Preparing for Your Wedding Day: What to Have Ready for Your Photographer
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, moments, and memories. To ensure your photographer can capture every special detail seamlessly, a bit of preparation on your part goes a long way. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your wedding day and make sure everything is ready when your photographer arrives.
Communicate Your Vision
Share Your Style Preferences: ( this is a good thing to do the month leading up to your wedding so it is fresh in your mind and reflects exactly what you are currently envisioning )
Mood Board: Create a Pinterest board or share a collection of images that reflect the style and moments you love. This helps your photographer understand your vision.
Shot List: Prepare a list of must-have photos, including family portraits, special moments, and any specific requests.
Discuss the Timeline
Detailed Schedule: Revisit the detailed timeline of the day, from getting ready to the reception. Highlight key moments such as the first look, ceremony, and first dance.
Buffer Time: Allow for extra time in your schedule for unexpected delays and for the photographer to capture candid moments.
Getting Ready: Setting the Scene
Location Preparation:
Clean and Tidy: Ensure the getting-ready area is clean and free of clutter. Natural light is ideal, so choose a room with plenty of windows where your photos are going to be taken. A great idea is for all bridal party members to keep bags/belongings in one location in the room, including dress bags and other items that tend to clutter getting ready spaces!
Details and Accessories: Have all your details ready for the photographer in a small snap down bin labeled “photographer” to capture. This includes your dress, shoes, jewelry: Bride should have all three rings ( brides engagement ring, and both wedding bands), two full stationery suites with envelopes, bouquet, customized items like napkins, matches, fans, etc and any other special items.
Attire and Accessories:
Dress and Suit: Hang your dress and suit in an easily accessible and photogenic spot. Remove plastic coverings and tags in advance and place on a more aesthetically pleasing hanger.
Rings and Stationery: Have your wedding rings, invitation suite, and any other significant stationery items ready for detailed shots. If you do not have a fancy ring box DON’T STRESS! I always bring a styling kit equipped with tons of different colored ring boxes to display in your detail shots!
Key People:
Coordinating with Family & Friends
Inform Your Wedding Party:
Timings and Locations: Ensure your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members know when and where they need to be for group photos.
Point Person: Designate a trusted friend or family member as the point person to help coordinate group shots and gather people when needed for both spouses sides.
Family Photo List:
Group Combinations: Prepare a list of family group combinations for formal portraits. This ensures no important photos are missed and helps the process run smoothly.
Personal Touches: Capturing Special Moments
Sentimental Items:
Heirlooms and Keepsakes: If you have any family heirlooms or personal keepsakes, let your photographer know so they can capture these meaningful details.
Love Letters and Gifts: If you and your partner are exchanging letters or gifts, inform your photographer so they can document these intimate moments at the designated time.
Final Preparations: Last-Minute Details
Transportation:
Travel Plans: Ensure your photographer has the transportation details and can easily move between locations. Provide parking information if necessary.
Emergency Contacts: Share the contact information of your wedding planner or a key person who can assist with any last-minute changes ( MOH or Best Man is a great emergency contact for a wedding day since they will be by your side the entirety of the day).
Relax and Enjoy:
Trust Your Photographer: Once you’ve communicated your vision and prepared the necessary details, trust me to do my job and bring your vision to life. Enjoy your day and let me capture the magic! By preparing these key elements in advance, you’ll help your photographer capture your wedding day effortlessly and beautifully. Clear communication, organized details, and a little bit of planning will ensure that every special moment is documented just the way you envision. Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love, so relax and enjoy every moment while I create lasting memories for you to cherish.
