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Being a wedding photographer, destination weddings are just one of the perks. Much like enjoying the wonderful energy of each wedding, shooting a destination wdding is no different. There’s just more of an adventure there. Just as the couple has the adventure of going somewhere fresh and exciting for their day and they get to turn it into a fun filled time of travels. Being a destination wedding photographer means the same for me. And just because there’s expenses involved for me to get there my stay and more. Don’t think that destination wedding photographers are going to put that all on you. I know that for me, it’s more about the adventure than the price. I generally don’t charge over what I would charge for a normal wedding. Instead, I take it as a fun excursion with a beautiful day placed in the middle. Your day.
Some couples look at destination weddings and think, “no, we couldn’t afford that”… That’s surely where the thoughts need to stop. With the average wedding in a local spot costing $24,000-$28,000.00, a destination wedding doesn’t have to break that mold. As a matter of fact, you can generally pull it off for less. One main reason, less attending. Only those that truly love you will travel for you, meaning the co-workers, clients and more won’t step up. So instead of having 200 guests at $75.00 per person, try 80… Sounds better right. Not to mention being able to offer a bit more and enjoy the company longer and hey, everyone gets a mini vacation….
First off, if you’re bringing 80 guests to a beautiful location, work with the hotel or inn. They want all the business you can bring them and you shouldn’t be paying full price for any of the rooms. Be sure to bring this up with the hotel so that guests can get that discount!!!
Same goes with the flights. Don’t book weekends that are going to cost your guests thousands. Be kind and mention the discounted rates to them. Even for airfare, American Airlines offers discounts for 10 or more of 10% off the published rates! That can save hundreds when combined together.
FAIR WARNING IS CRUCIAL! Those save the date cards, get them out ASAP! Guests will need the time to plan and save. It will be an unexpected vacation but one they will surely enjoy and you will enjoy having them be a part of your day.
Beware of the legal parts of being married in other countries. Some need blood tests or X-rays, some have extra fees, some require permits and more. Don’t let a snag happen upon arrival. PLAN PLAN PLAN…. One of the best ways around that is to hire a professional event planner to be sure all holes are filled before you take off.
Don’t stress… When planning a destination wedding, many of the little things you would deal with in a hometown wedding are out of your control. Even some of the big things. Try to let it go.
And set your watch to island time and your mind to island mentallity. The locals are going to move a little slower, get back to you on their time and in general, are going to be quite a bit more relaxed than the mainlanders would be. It’s just part of how it goes. Don’t stress if something is running late. It’s island life…
And for the big things, bring your own. From music to photography. Some of the resorts will work all that in. But those are two of the most important parts of your day. Especially the photography. It’s one of the few things that you will have after your day. Photographers will still work wit your budget and you’ll find many bands will do the same. It’s part of the adventure for everyone. THink about what’s important to your day and plan accordingly.
Most of all. VISIT… Before your day, take a little trip to your location of choice and dig around. Find the places you really like. Meet anyone that will be an integral part of your day. Most of all, just take it in and make sure this is the place for you….
Again, being a photographer is a great thing. Being a wedding photographer is even better. And being a wedding photographer that shoots destination weddings as well! Yea, that just rocks!!!
Shine on,
~Tim
Some may wonder, you’re wedding photographer in Ct. or a destination wedding photographer. What do you know about having, of all things, a bachelorette party. Well ya see, as a wedding photographer I do a ton of research non-stop about weddings, tips for weddings, ideas for weddings, wedding themes and more. See, being a wedding photographer doesn’t mean my job stops there because I believe in helping across the board. And recently, one of my brides, who I must say just got a stunning wedding dress from J. Crew, asking me about her bachelorette party. At first I wasn’t sure what to think, then it hit me… Tell her what you know and what you don’t, go find the answers.
SO… A Bachelorette Party, I mean come on, you’re probably going to hear about things that happened at the bachelor party so why not have your own. And I’m not talking about a diamond crusted Tiara with an oiled up stripper… (unless that’s what you want)… I’m talking some other great options. So here we go. From your wedding photographer to you…
First off, when does it take place. Really anytime through your engagement. But you should be sure to keep it clear from the last week of hectic planning. So it just comes down to when all the girls can get together. Which may not be easy with bridesmaides generally spread across the country. And with them, one has to wonder who’s in charge. Really anyone that wants to grab the reins can go for it! And anyone who wants to help can jump right in…
Who comes, anyone you’re close to. They don’t have to be on the wedding list but should be close pals and no more than about 20. And that may even be over kill…
It seems like they don’t really stand still. The bachelorette party seems to always be on the move. From bars to clubs to movies and more. But don’t forget about other ways of celebrating that may be just as much and at times more fun!!!
