As a wedding industry professional (and also a newlywed), I’m active in a lot of social media groups and networks. I am constantly asking recently married folks about their wedding day experience. I have compiled this list to help engaged couples prepare for their big day. Getting the best results from your vendors often means that you need to be participating in the discussion. Here’s some common threads I have found in my research…
1. BUILD A BUFFER – If you don’t build a realistic timeline for your wedding day, your group photo session will likely be the chunk of time that will take the hit. Make sure you build enough padding into your timeline for travel and even for unexpected changes. Hair and makeup appointments notoriously go overtime. That doesn’t always mean the stylist or technician is at fault, a bridesmaid could arrive late or you could blow a fuse while you’re getting blown out. There are so many moving parts to this day–expect everything to take more time than you think. Make sure you have checked and re-checked your timeline with your wedding party and vendors. Your photographer should be happy and willing to help you with this.
2. WIND – Couples often worry about rain on their wedding day but I will tell you the biggest threat to your outdoor portrait session is not drizzle, it’s wind! Showers pass but if you have a blustery day, all of the updos your hair stylist worked so hard to perfect turn into wind blown messes. What’s the solution? Have a backup plan. Come up with indoor alternatives and make sure your photographer has a light kit.
3. HARSH LIGHT – Your wedding day festivities will likely span 8 to 10 hours from start to finish. Ceremonies usually begin anytime between 2pm and 5pm. If your ceremony is on the later side and you are planning to do your photos afterward, you will have the best light of day. On the other hand, cloudless, bright mid-day sunshine is the absolute worst. Don’t worry! There are plenty of workarounds like taking group photos in the shade so no one is squinting (or sweating profusely). If you’re passionate about getting the best quality pictures, plan ahead and schedule your photo session for later in the day.
4. DON’T CUT CORNERS – Many couples consider reducing the number of hours the photographer will be on site in an attempt to save money. Please DO NOT do this. Cramming all of your important wedding traditions into a shortened timeline will not get you good results. You’ll be stressed about getting everything done and you won’t be living in the moment. Photography is the one service from your wedding day that will result in a product you can cherish for the rest of your marriage. After the food is savored, the makeup washes off and the decor is put back on the shelf, it’s the photography that remains as your only record of this important occasion. Don’t give in to the temptation to save a couple hundred dollars. Investing in a complete photographic collection of your wedding day is priceless.
5. TOO FORMAL – Sometimes couples request so many family photos that there isn’t enough time for a couples session or, even worse, you become so exhausted from the long (often hot) family session that you don’t want to take the time to do a bride and groom session. There are several ways to avoid photo burnout. First, simply take a break! After you get the formal group photos are finished, have a drink and nourish yourself with some hors d’oeuvres. Take a deep breath, powder your nose and then do your couples session. Or better yet, wait for the golden hour! Enjoy some cocktails and wait for the best light of the day. Consult with your photographer on this since the timing of this prime light window varies depending on the time of year. Also, make sure you take some photos that truly express who you are as a couple. Make some silly faces and goof off if that’s part of your dynamic. Making suggestions and sharing your ideas will improve your session. You won’t regret it.
