How to Propose to your Partner?

Is it time you popped the question? Here’s how you do it in a variety of different ways.

If you have decided that this is the year you finally propose to your partner, then we want you to read on. We have scoured the internet to find the best ways that people propose to their partners. 2021 is the year of all things digital, and it’s time we stepped up and joined the micro-wedding trend.

If you want the hottest hints and newest tips on how to propose to your partner, you are in the right place. Let’s talk about romance… how can you propose without being a cliché?

Proposing to your Partner in the Best Possible ways

Without a doubt, the best way to propose to your partner is by picking up the engagement band and biding your time. Overwhelming numbers of people propose in a moment when it feels right to do so. When they are having a lovely day and the moment is perfect. In an ideal world, this is how we would all propose.

However, life isn’t always like that. You can buy the ring and be waiting for full years – but never have it with you when the moment is right. You could be toing and froing on the issue, scared of the rejection, or too shy to ask. Whatever your reason for delaying the proposal, you eventually build it up to be something much more than it should be. You imagine that no scenario is good enough. If you keep on this track, that ring will still be in your top drawer long after the lady/gent that it was intended for has gone.

As the London-based Italian photographer firm of choice, we have seen and heard about more than a decade’s worth of proposals. We sorted them into simple but clean and extravagant and luxurious, below.

A simple proposal with maximum effect

For the simplest proposals that have maximum impact, try some of the following ideas:

  • Taking them to the spot where you first met.
  • Taking them to their favourite place, or to a high point so that you have a gorgeous view to set the scene.
  • Prepare to propose in a restaurant by getting the staff in on the gig. This works for any venue you like, be it bowling alley, museum, or village store.
  • Using sentimental older jewellery to be melted down for the ring is a cheaper yet highly effective way of saving on a proposal.
  • Have an ‘anniversary’ party and propose in front of all your friends and family.
  • Some might not want a public proposal, so do think about your partner and about whether to go down on one knee or not.
  • Keep it a secret! Surprising your partner is the best way to be romantic.
  • Ask their parents – if it’s possible.

An elaborate proposal with maximum effect

For an elaborate proposal that you have money to spend on, try some of the following ideas:

  • Have a personal video made of you two, one man made a whole film.
  • Have the question written by a skywriter.
  • Hire out the whole restaurant, bar, or lounge.
  • Take them abroad and propose on holiday.

Some of our other favourites, here at Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production, include proposing after food poisoning, an epic case where the couple fell out and she didn’t arrive at the airport, and a couple who lost the ring between the floorboards of the porch of their log cabin.

It’s not only the rejection you have to be prepared for.

How to Organise a 10k Budget Wedding ?

Want to get married without the price tag? Here are our top tips on planning a budget wedding

Here at Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production, we specialise in the videography and photography of weddings. WE have more than a decade of experience in this area, with an extensive background in wedding photography both here and abroad.

Asides from making some of the best London photography images around, we can also speak with some authority on all matters wedding. One of those matters is how to organise a budget wedding. We know what you can scrimp on and what you can’t.

Believe us when we tell you this: your images and video of the day are two things you do not want to scrimp on. Having evidence to commemorate the big day is as vital as having an official there to join you two in matrimony. There are other things that should also be considered to be indispensable, or that could be left out of a budget big day.

Tips and Tricks for a Great Wedding on a Low Budget

Take some of our advice and you could have a brilliant budget big day, without feeling like you have lost out. We put together some money-saving tips for having the best wedding day possible, without spending a fortune.

The Venue

You can save a lot of money on a venue by hiring a town, village, or church hall. Once decorated, this makes an ideal venue for the reception. With an alcohol license, a good playlist, a few bubble machines and a day’s worth of events’ liability insurance, you could get the lot for under five hundred. If you use the local church to marry in, you can save even more.

