Beach Wedding Dresses - For Hawaiian Or Beach Themed Wedding

So you've decided on a Hawaiian wedding theme and now you need to find beach wedding dresses that go with your Hawaiian beach theme. Or maybe you are planning a beach style wedding elsewhere (not actually on the beach in Hawaii), wherever that may be. It's easy to bring Hawaii to any beach or even to your own back yard. And it all starts with the correct choice of Hawaiian wedding attire suitable to wear on the beach not only for yourself and your bridesmaids but the complete bridal party.

While a wedding on the beach may sound like a unique concept, it has been happening on various beaches of the world. A lot of brides are opting for exotic beach locations for their weddings instead of a traditional church wedding. In order to pick the right bridal attire for a particular wedding, you will need to consider many different elements. This can depend on the location, season and local practices or customs as well as the type of beach itself can be a important factor when selecting Hawaiian beach wedding dresses.

Hawaii is well-known for being laid-back and casual, so why not apply the same attitudes toward your wedding? It's not uncommon for couples getting married on the beach to throw tradition to the wind and dress down.

While nothing could be more romantic than a traditional Hawaiian wedding dress known as a "Holoku". The Hawaiian Holoku, a formal Hawaiian gown with a train, is also a gorgeous choice as a Hawaiian wedding gown for those who would like authentic Hawaiian wedding wear. The Holoku is an elegant, and conservative, formal tea dress, with its high neck, long sleeves, and lace. Maile, the character in Blue Hawaii who married Elvis at the end of the movie, wore a Holoku as her wedding gown as Elvis and Maile serenaded each other with the Hawaiian wedding song as they floated down a river on a canoe toward wedded bliss.

There are wedding gowns, that are specially designed for brides who wish to have a informal wedding especially for the beach. They are unusually free flowing, with simple lines, sometimes very colorful and definitely a far call from conventional. There are designers who specialize in beach wedding dresses with a Hawaiian theme. And even you do not want to get a designer wedding dress you could just get yourself a comfortable beach dress that you are comfortable wearing and get married.

A wedding on the beach does not permit you to wear those long flowing wedding gowns, with a 15ft trailing veil, they are best left for the more traditional church wedding. Hawaiian themed weddings can be more of a casual setting, allowing you set the mood for a fun relaxed day. While out in the sun with a small tent erected, you would want to wear something that matches this setting. After all a marriage ceremony is not sanctified on what beach wedding dress or gown you wear or where you get married. With a wedding on the beach you can be as formal or as casual as you like, they're really are no golden rules, times are simply changing giving brides the chance to truly personalize her own special day.

It is all about marrying the right person in the setting that suits you most, and what an ideal setting, sand between your toes, the sun shinning upon you both, with the waves of the sea lashing against the shore. And, if you are wearing the right kind of beach wedding dress you could ask the priest to sanctify your marriage out on the shores edge, with gentle waves splashing around your ankles as you exchange rings and say 'i do'. Doesn't that sound picture perfect, so romantic...

Beach themed weddings s are popular at many romantic resorts in Hawaii some other popular wedding locations include (in no particular order) the Caribbean, Tahiti, Fiji, the Bahamas, Florida, California, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia and South of France.

Top tips to consider when looking at Hawaiian beach wedding dresses.

The exact location of the beach chosen for the wedding may dictate, to some extent, what to wear to a wedding on the beach; for example, is the beach windy? If so, long, floaty dresses, with long veils (or loose hairstyles) may prove troublesome and a shorter, close fitting wedding dress may be more practical.

Take the time to find out what is the true color of the sand, as white sand is the best as this will not stain your wedding dress. Some sand can leave a horrible yellow stain on your wedding dress. It is advisable to wear a 3/4 length wedding dress if this is the case.

Most brides will also want to have their wedding photos taken on the beach, so it is strongly advisable to check out what type of sand is found at the location you have selected before you decide on the length of your Hawaiian wedding dress.

In any wedding that is going to be on the beach, sand is a important factor that you can not escape. When selecting a wedding dress to wear on the beach, you need to take into consideration that sand will find its way into every possible spot it can. Avoid selecting a beach wedding dresses that have lots of folds, pleats, or even lots of lace that sand can get trapped in.

Is there shade on the beach where the wedding is taking place? If not, you might want to consider a wide brimmed hat as part of your Hawaiian wedding attire to protect you and your beach bridal party from the sun.

Will the wedding take place on the sand or in a wedding gazebo? Sandals or flip flops (which can be very stylish) may be more appropriate than high heels or closed shoes if walking through sand is likely. You will notice in many Hawaiian wedding photos that the bride is even barefooted adding that extra casual feel to the day.

Lets not forget the wedding photos. Having you and your husband frolicking in the waves, or standing on the shore edge looking into the sunset, these romantic photos success will depend on what type of dress you are wearing. A bride trying to hold up a hooped wedding dress standing in the surf doesn't make the best photo shot. But I am sure it can be done, but not the best scenario.

Discovering the Benefits of Using Photo Booth Hire at Your Event

Guests can enter the booth with their partners, children, or as a group and have a huge amount of fun capturing funny photos. The ability to record messages and a whole memory album will provide the hosts with a fantastic gift. Whether you want to share the photos in the future, or keep them all to yourself, the photo booth hire is an excellent way to keep everyone amused.

There are several different photo booths which you can hire; however, you need to ensure that you choose a quality company. This style of entertainment is not cheap; therefore, you want to ensure that the booth is capable of operating all night to a high standard. Larger booths are considered more fun, and will hold up to eight people, making them ideal for group photos.

You will be able to interact with all your guests, and ensure that people have photos to take home, which are top quality and fun. It takes a fantastic photo every time, ensuring that no one misses out on an opportunity for those entertaining poses. If the event is a wedding or birthday, you may want to capture a family photo, therefore, the booth needs to fully open.

If you pay more for the booth, you are likely to be able to choose both black and white, and colour photos. This can make a huge difference, and add another element to the photo booth hire, making it incredibly appealing. You will also need to decide how many copies of each it will produce. Some will only print one for your records, which is no fun for your guests.

Taking the time to select the best photo booth hire companies will guarantee that you have top quality equipment at your event. You need to ensure that you clarify all details beforehand including times, restrictions and any additional fees. Many booths will be supplied with qualified, experienced people who will remain with the equipment for the duration of the party - it's a lot of fun!

If you ensure that you research beforehand, and choose the company carefully, your guests will be talking about your photo booth and event for months. Every event that follows will need to match the standard of your event, and unless there is photo booth hire, this will be difficult to achieve.

Photo booths do brighten up lots of events with unique memories in years to come!

Ocean City Maryland Beach Weddings

A beach wedding is an ideal way to enjoy a fun, easy & stress free wedding. Most beaches are blessed with stunning natural beauty that result in fantastic wedding pictures. A destination wedding at the beach is a great opportunity for your friends and family to enjoy a mini vacation during your wedding week. A destination wedding may reduce your list guest. Not only will this minimize overhead, most guests who decline will still send gifts! Many couples who tie the knot on the sand conveniently combine the wedding and the honeymoon. This is a wonderful cost saving option that may free up some money to put a down payment on a house or pay off some student loans.

Speaking of saving money - can you guess the average price of a wedding in the metro areas of Baltimore, Philadelphia & Washington DC? In 2010 it was over $32,000. Recent unpredictability in the economy has prompted the modern bride to be as resourceful as possible to keep her dream wedding on budget. The beauty of the beach is that it is an inexpensive venue. Ocean City, MD is a free public beach. The wedding friendly local government has made this family resort one of the most popular destinations on the east coast to say "I do". Beaches in Delaware and Virginia impose small beach permit and parking fees. These fees are minimal compared to what you would pay by the hour in the city for your ceremony venue. The pictures and video from a perfect day at the beach are priceless.

During the summer months the best time for your beach wedding pictures is sunrise or sunset. The skyline is spectacular at those times and there are usually less spectators on the sand. From 10 am until 5 pm the beaches can get pretty crowded. It can also be ridiculously hot in the middle of the day. Even a nice ocean breeze won't keep you dry during a 3 pm August ceremony. Try to wait until the lifeguards vacate the beach. Families and children will usually follow soon after. After 5:30 pm, the beach is pretty sparse - a few surfers, a couple playing Frisbee and an old man with a metal detector. Early morning is the best time for exclusivity. A sunrise beach wedding is as romantic as it gets!

The beach season is traditionally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once the kids are back in school, the beach traffic is sparse during the week. Weekends stay very busy in the autumn shoulder months of September and October. There are usually special events during the weekends which increase traffic and occupancy. The weather is ideal in the fall. The past few Octobers have blessed us with temperatures in the low 80s here in Ocean City. Late April and May offer perfect temperatures as well, but there is an increased chance of rain in the spring. If it is scheduled to rain on your day, contact your officiant a few days before to make the necessary changes. Sometimes we move the ceremony a few hours up or back to avoid the storm. If it's a warm, light rain it may not be an issue- most beach ceremonies only last about 10 minutes. In a worst case scenario, you can always have the ceremony under cover where you are staying. I've never had one bride who came to the beach to get married leave without tying the not due to weather. Relax- spot of rain is nothing to lose sleep over.

An off season beach wedding has plenty of perks. Hotel rates drop significantly in the winter. The top venues have more availability. Parking is plentiful and traffic is minimal from New Year's until St. Patrick's Day. If you have a winter beach wedding, schedule it between 12-3 pm to get the most warmth from the sun.

