After years photographing weddings we have seen the best and worst that can happen on a wedding day. Many brides spend months planning everything for their wedding but fail to pre-plan for the day itself. Most of the trouble and problems we have seen are caused by not preparing a list and schedule for the day of the wedding. We’ve done many of weddings and these are the things that seem to cause a lot of stress. Here are a few problems that come up over and over again. Taking care of these situations that are keys to the success of a great wedding. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your wedding day and how to get the most from your wedding photographer.
“ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS”
Engagement photography sessions are great for a number of reasons. It not only provides you with great photos, it also allows you to use the images in a guest sign-in book, slideshows, save the date cards or simply beautifully framed art.
Also, the engagement session is a wonderful way to “break the ice” and get to know your photographer on a personal level. It’s a great time to build a relationship that will allow the photographer to capture natural and relaxed images.
We suggest selecting a location that is significant to you both, i.e, the spot where you got engaged or some other special place. As a general rule of thumb, wear solid colors as stripes and patterns tend to draw attention away from your face. Finally, try to schedule the engagement session as far in advance as possible, preferably on a weekday as to avoid the crowds.
“Learn to delegate”
There are lots of stresses involved in planning a wedding. These stresses range from worrying about money to dealing with family members. It is critical for the bride to learn how to delegate tasks.
“Pack”
Place everything that should go to the church in one location. This lets you add to it as you remember items. Do not wait until the morning of the wedding or something will be left behind. ( Items we have seen left include: The dress, the veil, the rings, and the marriage license).
“People that are late”
You have invested a great deal of time and effort to ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams, but the success of the wedding and your photographs depends upon the cooperation of all individuals involved. Even the late arrival by one or more persons can really cause a disruption of the event. Please emphasis that your time is carefully planned to ensure that we get all photographs of the wedding party and family members in the least possible time and so that you do not feel rushed. The photography will actually start 1 1/2 hour or more before the wedding. It is very important to finish before the guests begin to arrive. You can help us by making sure you and they are ready for photographs, (completely dressed, with flowers,etc.) at the assigned times.
” Pamper Yourself”
A day or two before your wedding, you should start to pamper yourself with a few of the following ideas. A facial & massage might just be the right touch to getting yourself ready for the next few days. Pamper yourself you deserve it, invite your attendants and make a day of it.
“Hair and Make-up”
Have your hair done the way you will wear it a few days before to see if you like it. Don’t experiment on the wedding day. On hot summer days apply some of baby powder to keep cool under the dress. Wear your make-up the way you feel best. I recommend that you wear it like you normally do but with a good oil absorbing foundation and with a little heavier application on your eye brows and eyelashes. Refrain from any make-up with glitter.
“Where does the groom fit into all of this ? ”
Gone are the days of the guy just showing up at the altar and saying “I do.” Today’s groom often accompanies his bride to the registry, he hires the band or dj, finds the caterer, writes vows with the bride, and helps with the thank-you notes. The point is that modern wedding planning is a shared experience. Speaking of which, his family traditionally hosts a rehearsal dinner (although a lunch or brunch works, too) for the families of the bride and groom as well as the wedding party. Sometimes, out-of-town guests are also invited to this event, and if they’re not, then special care should be taken to make sure they feel welcome. Arrange for welcome baskets filled with information about local sites and restaurants, to be placed in their hotel rooms.
“Transportation”
Always double and triple confirm with your limo or classic car company the addresses, pick-up and drop-off times of those using said transportation. Drivers usually have other events other than yours, and for that reason will always rush the photographer, especially if there is travel required for the family formal photos.
“First Look”
If applicable, 20 to 30 minutes should be allotted for the first look. Even though the actual moment will only last about 5-10 minutes we like to get a a quick photo session of the couple right after. At this point, if the schedule permits, many couples like to do the bulk of the family formals. If that is the case, an additional 45 minutes should be allotted.
More to come…check back soon
I have answered all of your letters & E-mail, and will continue to do so. I sincerely hope that these little tips can in some way make your wedding day little more enjoyable.
Best of Luck
Patrick F. Renzi