06.25.08
Know what your getting
A few weeks ago I photographed a beautiful wedding. The brides home, church and venue were really made up nice. The brides parents had a wonderful spread laid out for their guests and there must have been 50 people in the house, laughing and enjoying the day. The church was simple and reflected the couples background and faith. The reception hall was very nice, a country club that was well appointed with plenty of space and places to photograph the couple. There were both a DJ and a band who both performed fantastically. The dance floor was never empty, and as a photographer looking for those fun dancing shots, I had plenty of opportunities. HOWEVER, when the couple needed anything, food, drink, someone to help organize the events of the night, there was no one to be found. Once the DJ set up the time line, I was the one organizing the couple, getting them into place for the cake cutting, bouquet toss etc. No one from the reception hall was around except the wait staff and they had no clue who could help the couple. The couple and the parents of both the bride and groom thank the DJ and I for being so helpful and making the evening go smoothly. But the entire drive home I was thinking, this couple thought that an expensive country club reception site would have someone there who would make sure the entire night went smoothly. Who would be there if they needed anything. The point I am trying to make in my long winded way is, when you book your reception site, you really need to check over the contract and make sure that you will have an attendant who will be with you the entire length of the reception. When you need something, they will be there to help, no matter what it is.
This in fact goes for any professional you book for your wedding, whether be it the photographer, florist DJ or band. Make sure you read the entire contract and know exactly what services you are getting. Do not let someone say, “Don’t worry about the contract it’s just standard.” I have heard couples tell me this and I cringe. What are they hiding?
So, to make sure your wedding goes off as smoothly as it should, make sure you know what the professionals you hire are supposed to be doing and hold them to it. You hired them, it’s your day, so ENJOY it!