Oklahoma City Wedding Tips * Oklahoma Wedding Ideas
Planning for Oklahoma City Weddings ~ OKC Wedding Ideas & Tips Before you say I Do
Oklahoma City Wedding Do's & Don'ts ~ Don't put emphasis on the word "perfect" - be flexible and maintain a sense of humor. Don't procrastinate in your planning - hire all of your wedding professionals as soon as the date and place are set. Don't hire your wedding professional until you have a working budget. Don't hire the first professional you meet - check out a minimum of 3 for a proper comparison. Don't hire professionals because they're the cheapest - you get what you pay for. Don't assume anything! - get everything in writing. Don't make decisions without consulting your mate - it's his or her wedding too! Don't invite everyone you've ever known. - weddings are expensive. Don't worry about everyone else's advise - -its YOUR wedding!
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Organize & Activate Your OKC Wedding Planning
Give yourself plenty of time to plan. "Stress" means "strain" and "mental or physical tension", usually brought on by attempting to handle a multiple of tasks with a minimum of time.
A realistic budget and timetable are mandatory to keep you on track. Organize:
all the pieces of the wedding. A binder which will include separate tabs for wedding professionals, appointments, contracts, gown/ dress swatches etc... Activate:
Prepare and follow a timetable of events, including appointments, deposits & payments, reviewing, contract terms, fittings, etc... Coordinate:
Every aspect of the wedding day must be coordinated; Vendors and wedding party must be coordinated. On the wedding day:
Pamper yourself
Spend quiet time alone
Spend time with your parents
Eat something light
Relax - It's your day to enjoy
Do it your way - it's not a dress rehearsal
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Choosing Your Oklahoma City Wedding Djs ~ If you have never hired a disc jockey before, you will most likely find that prices for a DJ vary greatly. In 1999, Modern Bride did a national survey of brides AFTER the wedding. They found that the average budget for a wedding in the United States was approximately $19,500. The Modern Bride's survey went on to ask two very important questions, that compared the most important factor that contributed to the success of the reception with the costs associated in the budget for the reception.
- Most bridal consultants and publications that focus on budgeting suggest that you allocate 5-10% of your total wedding budget for the entertainment. This means that if you are spending $10,000 on your wedding, you should allow $500-$1000 for the reception entertainment. If you are spending $20,000, $1,000-$2000 is suggested for the reception entertainment. In the survey listed below, most brides allocated closer to 4% for entertainment, but freely admitted that the most important factor that contributed to the success of the reception was the entertainment.
- So what conclusion should you draw from this information? If you look at the results of the survey, the amount of money allocated in the budget for the entertainment was a very small amount compared to the rest of the reception expenditures. When determining how much to budget for the reception entertainment, we think it is important to evaluate your priorities, and answer one important question: "Is it worth it to attempt to save $100, $200, or even $300 on the cost of entertainment, when clearly, this is the most important factor that contributes to the success of the reception"? Only you can answer this question.
- When you begin to call entertainers to inquire about their services, it is important to note that, generally speaking, the more experienced Emcees will be a little more expensive. In our region of the country, the cost for entertainment varies by a significant margin. It can become confusing for the consumer to determine which entertainment company can best suit their needs. It is up to you to evaluate your priorities, research the options you have available and select the entertainment company that will make your reception a success.
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Choosing Your Oklahoma City Reception Locations ~ So you and your fiance have finally settled on a wedding date. What to do next? The number one thing on your "To Do" list now is to determine the Oklahoma City reception location will be, since the rest of your wedding day will revolve around that critical locale. There are many things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect reception site in Oklahoma City.
- First decide whether you want to have a religious ceremony or a civil one. Religious ceremonies are, of course, held in houses of worship. Requirements for religious ceremonies vary greatly from one denomination to another. Pre-marriage counseling is required by some religions, sometimes as much as six months in advance. Others forbid interfaith marriages altogether. If you are planning to have a church wedding, you should contact your house of worship for specific guidelines and requirements. Also, you should make sure that your wedding date and time don't conflict with the normal worship schedules of the church or temple.
- A civil ceremony, on the other hand, can be held just about anywhere-the only limitation is your imagination! Local parks, botanical gardens, hotels, lakeside cottages and museums are wonderful sites for the ceremony and can also double as reception sites as well. These are popular choices because they are available for a relatively small fee, if any. Other popular places include historical mansions, bed and breakfast inns, old theaters, vineyards and wine cellars. Check our your local tourist bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or historical society for free guides to local facilities that are available for wedding ceremonies.
