Wedding Tips 101

PART 1 - BRIDE GETTING READY

Planning your wedding can be tough and stressful sometimes, but it can also be so much fun & it should be. As a wedding photographer I work at weddings all of the time, I always see new trends ,behind the scenes, what goes wrong & what works.

I have compiled a list of tips I think would be helpful for brides planning their big day. In this post I will go trough the bride getting ready tips ,some you may not even think about.

Tip 1

This may be a strange one, but some brides don’t even think about it.

Make sure to bring an appealing hanger for your wedding dress to be photographed with. It doesn’t have to be fancy but nicer than a wire hanger.

Tip 2

When getting your wedding dress altered, make sure you can sit & dance in it before they alter the dress or make it smaller.

Tip 3

I always recommend not wearing a bra the morning of your wedding, it will leave marks on the back and shoulders that will be visible in your pictures and it would make the editing process much easier :-)

Tip 4

Make sure you have cute pair of backup flats handy. You won’t regret it.

Your feet will be begging for relieve by the time your reception starts. Another important shoe trick, remember to scuff the bottom of your shoes, take a piece of sandpaper and lightly scuff the bottom of your shoes for some traction. It will prevent you from slipping.

Tip 5

When picking out your getting dressed venue, be on the look out for great lightning,white ceilings, natural window light work the best for your photographer. This is important for both bride & groom. Take away any distracting items that might be in the way or show in your pictures. White linen & curtains ,a full length mirror or a nice chair at a window is also a plus for your portrait images. I know not everyone can afford a guesthouse or hotel, just make it work.

Tip 6

Remember FOOD - yes food :-) , the day can get so busy & your nerves may get the best of you, this is why you will forget to eat, it is important to stay hydrated,have light weight "snacks"nothing that can spill, stain or stick to your teeth to eat and bottled water. Champagne can be an option & may calm the nerves a bit :-) and will make a great "Photo-opp".

Tip 7

What to have in your bag? Your jewelry, Garter, Perfume,Shoes. Put your veil and headpiece around the dress hanger inside your dress bag. It is also nice if you can have a pretty robe or specially made t shirt to put on for your makeup pictures.

Tip 8

This is also one, most brides forget, get your engagement/ wedding rings professionally cleaned before your big day for that extra sparkle. People would want to have a look at that sparkly something on your finger :-)

Tip 9

Most important of all, MAKEUP, most of my brides go for the more natural look over glam, go natural but not "LIGHT" ,makeup is a very important aspect for your wedding pictures, to light may not be a good idea. Most professional makeup artist that work with photographers know that makeup should be a bit darker for images, pick someone with a good portfolio, rather spend a bit more on your makeup artist , you wont regret it. PLUS lashes makes a huge difference in your pictures. You only have this one day to look like a princess, why not go all out!

Tip 10

Let's talk Timeline , ask your photographer to give you a timeline that will help you plan your wedding day towards, this is just a guideline, it won't always work out perfectly, but it is important to have one. As a photographer it helps a lot to know how long we have to take pictures for each section of your day, we don't want to rush & forget something :-)

The most important, it is your day ENJOY it !