5 Wedding planning tips from a wedding photographer
There is sooooo much information available online for the wedding planning couple. I want to share some tips that are less spoken about, but just as important. These points aren’t directly related to photography, but I’ve shot over 250 weddings and seen some things. These are my top 5 tips when planning your wedding…
1. Honouring those who have passed
If you’ve lost someone significant in your life, be direct with your speech givers about whether you want that spoken about or not. If it’s still very raw, it might not be a bad idea to have someone early on in the day honour them, and ask the other speech givers not to dwell on the loss.
I’ve seen a couple leave a seat open at their ceremony with the name of a parent on it. I thought that was a lovely non-verbal way of showing respect. Most common though, is to light a candle and to have a picture of the person visible at the reception.
A more personal and private way to hold a family member close, is to wear a locket with their photo, or tie the locket around your bouquet.
2. Select your celebrant wisely
Choose a celebrant who aligns with your spiritual values. If you truly don’t believe in God, and you choose a celebrant who spends 20 mins preaching from the bible, you’ll feel so disconnected from the ceremony. It’s not unusual these days to get married legally before the wedding date, and then have a friend who is good in public speaking, lead the ceremony. I highly recommend Rev Alice as a celebrant. Her religious title and background will make the religious people in the family happy, but she is very attuned to the needs of her couples, and will take their own feelings and beliefs into account while writing her ceremony. She will offer a personal experience, so that your guests don’t end up listening to the same lame wedding joke for the 10th time.
Find Alice on Instagram here: @rev_alice
While we’re on the topic of celebrants, I suggest that you make a point of asking them to step out of the way before they announce the first kiss. You really don’t need a beautiful photo ruined by Father John’s face between the two of yours, as you go in for a kiss.
3. day time speeches
Traditionally, I see speeches being done in the evening between meal courses. I suggest that you consider splitting them up and having one or two (or all) during the afternoon at canapés. This is for a few reasons. If you have a nervous speaker, it’s a kind gesture to let them enjoy the day and get their speech done early. If you have multiple speakers, the evening can feel very long and particularly difficult for your guests with concentration struggles. Lastly, the more alcohol that is consumed, the less likely your guests will want to sit still and enjoy the speeches.
4. Include buffer time to your schedule
Be overly generous with time while planning your wedding timeline. Everything takes longer than you think and you need to account for mishaps. 1 min to step into your wedding dress? Sure! But you don’t want to delay the ceremony because your zip broke, or you realize your veil needs to be steamed, or you need to try 3 different styles of undies.
I suggest finishing your hair and makeup at least an hour before you’re due to walk down the aisle. Use this time to go to the loo, have something to eat and drink, get dressed, and have some portraits taken. Rather have too much time and grab a glass of champagne while you chill.
5. create a list for your family shots
Group photos aren’t the most fun to create, but don’t let that stop you from allocating time in your schedule for them. I do believe there is value in the grip and grin images, with all faces looking into the lens. The sad reality is that you just don’t know how long you have with your family and one day you (or a close relative) will really appreciate an image like this.
Providing a list for your photographer to work off means that you won’t be put on the spot and potentially forget any important combinations of people. During an awkward moment when a plus 1 includes himself in a group photo, the photographer can be the one to politely ask them to step away. A good photographer will read the family dynamics and consider all these things while positioning people.
