Blog postings from Montana's premier wedding and portrait photographer-Dax Photography
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Wedding tips
If you have a single bartender for a wedding of 300 you’re going to drive them to drinking themselves! Just don’t…for everyone’s sake. As a general rule plan to have 1 bartender to every 50 guests. If you have over 150 guests plan for a separate bar as well! You want people drinking and having a blast on your big day…not waiting in line!
If you actually have your ring bearer hold the actual rings (would recommend you actually don’t do this and let the best man just be the man here), but if you do…pin the rings to the pillow and for God’s sake use a safety pin! :)
Last check renting a tux was a few hundred dollars! Pick a suit or tux that you can have your groomsmen actually buy! There are plenty of options out there that as long as you pick one that is the color you want and regularly stocked (don’t you dare pick a clearance one that doesn’t have all the sizes), your groomsmen should be able to just pick their sizes and have it shipped directly. Don’t know your size…go to any department store and they can get your measurements. Added bonus once the wedding is over the wedding party will all have a spiffy new wardrobe!
The ceremony is kinda the most important part…I mean you rehearse it and everything! Make sure you actually play the music during the rehearsal so you can get the cadence down of people walking down the aisle and when. When walking down the aisle if you have child flower girl, etc…wait to walk…they go infinitely slower than the rest of the bridal party. Also it makes sure you’ve figured out what songs will play and when…trust me, your DJ will thank you if you have this all figured out ahead of time!
You have a captive audience at the end of the ceremony. Give your wedding officiant very specific instructions to make an announcement of what comes next. Typically family portraits happen right after the ceremony so let him know who should be included in that announcement…Aunts, uncles, cousins…or just the immediate family (Parents grandparents and siblings). Don’t forget the rest of the guests here…is there a cocktail hour, food truck, etc? When will dinner be served? Give your guests guidance…they always love to know what to expect and will relax and enjoy much more if they do!
I can’t even begin to tell you how many brides buy these luxurious wedding heels only to wear them for a few minutes and switch into something more comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I love Badgley Mischka’s as much as the next girl. Now this one definitely is for those Montana brides where about 95 percent of the weddings are held outdoors. Anyone whose worn heels outdoors will tell you that aerating the lawn is never fun! Let’s be honest if you’re wearing a wedding gown no one will actually see your shoes! Further, if you have your dress hemmed for heels and you switch to flats early on your gown is dragging on the floor! Do yourself a favor and get a comfortable pair of shoes and hem your gown to them…I don’t care if they’re wedges, custom Jordan’s or combat boots…you do you! Just do it comfortably. But by all means bring those gorgeous heels for some detail photos! :)
Kids are adorable on your big day…but in moderation LOL. If you’re a guest don’t let your children consume the bride and groom’s time. A cute single dance with the little one…perfect. Anything more, step in and pull them away. Definitely don’t let your children sit on the laps of the bride and groom during the speeches. It happens more often than you think! Here's a pro-tip to ensure your wedding day isn't mistaken for a daycare center: kids are cute, but like glitter, they should be used in moderation. A single dance with the little munchkins? Adorable. Anything more, and it's time for the parent rescue mission. Guests, consider this your warning – don't let your offspring turn the bride and groom into human jungle gyms. No one needs a toddler on their lap during heartfelt speeches; it's a recipe for disaster, not sentimentality. Let's keep the "awww" moments to a minimum and the chaos levels in check. Your wedding day is not a daycare drop-off; it's a celebration of love. So, guests, corral your tiny tots, and brides, unleash the kid wranglers if necessary. Here's to a day that's memorable for the right reasons, not for toddler tap-dancing during toasts!
This is an important question to ask your venue and you definitely don’t want to be surprised! Whether it’s the actual venue OR their neighbors…ask if there will be any construction happening! Here's a pro-tip for the ultimate wedding surprise avoidance: steer clear of venues that double as construction sites with scaffolding. You don't want your big day to have a background score of power drills and jackhammers competing with your vows. "Till construction do us part" isn't the ideal wedding mantra. Picture this: walking down the aisle to the gentle hum of concrete mixers serenading your love story. It's a symphony of chaos that even Beethoven wouldn't attempt. So, before you say "I do" to a venue, make sure the only construction happening is the seamless building of your happily-ever-after, not the addition of a new wing or an unexpected surprise visit from Bob the Builder. After all, your wedding day deserves a backdrop that's more romance, less wrecking ball. Here's to constructing a day that's as smooth as the aisle you'll be gracefully walking down – sans hard hats!
