Wedding Photography Schedules - No. 9, Melissa Koren Photography

Melissa Wilson from Melissa Koren Photography provides some great insight on planning wedding day formals. Check out her work below or visit her website: Melissa Koren Photography

When meeting with clients we discuss their needs and expectations of formals. I've had formals range from 2 hours just for bride & groom to 30 minutes for a 10 person wedding party and family! The more time provided, the more relaxed the portraits can be however, the more permutations they want, the longer its going to take. If they are anticipating a ton of formals, I often ask them to check with their venue and DJ to see what scheduling they require so we can adjust start times accordingly if need be - some venues are very particular especially if they've got a kitchen full of food waiting to be served. It's also important to make sure they let their family members know not to wander off if they're going to be needed! Sometimes we spend more time trying to gather people than I actually do shooting!

I ask if they're planning on seeing each other before the ceremony. It's such a personal choice and I completely respect that, sometimes the anticipation of not seeing each other until the end of the aisle is part of their ideal day and I never press to take that away from them. If they do want to see each other before hand, we try and plan backwards from the ceremony time. If you need to be at the alter at 4, then we need to be wrapped up in time for you to leave at 3:30 so we need to start at 2:30 time and so you should all be dressed, made up and ready to go at 2:20!

In my experience the majority of my couples are not seeing each other before the ceremony but opt for some length of 'getting ready' photos. When that is the case, and everyone is ready in time, I try and get as many of the brides formals (portraits, family, attendants) out of the way before the ceremony, if there's time and location is conducive I will also find the groom and do the same individual shots for him as well. Then we have more time after the ceremony to celebrate and shoot.

Flexibility is important. If it's crucial that you want a photo of your mother putting on your veil, but she's running an hour behind, lets put on your veil and take some photos and then when mum is ready, we'll carefully remove it and let her do the honors. If you definitely want a shot with your godfather, but for some reason he wasn't available during the formal time, we'll make it a point to get a lovely shot of you two at the reception. I always let clients know that if they have a large family group shot that's not going to fit into the allotted "formal time" they can gather everyone at the reception and I'll gladly make it happen!

Most importantly, try and relax and enjoy every moment of the day! No matter what time line gets worked out with the couple I try and make sure they know that things can happen and that's OK! Even the most detailed schedule is sometimes only a guideline. It's their day and if something gets off track it's not the end of the world, we'll all do our best to still make everything work out and provide absolutely the best results possible. That's just another part of why it's so important to work with professionals, especially the DJ/band & the photographer. We all try and work together with the on-site coordinator (if available) to make sure that even if the day doesn't go as "planned" everything is still perfect

Figuring out your seating chart... things to consider

above image by Matthew Lomanno Photography

There is a standard language that vendors in the wedding and special event industry use when discussing table layouts and ordering specialty linens for those tables. I thought it would be a good idea to share some insider secrets so you can understand what you need to order, how many people you should place at each table, which size tables fit how many guests, etc etc.

Let's start with dining tables. MOST venues will have 60" round tables in-house for your use. Some will also have 72" rounds, but 60" is definitely the standard, at least on the East Coast..... Here is a list of the round table sizes you might need to use/rent for your wedding:

All of these tables are the standard 30" height:

72" round
60" round
48" round
36" round
30" round
24" round

Some tables also come in a higher, 42" height and are perfect for your cocktail hour:

36" round
30" round
24" round

Each table size has a linen that will fit perfectly to the ground. The math is pretty easy to figure out, here's how it works:

Take the diameter of your table and add the height of the table twice to the diameter. For example:
For a 60" round table of standard height 30", you would take 60 and add to it 2x the standard height of 30" so 60. 60+60 = 120 so a 60" round table needs a 120" round linen to go all the way to the ground. Here's the list of the rest of the table linens needed for your round tables:



above image by Melissa Koren Photography

Standard height tables:

72" round table = 132" round linen
60" round table = 120" round linen
48" round table = 108" round linen
36" round table = 96" round linen
30" round table = 90" round linen
24" round table = 84" round linen

Cocktail height tables (42" high):

36" round table = 120" round linen
30" round table = 114" round linen
24" round table = 108" round linen

Now, most venues do NOT have all of these sizes and some rental companies don't offer every individual size needed for these tables. If you're working with custom linens, you name the size and they'll cut the fabric according. The two most uncommon sizes in the above list are the 114" round and the 84" round. Most venues and rental companies will suggest a 120" round linen to replace the 114" and you can tie a ribbon around the linen to shorten it a bit off the ground. Use a 90" round instead of an 84" round and let the fabric puddle around the bottom or tie it up as well.

