Wedding Planning Tips from a Wedding Photographer
Wedding planning is a lot….period. You’ve never done this…gotten married, planned a wedding, maybe you haven’t even been to that many weddings. That’s why you lean on us professional wedding crashers….(er..) I mean vendors. We have seen it all, fixed it all and can kinda predict it all at this point. We want your day to be seamless, stress-free and, everything you have dreamed of. Here are some tips and tricks for your wedding day from a wedding photographer of over 10 years.
Getting Ready
1. If you can't get ready at your venue, try looking at your airbnb/VBRO options that are close by. Typical hotel rooms (Marriott, DoubleTree, etc) all tend to have poor light and small/cluttered spaces. Choosing an airbnb/rental home will give you more space and a more unique look for photos! Try looking for airbnb's/homes with lots of windows and lighter toned features. If this isn't an option, then please don't fret. I have shot in my fair share of tiny hotel rooms but if we can avoid them - I promise it's worth it :) In the past, when it's easier for my couples to book a hotel, I still try to do as much as I can at the venue to provide you with the most cohesion in your final gallery. I can always take some getting ready images and detail images at the hotel and we can have you two get dressed at the venue and take all preliminary photos at the venue.
2. Assign a bridesmaid and groomsman to keep the room tidy. I can/will help clean up the spaces I need but having a tidy area makes everything run smoother.
3. Have your details ready 30 minutes before our start time. Having the details already available allows us to start right away and keeps you in the hair and makeup chair. We always start with the little details to begin the story of your day. The bride usually includes things such as, the dress, the rings, the full invitation suite, jewelry, cute shoes, cute perfume bottle, garter, family heirlooms, etc. The groom typically has shoes, jacket, cuff links, watch.
4 - Have your bridesmaids wear cute robes or pjs! The cohesion between off of then and you, makes for such cute photos.
5 - Cute ring boxes are always fun to use as a wedding keepsake, and for detail photographs! Check out The Mrs. Box or Lace Byrd!
6 - Don't be surprised if I take you outside to finish up your getting ready photos (such as putting on jewelry, finishing touches on the dress, putting on shoes, etc - It's all about the light and often times the lighting is just better outside :)
First Look
1. If you're having a first look, I encourage you to have just us and you two in the area. Take this time to hug, kiss, talk, relax, and ignore us! We love the real emotion so take this time to just be together!
2. This one might sting a little bit but is SO important to remember - YOUR DRESS MAY GET DIRTY. I know, the dress it's a staple, a style statement, the most precious piece of white, ivory, or blush that you have laid your eyes on but you will be walking around, having fun with guests, taking killer portraits and it is all worth it! Enjoy your day - don't worry about the bottom of the dress and what it picks up or gets on it - none of it will ever show up in your photos! It is more important to be in the moment rather than worrying about the dress getting a little dirty.
Ceremony
1. Keep your bouquet at your belly button. Many times we see the bride and bridesmaids bouquets rise up near their faces but we love to see your face as you go down the aisle.
2. Walk slowly, enjoy the moment!
3. Focus on each other. Let the world melt away and just live in these moments.
Family Formals
1.Fill out your wedding day questionnaire (if sent one) before the wedding day, this will HELP formals run so smoothly! If you weren’t set one below is a list of typical family photo groupings. You can fill it in how it works for your family and send it over to your photographer. Try to use the persons actual name. This makes is easier to call them by name as opposed to a generic title. This is the toughest part of the day for couples, but together we can make it quick and painless so we can get to taking more photos or get you two to the party! And…let us be the bad guys during this time of the day. You are not required to take a formal photo with every cousin twice removed or family lawyer. We will follow your list and let those how aren’t on it know that they can get photos with you at the reception. Think of us as your photo body gaurds.
2. Family formals should only include immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents). I want the best light for you two but we can do some larger extended groups at the reception. I can always have the DJ make an announcement and get some big group shots for you. Letting those included in family photos know ahead of time is key.
3. Photographers cannot be held accountable for tardiness or absence during the time set for family photos. It is suggested that you have one person that you can put in charge to wrangle up any missing family members. We typically do immediate family photos right after the ceremony to prevent anyone from leaving since we will already be in that space.
The Family Shot List
Brides Side:
Bride with mom
Bride with dad
Bride with both parents
Bride and groom with bride’s parents
Bride and groom with bride’s immediate family (bride’s parents, siblings, and siblings’ spouses and children)
Bride and groom with bride’s maternal grandparents
Bride and groom with bride’s paternal grandparents
Groom’s Side
Groom with mom
Groom with dad
Groom with both parents
Groom and bride with groom’s parents
Groom and bride with groom’s immediate family (groom’s parents, siblings, and siblings’ spouses and children)
Groom and bride with groom’s maternal grandparents
Groom and bride with groom’s paternal grandparents
Both Sides
Bride and groom with both sets of parents
Bride and groom with both sides immediate family
Portraits
1. Enjoy this time together. Much like the first look (if you do one), just have fun, get close, laugh, have some quiet time. We'll guide you through everything but remember to be close and have some quality time together before the reception.
2. Make time for golden hour, even if it's just 15 minutes! Sunset offers the best lighting of the day and you'll love to have those extra romantic photos.
3. This will be the most quiet time you'll get on your wedding day to really soak it in!
4. Don't ever be a afraid laugh, smile, and share some quiet moments. A great mix of both is perfect for photographs!
Reception
1. If your dj offers colored lights on your dance floor, please know that your photos will have some interesting color casts at the reception. If uplighting/dj lights are a must, try to use white. It looks classy, elegant, and photographs well! For open dancing the crazy lights aren't an issue, it's really just for the formal parts of the reception such as the dances.
2. White dance floors look AMAZING in photographs
3. Passing out fun light up wants and other accesories always add fun to your reception photos. The color streaks through the images showing just how much of a blast your night was.
4. Grab us if you'd like a photo with ANYONE! With a large group of people it's hard to know who goes with who (while I do scope out couples and guests), so let us know if you'd like a quick, fun photo with ANYONE at the reception! Those are always great images to look back on :)
My number one tip:
Hire at minimum a "day of coordinator". Having a coordinator (not a "venue" coordinator) will help you keep on track and give you peace of mind. Hiring a coordinator for full planning will not only keep your wedding running smoothly, but it could also save you time and money! They know exactly what you NEED, they have great styling/design tips, they keep you on budget, and their vendor referrals are the best! Definitely something to look into because having a stress free wedding day is the key to everything :) In the past I have worked weddings without a planner/event designer and when this happens I have to become the person who is keeping us on time, running errands around on the wedding, and more rather than being with you to capture the beautiful moments.