The Transport

A single coach taking people there and back from a central location should cost around £200, depending on how far you are going. Your guests will be safe and happy and you can be sure you don’t lose any between venues. Otherwise, save money by having your guests make their own way there.

The Entertainment

You don’t really need a full pipe band or even a wedding DJ, you just need access to the sound system, a little time to figure it out, and a willing wedding guest. Put on your wedding playlist and dance the night away. Have a strict no interference rule so that nobody can change the tunes halfway through or hog the mic.

Karaoke machines are cheap to hire and can make up the end portion of the night. Other reasonably cheap features like photo booths with props, giant jenga, chocolate fountains and even bouncy castles all make for fantastic – yet memorable – touches.

The Food

There’s nothing wrong with a good, old-fashioned, cold food buffet. You can have one made for 60 people from around £200 upwards. You can also decide to invest that £200 in a meal for the close friends and family through the day. Remember, if you have a buffet, include sweet things like pic-a-mix and make more than you think you will need.

Other Helpful Hints to save Money on your Wedding

Other tips include making your own favours, having a loved one make the cake, and renting suits and shoes for the day. You can find a bunch of other brilliant budget big day tips over on Money Saving Expert.

How to Build a Wedding Guest List?

If you are getting married and in a panic about your guest list – stop! We have the answers you need about who to invite.

Planning a wedding is a lot of work. From buying dresses to hiring venues, there are a thousand little things that can go wrong… and all of them take up more time than you would like to spare. One of the things about wedding planning that can easily spiral out of control, is your guest list.

If you never considered planning a wedding guest list to be a difficult task before, then think again. It starts with trying to invite every aunty and uncle on each side so that nobody’s parents get offended and ends with you having to explain to dear old Jeanie, your second cousin’s ex-husband’s next door neighbour, why she didn’t get an invite in the post.

Wedding guest lists are difficult, fact. Let’s try and make things easier for you with a guide on how to (successfully) build your wedding guest list.

A Short Guide on Planning your Wedding Guest List

If you follow our advice, you might just end up with the best wedding guest list any couple ever created.

Step 1: Decide on a number and stick to it

There are only so many people you can afford to cater to. Similarly, there are only so many people you can fit in your evening venue. If either of these numbers is exceeded, you have too many guests. Use this as a hard-and-fast limit.

Step 2: Decide on the Essentials – and stick to it

Next, you have to figure out who actually MUST be at your wedding. Your essentials should include close family members such as the bride and groom’s siblings and parents. Grandparents may be included, and best friends shouldn’t really be forgotten about.

Now, if you are having a wedding that is strictly family, you can get your wedding guest list down to the essentials. You could have the parents, siblings, and grandparents, and have a wedding of less than 20 people.

Step 3: Deciding who your best friends are

Now comes the tricky part. There are in your life who you won’t want to invite, but who feel like they are owed an invitation. You must be strict about this. The people who attend your Big Day should be those that you genuinely want to be there, not those who have guilted you into an invite. Be strict and cut them out.

Step 4: Optional Extras

Once you have figured out who you cannot live without, you can start adding in optional extras. These are in your life but who don’t play a major part. It is at this point that dear old Jeannie has a chance. If you do not have the budget for this, that’s fine… There’s one last trick reserved for just such occasions… Don’t invite them to the service, just for the evening reception once the meal is finished.

Don’t forget your photographer!

When you finally have a guest list and have planned a wedding to die for, don’t forget who helped you with the planning! A good photographer is hard to find, but you can have a London-based Italian photographer and videographer at your wedding simply by getting in touch. It might just be the perfect complement to round off the perfect day.

Wedding DJ or Band?

Should you have a DJ or a Wedding Band at your wedding?

If you already read our article on how to pick the perfect playlist for your wedding, then you are already familiar with the wedding DJ versus wedding band argument. Both have merits, both have flaws. We took a more in-depth look at the pros and cons to give you more information.