We live in Montana…and the weather is…well, let’s just say temperamental! The mountains around here can oftentimes create their own weather patterns. Needless to say the wind is sometimes perpetual. Too often I see hair that is half up or tendrils coming down by the bride’s face. Just know that you’ll probably be fighting those blowing in the wind. By all means if you want to wear your hair down with some vivacious curls…own it! It can create some magical moments on film with the hair gracefully blowing across the bride’s face! In reality you’ll probably be annoyed by it most of the day.
But wait! There’s a simple and elegant solution…just put your hair up…all of it. :) From french buns to pony tails to elegant curls pinned up with a million bobby pins…it doesn’t matter. On her wedding day, a bride opting to wear her hair up embraces a timeless and elegant choice that accentuates the grace and sophistication of the momentous occasion. The classic updo not only showcases the bride's facial features but also allows her to display the neckline of her wedding gown and any intricate jewelry or accessories she may choose to wear. This chic hairstyle not only exudes a sense of poise and refinement but also ensures that the bride remains comfortable and composed throughout the festivities. Furthermore, an updo provides a versatile canvas for incorporating veils, hairpieces, or flowers, allowing the bride to personalize her look while maintaining an air of timeless beauty that will be cherished in photographs for years to come.
Dear Pragmatic Bride, let's talk about the great floral conundrum – boutonnieres on dress shirts. It's like trying to stick a flower on a smooth canvas – a futile endeavor. Sure, a vest might make it slightly less awkward, but let's save you some hard-earned cash and floral frustration. If your groomsmen are sporting dress shirts sans jackets, ditch the boutonnieres. It's like trying to force a rose into a buttonhole-sized straitjacket. Your wedding party will thank you for sparing them the floral wrestling match, and your wallet will do a happy dance. After all, who needs a boutonniere when the real bloom is the love you're celebrating? Keep it simple, stylish, and flower-free for your dress-shirted brigade
Dear Resourceful Bride, why carry a bouquet of flowers when you can strut down the aisle with something truly spectacular? Ditch the traditional blooms and opt for a bridal ensemble that breaks the mold. Picture this: cotton candy clouds, a wheat sheaf that screams rustic chic, or just gorgeous leaves that whisper the sweet symphony of autumn. Who needs flowers when you can wield a bouquet that's a feast for the senses? Not only will your guests be in awe of your creativity, but you'll also have a snack on standby in case the vows make you peckish. It's time to blossom beyond the bloom and embrace a bouquet that's as unique as your love story. Just imagine the Instagram-worthy moments as you sashay down the aisle with a cotton candy cloud in hand. Because why follow tradition when you can dance to the beat of your own bouquet? Get ready to redefine bridal chic and, who knows, your guests might start a new trend! Bouquets are so last season; let's make yours an unforgettable masterpiece of whimsy and wonder!
Dear Sentimental Bride, when it comes to tissues on your big day, wield them like the precious currency they are. Don't be too hasty in doling out those tear-catchers; there's a crucial difference between eyes welling up and a single tear gracefully making its way down a cheek. You're not running a tissue charity, after all. Let those emotions marinate a bit. Your goal is not just a beautifully orchestrated ceremony but also to create those picture-perfect moments where your husband can sweep in like a tissue-wielding hero to delicately wipe away a solitary tear. It's the kind of swoon-worthy gesture that Hallmark movies are made of. So, hold back those tissues, let the tear-worthy moments unfold, and ensure your wedding day is not just a celebration of love but also a showcase of tear management finesse. After all, a single tear can be more precious than a bouquet of roses. Happy tear-wrangling!
Dear Bride-to-be, when planning your big day, make sure to designate a sacred space for the magical transformation of hair and makeup. Picture this: a spot strategically positioned in the shade, facing natural light—think of it as your own personal glam oasis. No direct sunlight, unless you want to blind your makeup artist with the reflective power of your highlighter. And, for added drama, make sure the backdrop is as dark as your sense of humor when faced with pre-wedding jitters. Trust us, you'll thank yourself for avoiding any unexpected makeup mishaps or hairdos that only your grandmother's cat would appreciate. Happy primping!
Mark your spots on the ground where you want your wedding party to stand. When it comes to your ceremony, think of it as the ultimate catwalk and you, my dear, are the star. It's imperative to mark your territory like a glamorous lioness – center stage, baby! If there's an arch stealing your spotlight, treat it like a pesky paparazzo and show it who's boss. Mark your majestic spot with the precision of a GPS system, ensuring you stand front and center, stealing the show with the finesse of a runway model. Let the arch play the supporting role, like a fancy prop desperately trying to keep up with your bridal prowess. Because when you're the leading lady, darling, the center is where the magic happens. Strut your stuff, and may your ceremony be as flawlessly orchestrated as a Hollywood blockbuster. You're the director; make sure you're in the spotlight!
