Wedding-Day-Tips

When planning, the number one rule to ensure that you don't lose your mind on your wedding day, is to make sure you
delegate jobs to your bridesmaids and relatives so you aren't doing everything. Of course, make sure you delegate
tasks to reliable people! By giving away a lot of the jobs to others, you can just enjoy your day without worrying
needlessly. :)

Another very important thing to remember is that this is YOUR wedding day. There is no point in spending large
amounts of time, money and effort in planning a wedding if you aren't going to have it exactly the way YOU like it!
(So if you see any advice below that cramps your style...don't listen!) Just remember that you can't do any part of your
wedding day over the next day!

CHOOSING YOUR VENDORS

Click here for a list of Vendors we recommend.

A good rule of thumb to follow is that you need to be sure to choose vendors who want to meet with you more
than once. Many details will be set or changed after your initial meeting with your vendors, so you should meet
with them once again to finalize plans for the big day.

When selecting a DJ, remember that he/she can make or break your reception. He/She will have the loudest
voice in the room, and will set the pace and tone of the reception. Make sure the DJ is willing to play your style
of music, and that he/she is organized and knows how to keep the reception on schedule. We highly
recommend using a DJ that we or others refer. The main issue with DJ’s is that there is no way to test them out.
As photographers we can show you photos to show our work but DJ’s all play similar music. The main difference
is that some choose to toast you with a cheesy toast and ruin a wonderful moment, others fire up the chicken
dance at what was suppose to be an elegant wedding, and other like to tell jokes all night or play really cheesy
sound effects all night. I would say about half the weddings we should I have to resist going over to the DJ booth
and just start unplugging stuff. Please take this very seriously that a DJ can easily turn a fun reception into a total
embarrassment.

Bands are an exceptional choice although they are expensive. With out a doubt a live band is the best way to
dramatically improve the liveliness of a reception! I highly recommend it but when interviewing bands make sure
that someone in the band takes on the role of directing the nights schedule. Most bands play music and do not
participate in the nightly events. Also make sure your venue can physically fit a band. When you meet a band
go over the types of music they know and definitely ask how many breaks they take. We have seen bands that
play two songs and then take a half hour break and then we have seen others that go all night. Bands are
expensive and while taking breaks should be very minimal for the cost.

Remember to supply all of your vendors with the church's and/or reception location's guidelines for the wedding
day. For example, the photographers need to know where they can stand during the ceremony, and whether or
not they can use flash during the ceremony. Also, the florist may need to know where they are allowed to put
floral arrangements in the church. Your vendors may also need to know how early they may arrive to set up for
the big day.

If you are looking at a specific hair stylist, it would be a good idea to have a test run so you are not surprised on
the wedding day (in a bad way). Same rule for make up. We have seen several brides almost in tears because
they look nothing like they'd hoped. Don’t freak out if the make up artist puts more make up on than normal.
This practice is very common and it really is the best option for long lasting make up that looks better in photos.

If you are hiring a videographer, realize that you are asking for the same image twice. Once in real time (video)
and one as a captured special moment (photo). This is great but basically you are hiring two people to stand in
the same place. If you want both, realize that it will be common for us to show up in the video and it will be very
common for the videographer to be in the background of our photos. We try not to get each other but it is
inevitable. Look at our list of recommended videographers, and you will find videographers that we have come to
work with very efficiently and minimize the side effect of showing up in each others shots.

Remember to select vendors that are organized and have a plan for your wedding day. Make sure they plan to
arrive plenty of time before the ceremony to allow for any necessary set-up. And most importantly! If their
philosophy is anything other than "It's Your Wedding!," find someone else to share in your big day!

There are so many other topics we can put here about florist, coordinators and more but the main point is this…Be
a Bridezilla! That’s right I said it! This is one very big deal day and you should have everything you want. Now
what I don’t what you to hear is that you should hire a $300 DJ and expect him to be the world's best DJ. In this
industry you really do pay for what you get, and if you feel that any vendor is under performing or is strong
arming you into doing something you don’t like, speak your mind. Your wedding is a one day event and when it
is over, it is over. Jess and I would hope that after all we will go through together that you will feel comfortable to
say, “I don’t like that pose, it makes me look weird,” or something along those lines. On the same note, if you
have the reception hall dim all the lights to near dark, don’t expect the images to be bright and sunshiny! We can
do some amazing work in low lighting, but realize that sometimes to get something the way you want you might
need to sacrifice something else. Be open with all your vendors and put us all to work for you!

THE MORNING OF DOs AND DON'Ts

DO eat a big breakfast/lunch because you typically will not be able to eat again until the reception. Some
people choose to have food available in the ready room (i.e. A fruit & veggie or sandwich tray).

Grooms need to be aware that if you shave close to the time of the ceremony, you may have razor burn in the
photos. Every guy is different guys please plan accordingly and shave well before the ceremony (morning of or
previous day) so that I don’t have to Photoshop you a new face!

Relinquish your cell phones to your Best Man and Maid of Honor. Let them take the call from your Aunt Sue (and
everyone else) who needs directions to the church!

THE BRIDE'S READY ROOM

Remember to bring a rescue kit containing the following items: baby powder, compact mirror, hairspray, brush or
comb, nail polish, cotton swabs, dental floss, hand lotion, pads, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, Tylenol, Advil,
Immodium, Tums, Band-Aids, hem tape, safety pins, stain remover, static guard, drinking straws, kleenex, bobby
pins, lip gloss, nail file, oil-absorbing blotting cloths, deodorant, lint roller, sewing kit, glue, mints. Hopefully, you
won't need any of this stuff, but it can save the day if you do. Hopefully, you won't need any of this stuff, but it
can save the day if you do. Here's a website where you can buy all of these things in one handy bag. http:
//www.withyouinmindinc.com/index.html

Hang your dress in a pretty location (out of the bag) so the photographer can get some great shots of the dress
hanging up.

