September 26, 2024

Wedding Day Tips from a Wedding Photographer!

Wedding day tips for the getting ready portion of your wedding day!

Riverdale Manor wedding. Bride holding her cream wedding heels and showing off her engagement ring on the morning of her wedding day.

I have been photographing weddings for over 13 years now and this past year I decided to create a wedding day tips guide that I provide to all my couples. Just some things I noticed over the years that if I provide a little information before, it can help make the day go more smoothly and lets us capture your day in the way you envisioned it to be!! There is no hard or set rules for wedding days. Truly do whatever you want. It’s your day!! This is just some perspective from a wedding photographer! I am going to break up these tips from different portions of the day, starting with the getting ready photos below! I hope you enjoy this wedding day tips guide and find it helpful for your future wedding day!!

Tip 1: Make a bag or box of all your details before the wedding day, so that you are not rushing around when the photographer arrives trying to find objects in the chaos. (Yes, there will be chaos, ha!) Details include items like; shoes, jewelry, wedding bands/ring boxes, invitations, sentimental trinkets, perfume/cologne, florals, belts, cuff links, watches, ties, pocket squares, garters, etc. The list is endless if it’s something you wish to be photographed with the wedding details. You can have two separate boxes with each couple, just make sure the wedding rings are together!

Renault Winery wedding day details. Green velvet shoes, gold and reflective wedding invitations, wedding rings, cream and green florals, gold mirror and gold detailing.

Tip 2: Make sure the florals arrive before or at the time the photographers will be starting details, as florals really help elevate those photos. You can also ask your florist for small container of floral pieces to add to the details as well. Some florists provide this without even asking, but just an idea!

Grooms black wedding shoes with watch, belt, bowtie, polo blue cologne, and colorful pink, reds, and yellow boutonniere detail shot at The Farm Bakery and Events wedding venue in Quakertown, PA,
Vibrant and colorful invitations surrounding my colorful florals at a Philadelphia wedding. The Lucy in Philadelphia, PA.

Tip 3: Try to keep the getting ready space clean and tidy. I know that it can be difficult with everything going on, but it really does help for aesthetics and saving time when the photographer arrives. I am a big fan of candid’s (and we will photograph things in their chaotic glory), but there are times where you do not want underwear and food trash in your backgrounds.

Renault Winery wedding in Egg Harbor, NJ. A bride in her getting ready suit at Renault Winery wedding venue. Posing with her dress, veil, white heels, and her vibrant and colorful bouquet.

Tip 4: Bring a mini speaker to have some music playing for vibes!!! We love a vibe!

Renault Winery wedding in Egg Harbor, NJ. A bride in her getting ready suit at Renault Winery wedding venue dancing to music with her family and friends.

Tip 5: Remember to hydrate well throughout the morning! I have had so many people get dehydrated and sick because they were not prepared for how much energy they would be exerting. I know some people lose their appetite with nerves, but please drink lots of water and eat something even if you do not want to!

A bride posing at a window in her wedding dress and veil for her Riverdale Manor wedding in Lancaster, PA.

Tip 6: Put an emergency wedding kit together (the internet has tons of ideas you can google.) Button hooks, sewing kit, bobby pins, spray deodorant, tissues, etc.

Tip 7: Avoid wearing socks, hats, and/or form fitting bras that day as they will leave marks on your skin if those areas will be exposed. (Also, if you are someone who wears a fitness watch every day, consider correcting that tan line before the wedding day!)

A groom getting ready fixing his hair in a mirror before his wedding day at Ellis Preserve wedding venue in Newtown Square, PA.

Tip 8: Most importantly, RELAX and HAVE FUN! All the planning is behind you, you did the hard work. Now trust in your vendor choices and decisions and enjoy your special day. The day you get to marry your best friend!!

A bride with her bridesmaids in their robes and popping champagne before getting ready for a wedding at the Bluestone Estate in Lancaster County, PA.

Thank you for spending some time here to read about this wedding day getting ready tips guide!! I hope it was informative and you took some ideas away from this!

Check out my portfolio here: Captured Moments: The Best of Lexus Gold Wedding Portfolio (lexusgoldphotography.com)

If you enjoyed this guide, please head over to my Instagram: Lexus Gold Photography, LLC (@lexusgoldphoto) • Instagram photos and videos and give it a follow. I will be posting more tips guides to come for the rest of the wedding day!!