Once you choose your ceremony spot, it's time to think about your decorations. In a perfect world, your friends and family will have the time and resources to help you create a theme and haul the supplies down to the beach with them. Then they'll set everything up perfectly prior to the ceremony and pack everything up and cart it away after your "I dos". The modern bride on the go doesn't always have that luxury. Renting may be the practical part of the equation. Unless you have access to a flatbed truck, I would let the professionals worry about the archway,tables, chairs, runners, palm trees, columns, tiki torches and music.

These can take quite awhile to set-up and break down. Exert your creative influence on the ceremony with decorative ribbons, flowers and shells that match your color scheme (and fit easily in your trunk).

A nice touch is a sand unity ceremony. Similar to a candle lighting ceremony (difficult to perform in the wind), two vials of different colored sand are poured into an empty vial to symbolize your new union. Add additional colored vials for each child you would like to include in the ceremony. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a butterfly or dove release. There are a lot of variables that can go wrong with a release, but if luck is on your side it will be an amazing spectacle.

Music adds a sophisticated dimension to any ceremony. Most public beaches have regulations that restrict amplification of music. You can usually have a self contained portable unit. We use a white" Ka-Boom Box (about $360)" for our ceremonies. I consider it the Rolls Royce of boomboxes. At the water's edge, a high quality sound system is necessary to compete with the crashing waves.

If you have the cash, an acoustic musician is a nice touch. A string trio, harpist, violin, steel drum or bagpipe can make your ceremony even more memorable.

If you use a DJ, either send him your requests in advance or bring a CD/MP3 with you. This should include the music to be played while your guests are seated, your wedding march and your processional music. Recessional can be a traditional march. It can also be Dave Matthews, Michael Buble, Beyonce or Led Zeppelin- whatever floats your boat. I had one couple walk out to AC/DC Thunderstruck during Bike Week. They had a blast!

Now that you've got your dates and venues set, it's time to tackle the paperwork. You will need to acquire a marriage license from the clerk of the county you are getting married in. County rules vary from state to state, but tend to be pretty similar. The quickest way is to apply in person. You will need to provide proof of identification. This can include a copy of your birth certificate, drivers license or passport. You will also need the contact information and social security number of you and your spouse. If this is not your first marriage you will need to provide either a decree of divorce or a death certificate. Some clerks will allow you to file through the mail (especially if you are out of state). Your license will be temporary and may have restrictions. I have included a complete directory of the Delmarva peninsula clerks and requirements on page (?) to make it as easy as possible for you.

You've started working on your license. Now it's time to find the right officiant for your ceremony. Parents, in laws, religious and cultural differences make it difficult to please everyone. At the end of the day, the only votes that count are you and your future spouse. It should be someone you are both comfortable with. I like to give my clients creative control of the ceremony of their ceremony. I give them a ceremony framework and they fill in the details. I'll e-mail them a copy of their ceremony to look over and make changes. That way you know exactly what I am going to say before it comes out of my mouth (I find that brides tend not to like surprises on their wedding day). Sometimes there is a lot of pressure from family (especially grandparents) for a more "traditional" ceremony. That's when you need your officiant to act as a "referee" and call it right down the middle. A good beach officiant shows up on time, dresses appropriately, projects his voice over the sea and orchestrates the symphony of your wedding ceremony.

Choosing a wedding photographer can be difficult. If you're having a beach wedding, I'd recommend a photographer who lives at the beach. Not only are they familiar with the lighting and the angles, if their car breaks down they can catch a taxi to you wedding. I have heard the horror stories about out of state vendors breaking down on the highways and arriving late for (or missing) their events. If your photographer is an import, make sure they arrive the night before. The closer your team lives to your venue, the more likely they are to show up on time. They also won't need to tack on a travel charge. That being said, compare local vendors for price and quality of work. I would also choose a non smoking photographer- you'd be amazed how many shots are missed while vendors are on a tobacco break. The evolution of digital cameras has leveled the playing field. You may have a friend or relative willing to shoot your wedding. If you take them up on the offer, have a back up plan. At least hire a professional for the ceremony, the introductions and the cutting of the cake. "Uncle Buck" may do a reasonable job with his Powershot, but 10 years down the road you don't want to have any regrets. Having friends and family "shadow" the photographer may seem like a good idea, but can have disastrous results. I've seen that trend a lot lately and the subjects in the photo get confused which camera to look at. People look in all different directions and detract from the quality of the photos you are paying the professional to take.

Another decision is whether you would like video of your wedding. Video is wonderful. It's a wonderful way to relive the moment on your anniversary. A highlight video of your ceremony and reception is priceless. Video can be expensive. Your best bet is to shop around and find a package that includes photo and video. All in one shops are becoming popular because you can arrange all your shopping with one phone call. It's also easier to track down your merchandise after the wedding when its all through the same company.

Entertainment may be the most important part of your reception. If your guests are bored, they may leave early. If you want your guests to still talk about your reception 5 years down the road, you'll need to keep them entertained. A great band can really get the crowd involved and liven up a party. The drawbacks are that they take up a lot of space, take long breaks and cost a lot of money. A DJ is the most practical solution for the bride on a budget. There are a lot of "clowns" out there. Do your homework before hiring your DJ. What does he look and sound like? A facial tattoo or squeaky voice may not be what you're searching for. Does he use tobacco? A DJ that smokes takes too many breaks. A DJ that chews tobacco may offend your guests. The ideal wedding DJ will be close to your age. They'll have grown up listening to the same music as you. They'll know what to play to get you and your bridal party up and dancing. Remember- its YOUR party. Speak with them on the phone to make sure you connect. Make sure they'll play the music you want to hear. If you have Spanish speaking guests, you may want a bilingual DJ. A reputable DJ offer you a reception planner to customize your special songs. Your DJ should definitely live close to your venue. If the DJ's van breaks down, they won't be able to put their equipment in a taxi. If you need to bring in a DJ from out of town, have them arrive the night before or make sure you have a back up plan.

Sample Beach Ceremonies

Hello and Welcome.
Today we are here to celebrate the uniting in marriage of ______ and ________.
This is the first step of their new life together. It is the beginning of an exciting new journey that will change their lives forever. These two free spirits have chosen each other to complete their lives. You have been invited here to day to celebrate this union and share in their joy.
God, we ask that you bless this couple and smile upon them throughout all the years of their marriage. May your love radiate upon them, may your wisdom guide them may and your light shine down to guide them in their darkest hours. In your presence, reflected in the ocean before us; bless this family.
Amen.
The marriage of ______ and _______ is responsible for the creation of a whole new family.
We ask that both the families and friends of ______ and _______ are committed to the prosperity of this marriage and encourage their union to blossom.
Who stands with _________ in support of this marriage?
Who stands with _________in support of this marriage?
______ and _______ are aware of the seriousness of the relationship they are about to enter. These two individual are prepared to merge for a common good. You are aware of each others differences, yet have commitment to embrace them. You have accepted each other for who you are and without intent to change each other's spirit. Your unique personalities must shine through for a marriage to grow. Nurture each other with positivity and respect. The time for selflessness and random acts of kindness is upon you.
______, do you take _____ to be your best friend and your lover. To be your soul mate in this adventure for all your years. To kiss away your sorrows and to show unwavering support through dark times. Do you promise to stop and smell the roses, to celebrate with laughter and joy when the opportunity arises? Will you provide _____ with compassion, honor and love?
Do you _______take _______to be your wife?
______, do you take _____ to be your best friend and your lover. To be your soul mate in this adventure for all your years. To kiss away your sorrows and to show unwavering support through dark times. Do you promise to stop and smell the roses, to celebrate with laughter and joy when the opportunity arises? Will you provide _____ with compassion, honor and love?
Do you _______take _______to be your husband?
May we please have the rings?
The ring is a visible symbol of the commitment you have made on this beach. It displays your love for another for all the world to see. It is a testament to honor the vows you taken here today.
As you place the ring on ________ finger, please repeat after me:
With this ring,
My heart belongs to you. I promise to love your forever and always walk by your side.
As you place the ring on ________ finger, please repeat after me:
With this ring,
My heart belongs to you. I promise to love your forever and always walk by your side.
______ and _____, may you both be blessed on this day of love and good fortune. May you reach for the stars and live out your dreams with one another. As a team anything is possible. May you always share your thoughts and stay connected. May the spark that brought you together always remain lit. May your love triumph over adversity.
May your lives be forever enhanced by the words exchanged today.
We wish for you nothing but the best as your new life unfolds.
_______ and _________, you have spoken vows and made your promises before God and these witnesses. You have embraced your commitment with the giving and receiving of rings. It is at this time I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!
Now, for the first time ever, I present to you Mr. and Mrs._____________________!

We are gathered here on this joyous occasion to celebrate the uniting in marriage of ____ and _______.

As you can see, Ocean City Beach Weddings are Fun, Easy and Stress Free. Beach Weddings are relatively inexpensive and the photos are amazing! Feel free to contact Rox Weddings and Events for help with your OC Beach Wedding! The next Ocean City Bridal shows are November 7th 2010 at the oceanfront Courtyard Marriott Hotel and April 10th at Lighthouse Sound. Wedding Officiant Sean Rox will be giving away a Free Caribbean Cruise for two. Hope to see you there!

Planning a Wedding That Doesn't Kill Your Budget or Your Relationship

If you're planning a wedding and you're concerned about your wedding budget, there are several ways to save. The keys to successfully planning a budget-conscious wedding are having the abilities to be creative, flexible, and opportunistic.

