Anne Ruthmann, a brilliantly talented wedding photographer based in Lowell, MA (she travels worldwide to cover weddings) recently shared some great wedding photography tips with me. She read my article 13 Wedding Photographer Tips You Shouldn’t Do Without and wanted to add a few more helpful tips to the piece. Here’s what she says:

I feel like the 7% figure ($2100) seems low on a $30,000 wedding.  (My wedding was around $18,000 and we signed a photographer for $2500).  I actually find that my clients who have the smallest weddings tend to spend more than 10% on their photography.  Of course it’s completely up for interpretation, but I just thought I’d share my experiences and perceptions of the market over the last three or four years.

I like to suggest that clients ask to see an entire sets of proofs from a wedding that will have similar lighting conditions to theirs – for example, historic church and golf club reception, or outdoor ceremony and tent reception, etc.  If they can view the entire set of proofs from one or two full weddings, then they’ll have a better idea of how the photographer captures and edits the entire wedding day- which will give them a more realistic idea of what to expect from that photographer. 

Oh yes – and very important that the work they’re looking at is the actual photographer who will be at their wedding (you elude to this in regards to meeting the photographer, but not necessarily in the part about viewing the work.)  Some companies don’t even have samples of a photographer’s work before sending them out on the job – and that’s fine if people want to take a chance and get a bargain, but if photos are important, they should be looking at images from the photographer that will be at their wedding.

I think that it’s important for brides to ask photographers about the album process up front.  Some will create a draft design of the album, which may be more pages than they’ve actually been contracted for in the hopes of upselling.  Some will have the client select the images before starting the design.  A client should be comfortable with the album design process and know what it will be up front.  This is often one of the most elusive parts of the process.

Thanks so much Anne for taking the time to share your wisdom with brides-to-be!

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Don’t forget to sign up as a member for your chance to win a copy of Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style. We’re giving away a book every month. Stay tuned for other monthly prizes.

Congrats to Paula in California who is December’s winner!

More and more couples are choosing to have a backyard wedding. Although outdoor weddings can be wonderful, they can also be disastrous affairs without the proper planning.

For most backyard weddings, tents are a must. No matter what The Weather Channel is saying a week before the wedding day, a tent, or some form of shelter, should be a top priority for couples. Some experts suggest renting an alternate venue, just in case.

One of the most obvious reasons for a tent is that it offers protection in case of rain. Although a tent will offer shelter from rain, wind is another story, says Cheryl Gilbert, who owns a tent rental company in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

“The biggest problem with any backyard wedding is high winds,” she says. “It is only a tent, it isn’t a permanent structure… When you get 60 km an hour winds, the wind gets under that tent and it could lift it up.”

Because of the weather factor, planning for a backyard wedding can be stressful for some couples.

“Some people are all depressed if it rains. If you are going to be disappointed, plan it inside,” she says.

When it comes to renting reception tents, there are three basic tent styles to choose from: push-pole, frame tents and tension tents.

Push-pole tents, which are the most popular of the three, have ceilings that slope from a row of center poles, to a series of poles on the perimeter of the tent. They are anchored in the ground by staking, and generally need seven feet of clearance around the perimeter of the tent.

Because there are interior poles, there is less room inside the tent than the other styles. Most people decorate the poles of push-pole reception tents with drapery to make them more appealing to the eye. Like the other styles of tents, push-pole tents have removable sidewalls, which are either plain white, clear vinyl or cathedral-window style.
Frame tents are generally more expensive than push pole tents. They are ideal for tight spots because they don’t need clearance around the tent’s perimeter. They are also ideal for narrow spots.

Tension tents, which are the most stable and wind-resistant of the three styles, are the least common types of reception tents. The center poles in a tension tent are very high, making the tent have very steep slopes. Because they have fewer interior poles than push-pole tents, there is more room inside the tent.

No matter what style of tent a couple chooses, a tent should be big enough so that guests can move around without bumping into each other.

“I always suggest to my customers to go with a bigger tent. That way they can have more room to move around, and pathways between the tables,” says Gilbert.

She also says couples should make sure everyone will fit beneath the tent – including the entertainment and the caterer.

Most companies that rent reception tents will do an onsite survey of the area to help determine the style and size of the tent appropriate for the event. The survey will also determine the best location for the tent.