Finally, when making your final decision about where to have your wedding, there are a few things that you absolutely must consider to avoid planning headaches down the road:
Is there a deposit required? If so, how much? Is it refundable?
- Be sure to find out the restrictions, set-up times and clean-up requirements. How many guests can the place accommodate? Are you required to clean up, or will the facility staff? If so, is there an extra charge for their services?
- Ask if there are any rules regarding candles, flowers, birdseed, etc. You'd hate to have to revamp your wedding plans at the last minute when you find out that you can't burn candles in the facility or that the place assumes that you are going to donate the ceremony flowers that you'd planned on drying as keepsakes to them after the wedding is over.
- Determine what equipment is available for your use. Don't assume that the tables, chairs and centerpieces at the potential ceremony site will be available for your use. These items might not be for use at all, or it might be more cost effective to just rent them from an outside source.
- During what time of year is your wedding taking place? A lavish garden wedding during a spring afternoon might look good on paper, but if you live in Oklahoma City or some other place where you can set your watch by the daily afternoon thunderstorms, you might want to rethink the outdoor plans (or at least have a contingency plan in place just in case the rain starts falling before you say, "I do.")
Different Types of OKC Reception and Event Venues:
- How many guests?
- What's your budget?
- How many tiers or what type of design?
- What colors and decorations should be included?
- Will you be using as a cake top?
- Will the cake be the main dessert or will it be part of a sweet table?
Here are some simple steps to follow when ordering your wedding cake:
- your cake should be ordered 6-8 weeks in advance
- take along your sketches, ideas, pictures pulled from magazines
- take samples of your colors to leave with the pastry chef
- Remember that the more elaborate the cake, the higher the cost. Also, the number of guests will affect the price. You'll also have to pay for delivery and set-up and the cost of the cake top, flowers and embellishments which will adorn the cake.
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Oklahoma City Wedding Music ~ He's a little bit country, she's a little bit rock 'n roll.
Mom's big on Sinatra, but she married the original doo-wop daddy.
The aunts and uncles prefer polkas, chicken dances and similarly embarrassing spectacles.And then there are the friends from college... How do you select reception music that fits everybody? It's an intimidating question, since the entertainment plays no small role in the success of a wedding reception. Years from now, your wedding reception guests will remember few details of your reception, but they'll certainly recall whether they danced, laughed and enjoyed themselves. The entertainment is the make-or-break factor in producing a memorable special occasion. Each assembly of guests takes on a distinct personality. Forecasting a group's hot buttons is more art than science, but we can offer some time-tested guidelines.
The Art of The Slow Transition
Is it possible to satisfy the desperate audience we described at the beginning of this article?Sure. In fact, we do it at least a few times each weekend, using a simple and effective technique called the "slow transition."
After dinner music (good choices: soft rock, jazz or classical), begin the dancing portion of the reception with a mix of more romantic songs, leaning more toward the big band and 50's crooners. As the evening progresses and people get more enthusiastic, build toward a more up tempo, contemporary mix. That's not to say that there's no variety of fast/slow, old/new during the transition, but to say that the mood of the music matches that of the crowd; subtly evolving from mellow to more exciting.
Artfully staged, nobody really notices the evolution in progress. Each guest, however, will recall that they "played my type of music."
The Special Songs in the Mix
There are some song titles that you'll specify by name to your entertainment provider. These "special songs" include your bride & groom first dance, father/bride dance, mother/groom dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, departure dance, and others, depending upon which traditional agenda items you include in your reception.
Often, what makes a song special is the memory associated with it. A great first-dance song might be the one playing on the car radio during the couple's first date. The father/bride dance could be performed to the song dad sang when he tucked in a five-year-old future bride. Even if the meaning is lost on the rest of the group, a special moment forms on the dance floor. And that is apparent to the guests.
For true sentimentality, there are several songs intended specifically for such events as father/bride and mother/groom dance songs. Currently, Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses holds the popular lead among father/bride selections, but specialty artists Mikki and Renee Nalbandian have both composed wonderfully sentimental ballads for such occasions.
One caution that can be offered regarding special songs is to consider the true lyrical content of the song before committing to it. For years, Olivia Newton John's I Honestly Love You was a favorite choice, despite the fact that its subject matter involves the conclusion of an extramarital affair. Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You is also a break-up song, as is Garth Brooks' The Dance. They're all heart-touching ballads, but just don't offer themselves to the true spirit of a first dance as husband and wife.
