Wedding Tips
Wedding Tips For Your Celebrations
As an experienced Wedding Photographer who has photographed weddings worldwide, I know how much hard work and time is required to plan a wedding.
Therefore, I want your photography experience to be the most relaxed process in your planning.
I have created this guide, and I hope you find it helpful and informative.
General Tips
Moments And Emotions
Weddings can be emotional roller coasters (good ones!). The ‘in-between’ moments narrate your story beautifully and uniquely. But with so much going on, it’s hard to see your day’s ‘big picture’.
That’s my job. I have an expert eye for capturing spontaneous moments – raw, undocumented and unscripted. So, I inconspicuously collect the reactions, gestures, and interactions you see and don’t see.
From the joyous, unbridled laughter to the bitter-sweet smiles as you remember those who couldn’t attend.
Getting Ready
Having photographs from this part of the day helps to tell the complete story of your wedding day.
Have trusted family and friends ready for any last-minute delegation of tasks. Relax and enjoy the start of the wedding day with your family and friends.
The time will fly by. The ideal getting-ready space would be light, spacious and free of clutter. Don’t worry if it isn’t spacious or free of clutter.
Good Light
Good light makes a big difference in the photographs. Ideally, you want your makeup done where natural light falls onto you (and your bridesmaids).
Do check if the place you are getting ready has natural light.
If it doesn’t (windowless rooms exist), consider moving to another room that has better light.
The Ceremony
The part of the day why everyone is here. Check beforehand for any photography restrictions at the ceremony location so you are not disappointed afterwards.
Please ask if the officiant in charge of the wedding is happy to have your vows photographed. Sometimes, restricted photography is only allowed. For example, photographing from the back of the church. (I have been sent to the back of the room before, and in a few cases, a total ban on photographs during the ceremony.)
Be present and enjoy the moments during the ceremony and day. Enjoy the celebratory happy hugs and kisses from the guests.
Planning lets you ensure the confetti/sparklers are captured perfectly.
Go Unplugged!
An unplugged ceremony is where the guests have been politely asked to put down their cameras and
electronic devices so they are present and in the moment during the ceremony.
Also, I rarely use flash during a ceremony, so when the flash from a guest goes off, it can overexpose the photographs
I’m taking and ruining the moment.
You can have the officiant inform the guests just before the ceremony starts.
The Group Photographs
The ideal time for Group Photographs is either just after the ceremony at the venue if there is space or at the reception venue (if it’s different).
Each Group Photograph usually takes 4-5 minutes, so you might want to keep this to a minimum if you’re going to spend the maximum time with your guests.
To speed things up, it’s advisable to have designated people round up the guests for each group. Let the people involved in the Group Photographs know when they are required.
The Couples’ Portraits
Whether you are camera shy or super easy in front of the camera, this part of the day is an excellent time for you both to get away from all the guests. and have some quiet time together.
You decide how much time you want to spend getting fantastic portraits for your walls and albums. The portraits can be divided to provide different looks throughout the wedding day.
One of the best times for couples’ portraits is during the golden hour sunset (assuming a visible sunset). The light is natural and beautiful, and the sun’s rays are diffused and soft, typically more flattering.
Portraits In
The Rain
Embrace the rain.
Unique portraits can be made in nearly any weather condition, and the beauty is that they will give the photographs in your album a different look.
The Reception
It’s time to relax and celebrate with your guests.
Make the reception a reflection of who you are and add touches to make it unique.
Think about the backdrop for the photographs where the speeches will take place. Are there big pieces (usually floral) on the table obscuring you or the speaker? If so, it will make it harder to photograph anyone behind them.
Having the speeches after the main course and just before the desserts will allow your guests to relax and enjoy their food and drinks. Also, asking for the plates to be cleared and not having the wait staff on the floor produces cleaner images.
The First Dance & Party
If you feel stiff and clumsy, practice dancing to the song before the wedding day.
If you wear a wedding dress, consider bustling it with a long train so you won’t trip over it.