Blogs

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from Virginia-based DJ Drew Izm. His style features a wide range of music, mixing together sets that please audiences of all ages and walks of life. He has spun numerous events, including New Year's Eve on the high seas for Royal Caribbean, fashion shows with Macy's, and guest appearances at the rooftop pavillion of the W hotel in the nation's capital. Drew loves when couples are excited about the music for their wedding. "I think everyone has been to weddings where its all by-the-book, but I know there are many couples who want a party! Its a great opportunity for friends and family to get dressed up and then get down!” 

Photo Credit: K&K Photography

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there's chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. This week, contributors Julie Hill from Elysium Productions and Lori Roche of I Do Films show us how to find a winning videographer.

1. How did you get started filming weddings and is it your main business? How long have you been in the weddings industry?

"Weddings are 'run and gun' shooting situations with no set-ups or second takes, so you need to make sure your filmmaker is prepared for anything," said Julie Hill of Elysium Productions. They must be equipped to handle unforeseen challenges but also anticipate valuable, smaller moments that more inexperienced vendors might miss, like noticing the groom look lovingly at the bride and knowing he's about to squeeze her hand, so the focus of the camera needs to pan down.

Knowing their back story will give you insight about whether they truly love filming weddings, or if they view it as a way to pay the bills in between other video projects. "The amount of experience a videographer has isn't always as important as how passionate they are about their craft and their desire to work with you to make an amazing wedding video," said Lori Roche of I Do Films.

In honor of Friday the 13th, the second season premiere of Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids tonight features a true maid of honor horror story. 

Maid of honor Jessica, a longtime friend of the bride, Meghan, refuses to accept that she can't wear a different dress than the rest of the bridesmaids—and that she doesn't rank above Meghan's matron of honor, Roxy.

"I've been waiting 21 years to be Meghan's maid of honor. I absolutely think I deserve to stand out," said Jessica. "As maid of honor, I feel like I have the power to decide what happens."

The root of the problem—Jessica feels threatened by the fact that Meghan is now closer to Roxy and feels like she's being overshadowed. She doesn't want to be "one of two" in the bridal party and would rather step down than share the spotlight. 

 "I want people to know that, next to Meghan, I am the most important person at the wedding," said Jessica.

Time's a-ticking—I'm only about two months away from saying "I do!" My fiancé Michael and I are looking forward to the future and we can't believe that our two-year engagement is quickly coming to an end. I've learned so much about myself and wedding planning in general throughout this amazing journey. BG brides, I'd love to recap my highs (and lows) with you all...

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

This isn't the first time I've admitted that I used to suffer from wedding obsession. After our engagement, I encountered many sleepless nights; I would lay in bed, wide awake, debating everything from venues to flowers to bridesmaid dresses. I can't recall exactly what made me snap out of it, but I will share the best planning advice someone told me: No one will ever care as much about your wedding as you do. (I'm pretty sure my guests could care less if I opted for sheer overlays or plain linens!) Just remind yourself why you're throwing this big party in the first place—not to show off your planning skills, but to celebrate that you've found your soulmate.

I just love the creative designs, fonts, colors and variety of wedding invitations. Check out these fab looks from Poppies for Grace.

There’s a cool black and white design for those who prefer a more graphic style:

And a soft blue seashell motif for weddings by the shore:

This adorable vintage-style collection is super-trendy:

Photo Credit: Julie Pepin

My wedding-planning process has (mostly) been smooth sailing. However, I've still experienced my fair share of snags, worries, and mistakes. In the name of honesty, I'd love to share some of my confessions with you, from one real bride to another!

1. I care more about wedding details then I thought I would.

In the first few months of planning, I would have told you that I'm not the kind of bride who cares about visual aspects of the wedding, such as invitations or centerpieces...but I was wrong. I went through several different options for both before making a decision. I've discovered that every wedding detail, no matter how small, is a way to express myself and the love that I share with my future husband. They give brides an opportunity to get creative with their plans and they're some of the most fun decisions we get to make!