wedding day tips + tricks
As the documentarian of the whole day - photographers have the most unique insight on how the wedding day operates
(and what really helps to keep the day running smoothly)
First things first:
Your photographer is who you will spend the MOST time with on your wedding day.
Make sure that you’re choosing someone who’s vision you trust, but also who you want to hang out with and who will help make you feel at ease throughout the day.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
Let me tell you a photographer’s nightmare: you and your beau, walking down the aisle, just after your first kiss as a married couple - and there are ten smartphones and iPads boldly being raised above heads and into the aisle. Now, instead of getting one fantastic shot from the photographer (that you paid good money for) - you have 10 subpar phone photos from each of your relatives.
Request that your guests leave their phones and electronics turned off and put away for the entirety of the ceremony
Consider having your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins (and maybe a little sign as guests find their seats) - stating your desire to have an unplugged ceremony.
Your photographer will thank you. And future you will thank you.
MAKE TIME FOR SUNSET PHOTOS
After the hoopla of the ceremony and chatting with all your loved ones - you will welcome a 15 minute breather, I promise! Getting outside away from everyone to get some photos at sunset is the perfect little break, and you simply can’t beat that golden hour light.
Schedule 10-15 minutes to step outside, get some fresh air, and take advantage of golden hour
TO LOOK OR NOT TO LOOK
An argument can be made either way whether you want to see each other before the ceremony. This is 100% personal preference and completely up to you! What I will say is this:
Doing a first look before the ceremony gives you a little more control of that moment - location, who is present at the time, etc. It also allows for all of the wedding party and family photos to be taken ahead of the ceremony, so you can enjoy cocktail hour with your guests!
If you don’t want to see each other until you are walking down the aisle, don’t forget there are other beautiful ways to connect and have a moment before those ‘I dos’ (that make for great emotional photographs). Exchange of letters, a prayer together, let’s get creative!
You do you, and we’ll plan accordingly! There is no right or wrong way to do it.
ASSIGN A HELPER
Simply put - your photographer doesn’t know what your Aunt Betty looks like. If you have a big family, or lots of combinations of people - consider assigning a member of the wedding party to be a wrangler for the photographer. Someone who knows who’s-who and can help get the troops gathered when it comes to family photos!
Help your photographer out by assigning a bridesmaid or groomsmen (who knows your families well) to help corral people when they’re needed for family photos
GIVE YOUR VENDORS A SPOT
If your vendors aren’t in the room - they can’t capture what they can’t see! Make sure that during dinner your photographers/videographers/etc are in the mix.
Take placement into consideration when giving assigned seats to vendors! Give them a spot where they can easily jump up to capture speeches, kisses, or any other candid moment you wouldn’t want missed
If you can, arrange with your catering ahead of time to make sure your vendors get fed immediately after the head table. Speeches tend to start just as dinner is ending, and if your photographer, videographer, etc can be fed and ready - that is ideal!
DON’T STRESS IT!
I tell this to all couples (many times). It is your day. And the secret is this: nothing can happen without you! Nothing happens until you are ready. Your photographer will be there to gently guide the day and make sure everything gets done, so don’t fret! We are masters at readjusting as needed.
Don’t stress, don’t panic - the hard part of planning is done. Now it’s time to have fun, enjoy yourself!
