Children or No Children: The Wedding Dilemma

Some brides know clearly whether or not they want to allow children at their wedding and/or reception. Others wrestle with this dilemma. If the bride or the groom is re-marrying and children already exist, it's typically clear that the wedding is the genesis of a blended family and they should be part of it. Sometimes a couple has young nieces and nephews whom they cherish and want to include. Some couples don't want the added stress and unpredictability that children bring. What if a baby starts wailing during the vows? 

From a photography perspective, children can add a fun and lively dimension to a wedding or reception. They are often entranced by the lights, colors, emotion, and unusual adult activity at a wedding, which results in photos of wonder. On the other hand, if the couple is creating a certain ambiance that doesn't work well without the full cooperation of the guests, children are best left uninvited. Make that clear early in the process so childcare can be arranged. The main thing to remember is that it's your wedding. One day in a whole lifetime of days; it's okay for you to have what you've dreamed about. 

Wedding Away, Wedding at Home

Hold Two Events so All Can Come

Destination weddings are fabulous, but not all can attend. Mobility, expense, work... many things prevent invitees from attending. How do you include everyone in your wedding joy? A simple home wedding following the destination wedding is a cost-effective and satisfying solution. Photos or videos of the destination wedding can be shown, but keep the presentation short.

There is no need to re-create the destination wedding; it's best to have a new approach. The "home" can be anyone's home - parents, grandparents or friends. In planning, take an observant walk through the home before the planning process begins. Don't try to create special spaces from scratch, use what's there. A simple table or window sill can be decorated. That's the fun of home weddings - they allow more creativity. Be sure to think through the movement of people throughout the event. From arrival when coats need to be hung, to seating for those who will need it, to eating and drinking. If possible in the original invitations, tell the guests they may choose one event to attend. It's better if the home wedding is planned in advance instead of as an afterthought. Everyone will feel honored.

Before the Wedding...Look Twice at What You're Creating

Look at what you're creating through the eyes of the guests and through the eyes of a camera. This is a very important part of the wedding preparation process. The way your guests see things and the way the photography will capture them is different. For example, guests will look at a little table with theme-based items on it and think how cute. The camera will capture the shape, size, color, and style of the items. When you look at your photos over the years, you'll remember those special touches and be glad that you created them. During the long process of wedding planning, it can feel like this is just too much trouble. Yet the photography will prove that isn't so.

It's also important for brides to let a trusted friend look closely at the details for an objective viewpoint. The rule of thumb for objects to be pleasing is to put them in groupings of three or five. Plan the visuals for your wedding with great care and you'll treasure both the smiling faces of those you love and the unique ambiance you created for years to come.