8 Practical Wedding Planning Tips for a Happy Healthy Marriage
Chris Chang Photography presents 8 Practical Wedding Planning Tips for a Happy Healthy Marriage.
Are you planning your wedding and feeling the weight of it all? We feel you.
At Chris Chang Photography, we’ve served countless engaged couples and shared in their wedding experiences. It’s easy to get all worked up. After all, it’s the single biggest day of our lives.
So here we’ve distilled a healthy list of advice and pointers that will hopefully help you and your partner take the stress off wedding planning.
1. Have your common objective in mind when the going gets tough
Wedding planning can be a full-time job on its own, on top of our day jobs. The reality truly sinks in when contracts are signed and commitments are made.
Be it time pressing financial decisions, or small decorative details - every element can be a source of conflict if you so choose it to be.
In these times, we would do well to ask ourselves and remind our partners what we are truly after:
A picture perfect wedding day or a happy healthy marriage?
Focusing on a strong common goal helps every couple fight together versus fighting against each other.
2. Embracing each other's differences
““A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.””
Variety is the spice of life. When two unique individuals come together, it’s inevitable that both of you may oppose or even clash in opinions. What makes a marriage exciting is often when we are able to appreciate our partner’s differences over being shocked by it.
Developing an acceptance of who each other enables a healthy environment for communication without judgement or disrespect. While this can take considerable time and effort initially, figuring this out in the early stage will set the both of you up for success in the long run.
3. Even with heavy discussions, remember to love each other.
Let’s face it: we’ve seen our fair share of couples parting ways even in the wedding planning stage. Granted, every context is different. But it doesn’t change the fact that loving marriages are defined by just that - loving.
It’s easy to let loose when we are not our best selves. That’s when heavy discussions have the potential to lead to destructive conflict. Some words once spoken will leave scars even if forgiven. This is when it’s often wise to be quick to listen, slow to anger.
Being able to make decisions and problem solve as a couple peaceably is a key foundation of every successful marital relationship.
Need more tips? Check out our 10 Tips to Avoid Becoming Bridezilla (Calming your Wedding Day Nerves)
4. Asking for help where needed
Most couples are getting married for the first time. So unless you or your partner does wedding planning professionally or as a hobby, there is bound to have challenges lurking around every corner.
The good news is we don’t have to do it on our own. Do count on us, your trusty wedding photographer, too! Better yet, check out the rest of our wedding tips and blog.
Having a reliable team of brothers and sisters or simply being open to advice (from the right sources) often will provide us with wise counsel for decision making.
“Is this dress too revealing?”
“Do we really need to serve alcohol?”
Ask, and you shall receive your answer.
Sweet deal!
Enjoy SGD300 off Your Wedding Shoot!
5. Pro-tip for the men from the ladies: be involved and be generous with assurance
Let’s face it: regardless of the task, wedding planning definitely isn’t a one-party affair. While it is easy to leave the all the decision making to one party, it is more memorable to build towards a glorious wedding together hand in hand.
Even for decisions that seem like it should automatically be made by the bride, it can still be pressurising. As some of our brides would concur, body language plays a big part in assuring our partners we are involved. Maintaining eye contact in conversation makes a huge difference. On top of that, speaking our minds freely (especially for guys) helps to communicate honesty.
And most importantly, remember to give plenty of assurance that your engaged and want to be involved even if you start to sound like a broken record.
6. Being realistic and prioritise needs
Wedding planning - often the first major test of a couple’s relationship, can be a stressful process.
Even romantic K-dramas are made possible only with a squad of production crew and good processes. Furthermore, when it comes to managing inter-family relationships and expectations, even experienced professional project managers may falter.
This is when it is essential to lay down all the cards when it comes to practical needs. We recommend leaving no ground untouched so you and your partner have a practical assessment of the situation as part of your game plan.
7. Budgeting
Because no one should start their marriage in debt. Economic conditions and social trends have evolved in our day and age. While a great celebration leaves beautiful memories, healthy savings will help the both of you get to life and family goals with lesser stress, and in turn a happier marriage.
Spending within your means is sound advice. Financial prudence can take precedence over fanfare to please all the relatives and friends. It can also make the difference between a happy DAY and happy DAYS.
8. Keeping a checklist of to-dos
Digitally or in a notebook, a good checklist is going to be a key piece of your wedding planning game plan. Sync it to a calendar.
Or take your pick from this list of trusty wedding planning apps.
Having communicated every touch point with your partner, now affirm each other and act upon it!
Looking for an Actual Day or Pre Wedding Photographer?
21 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
21 Questions to ask your wedding photographer, whoever it may be!
In the midst of engaging a wedding photographer but not sure where to get started? Fret no more!
Here at Chris Chang Photography, we are more than familiar with brides and grooms excited to find that right wedding photographer for their big day.
More often than one hopes to, we may encounter a brain fart where we forget that ‘One Important Question To Ask’.
Hence we’ve prepared a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to ask your potential wedding photographer, whoever it may be. (But we definitely hope it’s these guys!)
So bookmark this page, screenshot it, save it, copy it, do what you need to have this information ready for your initial meeting!
Essential questions to ask your Wedding Photographer:
(We’ve elaborated on questions that may not be self-explanatory)
1. Can you describe your Photography style?
In addition, you may wish to check out the photographer's portfolio to get a good idea of what you may like or not like.
