Big day, huge price tag: The skyrocketing cost of a wedding

If you're about to get hitched, hang on to your wallet.

Each year, Weddingbells Magazine polls thousands of brides- and- grooms-to-be for a glimpse of their wedding wants and needs. Then, it crunches the numbers to forecast trends, including how much the average wedding will cost, and releases it in an annual survey.

The forecast for 2015? A cool $31,717.

Before you decide to elope, consider that whopping figure includes some big bells and whistles: a honeymoon averaging $4,489, and an engagement ring clocking in at $3,125.

Weddingbells magazine editor Jen O'Brien says that average gets skewed by larger cities. Booking a venue in downtown Toronto will cost considerably more than one in Corner Brook, for instance. 

The pressure of Pinterest

Both the betrothed and those in the wedding business point to media, especially social media, as having a massive influence over spending. In particular, Pinterest — the popular site where users share photos and inspirations like a virtual clipboard — is widely used for wedding inspiration.

'I didn't expect it to be so expensive'- Bride-to-be Faith Parsons

"(Couples are) spending a lot of time on Pinterest before even becoming engaged, so they're not really willing to compromise on their dream days — they have an exact vision of what they want, and they're going to get it at all costs," says O'Brien.

She adds that 75 per cent of people surveyed by her magazine end up blowing their wedding budgets.

Andrea Hounsell, owner of the St. John's-based wedding planning company Something Borrowed Something Blue, agrees.

"I think that people are seeing a lot more photos of weddings than they used to before, and a lot more inspiration pictures," Hounsell said.

That inspiration adds up.

Wedding photographers routinely charge upwards of $3,000 for one day of service. With widespread exposure to professional photos in unique locations, couples now want unique mementoes of matrimony: one Corner Brook-based photography company has worked with couples who have booked helicopters in order to get the perfect shot — on a mountaintop. 

The big cost...of chair covers?

Even scaling back to simple decor might not be the answer.

Magazine editor Jen O'Brien: 'They have an exact vision of what they want, and they're going to get it at all costs.' (Twitter)

"If you have 300 guests, or 250-plus guests, it doesn't matter how simple your decor is. Just chair covers alone are $4 to $5.50 per chair cover," Hounsell said.

"Times that by 300 people, and you have a very large chunk of your decor budget probably eaten up already by that point in time."

The Weddingbells survey cited venue and catering costs as the single largest expense, up to one third the total cost for the event.

And if you're wondering who's footing this bill?

"About half the people we surveyed said they're relying on their parents to chip in," O'Brien said.

"And actually 61 per cent of brides indicated that cash donations are an important part of their wedding budget. So people really are relying on those envelopes full of cash on the big day to pay for everything."

Consider the winter wedding

One way to save big is to skip summertime.

Half of the 2,600 marriage licences issued by the Newfoundland and Labrador government in an average year are handed out in just two months: July and August.

O'Brien said venues can charge a premium during that period, and couples can score better deals negotiating during the off- season.

Hounsell adds it's important to plan ahead, and shop around. "Get a little idea of how much things cost from decorators beforehand," she said.

"Then set a realistic budget for what you want your decor to be, before you get into the nitty gritty details of picking out centrepieces and linens, because you really can go from zero to 60 very quickly."

'Everything was kind of a shocker'

Bride-to-be Faith Parsons has taken some of these tips to heart.

She's on track for an October wedding, with a $5,000 budget.

"We did a lot of the DIY. We got a lot of things from the dollar store, and spray-painted them ourselves, and did glittering ourselves. Just to keep costs down rather than get somebody else to do it."

But even then, Parsons was caught off guard by the price of planning.

"I found everything was kind of a shocker. I didn't expect it to be so expensive," she said.

Source: Big day, huge price tag: The skyrocketing cost of a wedding

Photographers boycott Baba Siddiqui's iftar party despite Salman's presence

Former state MP Baba Siddiqui's iftar parties have been in the news since 2013 when the warring Khans, Shah Rukh and Salman, buried their 10-year-old dushmani with a bear hug which grabbed headlines across the country. They gave a repeat performance of the 'hug' last year.

This year, with SRK away in Bulgaria for the shoot of his home production, Dilwale, and Salman busy with the promotions of his own production, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, no one was expecting any fireworks at the suburban five-star hotel on Sunday evening. But the celebratory mood quickly evaporated for the still photographers who were waiting to catch the red-carpet action.

