How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Photography - 10 Do’s and Don’ts
Wedding planning is a fun and busy buildup to your big day - but it also comes with a lot of stress. So how do you decide on the details? As photographers, we always say your wedding day will pass by quickly, but your photographs will last forever.
Here are our top 10 tips to ensure your wedding day - and importantly, your wedding photography - is happy, relaxed, and totally yours.
1. Get ready on-site? Do
Travelling from venue to venue is one of the quickest ways to lose valuable time on your wedding day, so we’d always recommend getting ready on-site where you can. Not only does it reduce stress and potential hassle, it also allows for more time shooting precious moments of your day. Try to get ready no more than 15 minutes from your venue of choice, and ensure there’s plenty of parking so you’re not driving around when your ceremony is due to start. We once worked with a bride whose car broke down between the ceremony and reception. Thankfully it didn’t happen before they said their vows!
2. Hire a hair and makeup artist? Do
Ask yourself these two questions: firstly, am I extremely skilled at hair and makeup and can do these under pressure and secondly, will I be able to keep calm and relaxed and not stress out having to do it on my own on my wedding day? If the answer to either of these is a no, then definitely hire a hair and makeup artist. You’ll feel more relaxed therefore look much more relaxed in your getting ready photos if you’re not rushing the process.
South Farm also has a great on site getting ready suite!
The light at Otley Hall getting ready space is amazing!
Check out Claire at Barberella for your hair!
3. Have bridesmaids? Your choice
Many engaged couples assume that they have to have bridesmaids, but it’s entirely your choice. Bridesmaids are helpful for delegating tasks on the wedding day, but they’re certainly not a requirement. If your family and friends don’t fit the typical ‘bridesmaid’ mold, then it’s perfectly acceptable to just get family photos instead - and you might even find it more relaxing. Don’t be afraid to have mismatching outfits too if you’re not keen on the uniform bridesmaid look. We’ve shot bridesmaids in recycled saris, floral dresses, and even all white!
Bouquets by Lucy at The Stable Blooms
4. Walk down the aisle with someone? Your choice
Whether you walk with your father, mother, child, grandad or on your own - your aisle moment is yours to cherish. If you feel like you can’t choose between family members, then go yourself. Aisle photos always look good, so don’t stress about going solo.
5. Invite lots of guests? Your choice
Whether you’re inviting five guests or 200 - your wedding will be special in its own way. The main consideration is how much time you want to spend with everyone. If you have more than 100 guests, you’ll need more than one photographer, and due to the sheer numbers there’s no guarantee that you’ll get shots of everyone throughout the day without some serious organisation. Invite the people who make you happy, and don’t be forced into a massive guest list if this is not what you would like. It’s your day - have it your way.
6. Confetti shots? There are alternatives
Paper or petal confetti tosses make for stunning photos with your guests, but not every venue allows it. Bubbles or ribbons are a great alternative for stunning group shots without any debris on the floor.
If you are having confetti, most venues will allow biodegradable paper or flower petals only.
7. Decorate everything? Don’t
Wedding reels nowadays would have you think that you have to spend thousands and decorate every inch of your venue to make an impact. Don’t panic if you don’t have a huge budget for decorations. A good photographer will be able to create magic from the people and moments of your wedding, not just the decor. Simple choices - wooden tables, fresh wildflowers, and handmade touches - make for the most beautiful photos. Choose a photographer whose work you love, and leave them to dress up the details.
Handmade embroidery by one of our brides at The Granary Estates
8. Long speeches? Don’t
Speeches can be the best part of a wedding, but when they’re over an hour, they can start to drag. Tired guests = tired looking photographs. Keep spirits high and guests happy with 15 to 20 minutes of speeches before the meal, and avoid doing speeches between courses. Your caterer will have a hard job and your guests will be wondering where their dessert is!
9. Cutting the cake? Your choice
Another ‘traditional’ wedding photography moment is cutting the cake, but you certainly don’t have to stick to it or have it traditional at all! Sometimes it can be nicer to have a private moment for just you and your partner - in which case we can plan to take photos in secret if you don’t want the fuss.
10. First dance? Your choice
Whether you want a full choreographed routine, or a giant ceilidh that gets every guest on the dancefloor - your first dance can be as traditional or relaxed as you like. Swap out your heels for flats if you’re worried about being uncomfortable, and ditch the dance altogether if it’s not your thing.
So many wedding traditions would have us thinking that your day must be a certain way, but it simply isn’t the case. Plan the details that make you and your partner happy, and ensure you spend quality time with your loved ones rather than sweating the small stuff. Focus on you and your partner enjoying every minute, and your wedding photographs will always look perfect.
Are you starting to plan your big day? Check out my work here and get your session booked in!