How Much Music Do I Need to Select?
Aside from your special songs, it's important for you to work with your entertainment provider to set a tone for the event. There are likely to be songs that you definitely do or don't want to have included in your reception.
A reputable DJ or band leader will work with you to produce a music program that reflects your preferences, rather than working off of a standard play list that works most of the time.
Obviously, planning is essential. You should work closely with an entertainment provider whose insights you trust. Together, you can produce an entertainment program that balances your taste and the desires of your audience.
Some flexibility is essential in the planning process. Let's take an extreme (but true) example to illustrate the point.
Let's go back to the original question: How much music do I need to select?
From a purely logistical standpoint, somewhere between 50 and 60 songs will fit into a four-hour wedding reception.
But that pragmatic answer fails to consider the most important issue you face as a special event planner:
How much of the reception belongs to you, and how much belongs to your guests?
Frequently... very frequently, in fact... we're told not to play The Electric Slide, The Macarena, or the Chicken Dance.
That exclusion is quite understandable, since those songs are so overplayed that they audibly illustrate the word "trite."
It's also understandable that many guests will want to dance to those songs. They expect them. And you can prohibit them. It's important for you to decide how much of the reception you're willing to trust in the hands of your guests.
An associated issue is how much you trust your entertainment provider to gauge the crowd reaction and adapt the program to their tastes. A skilled DJ will be able to select music that motivates the crowd without turning a classy affair into a truck pull.
For that reason, you need to work closely with your entertainment provider to share a common vision... building upon your preferences, your guests' expectations and your entertainment provider's insights to produce an entertainment program that makes your reception a memorable event.
Choose wisely, and best wishes.
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10 Ways to a Better Love Life
- Life is what happens when you're not looking, right? Keep your love alive even while coping with the busiest of schedules by picking up a few good habits, making the most of the time you have together.
- Don't leave home without it! Kiss your partner before leaving home. Add a hug while you're at it! Two minutes that start your day off right. And, don't forget to kiss them when you come home!
Keep that date! If you don't have a regular date night every week, create one. Don't lose your identity as a couple.
- Conserve energy. Shower together and save water. Plus, this is even better than looking in a mirror for keeping those unwanted pounds off.
- Give each other a break. When you come home, give each other 30 minutes to unwind quietly and leave work behind.
- Return to the table. Eat dinner at the table without TV as a distraction.
- Play soft music, and really enjoy dinner together. Don't let chores get in the way. Try to break up chores so you don't end up trying to do everything on the weekend.
- Wanna do lunch? Have lunch together once a week. Especially if you have children, this will provide time together without interruptions. On days you can't lunch together, use this time to get some of your errands done.
- Prepare the night before. Do you start your day stressed out trying to find clothes that are pressed, getting your family's gear together, etc? Lay out as much as you can the night before so you can actually enjoy breakfast with your partner and family.
- Don't be a slave to the kitchen. If you are a two-career couple, eat your heavier, more traditional meal at lunch, and eat light at dinner. Not only will this be healthier for you, but it will save you time cooking and cleaning, so you can spend more time doing things you both enjoy.
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Choosing Oklahoma City Photographers ~ Photographic Style - Do you like the photographer's photographic style. When you see portfolio of previous work he/she has done, can you picture yourself in that specific photographic style. Would you like yourself photographed in the same way? Is there enough variety in the photographer's style to give you the pictures you want.
Experience - Make sure the photographer has had experience professionally photographing other weddings. Does he/she do this for a living or as a hobby?
Personality - Make sure that the chemistry is there between you and the photographer. You want to make sure that the photographer's personality is there to compliment your special day. Maybe even give you encouragement to strike a pose or feel more comfortable or relaxed.
Appearance - Is this person well groomed? Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. You probably don't want the photographer showing up in jean cut-offs, a t-shirt or looking like a slob.
Who will photograph your wedding? Is it the individual who you are dealing with regarding taking the pictures, or will you be getting someone else? Make sure you are getting the individual who's portfolio and/or sample you've seen.
Delivery of products - How long does it take to get your proofs back, your bridal portrait, your finished album etc.? Just ask. Some photographers will take months to deliver your proofs. Know the turn around time for everything.
Price Range - Make sure you are given all the costs including re-ordering. Are you happy with what is included in the package and the work quality of this photographer? It's worth to pay a little extra to get exactly what you want.