The Pros and Cons of Wedding DJs

Wedding day DJs are a blessing for those with a well-prepared wedding day playlist. They represent the easiest way to make sure you hear the songs you want on your big day.

Some of the pros of hiring a wedding DJ is the price, which usually costs less, the space they need, and the equipment they use. All of it should come as part of the deal. The DJ is great for those who don’t have time to make playlists of their own as they should have a pre-set wedding list. If you are providing them with drinks while they are with you, they will cost you less in bar fees.

Some of the cons of hiring a DJ include relying on one person for your whole nights entertainment, spending a lot of money for what is essentially someone to man a computer and sound system all night, and the occasional DJ who thinks they know better than to play songs on their pre-arranged playlist. Besides from artistic differences, if your DJ gets caught in traffic, the show will have to go on via a willing relative.

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Wedding Bands

Wedding bands, on th

e other hand, give you a nice live venue-feel. Many of them are well-versed in the wedding classics, with set lists that include plenty of breaks to make the set last all night long.

Some of the pros of hiring a wedding band for you

r wedding celebrations is that they have

that authentic, live atmosphere that feels like a festival. When you see a band, your guests know that they are in for a wild night and an event they will remember. When you hire a band the equipment is provided, the set can be issued, and songs can be learned in advance. Besides all the rest of the comments, wedding bands are ideal for your first dance.

On the other hand, wedding bands aren’t all roses. They can be late, get stuck in traffic, and have much more chance of technical malfunctions than a DJ will. They may require rehearsals, giving you something else to do through the day. They may not play long enough for the eve

nt to finish and your guests to go home. As well as all the above, a wedding band might not be able to play every song on your playlist.

Don’t forget technical staff

Your photographer and/or videographer is equally as important as the DJ or band that you choose for your wedding. We area London based Italian photographers with years of experience in wedding day bliss. Visit Gaetano Di Giacomo today to learn more.

Destination Wedding

Getting married? Going abroad could be the ideal way to cut that guest list by half!

Picture this: Instead of rushing around planning a wedding for 140 people at a local venue, you go abroad. You take only cherished friends and family members… you put the money you save on wining and dinging more than a hundred guests into the flight costs of only your nearest and dearest… think how much easier the whole process would be… Right?

The destination wedding is going to make a comeback and, when it does, we will be ready for it. To prepare, we discuss the pros and cons of a destination wedding, below.

The Benefits of a Destination Wedding

It’s everyone’s dream to get married in a big white wedding, isn’t it? Just think that through… Those of us with overwhelming shyness can’t stand the thought of an aisle filled with onlookers. Some of us would rather elope, not out of disrespect, but out of fear.

As well as the shyness angel, there are savings to be made by going abroad. The guestlist is smaller, the group is tighter, and the chances are that those you do invite will enjoy a more intimate setting. They will get to know one another better, dance the night away, and truly take time to join two families together.

A Destination wedding means you are already on your honeymoon, that you can marry on the beach if you want to, and that you can have an outdoor celebration. However, regardless of this, many of we Londoners are afraid to opt for a wedding abroad because we assume it will be more hassle than a home wedding. In fact, the opposite is true!

How do you get someone to officiate a wedding abroad?

It’s very easy. You should visit an establishment of your own choosing in advance or communicate via email or telephone. Try to choose a country where at least one of you speaks the local language. If you are marrying in Italy, for example, it wouldn’t hurt to have someone in your wedding party who speaks Italian.

What about flowers?

Again, there are florists all over the world, not just in the west! Similarly, if you choose an outdoor wedding at the right time of year, you could take advantage of the blossoms that are naturally prevalent in the area.

How do I find a photographer for my international wedding?

That’s an easy answer too. You can book a photographer in London that will travel out with you. They will put the expense of their flights on your tab and you may need to take care of their room and board, but just include them as a guest to ensure costs are covered. If you need an internationally well-travelled photographer from London, don’t forget about Italian videographer and wedding photo specialist, Gaetano Di Giacomo.