READ: Kareena Kapoor Khan: Fans are fiercely loyal to Salman; he has god's hand on him

They had been herded into a barricade small enough for around 20 people which quickly filled up with more photographers, videographers and the electronic media, as news spread that Salman was expected with his entire family.

"At 7.20 pm, with all t he pushing and shoving going on, the barricade collapsed. Two photographers, Pradeep Das and Vinod Kumar Singh, are seriously injured and four others sustained minor injuries," informed Mirror photographer Satish Malavade, adding that the media were being treated like cattle."Baba Siddiqui had been intimated about the poor arrangements before the accident but he showed little interest. When the media began to leave, his publicist informed that they had their own photographer to cover the event. After this, the aggrieved lensers decided to boycott the event and went back en masse."

Not a single picture of Salman was clicked. He arrived soon after his father Salim Khan, brother-in law Atul Agnihotri and sister Alvira made their entrance and was accompanied by his Kick co-star Jacqueline Fernandez and actor Varun Dhawan. Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, whose son Sooraj, is being launched by Salman in the Hero remake, were also there, as were Salman's younger sister Arpita and h er husband, Aayush Sharma. But there were no photographers outside to click them so RJs and fans made do with selfie moments on their cell phones.

By 9 pm all the guests, including Kabir Khan and wife Mini Mathur, Zarine Khan, Daisy Shah, Sangeeta Bijlani, Dino Morea, Sushant Singh Rajput with girlfriend Ankita Lokhande, Pulkit Samrat, Gurmeet Choudhary and Sonu Sood, had left the venue, leaving Baba to enjoy the night with his politician friends.

When contacted, Baba Siddiqui did not wish to comment and asked Mirror to speak to his publicist.

This is not the first time the photographers have boycotted an event at which Salman was present. On July 11, 2014, at the launch of Devil, a special song for Kick, bouncers at the venue apparently misbehaved with some of the photographers.Salman intervened and announced that if anyone wanted to leave the venue, they were free to do so, adding that the paparazzi should maintain a certain distance.

But in November, Salma n personally invited photographers to Arpita's wedding reception party and the paparazzi called off the ban owing to the sweet gesture by the superstar. At the time, they had said that henceforth, they will capture Bhai at every event. But this time their fallout was not with Bhai but with the arrangements at the venue.

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Source: Photographers boycott Baba Siddiqui's iftar party despite Salman's presence

Diversity's Ashley Banjo marries Francesca Abbott and proudly shares first wedding photo

ASHLEY Banjo is a married man after tying the knot with the beautiful Francesca Abbott.

Proudly becoming a husband, the leader of Diversity quickly jumped on Facebook to share his very first wedding day photo.

Ashley Banjo is now a married man after tying the knot with the beautiful Francesca [Ashley Banjo/Facebook]

Letting the photo speak for itself, the 26 year old looked rather proud as he walked side by side with his new wife.

Wearing a grey three-piece suit with a dusty pink tie, Ashley happily smiled for photos as his Mrs – also a professional dancer – looked gorgeous in her lace gown.

Related article: Victoria and David Beckham share loving messages as they celebrate wedding anniversary

Related article: Peter Andre and Emily MacDonagh FINALLY announce wedding plans

The happy couple – who have been together for 6 years – announced their engagement 6 months ago and have been happily gushing about their wedding day on Twitter forever since.

Completely smitten, the Britain's Got Talent winner posted: "By the end of the week I'll be a husband! And the next chapter in my life will be open. @FrancescaAbbott how fast did that come around??"

The Diversity dancer has been gushing about his wedding day on Twitter all week [Wenn]

To which Francesca responded: "@AshleyBanjo I have no idea but I'm soooooo excited!!! #mrsfrancescabanjo."

Seriously though, how cute are they?

We look forward to seeing more wedding snaps please Mr and Mrs Banjo!

The 26 year old proposed to his girlfriend of 6 years just 6 months ago [Wenn]

Source: Diversity's Ashley Banjo marries Francesca Abbott and proudly shares first wedding photo

Shea McGrath Denver Wedding Photographer Sees Pets in Photos as Added Family

Shea McGrath, Denver Wedding Photographer, advises couples of a few things to consider when thinking about adding pets to the photo list of wedding attendees.

Denver, CO, July 04, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Shea McGrath, Denver, CO wedding photographer, discussed how some clients want pets in wedding photographs. McGrath noted, "Pets can be a great addition to family photographs during wedding and engagement celebrations."

