Weddings

Rules of Engagement

Planning a wedding takes solid organization, good communication, and remembering why you’re doing it, says celebrity wedding planner Samantha Goldberg. She advises on the most important considerations for brides to weigh.

How much time should I devote to planning my wedding?
Although the average wedding takes nine to 12 months to plan, it’s better to allot six to nine months. The shorter time period can give you more negotiation abilities, which could lead to better deals in every category. Also, the less time you have, the less you will over-analyze the details. One of my clients, the wife of an NFL player, planned her wedding in four months, which allowed me to save her $100 per person at the Venetian in Las Vegas because it was close to the date and the room had not yet been reserved. Although there are places that book three years in advance, you would be shocked to learn how many popular venues have prime openings on a Saturday night four months out. If you’re flexible on your date — especially during the popular months of May, June, September, and October — and if it doesn’t have to be on a Saturday night, you’re more likely to get exactly what you want with vendors across the board.

My fiancé and I have all the items we need for our residence. What should we put on our registry?
Many couples that get married later or already have homes together are opting to register for donations toward large-ticket items. For example, you can register at a travel agency for the honeymoon of your dreams. Your guests could contribute to this “Dream Honeymoon” fund, and you’ll receive a gift card from the agency when donations are made. Another option is to register with wedding vendors whose services will result in a tangible memory, such as a high-quality wedding photography book or a video with the type of editing you desire. If you are saving up to buy a house, consider setting up a down payment fund at your bank and then invite guests to make contributions toward your first home — and kick off your new life together.

Should I purchase wedding insurance?
Being insured is smart. There are many wedding insurance companies on the market; some are reliable, some are not. Before you go this route, however, check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Some items may fall under policies you already own; if not, many companies can add a rider to address specific wedding concerns.

I’m overwhelmed with researching photographers and videographers. How do I select the one who is right for me?
First, you should decide on the style you want: portrait, which are posed shots, or photojournalistic, which is a series of candid photographs that chronicle the day in a storyboard technique. The industry is moving toward a photojournalistic style, but beware: A lot of photographers are falsely marketing themselves as photojournalists. Do your homework. When selecting a photographer or videographer, you must like their style and personality. Look for professionals who are members of reputable organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants, Wedding Photojournalist Association, the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers, or the Wedding & Event Videographers Association, to name a few. Being a member of such organizations means that these professionals receive constant training. Questions to ask a prospective photographer or videographer include: how many weddings they do in a year; where they trained; if they are licensed, insured, and bonded, and by whom; and who will replace them if they are unable to attend the wedding. Ask to get contact information for their most recent clients, the names of vendors they know, and a list of venues where they have recently worked so you can ask these references about their experience with the photographer. Ask the vendors if they would use this photographer for their own wedding. The selection of a photographer or videographer is one of the most important decisions you can make. After all, these are the memories of your wedding day — you want them to be beautiful.

Celebrity event designer Samantha Goldberg is the owner of Gold Events in Summit. She can be seen on the Style Network’s Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? She recently partnered with Hilton hotels to launch the wedding planning website Guestiquette.com.

Weddings

Rules of Engagement

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