Kayaking trip, resorts, spas, beaches!!! All make for great times!
Some ideas and trends:
OK – so you’re not the table dancing, inflatable phallus type of bachelorette. Relax – there are plenty of other ways to celebrate your final send-off. Here are some g-rated bachelorette party alternatives:
Adventure Bachelorette – go hiking, rafting, horseback riding, or camping.
Spa Party – gather the girls for some serious pampering
Fondue Party – or any other style of intimate dinner party (fondue just seems to make things more fun!)
Beach Weekend – enjoy some sun, sand – plenty of tropical beverages.
Casino Night – all bets are on! Set up game tables, break out the decks, and test your luck with a roll of the dice.
Wine Tasting – hit up Napa Valley (or the nearest winery) for a day – or weekend – filled with good wine, good conversation, and good friends
WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM
There are so many situations in life where you tip, where you don’t tip, how much to tip, can you tip… tip tip tip….
As a wedding photographer in Hartford, Ct. I’m not a tipping expert. Thought I will say that when it comes to dining out I’ve been told I can sometimes over tip… Not the point here. Your wedding. Do you tip your wedding vendors? The answer, quite simply is… Some yes some no. HAH! That wasn’t an easy answer was it. LOL.
Okay, let’s break your wedding vendors down. The do nots. There are wedding vendors where you just don’t have to tip unless you really feel they went above and beyond or you just feel like it’s something that would make you and them feel great. Those vendors – party rental company, they don’t need a penny more, the salon itself – nope, cake baker or stationary company. Nope, don’t need to tip there either. Again, unless you feel it’s something that is well worth it.
The ones that are sometimes expecting tips – your makeup artist, depending on who they are working with on the day, some bridesmaides pay and tip for themselves others don’t. For the MUA you should plan on an average of 15-20% just like you would on a normal salon day trip…. parking, coat check, rest room attendants and the likes, the average seems to be about $1.00 per car / guest. Wait staff seems to be an average of $20.00 per server. HOWEVER, look over the contract and determine if your reception site already has a tip worked into the package. Same goes for your livery service, some limo companies have the tip automatically worked in. Not to say you can’t go above and beyond but look that over so you’re not giving someone $100.00 when they’ve already received $90.00…
How about the wedding florist, wedding photographer, and more. Those are a totally different playing field. As a destination wedding photographer myself. There are times when I’ve received a $500.00 tip, and times when I’ve received a hug and a thank you. I never expect one over the other and am fine with either. And I know many florists that feel the same way. I think it just comes down to what your budget can swing. Just be fair, honest with yourself and if you like the outcome or the energy that was provided with the work, I would say again, go for the 20%… But that’s just my two cents from the ct. wedding photographer….
I am pretty sure that the coming months will be filled with thoughts and memories of looking back over the year and all the weddings I shot.
And I just came across an article which made me really look back and think about all the cool escort cards that were at each wedding. For the most part, all different than any other wedding. The escort card is such a great way to take your motif and spread it even further. Maybe even giving the guests a look at what’s to come. Below is a bunch of photos from the article which was written on the knot. Not much of an article than it was a bunch of great wedding photography shots of said cards.
So with out a doubt, being a Ct. wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer is a great thing. What other professions do you get to be thrown into a new enviroment with new details, new faces and new smiles each and every day? That’s surely part of my life as a wedding photographer in Ct.
I’ve been a bit absent lately, and it’s not because I don’t have more tips to share or stories to tell. Truth be told, I have made a couple huge moves as a wedding photographer in Ct. over the past couple weeks. From shooting more weddings and just having other photography jobs things have been crazy….
BUT GET THIS! I have also created an entirely new WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM which will not only have a beautiful wedding photography site, but a rockin’ fun and light portrait photography side as well as a pet portrait site which will be added in the very near future!
Want more than just the new website??? Well I have also moved into a larger more beautiful studio located in the Real Artways building in Hartford. So a new photography studio in Ct. The heart of Ct. none the less, to new websites to more weddings and portraits!!! It’s all pure goodness!!!
So I’ll be back very soon with some more wedding tips, stories and fun. Just bare with me right now…
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