Offering - Whether you pick and choose or accept a package designed by them, make sure you understand what you get. Is there any room for changes and will it cost extra to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.
What about payments and deposits? What does your contract say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If you are not sure, ask legal counsel to look it over. If the photographer protests, ask him/her why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.
Contract - Do you understand the contract? Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down to going to court, only what is written in the contract really matters. Verbal agreements are binding, but nearly impossible to prove 99 times out of 100. Make sure that you are totally comfortable with what you are signing. Don't be afraid to get up and leave if you don't like the contract and he/she is unwilling to change it.
References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you want to hire. Check with the BBB and The Chamber of Commerce. Find out if he or she is a member of any photographic organizations. Shopping for a wedding photographer is not like selecting a gown or a bridal bouquet. You can see something tangible before you make your decision, when you're shopping for specific items like that. But in the selection of your photographer, you're often at the mercy of a super-salesperson and/or your own intuition. It seems as if PRICE is usually the main determining factor, even though there's NEVER going to be a second chance. Nor has there ever been anything written that gives you, the bride, a true guideline as to how to select the one person who could supply you with a heart full of memories to last a lifetime. I have, therefore, compiled a list of in-depth questions that you may want to explore to help select the photographer who's right for you. Think about them and get answers before placing your trust and faith in someone who might later disappoint you with results that are less than what you had hoped to receive. No one knows better than I what's going on in the wedding photography industry today. I've been a wedding photographer, myself, for the last 7 years or so, and been photographing for over 10 years. I really know the business from the INSIDE OUT! And I want to share it with you here - in the hopes that you will once and for all learn how to be an educated shopper for wedding photography. Start Here First of all, undoubtedly the best way a bride has to prejudge the competency of a wedding photographer is to have a recommendation from someone whose opinion she trusts. If she has more than one recommendation, that's even better - especially if the same photographer's name comes from different sources. Then, a phone call is appropriate. The telephone conversation should begin with the availability of the studio to cover the wedding on your specific date. You should also learn the name of the photographer who would be doing the actual pictures at your wedding, and at least a rough estimate of the costs involved. You should find out on the telephone how the photographer feels about posed and un posed pictures and decide whether or not you agree or are interested in the studio's philosophy of how the wedding photography should be conducted. That is - photojournalism, candid's, portraits, groups, etc. Just one concept? A combination of several? An appointment should be made to meet with the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding, see his work and discuss the details. Without doubt, this meeting should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride's parents...or however many of these people can be assembled for the consultation. Without all these people in attendance it would be virtually impossible to come to any conclusions would effectively work for all the principle parties involved. At that meeting the first assessment you should make is whether or not you feel comfortable in the presence of the photographer. If you're going to spend a good part of the most important day of your life with this person, it should be someone with whom you know you'll enjoy sharing that time. Then, I feel that you should see some of the photographer's work. If you see a picture, or a series of pictures, that you really like, you should ask:
Who are these people?
Did you, personally, take these photographs? May I call these people for a personal reference? After all, it's one thing to see some beautiful pictures, but it's equally important to find out if the bride and groom ENJOYED working with this photographer. It's also a way of knowing that the photographs you're being shown were actually made by the person you're speaking to. You want to be sure that the work you're admiring was made by the photographer who'll be at your wedding. Another result of this meeting could be to allow you and your photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, neither of you would be strangers to each other on the day of the wedding and you'll be more relaxed in front of the camera. Now The Fun Begins For the most part, when prospective clients come to my studio, their questions pertain to prices, sizes and numbers in general. I've often felt that the reason for this is that they've never thought to consider some of the more important questions such as:
How do you feel about the bride and groom not wanting to see each other before the ceremony? ---What are the alternatives? ---How will the various plans affect us on the day of the wedding?
Do you have any goals for approaching each wedding? ---Any long-term goals for yourself as a person? ---As a photographer?
How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding? ---Beginning at what time? ---Until when? ---Is there an extra charge if the wedding runs a little overtime?
Whom would you include in the photographs? ---Where and when would they be taken?