Other considerations to make when marrying abroad

There is bed and board for your guests, meals, how long their stay will be paid for and guest health to consider. If you are having a destination wedding, be sure to choose a reputable hotel with English speaking staff who can help you out at a push.

Otherwise, get booking and have a fantastic wedding adventure!

Why it pays to invest in a wedding photographer for your big day.

We know that weddings can be expensive and if you are working to a budget, or you want to keep the costs down as much as you can, then chances are that you are going to be thinking about what you really need and what you don’t.

There are certain things that weddings can still be perfect without, however, there are some things that are truly worthwhile investing in, and we believe that a good quality wedding photographer in Buckinghamshire is one of these things.

So, with so many other things to pay out for, why do we, here at Gaetano Di Giacomo wedding photographer, think that you should plan in to spend out on this service?

A wedding photographer can help you to make memories

You will never forget your wedding day, however, as time goes by you are likely to find what you can remember to be a little fuzzy around the edges. When you book in a wedding photographer you are helping yourself to make memories, to capture images that you can then revisit later on in life and remind you just how amazing your big day was.

You can see things that you didn’t know about

When you are busy getting ready for the wedding, separated in the morning or perhaps wrapped up in other things during the celebration; it is too easy to miss other special moments. When you hire a wedding photographer, particularly a wedding documentary photographer, you will be able to see snippets of the day that you didn’t get to experience first-hand.

They will make you look amazing

Of course, every single couple will have a beautiful glow around them on their big day, however, with a top quality wedding photographer they are going to know exactly how to pose in a way that showcases you both perfectly and against the right backdrops too.

You will bring people together

Whilst styled shots are not for everyone on their wedding day, in the most part these organised group photos are actually a great addition. They allow you to bring people together that you might not have a chance to take a photo of again; such as distant friends or family members. Not only this, but how often do you get the chance to take a photo of your whole family, without someone being missing? With a wedding photo shoot you are going to be able to make sure that no-one has to dip out to take the photo and everyone can be in it together!

Now you know why it is so important to book in a wedding photographer for your big day, why not check out the very best wedding photographers in London? Whether you are looking for a natural wedding photographer or a documentary wedding photographer then we can promise you that we will help to create some treasured memories of your special day that you can treasure forever.

Why you should have a wedding videographer?

Gaetano di Giacomo, wedding videographer, directing a couple at their wedding.

It’s commonly said that your wedding day will flash by in an instant. You’ll be swept along all day in a flurry of activity, and there will be little details you will miss and big moments you’ll want to remember for years. If you’re debating whether you should get a wedding videographer, this post is tailor-made for you!

While photographs capture snapshots of these precious moments, the immersive experience of a wedding video brings your special day to life in a way that nothing else can. Here’s why investing in a wedding videographer is essential for making your wedding memories last a lifetime.

 

The Value of a Wedding Videographer

While planning your wedding, you might ponder, “Do I need a wedding videographer?”. It’s common to weigh this necessity against other wedding expenses. There are so many costs when it comes to a wedding, and adding a videographer might seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if you’ve already hired a photographer.

However, a wedding videographer is not just an additional cost but an invaluable investment in preserving your memories. You won’t regret this decision when you’re watching your precious wedding video on your 1st, 10th, or even 50th anniversary.

 

Your Wedding Film Is A Lasting Record To Treasure

Photographs of your big day are lovely, but a wedding video adds a more personal touch to the day, providing you with the little details that you’ll forget and capturing the essence of your day, from the morning preparations to the final dance. It’s not just about seeing the day unfold but hearing it too—your vows, the laughter, the music, and the speeches. It’s these sounds and sights that photographs alone cannot capture.

