339, Visuality @ www.visualityphoto.com or call 405-945-0135, Delucca Photography @ www.DeluccaPhotography.comor call 405-206-1843, Absolutely Affordable 405-623-7925 or Jared Wanzer Photography @ www.jaredwanzerphotography.com or call 405.589-0397.

Bring your wedding day to a close with great entertainment.  Select musicians or disc jockeys that regularly entertain at weddings.  They should be willing to entertain for several hours and be completely reliable.

Always try to hear your prospective bands live, and ask to attend a future wedding where they will perform.  Get recommendations from friends and relatives if possible.  Good performers and DJ’s will sit down with you and help plan out the details and song lists. This is a list of DJ’s Wedding Ideas recommends;  A+ Entertainment visit them at www.aplusentertainment.biz or call 405-659-5930, DJ Connection visit them at www.djconnectionokc.com or call 405-201-5380, Jammin Jeff Entertainment visit them at www.okcdjjeff@aol.com or call 405-204-6961 and M & M Productions visit them at www.okcdj.com  or call 405-528-3548.

If live performers are out of your budget, consider playing CD’s of your favorite music mixed in with party favorites.  Try to include music that will appeal to several generations.

Wedding Reception

 A lot of Brides are opting for a candy buffet or confection bar.  This consists of a variety of candies or treats places in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table.  Guest are able to fill small boxes or bags as take home favors.

We also recommend a Gourmet Ice Cream Buffet.  Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and Treatery will set up a buffet with 5 Ice Creams, 5 Toppings and a Black Tie Wait Staff. Be sure and stop by the store in Norman, OK or call 405-701-1868.

Silk Flowers versus Fresh Flowers

Modern brides have yet another choice before them, whether to choose silk or fresh flowers for their wedding day.  Silk flowers catch the eye of many brides who discover their many benefits over fresh.  However, there is just something special about fresh flowers that many brides cannot resist.  Both options have advantages so let’s take a look at what each one has to offer.

Top 10 reasons to choose silk flowers:

Top 10 reasons to choose fresh flowers:

Be sure that you ask to see a sample of the chair cover, sash or specialty item you are thinking of renting.  Be careful trying to save money over the internet or you may find yourself and your family ironing chair covers the night before the wedding.

If you are having a more casual wedding I just came across a website call www.smartyhadaparty.com and they have disposable chair covers and sashes.  Please let us know if you or someone you know has ever used this company or seen their covers.  As in all purchases be sure and do your research!

If your budget allows consider hiring a lighting designer to install specialty lighting at your location.

Your disc jockey may also have lighting equipment to shine textures, colors or even your monogram on the dance floor.

Proper Lighting can make everything from the cake, flowers and your guest look better.

1.  Have the officiate mention them at the ceremony.

2.  Have an “In Memory Of” section in your program.  This can include a       picture, poem or just names listed.

3.  Set up a small table with pictures and candles for guest to visit.

                                        4.  Leave a rose or significant flower in the spot where the deceased family   member would have sat.

5.  Tie a charm or flower significant to the deceased in your bridal bouquet.

I saw a beautiful bridal bouquet recently that the bride had an antique monogrammed hankie from her grandmother that was wrapped around the handle of her bouquet.  It was a beautiful way to make her grandmother a part of her special day.

Eco-conscious couples and their florist are focusing on using locally grown organic flowers.  Stick to flowers grown near your wedding site, this lessens your environmental impact.  It is also a great way to support nearby surseries and celebrate the local region.