What can I do to help you perform your duties to the best of your ability? See a WHOLE Wedding If you're still interested in the photographer's services at this point, I'd ask to see a complete coverage of a single wedding. That's a lot more important than seeing a selection of beautiful highlights from many different weddings. When looking through the album, evaluate the work by placing yourself in the position that this could have been YOUR wedding coverage. Ask yourself if the photographer has actually considered the individual characteristics and personality of each of the important persons in the photographs. Has the photographer caught the individual's actual feelings of the moment, or are these just pictures of people standing and looking self-consciously into the lens. Do they look natural? Or even better than real? And, in fact, is that what you and they really want? Now, THIS Could Be a REAL Test! You might ask the photographer to analyze your face to see if he/she would know how to achieve the most flattering images of you:
Considering my facial features, physical attributes in general, what angles of my face would you consider to be better than others? ---Is there anything you can do to make me or members of my family look the way they WANT to look? It seems as if everyone complains that they hate the way they look in posed pictures!
Have you noticed any expressions or mannerisms of mine that you might want to try to capture or avoid?
How did you get qualified to take professional wedding pictures? --- What kind of educational background and/or experience have you had in developing your techniques? --- When and with whom was your technique last updated? Get Specific! Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Too often important details that you had never before considered come back to haunt you later:
- How will you be showing me the pictures for selection?
- How will you be showing me the pictures for selection?
- Will you be helping me in the selection of the final pictures?
- How can people who live out of town be accommodated with ordering, paying and delivery?
What are the costs of the various styles of coverage? --- Are there different degrees of coverage? --- What's included in each?
- How much for the extras? --- Duplicates? --- Ask to see the specific style of album you will be receiving. --- Are alternate choices available? At an extra cost?
- What kind of time frame are you looking at for preparing the pictures for my selection? --- Are you providing me with proofs, slides, video tape of the pictures, or what? --- How much time do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many? --- Are the proofs for sale? Look to The Future
- How much money would you expect me to eventually spend before you think I'd be completely happy with my wedding coverage?
- How much money would you WANT me to spend in order for me to make it worthwhile for you to give me your full attention on my wedding day?
- How long have you been in the business? --- How long do you plan on staying in the business? --- In other words, what kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you and/or your studio? Wrap It Up Intelligently Finally, let's consider a few topics of conversation that could/should help you make your decision.
- Do you have any particular philosophy about your approach to photographing weddings?
- What would you plan to do at my wedding that would make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me? --- Can I tell you who I want in my pictures? --- How will you find them?
- How can I be certain that YOU will be taking my pictures?
- With whom will I be dealing after the wedding?
- What's your payment policy? --- Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
- What is the possibility of the pictures fading. --- What if they DO fade?
- Be Prepared To Make A Commitment!
By now you've probably spent a good deal of time with the photographer. His time is money, the same as yours. Realize that in the long run someone has to pay for the hours each photographer spends as a consultant. Keep his (and your) expenses to a minimum by going to the meeting with the photographer prepared to leave a deposit to confirm the date. Before you do, however, you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details. Find out the photographer's policy if the date of your wedding is changed and he/she's not available on the alternate date. Find out, too, what the policy is for an unforeseen cancellation of the date. At this stage of the game, if you've really taken the time to get into some of the above questions, you HAVE to know whether or not this photographer is for you. If the photographer IS for you, if the photographer IS available, and if you're convinced that it's worth the price...then make the commitment and rest assured that this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you've made in planning your wedding!
How Much Should Pictures Cost? It's difficult to pay too much for something you really like. Yet, price is usually the one obstacle that prevents many wedding clients from selecting the photographer who undoubtedly could give them the best value for the money. Quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one who you feel is "within the budget" is miscalculated. Understandably, of course! When wedding plans come down to dollars and cents, it's hard to keep spending "a little more here...and a little more there. Somewhere along the line," you feel, "you have to give a little! There's only so-much money available!" Yet, within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what's being spent on flowers, food and music. Although everyone knows that the pictures are the only thing you have after the moment has passed, some people still feel that they have to put the money "where it shows". Later, In the privacy of their own hearts, many of these people are often disappointed with photographic memories that give them nothing but heartaches...and there's no remedy! Let's face it! You're going to remember the wedding day through the eyes, heart and talent of your photographer. When making the decision as to who that photographer is going to be, realize that oftentimes you're talking a relative difference of pennies! On the other hand, if you're unhappy, regardless of the "good deal" you're getting, you could lose everything! What's the "going rate" among wedding photographers nowadays? The price difference is as great as the time, talent and technique of the studios being considered. Certainly, among competent photographers in a highly competitive area, or photographers in their formative years, a good wedding coverage can be found around the thousand dollar category. Spending less than that would probably be a high-risk gamble. Other photographers may begin somewhere around a thousand dollars and go upwards from there.