Dear Bride with a Sense of Humor, let's turn your wedding into the ultimate cocktail of entertainment! Picture this: personalized napkins from foryourparty.com boasting fun facts that could rival a trivia night at a pub. Who knew your wedding could be both a celebration of love and a crash course in random knowledge? And let's not forget the pièce de résistance – drink coasters that send a clear message: "Please don't take my drink, I'm dancing." It's the ultimate defense against overenthusiastic dance floor beverage kidnappers. With these quirky touches, your wedding will be a masterclass in combining elegance with a dash of delightful irreverence. So, go ahead, let the napkins drop knowledge bombs, and the coasters become your party bouncers. Because nothing says "I do" like having a good laugh while protecting your drink from enthusiastic dance enthusiasts! Cheers to a wedding that's as witty as it is wonderful!
Dear Radiant Bride, when it comes to "having a good side," consider it the VIP section of your big day, and you, my dear, are the reigning queen. Declare sovereignty over your preferred side with the authority of a head-of-state, because let's face it, if you've got "a side," it deserves first-class status. Period! Like a celestial body demanding its orbit, your chosen side should be the focal point of the wedding universe. Inform your bridal party that this is non-negotiable – your side gets first dibs on everything, from seating arrangements to photo ops. Let them know that it's not just a preference; it's a gravitational force that cannot be ignored. So, stand tall, claim your territory, and let the world revolve around your side with the majesty it deserves. Long live the queen and her favored side!
Dear Glamorous Bride, here's a blinged-out tidbit for your fabulous feet: say "I don't" to jewel-encrusted shoes unless you want your walk down the aisle to sound like a tap dance remix of your vows. Those sparkly gems might be tempting, but consider them the divas of the shoe world, ready to snag your dress like overzealous fans clutching for an autograph. You don't want your grand entrance to turn into a high-stakes game of dress-and-shoe tug-of-war. Opt for smooth sailing instead, ensuring that your shoes are as sleek and polished as your wedding day smile. Save the dazzling drama for the aisle, not your hemline. After all, no bride wants to trip down the runway of love due to a rogue rhinestone rebellion. Keep it smooth, sassy, and snag-free! Now if you want some epic details…by all means bring your Badgley Mischka’s stacked with jewels as a prop!
Let's talk about a crucial matter that's often overlooked – tie length! If you've got towering figures or some portly fellows in your wedding party, don't subject them to the injustice of too-short ties. The last thing you want is your groomsmen looking like they're ready to star in a sequel to "Honey, I Shrunk the Groomsmen." Those poor big and tall souls already face the daily struggle of finding clothes that fit; on your wedding day, ensure their dignity – and tie lengths – remain intact. Steer those gentlemen towards the big and tall section for ties that won't leave them feeling like they're wearing a neck accessory designed for garden gnomes. It's not just about the vows; it's about the ties that bind, quite literally. So, let's spare them from tie-related trauma and make sure your wedding party is tall, proud, and perfectly accessorized. Here's to tying the knot without shortchanging anyone – especially when it comes to neckwear! Cheers to lengths that matter!
Dear Radiant Bride, here's a nugget of wisdom for your big day: ensure the bar is stocked with energy drinks that can rival the enthusiasm of your most spirited bridesmaids. Forget the typical champagne toast; let's toast with caffeinated concoctions that say, "I do, but first, let me finish this energy drink." Because who needs a sugar-coated cake when you can have a sugar-rush-induced dance floor extravaganza? Your wedding may be a marathon of love, but with energy drinks in the mix, you'll be sprinting down the aisle with enough vigor to make Usain Bolt jealous. Here's to a day that's as charged up as your phone on your wedding morning – and may your energy levels be higher than the heels you're rocking! Cheers!
Kids are adorable on your big day…but in moderation LOL. If you’re a guest don’t let your children consume the bride and groom’s time. Here's a pro-tip to ensure your wedding day isn't mistaken for a daycare center: kids are cute, but like glitter, they should be used in moderation. A single dance with the little munchkins? Adorable. Anything more, and it's time for the parent rescue mission. Guests, consider this your warning – don't let your offspring turn the bride and groom into human jungle gyms. No one needs a toddler on their lap during heartfelt speeches; it's a recipe for disaster, not sentimentality. Let's keep the "awww" moments to a minimum and the chaos levels in check. Your wedding day is not a daycare drop-off; it's a celebration of love. So, guests, corral your tiny tots, and brides, unleash the kid wranglers if necessary. Here's to a day that's memorable for the right reasons, not for toddler tap-dancing during toasts!
