For the florist - get several quotes with similar packages - make SURE you find out if the flowers you want are available at the time of the year you are getting married. As an example, I had my heart set on calla lillies, chose them for the front of our invitations, just assumed I could have them. However, no one could 'guarantee' to get them for our July wedding, so of course we went for other flowers. Also, make sure they are put together as late as possible before the wedding - ours were literally done that morning before our 2 p.m. ceremony.
For photography, really consider not having professional photography - honestly, it's a HUGE budget item, and often a friend or family member can do it good enough. However, if you choose to go with a professional, be very careful with the contract and what is included - time available, whether for studio only and how much is it if you want him to go to another location, and some charge more for going outside; what block of time is needed; how long it takes the proofs to get back, etc. Check with the BBB in your city, and get referrals. From the photographer, don't only go with his portfolio or what is displayed, ask for references and call those couples.
What are some good questions to ask when looking at potential florists and photographers for my wedding?
http://www.theknot.com
or
http://www.planningaweddingtoremember.co...
Have the best questions for potenials.
Good luck!
Reply:Ask about packages, fees, timing (how much time they need to complete the order)
any extra fees?
what packages include?
how payment works? deposit etc.
Reply:With a photographer ask if you get a copy of all the images so you can make your own copies for yourself, friends and family. Some photographers don't do this, or put a water mark through all the images which means you have to go to them for all copies.
Some include this in the package, others charge extra, some make you wait a year, and some never give them up.
Reply:For the Florist
1. What is the florist's design philosophy? Minimal? Traditional? Elegant? Edgy and modern? Florists love explaining their artistic sensibilities -- the styles they love, their favorite flowers, the palettes they adore. Do the florist's views fit with your own ideas?Does the florist's style -- and the overall look of the shop -- match yours? (This is common sense. Go with your gut.)
2. Ask if they have any arrangements that you can see or a profolio of their own work.(Real bouquets and arrangements will give you a better sense of the florist's abilities than photos -- especially photos that aren't of the florist's actual work but show things the florist says he or she can do.)
3. Who will work on your wedding? Make sure the floral designer you're interviewing will actually create the arrangements.
4. What flowers will be in season when your wedding takes place? If your budget is on the small side, ask how you can maximize your options.
5. What are some less expensive alternatives to blooms beyond your price range?
6. What are the hottest floral trends of the moment?
7. Why do they work or not work?
8. What's the most innovative concept the florist has recently brought to a design project?
9. Which flowers are best for your wedding season?
10. If you're marrying in the summertime or winter, what are some hot weather or cold weather no-nos?
11. Has the florist done weddings at your ceremony or reception site before? If so, she may have pictures of arrangements done at your site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space.
12. Will the florist deliver the flowers to your wedding or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order? You'll pay more for a full-service florist, but you'll get what you pay for.
13. How many weddings will the florist do on the same day or weekend as yours? You'll want to know that your florist won't be rushed on the day-of.
14. Does the florist offer rental items -- vases, potted plants, arches, trellises, candelabras, urns -- or must you contact a rental company?
15. Does the florist preserve bouquets after weddings? If this is important to you, find out now if he will do so, or if you can be referred to someone who does. You may have to make an appointment before the wedding to ensure that your bouquet can be preserved directly afterward.
FOR THE PHOTGRAPHER
Before you start calling photographers, first decide which visual style suits you. Photographers fall into three general camps: photojournalists, traditional wedding photographers, and those with a balanced bag of tricks. If you loved your sister's nuptial snapshots and most of them are candid black-and-white action shots, you're probably leaning toward a cameraman with a penchant for photojournalism. If you prefer portraits and posed shots, a traditionalist is for you. Ambivalent? Can't agree? Seek out that special mix.
Meet %26amp; Greet
Start compiling a list of candidates by flipping through the wedding albums of any friends or family who have recently gotten married. Other sources include experts you've been working with on other aspects of your wedding (wedding coordinator, caterers, etc.) and bridal shows, where you can meet photographers in person and view their work.Don't underestimate the importance of liking, if not bonding, with your photographer.