A true specialist, one who has a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two or three times that amount and go upwards to five thousand and more. When considering the cost of a photographer, you may find that studios sometimes approach this matter in one or two different manners. Whereas some photographers have basic "packages" of an agreed number of photographs for a specified dollar amount, other studios might have a predetermined charge for their services and allow you to buy whatever amount of pictures you want. Still some photographers allow you to have ALL the pictures that are taken. There is a set fee that includes EVERYTHING! There are, of course, benefits to all of these approaches. In the first instance you have a good idea right from the start how much money you're probably going to spend...and you're locked into that minimum. That's a double guarantee, both for you and the photographer. Studios that offer you what' known as their a-la-carte system are taking a chance (along with you) as to how much money you'll be spending. The studio that offers you ALL the pictures may scare you at first with the high price, but you may want to know that up front and KNOW that you will not be spending more. Realize that at the same time you're preparing your budget, you will probably want/need to spend extra money for albums and portraits for both families. In any case, you're probably going to spend more than you originally planned, but you'll be doing it because you like the pictures so much, you WANT to buy the extras. The bottom line, as you know, is not necessarily how much you end up spending on photographs. Instead, it's how much pleasure you get from them over the years.
Wouldn't you agree, that at a time as important as your wedding day, it's better to invest a little more money for photography than you had planned ...instead of a little less that you should? Why risk your memories of a once-in-a-lifetime event on a gamble? Besides, if you should spend $1000 for your wedding pictures that's only an investment of five cents a day, if you make it to your 50th Anniversary! Only twenty-seven cents a day on an investment of $5000. You're going to be concerned with the price only one time...when you buy. You're going to be concerned with quality, however, during the lifetime of the product! ...... Or, the marriage. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
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Choosing Your OKC Wedding Invitations -
1. Your choice of wedding stationery is important. The first impression your guests have of your wedding is formed by the wedding invitations you choose. Your Tulsa Wedding invitations should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom and also the style of event you are planning.
2. Traditionally formal wedding invitations in Oklahoma City were always on ecru, ivory or white card (depending on the color of your dress) and engraved with black or dark-gray ink. This is still the most popular choice for a formal wedding, but today there are a tremendous variety of invitations available to suit your style, the level of formality you desire, and your budget.
3. It is best to start planning even a simple wedding at least a year in advance. As soon as you decide on your guest list and on the style of wedding you want, you should be ready to choose a professional supplier. A-WeddingInvitation.com is a great choice to find discounted and beautiful wedding invitations online.
4. For a wedding of 50 you should start with 25 invitations and then add on about ten to fifteen extras to cover any extra people you may have forgotten or mistakes made on the envelopes. You should also keep at least one invitation as a memento. Do not forget to send invitations to your parents and wedding party. If you want to use place cards, you will want to remember to order place cards for every guest including your parents and bridal party. Be sure to check with your reception venue, as place cards are sometimes included with the overall reception cost. It is important to mail out the invitation at least 6 weeks before the wedding or 3 months just to leave enough room for out of town guests. . If there are out of town guests, you may want to consider a save the date card so they can make the necessary flight arrangements. Sending these out after the engagement is announced is appropriate.
5. Aside from the Oklahoma city wedding invitations you will also need envelopes, reply cards, thank you cards, place cards, napkins, book matches, gift registry cards, and seating plans. In order to save time, and money, it is advisable to order all your stationery at once from the same supplier or Tulsa Invitation Store. This will also help ensure consistency of design. It is preferable to order all of your invitations at the same time, leaving ample time to have them printed and addressed. You will need to send them out two to three months in advance. Remember to gather and bring all the information you will need to create your wedding invitation. You need the date, time place of wedding and reception, names of parents and the full name of the bride and groom including middle names.
6. Formal wedding invitations in Oklahoma City are traditionally engraved which is the most expensive option. Engraving produces textured raised letters and in black or gray ink is ideal for formal weddings with large budgets. Thermography is a less expensive popular alternative to engraving that provides almost the same look. For a smaller guest list Calligraphy can be used, either computerized or by hand. If you want to use colored ink and/or highly textured paper then you will need to use offset printing. Encore Invitations offers beautiful and affordable thermographed and engraved invitations at the best prices online.