Think of this scenario: You wake up in the middle of the night with a craving for ice cream. All grocery stores are closed, so you run through the options in your head. You can go to the all-night convenience store or coffee shop and pay a premium price for this craving or you can settle for the granola bar in the back of your pantry. Then the thought occurs that you could have planned ahead while grocery shopping earlier that week and had your ice cream at a fair price. The same shopping options exist for every part of your wedding. Do you pay premium prices? Do you plan ahead? Or do you simply do without? There are no wrong answers, but planning ahead can almost always offer the most bang for the bucks.

The key trick in saving money for your wedding is flexibility. Think about your wedding date. It's probably a mild Saturday evening in late Spring or early Fall. I'm no Nostradamus, it's just a fact that the vast majority of couples choose the same dates for their weddings. You can slash your overall wedding costs significantly by changing your wedding date away from Saturday evenings in May, June, September, or October. Go crazy and avoid Saturdays altogether and have a raging Friday night wedding or a relaxing Sunday afternoon wedding. You might not think these date/time adjustments matter, but vendors' schedules are much less likely to be full on a Sunday afternoon in August or a Friday night in March. This availability can translate into staggering deals if you shop around. I've seen $10,000-$15,000 weddings (combined vendor cost) reduced to $2,000-$3,000 with every component of the wedding staying exactly the same, including the venue. The difference? An 11am ceremony time on a Saturday in June versus a 5pm wedding the EXACT SAME DAY. An unexpected perk to avoiding Saturday evenings goes to your guests who can now plan a weekend after your Friday night bash or before the Sunday nuptials. That Saturday night wedding breaks everyone's weekend in half. Having schedule flexibility is huge for all vendors, but specific savings can also be found for each part of your big day.

Wedding venues: The venue is usually the costliest of the wedding investments, but that only means it is also the biggest opportunity to save money. If you want elegance, maybe avoid the country clubs and golf courses and find a shady park or beach and spend a fraction of your budget on elegant tables, string lighting, and candle-lit centerpieces. If you're quirky and fun, bypass a regular venue and rent an old theater or local art gallery. Think outside the box. Depending on the size of your guest list, you can find venues that aren't considered traditional, but will more than fit your needs. Private residences and local restaurants might fit your needs perfectly. With any non-traditional venue, be sure to get all the details. Some places may require additional insurance or have restrictions on attendance, food/drink, etc, so be sure to be thorough in your interviews. If you are looking for a traditional venue, many times finding a location that can host both the wedding and reception is ideal. For both convenience and cost, this option almost always is preferable to separate locations. If you opt for a church wedding, keep in mind that some churches offer weddings a low or even no cost. Call around and you might find a great deal

Caterer: The ideal way to cut food/drink costs is to time your wedding between traditional meal times. Having a 11am or 2pm wedding allows you to escape providing full meals and instead serve small appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, etc. If you opt for this cost-cutting schedule choice, be sure to indicate to guests when type of food/refreshments will be served. Most people will grab a bite to eat before or after the wedding if they know in advance that only snacks will be available at the wedding. If you must serve food, shop around. Some venues require you to use their preferred caterers, so know this in advance. Sample each caterer's menus and ask them how savings can be found. Many times a limited menu with more appetizer options works well. If you decide to serve a meal, buffet style usually costs less than plated meals. And keep this question in mind: How was the food at the last wedding you attended? Most people don't remember. Find a balance between quality, service, and price.

Cake: There are reality TV shows dedicated to cakes. Amazing, beautiful cakes are everywhere. Now for the life-changing reality: Its still just dessert. I know, that sounds harsh and emotionless. But its sugar and eggs and flour, and you're in a market than can charge thousands of dollars for a, yes, dessert. Think about your reasoning behind the cake. Its fun and you want photos of the cake-cutting and subsequent cake-smashing. You can accomplish the same thing with a small but still elegant cake. The photos look the same, and the crowd still gathers around. And when the smashed cake is wiped from the groom's face, all the guests are served cute little wedding cupcakes or pieces of sheet cake that have been cut and are ready to serve immediately. Buy a pretty little cake for the two of you, or for the bridal party, and ask your baker to make a sheet cake or two, or cupcakes, of the same flavor as yours. Everyone enjoys the cake and you enjoy cutting your cake budget by 50% or more.

Photographer: Many couples make the mistake of forgoing a professional wedding photographer and hiring Uncle Harry because he always has a camera, and he'll be at the wedding anyway. Or a niece in high school just bought a really expensive camera and took photography in high school. Remember that your photographs are likely going to be the only tangible reminders of your wedding. When the cake and songs and flowers are long gone, you'll have your photography to enjoy and share for years to come. You want a photographer with wedding experience to ensure all angles are covered and all poses are ideal. This doesn't mean you have to blow your entire budget on photography, however. Search photographers' websites, and only contact those whose photos fit your style. When speaking with the photographer, request a quote that excludes prints, albums, or other photo products. Get the edited photography on a disc or flash drive with a copyright release that allows you to print your photos. Most photographers' profit lies in the printing, so you can save that money and print economically at your own convenience. If a photographer doesn't offer this, move along. There are plenty that will offer a no-prints option.

DJ: The DJ is the vendor that some deem unnecessary and others regard as invaluable. I think both are true depending on the type of wedding and reception you want. If you want a quiet, relaxed ceremony and reception with soft music in the background throughout, just find a venue with a sound system and plug in an ipod playlist of soft grooves. If you want your reception to be a party, then hire a DJ. DJ's styles and levels of interaction vary, so keep this in mind. If you want someone to keep the guests dancing, get someone outgoing and fun. Like the photographer, don't skimp too much and hire the high school tech geek down the street with the loud sound system. Weddings are unique, and you want experience. Ask for deals and compare prices. No real tricks here other than shopping in advance.

Florist: Flowers are beautiful and can enhance any wedding. They also sit in vases and soak up water. Each couple needs to decide whether a little color is pretty or more elaborate floral arrangements are necessary. If you find a venue that is attractive on its own, consider skipping or reducing the floral decorations. Many florists advise boosting the greenery in arrangement and using the actual flowers strategically, which makes a lot of sense both artistically and financially. Some couples are now opting for artificial flowers in lieu of actual flowers. This can be cheaper and offer the advantage of preparing months in advance. They also last forever, so your investment doesn't end up in the compost pile the next day. If you decide to go with real flowers, check independent florists first, as they can often work with your budget with more flexibility than a larger retail chain.

Videographer: Have you ever visited a friend and been subjected to watching their wedding video? It's painful. Now, with the development of high-def and superior editing, today's wedding videos are more like Hollywood features than handheld camcorders of the 80's. they can also be very expensive. The real question is need. After the first few weeks of being married, will your wedding DVD ever be seen? Aside from distant relatives visiting or an anniversary viewing, it likely sits on the shelf. Most budget-minded couples skip the videographer, but if you really want video then find a company that uses multiple cameras and edits in a style you enjoy. Be sure they know the style you want and ask them to work with your budget.

Other: There are several other ways to save that simply didn't fit the other categories:

Wedding favors are cute, but often sit in the backseat of your guests' cars and ultimately get tossed. If you have a budget for them, find something personal (a small framed photo of the wedding couple, a small package of candy or mints, etc). Find something fun or quirky, but cheap. Search online for many creative options.

With any wedding, avoid placing disposable cameras at guest tables. The idea is great, but the execution is horrible. You'll spend hundreds on these outdated cameras, and hundreds more to develops photos of kids' feet and empty plates. Don't even consider this for your wedding!

Limousines: Beautiful and elegant, but really only use if transportation is needed. Hiring a limo to drive you three blocks doesn't allow you to relax or save money. If you're travelling across town and want to splurge, go for it. Ask for wedding specials, and find a service that will allow you to use the minimum amount you need. Don't get locked into a six-hour minimum when you only need three.

Honeymoon: If you're wanting a honeymoon but don't have a big budget, consider registering for your wedding with a travel agent instead of a retailer. Your guests may gift you a vacation instead of cutlery! If you're considering a small wedding, think about a destination wedding for the two of you (or small family), and combine your wedding and honeymoon instead of a reception. Sometimes this is more economical than couples think and provides a romantic and less expensive wedding option.

Craigslist: OK, this isn't a wedding component. But Craigslist can be your best friend. You can find vendors, dresses, wedding locations, and much more in one convenient site. If you have a particular skill, service, or item, consider using the site's barter section to trade for wedding services. Trading your unused timeshare for a wedding photographer or bartering your automotive repair business to obtain catering can be empowering and budget-saving. Read through the section and find ideas that may help you save.

Hopefully a few of these suggestions give you ideas on stretching your wedding budget. Weddings are beautiful, amazing events and should be celebrated, not agonized. Enjoy the process, and remember that this is YOUR big day. Build the wedding you want, and let your guests enjoy the ride with you.

Creative Photo Coffee Mug Gift Ideas

A photo coffee mug makes a great gift, decoration, centerpiece, or guest favor for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a wedding, hosting a shower, or honoring a milestone such as retirement or graduation, a photo gift is a wonderful keepsake that will help everyone remember the special day.

By simply adding a photo, an ordinary mug can become an interesting and creative gift. It can bring humor, stir sentiment, incite nostalgia, or express hope for the future. It can make people laugh, it can remind them of a life well lived, or it can share the joy of happy events.

We have all experienced the frustration of trying to purchase a creative gift for the person who has absolutely everything, or the stress of finding the perfect idea to impress those hard to please people on our list. Well, now you can relax because the search is over - a photo coffee mug is the ideal choice for family and friends of every age, and even if they don't use if for their morning brew, they will appreciate the unique thought and the memories it creates.

