Monetary
Responsibilities...
Although a wedding funded by a
combination of people allows you to have a nicer celebration, you may
find yourself with too many people trying to run the show. There are
three important rules to remember about wedding planning and financial
contributions.
Paying all, or even the largest
portion of the expenses does not automatically give that person total
control of everything that happens that day. The things that you and
your bride prefer take precedence. The bride's family are the
traditional hosts of the wedding celebration, no matter how much they
contribute financially. That position of honor should not be denied
them, and their input should be valued.
No one should be expected to give
more than they can afford. If the bride's parents can't pay for the
wedding you want to have, then either pay for it yourselves or change
your plans. The whole money issue should be, handled with sensitivity;
the financially challenged should not be ignored and given no input.
You owe gratitude to anyone who
contributes to the wedding, as well as the courtesy of listening to
their ideas. You don't have to act on them if you don't wish to, but
if you accept their financial assistance, be sure that's clearly
understood . Don't offer the impression that you'll be doing what they
suggested then surprise them with something else. If you disagree,
explain your reasons, and make sure they can accept your decisions.
Take a firm stand on what's important, although it wouldn't hurt to
compromise on minor points.
For more assistance in planning your
budget, get a copy of the Wedding Guide. There you will find
Wedding Budget in both English and Spanish. By putting your figures
into the budget guidelines, you'll know what to spend where.
You rely on family and friends to
assist you on your wedding day, but when it comes to photography, this
is no time for an amateur...It takes a good professional to preserve
on film or tape for a lifetime the day you have planned so carefully.
Do your research. Ask friends for
recommendations.
If the studio you select has more
than one , make sure you know which one will be working with you.
Forming a comfortable working relationship with your photographer is
important. This person is going to spend a lot of time with the two of
you on a very special day of your life.
A good professional will carefully
guide you through the many decisions you must make, after which, you
should have a clear understanding of what to expect. This is no time
to be shy; ask lots of questions:
Should the photos be posed? How
many? How many candid shots? Should the formal photos of the wedding
party be taken before or after the ceremony? Exactly how many photos,
negatives and proofs are you buying? What are the sizes? Are albums
and folders included in the price? How long can you continue to order
photos? When will the photographer leave the receptions? Are you to
provide them with a meal?
Once you have worked our all the
details on preserving your special day, go one step further - get
everything in writing. Make certain your contract includes a payment
schedule and penalties, if any, for a date change or cancellation.
Then relax, smile and have fun, you are in the hands of a
professional.
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