Wedding season is in full swing over here at HereNorth! To boot, pandemic restrictions are slowly easing and weddings are starting to look and feel a bit more like they used to circa 2019. Huzzah!

They’re also starting to remind me of a few fresh tips I’d like to share with you all to make your wedding day go that much smoother:

1. Keep Your Detail Items Separate and Ready To Go

I always suggest to my couples that they have their details set aside so I can get those shots done first thing when I arrive. These items would be things like: invitation suite, rings, jewelry, vow books, handkerchiefs, watches, cufflinks, ties, shoes, veils, etc. Having them set aside means you won’t have to scramble to collect it all or find it in the midst of taking a shower/getting dressed/having your makeup done.

2. Keep Your “Getting Ready” Room Tidy

A clean space makes all the world of a difference in photos. Bras, luggage/overnight bags, strewn pajamas, plastic bags, party cups, plastic plates, water bottles, boob tape, hair extensions and bobby pins etc….whatever is there WILL show up in the images. It can be tough to keep the area clean with a bunch of people getting ready in one space, so having one room designated to remain clear for photos is your best bet!

3. Have A Wooden Hanger For Your Attire

The concept of having a presentation hanger with your name (or new name, if you’re going that route) on it has been around in the wedding planning world for some time now. However, if that idea isn’t your jam and/or doesn’t fit your wedding vision, even a simple wooden hanger (natural toned or white) goes a long way. Photos of your dress or suit on a wire or plastic hanger just doesn’t hit the same way. 😉

4. (For Brides) Have Your Makeup Done Early

There’s been a time or two where I’ve shown up to shoot a wedding and as soon as I see the bride hasn’t had her makeup started, I know we are going to run behind. Makeup takes a long time! If you’ve got a bigger bridal party with several people getting their hair and makeup done too, make sure you are NOT the last one getting your makeup done. Let your makeup artist and hairstylist know in advance what time you need to be ready by the latest so they can make sure to time things so they’re not feeling rushed and you look your absolute best.

5. Keep Your Family Formals List Simple

Family formals are a must on your wedding day- you want to make sure to have those portraits with special loved ones! However, photo fatigue is a real thing. I always encourage couples to have 15-20 combinations max. Let your family members know to arrive 15 minutes early so you aren’t held up by any missing members too.

This also applies to any other must have shots with the bride and groom. Having a few (5 and under) definitely works and can get done during your cocktail hour or reception, but beyond that, wrangling so many people (especially those inebriated) for photos can be challenging. You also likely won’t want to spend your fun-time doing that either!

6. Let Your Photographer Know Any Important Must-Haves

This applies to photos that your photographer wouldn’t already know about (like your detail shots, the ceremonial kiss, the first dances, etc- I’ve got those covered!). Giving a surprise gift to your parents, or a surprise cake to your groom? Let me know! Will a special family member not be making it to the reception, only to the ceremony, so you’d like to get as many candids of them as possible? Please tell me!

Although timing, pace of the day, and crowd dynamics play a role in what photographers can and can’t shoot (no one likes their photo taken with a mouth full of salad), my goal is to capture the special moments (or people) that mean the world to you. I want to give you photos you’ll love and cherish- quality (grandpa’s smile) over quantity (how many photos do you need of people talking?).

Whew, ok, I think I covered everything for now! My goal in sharing these tips is that you get the most out of your wedding day photos, with a set of images that you’ll actually look at, enjoy, and that will bring back memories- not just be stored away on a computer never to be seen again. That’s what I want for each of my couples! Photos that capture your world, all the sweat and tears you put into such a wonderful milestone.

Happy Wedding Planning!