“Sometimes the most beautiful spot is not always the best spot. It might not be level, there might be a septic nearby, or overhead wires,” says Suzor.

If you are having a backyard wedding reception, make sure you consult with a company that rents reception tents early on in your planning in order to determine the best place for your event.

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Is this your second marriage? Wedding rules for encore brides have changed. Second weddings tend to be smaller than first weddings – and oftentimes, they’re more personalized. Couples marrying for the second time are old enough to know exactly what they want. Many of them have done the big wedding thing, and prefer to celebrate with only close friends and family. Besides, they have different priorities. Many of them have careers, homes, kids, and they no longer feel pressured by their families – or society in general – to have a traditional wedding.

 For a couple entering into a second marriage, wedding plans aren’t necessarily less elaborate. Many encore brides and grooms pull out all the stops for their second ‘I do’s.

If you are planning a 2nd wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you want to wear a traditional white wedding gown, go for it. The ‘no white’ rule has been abolished.

• Registering for gifts is perfectly acceptable. If you already have all the household items you need, consider setting up a honeymoon registry at www.thebigday.com.

• If you are divorced and want to have a church wedding, check with the cleric well before your wedding date to make sure the church permits 2nd weddings. If you get turned away, try a nondenominational minister.

• Consider a destination wedding. They are a popular option for 2nd weddings.

• If you have kids, involve them. This is a great way to prevent them from feeling alienated and to help them get excited about your nuptials.

For couples entering a second marriage, wedding plans often include children. Here are just a few ideas to get children involved:

• Encourage kids to offer input on wedding-day decisions. This will make them feel part of the process. Ask for input on everything from the wedding day music to the favors.

• If kids are artistic or into crafts, have them make favors, place cards, invitations or wedding programs. Also have kids help decorate the venue.

• A young girl can serve as flower girl or ring bearer, while a young boy can serve as ring bearer.

• Preteens could serve as junior bridesmaids or junior ushers. A teen or adult could serve as bridesmaid, groomsman, usher, maid of honor or best man.

• Have a child give a reading or a speech if s/he desires.

• If a child is musical have him or her perform during the ceremony or reception.

• Don’t force kids to take a role. Ask them if they would like to participate, and if so what they would like to do.Save

Have you thought about having a mountain wedding? BC is the perfect place to say ‘I do’! BC wedding venues include everything from quaint restaurants to boutique hotels. And don’t forget the fabulous wineries. Vineyards and orchards in full bloom are perfect wedding locations and there are plenty of them in the Okanagan Valley. If you’re adventurous, there’s the BC interior or the Queen Charlotte Islands.

 Here are some dazzling BC Wedding Venues:

Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Victoria, located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, is the province’s capital and one of the most popular destinations in Canada. Referred to as the “California of Canada”, it’s famous for the Empress Hotel (namely its ‘high tea’), its beautiful downtown harbour, parliament buildings and magnificent gardens. It also has a bustling downtown, with plenty of shopping. A truly romantic destination!

BC Wedding Venues in Victoria

Abigail’s Hotel – This unique and romantic boutique bed and breakfast hotel is conveniently nestled at the end of a tranquic cul-de-sac surrounded by quaint English gardens and friendly residential homes. Intimately housed in a 1930’s heritage Tudor mansion, Abigail’s blends the romance and charm of the past with all the comforts and conveniences of the present. The enchanting setting at Abigail’s makes it an ideal locale for relaxing getaways, intimate weddings and receptions and the hotel’s reputation for excellence in amenities and service clearly precedes it, on an international scale.

Fairmont Empress Hotel – This hotel, which is a turn of the century landmark located on the banks of Victoria’s inner harbour, is perfect for couples who want a wedding in a luxurious setting. If it’s just the two of you, why not tie the knot in the hotel’s lounge and celebrate with a gourmet meal? For a larger wedding, book the hotel’s historic Crystal Ballroom.

 Swans Suite Hotel – Located in historic Old Towne Victoria, the Swans Suite Hotel, a 1913 heritage building and landmark, has a penthouse suite that is perfect for weddings. The luxurious setting is filled with antiques and original artwork. It features a rooftop arbour and 10-person hot tub with a panoramic view of the city and inner harbour. Can accommodate up to 30 people for buffet lunch or dinner or 80 people for cocktail reception.

