I am probably a bit biased, but I believe photographs are the most important investment of all your wedding expenses. Dresses go in and out of style, food gets eaten and forgotten, but pictures offer a lasting reminder of the love and laughter you share on that day. They are keepsakes you and your loved ones can enjoy and pass down for generations.
To ensure your wedding photos live up to your dreams, consider these 8 tips.
1. Choose the right photographer.
Before you hire the most popular/expensive wedding photographer in town, consider their work. Their photos may be beautiful, but do they match your style? To end up with the best wedding photos, you need to choose a professional who can work within your budget, adjust to meet your needs, and most importantly, understand your vision for your big day.
Don’t be afraid to meet with several different professionals before making your final decision.
2. Schedule an engagement session.
Once you have settled on a photographer, get a preview of their work with a fun engagement session. This will give you a chance to see their shooting style in action and make sure it pairs well with yours. Better still, you’ll get real examples of how you look in their photos. Do you like how they posed you? Would you prefer more edits to your wedding pics? Maybe different lighting? Now is the time to work together and get on the same page.
3. Compile a detailed shot list.
If you have been perusing the wedding boards on Pinterest, you know there are endless possibilities when it comes to poses and props for your big day. Most brides want the major moments captured—first kiss, first dance, cutting the cake, etc.
But what about your bridal portraits, the photos you take as a couple, and those with your wedding party and family?
And how about your style? Do you want your photos to be traditional? Romantic? Silly?
Creating a shot list for your photographer will ensure you get all the images you want without wasting precious time on the most important day of your life.
Pro Tip: If you would like your invitation photographed, mail one to your photographer in advance.
4. Create a wedding day timeline.
With your shot list in hand, sit down and create a timeline so your wedding party and family know exactly where and when they need to report for photos. Some brides choose to have their bridal portraits taken before the ceremony and their couple and wedding party shots right after. You have enough little details to worry about on your wedding day; wrangling guests for photos shouldn’t be one of them!
5. Photograph your hair and makeup trial.
When you visit your hairstylist and makeup artist for a trial run, bring along a camera to make sure you like how you appear in photos. If you look too pale, too orange, or too shiny, you still have time to make last-minute tweaks before the wedding.
6. Start Early.
When your wedding day arrives, allow plenty of extra time for last-minute makeup snafus and little emergencies. Whatever time you think you should start getting ready—get moving an hour earlier instead. If your schedule stays on track, you will have plenty of time for fun, beautiful, stress-free photos!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Even if you haven’t budgeted for a wedding coordinator, you will still need help on your wedding day. Your bridesmaids are there to fetch you drinks and help you into your dress so why not use them for other tasks as well?
- Appoint someone to round up any stragglers from the wedding party or family at picture time.
- Do you have a special shot in mind for your wedding bands? Be sure the Best Man or Ringbearer is on-hand to provide them.
- Will you require specific props? Assign this task to your Wedding Coordinator or Maid-of-Honor.
Remember, the more relaxed you are, the better you will look in your photos!
8. Have Fun!
No matter how much time you spend planning, your wedding day is going to fly by. So focus on what matters, let the small stuff go, and enjoy the moments as they pass. Remember, a happy bride is a beautiful bride!
Jim and Marci will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. In honor, I'm sharing images from their Pine Lakes Country Club wedding!
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