A romantic Valentine photo mug of a couple could be filled with a chocolate covered strawberry bouquet, specially printed conversation hearts, or personalized M&Ms. Create a memorable wedding gift with a photo mug of the happy bride and groom filled with balloons or flowers. Or give a matching set, filling one with candles and gourmet chocolates and the other with coffee products and chocolate covered spoons so the couple can enjoy their gift from the intimacy of their honeymoon suite.

Looking for an original idea for your child's teacher? A photo mug of the class filled with fresh cut flowers, annuals, or chocolates would be a touching surprise. If possible, you could even fill the mug with little notes and cards from the students.

Fill a new baby photo mug with a beautiful sock bouquet. These teensy weensy little foot coverings can be rolled to look like roses and will add a special touch to a practical gift.

Create a photo mug of the sports fan holding a trophy or wearing the jersey of their favorite team. Filled with a bouquet of cookies shaped like soccer balls, footballs, tennis racquets etc., this gift is sure to become a special keepsake.

Need to buy a gift for a child's birthday? How about a photo mug with the child's picture? This alone will thrill every little boy or girl, but when filled with sundae toppings and a gift card to an ice cream parlor, it becomes a tasty treat. Complete a princess party by giving each little guest a photo mug of the guest of honor filled with lip gloss, lotions, and pretty hair barrettes.

Do you have a pet lover in the family? Create a photo mug using a picture of the cherished pet - with or without the owner - and fill with paw print chocolates or cookies. Of course, you can add a special touch by including a little something for the pet such as a bejeweled collar or a toy.

A photo mug of a new high school graduate could be filled with a bouquet made of chocolate grad hats, gift cards, or rolled money. What a great way to embark on the expensive college journey!

Using a photo editing program, add a chefs hat to your favorite baker and create a photo mug filled with a cookie cutter bouquet.

Celebrate a 50th birthday with a photo mug made from a baby or childhood picture of the recipient. Include joke items, face creams, lotions, or fill with favorite childhood treats.

Honor an anniversary by putting the couple's wedding photo on a mug and then filling with a bouquet made from pictures of their life together, including a certificate for a romantic dinner or a weekend getaway.

Every father would love a photo mug of his children filled with shaving supplies, or thrill a mom with a photo mug of her child's first drawing filled with her favorite flower.

Photo coffee mugs are a unique and creative idea that make the perfect gift for every occasion and can be customized to please everyone on your list.

Photo Frames As Wedding Presents

A photo frame is a very adaptable gift which is why there is such a wide variety of them available, including personalised ones and engraved photo frames which can be given as wedding presents, birthday gifts or at more or less any other occasion.

A nice occasional photo frame can be an excellent wedding gift. Weddings are about memories, so giving a wedding photo frame means that those special "Kodak moments" captured during the day - be it at the reception, the wedding itself or the official photographs taken by hired professionals - can be enjoyed in a lovely presentation for years to come.

Since the proliferation of digital cameras, photographs are only rarely developed and printed off en masse, so presents such as photo albums are largely unneeded these days as they are simply uploaded online to social networking sites or photo sharing services such as Flickr and Facebook.

People still like to have pictures at home, however, and a wedding frame gift allows the happy couple to pick out their favourite shot of the big day to keep in pride of place on the mantelpiece and share with each other and their friends and family. Simply printing off a digital photograph and popping it into a generic frame simply does not do justice to the occasion, so a proper wedding themed photo frame makes the activity far more special.

A wedding gift with a photo from the big day is a meaningful and personal gift that can be treasured as a keepsake and displayed proudly for many years afterwards. Some places offer engraving or further personalisation services, or you can get autograph wedding frames to be signed by the bride and groom with their sentiments, or even for the guests to leave notes and congratulations messages on the event. You can also get engagement and even wedding anniversary frames which can make a lovely regular gift so the couple ends up with a beautiful themed gallery charting their relationship over the years!

Photo frames are very versatile as presents and can be given for almost any occasion, from weddings and engagements to birthdays, christenings and graduations. Don't settle for just a frame, either; you can also get photo trinket boxes, themed gift albums and other photo gifts which can be themed and personalised to any special day or event. Even better, these presents are often inexpensive when compared to impersonal gifts like flowers or chocolates, as well as showing a far greater amount of thought and care in selecting the gift.

Choosing a Style for Your Personalized Cartoon Wedding Koozies

If you are having a less formal or casual wedding then a cartoon wedding koozie can be a great choice for your personalized wedding favor, being both fun, functional and very flexible! In fact, there's so much choice of different cartoon styles it can be tricky to try choose from the myriad of designs that are out there, so just to help, we have put together some of the very best concepts to inspire you.

Simple Cartoon Wedding Koozies

Very simple drawings or sketches work brilliantly, but with subtle clues by a talented designer even a stick figure can be made to represent the bride and groom with ease! Subtle changes of respective height or hairstyle are common requests and props are another quick way of making a cartoon figure more like you too. Cowboy hats and boots, fishing rods or surf boards are popular choices - and ones that will have your guests chuckling! Other ideas you can look at with stick figures is putting them in cars or other vehicles to change things up a bit, or add a wedding cake into the mix.

Of course a simple sketch does not have to be of the bride and groom - if you do not think that would work for you why not look at other ideas such as a line drawing of a wedding car with 'just married' on the back or maybe some silhouettes of some other icons to represent you, like two love birds in a tree?

Filled or 'cell-shaded' Wedding Koozies

A step up from line drawn cartoon wedding koozies are the filled or colored type. With these you can start to choose colors of the hair, eyes and clothes of your digital (and then print) representations. Good designers will be able to also adjust hair styles as well as color - making length and cut match those in a photo that can be sent in by email. When adding a bit of color to your cartoon it opens up a lot more choices of styles that can work - from the really simple to more elegant, stylized types. Each one is able to edited to match your looks of course! It is just a matter of preference.

Some of the best designs can just be a black and white style drawing or even just a silhouette. Try and ask your koozie designers if they can outline you and your partner from a photo with a great pose and just add accents to suit.

Anime (Manga) Style Wedding Koozies

Ever fancied yourself being an anime character then these designs are just for you - characterised by beautiful shading and large eyes these illustrations look great on anything, let alone your wedding Koozies! Again suppliers with strong in-house design teams will be able to adapt template designs to look more you and your partner. Quick and simple is just changing the hair and eye color, and also the color of the grooms suit and tie ensemble. Taking a little more time will be changing hair styles and length - due to the complexity of these types of illustration some suppliers may charge a small fee for this service, but they are great between option for those that do not want a full caricature.

Draw-it-yourself Wedding Koozies

A current popular trend is for couples that are thinking of getting married is to either draw themselves, or get a friend to draw them in a simplistic and casual style. The drawing might be either realistic (but not a high quality caricature, try tracing a photograph scanned into an art package carefully) or very simplistic - the key of course is to make sure which ever one you choose that it easily recognisable. The easy way to do this is to accentuate things about you that people associate with you. Do have a nose that is on the sharp side - let your imagination go with it! It will look great, and things that good on paper will look even better once they are scanned in and printed onto the real thing! Remember that you can have lots of goes at getting things right - and if you get one person right on one drawing, and the other person right on another drawing most designers will be able to join the two good drawings on the one koozie.

When drawing you characters use white paper and a dark ink, black is best. That way it will be easier to 'isolate' your drawing and manipulate it later on a computer. If you complete your drawing in this manner, black pen can be easily changed into white pen if you'd prefer a dark colored background for your Koozie.

Caricature Wedding Koozies

The creme de la creme of the cartoon wedding Koozie is the caricature. Caricatures can be completed by talent friend or family member, but also there are several online services that can help too. Some of the bigger Koozie suppliers will have their own in-house caricature artist too. The great thing about online artists is that you can have a look at their portfolio first, so you can choose an illustrator that looks most likely to be able to render you and your loved one in a style that you'll be happy with sharing with your friends and family on your wedding day! Lots of caricature artists go for the exaggerated heads style you are sure to be familiar with, but many will bring things back a little and produce something less amplified if you like.

Most caricatures start with a short brief of what you'd like and a couple of photos. Some brides like to attach a picture of the wedding dress they are going to be wearing so that can be incorporated - as well as shots of hairstyles they are intending to have on the day. Done well, these caricatures can really raise a smile, and many Koozie suppliers will let you have the original artwork too. Printed out, this makes a great addition into the wedding album!

A compromise if you cannot, or do not, want to go as far as a full caricature is a blend of an existing template and a photo of you and your partners heads. This sounds possibly a bit strange, but with a bit of photo editing wizardry the result can be really, really good!

Wedding Photo Album Favors

Photos are timeless, photos are forever, and a picture is worth a thousand words. When you capture all the moments of your wedding and all the spontaneity in you and your guests, it's impossible to keep the hilarious photos or moving photos to yourself. Sometimes, you simply have to share your joy and the memories that the photos incur. That's why wedding albums make great favors or even thank you gifts after you've developed your photos. You can fill your album with pictures of you and your spouse or personalize each cover with a picture of you and each particular guest. Try leaving cameras out on the tables that your guests can take pictures with so that you can see your own wedding through others' eyes. Your guests can even just take the albums home and fill them with their own pictures, including personal photos that they've taken with you. Albums are great wedding favors for your guests because it gives them a place to focus all their memories and keep your wedding event organized into unforgettable pictures.