Moreover, a wedding video is a way to share your day with those who couldn’t attend, bringing them closer to the experience. It’s also a chance for you and your family to make memories to treasure forever, especially when your loved ones have passed on, and you will appreciate the record you have of them enjoying your special day with you. It becomes a true family heirloom, a piece of history for future generations to witness and cherish. Your children and grandchildren will enjoy watching the footage in the future, and you’ll enjoy watching it with them. The memories will never fade, as long as you have a visual memento to cherish.

 

Why Professional Videography Matters?

Opting for a friend or relative to film your wedding might seem cost-effective, but the difference in quality is incomparable to what a professional can offer. They likely won’t have the correct equipment or the ability to edit and transform it into a masterpiece.

A seasoned wedding videographer brings the skills, equipment, and artistic vision to craft a cinematic video that truly reflects the emotion and beauty of your day. Moreover, a professional videographer will have the experience to capture everything you want to remember, including the little details you might miss, all while being completely unobtrusive. After all, this big event happens only once, so you want your wedding video to do it justice.

 

How Long Do You Need a Videographer for a Wedding?

The duration your videographer will be present depends on your wedding’s scale and the specific moments you wish to capture. Typically, videographers offer packages that range from just the ceremony to the entire day’s coverage. Discussing your expectations and schedule with your videographer will ensure every crucial moment is captured.

 

Making the Decision

Choosing to hire a wedding videographer is a decision you won’t regret. The joy of reliving your wedding day, hearing the voices of loved ones, and seeing the emotion and love is priceless. You’ll be glad you decided to make lasting memories to treasure.

If you decide to hire a wedding videographer, we’d love to hear from you to discuss your requirements. Based in Buckinghamshire and Italy, we cover London, the UK, and destination weddings in Italy. With Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production, you’re not just getting a wedding video; you’re preserving your most cherished memories for a lifetime.

With over 10 years of experience, we understand what it takes to create a lasting visual record of your big day. To watch previous weddings we have filmed, check out our featured wedding films or visit our Instagram account.

 

Get In ToucH

Choosing your first dance song – our picks to help you find the perfect song for your big day!

There are plenty of emotional and beautiful moments to look forward to when it comes to your wedding day. This could be seeing the bride in her wedding dress for the first time, or perhaps getting all the family and friends together to allow for the wedding photographer to take their shots.

However, one of the main times that many people will look forward to is hearing your first dance song. So much so, that you will usually find that your wedding videographer will stick around until your first dance song and will them move on, leaving you to dance the night away with your guests.

Wedding songs are usually sentimental choices, some maybe the bride’s song and some may be the groom’s song. However, the main thing to think about is your favourite wedding song as a couple, something that really has a meaning to you both.

If you are looking for a first dance song and you feel that you are stuck on which one to choose, we are here to help you. We have put together a variety of songs that we think could be the perfect choice for your big day.

Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars

There is something pretty beautiful about this particular song. Chasing Cars is not only a popular tune, but it is also quite sentimental too. It is a sure-fire way to ensure that everyone knows how you and your new bride or groom is all that you need and maybe even get a few tears shed in the process.

Foo Fighters- Everlong

If you prefer a rockier approach to your first dance, then you might want to think about this particular tune. Everlong is beautiful, but it is still alternative enough to appeal to plenty of “against the grain couples” it is also a bit more of a surprise than some of the other songs out there that you can choose.

Elvis- Can’t Help Falling in Love

There is also nothing wrong with choosing a song that is more traditional and classic. Especially if it is as beautiful as this tune from Elvis. The great thing about this particular song is that it is not only romantic, but it also appeals to the majority of your guests too, no matter their age.

Take That- Shine

A first dance wedding song doesn’t always have to mean that it is slow, it can actually be a fast and more upbeat tune, one that you can actually dance to (and maybe encourage your wedding guests to join in on too). We think that that this particular song is nice and upbeat and it still has a relatively romantic feel. Which really is the perfect combination.

As you can see, there is plenty of choice when it comes to your wedding day song, so, why not take some inspiration from our list and see if you can find the right first dance song for your wedding day?