7. The wording of your invitation is obviously important but today family relationships are much more complicated than in the past, and this may be causing you some anxiety. Don't worry. If you have chosen a good supplier they should be able to advise you. It may well be your first wedding but they have seen it all and can help you work out appropriate wording for any situation. Most wedding invitations include the names of the hosts, which may be your parents, yourselves or both, your own names, and the date, time and location, and reception. You should also add RSVP cards and details. The trend these days is for the bride and groom to choose more creative and personal wording than the traditional formal wording of the past.
8. As soon as you start receiving gifts you need to start writing your thank you notes. You may want to order thank you cards along with your wedding stationery so that they match your wedding invitation. Thank you notes should specifically mention the gift, and how the bride and groom intend to use it. Thank you notes can be brief, but should be very personal. You should try to finish them no later than three weeks after the wedding. Everyone who gives you a gift should receive a thank you note.
9. Before mailing invitations you must proofread very carefully. Check and double-check the wording of all your wedding stationery. Have a friend check them over for you also. To ensure your guests receive their invitations and are able to respond in sufficient time, mail them four to six weeks before the event. Invitations being mailed overseas should be mailed eight weeks in advance. Remember your invitations do not have to cost a fortune to look gorgeous and delight your guests. All you need is a professional invitation supplier or printer in Tulsa who has the knowledge and experience to help you choose the right invitations or stationery that fits in with your personal style and theme of your wedding or special event.
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Choosing Your Oklahoma City Videographer ~
1. Look for an OKC videographer who is experienced, creative and artistic. When viewing examples of videography work, look at the clarity and quality of the wedding video, the composition, as well as the details of shooting and editing.
2. When considering an Oklahoma City videographer, select the package that highlights the events that are most important to you.
3. For instance find out what type of lighting they will use.
4. Do they have samples you can look at? Do they have a website with a portfolio that you can view wedding videos?
5. Find out how long the videographer has been in business. Is this just a hobby or do they do videography in Oklahoma full time.
6. Do they use professional videography equipment? How many cameras will they use and do they use wireless's microphones?
7. Find out if the Oklahoma City videographer has a written contract and what are the guarantees and liabilities in case something goes wrong.
8. Find out if they can make additional copies of your OKC wedding video and how much these additional copies will be.
9. Check references or even better try to get a recommendation from a friend or relative. OKCelebrations.com lists some of the best videographers in Oklahoma City and is a reliable resource for wedding professionals in OKC, OK.
10. Remember a professional wedding videographer in Oklahoma City can give you a wedding video to create a memory that will last a lifetime is priceless. So don't think it's too expensive when hiring an OKC Wedding Videographer.
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10 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Day
The average wedding costs over $19,000! No wonder couples get antsy when they start coordinating a wedding. But does it have to be this way? Absolutely not! The most important thing is to make your wedding personal. No matter how much you are prepared to spend, the following budget-savvy strategies from will help get the most beautiful memories for your money: Priorities
Before you begin planning your wedding and reception, sit down together and discuss your top five priorities. This will help to determine where to go all out, and where you can cut corners. If it is important to you that the wedding and reception be held at the restaurant that you went to on your first date or you know you must have a specific designer gown or a certain DJ that you really like, then you can fit that into your budget and decide to save money in other areas.
Guest List
Keeping the guest list as concise as possible can help to drastically reduce reception costs. Most caterers, restaurants and banquet halls charge per person, so the difference between 100 guests and 150 will be significant. Don't invite more guests than you can spend one minute of time with. If you invite 300 guests spending one minute with each would take over five hours. And that's not including time to eat, dance and have a good time!
Food
Food can be the biggest expense at a wedding. Strategies to save on food and catering include choosing to have a buffet instead of a sit-down meal, or hosting a high tea, dessert reception, brunch or luncheon instead of a multi-course dinner. Or consider drop-off catering, where the caterer delivers already prepared food and sets it up. Catering all, or part of the reception, on your own is another possibility.
Location
There are many options for low-cost or no-cost locations including local and national parks, forest preserves, your own backyard or that of a friend or relative. Also consider a location that offers an all-inclusive package on the wedding, reception, and sometimes the honeymoon too. Choosing to have the wedding during an off-season or on any day but Saturday will also help to cut costs.
Wedding Attire
A few creative money-saving alternatives to shopping at a traditional bridal salon include purchasing a gown at an outlet, a department store in the special occasions off-the-rack area, buying a vintage or once-worn gown and purchasing a traditional gown through the Discount Bridal Service (DBS). Also consider bidding for a gown online at an auction site, renting a gown, redoing a mother or mother-in-law's dress or wearing a designer suit.
