Tips From Planning a Wedding From a Wedding Photographer Perspective
A wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life. Couples come before God to proclaim their love and fidelity towards one another. It’s a celebration of love and a joining of two people and two families.
A lot of time and money is spent on a wedding. I’ve seen a lot of weddings as a photographer and I wish I could tell you that they all turn out perfectly. But life is not perfect, and people are not perfect.
Your wedding is YOUR unique story. Most weddings follow a pretty similar outline, but what makes each wedding unique and special are the people.
I always tell my couple not to fret over the imperfections and unexpected mistakes. Embrace those moments! They become something special and unique to your wedding day story.
I have learned some things along the way that can help your day go a little more smoothly.
Here are a few simple tips from a past bride and current wedding photographers perspective to help ease some wedding planning anxiety.
I highly recommend saving money, staying organized, and enjoying the process as essential aspects of having a successful and memorable wedding. Let's me elaborate on these points a little.
Save Money: Weddings can be expensive, so it's wise to start saving as soon as you know you're getting married. Setting a budget and looking for good deals on venues, vendors, and other wedding elements can help you stay within your financial means.
Plan, Plan, Plan: Planning ahead and creating a wedding day timeline is crucial to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Knowing when important people and vendors need to be at the venue will help avoid any last-minute hiccups.
Be Organized: Utilizing wedding apps, checklists, and possibly hiring a wedding planner can significantly reduce stress and keep everything organized. Wedding apps can help you manage guest lists, RSVPs, and keep track of expenses, while a wedding planner can take care of the logistics and coordination.
Ask for Help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. People close to you often want to contribute and be a part of your special day. Having a wedding coordinator or a trusted friend to help with day-of coordination can ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Have Fun: Amidst all the planning and details, it's important to remember that this is your wedding day—a celebration of love and commitment. Enjoy yourself, cherish the moments, and create lasting memories with your partner and loved ones.
Remember Why You're Getting Married: During the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, take time to reflect on the reason you're getting married—to share your life with your partner and celebrate your love.
Count Your Blessings: Gratitude is essential. Acknowledge and appreciate the love and support from family and friends throughout the wedding planning process. Remember that the most important thing is the union of two people in love.
By following these tips, couples can have a more stress-free and enjoyable wedding experience while also making wise financial decisions that will help set the foundation for a happy life together.
*As your wedding photographer one way I try to help is by providing all my couples with a wedding day portrait list. This is a list of common images taken throughout the day. The portrait list is a great tool to help my couples plan in advance the types of portraits they would like taken throughout their wedding day. It helps my couples create a time-centered outline of their wedding day and helps greatly in planning times when vendors and important people should arrive.
As your wedding photographer, and someone with a lot of experience at weddings, I’m here to help you day go smoothly. Take advantage of everything I’ve learned and then enjoy your special day!
I tell al my couples to *embracing imperfections those unexpected moments can make the wedding day even more memorable and unique .IN my experience the unique unexpected happenings become a very special part of the wedding day story. I tell my couples to not fret over those unpredictable moments and embrace them.
Here are some additional tips that might help couples have a smoother wedding day:
Plan Ahead: Careful planning and organization can help alleviate stress on the big day. Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including all events and activities, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Delegate Tasks: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks to trusted friends and family members. Having a support system can help the couple focus on each other and enjoy the day.
Stay Flexible: Even with thorough planning, unexpected things can still happen. Being flexible and adaptable will allow the couple to go with the flow and enjoy the day without getting overwhelmed by changes.
Have a Contingency Plan: If the wedding is an outdoor event or in a location prone to weather changes, have a backup plan in case of rain or other adverse conditions.
Enjoy the Moment: The wedding day can fly by quickly, so make a conscious effort to savor every moment. Take a few moments with your partner throughout the day to breathe and appreciate the significance of the occasion.
Communicate with Your Photographer: Ensure you have open communication with your photographer, so they understand your vision and capture the moments that matter most to you.
Eat and Hydrate: Amidst the excitement and nerves, it's essential for the couple to take care of themselves. Remember to eat and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain your energy.
Practice Self-Care: In the days leading up to the wedding, practice self-care to reduce stress. Get enough rest, exercise, and engage in activities that help you relax and feel centered.
Remember the Purpose: Amidst all the planning and celebration, remember that the wedding is about the love and commitment between you and your partner. Keep the focus on the significance of the day.
Capture Moments of Togetherness: Take a few moments during the day to step away from the crowd and be alone with your partner. It allows you both to cherish the day together and create intimate memories.
Ultimately, weddings are about celebrating love and unity, and embracing the uniqueness of each couple's love story. As a wedding photographer I want to help preserve those special moments for a lifetime, capturing the emotions and memories that my clients will cherish forever.
If you’d like to talk to me about photographing your wedding, fill out the Contact form and we’ll get to work! You can also click here and learn more about the services I offer and view more of my work.