Rub the Right Way
Don't underestimate the importance of liking, if not bonding, with your photographer. Some of the best shots of your main event will be those taken behind the scenes, and you need to be comfortable about inviting him or her backstage. This person will also have a lot of contact with your family and friends, and in general be a very visible "guest" at your wedding. To get the best photos, he or she has to be assertive enough to hunt for great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests, and calm enough to be a positive force. He or she should ask lots of questions and be a good listener. Trust your gut: If anything about him or her rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.
Choose Wisely
Seasoned wedding photographers have what's called a "book," a portfolio of their best work to show potential clients. If a candidate doesn't have one, think twice -- he may be too wet behind the ears or too disorganized for the job. While browsing a book, look for crisp images, thoughtful compositions, and good lighting. Do the more journalistic shots convey a sense of emotion? Do people in the portraits look relaxed? Be sure he or she has pictures from the time of day your wedding will take place.
Don't commit before examining a wedding album the photographer has conceived and created. You should get a sense of the couple's personality and their wedding style as well as who ranks on their VIP list. Ask about his or her philosophy regarding wedding albums -- bonus points for those who talk about every album being unique or how an album should "tell the story of your wedding."
Technical Questions
Does he or she shoot in medium format, digital or only 35mm? If the photographer has only one standard 35mm camera and you want a poster-size portrait, you'll want to find someone who can shoot in medium format (the larger negative retains its crisp image at larger magnifications than 35mm-or "small-format"-film). Make sure he or she brings a backup set of equipment in case of malfunction or other snafu.
Eyeball the Effects
If you have your heart set on special effects -- fish-eye lenses, infrared film, sepia-toned prints, handmade wedding albums -- be sure you see ample examples of the photographer's technique. You don't want your prints to be guinea pigs for his darkroom experimentation. Be sure the resulting look is not overdone (too artsy) or barely there.
Review References
Request two to three references for the two photographers you feel most strongly about. If a photographer is reluctant to give you a list of prior clients, cross him off your list. Ask the references if they would they recommend this person to their best friend. Why or why not? Was the photographer on time, well dressed, and completely professional throughout the event? Did guests have any comments -- negative or positive?
Confirm the Cost
Expect to spend at least $1500 and easily up to $4000 on the photographer. You're paying for the cameraman's time at your wedding, plus all post-production work, such as developing the prints -- by hand and one at a time in a traditional darkroom in some cases -- and assembling an album. Special effects and more time at the event will, of course, cost extra. If you're on a tight budget, ask about the most basic package.
Ask About Online
Sharing photos on the Internet has become the norm. How does your photographer do it? Is he or she partnered with a service like Collages.net (our partner), which can post your wedding album online? A lot of couples like this option because it allows you to share your entire album without carting around your proof book -- and guests and family don't have to go through you to order prints.
Double-Check the Details
Many larger studios have several photographers on staff. Since every professional has a different style, technique, and personality, you need to make sure that the one you interview and "click" with will be the same one to work your wedding. Also, who shoots the event in case of an emergency or illness? Will the photographer have an assistant? How many? How will the photographer and the assistants be dressed?
Write it Down
We know you know this, but we have to say it anyway: Get every detail in writing. Also important: Don't sign anything if a studio claims it has the right to send any staff photographer to your wedding and you feel uneasy about even one person in their stable of photographers; if you sign, that's the one you'll inevitably get.
last but no least
most photographers have a list of specific shots that most couples want and others that most photographers take. ask for a copy that you can look over. if you see a shots that you ahve in mind that are not on the list ask if he can take those shots for you as well. some photographers stick to a certian "list" of poses and shots while others tend to the couples desires as well as the list.
Reply:talk with your friends and see who they used and what they thought. Also your price range
Reply:I don't have it with me but the Emily Post Wedding Planner (4th Edition is the one I saw) has an extensive list of questions to ask almost anyone that you would hire for the wedding broken up in their appropriate section. If you can get a copy from the library or bookstore I'd suggest those.
