5 wedding day tips to have the dream wedding
Your wedding day
The lead up to your wedding day is such an exciting time but one that includes so much thought, planning and big decision making. If you are reading this then you are already looking at one big thing – your wedding photography. The link to all your memories once your day is over. I have put together 5 top tips that I have come across in my years as a wedding photographer. I know you will benefit from at least some if not all of these. Keeping in mind that everyone’s perfect day is different. I truly believe you should always do what YOU want on your day. I will be here to assist you creating YOUR DREAM DAY!
Before your wedding
The list is seeming endless of things to be done but I hope to ease your worries with these tips.
Get a wedding planner. Whether it is an event planner, diary, book, planner, or an app it will help you so much in your preparation. I personally used one from Kiki K, it was a gift from a close friend, and it was a life saver in the lead up to my own wedding. If you use an event planner they will guide know all the great vendors and who they work well with.
Usually there are some key vendors that will book out sooner than others. To limit disappointment, I’d suggest booking your venue, caterer, celebrant, musician and finally your dream photographer. Bookings are ideally made 12 months prior to your desired date. There are so many more essential vendors but from experience these guys book out first. When choosing make sure they have listened to your requirements and will bring your dream to life. It’s important they are reliable, reply promptly, are professional and creative. Make sure they suit your style – check out their websites, socials and chat to them prior to booking.
Choose your bridal party wisely. You want your closest friends or family members there with you. Don’t choose people only to meet the number that you think you should have. It is okay to have uneven numbers, in your photos we will make it work. It gives me a chance to be creative with your bridal party photos. Follow your heart and be clear with what you need from them. Everyone’s expectations are different so enjoy the process and have fun with your friends and family
Where possible have a trial run prior to your wedding day of EVERYTHING. It will help you in so many ways. Engagement photoshoots are my way to ease you into your wedding day, a little taster of what it will be like. I share my knowledge, advice and guide you through the experience of having your photo taken. There is an art to natural and candid photography, and I will share all my tips with you to make sure your experience is a good one. In a similar way that is what a good hair and make-up artist will do along with any other industry professionals. They should ask questions of what you would like and, also offer their expertise and knowledge.
Have an unplugged ceremony. This allows your guests to enjoy your ceremony, be present and soak in all the love that you are there to celebrate and share. Countless times I see guests watching through their phones, even texting and missing the special moments. The emotions are so raw and vulnerable and that is what the photographer is there to capture. Having signage is helpful in communicating this to guests and requesting the celebrant announce this at the beginning will bring everyone’s attention to you. Allow your guests to take photos after and make sure guests know if you don’t want photos posted until after you’ve made your own announcement. It is a common courtesy but one that many forget in their excitement of the day.