You’re planning your wedding and making sure everything is done and good to go for your big day. You start to realize that besides the faulty camera in your head the only thing that is going to help you reflect back on this big day later down the road will be the photographer.You think about the catering, nope nothing will still be around from them. The venue? Nothing from them either. Florals? Nothing that you would still recognize. The husband? Let's hope so. One of the last people standing is the wedding photographer. How they capture your wedding is how it will look for all the years that follow.Besides hiring a quality photographer there are a few things you can do to make their day go a little better and in turn make sure they capture everything you want them to capture.
1. Provide a timeline before the day of your wedding
Sending a somewhat finalized timeline to your wedding photographer as soon as you have it can be incredibly beneficial. The photographer will review it and suggest changes if they see anything that sticks out. They may suggest a change of location if time is not permitting, suggestions on what order to photograph family members or might just want to confirm any last minuyte details about the timeline.So, the sooner that you can provide a timeline the better. It gives you and the photographer more time to finalize any last minute details. Get an idea of what a timeline looks like with this sample wedding timeline. If you need to get started on your timeline download this wedding timeline template here.
2. Realistically schedule enough time
It is crucial that you create a timeline for your wedding day. There should be an estimated start and end time for hair, makeup, reception setup, etc. Within that timeline should include all your photo sessions such as the first look, bridal party photos, and couple’s session. If you are not sure how much time you might need then click here for a sample wedding day timeline.
3. Limit the locations
In order to maximize photo time on your wedding day, it's often best to limit the number of photoshoot locations. You don’t want to spend more time traveling from point A to point B than actually taking pictures. A great photographer should be able to make almost any location work. Even if you don’t love the background options of your venue, trust in the creative abilities of your photographer.
4. Hire Quality Vendors
Quality vendors can influence the flow of your day. Selecting the right vendors is incredibly crucial and can oftentimes make a huge difference in how the day goes. While quality can be measured several different ways, certain aspects remain the same for all vendors. You wouldn’t want a makeup artist showing up 2 hours late or a photographer with no wedding experience. Hiring quality vendors will help you avoid the stress that may carry over into your wedding photos.Hiring a wedding planner is a great way to make your planning process easier and allow you to enjoy your wedding day without any unnecessary distractions. Your wedding planner is there to handle any mishaps while you and your partner go unbothered.With so many vendor options it may be difficult to determine the right companies for your big day. Before hiring each vendor, do your research and most importantly, follow your instincts.
5. Plan Enough Time for Hair & Make-up
Delays with hair and makeup can set the whole day behind. Plan to finish the process well ahead of schedule, too often brides are rushing because of unexpected delays. Many great hair and makeup artists will create a schedule to follow during wedding preparations.Typically you should set aside one hour in order to document final touch-ups, detail shots, and candid moments with your closest friends and family.Take a look at the sample wedding timeline to find out exactly how much time you should have set aside throughout the day.
6. Include a First Look Session
One of the most memorable events of a wedding day is when the bride and groom see each other. Suddenly all the jitters and anticipation fades away and just the two get the chance to enjoy this remarkable moment. The first look makes for some of the most heartfelt photos, a tradition you can’t forget on your wedding day.
7. Schedule The Couples Session During The Best Lighting
If you booked your venue because of the spectacular view of the ocean or the gorgeous vines in the winery, it’s essential to schedule your couple’s session 30-45 minutes before sunset. The romantic hues during Golden Hour makes it the best time of day to capture the new Mr. and Mrs.
8. Schedule Time In Your Ballroom
This is when you finally get to see the reception you’ve been dreaming about for months. It’s a great opportunity for your photographer to capture a genuine reaction, as well as a quick couple’s session. This is the perfect moment to capture photos on the dance floor and throughout the reception area without wandering guests in the background.
9. Include A Sneak Away Session
The Sneak Away session lasts no more than 20-30 minutes and is typically scheduled during your reception and after dinner. Another suggestion would be to get these shots at the very end of the night once all the guests have departed. The night sky adds a touch of romance and gives a great opportunity to create dramatic images with the help of lighting.
Bonus: Wear a Long Veil
Sometimes the veil is what brings everything together and you finally feel like a bride. Some of the most beautiful and timeless pictures occur when the bride is wearing a long veil. If you are able, choose a long wedding veil for your day and you'll see how dynamic it can make the pictures.