Almost every bride that calls me from some form of advertising or Google searches asks two things: “Are you available and how much do you cost?” Fair questions if every photographer and every videographer were exactly the same. The problem is…they are ALL different and so the experience they deliver will be different. It’s interesting that when a bride calls because of a friends’ great experience with me, she’s only interested in working with me like her friend did. The price comes after we have discussed her needs and I have prescribed the correct solution for her situation, needs, and budget.

I also hear almost every wedding vendor saying that all they hear brides ask is…”How much do you cost”? Why don’t brides ask questions like “Do you have any formal training? “Are you licensed?” “Do you have a backup plan if something goes wrong?” “How would you handle it if the cake wasn’t delivered on time?” Or “How would you handle it if the groom’s tux is the wrong color?” Why don’t they simply explain their situation, what they are looking for, and ask if the vendor has a good solution?

Now, before you think I’m being harsh…let me just say that…I think most brides ask the price question because…they don’t know what else to ask. This is probably the first time they have gotten married. It’s the first time that they have had to manage this much money. It’s the first time they’ve had to answer to parents, future in-laws, well-meaning aunts, and friends. During tough economic times, we vendors are quick to assume that price is the main factor for brides as they plan their wedding. Yes, price is important, but I believe there are other factors that are more important.

In Lee Eisenberg’s ‘Why Shopping is Good Again.’ Eisenberg articulates today’s top consumer values. These three values can help us understand what brides are thinking as they are making their purchasing decisions.

1. Brides value experiences that transform them. Even some of the shyest women embrace the spotlight on their big day. As a bride plans her wedding, she is more commonly thinking about her own personal ‘red carpet’ moment. That is the moment when everyone at her wedding will look at her in astonishment. Various vendors have picked up on this common value or mindset. For example, Astrid Mueller designs romantic illustrations. When she is designing, Astrid asks lots of questions – what the bride dreams she’ll wear as she floats down the aisle, what is her and her sweetie’s love story, what their dream wedding will be like. Through personalized art, Astrid’s sophisticated illustrations make all of those special details come alive.

What additional services can we vendors add to our current offering in order to make you feel special and transformed?

Here’s an example of a bride making a grand entrance with a designer gown and with stationery. Illustration: Astrid Mueller. Artisan printing: LetterpressLight.com.

2. Brides value shared experiences. During tough economic times, people tend to place more value on family, friendships and relationships in general. We’ve been forced to focus on the things that are really important in life – and that’s not a bad thing. This is also entirely true for weddings. In some cases, guest lists have had to shrink and brides have had to focus on the elements that matter most to their loved ones. But behind all of that, weddings have become more intimate.

What can we vendors do to add to that intimate, meaningful experience that you want?

3. Brides value experiences that are an extension of themselves. It’s no wonder that many brides are now into DIY (Do-It-Yourself) elements. They are creating their own menus, programs, favors – you name it. We tend to think this is only to save money. However, they are also doing this to put their stamp on their big day – to make it personal. Thinking beyond price and thinking deeper about the personal nature of a DIY wedding, how can you make your products and services more personalized?

Instead of leading with “How much do you cost?” Think through what is most important to you. First seek out and interview the best vendors you can find and look for a fit. Make sure that you like and trust them and that they can deliver the details you want the most. Make sure that their wedding offerings are in line with your values.

If you don’t know where to start, ask a professional member of the Wedding & Event Association of Memphis. Also, consider attending their next free seminar where you’ll be able to meet all sorts of vendors and ask them anything you want in a non-sales social situation. The association’s mission is to educate Memphis brides and their families.

For more information or to comment on this article, please contact Don Lawler at Storytellers. 901-485-3027 or don@wetellyourstories.com

Select the cake after all decisions about dress style and
reception decor and the colors have been made but don’t wait until the last minute! This can serve as a blueprint for the design and structure of your wedding cake. Make sure the cake is compatible with the style of the venue, the season, your gown, the flower arrangements, or the menu.

If you’re considering using fresh blooms: triple-check with your florist that they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Make sure all inedible decorative elements are removed before the cake is sliced and served.

