Busted bustle

Every time we photograph a wedding, I have my little purse of indispensable emergency items no bridal party should be without. Scissors are by far the most used items in the kit, but a close second is needle and thread. Last Saturday night, when a guest accidently stepped on Logan’s dress, the needle and white thread came in very handy. “I heard it rip,” Logan said, as I kneeled in the bride room of Hamilton’s 110 North East sewing up the torn bustle. Nothing hampers dancing like a dragging dress!

Other things in the kit include safety pins, Band-aids, Shout Wipes, mints, Super Glue, double-sided tape (tape your necklace pendant to your skin to keep it from being off-center!), lint roller, hairspray, Static Guard, hair pins and boutonniere pins, just to name a few things.

Tiffany sews up Logan's bustle in Hamilton's VIP room. Copyright Warmowski Photography.
Tiffany sews up Logan's bustle in Hamilton's VIP room. Copyright Warmowski Photography.

Taking requests

I overhead an idea this past weekend at a wedding we photographed. One of the bridesmaids said she’d gotten a wedding invitation that invited the guests to include 3 songs suggestions on the RSVP card. The bride and groom then passed the requests onto the DJ before the day of the wedding.

I’m not sure how DJs feel about this idea, but I figure if you play what guests want to hear everyone will be happy! (most of the time) I also like the idea of giving guests a day or two to think of songs that are special to them and the wedding couple before they send the RSVP, and the DJ can have some time before the wedding to gather the songs.

I’ll have to ask some DJs this wedding season if they have seen this and what they think.

Place card ideas

Jenni & Michael spent a good amount of time prior to their wedding collecting and preparing corks as place card holders at their reception. They turned out very well, I think.

Wine and champagne corks make perfect place card holders. Copyright Warmowski Photography
Wine and champagne corks make perfect place card holders. Copyright Warmowski Photography

Your first dance – in front of everyone!?

It scares you half to death just thinking about all of those eyes on you as you walk down the aisle. Luckily, you may have an arm to hold on to in case those silly heels give you problems. You make it through that and get to the reception where everyone will now watch you DANCE for a few miserable minutes. You know all of those baby boomers who actually KNOW how to dance will be snickering as you sway back and forth like an 8th grader with no real rhythm. 

There is a way around this. A couple, actually. First of all, you don’t HAVE to have a first dance. It’s a tradition that’s like many other wedding traditions. We don’t know why  or how long we have been doing them. You CAN buck tradition if you really don’t want to dance in front of everyone. 

But, if tradition must stick, a few dance lessons can go a long, long way. Like getting your makeup done by a professional, it can give you confidence you never knew you had, and is a skill you can use for years after your wedding. Like at other peoples’ weddings, for example. 

Also, if you keep it a secret, it’s a great way to really impress friends and family – whether you’re the bride OR the groom. 

Go ahead – right now – do a google search for “ballroom dance” in your town. You won’t regret it and you might find a talent you never knew was there!

Jessie & Tim had an impressive finale. Copyright Warmowski Photography
Jessie & Tim had an impressive finale. Copyright Warmowski Photography

 

 

 

Jenni & Michael's friends were hooting and hollering after their first dance song. Copyright Warmowski Photography
Jenni & Michael's friends were hooting and hollering after their first dance song. Copyright Warmowski Photography

Favor ideas

Favors are a great way for couples to show some personality – and they can also be very useful for guests!

Fans on the seats at Jessica & Tim’s outdoor ceremony (21 June 2008) were particularly useful on their bright, sunny day. Those with less hair seemed to be especially thankful for the thoughtful favors. 

Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal
Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal

 

Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal
Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal

Alternatives to favors

Kelly & Blake (14 June 2008) had a note for their guests at each seat – it speaks for itself. 

Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal
Copyright WarmowskiPhotography.com - copying is illegal