According to John D'Ariano, President of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), "A pet plays an important role in a couple's life and for many pet parents, family festivities would not be complete without their pet's involvement. As a result, it's becoming more common for couples to customize their wedding parties to include family, friends, and furry companions."

McGrath advises couples of a few things to consider when thinking about adding pets to the photo list of wedding attendees.

· Anticipate pets' behaviors: Each pet has a unique personality. Some get overly excited when there are many people around.· No Pets Allowed: Many ceremony locations do not allow pets. Take the needed time to make arrangement for alternative locations for the photographs.· Accessories do not always work: Some couples like to slightly "dress-up" their pets for the occasion. A sign around their neck, a bow tie, or other ornaments may not work. Practice the fitting first. The pet's safety should not be compromised.

Shea McGrath Photography is relocating to Denver, Colorado and is now accepting bookings for weddings, engagements, and lifestyle portraits starting in September 2015. McGrath, has extensively travelled Eastern and Western Europe, including France, Ireland, Germany, and Turkey. McGrath, who is bilingual in Spanish, resided in Madrid, Spain where she started her photography business.

About Shea McGrath Photography:Shea McGrath Photography is developing a reputation as an intuitive and kinesthetic photographic artist. McGrath is often asked to photograph for personal events, such as weddings, as well as for the health & beauty, and fashion ind ustries. According to McGrath, "What started as a hobby and avocation in college has quickly turned into a passion and profession. Invited to be part of those special moments in people's lives is joyful and allows me to capture happiness. Clients feel comfortable and have a great time when on one of these photo shoots. Many clients have shared they had so much fun during the session, they forgot there was a camera around."

Shea McGrath Photography (www.sheamcgrath.com) is a professional photography company specializing in natural light photography helping people to celebrate life events such as weddings, graduations, engagements, Bar Mitzvahs & Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, and all lifestyle celebrations. Her work style is quickly gaining attention for product, fashion, and beauty photography as well. McGrath is now recognized worldwide as a portrait, nature, and industry photographer for over a decade. Follow Shea McGrath Photography on Twitter @shea_mcgrath, like on Facebook at facebook.com/sheamcgrathphotography, or Instagram @sheamcgrathphotography.

Source: Shea McGrath Denver Wedding Photographer Sees Pets in Photos as Added Family

Wedding photography with classic touch

Kristin Danley-Greiner 11:01 p.m. CDT July 2, 2015

Dave Poyzer, one of the owners of The Wedding Format, photographs Jordan Stephens and Nana Stephens.(Photo: Special to the Register)

What started as a hobby shooting wedding photos morphed into a business, The Wedding Format, for Dave and Mariah Poyzers of Des Moines.

"My first job out of college was working for a TV production company and I loved it. I'm also very entrepreneurial and love making a living doing what I love, so starting this business was natural for me," Dave Poyzer said.

Dave is the man behind the camera while Mariah handles the behind-the-scenes duties.

"We both shoot, but she does the post-processing work, photo editing, etc.," Poyzer said.

Poyzer spoke with The Des Moines Register about his business.

Q: Who are your clients?

A: Brides and grooms.

Q: Do you travel?

A: We will travel everywhere. We've been to Mexico, both coasts, but most weddings we work are in Iowa.

Q: What sets you apart from others?

A: We do a lot of film photography, including Polaroid photography.

Q: What is your style?

A: We have a candid style of photography. We love to document the entire day, which is less intrusive than posing people. We want them to enjoy their day and tag along to capture special moments and memories. One of our specialties is that we shoot on Super 8 film, which is old vintage. We also do digital video. We're shooting on cameras from the '60s and '70s.

Q: What do you love about the antique look?

A: I love shooting on Super 8. It's a challenge, but I enjoy the challenge and the results you get are more organic and nostalgic than on crystal clear video. It comes out more timeless.

Q: What's a typical day?

A: We start out with the bride and groom getting ready, then follow them all the way through to the reception.

Q: What does your videography service include?

A: We create highlight videos, taking clips from throughout the day and set it to music. We find that people really enjoy highlight videos and share them on their anniversary.

Q: What compliments have you received?

A: People really enjoy the process. We try to make the whole thing as easy and seamless as possible. We will put together a small wedding website, so they can view their samples and log in to order their photos.

Q: What do you love about your business?