Reply:Photographer: Ask for package prices, dates available, ask to see a portfolio, ask about deposit and payment plans (never pay full amount up front), ask about specials, and ask for references.
Florist: Ask about pricing, specials for bulk (20+ arrangements, plus bouquets), ask to see samples, ask what are the best flowers (longevity) for the flowers in season during your wedding, ask about payment.
For both you can ask for a proposal of what they can do for you. Shop around, they will fight for your business.
Reply:With the photographer, I don't really know how to ask it, but find out what the photographer's definitions of "subtle" and "appropriate" are, and what he or she will do to BE subtle or appropriate.
My photographer stopped us in the middle of the aisle to take the "walking out of the church" photo, causing a back-up of bridesmaids and groomsmen with my husband and I. Also, she pushed someone out of the way and had us stop to pose to get the shot of us about to drive off.
Reply:Ask about available packages and their cost. Professional should be able to provide you with at least a general checklist to consult.
Request to see some examples of their work.
Ask for references you can call. These are people who can tell you a little about how these professionals work. The customers they give you to contact will all be ones who liked the job, so you'll have to read between the lines a bit to get the sort of information you need. What you're looking for here is not just whether he/she shows up on time and prepared, but how your personalities will mesh.
Don't hire anyone without a clear contract that you have read over completely and understand. You should receive a copy of said contract, as well. Keep it safe. This is your legal protection if the vendor doesn't come through. This is also the vendor's legal protection in case you break the contract in some way. Know both the rights and obligations of both parties before you sign.
If the vendor tries to steer you toward one thing or away from something that's important to you, listen carefully, but be prepared to stand up for what you want. How does this person put any advice? Did the florist say orchids would be more expensive, or did she say you can only use roses because orchids just don't work? Did the photographer say you might want to consider taking the formal portraits before the ceremony, or did he say he won't take them after? Find someone who is willing to suggest options, but isn't trying to force you to make the decisions they like best.
If you come away from the meeting uncomfortable, don't hire that person. You won't like them any better come the wedding day, and that will only add to your stress.
Reply:how long have you been in business, can I see some of your work, do you have a lot of business that time of year (referring to your wedding), how do you feel about filling unusual requests, what do you like about the business? these are just a few. As for the unusual request question...its not standard but something you might like to know if you want to ask for some funky type of bouquet or different angles and shots for your wedding.
Reply:Florists:
ask them how many other weddings they are doing so you know how much "special" attention you will get.
Ask what flowers are in season and what she reccomends. You can save tons this way.
Also ask if there are any charities or hospitals she is involved with. Sometimes if you let them know that the flowers will be donated after the wedding and that you will credit them with the donation you may get a small discount. For instance the wedding flowers will be given to Presby Hospital by Joe Florist. They get a small addy and it's tax deductible for them.
Photographer:
Make sure that your negatives or hi-resolution proofs are included. Some photographers will charge a little up front and keep the negatives/proofs because they know you can only go through them to get reprints and charge outrageous prices like $40 a sheet!
Ask to see a few complete rolls of film they took from recent weddings. When you look at their book you are seeing the best of the best and you want to make sure you aren't paying for a guy who may only get 10 lucky shots and 790 bad ones.
If you are on a budget see if you can cut out some of the time. Do you really need professional getting ready pics and 4 hours worth of dancing photos?
I personally wouldn't pay for the album. They charge out the butt and it's just as easy for me to get one at the craft store and put pictures in it myself.
Reply:ask to see the photographers portfolio and examples of some of the poses that he/she likes to use. also, you need to make sure they are friendly but discrete. you want someone who can interact effectively with your wedding party, but not draw too much attention away from the ceremonies.
this will give you some good advice on photographers:
http://www.ppmag.com/articles/article.ph...
Reply:What kind of packages do you have and ask to see some examples of their work. Also ask for references to see if the people they serviced enjoyed their services or if they received bad service from them. Ask about the time they will arrive to set up the time they may leave and any other extra fees they may have.
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