Wedding planning guide: A Photog’s Perspective

Dec 8

CELEBRATE THIS BEAUTIFUL TIME.

Getting engaged is a milestone worth celebrating! Share this planning process as much as you can with your friends and family. Time will escape faster than you know it. 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE

Don’t be shy to ask for help! Involve a team of amazing people around you and delegate tasks when needed. Generally, your friends and family will be happy to help you. 

INVITATIONS

This is probably one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. It’s almost impossible to avoid an invitation list that keeps growing. Friends want to bring someone you barely know & family expects you to invite distant family members you haven’t seen in over a decade. Stop! This is your day. You have total authority to invite those you’ll be truly delighted to see on the big day. 

FOCUS & BREATH

Sometimes plans don’t go as they had in mind. Try to relax and take a deep breath. At the end of the day this is a celebration of the fact that you’ve decided to spend your life together. Most situations aren’t that big of a deal when it comes to your love story. 

WEDDING DAY PLANNING

WHEN SHOULD WE START?

If you’re worried about how you’re going to entertain your guests throughout the day, It’s always good to start the ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening. This also allows you time to start the day relaxed and well rested and for your photographer to document the special “getting ready” events.  

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD WE ALLOW?

No matter how you decide to plan your day, it’s good to add an extra 15 minutes to every activity. Oftentimes things end up taking longer than expected. Save yourself the stress and add some breathing space. 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT

Light is a very important aspect when it comes to photography. It will influence the mood of the photos throughout the whole day, especially if the wedding is taking place outdoors. It is good to consult your wedding photographer with any questions about how light is planned around your day. 

A FEW PHOTO & STYLE TIPS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL COUPLE ABOUT TO TIE THE KNOT

THE PERFECT OUTFITS.

Ask a few of your favorite people to come with you to your dress fittings. Before booking with a try-on date, check out a few local boutiques & major designers websites to narrow down inspirations. That way you and your friends will know the style you are looking for and can lead the shop owners in the right direction with your desired style. While trying on dresses (or fabulous pantsuits!) think about movement. Can I walk around with ease? Can I dance to my favorite song? It’s always good to keep it natural. At the end of the day, follow your heart. 

SCHEDULE A PORTRAIT SHOOT

As photographers, the one big thing we are always trying to capture are beautiful portraits of the bride(s)/groom(s)s. On the same day you’re doing a final trial for hair & make-up, schedule a portrait session with your wedding photographer. It will give you time to calm those pre-nerves & create beautiful images that can later be given as gifts to friends and family. You’ll also have the advantage of making it creative and see how everything looks before the big day.  

HOW MUCH TIME TO PLAN WITH YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

GETTING READY

If you choose to have your photographer capture candids while you and your wedding party get ready, allow 1.5-2 hours. They will also be capturing detailed shots of the dress, shoes, floral, rings during this time. Right after hair and make-up is done is also a good time to snap a few portraits. Allow an extra 20-30 minutes or talk to your photographer about adding this to the shot list.

FIRST LOOK

If you and your partner decide to do first look, this is also a good time to allow your photographer to capture individual portraits of the couple. Allowing at least one hour should be enough time for all of this, but it’s not uncommon to schedule more time to get those inspired photos you want captured on the big day.

FAMILY & WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS

Depending on what time you schedule your ceremony, schedule at least 30-60 minutes depending on your family size. Have a list ready for your photographer of family members you’d like in each photo. If there’s enough time before the ceremony, plan a location and time for everyone to meet at. Best if it’s scheduled after the wedding couple’s portraits. Otherwise plan a time between cocktail hour and dinner for family portraits.

Once all the main/posed photos are checked off the list, just enjoy yourselves and have an amazing rest of the day! There might be a slight chance your photographer will steal you for a posed photo or two later on. But this is usually the time where we like to capture candids moments that will last a lifetime.