9 Tips for stress-free preparation time.
Over the years I have learned many tips and tricks regarding all things weddings!
My job as your photographer is to capture the story of your wedding day as it unfolds. This story begins before the ceremony when you start getting ready for your wedding day.
It's a special day, a once in a lifetime event, and you & your partner are the main characters. 10 or 20 years from now as you look back at your wedding Pictures I hope you will be able to relive every moment of the day.
Here are a few tips I always give my clients to ensure beautiful images of them as they prepare for their big day:
1. KEEP THE ROOMS CLEAN.
Keep both your and your partner's rooms clean and have the room made by the hotel staff before the photo start time. The clutter of suitcases, coffee cups, and accessories will show in your photographs, no matter how well-framed they are. This helps eliminate the possibility of having any obtrusive objects in the background or taking time away from my artistry to tidy up.
2. HAVE ALL THE DETAILS READY.
The bride should have all the details (dress, rings, shoes, etc.) in one spot. Having all of these items together allows me to easily photograph all of your important details in one place instead of having to gather the items from separate locations. There are times when a hotel room is too crowded or simply unappealing; I have to take the dress down to the lobby or even outside. This can take some time, but it's well worth the additional work.
3.Your Dress Deserves a Nice Hanger.
Have a nice hanger for the wedding dress so that your dress won't have to be displayed on a less-than-beautiful, default plastic hanger. Many nice hotels have wooden hangers for me to use, but some don't. It's always better to be prepared.
4.Robes are Cute!
Think about what you want to be wearing in your getting ready pictures. It doesn't have to be a robe. Just choose something you feel & look good in. And if wearing matching robes with your bridesmaid sounds fun, then do it, because it is so cute!
5. Give yourself more than enough time for hair & makeup.
Delays with hair and makeup are the biggest culprits when it comes to delays on your wedding day. Plan to finish the process well ahead of schedule! Many great hair and makeup artists will create a schedule to follow during wedding preparations. It can be easy to let the morning of your wedding turn into a rush of timelines, emotions, and possibly stress, so do everything you can to avoid that.
6.KEEP THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LOW.
Too many people in the room can add unnecessary stress to the day. Getting ready with your ten best pals sounds like a fun idea, but when a dozen people are getting dressed with all their stuff around you, even a big hotel suite starts to feel small. Besides bridesmaids, a few immediate family members, and your wedding vendors, everyone else can wait until later in the day to hang out with you.
7.Move Outside.
This one is great for guys who don't have to be inside getting their hair & makeup done. Hanging out outside with your mates is always fun. Especially if you have a beautiful view outside or an exciting venue!
8.HAVE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AROUND.
This is an excellent opportunity to get some intimate pictures with your parents or your siblings. Keep in mind that these are some of the most emotional and fun times of the day, so you don't want to cut it short. This is also a great time to have a "first look" between the bride and her mother and father.
9.Relax, Enjoy the moment.
The day will go by fast so try your best to be present and in the moment. Don't sweat the small stuff! You do not need to be on the lookout for the camera; your photographer is a pro and will capture all those special moments. You get to enjoy the day!
