So I’ve calculated how many weddings I have under my belt and it’s super close to 80! I’m not saying I’m a wedding planner, by any means, or that I’m any sort of pro on these tips, but rather have just seen what works and what doesn’t. Thought I would share!
- get a day of wedding planner. This has to be my biggest piece of advice I can offer. The pros are the best, know what to anticipate for your wedding day and can handle the chaos that comes. The only time I’ve ever seen brides get frustrated the day of is after a bajillion questions have been asked, back to back to back to back… These planners are that barrier between you and the questions. It will make your day a lot more seamless and carefree. The way it should be. Photographers tend to get thrown the role of planner if there isn’t hired help. It distracts us and doesn’t allow us to fully focus on being creative when we are having to give suggests on how to keep everything moving along. Happy & free photographer = creative & wonderful photos. Just sayin’
- don’t waste your money on 30 second sparklers. They go out before you will even walk outside for your send off. 90 second sparklers might be long and odd looking in person, but they last and look great in photos.
- bubbles work best for daytime exits and sparklers work best at night
- MAKE A LIST OF WHAT FAMILY PHOTOS YOU WANT. I hear so many times that people don’t want to spend a lot of time after the ceremony taking photos. Well, to make it quicker, make a list of the family photos you want. I don’t know what you want, you won’t want to make decisions right after the ceremony like that, and no one wants to regret leaving someone out of a photo. Ex:
1. mom, dad, bride, groom 2. bride, groom, grandparents only 3. bride, groom, both sets of parents 4. bride, groom, 4th cousin twice removed. etc.
- guests leave receptions because they’re not entertained. Try games like the shoe question game or a trivia game.
- If you have 150+ guests, a buffet line will take 2 hours for guest to go through. FACT.
- if your bridesmaids (or you, bride) are wearing heels during the ceremony, it’s a good idea to have them practice for the weeks leading up to it. Not walking on heels, but rather standing on them for long periods of time. Be prepared for swollen feet and pain otherwise.
- It’s Florida. It’s hot outside. Your dress & tux are hot. Be prepared to sweat. A lot. Lots of water, towels, umbrellas are useful items to help with the heat. If you are wanting those photos outside just know that it will be a bit uncomfortable, but worth it in the end.
- sometimes it rains. ALWAYS have a back up plan. ALWAYS!
- Churches are dark and don’t let photographers use flash and usually make us stand in the back. Don’t expect close up photos of you two. You can try talking to your church coordinator to ask for permission if you prefer those type of photos.
- Create a list of where any items from the reception go after it’s all said and done. Your bridal party and family will love you for it.
- a great bridal party gift is spill proof cups with straws. Avoid any stains possible on dresses and tuxes! Even better, personalize them with their name so no one will get confused with whose is whose.
- there is never enough time between the ceremony and reception for lots of photos of just the two of you. Maybe consider a bridal session after the big day. Get dressed up in your dress & suit for an hour or so and get as many photos as you’d like.
- videographers capture movement, sound and emotion in the voice. Something worth capturing and remembering. I mean you only get one chance to capture everything, so why not do everything you can to capture it all!
Ok, that’s all I have for right now. I hope you’re enjoying your 4th of July week! Have any suggestions/thoughts yourself? Feel free to leave a comment!
