Monday, April 27

Advice for Wedding Planners, Photographers, Brides and their Mothers

GrannyAnnie asked a question in her comment on my flower post yesterday:

"Suddenly I am struck with this question -- Do people sometimes get so caught up in the event that they fail to pause and enjoy the intricate work and talent that goes into these masterpieces?"


The answer is a definite YES, they surely do.

I am going to give some advice as to how to avoid that. Photographers will not focus on photographing the flowers at a wedding unless you tell them to ahead of time. If you have hired a good florist and you want a record of the arrangements, bouquets, etc. at your wedding, then tell the photographer exactly what you want him/her to focus on. It is sometimes difficult for photographers to get good photos of the flowers at a reception because by the time they arrive at the reception when the wedding ceremony is over - there are so many guests already at the reception site. But if you tell the photographer you want photos of your centerpieces and the buffet arrangements, etc., they will do their best to get them. Otherwise, you will see lots of good photos of people, but no flowers unless they just happen to be in the field of view.

A smart florist takes photos of his or her work upon delivery. This is important for several reasons: 1. If a client has an issue/complaint with the work after the wedding, the florist has a record of what he delivered, showing where it was placed, etc. 2. The florist can and should share photos of the wedding work with the bride and her parents. Since the advent of digital cameras, this has become increasingly easy to do (and at no extra cost except the time to send an email).

Over the past 25+ years I have been in business, I have received many a note, phone call or email to thank me for sending photos of all the flowers. Some brides or their mothers have told me that they were so busy talking to their guests that they didn't really have time to look at the flowers, and they were somewhat shocked when they realized they couldn't remember what the arrangements looked like. They are really happy to receive photos, especially if they were pleased with the work and want to show it off to people who didn't attend the wedding, etc.

One last piece of advice: if you are a wedding guest, and you notice a camera left on the table with instructions to use it during the reception, take a photo of the table centerpiece and other flowers as best you can. They may turn out to be the only photos of the flowers that the bride has - and won't she be happy with you!

10 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

Great ideas -- all. We generally enjoy the over all view but due to the excitement, miss the details.

Lisa said...

Excellent advise!

Lois Lane said...

You are so smart and full of great advice. My Niece is getting married next month, and this info will come in handy. Thank you!!!

Grannymar said...

Some great tips there and I know a young lady who will be pleased to read them.

Betty said...

A photo of the flowers and centerpiece - what a good idea!

Pat said...

As Lisa said but with UK spelling:)

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Great tips!

Jean Campbell said...

What a wonderful idea, photographing the floral pieces and tables for the bride to enjoy later. Why didn't I think of that?

Travelin'Oma said...

I sometimes take pictures of the lovely flower arrangements at a wedding, but it has never occurred to me to send them to the bride. DUHH! Thanks for the thought!

Shephard said...

Great advice, Judy.
You know what I forgot to tell the photographers to take photos of...? THE FOOD. I can't believe they didn't take ANY photos of the food. It's a damn good thing I took photos at the tasting. Or I wouldn't have any! You have to spell everything out, and assume nothing, that's for sure! :)
~S