Planning a wedding is a significant undertaking. Depending on your personality, you might either dread the process or be excited but eager for the big day to arrive. Most people fall somewhere in between. Regardless of how you feel, your goal is for the day to be perfect for you, your closest friends, family, and guests. While it’s YOUR big day, many details also focus on ensuring your guests have an amazing experience.
As the wedding day approaches, we want to share some insights that may help you optimize your day from a photography perspective. Over the next several weeks, we’ll send you a series of emails with thoughts and suggestions to ensure everything runs smoothly, relieving stress and giving you more time to enjoy the day with loved ones. We are there to capture your day in a way that you’ll cherish forever, and we often notice small adjustments that can enhance the overall experience.
1. Prep Details
Meeting with the bridal party at the hotel or salon is a common and relaxed part of the day, providing us with great candid moments and the opportunity for detail shots. For full-day coverage, we typically recommend our arrival 1.5 to 2 hours before hair and makeup is complete. This timeframe allows us to capture essential prep shots without redundancy.
Tips for a Successful Prep:
•Choose a Clean Space: If you’re getting ready in a suite, try to keep all activity in one room while the bedroom area remains clear. This helps maintain a tidy backdrop for photos.
•Bring Important Details: Along with the dress, shoes, and jewelry, consider having a clean copy of all stationery for shots. A basic wooden hanger is also a great addition for your dress, as it deserves better than a plastic hanger.
•Lighting Matters: If you’re having hair and makeup done at home or a hotel, set up near a window. Natural light provides the best conditions for makeup and photographs.
2. Declutter the Space
Encourage everyone getting ready with you to keep personal belongings elsewhere. A room with too many items can become cluttered and distracting. This applies to food, drinks, and similar items as well. Nothing disrupts a perfect shot like a half-drunk bottle of water in the background.
3. Capture the Moment
Once everyone has had their hair and makeup done, we recommend a quick shot of everyone in their robes before they change. When it’s time to get dressed, we advise having only a few people assist you. Too many people can complicate capturing those special moments. It’s best to have your bridal party off to the side, allowing them to witness the moment without being a distraction.
4. Timing for Accessories
As your day progresses, wait to put on your veil until the last moment, as it can be cumbersome and may pull at your hair. If you need help with it later, we’re always available to assist. Once you’re ready, we’ll capture a few portraits of you. This is a great opportunity to take a deep breath and soak in the significance of the day ahead. Enjoy every moment!