You want a picture-perfect memory and entertainment that will strike the right note at your reception.

But to capture the images of your wedding that will remain timeless and perfect harmony for the reception, you need to think carefully about what you want a wedding photographer and a band, deejay or other entertainment to add to your celebration.

Several Cape wedding planners have tips on finding a photographer and making the arrangements that will best serve you:
 
Wedding planner Alison Wildes Liset, owner of Elegant Engagements, Sandwich:

•    Start with websites and search “Cape Cod photographers.” A lot of photographers will use the Professional Photographers of Cape Cod (PPOCC) – something like chamber of commerce website, on which they have thumbnail photos and brief descriptions of what they provide. With these, you can refine your search quickly. Once you narrow your options, consult your wedding planner for further advice. (http://www.ppocc.org/)

•    You can also use “the knot” Website and within minutes you can find someone who’s used the particular photographer you’re interested in using (also useful for choosing a band or other vendor), and you can chat online with other clients and get firsthand referrals. (http://wedding.theknot.com)

•    For bands, consider consulting professional entertainment coordinators like Pat Ryan of Spectrum Music in Woods Hole, Falmouth. (fullspectrummusic.com) or Pam Pryor of Cape Cod Entertainment Agency (www.capecodentertainmentagency.com).



Jaime Burge, owner of SeaMist Event Planning, Orleans

•    Most couples prefer to use a deejay for entertainment, though there is a trend toward having background piano or harp music. Deejay Chris Baker has been highly recommended. (http://www.djchrisbaker.com/)


Connie Nye-Clark, owner of The Perfect Plan, Forestdale

•    Wedding planners are your best resource for photographers and bands. Photographers vary in price and style and there’s a lot of good ones and a lot to pick from. A lot of research is done online by couples, trying to find the style that they like and then go from there, possibly interviewing two to four of them. I find that a lot of bands are found by word of mouth -- people remember a good band. I find that to be very, very true even for deejays too.

•    Couples are definitely using the Internet more and more to find their vendors, including photographers. Bands are more found through word of mouth. People say, “I’m gonna make a mental note of that band and I’m gonna use them at my wedding. I heard them play, and I want them to play at my wedding.”

By Katelyn Harding