Wedding Tips
I’ve compiled a few tips on things that you can do to help save time on the day, stress less and get great photos.
It’s almost time…
The last few weeks in the lead up to your wedding can be stressful. You’ll be finalizing styling, getting fitted, organizing vendors and managing family.
Here are a few things that you can do to help the wedding day run smoothly and optimize your photos as well…
Getting Ready…
Easy things to do to save time in the morning (before your photographer arrives):
Dress | Suits | Shoes | Ties | Veil | Bouquet | Rings | Hair pieces and jewellery | Stationary
FOR BRIDES/BRIDESMAIDS:
Finish Hair and Makeup
I can’t stress this one enough – by the time I arrive at your preparation area, everyone should be finished with hair and makeup. If you’re unclear as to when I arrive, please ask and then tell your makeup artist & hair stylist that they need to be finished by that time.
FOR GROOMS/GROOMSMEN:
By the time I arrive at your prep location, all groom/groomsmen should already be showered, hair done and shaved (if required).
Ceremony
Your ceremony can be the most nerve-wracking part of the day, but the time goes by quickly and before you know it, you’ll be walking back down the aisle as a married couple.
ALWAYS have a rain backup plan even if you don’t think it will rain. We are lucky to have lots of gorgeous sunny days in Perth, but there’s always a random day in any month that can be rainy. So have a plan B just in case.
PRO TIP: Aim to arrive at the ceremony 5-10mins before you want to be walking down the aisle. It always takes a bit of time to organise everyone, speak to the celebrant/priest and get the music started.
It’s often recommended to have an unplugged ceremony, where your guests put away their phones and tablets so they are fully present for your vows.
When it comes to your first kiss, hold it for 3-5 seconds. This allows your photographer and videographer get some amazing photos. Plus you want to enjoy that first moment as a married couple.
If you’re opting for a confetti throw as your walk back down the aisle, opt for large bio-degradable alternatives:
i.e. rose petals or eco-confetti cannons
After the Ceremony…
Once you’ve made things official (i.e. signed the wedding certificate), you’ll be congratulated by your guests and then we’ll go straight into family portraits. You would have given me the list of family photos prior to the wedding day, so I will have that handy on the day.
Family Photo Checklist
You’ll receive a form to list out all your important family members you’d like a photo with after the ceremony. Keep it short and simple with these combinations…
- Makeup and hair start and finish times (if applicable)
- Confirm your location photo preferences with your photographer
- Food selections and seating plans (if applicable)
- DJ song list and reception event running sheet
- Floral choices and delivery locations
- Final fittings and collect dress(es) and suit(s)
- Lock in accommodation (hotel, AirBNB or family/friend house)
- Sign paperwork with wedding officiant
If you need any help with final planning details or timeline advice, please feel free to get in touch and I’ll help out the best I can!
Simone Addison Photography is always here to help if you have questions about your wedding day timeline, organization or styling tips. Please get in touch via email or phone and I’ll be happy to assist.