Who doesn’t want to have a stress free and awesome wedding…right? Well, I’ve pulled from my experience as a former wedding planner, Bride and now photographer to highlight my 5 top tips to help you achieve this goal.
1. Have good communication.
Take a few minutes to visualize your wedding day from start to finish. Are there any areas that leave you with a question mark? Like where are the flowers going to be delivered? Do the groomsmen know where they are to meet the photographer? Write down any questions you have and communication with your wedding vendors, family & friends in advance to get all of the details firmed up. On your special day you want to really enjoy the moment and not be wondering where a delivery is or trying to phone a missing groomsman. Creating a simply itinerary isn’t a bad idea either. Be sure to include the locations and timing for each key event in the day as well as contact numbers for important people. E-mail a copy out about a week in advance so everyone has the information to review. Organization is one of the areas that I love doing! For my Brides I make a point of contacting them about a month in advance to follow up and confirm the details for their wedding. Following our conversation I will send off a summary sheet which highlights the who, what, where and when along with the family shot list that we’ve discussed. On the topic of shot lists, most photographers (including myself) don’t require a general list (i.e. photo of the rings, portrait of entire wedding party, etc) however I do think it’s a good idea to create a family shot list in advance. I have a general list that I work from and ask Bride’s to review and customize as needed just to ensure we’re on the same page with regards to the groups of family that need to be photographed. I would hate it if after a wedding a Bride was disappointed that we didn’t photograph her with a special Aunt because that detail was lost during the momentum of the day.
2. Have a plan for snacks & drinks during the course of the day.
The morning of your wedding you’ll no doubt be busy with hair and makeup, but one thing you don’t want to do is forget to eat! Your stomach may not want a huge meal so plan to have some snacks available at the location where you’ll be getting ready. A simple fruit & veggie tray along with some finger sandwiches or other snacks will be the perfect fuel to keep you going during the day. A word to the wise, eating earlier in the day will also help ensure that your wine and champagne later in the evening doesn’t turn your reception into a scene from the movie “the hangover”. If you’re getting married in the middle of the summer, chances are it’s going to be a warm day. Plan ahead and make arrangements to have a cooler available with beverages for your wedding party to enjoy following the ceremony (don’t forget to pack some bottled water too). When it’s super hot and everyone is dying for a drink during the photos, you (and your wedding party) will be thankful you planned ahead with some refreshments.
3. Pack a small emergency kit.
Things to include might be bobby pins, a small container of hair spray, tissues, travel size sewing kit, blotting paper and any make up items you might want to touch up before photos. After witnessing a groomsman rip the entire crotch seam of his tux pants after doing a jumping shot, I highly recommend a sewing kit!
4. Have a plan B.
It’s not fun to think about, but it’s always a good idea to make a backup plan in case of rain. I’ve shot a number of weddings on rainy days and for the most part I was able to get outside for a few shots during a break in the weather however no one wants to stress trying to find locations on the day of their wedding. In advance work with your photographer to plan out a secondary location that will offer you some options should you need to change plans last minute due to weather.
5. Relax and enjoy.
Once your big day arrives just try to take in every moment. The planning is done and there’s nothing left for you to do but make some memories. Try not to stress if things don’t go exactly as planned, sometimes mistakes make the best memories. You always hear people say “enjoy your wedding as it goes by so fast” and it’s true! During the day try to find some time to spend alone as a couple, even if it’s just for a few minutes as you drive to a photo location. Doing this will help you to really be in the moment, relax and enjoy the celebration of your marriage.
One final tip – Check out Hitched in Huron, which is a great resource for all things wedding in Huron County! It’s your one stop shop if you’re looking for local vendors and wedding inspiration!
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