Memories Photo Album:

These six and a half inch by five inch photo albums can store up to forty four inch by six inch photos that your guests took at the wedding reception or anywhere else. Each album has a clear box frame on the front that is perfect for personal messages or name cards to greet your guests at their seats. You can order these albums in two distinctive patterns: white rose brocade, or pressed garden leaves. Choose the pattern that best suits your wedding decorations and theme! Each album holds a million memories when it's filled with warm photos of friends, loved ones, family, and the good times that they all shared throughout their lives and most especially at your wedding reception.

Message Photo Frame:

This frame opens eight and a half inches wide to reveal one side where your photo can be placed and another side that can be personalized with up to two lines of text. This is perfect for your guests because you can give them a personal message thanking them for coming to your wedding celebration. The other side will hold any kind of picture you like. The nickel plated frame will definitely fit in with any wedding theme and be presented as the perfect wedding favor for your guests to hold their memories in.

Double Hearts Design Ornament:

This ornament is perfect for your wedding guests or even as a treat for yourself to remember your special day. This ornament features a white and red heart intertwining and is strung so that you can hang it wherever you want with ease. There is room for a photo and two lines of text to make this a truly memorable and everlasting ornament.

Wedding Photo Collage Ideas

A wedding photo collage is an interesting idea with lots of great possibilities. You can create them for yourself or for family, friends and anyone else you want to share your memories with. Here are just a few ideas for those looking to share their big day in a special way:

1. You might want to make a photo collage of your wedding for your parents or grandparents.   You can do this as a special gift shortly after your wedding day using pictures that you have selected from the photographer or someone else who took pictures at the event.  Try to select ones that the recipient would like, making it as personal as it can be.  For example, your grandparents will probably like a collage of just family, whereas your folks might prefer a mix of family and close friends.

2. You can combine photos from your wedding with others such as your first date, destination vacations and other special occasions and give them to your husband or wife as an anniversary gift.  This will have much more meaning than the usual anniversary presents, and you can take a trip down memory lane together.

3. If you want to do something really unique, make your photo collage into a jigsaw puzzle.  You can take your favorite shots from your big day, e.g. the first dance, cutting the cake, family table pictures, and upload these to an online service that will turn them into a unique wedding photo collage puzzle.  These can be great for everyone, as they combine the memory of your special day with a fun activity for kids and adults alike. After all, who doesn't like a jigsaw puzzle?

Whatever you decide, make sure it's done right.  Look online for companies that specialize in digital wedding photo collages, and choose one that offers a wide selection of options. Most good online stores will have some of their past work displayed so you can get an idea of what the photo collage may look like. If you can't decide what to choose, they will suggest a photo collage for you.

If you go the puzzle route, there are only a select few companies that do this, at least professionally. You want to  make sure the company you choose specializes in digital photo jigsaw puzzles.  It shouldn't be too difficult to determine this. You can order them in a variety of puzzle sizes depending on skill level, from 35 pieces all the way up to 1500 pieces.  Prices usually range from  around $80 to $250.

So don't just throw those wedding photos in a boring old album, make a photo collage today.  Better yet, make a wedding photo collage jigsaw puzzle!

Wedding Dress Trends - Top Wedding Dress Styles for the Modern Bride

Reflecting the overall trend of breaking away from tradition and steadfast rules, modern brides are choosing wedding gowns that reflect their personality and vision--not necessarily their grandmother's. The only rule for wedding dress style these days is to choose one that suits you. Whether that means wearing a gold wedding dress, trouser suit or sundress, go with it! And even if you are more traditional and have always envisioned yourself as the fairy princess in the white satin ballgown, you needn't worry about being perceived as old fashioned or "not with the times." The modern "rule" for wedding dress style is to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful on your day.

That said, although certain traditional dress styles are always popular, bridal fashion does follow mainstream fashion to some extent. So if you are looking for something a little more contemporary or "now," consider turning to the catwalks for inspiration.

The currently popular 20s-and floral-style dresses can be easily incorporated into a wedding dress. Accessories, such as chandelier earrings, can also transfer from the catwalks to comprise your wedding look. Try to avoid fashion that will date quickly, however, as you will want to display your wedding photographs for a long time. As a general rule, keep your wedding ensemble fashionably forward, not overly trendy.

Today's Hot Wedding Dress Trends:

Add Some Color -

Using a wedding dress to bring out a colorful personality, modern brides are not afraid to add a splash of color to the traditional white gown. Whether that means adding a colored ribbon or piece of jewelry or foregoing the white wedding dress all together, today's brides find inventive ways to incorporate color into their wedding attire. Particularly popular shades are blue, pink, cappuccino and champagne.

Lace Up -

Lace has made a recent comeback, exuding a look vintage romance that is feminine, yet not overdone. Many brides are enchanted by lace, envisioning a majestic day in a lush green garden.

Magnificent Embroidery -

For an ultra elegant, opulent feel, glamour girls savor wedding gowns adorned with intricate hand-embroidered details. This look warrants grand chandeliers, candlelight and an isle of red roses.

Ultra-Feminine -

As seen on the runway, feminine details are making a big impact. Ribbons, ruffles, flowers and bows are finding their way back onto wedding dresses and taking femininity to a new level. Brides who envision themselves floating along the cobblestones of a historic mansion will love this look.

Photo Editing Or Digital Scrapbooking Software - Which Is Best for Scrapbooking?

Photo Editing Software

When you use it for your digital scrapbooking, a photo editing software solution focuses primarily on each and every page individually. Nearly all professionals make use of such software solutions to craft their unique digital albums. Generally, this kind of software solution brings you powerful tools to help you create and edit album pages individually. You get to use a wide selection of objects like photos, backdrop papers, embellishments and journaling.

Major advantages are -

• Tools for multifaceted photo editing
• A broad range of creative effects
• Precise control over the page elements
• Exceptional tools for producing page elements, like background papers and embellishments
• Strict control on page properties like size, shape and resolution

Digital Scrapbooking Software

Such software application tends to take a broader view of your digital album making quest. On the whole, it'll excel at making whole albums fast. It lets you work with an entire album all together as opposed to the approach of working on individual pages. Then again, the number as well as quality of available tools for controlling or editing page objects does vary greatly from one software solution to another.

Advantages in particular -

• Impressive user-friendly approach
• Fast creation of album and page
• Sometimes lets you drag and drop photos and similar page objects
• Ready scrapbooking graphics are included (i.e. embellishments, templates of page layout or background papers)
• Program functions specific to user's interests
• Numerous sharing options like DVDs, movie clips/files, photo books or image files

The verdict

The software solution that would suit you best will depend on the level of experience or expertise you've got as well as on the extent of your detail orientation and on the amount of time you'd want to invest in digital scrapbooking. Veteran scrapbook makers who want absolute control on each and every feature of their album's pages generally prefer using photo editor software for its wide expanse of editing capabilities. On the other hand, a newbie may prefer a digital scrapbooking software solution, since it's easier to use.

Determining the Ideal Timing for Your Wedding Day

Sometimes the trickiest part of planning your wedding is figuring out how to put together a good timeline for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Pick up some helpful hints for determining the ideal timing for your wedding day.

The start time for your wedding ceremony may well be set in stone by your church. If they only do ceremonies on 1pm on Saturdays, then a 1pm ceremony it is. Knowing that, you will have to find a reception venue that can host your reception at a reasonably close time to the end of the ceremony. A typical marriage ceremony at a church runs for about 45 minutes to an hour. After that, there will usually be a receiving line outside and people may hang around and chat outside the church for a few minutes. The newlyweds and bridal party will also have pictures done at this point.

To calculate the ideal start time for your cocktail hour, first determine how long it is likely to take guests to drive to the reception site and park. Then add about a half hour from the end of your ceremony. For example, if you had a one o'clock ceremony expected to last up to one hour and your reception site is a thirty minute drive from the church, your cocktails would start around three o'clock. Timing is important, because it is not nice to have awkward gaps between the ceremony and reception. It breaks up the momentum of the day, and your guests will not appreciate being all dressed up in their best attire and wedding jewelry with no where to go.

Long gaps between the ceremony and reception are often caused by extended photo sessions. A good way to prevent that issue is by doing a lot of the wedding pictures before the start of the ceremony. Some couples like to do a "first look", where the bride and groom can get together to take some photographs before their ceremony. If you do not want your groom to see you before the ceremony, you can still do all of the formal pictures with your bridesmaids and immediate family to get those out of the way. That will limit the time you need to do pictures following the ceremony so you can keep the day moving forward on schedule. Besides, it is nice to get some pictures when you have just gotten into your bridal gown and elegant wedding jewelry while your hair and makeup are freshly done.

Cocktail hours typically last for 45 minutes to an hour. Anything less than that feels rushed, but if it runs too much longer, people drink too much. After about an hour, people are definitely ready to move on to the main part of the reception. Everyone moves into the dining room, and the bride and groom make their grand entrance. A lot of newlyweds will do their first dance immediately upon entering the room and being announced, while others will wait until after dinner to do the spotlight dances. You will need to decide if you will open the floor up to general dancing if you do your first dance in the beginning of the reception or move from there directly to the meal. People do not like to be kept waiting too long for dinner, so limit how long those pre-meal dances last.

The total length of your reception will be anywhere from three to six hours, depending on whether you serve a full meal or not, if there is dancing, and if you have a late night snack or Viennese hour. When you schedule your day well, your wedding will flow seamlessly from one part to the next, and everyone will have a fantastic time!