2. Does my coverage have to be continuous?
For example, couples may have a ceremony in the morning and a dinner banquet. Hence being able to split coverage is essential. Better yet if your photographer is willing to accommodate reasonable changes in timing to be available for you where needed.
3. What if my wedding is split between 2 days?
4. What time will the photographer arrive?
Ask this as bridal makeup or morning preparation timing may vary.
5. How many photos will you take throughout the day?
6. Will you edit all my photos?
7. How will the final photos be delivered?
Important, especially if you would like a special wedding album. Photos for digital or social media and print need to be processed differently as well!
8. Do you provide prints in the package?
9. Do you provide wedding albums?
10. When can we expect to receive the final images?
11. Do you have a rate card?
12. What are your ongoing promotions or packages?
Be sure to inquire about validity and booking periods!
Psst!
Enjoy $300 off all wedding packages!
13. What are the payment terms like?
14. Are there any surcharges?
Some photographers may apply an additional fee for wee hour booking or additional coverage.
15. Do we need a secondary photographer?
16. Do you include Videography in your package?
17. Do you work with any bridal boutiques?
In case you're wondering, yes, we do work with Silhouette The Atelier!
18. Do you provide hair styling and makeup?
Yes we do as well!
Questions you’ve always wanted to know:
19. Should we consider studio photography?
20. Will you return all my wedding images in other file formats?
If you or your partner have some background in photography, you may broach this topic. The answer is entirely subject to your photographer’s discretion.
21. Will you ‘Photoshop’ my photos for me?
So there we go!
Be sure to share this post with your partner or friends getting married 😄
Planning for your Pre Wedding shoot? Do check out our 8 Tips to Look Good on Your Pre Wedding Photoshoot as well!
Need a good wedding photographer?
8 Tips to Look Good on Your Pre Wedding Photoshoot
As professional wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of helping many couples documenting the moments that define their relationship, all the way leading up to their wedding day.
We’ve also have witnessed the vast personalities of different brides and grooms - from anxious to sanguine. Repeatedly, our couples ask us for tips to prepare for the pre-wedding shoots. So here we go:
1. Follow the Memo 📝
What memo you’d say?
Typically we share a memo for our brides and grooms. This comes with a solid list of do's and don'ts which guide the preparation and the entire process of the wedding shoot.
2. Rest Well, Not Just the Night Before
Ladies would know best the impact of sleep on the complexion. So this goes out to all the men as well. But a good complexion will take a bit more investment into resting early. Lack of sleep especially worsens sensitive skin conditions, especially eczema.
While Photoshop is cool at salvaging every photo situation, I’m pretty sure we can all agree that all natural photos are simply amazing.
Even more than that, a good night’s sleep will help lift your energy level and good spirits so you can thoroughly enjoy the shoot with your loved one. So give that Korean drama a rest so you get to look like a queen. Kings - you can certainly afford a well-deserved rest from work.
3. Be Light-hearted and Open 😇
Every couple’s love journey is unique. Each truly tested relationship has its fair share of highs and lows. During the initial introduction, we’ll typically zoom in onto moments or settings that bear special significance for every couple.
Depending on your partner and your love language, certain objects or experiences may invoke strong feelings of love and intimacy. It could be a special stuffed toy, a rainy day bus stop where both of you met, or the school library both of you stole shy glances at each other.
Let us into your beautifully woven love story and count on us to extract beautiful pre-wedding photos.
4. Exercise and Boost Your Confidence 🤽🏻♀️⛹🏻♀️🚴🏻♀️🏊🏻♀️
Let’s face it - a regular exercise regime and diet may not be sustainable for all of us. But love (and looking good) can be a huge motivator. More than a slimmer and buffer physique, regular workouts also raise energy levels and healthy emotions. As our body image improves, we also get a significant confidence boost that makes us feel good and look good on the day of the pre-wedding shoot.
5. Take Care of Your Skin 💆🏻♀️
Ladies, leading up to your big days, go for regular facials and do frequent masking to keep your skin in supple glowing condition. In addition, good complexion makes it easier for makeup as well. Definitely, don’t try out new makeup or skin care products at the last minute which has a risk of causing allergic reactions or pimple outbreaks.
Men, you’ll do well to involve your wife-to-be in taking care of your skin too! Couples doing facials can be a great bonding experience. Who knows, you might just get hooked :)
6. Be Well-groomed 💇🏻♀️
When it comes to grooming, you might want to move dates around a bit to align with days of photos shoots.
Wedding photography also generally tend to feature the bride and groom’s hands (ladies you’ll get to show off that huge diamond ring!), so we definitely recommend a manicure. Depending on the theme of the shoot, your feet might get featured as well so you might just want to add on a pedicure too!
Saving a manly stubble? It might be wise to take a few photos prior and have that conversation if this is the look both of you wish to memorialise.
7. Trust Your Professionals (Photographer & Makeup Artist) 👀
Wedding photographers have one of the rare professions that lead us to attend countless weddings year in year out, along with professional makeup artists. We have been instinctively trained to anticipate and react to all kinds of situations.
So count on us to make the best decisions for you. Afterall, we only look good when your partner and you look good.
8. Enjoy YOUR Moment! 🙆🏻♀️🙆🏻♂️
Needless to say more, it’s your precious big day with your most beloved.
So enjoy it to the max 👰🏻🤵🏻
Excited to engage us for your big day? Hurry take action and enjoy $300 off all wedding packages in 2018!