By limiting who has access to the Bride Ready Room, you will cut down on the stress level as well as maximize
the impact of when the guests see you in your dress for the first time. Limit occupants by not publicizing the
location of your ready room it is very common for many women to want to take a peek at the bride while she is
getting ready.

Make sure that anyone who is supposed to be in the ready room for pre-ceremony family photos is notified in
advance.

Unless otherwise discussed with us, don't put on your dress unless we are there to take pictures. This is one of the
most important happenings in the bride ready room.

If you need to make any last minute touch-ups or to put on jewelry, make sure you either have your dress on, or
are fully clothed. Photos are generally much more useful for the album if you aren't half-naked! :)

Photos of the bride putting on her dress always look better if the bridesmaids already have their dresses on.

Make sure that any accessories are out in plain view so the photographer will see to photograph them. I.E. garter
(s), ring pillow, flowers, shoes, rings, etc.

Girls, make sure plenty of time is scheduled for your makeup. It is very common for us to have to cram in photos
or miss out on some photos because the makeup or hair stylist took much longer than expected.

To those who are having kids in the wedding. It is a great idea to have the flower girls get ready in the brides
room and then after some photos of them getting all dolled up, it might be a good idea to ship them out of the
ready room. This is totally up to the bride, but when we see weddings with more than one flower girl in the room,
tensions can rise quickly.

THE GROOM'S READY ROOM

Watching guys put on their own boutonnières is quite comical. Brides, do you guys a favor and send over
someone to help them out (who is not scheduled to be in the bride's pre-ceremony photos)! Make sure their
boutonnières are on early enough that they are in any pre-ceremony photos. This should generally happen no
later than about one hour prior to the ceremony.

THE CEREMONY

Even though it looks pretty, it is not a good idea to put candles on the floor down the aisle. When the bride
walks down the aisle, her dress could possible knock over the candles or could even catch on fire.

Remember to set a ceremony length with your officiant. Especially if the officiant is a relative as they sometimes
like to tell stories about when the bride and groom were babies. If the length is not pre-determined, the ceremony
can run long creating a ripple effect in the rest of the day's schedule.

Don’t lock up your knees when you are standing up there. The ceremony is going to feel 10 times longer than it
actually is. Just remember to enjoy it!

As hard as it may be to resist, do not stare at the ground while walking down the isle. I promise that you will
prefer pictures of your face even if you are crying. Remember to tell this to your bridesmaids and groomsmen as
well.

As soon as you are announced as husband and wife and head back down the isle, immediately go to a
predetermined secluded place that only the bridal party and your closest family know of. This will help you to not
get a receiving line that sucks away a lot of time. Todays version of a receiving line is to mingle to all the tables
at your reception.

POST-CEREMONY PORTRAITS

Be sure to notify any family members in advance if they are in family photos so they will not disappear after the
ceremony. The rehearsal dinner is a great time to do that. Remind everyone to be as attentive as possible so we
can get you to your party as fast as possible!

It is socially acceptable for the time after the ceremony to the time you arrive at the reception to take up to 1 hour
(not including drive time if applies). Jess and I strive to fit everything in that time frame and will discuss with you a
timeline (transition time, family photos, bridal party photos, and most important photos of you two) at the details
meeting. Don’t worry about your guests, they are snacking and drinking and talking with friends. They can easily
keep that up for 1 hour.

Brides, it would be a great idea to tell you groom about how long photos are going to take. (we will tell you
exactly how long after our details meeting) Most the times they are unaware of all the details we have planned.

HOW TO GET THE BEST PHOTOS AT THE RECEPTION

During the traditional events (cake, toast, and tosses) we will help you out by telling where to stand.

Even though we are photojournalist, please feel free to grab some guests and have us take an eye contact candid
photo. We are there for any pictures you want!

When planning your reception hall decorations please note that very large flowers are a HUGE hindrance to table
candids. Please don’t change out all you flowers just for us, but if you really want a lot of candids then try using
short table decoration, or better yet, alternate big and small center pieces. (Put the tall ones at the obligatory
guest tables). If the majority of your guests are going to be getting down on the dance floor than this is a moot
point because nobody will be at tables anyways.

You have obviously paid a whole bunch of money to your vendors so let us all do our thing and you guys just
have a great time.

If your guest list is going to be over 225 we highly recommend bringing in a 3rd photographer. Contact us for
details

THE BIG EXIT

We personally think that rose petals, bubbles, and sparklers (if done properly) look the best in photos.

The ever popular Sparklers!! We have seen this go really well, and really, really bad! Here are some tips for
ensuring that it goes well...

Before you even plan to have a sparklers exit make sure your reception venue will allow it. Also, make sure
the exiting path is wide enough for people to have their arms outstretched with the sparklers, so they don't
catch you on fire as you run between them.
Make sure you buy the right sparklers. There is a type of sparkler that is sold during the 4th of July that is
supposed to last longer and be more fun. These are TERRIBLE for weddings. They are more fun, but they
also spit balls of fire at the end of the wick like roman candles!! We have seen a bridesmaid and a bride
catch on fire because of these kinds of sparklers. Just be sure to buy the plain sparklers that don't have any
fire power! :)
Be sure to have plenty of people lighting sparklers so they won't run out before you run out.
Wait until you are really ready to leave and then coordinate your exit with us. Then we can make sure
everyone begins to light the sparklers at the same time. If you make people wait too long, all of the
sparklers will go out before you exit.
Have a bucket of water or sand ready for people to put their used sparklers in. This will ensure no fires are
started. Also, your reception venue will thank you for not littering on their property.

WEDDING DAY TIPS