RTE's Brides by Franc

A few people have asked my opinion of the RTE TV programme: I think it is great... for a couple of reasons. It shows that you really can have the wedding of your dreams! It also shows in a practical way how to be creative, how a professional wedding planner develops and then compromises on an idea. Of course: critically - the importance of a budget!

There are two practical points he demonstrates - you need to have to be able to explain and describe your ideas thoroughly and in advance in order to get others to help you achieve your dream. This can be delegating or hiring others to carry out specific tasks for you on the day. Lastly, nothing is impossible in achieving an effect with some planning and ingenuity.

I was photographing at a wedding recently where the Father of the Bride did the Flowers (to professional flower arranging standards!) and the video. The planning bit let him down; it meant that the photos were a step too far for him! He used a remote control for the video camera and a tripod with a electronic pan system. I never got to see the finished video but from the set up and positioning I would imagine it could be good if he edited well. And yes, after hitting start button on the video camera; he walked the bride up the Aisle - and made a speech too! He hardly had a moment to to relax!

At most weddings delegation is limited to blowing out the candles and moving the flowers from the church to the reception venue. As flowers are very bulky and need to be kept flat - this can involve quite a few people and big car boots!