Hate is a very strong word which I do not like to use (apart from in conjunction with marmite and spiders) so I've come up with a list of 'strong dislikes' or grievances I would like to share with you about the wedding industry...
#1 Wedding photographers who are not assertive. When you have hundreds of guests please consider the logistics of how to get them all posing for shots which is quick and fun so everyone can then carry on with the party. I'm not talking drill Sergent Majors who are barking orders at the guests; I'm talking about photographers with a voice. They need to have personalities, a presence and they need to be heard. Not being afraid to use the ushers and best man to advise the guests of whats happening and when is also very helpful. There's nothing worse than photographer chaos at a reception especially when everyone is more interested in the wine waiter!
TOP TIP Ask in detail how the photographer handles guests and what he or she says to them. Also help them by giving a breakdown of what shots you would like before the big day and give these to the bridal party too. People who have more knowledge about what you would like are going to be more inclined to help you achieve it. If they bring an assistant or you get a 2 photographer package then all the better, no one's been missed out as you've run out of time.
#2 A DJ that doesn't work the crowd. It's a fact most couples will start to run out of funds when it comes to booking the entertainment. I cannot advise my clients enough that scrimping on the DJ or band is like committing wedding suicide (yes I feel that strongly). I'm sure I've mentioned in a previous blog about the importance of entertainment yet still people believe everyone will be up and dancing with your favourite tunes on the iPod. Unless you were DJ Spoony in a previous life then this just isn't going to happen. It's takes years of practice, knowledge and personality to woo the wedding party crowd onto the dance floor (think of the mix and age range of wedding guests - it's difficult) however a great DJ who watches your guests closely is worth they're weight in plasters.
TOP TIP Go with word of mouth or a DJ you especially liked from a previous wedding you've been to. If you've never seen them in action before ask if you can visit them when they're doing a wedding or another gig so you can check them out for yourselves. Also follow up on some testimonials - ask about how they interacted with the crowd and if all age ranges were up and dancing the night away.
#3 Extra expense of the evening buffet. This is what I've really got a bee in my bonnet about; venues who are permanently stretching couples budgets on needless evening buffets. Be very careful with your T&C's as some venues require you to pay for at least 75% of your total guests for an evening buffet. When they want to charge over £20 per head this can seriously increase the amount you spend on the day. Honestly I think this money is better spent elsewhere for three main reasons: A) If you've had a three course wedding breakfast which started after 5pm then guests are not going to eat again at 8pm. B) Most evening guests when they come will have eaten beforehand. People are never sure if a buffet will be provided or not so will normally have had a snack or light meal before they turn up anyway. C) Buffets provided are normally stodgy, fried or sweet food that the kitchen has taken very little care or effort to prepare (they've had enough by that point). I've seen burnt pizza, curled sandwiches and what I think was an attempt at a scotch egg at a 4* hotel reception. This is not always the case but more often than not it's what happens; you've spent an extra £2k for a table full of food which is going to waste.
TOP TIP: Provide guests with either a huge cheese board instead (trust me this is far more likely to be appreciated!) served up with the wedding cake. If you're still not sure this is enough then go for a couple of platters of bacon rolls towards the end of the night and mind you don't get ketchup on the brides dress!
Controversial maybe but I often see couples (not mine I hasten to add) being stitched up or let down by their venues or suppliers who quite frankly should know better. Again this is where hiring the services of a wedding planner would pay dividends; only quality vetted suppliers are used and and contracts are negotiated so there will be no waste and your money will go further.