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Wedding Etiquette
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The elegant casual wedding is a thing of great beauty. No one has spent too much money, everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves, and no one worries if the kids are running around and making noise.
The casual wedding can allow you to wear whatever you're comfortable in, including a white dress or perhaps a dress you may have in your closet. Sometimes a bridesmaid dress in white could be appropriate in a casual wedding. Grooms can wear a casual coat, khakis or a casual shirt. You may decide to have the wedding in your parents backyard or a local park or community center.
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Here are different Oklahoma City Wedding Themes and Ideas -
These wedding themes can help you decide the best place for you and your fiancé to exchange wedding vows and will set the tone for the rest of your hectic wedding planning. So choose your wedding venue in Oklahoma City now and the rest of the wedding details will just fall into place.
Victorian Theme
Locations: Historic Site, Museum, Garden, Country Inn
Colors: Ivory, White, Pink, Rose, Pastels
Flowers: Rose, Potpourri, Stephanotis, Baby's Breath
Attire: Antique Lace, Cameos, Pearls, Fans
Special Touches: Horse-drawn Carriage, Candlelight, Violins, Harp Music
Western Theme
Locations: Ranch, Barn, Home
Colors: Red, White, Blue, Black, Silver, Turquoise
Flowers: Wildflowers, Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, Sunflowers
Attire: Gingham, Denim, Bandanas, Boots, Hats, String Ties
Special Touches: Buckboard Wagon, BBQ, Square Dancing, Fiddlers, Guitars
Art Deco Theme
Locations: Restaurant, Hall, Ballroom, Hotel, Art Museum
Colors: Silver, Black, White, Gold
Flowers: Calla Lily, Stephanotis, Fern
Attire: Sheath Styles, Baguettes, Beads, Sequins
Special Touches: Vintage Cars, Champagne, Fountains, Jazz Quartet
English Garden Theme
Locations: Garden, Home, Historic Site, Country Inn
Colors: Pink, Green, Lavender, Blue, Yellow, White
Flowers: Ivy, Lily of the Valley, Lilac, Rose, Iris, Hyacinth, Tulip
Attire: Organza, Floral Arrangements, Wreath, Basket Bouquets
Special Touches: Trellises, Arches, Gazebo, White Chairs, Tent Reception, String Quartet, Statues
Black & White Theme
Locations: Church, Hall, Ballroom, Country Club, Museum
Colors: Black, White
Flowers: Calla Lily, Gardenia, Orchids, Stephanotis
Attire: Ruffles, Off-the-Shoulder, Backless, Dinner Jackets
Special Touches: Cocktail Reception, Metallic Confetti, Black Rice Bags, Silver Toasting Glasses, Orchestra, Harp Music
Christmas Theme
Locations: Church, Home
Colors: Red, Green, Gold, Silver, White, Burgundy, Hunter Green
Flowers: Poinsettia, Evergreen, Holly, Baby's Breath
Attire: Taffeta, Plaid, Velvet Bows
Special Touches: Christmas Tree, Wreaths, Candlelight, Christmas Music
Country Theme
Locations: Home, Church, Garden, Historic Site, Country Inn
Colors: Blue, Mauve, Green, Brick Red
Flowers: Grapevine, Sweet Pea, Cornflower Wreaths, Tulip, Daisy, Baby's Breath
Attire: Handkerchief Hemlines, Flower Basket, Bouquets, Nostalgic
Special Touches: Grapevine Wreaths, Quilts, Baskets, Potted Plants, Horse-drawn Carriage
Princess Theme
Locations: Cathedral, Museum, Ballroom
Colors: Pale Pink, Ivory, White
Flowers: Rose, Orchid, Stephanotis, Gardenia, Camellia
Attire: Opulent Silks & Satins, Pearls, Iridescence
Special Touches: Fine Crystal, Silverware, Elaborate Floral Arrangements, Full Orchestra, Ballroom Dancing, Valet Parking
Nautical Theme
Locations: Yacht Club, Lakeside, Beach, Resort
Colors: Red, White, Navy Blue
Flowers: Lily, Carnation, Violet
Attire: Sailor Collars, Stripes, Linen, Cotton
Special Touches: Balloons, Streamers, Confetti, American Flag, Tent, Fireworks
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