A: For one, working with my wife. We hang out all day unless I'm out on a shoot. I also love doing something that I love to do. The end product comes out better. It's also neat meeting new people.

The Wedding Format

LOCATION: Des Moines

HOURS: By appointment

BUSINESS HISTORY: The business was formed in 2012.

OWNERS: Dave and Mariah Poyzer

CONTACT: 515-650-3321, www.theweddingformat.com, Facebook @ The Wedding Format

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Source: Wedding photography with classic touch

Photographer Turns Pre-Wedding Photos Into a Grand Lightsaber Battle

When a couple approached Singapore-based photographer Mezame Shashin-ka about doing a Star Wars-themed photoshoot, the results, which mingled real people, action figures, and a fair amount of post-production are damn impressive.

DIY Photography interviewed the photographer about how they pulled this whole thing off:

The Art of Mezame has been in the business of doing themed pre-wedding photography for couples who dare to be different and have a unique photobook to showcase their relationship with an epic cinematic feel.

Our clients first came across a previous shoot we had for another couple featuring them as survivors of a zombie apocalypse. Wanting to do something similar but with a Star Wars theme, the couple approached me and asked if I could do it. I jumped at the chance as I'm a Star Wars fan too and thought my affinity for toy photography could add a more interesting perspective to the photo series.

After weeks of pitching ideas, drawing storyboards, testing shots and site recces, we finally got around to doing the shoot with the couple as a pair of Jedi Knights who had to battle their Sith groomsmen. Armed with lightsabers sponsored by KIT SABERS, and costumes they put together themselves, the couple and their groomsmen duked it out in epic battle scenes inspired from the Star Wars movies

Below are a few more of the photos, read the rest of the interview and see all the photos at DIY Photography.

Contact the author at katharine@io9.com.

Source: Photographer Turns Pre-Wedding Photos Into a Grand Lightsaber Battle

Best wedding photobombs ever? Dolphin and 'ghost' among bizarre things to upstage newlyweds

When you've spent all your savings and put months of planning into your dream wedding , it's nice to have the perfect pictures to help you remember the day.

But there are some things you just can't control - as these couples found out.

The pictures below capture the moments newlyweds were upstaged by a topless man, fitness fanatic, fighter plane and even a dolphin.

This probably wasn't quite how they wanted the photos of their big day to turn out, but they're definitely ones to keep in the album.

Have you caught a wedding photobomb on camera? Share them with us using the form below or email them to yourmirror@mirror.co.uk.

1. The dolphin

Alexis and Steve Espey, who tied the knot in 2014, were left stunned when a mischievous mammal tried to take centre stage on their special day.

They were enjoying the celebrations at Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St Augustine, Florida, when the dolphin stole the show on their first kiss.

2. The muscle-man Ultimate wedding photobomb: A fitness model was snapped pulling a superhero pose off the coast of Hawaii

This shot was taken by the one and only James Blunt, whose friend and fitness model Sean Parker decided to photobomb a newly-wed couple.

Muscle-man Sean is pictured standing on his board while flexing his biceps. He later posted the picture to his Instagram account, saying: "The ultimate photobomb."

3. The topless man

This picture of a topless photobombing the party on some sweeping steps went viral in July last year .

Ash Warner, who captured this shot, said at the time: "You may see a better photo of a wedding photo being taken today but I doubt it."

4. The 'ghost'

Kevin and Christiana Dennis wedding photo with a face in between them

It's not exactly clear what is photobombing the happy couple in this picture - which makes it all the more sinister.

Kevin and Christina Denis were left with a chill down their spines after noticing a photo of them smiling at the camera had what looks like a creepy face smirking behind them .

5. The Vulcan Oblivious: Jonny Smith looks at his bride coming down the aisle, not seeing the huge plane behind him

Jonny and Emily Smith had a shock on their wedding day when their pictures were photobombed by a Cold War Vulcan jet.

The legendary plane upstaged the bride on one of its last-ever flights.

Jonny and Emily Smith on their wedding day, getting photo bombed by the Vulcan

But the couple didn't mind, with Jonny saying: "We feel very very lucky to have had that at our wedding."

6. The falling building

This bride and groom were being filmed making their way into a chapel in Kostroma, Russia, when their peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of falling masonry.

The couple turned to see a huge building across the street crumbling and falling to the ground before their eyes.

Have you caught a better wedding photobomb on camera?
Source: Best wedding photobombs ever? Dolphin and 'ghost' among bizarre things to upstage newlyweds