Some venues don't offer floor length round linens at all. Instead they will place to square linens, usually 84" square to cover the top of your tables and then to have the points of the squares almost touch the floor. If you don't mind seeing the underneath of your tables- including their metal legs, then you won't mind this option. There is actually a very practical reason why many venues do not offer floor length round linens. It is very difficult to wash, iron, and store round linens and most venues work with a general linen company who deals with venues, hospitals restaurants etc. They don't have the space or capabilities for specialty sizes and shapes. Most rental companies have their own in-house laundering system which is why they can offer so many different styles, sizes, and shapes. Just a little extra information for you :)

Now, there are also some rectangular and square shaped tables that you might want to use for your wedding and here are the most standard sizes:

All of these tables are the standard 30" height:



above image by Melissa Koren Photography

8' banquet- 30" wide and 96" long table
6' banquet- 30" wide and 72" long table
4' banquet- 30" wide and 48" long table
60" square
36" square

Two of these tables can sometimes come in the cocktail height of 42" and are great for bars:

8' banquet
6' banquet

For floor length linens, the math is the same process but you have to think of both the length and width of the table:

Take the length of your table top and add the height twice. That's one of your measurements... take the width and add the height twice. An 8' banquet is 96" long, so take 96 and add the standard 30" height twice, 96+30+30=156". The width of an 8' banquet is 30", so take 30 and add the standard 30" height twice, 30+30+30=90". A floor length linen for an 8' banquet is 90" x 156". Here are the rest of your linen sizes:

Standard height tables:

8' banquet = 90" x 156"
6' banquet = 90" x 132"
4' banquet = 90" x 108"
60" square = 120" square*** make sure you ask for a square linen, not a round.. it won't fit to the floor at the four corners of the table if you ask for a 120" round linen for this table size and shape
36" square = 96" square** same applies as the above comment.



above image by Matthew Lomanno Photography

Now that you know what size linens fit each table to the ground, let's discuss how many guests should be seated at each table. Everyone has a differing opinion on this subject, sometimes due to the size of your venue's space. They will put more people at a table to fit more guests into the space. The type of chair you have will also affect how many people can sit comfortably at each table. Let's start with the round tables since they're the most popular:

72" round tables: 10 guests sit very comfortably at this table. 9 would also work and 11 would also work and no one would be too tightly packed.... people do seat 12 guests at a 72" round and although it's possible when using a chivari chair, it is VERY tight and cramped. A standard cloth banquet chair is even wider then a chivari chair so it would be even tighter with 12 people sitting on those types of chairs.

60" round tables: 8 guests is great, 7 is great, 9 is great.... 10, same story as above....



above image by Melissa Koren Photography

48" round tables: 5-7 guests- great for cocktail hour

36" round tables: 3-5 guests- great for cocktail hour

30" round tables- 2-4 guests- great for cocktail hour


The 42" high tables are really used for bars so guests wouldn't be seated at those two sized tables... FYI.

And for the rectangular and square tables:

8' banquets: 8 guests, 4 on each side**

6' banquets: 6 guests, 3 on each side**

4' banquets: 4 guests, 2 on each side**

**A 30" wide table will only allow for seating on each side with very little, if any, room for flower arrangements. This standard width is great for a casual rehearsal dinner or wedding where flowers aren't really the focal point of your reception tables.
If you want to seat your guests at rectangular tables and you want to have large flower arrangements I would suggest using the standard 30" wide table and adding an 18" wide table of the same length to create a 48" wide table. This will allow for plenty of space for your flowers and your guests seating. The issue that comes up is your linen rentals. You can get standard linens for the 30" wide tables, but some venues and rental companies don't have floor length linens for the 18" wide tables. In addition to dealing with finding linens to cover your two tables, you now have a seam down the entire length of your table, and it's not centered down the middle of the table at all. I would suggest getting a runner that is wide enough to cover the seam, so a 14" or wider runner would cover your seams and make your table look complete.



above image by Matthew Lomanno Photography

60" square table: 8 guests exactly. It won't look right having some sides with two guests and some with one guest so you have to be pretty exact with your seating on these tables.

