Being part of a husband and wife Buffalo based wedding photography team means I get to spend plenty of time with some amazing brides. Wedding day stress can take a hold of you if you don't have some direction and help.
One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer, besides creating stunning images, is helping brides and grooms manage their day. From getting in touch with their vendors before hand, to knowing where mom ran off too, we pride ourselves on great customer service.
I wanted to write this post to share some helpful tips to make the morning of your wedding day run smoothly and stress-free.
1. You Have Support
Some times as a bride you forget that you have a whole support team by your side. Same for the groom, you have your best buds around for a reason, don't be afraid to ask for help. Make sure your maid of honor, best man or mom knows the schedule for the day. Keep them in the loop so you don't have to answer everyone's questions.
2. All the small things & big details
Have all of your details and must have items to be photographed in one place and ready to go, maybe even tell your maid of honor where they are so we can ask her. This will help ensure that all of the special mementos are captured.
3. Plan ahead
That emergency kit you didn't think you will need, chances are you will. So plan ahead with a needle, thread, band aids, shine wipes, deodorant, static spray, bobby pins, gum, and anything else you can think of. Your maid of honor have this handy at any moment, trust me sometimes you never know when a safety pin will come in handy.
4. Eat something
This may sound obvious, but I can't tell you how many times I have had to remind a bride to eat. Excitement may make you feel less hungry at the moment, but you have a long day ahead of you and energy is a must. Have something catered, bring food with you, or have something delivered. You won't be sorry.
5. Don't worry about the guys
As a wedding photography duo Dylan is in charge of the day with the guys. He will stay on top of the timing on that end of things to ensure that everything is captured. From the hang out time and getting dressed, to the portraits, he's got this.
6. Who goes when for getting glamorous
We always recommend that moms and bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done first. This way when we arrive we can photograph the details and then focus on the you, the bride for when it is your turn for beauty. This will also give you time to eat *wink *wink
7. Tip Top Shape
Getting in your dress photos can be some of the most touching memorable images from the morning of your wedding day. Make sure to have plenty of space in the room you will be getting dressed in, get rid of all the clutter, food, drinks, and bags. Only have the closest people there with you if the room is small, such as your mom, grandmother, or maid of honor. Sometimes less is more.
8. Time
Have all of your bridesmaids and your mom get dressed first so they are ready to help you get dressed. After you are done getting dressed this is a great time to do individual portraits of you, pictures with your parents and siblings, and then all of the fun bridesmaids pictures.
9. Planning a first sight
Have no fear this is where having two professional photographers comes in handy. We will stay on top of the time to ensure the process goes smoothly. Dylan and I will stay in constant contact with each other to ensure the bride and groom, or bride and bride, or groom and groom, don't cross paths during individual portraits. We will scout for the perfect location for your first sight. This is an exciting and intimate moment. We will coach you on what to do and then stand back and capture this beautiful moment.
10. Last but not least
Breathe and just let go. Have fun, remember you are about to marry your best friend while surrounded by those who love you. Put on a fun playlist, do a little dance and have a toast to your happily ever after.
1 Comments
Apr 30, 2017, 3:43:03 PM
Joy - I love this! This is great advice! There are so many posts out there that talk about how to save money by doing this or that for your wedding. It is almost impossible to find anything about how important it is to have a well planned out day.