Wedding Photography Tips - How to Respond to Enquiries

This article will show you a method of increasing conversion rates of wedding photography phone enquiry's to actual bookings. When a potential client responds by telephone to your advertisement, where possible avoid giving prices, instead say that you should be able to work something out to suit.

If they insist on you giving a price then offer them a range, from - to. The key point is that you must try to speak with them face to face.

Don't Hard Sell

Don't hard sell, it makes people feel uncomfortable, use what's called 'attraction marketing', help people, and they will trust you and will continue to do business with you. Offer to visit them to show your sample album and discuss their requirements with no obligation.

I have found through experience that often the first question someone asks is "How much do you charge..." This is a question that people are conditioned to ask; they use it as an opening question because that is usually the question that starts the buying process.

Don't take on Clients who are Shopping on Price Alone

It is now up to you to convince them that they should not be buying on price alone, but should be looking for quality photography at good value. If you are convinced that someone is shopping around for the lowest price, regardless of quality, then they are probably the type of client you do not want.

I would however advise that you reserve that judgment until after meeting the client. Never take a booking for a wedding without meeting the couple or at the very least the bride to be, face to face.

How To Say No Nicely

I am going to show you how to avoid weddings, which could lead to bad publicity for you. You must learn to say NO!

Avoid Bad Venues

What if you are asked to shoot a wedding at an impossibly difficult time and venue? There may be some times and venues that you would rather not accept, for example a shabby registry office to an equally shabby bowling club in mid winter!

Nothing is more damaging to future business than an album of inferior prints that are partly the result of a badly located or organized wedding. Yes, you should be able to produce the goods under any circumstances, but why make things difficult for yourself in the first place!

There is a simple method of dealing with this type of enquiry without appearing disrespectful to the enquirer. On answering the phone say that you must first of all establish your availability on the requested date. Whilst you are 'leafing through' your diary, engage the caller in conversation and ask where they are being married and where the reception will be held.

If you know that the time and venues are nor conducive to good photography say that you are already booked on that day. The alternative to this approach is to be frank and honest, saying that you would rather not do the job because you consider that the venue is not suitable for good wedding photography.

You could, however suggest an alternative venue for the photographs. You must decide for yourself, which you feel most comfortable with.

Should I Send a Brochure?

People will often ask you to send out a brochure. A brochure does have its' uses, for example if you want to attend a Wedding Fair or exhibition, also to leave with caterers, etc. However you must try to ensure that sending out a brochure in response to a telephone enquiry is the last thing you do!

Nothing allows you to sell more effectively than a face-to-face situation. The exception to this advice is that once you are well established, and have a good word of mouth reputation, then sending a brochure is just fine.

Some Knowledge About Wedding Dresses

The taboo on wedding gowns is different between in the East and the West. In United States, the groom cannot see the bride's wedding dress style before the wedding. Therefore wedding photos are mostly taken on the wedding scene in United States.

There is no such a taboo in the East, Taiwan and Hong Kong's bridal gown companies not only rent bridal gowns, but also provide the service of wedding photography. With professional studio, photographers and wedding related services, these bridal gowns companies are able to help couples with excellent wedding photo services. Such as taking wedding photos, making wedding photo books and thanked cards for guests or themselves to enjoy.

In a traditional wedding, the bridegroom usually takes his bride's veil off after having exchanged their wedding rings. And then the priest pronounced them man and wife. Many years ago a woman wear a bridal veil only for her first marriage. But now most of the brides do not care about that any longer.

When you image what bridal dresses look like, you must get a pure white bridal dress in your mind. Western people always want to buy a white wedding dress of their own when they marry. In the past only nobles could be able to wear a white bridal dress in their wedding in Europe and USA. For civilian, wedding dresses are too luxurious.

Nowadays brides usually in the East have three sets of the bridal dress, because brides should propose a toast to the guests after wedding ceremony. Then an informal wedding dress is necessary. There are also many other color bridal gowns for brides to choose. Girls who like purple bridal dress must be very romantic. And there also are some brides who like pink or other colors bridal gowns. These also are good choices.

Birth-To-Engagement Photo Montage

Your edited wedding can expand beyond the traditional ceremony and reception chapters. Many couples are adding items such as guest interviews, a love story and photo montage. A wedding video, in my opinion, should tell a story. Not only should it chronicle the actual wedding day - ceremony and reception - but it should also tell the rest of the story. The wedding DVD is a family heirloom - an historical document that future generations can appreciate and share with their children.

In addition to adding it as an extra chapter on your DVD, the "birth-to-engagement" photo montage can also be viewed during the rehearsal dinner. And many couples will elect to play it on the wedding day - just before the wedding ceremony or at some point during the reception.

Traditionally the photo montage include pictures of the bride and groom, from the time of their birth and early childhood, school experience and throughout the engagement. Its basically a creative "slide-show" (documentary) of their lives set to their favorite music. In addition to photos, the montage can also include mementos of significant milestones in your lives as well as video clips.

The wedding DVD should tell your story - the story of your lives. You'll be glad you chose to produce the montage and your children and future generations will thank you for it. You can also create your own slide show by incorporating the elements of your photo montage into a PowerPoint project or similar-type software. Just think of how wonderful it would be to view a slide show featuring photos of your parents, grand and great-grandparents.

Do it - your family, children and all of history will thank you.

What is a Pre-Wedding Photography Session?

The pre-wedding photo session (or 'Engagement Shoot') is a fun way for you to build rapport with your wedding photographer before the big day and to help you feel more at ease with being photographed on your wedding day. Seeing the results of the pre-wedding session will help you feel confident that you will both look fantastic in the wedding photos.

The session also helps the photographer to get to know you... what works for you, how affectionate you are with each other, how relaxed you are, whether you are laid back or more formal in character... what's the best angle to shoot you from in order to flatter you best.

It's a nice idea to have this session on location at the wedding venue itself so that you can walk around with your photographer, discuss ideas and finalise plans and timings. A good photographer will be open to ideas so if you have a favourite rural or urban location in which you would like to be photographed do let them know! Most couples dress casually for the session but hey... if you want to wear a party dress in the middle of a forest or by a canal to create a fashion shoot feel then why not! Make sure that you pick a photographer who is creative enough to create the look you want.

A spring pre-wedding shoot is ideal. After the pre-wedding shoot you will have an opportunity to buy images from the shoot. Some photographers will offer a free enlargement as part of the price. Some even mount the print for you and then display it at the wedding so that guests can sign (or simply admire!) your gorgeous engagement photo.

Bridal Dresses - How to Get an Affordable Custom Made Wedding Gown

To find an amazing custom made wedding dress, you don't have to spend hours with a seamstress and thousands of dollars.

No, there really is a better and easier way.

If you want that perfect fitting gown, and maybe even a 'one of a kind', just follow these simple yet not so well known tips to get a customized wedding dress for a very affordable price.

1. Order your dress online.
Most brides wouldn't dream of ordering bridal dresses online.

BUT, if you're on a budget, and looking to save a ton of cash, AND you want a bridal dress that looks like it cost a fortune, then my dear, it is the wisest thing to do.

And, the best thing is... it's quite easy.

Most of the online bridal factories are located in China. Since I have spent some years in Guangzhou,China (which is known for it's bridal factories), I can give you some first hand advice on 'what to do' and 'what not to do' to make your dress buying experience the best possible.

2. Get some detailed photos.
You can do this easily from the comfort of your own home by printing online photos of the dress you want. Or have your girlfriends help you find good clear photos of bridal dresses in a bridal magazine.

If you're a 'touchy-feely' person, then by all means go and try a few on at a boutique, just to give you an idea of what kind of look and material you want.

Take photos of the dress in detail. If you find a photo from a magazine or online, try to get as many photos of that design as you can.

And if you're the creative type, you could even consider designing your own gown to give it your personal signature.

3. Find a good company that will customize your dress.
After deciding exactly what you want, now it's time to find a company online. Most of the online companies offer dresses in standard sizes as well as the option of ordering a dress custom made.

If they do not state it clearly on their website, just ask them if they custom make bridal dresses. Many times they will agree to make the dress for you from a detailed photo that you send them.

That Maggie Sottero bridal gown you've been dying for??... Just ask them to duplicate it -- even add a few minor adjustments of your own if you wish.

The best part is, the price is much lower!

Before choosing a company, first ask these questions:

4. Is it a reputable company?
Make sure you find out all you can about a factory before you choose them.
Read testimonials from past customers to make sure they are legit.

The last thing you want to do is send your money to a factory overseas and never hear from them again.

This is usually not a problem these days with so much business being done in China, but it's always good to double check.

5. How is the customer service and communication?
While people from the western culture place great value on good customer service and communication skills, Chinese people tend to view these things as not all that important.

Make sure that the company you choose is responding to all your questions in a timely manner from the very beginning.

This will give you an indication of how they will handle the whole process from beginning to end.

Also, during the 30-40 day production time, you may have a few questions that you must get answered.

6. Be sure of the details.
Make sure all your questions are answered about fabric, dress size, production time and shipping time.

Don't just assume that they are clear with all the details or special requests. Make sure of it.

It's also a good idea to save all your email correspondence in case of any discrepancies.

7. Send your correct measurements!!
This step is SO important! So do it right!

The best way to do it right?--Have a professional seamstress do it for you. Don't do it yourself. If you can't find a seamstress, then have a friend do it for you.

Most companies will not allow returns or refunds on custom made bridal dresses. And if your measurements are not taken correctly, your dress will not fit right.

You would have the option of having it altered if it doesn't fit, but why not get it fitting like a glove the first time. Alterations can cost a lot of money and the goal here is to SAVE!

