Planning for Photography on Your Wedding Day
I don't know about you, but when I was planning my own wedding I had no idea what the heck was going on. I vaguely remembered being at my parents wedding and going to a distant relatives wedding but that was about the extent of my wedding knowledge. I've learned a few tips and tricks since becoming a wedding photographer and I'd love to share these tips with you to help you stay as calm, cool and collected as possible on your wedding day!
Getting Ready Photos- A Must
The moments leading up to your ceremony tell a story. These moments are packed with emotion and looking at these photos years down the road will take you back to that moment before your wedding!
BONUS TIP: If you're working on a budget and have your photographer for a limited time, I still highly suggest capturing photos of the wedding party putting on their final touches and detail shots of bouquets, invites, and jewelry as these help tell the story in a wedding album.
Keep the Details Together
Try to keep all of the small details together in one box until your photographer arrives. Items that you may want to include in your detail shots are: invitations, jewelry, the rings, bouquets, accessories and textured items from your wedding that can be used as accent details in the photos. Example: Wine corks, a flower or piece of greenery from a bouquet or center piece or piece of cloth/ribbon.
**Bonus Tip: Use a wooden hanger for your dress shots, you do NOT need to purchase a fancy hanger but try to use something other than plastic!
Calligraphy + Invitation Suite by Marilyn at Fonts and Flourishes Co.
Consider doing a first look
This is a decision that will be unique to each and every couple. I recommend doing a first look if you are hoping to calm your nerves, want to have a private moment before the ceremony or hope to jump right into cocktail hour with your guests after the ceremony.
Detailed List of Family Members
Before your wedding day make a list of family/extended family members you would like formal portraits with. Make sure to include first and last names in the list so that family portraits are quick and easy!
**I send out a pre-wedding questionnaire to all of my wedding couples a couple of months before the wedding and there is a section where you can include a detailed list of family members!
Golden Hour Portraits
I highly recommend penciling in some time on your wedding day timeline for golden hour portraits! In my opinion, the most magical wedding portraits happen during golden hour ✨
**When I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire I remind my clients to pencil in some golden hour portrait time!
Lastly, Enjoy your Wedding Day!
You’ve been planning and waiting for your wedding day for SO long! Make sure you enjoy every moment of it!
