You’ve done all you can to micromanage the wedding planning process, you feel ready, but… what could you be forgetting? Let’s break down all of the disaster-moments that I’ve seen time and time again. In 120 weddings, I’ve picked up a few very important tips and today I’m going to share ALL of the secrets so your big day has ZERO hiccups.
The first moments of your wedding don’t start at the first look. The whole vibe and tone is set by those first few hours where you are getting ready for your BIG DAY. It’s SO important that you feel comfortable and fresh the morning of what will be THE BEST DAY of your LIFE. We all know you’ve got to get a good night sleep the night before… but what else? How can you make your “getting ready” photos the best they can be?
Whatever is in your bridal suite is going to be… in your photos. It is really hard to get stellar photos when the clutter is unreal. Maybe brief the girls, you know? Let’s keep it tidy. One way to draw the attention off of the massive amounts of stuff scattered throughout is to bring in some décor. The flowers are the BEST BET.
So, some people think the photographer needs to be there taking photos the whole time the bride is getting makeup and hair done. This is NOT true. You really aren’t going to want photos with your makeup half done. The best way to do it is to wait until the bride is almost 100% and just “pretend to put on mascara” or “hold the lipstick up to her mouth.”
Detail shots are best done during that “getting ready phase,” as… you don’t have your jewelry and shoes ON when you are getting ready. It’s the first thing I typically shoot. It is super important to have all of these things in the same spot. Rings, shoes, jewelry, earrings, necklace, perfume, your paper invitations (bring two), and even some florals. Make sure your dress is also handy!
Okay, I get it. It might be cold outside and you wanted to be modest running in and out of your car and to the venue… but once you get to the venue, remove those leggings. It looks so much “fresher” and more intimate. Also, when all of your brides are in robes getting ready, it creates more of a uniform look. When you get your make up getting ready photos done, it just looks better!
This is critical. You don’t want any tears from people who thought they would be helping you get into your dress on your special day. Typically the Mother-of-the-bride is the go-to, but if that isn’t your style, don’t feel pressure to. Just do what makes you feel best, but also let the photographer know beforehand. Also (this is big), let that person know they need to be ready when you are and you are usually the first one ready (as a bride). I like to call bridesmaids the “least helpful people at a wedding” despite “maid” being in their name. It’s crazy. I have never seen girls take so long to get ready!
What can you do to re-center before your big day? You can look over your vows. Journal. Just sit on the bed and have a glass of champagne. If you feel tense, shoot, you can even call a loved one or your soon-to-be spouse who will no doubt make you feel better. Just make sure you don’t get all frazzled and are taking time to chill out!
If everyone needs to be ready by 3… make it 2:30. Tell people an earlier time so that there is wiggle room. I’m telling you, things take longer than you think!
Well, folks. I hope you got a little out of this. I really think these photos are a precious, important part of your day… so take them seriously!