8. Will they produce a dress of excellent quality?

Some Chinese companies show photos of bridal dresses they claim they can make; however, it has been my experience that they do not always come out looking exactly like that photo--- I've had to learn this the hard way!

Be very careful if they claim that the dress will turn out 90% like the photo.

That 10% that is not quite right is the part that transforms that 'dream wedding dress' from the photo into a 'thrift shop find' at the swap meet. Been there-done that!! Not fun!

So, make sure the company has a good reputation and that you feel confident with them.

It's a good idea to look for testimonials of previous clients.

If testimonials are not readily available on the website, ask if you can see previous bridal dresses they have produced for other clients along with the photo it was copied from.

The more examples you can see---the better.

9. Is the price fair?
Many online companies have their prices clearly listed for each standard size gown. However, some Chinese factories will require that you ask them for a quote first.

It has been my experience that they will quote you the highest price they think you will accept first... and hope you will agree to it.

If you think the price is too high, then negotiate---this is the Chinese way. You will more than likely get a much better price if you do.

Price bargaining is one of the things I dislike about living in China, but if you learn how to do it well, it will work to your advantage in a situation such as this.

Follow these steps and your on your way to getting a great custom made gown at a fraction of the retail price.

Best Time for Wedding Photos: Before, During, or After the Wedding?

Beautiful photographs are one of the most important parts of the wedding memories. After all, they are one of the few visual keepsakes you will have of your special day to enjoy throughout the years. It is customary to take most of the photos immediately following the marriage ceremony, during the cocktail hour. However, these days a lot of couples are opting to take their pictures before the start of the ceremony, or in some cases well afterward. These are the pros and cons to deciding to do your wedding pictures before, during, or after the wedding.

There are a couple of excellent reasons to take most of the formal wedding photographs before the start of the ceremony. Couples like that they are at their freshest: unwrinkled, perfect makeup, bridal jewelry and hair perfectly in place. A lot can go on during the ceremony, after all. If it was very emotional, the bride's makeup mascara might be runny or the groom's face blotchy. If the ceremony was long and the bride and groom were seated, their attire might become creased. Taking pre-ceremony pictures will certainly ensure perfection.

The other main reason to do the bulk of the photos before the service is so that the newlyweds can enjoy attend their cocktail hour and spend more time with their guests. This is certainly a good thing. The main drawback to taking wedding pictures before the ceremony is that it detracts from that once-in-a-lifetime moment when the groom first glimpses his bride walking down the aisle towards him. That can be reason enough not to take pre-wedding pictures. A compromise to save time during the cocktail hour would be for the photographer to take pictures of the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen, but to save the pictures of the newlyweds until after the ceremony.

The most traditional time to take the wedding photographs is during the cocktail hour. Couples who feel superstitious about seeing one another before the ceremony will certainly prefer this to pre-ceremony photo sessions. Also, you may find that you feel more relaxed once the marriage service is behind you, and if you feel relaxed that will come through in the pictures. Certainly those first moments as newlyweds are unique and precious, definitely worthy of capturing for all time. The major drawback to having photos taken during the cocktail hour is that the bride, groom, and their attendants will miss much of the fun while in the photo session. Even worse is when the picture taking runs so long that it delays the start of the reception (that drives guests crazy!). Be sure to discuss the timeline with your photographer in advance so you don't hold up the reception start time.

There is a new trend of having a lot of wedding pictures taken on a later day than the actual wedding. Not the candids of the celebration, of course, but the artistic shots of the newlyweds. It can be fun to get a second chance to put on your wedding gown and bridal jewelry, and get all done up again. The main reason that couples have pictures taken the day after their wedding is to allow them to have photo shoots at unique or special locations which are not close to their wedding site, such as a beach or an amusement park. Another big reason for this trend is to allow for the "trashing the dress" pictures, which often feature the bride wearing her gown in water or laying on sand. The photos are dramatic, and doing them after the wedding makes sense, since they render the bridal gown unwearable.

On the other hand, a day that is not your wedding day simply isn't your wedding day, and some of the natural excitement of that moment will have passed. By then, all you may want is to head off on your honeymoon and leave the whole question of wedding photography behind. The perfect time to take wedding pictures ultimately depends on the specifics of your celebration and what you hope to get from the photographs.

Learn the Basics About Wedding Dress Styles and Designs

Getting married is one of the important aspects of life. That is why couples prepare for this once in a lifetime event painstakingly to make a dream wedding turn into a reality. However, many women do not take their time to research about the different wedding dress styles that could flatter them best. Knowing the basics is as imperative as to know what you would like to wear at your wedding day. Dresses actually come in different styles, designs, colors, and shapes. Having an insufficient knowledge on this can waste a big chunk of your time while having a hard time picking the right the dress in a bridal boutique. So, to experience a worry-free wedding dress planning, here are some of the basic wedding gown styles available in the market today. Examples of the dress elements that you may consider include the dress neckline, bodice, shape, and sleeves.

A dress' neckline is one of the best ways to draw the attention of the people to your wedding dress and upper body as well. This is also useful during wedding photo shoots and close up shots, showing off your nice shoulders and neckline. Examples of the most popular wedding dress neckline include off-the-shoulder, bateau, asymmetrical, portrait, jewel or T-shirt, sweetheart, V-neck, scoop, halter, and strapless.

Many women prefer to style their dress with an off-shoulder neckline. This neckline sits below the bride's shoulders and collarbones. This is also considered as a universally flattering design than can really draw attention to the bride's shoulders and neck. A wedding dress with a portrait neckline is perfect for those who wish to show off their neck and collarbones while covering the bride's upper arms. Another most preferred style is the dress with a halter neckline, which has straps that wrap or tie behind the bride's neck. This features backless styles, creating an edgy and sexy appearance.

A dress with sleeves is created to protect the bride from any weather condition. Examples of the most common wedding dress with sleeves include cap, spaghetti straps, sleeveless, three-fourth sleeves, and t-shirt. Interestingly, T-shirt style seems universal, allowing many designers to incorporate this style to almost all kinds of wedding dresses. T-shirt sleeves provide the brides a feeling of comfort while having excellent upper arm coverage. This is perfect for women who are reluctant to show off their arms and a little of bare skin.

Wedding dress bodice covers the whole upper body of the gown which includes the neckline, sleeves, and the gown's skirt. Examples of the most popular wedding dress bodice include empire, halter, corset, drop waist, midriff, princess-line, surplice, and tank. You are most like familiar with a dress with a corset bodice, as this is mostly seen in historical movies. The tight fit bodice helps brides to push up their breasts, emphasizing your body curves, and create an illusion of a smaller waistline.

Memorable Wedding Gifts With Personalized Photos

Wedding gifts with photographs are among the most memorable and appreciated of all wedding gifts. A personalized photo keepsake becomes a treasured reminder of that special day when the couple started their lives together. Photo gifts have become far more sophisticated than they used to be. The sublimation dyeing process and digital imagine makes it possible to transform a photograph into a unique and very special personalized wedding gift on almost any kind of material. From inexpensive keepsakes like picture mugs to once-in-a-lifetime heirloom treasures like photo quilts, personalized wedding gifts with photos will make a very special impression on the happy couple.

Inexpensive Photo Trinkets

Photo trinkets are perfect little present that can accompany any larger gift and add that personalized touch to let them know how much you care. Add a pair of photo latte mugs to an espresso machine for a unique and memorable wedding gift for a pair those coffee loving friends who just tied the knot. Have two mugs printed with a photo of the couple together, or have the bride on one mug and the groom on the other, wrap them up along with the machine and subscription to a coffee club for a very special treat that the happy couple will use every day.

You can apply the same principle to many other personalized photo gifts. Print a mouse pad with a favorite photo of the bride and groom to give along with a new computer, or use a pair of personalized photo key chains as gift tags on any other wedding gift. Remember, a gift doesn't have to be expensive to be special and memorable.

For the couple with a quirky sense of humor give a gift that they will truly appreciate. Upload favorite photos of each of them and have them turned into caricatures that can be hung on an office or family room wall. For those with a Pop Culture bent, have a photo of the two of them turned into a snazzy Pop Art poster, framed and ready for hanging. Of course, you don't have to confine yourself to photos that can be hung on a wall, or even to just one photo. Celebrate their entire relationship with a Rubik's Cube made up of six photos of the happy couple, both together and separately.

Future Family Heirlooms

Give a photo wedding gift that is destined to become a family heirloom by combining the photograph with a beautiful craft. Create a lasting memory with a polished granite plaque laser-etched with the happy couple's cherished wedding photo. Combine it with a granite laser etching of their wedding invitation to make a very special pair of wall plaques. If you would like to give a high-quality gift that is a little bit softer, think along the lines of a family heirloom quilt created from a montage of family photos and embroidered with their names and wedding dates.

If you love the idea of personal photos on fabric, but a quilt is a bit out of your price range, you might consider the same idea on a smaller scale. An heirloom photo throw pillow printed with a photo that you upload will bring that special personal touch to your wedding gift at a far lower price.

Photo Wedding Wine Bottles

What couple would not welcome a gift that helps make their wedding day more memorable while cutting down their costs at the same time? Volunteer to provide the wine for the reception and order enough personalized wedding photo wine labels for a couple cases of bottles. Each wine label is printed with a photo of the happy couple, their wedding date and a personal message of up to three lines.