36" square table: 2 people is usually the best option here.... this sized table is used for a sweetheart table

I think that pretty much covers everything you need to know about tables and their coordinating linen sizes. Hopefully this will give you the information you need for planning your seating charts!

Melissa Koren Photography has a new website!

Melissa Koren Photography, one of our featured NH photographers, has a newly redesigned website/blog. We wanted to show off her fabulousness so take a look at her new website when you have the chance!

Congratulation Melissa, we think it looks great!

Melissa Koren Photography

The Wedding Budget- Ceremony Flowers

The challenge with Ceremony flowers is that they're used for a very short amount of time in comparison to the rest of your reception flowers. Sometimes you can re-use your ceremony pieces at your reception but some churches ask that your flowers remain at the ceremony as a donation. There are quite a few options to consider when designing your ceremony flowers:

Altar Arrangements
Aisle Adornments
Aisle Runner
Entrance Arrangements
Entrance Wreaths
Chuppah
Arbor Flowers

In our previous post about flowers for your wedding, here is what you should expect to spend depending on your overall wedding budget:

$2,000.00-$2,500.00 8%-10% of an under 25k overall wedding budget (based on 25k)

$3,000.00-$3,750.00 8%-10% of a 25k-50k overall wedding budget (based on 37.5k)

$5,200.00-$6,500.00 8%-10% of a 50k-80k overall wedding budget (based on 65k)

$8,000.00-$10,000.00 8%-10% of an 80k and up overall wedding budget (based on 100k)

You should expect to spend about 10% on your Ceremony flowers. That would break down to:

$200-$250.00 - under 25k overall wedding budget

$300-$375.00 - 25k-50k overall wedding budget

$520.00-$650.00 - 50k-80k overall wedding budget

$800-$1,000.00 - 80k and up overall wedding budget


Altar Arrangements: Probably the most popular choice for ceremony flowers, altar arrangements are used to bring the focus to the bride and groom. They can be used at any location, indoors and outdoors. The containers can vary greatly- galvanized buckets, glass urns, silver compotes, stone or ceramic urns would work perfectly well for large-format arrangements. I would suggest larger scale blooms for these arrangements because they will be placed very far away from your guests. Examples of large blossoms: hydrangea, roses, spider mums, football mums, bells of Ireland, stock, dahlias. Other items that will help create a large arrangement: curly willow, bear or lily grasses, dendrobium orchids, and even some leaves- lemon, variegated pittosporum. Altar arrangements usually range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on the size, scale and type of flowers.



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by megan dey photography



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by Linsday Flanagan Photography


Aisle Adornments: Although these aren't necessary, aisle adornments add a lot to your ceremony decor. Some people use these adornments to delineate VIP seating, others use it for aesthetic purposes only. The simplest option here is ribbon- either in a bow form or in a simple knot with tendrils to the floor. Expect to pay around $10.00-$15.00 per ribbon. You can then "upgrade" and add fresh flowers to your ribbons. A simple option would be a single hydrangea blossom to each of your ribbons which will cost you $15-$25.00 per ribbon and hydrangea. Adding more flowers to each aisle adornment adds costs and you can also create arrangements in containers that can be tied to a chair or pew or they can be placed on the floor next to the chair or pew. Some brides want to go more ornate for their aisle adornments so you can always add more flowers to each aisle adornment. A typical range for a flower and ribbon aisle adornment can range from $15.00-$150.00 a piece. You can also add fabric and drape it from each chair for a dramatic affect. Remember, if you have aisle adornments that close off that side of your aisle for guest seating, let your ushers/groomsmen know that they have to seat your guests on the outside of each row.



