Your wedding day is one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life. With so much happening, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in making everything run smoothly. As an experienced wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all—from last-minute boutonnière mishaps to bouquet water stains—and I’m here to share my best tips to help you enjoy every moment of your big day.
Pre-Ceremony Prep
1. Dry Your Bouquet Before Carrying It
Take your bouquet out of the water about 30 minutes before you need it. This prevents water from dripping onto your dress—especially important for colorful bridesmaid gowns that might stain easily!
2. Have an Extra Boutonnière and Pin
Boutonnières are fragile, and they tend to break or get misplaced. If your budget allows, having a spare (plus an extra pin) ensures no last-minute stress.
3. Steam Dresses the Night Before
Wrinkles can be distracting in photos, so steam your gown and bridesmaid dresses the night before. This way, they have time to fully dry and won’t be damp when you put them on.
4. Clean Your Rings
A quick polish the night before makes a big difference in your detail shots. A sparkling ring photographs beautifully, and it’s a small but meaningful touch.
5. Make Sure Someone Knows How to Tie a Tie
If groomsmen are wearing ties or pocket squares, designate someone to be in charge of tying them properly. The same goes for boutonnières—someone should know how to attach them securely.
6. Don't go Last for Hair and Makeup
Check out my previous blog post to see why the bride should never go last, despite what they are often told. You can read it here
7. Have Flat Lay Items Ready
If you are having flat lay photography done on your wedding day, have all of the items you want included ready for your photographer. For more information on wedding flat lay photography tips & what to include, visit my previous blog post here
Ceremony Tips
8. Hold Your Bouquet Correctly
For the best photos, hold your bouquet at belly button height and tilt it slightly outward. This ensures we see the beautiful blooms rather than just the stems!
9. Walk Slowly Down the Aisle
Nerves can make you speed up, but take a deep breath and walk slower than you think you should. It helps your photographer capture beautiful, in-focus shots. Also, don’t be afraid to interact with loved ones—smile, make eye contact, and soak in the moment.
10. Position Yourself Properly Under the Arch
If you have a wedding arch, make sure you and your partner are centered underneath it. Marking the spot with a small, discrete piece of tape can help.
11. Keep the Ceremony Space Clear
Ensure there’s enough space at the front of the ceremony for your wedding party and your photographer(s) and videographer(s) to move around without bumping into guests. This allows for better angles and cleaner shots.
12. Hold Hands & Look at Each Other
It’s natural to look at your officiant, but for the most emotional and romantic photos, focus on each other. Holding hands also adds to the intimacy of the moment.
13. Don’t Rush Your First Kiss
Take your time with that first kiss as newlyweds! A quick peck is hard to capture, so hold it for a second or two—or go for a second kiss!
14. Keep Your Wedding Party at the Front During the Recessional
Once you and your partner exit the aisle, then your wedding party can follow. This ensures a clean, unobstructed background for your photographer.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Day
Having a photographer that is prepared is essential for a smooth wedding day. Here are some things I do to ensure my couples have a stress-free wedding:
I Have a First Aid & Sewing Kit on Hand
Things happen—buttons pop, zippers get stuck, and blisters form. Having a small emergency kit with safety pins, a sewing kit, and band-aids can be a lifesaver.
I Pack Touch-Up Essentials
Stain remover pens, blotting papers, bobby pins and a small mirror are great to have nearby for quick touch-ups. This helps you stay fresh for photos throughout the day.
I Work With You to Plan Your Schedule
With my wedding timing knowledge and experience, I help you create a timeline that allows us to maximize my photography coverage, ensuring no important moments are missed.
I Make Family Portraits Efficient
Family formals can take longer than expected if people wander off. Having a designated person who knows both sides of the family helps make the process smooth and efficient. I work with couples to create a shot list & bring copies of it on your wedding day so that you can get back to having fun as quickly as possible.
Why Experience Matters
Beyond capturing beautiful photos, I help my couples with all of these little details to make their day run smoothly. From carrying a first aid kit to reminding you to slow down and soak in the moment, I bring years of experience to every wedding. When you hire an experienced photographer, you’re getting so much more than just pictures—you’re getting someone who truly has your back.
Want more tips or help planning your photography timeline? Let’s chat! I’d love to help make your wedding day unforgettable.