You can, of course, order a dozen of photo wine labels and use just one on a special wine bottle for the happy couple's first toast, or opt for a bottle of champagne, wine or non-alcoholic wine in a hand-etched bottle engraved with a personal message from you to the happy couple. With photo personalization, the options are endless.

Personalized Photo Wedding Keepsakes

Photo keepsakes are always a welcomed wedding gift. They carry memories that cannot be duplicated. One ever-popular wedding keepsake gift is an engraved glass invitation photo frame. Add your own photo of the happy couple, or leave it empty for them to add their favorite wedding photo. The wording of the engraving is taken from their own wedding invitation, so you know it will be appreciated.

Whatever you choose as a wedding gift, a photo will make it far more personal and unique. Whether you choose something for the wall, something for a table or a photo quilt to throw over the back of a sofa or bed, your gift will be remembered and treasured forever.

Where to Find Cheap Wedding Photographers

Photographers are very much in demand as all the occasions are becoming commercial and a means of increasing PR. The need of a great professional photographer for shooting the entire wedding function is not just desirable, but is also very important for a memorable wedding.

Weddings have now become so commercial and expensive that most people have next to nothing left moneywise for their honeymoon after a grand wedding celebration. Starting from the wedding dresses, gowns, renting out halls, decorations and serving guests, little is left for a very important part of the wedding, which is wedding photography. Most couples want those memorable moments photographed, so they can look on them for years ahead.

The question is how to get a great wedding photographer to make your event more memorable, while still staying in budget?

The task may be difficult, but if you have done advanced and detailed research on cheap wedding photographers, then you are that much closer to finding yours.

1. First of all, you have to make your wedding budget and allocate funding to prevent any potential problems or issues later.

2. The next step is to search while using all your resources to look for a professional but cheap wedding photographer in your locality (it is better to look for a photographer in your area, so that you don't have to pay them travel expenses and also it becomes easier for you to access them anytime). Look online and your phone book.

3. You can look on internet for affordable and professional wedding photographers in your area or city.

4. You can also take the help of your friends and family if they know any professional wedding photographer.

5. After you have found your desired photographer, negotiate over the price of wedding pictures and portraits, while staying in your budget.

6. Affordable photographers are hard to find, so make sure you sign an agreement with them to confirm their availability on your wedding day.

7. In order to make sure, you have chosen a good photographer, it is always advised to see previous photos or work for reference.

8. In order to make your wedding pictures memorable, always discuss in detail with your photographer about your demands and wishes so that he can take desired photos.

A wedding is a once in life event and it is totally in your hands to make it the most wonderful and unforgettable event of your life and of your partner's life. Just a little planning, research and hard-work is required and then you can plan the best wedding of your life! So make sure, while taking care of other arrangements, you don't miss your wedding photographer.

All the best for your wedding!

Make a Photo Book Online - 5 Ideas For Photo Book Themes

Photo Books are similar to photo albums but they're a little different. When you make a photo album, an adhesive holds the pictures in place. When you make a photo book, the pictures are printed directly onto the page. Sometimes with photo albums, the pictures will deteriorate over time. This usually does not happen with a photo book, which is an advantage. They're an awesome way to preserve memories and share life's special events with others. Various themes can be chosen for a photo book. Here are some ideas -

1. Baby Photos - Collect all of baby's first year in a photo book. Use your baby's newborn photos. The first time you held him after he was born. The first time you fed him. His first smile. The first time he sat up on his own. His first steps. His first birthday party. All of his memorable firsts. The funny memories, the sad memories, and the precious ones and compile them into a book. It'll be a wonderful keepsake to show him when he's older.

2. Wedding Photos - Compile all of your favorite wedding photos into book. Pictures of the bride and her bridesmaids, the groom and his groomsmen. The I-do's and family members dancing their pants off at the reception. What other images did you like? Be sure to include those too.

3. Vacation Photos - Chose pictures from the long road trip. Pics of the hotel, the tourist activities, the restaurants where you ate and all of the other fun things you did on your vacation.

4. Graduation Photos - Graduation is indeed a very special event. If you're close with the grad, perhaps if you live with them or see them before the ceremony, you'll have lots of opportunities to take photos of them. Capture a few shots of them getting ready for graduation. Get the shot of the first time they put on their cap and gown. Capture the anticipation and excitement of knowing they've accomplished something great and are about to be commended for their accomplishment. Of course take pictures of the ceremony and them with their family and friends after the ceremony. Add these to a photo book.

5. Holiday Photos - Choose a holiday, whether it's Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday and compile these into a book. If you spent your holidays with your family and friends, and took a lot of photos, there will be lots of options to choose from.

Use your photo book as a coffee table book to be displayed where your guests can see it. You'll surely receive a lot of good feedback from the pictures you've taken. Photo Books are great for compiling, preserving and displaying life's special moments.

Photo Booth Fun For Your Wedding - How to Incorporate a Photo Booth Into Your Wedding

Photo booths are the hot new trend at Chicago weddings and once you have been to a wedding that has one you will know why. They provide hours of entertainment for all ages and at the end of the night your guests will walk away with unique keepsakes from your wedding that they will cherish forever.

Make sure you do your homework and go with the reputable local company that will not disappoint you on your wedding day. You can seek out dependable companies and their reviews on wedding planning websites like The Knot and Wedding Wire and other reviews sites like Yelp.

Once you have decided on a good company to work with it is time to decide on how you want to incorporate the photo booth into your wedding. Do you just want it to be a fun add-on to the entertainment for the evening or do you want it to be a major element?

Here are 7 ideas you can use to incorporate even more photo booth fun into your wedding reception:

1. Photo Guestbook - skip the boring old sign in guestbook! Have your guests go through the booth and then glue their photo strip to a blank guestbook page and sign a personal message to the newlyweds. I guarantee that in the years to follow you will go through the book quite often to look at all the great pictures of your friends and family. How often will you look at a book of signatures?

For a classic feel the black and white photo strips look amazing on black pages.

If you want your guests to get really creative bring a variety of scissors, paper punches, stickers, etc and let their inner artist come out.

2. Photo Sleeves - Leave a plastic photo sleeve at the guest's table with a personal message from you inviting your guests to enjoy the booth. The sleeves are a great way for your guests to take home of all of their photo strips and make for cool bookmarks.

Example message" Thank you for sharing this day with us. To commemorate the occasion please stop by the photo booth! Take a strip (or two or ten!) home in this sleeve. Be sure to leave the duplicates for us in the guestbook. Today wouldn't have been the same without you"

Many couples are skipping the more traditional and sometimes boring wedding favors and providing the photo booth as the favor instead. While not everyone keeps the usual wedding favors, everybody keeps fun pictures of themselves and their friends.

3. Photo Booth Save The Dates -Make your Save The Date cards or invitations a series of four pictures on a photo strip. You can tie in the classic photo booth theme into the whole reception! You can do postcards or magnets.

4. Props - Your guests will usually think of endless creative things to do in the photo booth but if you want to add fuel to the fire give them props! Hats, sunglasses, feathered boas, anything you can think of.

If you are having a themed event think about props that go along with the theme.

Provide them with cardboard cut outs of famous actors or rock stars to interact with.

Give them pads of paper or a white board to write or draw on and use in their photo session.

5. Photo Booth Tickets - Give your guests a set number of photo booth tickets to use. If they want more tickets you can think of creative ways to make them earn them or just have a stack of them available to hand out. This could be a great activity for the kids putting them in charge of distributing the tickets.

6. VIP Treatment - treat your guests like movie stars with a red carpet and red velvet ropes leading up to the booth!

7. Video Projection - Half the fun of a photo booth is sharing the hilarious pictures with your friends. With video projection you can display the pictures in a slideshow on a large monitor or on a huge projection screen for everyone to see. A large group will usually gather around and have a great time watching all of the pictures.

Choosing the Best Digital Camera For Wedding Photography

You have now been an amateur photographer and would like to advance your career into shooting wedding photography. The question is which is the best digital camera to buy? There are so many makes and different models on the market that choosing the best camera is a difficult process.

The leading brands in digital wedding photography include Nikon and Canon. You will see many photographers using this equipment due to their excellent manufacturing quality.

In this article we will outline the key points to look out for in selecting the appropriate camera to use when shooting wedding photography. Understanding the terminology and then comparing makes and models can then narrow down your decision. Buying camera gear is not cheap and careful research is required.

To get a feel of what a digital camera is composed of you must know certain factors to consider when making that final decision:

Megapixels

The resolution of an image is based on the mega pixel specifications of your digital camera. The higher the megapixels the higher the resolution a image will appear. To understand this easier, when you are to enlarge a high resolution photo you wont get graininess and distortion. On the other hand the lower the resolution then the image is limited to the enlargement capacity.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The LCD is the viewfinder which allows you to see the image immediately after taking the photo. The better digital cameras have larger LCD screens which have great quality.

Zoom - Lenses.

You will find that digital cameras have 2 ranges in zooms. One is the digital and the other an optical zoom. The greater the optical zoom attachment the more expensive the camera usually is.

Memory Card

Memory cards are the memory storage units that will store your photography images until you upload onto a dvd or computer. The size of the storage will depend on the work you are shooting. In wedding photography having 16MB and 32MB cards is required as you are shooting well over 1200 images a session. There are now 1G memory cards that can store enormous amounts of photos.

The best digital camera should be based upon your specific usage. There is no need in spending thousands of dollars on gear if you are shooting the occasional party. On the other hand photographing a wedding requires professional equipment. The Nikon and Canon range have an excellent reputation in providing high quality digital cameras. Research and then select wisely!

Capturing Moments in Life

With Compliments