36 MUST KNOW WEDDING TIPS YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF

Hello my loves! My soon-to-be married lovebirds, buckle-in, this is going to be a LONG post, but it is absolutely PACKED with the best must know wedding tips you may not have thought of and my wedding advice to you, as a wedding photographer with years of experience seeing it all!!

Let's start at the beginning...

BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY

1. Make a separate email address for your wedding planning for all communication with your vendors. This helps you stay organized.

2. A wedding planner is not the same as a venue coordinator. They are both absolutely amazing and contribute to making your day a success, but having a personal wedding planner is truly worth it and takes so much of the stress off of you and helps ensure all aspects of your day and timeline go smoothly and stay on track.

3. Make your day about you and your partner and fill it with things that you enjoy and make you happy. If you don’t like a tradition, you don’t have to do it.

4. Don’t try any new products or beauty services in the few days before your wedding. That includes spray tans, chemical peels, even face masks. You don't want your skin to react badly to something you haven't tested.

5. Steam your wedding dress (and bridesmaid dresses) the night before. Ladies, all my ladies, those chiffon bridesmaid dresses show wrinkles!!! Yes it makes a difference, and no you don't want steam to ruin your wedding hair and makeup! Do it in advance.

6. Clean your ring, today is the day, make sure it sparkles.

7. Get a manicure. Grooms, this includes you too, have nice nails. It matters.

   
   

8. Collect all your detail items (rings, invitations, jewelry, vow books) into a box in advance.

9. Ask your florist if they can provide you with a couple loose florals for your detail shots.

   
   

GETTING READY

1. Start your day early and add buffer time in between events. Things will take longer than you expect, and you don't want to be in a rush. Give yourself some breathing room. Build time into your timeline with your planner and photographer (that's me!) and add flexibility before key moments such as first look, ceremony, and grand entrance.

2. It’s preferable to get ready in close proximity to your partner (for photos).

3. Have a nice hanger for your wedding dress. It can be wooden, satin, acrylic, engraved, or with with ribbons just make sure it's not a cheap plastic hanger, and test it it make sure it holds your dress.

4. You can use a dab of eyelash glue on the back of your neck at the clasp to keep your necklace in place and prevent the clasp from spinning to the front.

5. Ask your bridesmaids to help clean the getting ready space as you go so it’s not messy.

6. Matching robes (or pajamas) are super cute, but robes are recommended since they’re easier to remove without messing up hair/ makeup. If you don’t do matching outfits, you can have your girls all wear a similar color.

7. Have champagne/ mimosas for a toast!

8. Have food for your bridal party, and don’t forget to eat and drink water.

9. Have Tide pens available, just in case.

10. Dab at, don’t wipe happy tears.

11. Make a getting ready playlist to set the vibe.

12. Have a first look with your bridesmaids! This is so quick and easy to set up, and the reactions are always worth it.

WEDDING TIPS FOR YOUR CEREMONY

1. A First Look before ceremony is recommended, but that’s up to you.

2. Your ceremony start time should be (at least) 2 hours before sunset.

3. Have an unplugged ceremony and have your officiant make an announcement beforehand. Offer a 30 second photo window for guests once you’re at the altar.

4. Walk slowly down the aisle, take your time and enjoy the moment.

5. When standing up at the altar, stand close to your partner, you can hold hands too.

6. Ask your officiant to move to the side BEFORE they say “You may now kiss the bride”

7. Take your time with your first kiss. You can kiss twice if you want!!!

8. Plan a dip/ kiss for midway down the recessional and practice it.

WEDDING TIPS FOR AFTER YOUR CEREMONY

1. Write a detailed family photo list, keeping in mind how long it will take. Text everyone involved in photos beforehand, and have your officiant make an announcement that family is to be at the designated location for family photos immediately after ceremony.

2. Have a designated person assist with family photos and wrangling people. You know your family better than your photographer does. Having a family member or maid of honor/best man in charge of organizing everyone helps the photos go faster.

3. Plan enough time for family photos and couple photos after your ceremony, at least around 30 minutes for family photos depending on how many combinations you have. Don't forget you have full bridal party photos as well!

4. Plan enough time for your romantic photos with your partner! Schedule at least 30 minutes for your couple portraits, but more is better so we're not in a rush! These are going to be the magical wedding photos you cherish for years, give yourself enough time to enjoy it and capture the moment. Even if you did a first look, I always recommend shooting at least a few photos for that just married glow.

   
   

RECEPTION WEDDING TIPS

1. Wear comfortable shoes and/or have a change of shoes for your reception.

2. If you want to do table shots, do them before dinner and have each table quickly come up to your sweetheart table for a photo and then go get food.

3. Learn at least one dance move (dip, lift, spin) for your first dance.

4. Consider taking some quick couple sunset photos.

5. Stay by your partner’s side during your wedding day!

6. Dance with your partner on the dance floor. If the bride and groom are on the dance floor, your guests with be on the dance floor.

7. If you don’t want a big cake, you can have a small personal cake and do a dessert table with cupcakes and other treats for guests. 

• If you (or any family member) has a special surprise during the reception, please let your photographer know in advance! We'll keep it a secret and be ready for your performance.

• The day of, whatever happens, happens. Take everything in stride and enjoy your day without stressing about everything being perfect. Just have fun!