Tir Na Nog by the Sea Irish Musical Bed and Breakfast – Nestled among the ancient rainforest of East Sooke, this venue is ideal for couples that want to be away from the city. The venue is owned by Celtic musicians that offer music for your garden wedding. A wide variety of wedding packages to choose from.

Wedding Planners

 Royal Victorian Weddings – These wedding consultants offer several wedding packages to suit your own style. You can exchange your vows in a historic church, garden, a Victorian inn or numerous other locations in the region.

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Weddings: Mountains, Beaches and Nature’s Raw Beauty

Tofino, located on the Pacific rim of Vancouver Island, offers more than just a wild and mysterious landscape. Along with its ancient rainforests, its vast stretches of sandy beach, its rolling surf and its misty salt air, this enchanting destination – which attracts more than 300,000 visitors each summer, has a variety of luxurious spas, resorts, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and stores.

Whether you prefer a guest-free wedding on the sand, or a larger gathering inside an elegant dining room, Tofino is the perfect spot for romantic British Columbia weddings.

Did you know that people from across the world head to Tofino during the winter months to watch storms over the Pacific Ocean? 

Note: If you don’t like rain, don’t consider this destination. It’s the wettest place in Canada!

 BC Wedding Venues in Tofino

 The Wickaninnish Inn’s Pointe Restaurant has a private room, The Salai Room for large parties. The Wickaninnish Restaurant at Long Beach can also accommodate large private parties. The restaurant, with its world-renowned cuisine, has a 240-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and glorious view of Chesterman Beach.

Long Beach Lodge, which opened in 2003, was built among towering trees along the coastline of Cox Bay, just minutes from Tofino. The full service venue, which offers gourmet dining, is ideal for small gatherings.

Banff, Alberta Weddings: Mountains and more Mountains

Heading from BC into Alberta, weddings in the Canadian Rockies are perfect for couples who want a stunning backdrop for their vows. The Canadian Rockies are undoubtedly one of Canada’s starring attractions – and there’s no better place to witness their majestic presence than Banff.

Banff, located in Western Alberta, is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only is the scenery spectacular, it’s home to numerous boutiques, cafes and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wedding Venues in Banff

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’ has the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. The resort, which was designed after a Scottish Baronial Castle, has numerous meeting rooms, halls, ballrooms and even a terrace that host weddings from large to small, from simple to elaborate.

 Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabins – If you want a small wedding in a beautiful and secluded setting, check out this venue, which is located in the Banff National Park 25 minutes outside of the town of Banff. The venue offers exclusive use of the lodge and all cabins for weddings, and will handle all your wedding details. Maximum 40 persons.

Wedding Planners

Simplicity Wedding Planners– This company’s goal is to match its clients with the best venues and services to suit their budget.  Plans destination weddings for two all the way up to groups of 400. From the outlandish to the traditional.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Weddings: Vineyards, orchards and pristine lakes

Despite the fires that blazed through B.C.’s Okanagan Valley in 2003, the picturesque wine region is still a popular destination for British Columbia weddings.

Kelowna is the hub of the regions wine making industry. Other areas in the valley, such as Vernon, Penticton and Naramata are also worth checking out. The mountains, vineyards, orchards and crystal blue lakes make them idyllic settings for tying the knot.

BC Wedding Venues in the Okanagan Valley

Summerhill Pyramid Winery – This Kelowna winery, which is Canada’s most visited winery and largest organic vineyard, is just one of many in the region that offers vineyard weddings. Wedding receptions take place at Forster’s at the Summerhill Sunset Bistro, which offers high quality local and organic sourced meals. The bistro has 100 seats inside overlooking Lake Okanagan, 100 seats on the outdoor veranda, and picnic tables in the vineyard.

Lavender Fields Forever

Want a great place to take your wedding photographs in Okanagan Valley? Try the Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm which has eight acres and 41 varieties of lavender. The farm has a perfect view of the Okanagan Lake, as well as nearby vineyards and orchards, which makes it a popular spot for wedding photographers.

Photo: Wickinninnish Inn, Tofino, B.C.