photo by Melissa Koren Photography



photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photography



photo by Studio Nouveau



flowers by Floral Fauna, photo by Emilie Inc. Photography

Aisle Runner: If you wanted to add another element to your aisle, consider a runner. A simple white runner can be purchased from your florist or you can splurge and consider a colored or custom runner. We love working with The Original Runner Company in NYC. They create all of our custom runners for our clients. These runners can be cut to any length and can be hand painted with your monogram, wedding date, or even a quote. Pricing ranges anywhere from $75.00 for a standard runner from your florist to $150-$3500.00 for a custom runner.



photo by megan dey photography



photo by Claris Photography


Entrance Arrangements: Smaller versions of your altar arrangements, entrance arrangements can be placed on either side of the first pew or row of chairs or they can be placed in the foyer of your ceremony area. Pricing will range from $50.00-$500.00 per arrangement.



photo by Studio Nouveau


Entrance Wreaths: A classic wedding staple, a wreath of flowers on the door of your church is a simple and elegant statement for any New England bride. Wreaths can come in multiple sizes and shapes and the flowers use can vary from carnations, hydrangea, roses, orchids and the list goes on and on. Most wreaths will hang on a door using a coordinating ribbon. Make sure you ask your church or ceremony location if you're allowed to put a nail in their doors or if there is a nail already in place for you to use. Wreaths will range in price from $75.00-$300.00 a piece.



photo by Melissa Koren Photography

Huppah or Chuppah: A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony element, the Chuppah can be very elaborate or very simple and understated, depending on the style of your wedding. Four simple poles and a top cover is all you really need to have a chuppah but brides will add fabric, branches, garlands of flowers, and even candles to suit their taste. Prices can range from free if it's already in the family to $7,000.00 for an elaborate, fabric and flower covered chuppah.



photo by Studio Nouveau



photo by Studio Nouveau



photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photgraphy


Arbor Flowers: A simpler version of a Chuppah, an arbor doesn't have a religious connotation and can be used for any type of ceremony. Some arbors are covered in garlands of flowers, greenery, or even simply twigs. These will range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on how elaborate the design. Some arbors are already existing at your ceremony location and your florist will adorn it as opposed to bringing in an arbor from scratch.



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by Studio Nouveau

The Wedding Budget-Personal Flowers

In a recent blog post I briefly explained many of the aspects of floral and event design. I am going to break down the more traditional floral budget today, starting with your personal flowers. I will explain how much you should budget for each portion of your design and what items you should be considering. Typically flowers in general will be around 8%-10% of your overall wedding budget. That would break down to the following amounts:

$2,000.00-$2,500.00 8%-10% of an under 25k overall wedding budget (based on 25k)

$3,000.00-$3,750.00 8%-10% of a 25k-50k overall wedding budget (based on 37.5k)

$5,200.00-$6,500.00 8%-10% of a 50k-80k overall wedding budget (based on 65k)

$8,000.00-$10,000.00 8%-10% of an 80k and up overall wedding budget (based on 100k)

Your flower budget will most likely be broken up into the following parts:

10-20% Personal Flowers - greatly depending on the number of attendants
10% Ceremony Flowers
5% Cocktail Hour Flowers
50% Reception Flowers
5% Special Extras

These are very approximate percentages as some brides will have one bridesmaid in her wedding party but will want a lavish place card table arrangement which would in a sense reverse her % for personal flowers and cocktail hour flowers. Use the above breakdown as a guideline, but don't worry about it at all if your amounts fall outside of these parameters.

Personal Flowers- 10-20% of your flower budget- these flowers can add up quickly depending on how many people are in your party, how many grandparents are attending the wedding, and the styles and types of flowers you decide to use. Using the above guidelines for an overall flower budget, you should expect to spend the following amounts on your personal flowers:

$300.00-$375.00 10%-20$ of a $2,000.00-$2,500.00 flower budget (under 25k overall budget (based on 25k))

$450.00-$562.50 10%-10% of a $3,000.00-$3,750.00 flower budget (25k-50k overall budget (based on 37.5k))

$780.00-$975.00 10%-20% of a $5,200.00-$6,500.00 flower budget (50k-80k overall budget (based on 65k))

