Witt & Co. Events: Witts Weddings

The Pros & Cons of First Looks

1/22/2019

First looks are trending in the wedding world! Couples can’t help but sneak-a-peak at each other before the ceremony and soak in a special moment for themselves. But, some couples opt for the traditional option of waiting until the ceremony doors open before seeing one another for the first time on their wedding day. This gives an overwhelming feeling of emotion as they take each other in. So, what’s your decision?

Melissa Alderton Photography

First Look Pros

1. Lose the Nerves – If you’re a very emotional, jittery person then you may want to consider this option. Couples feel more at ease when they get to see each other before the ceremony. They’ll also be less distracted and can share an intimate moment together. Having some quiet time alone gives the couple a chance to reflect on the day and what’s to come. These moments together will be nice as you may not get many of these later on.

2. Special Gifts – If you decided to give each other gifts, this could be a great time to exchange them. Plus, you get to see your significant other’s reaction!

3. More Time – Having a first look allows you more time to take photos together before the ceremony instead of having to take them all after the ceremony. This will also give you more time to interact with your guests during cocktail hour.

Uttke Photography

First Look Cons

1. Lose the Special Moment at the Altar – The moment of excitement and nerves leading up to the ceremony, building the suspense of seeing one another, and having those church doors open UP to reveal you to your significant other is a moment couples cherish forever. Doing a first look before the ceremony could take just a bit of this emotion away.

2. Earlier Start – If you have a first look, then you’re going to have to get up earlier. This means hair and makeup will have to begin sooner and can cut into your time to relax before the ceremony. If you aren’t an early riser or prefer to not rush in the morning, then you may want to reconsider having a first look.
3. Could Make You More Nervous – Some couples feel that a first look eases their nerves, but for some it could do just the opposite. The pressure of having the perfect first look expression for your photographer, videographer, or even nearby wedding party watchers can be stressful and overwhelming.

Ultimately, we support whatever the couple decides to do. Doing a first look or waiting to see each other at the altar, either way the moment will be special for both of you!

** What if one of you wants a first look and the other doesn’t? Well we’ve thought of a couple compromise options for this as well so you and your sweetie can have the best of both worlds!

1. Parent / Wedding Party First Look – We’re a sucker for these types of first looks. When a parent, sibling, or best friend get to see you all dressed up for the first time on your wedding day the moment can be so magical.

2. First Look Without All Accessories – You can still do a first look, but by not having all your accessories on (veil, special jewelry, etc.) you can still surprise your significant other at the altar.

3. First Read / Touch – Have a special, intimate moment together before the ceremony without seeing each other by doing a first reading or touch. Go back to back or be around the corner from each other so you can talk, touch, and listen to each other before your wedding.

KluzB Photography

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10 Hidden Wedding Costs You Didn’t Even Realize

1/21/2019

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When planning your wedding it can be easy to just include a dress, venue, DJ, and flowers to the budget and call it good. But, it’s the little details that many couples forget to include that sneak up on them in the end with a hefty bill. It’s important to know the common wedding charges many people overlook so you can start factoring them into your budget immediately.

1. Stamps & Mailing Supplies – Save the dates, RSVP cards, thank you cards, wedding invites, all of these will require postage. They also require envelopes and address labels. Depending on how many guests you have, these items will start to add up quickly. Incorporate postage into your budget, and remember that bigger, heavier, and uniquely shaped mail will cost more.

* Pro Tip: The stamp price will be increasing on January 27, 2019. Forever stamps will be $0.55, up from $0.50. The largest increase since the 90's.)

Maison Meredith Photography

2. Wedding Dress Alterations & Steaming – Unless your dress fits you perfectly, you’re going to need some type of alterations. Bridal salons don’t usually include these fees in the gown total, and brides are surprised when they realize they have to pay an extra $100- $500+ to alter their dress. Ask about these charges when you are shopping for your wedding gown. You’ll also want to ask about steaming prices too.

3. Marriage License – Even if you’re not looking to have a big wedding and just want to make it legal at the court house, you’ll need to spend money on a marriage license. There’s no way around this one! The price will vary depending on which state you live in and may be higher if you are planning from out of state. You’ll have to pick up your marriage license in person, which may mean a rush fee if you aren’t able to apply for your license a couple weeks before the big day. Don’t forget about this important wedding detail!

4. Taxes, Gratuities, and Service Fees – These aren’t really hidden as most vendors will include tax, gratuity, and service fees in their contracts. But many couples overlook this area of the budget and don’t realize that these fees can quickly add up on the final bill. Read the fine print and make sure you’re comfortable with what fees they have listed. If you don’t, you could be looking at paying an unexpected few thousand dollars in taxes, gratuity, and service fees. You’ll also want to ask where these extra fees will be applied – For instance, some vendors apply a service charge, which might cover overhead vendor costs and would not be considered a “tip” for the staff. If you wish to compensate them for great service, you’ll want to plan for a little extra on top of these fees.

5. Hair & Makeup Trials – You’re probably so excited that you booked the perfect hair and makeup stylist, but did you consider the trial runs you’d be doing too? Trial sessions are helpful with making sure you and your stylist are on the same page with the vision you have in mind for your wedding day. These trials usually cost $100 or more to do. Be sure to ask about prices and trial services before you book with the salon. If you are going to pay the fee for a trial run, consider doing it on the day of your engagement photo shoot or bridal shower to put all that beauty to good use!

6. Permits – Thinking about having your wedding at a state park or other public area? Then you’ll probably need a permit to do so. There will be permit and usage fees, so plan this into your budget. Some venues also have a fee for a photographer’s permit if you’d like a few hours of photography access. Make sure you look into this so you don’t get fined and can plan your wedding without any hiccups.

7. Welcome Bag Delivery – If you’re having guests stay at a hotel for your wedding and plan to have welcome bags ready for them, then you must consider the costs of delivery for these. Hotel staff will usually be more than happy to deliver these welcome bags to your guests’ rooms, but what they might not tell you is that they charge a fee for doing so. Ask about the price of welcome bag delivery fees. If it’s too much, they might be able to hand them out at the front desk as guests check in for cheaper or free!

Gloss Photography

8. Cake Cutting- Most venues offer this service in their packages. When you’re ready to have that delicious cake served to all your guests, the venue may charge a fee per slice of cake or have a flat rate fee for having their staff serve your cake. Be sure to ask about this service and what costs you may have to pay for it.

9. Guest Transportation – If your ceremony, venue, and/or hotel are all in different locations then you’re going to need a way of transportation for your guests. You usually pay a rate for a certain number of hours for the transportation. But, if you run over this time then you could be looking at extra charges. Calculate the time you’ll need the transportation for and budget accordingly.

10. Dress Preservation – The wedding is done, you can’t believe what a perfect day it was, and now you’re married! Before you hop on a plane for your honeymoon, you’ll want to get your dress into the cleaners and have preserved. Brides overlook this cost as it is after the wedding and may not be factored into the budget. This can range from $200 - $800+, so save that money!

Of course, if you hire Witt & Co. Events we’ll remember all these details (and more!) and work them into your budget. You won’t have to worry or stress about any of it. We’d love to help you plan and coordinate your wedding, reach out to us and let's talk!

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Witts Weddings

The Pros & Cons of First Looks

Melissa Alderton Photography

First Look Pros

Uttke Photography

First Look Cons

KluzB Photography

10 Hidden Wedding Costs You Didn’t Even Realize

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