As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of wedding preparation. Here are 5 tips I’ve put together to help make sure your wedding is as stress-free as possible and your photos turn out as beautiful as you’ve hoped.

 1. Tanning

If you’re going to tan before the wedding, be sure to avoid tan lines - especially if you have a strapless dress. This may seem like a no-brainer, but I see it happen all the time. Sometimes it just slips your mind. If you’re getting married in the summer, make sure that in the 2-3 months leading up to your wedding you’re tanning evenly to avoid tan lines.

 If you choose a spray tan, your tan should be applied two days before your event. Be sure you know how much skin is going to be showing in your dress. You’ll also want your tan to compliment the color of your dress. 

 It’s recommended to have at least two tanning trials with your tanning therapist. Start with a light tanning solution with a low DHA tanning agent. When the color is washed off you will want to gauge the tan in natural light. Then inspect the finish on your skin every day for about a week. Most brides think their tan looks best on day two. About this time is a great time to set up your makeup trial if you’re using a makeup artist.

A good side note to keep in mind, If you do have tan lines and decide you would like an artificial tan, Your artificial tan will NOT cover up your already existing tan lines.

 2. Hair and Makeup

I highly recommend you get your hair and makeup professionally done. Be sure to do a trial run beforehand to ensure you like the look before your big day. Hair and makeup artists know how to accentuate you best features. (They’re also the best at hiding blemishes.) They can truly help to make your photos turn out absolutely gorgeous.

 3. Accessories

 Before your wedding day, try on your dress with different accessories. This way you know how they look with the dress and you can decide what you want to wear. You don’t want to spend time choosing a necklace, earrings, etc. on the day of your wedding. This takes time away from getting ready and causes unnecessary stress.

 4. Shoes 

 Walk around in your wedding shoes prior to the big day to get them worn in. Also take some sandpaper to the bottoms to scuff them up a bit do you don’t slip down the aisle or on the dance floor. If you are going to walk around in grass, you’ll want to get some high heel protector caps so you don’t sink in the grass. 

 5. Food and Drink

The best way for you to look your best is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water the days leading up to and the day of your wedding. Also be sure to eat on your wedding day, all throughout the day, so you don’t pass out or get a headache. If you’re going to drink alcohol, don’t have too much before photos - especially if it’s red wine that can stain everything, including your mouth. Save it for after all the big events at your reception.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you prepare for your special day. Planning for things ahead of time can cut down on bridal stress and ensure you have a great wedding memory. Let me know if you’d like me to capture those beautiful memories by filling out the Contact form.