Let your cake person know approximately how many people you
expect to attend the reception. They can help you choose how big the cake needs to be! Usually, three tiers will serve 50 to 100 guests; you’ll likely need five layers for 200 guests or more.

Wedding cakes are often priced by the slice — it varies, but generally ranges from $1.50 to $15 per
slice.  The more complicated the cake (based on the type decorations or hard-to-find fillings), the higher the price
tag. Fondant icing is more expensive than buttercream, and if you want elaborate molded shapes, vibrant colors, or handmade sugar-flower detailing, you’ll pay for the cake designer’s labor.

Buttercream or fondant? That’s the main question. Buttercream is often much more delicious. But if you
love the smooth, almost surreal-like look of fondant you will want to consider using a layer of fondant over the entire confection.

When it comes to decoration, the most inexpensive option is fresh fruits or flowers that can be applied by your
florist for a minimal fee. On the high end are delicate gum paste or sugar paste flowers, which are constructed by hand, one petal at a time. But here’s the bottom line: All add-ons — including marzipan fruits, chocolate-molded
flowers, and lace points — will raise the rate. (For the record, we think it’s worth the cost!)

Using fresh flowers: If you want to garnish your cake with fresh flowers, find out if the cake
designer will work with your florist, or if you are responsible for the blooms.
If the florist is running the show, will she have time to adorn the cake? Be
wary of elaborate floral accents if your reception space decor is labor-intensive.

Your cake will likely be on display before its cut and consumed. Make sure there is a designated cake table that
allows the most elegant presentation possible. A round table is perfect for round cakes, but a linear cake design may call for a rectangular table.

  Cake delivery takes coordination. Complex cakes may not necessarily be delivered in final form. Allow time and
space for assembly, if needed. Refrigeration may also be required.

The Flour Garden

Laura Jackson

901-486-1257

I think most of us are not happy with our bodies or health and want to make improvements. Age has a way of causing one to look for answers…fast. I’m there.

Today, while  reading the popular book “Body For Life” by Bill Phillips, I was drawn to a chapter called “The High-Point Technique”.

In the chapter, Bill explained that he had worked with a lot of professional photographers on many magazine photo shoots. He noticed that most of them would shoot for as many as 11 hours and not get a single photo that was worthy of a magazine cover. That’s the way it goes with most photographers. It can be frustrating. He also noticed that there were a few photographers who worked differently. They began sessions with a quick calculated setup. Then, they find their position, take a “warm-up” photo or two, and proceed to capture “the moment” on film. That’s it. Photo shoot over.

If you’ve seen the photos on covers like People, Time, or Vogue, you can see that the results are impressive. Sometimes breathtaking.

How does this story relate to your wedding? First of all, it’s very hard to photograph or capture “the moment” on film. It takes lots of skill and practice and, I think, a unique ability to read people and situations. I would say that most photographers and wedding videographers are like the majority of magazine photographers that Bill mentioned. They technically know their craft, but their approach is wrong and they often miss “the moment”. Their images are ok, but not not spectacular.

I think really great wedding photographers and cinematographers have that little something extra…that special ability to patiently wait…anticipate the action by reading the people…and then capture that “special moment”.  I’ve observed a lot of wedding photographers and videographers since digital cameras become so prominent. Digital makes it affordable to over-shoot. I think the majority are shooting everything that moves in hopes that they will get something usable. I call that “spray and pray”. In television, we used to call that hosing (like firemen). I constantly preach to my crew to plan ahead. Have an idea for the storyline before you shoot. Know your subject as much as possible. But, then watch patiently, anticipate the action, and look for “the moments” that tell the story….and to edit in their head. Whether it’s your wedding album or wedding film…isn’t that really what you hire your photographer and cinematographer to do- to catch “The High-Points” of your wedding day?

For more information or to share your thoughts, contact Don Lawler, Chief Story Officer at Storytellers. www.WeTellYourStories.com. 901.485.3027.

Here’s some great advice from the American Dental Association for brides and grooms. It’s a good, short, summary of bleaching, bonding, and veneers to get your smile ready for action! Questions? Please see Memphis Lumineers or send email to drsmith@davidsmithdds.com.