$1,200.00-$1,500.00 10%-20% of an $8,000.00-$10,000.00 flower budget (80k and up overall budget (based on 100k))

Here's a basic rundown of who you might want to include in your list for personal flowers:

Bride- bridal bouquets range in price from $50-rarely to $500.00. More expensive flowers, ribbon wrap treatments and adornments such as rhinestone monograms or pearl studded stephanotis will also help add to this expense. My advice, this is the only place you should ABSOLUTELY splurge if you want to... you are the bride after all :)

Image by McNamara Photography



Image by Allison Hope Photography



Bridesmaids- average wedding will have 4 attendants and bridesmaids bouquet will usually run anywhere from $35-$150.00. The same reasons apply for the wide range of pricing here.

Image by Studio Nouveau Photography



Image by Kim Chapman Weddings



Junior Bridesmaids- not everyone will have any, but typically a smaller version of the bridesmaids bouquet is completely appropriate. Cost usually runs $35-$50.00

Flower Girls- again, some brides will not include a flower girl, but depending on their age and comfort level there are a number of adorable options for flowers: a small bouquet to match the bride or bridesmaids, a basket to toss petals, a basket with flowers sitting inside that can't be tossed- if tossing is not allowed at your ceremony area or your FG is too little to understand the concept of equal petal tossing :), a wreath of flowers for her hair, a pomander of flowers to carry- a sphere completely covered in flowers that is held with a ribbon, and the list goes on and on. Typical cost for this wide range of options is anywhere from $15.00-$75.00

Image by Eve Photography



Image by Studio Nouveau Photography



Image by Allison Hope Photography



Mothers- this season I've had 50% of my mothers choose to NOT wear or carry anything. The only etiquette here is if one mom has a flower the other mom should too- if there are in fact two moms attending. Some brides have step mothers they would like to include, others have a girlfriends of their fathers' that they want to give a flower to. As long as you're not offending anyone with your decision, I think you can do pretty much what you're comfortable within this department. The same goes with the father's boutonnieres. Most moms ask to wear a corsage, a wristlet or to have a small version of the bridal bouquet and the price range for these flowers is somewhere between $15.00-$50.00

Grandmothers- if you are fortunate enough to have your grandmother(s) attend your wedding, it is very appropriate to honor their age and wisdom with flowers. Almost all Grams prefer a corsage or wristlet, but there are a few sprite and sassy Nana's out there who want to wear something in their hair, on their purse, or actually have a small bouquet. Pricing is the same here as the Mother's flowers, $15.00-$50.00. Go Nana!

Groom- the all important boutonniere for the groom. I suggest having his match whatever you're carrying and to also incorporate the same wrapping style if you can, makes such a nice and cohesive look to your photos. Typical pricing will fall between $5.00-$20.00. The price range is dependent on the type of blossoms and if there are any other unique adornments here, just like the bridal bouquet. It will be a bit higher than the groomsmen usually because either your florist will make you two just in case one needs back up, they have to over purchase that particular flower to guarantee it's the highest quality, and they usually spend the most time on the bride and the groom's personal flowers to guarantee fabulousness!

Image by Roxanne Ashey Photography



Image by Allison Hope Photography



Groomsmen, Fathers, Grandfathers- it's usually easiest to have all of these bouts be the made of the same flower and wrap, although some people still want to give their BM something special. No real etiquette here, but the price range will be somewhere between $5.00-$15.00

Ring Bearer- often one of my favorite personal flowers to make because they are usually so adorable and tiny, the ring bearer will typically wear a smaller and simpler version of the groomsmen bout. If the flower is too large or to adult-like for the little guy, like an orchid or calla lily, a simply spray rose bout usually does the trick and they're very tolerant of the running around, falling down, and general chaos that comes with a ring bearer. I would say a price range would be $5.00-$10.00.

Image by Melissa Koren Photography



Additional Personal Flowers- some people want to include godparents, a special aunt or uncle, the officiant if they're not in the military or a member of the clergy since they can't wear any flowers, and some have additional ushers for seating. Readers and greeters might also be included in this list. The pricing will be the same for any of the above items already listed.