Do’s and Dont’s When Planning your Wedding

Some Do’s and Don’ts to consider when planning your wedding day.

All weddings are different and not everything you read may apply to your wedding or your vision. Here are a few simple do and don’t suggestions to consider when planning your wedding day.

Plan where you are getting ready

If love the light and airey vibe for your photos you need to select a light and airey space for when you’re getting ready.

Whether you choose to get ready at home, a hotel room or at your venue, its important to keep it picture ready – tidy and clutter free (we see everything in your photos).

Often hotel rooms are usually open and have minimal clutter around.

Don’t squeeze into one room

You need space. Some rooms can be quite small so check the room size when booking your rooms.

Don’t try to fit everyone in a small hotel room, it always ends up extra busy and crowded especially with hair and makeup artists and their items, plus your photographer, and family or wedding party members.

If you want everyone in one room, invest in a suite, adjoining or multiple rooms on the same floor.

You will not regret it.

Don’t forget to advise of details

The smallest details can mean so much to someone.

Is there something unique in your ceremony? A keepsake or treasure from a loved one? A gift to the girls, or from your partner? Do you have a copy of your vows or speech?

Advise me of anything unique or different, even the tiniest detail.

Allow for cushion time

The best advice I can give is to add some CUSHION TIME!

This isn’t wasted time, I promise. Sometimes the most simple task can take longer than expected. I’ve seen zippers break and brides having to be stitched into their dress, groomsmen forgot their boutonniere so they went back for them.

10 minutes here and there can add up, so with a little planning you have that bit of extra time should you need it.

Transport. Even travelling in a stretch limousine on your wedding day can take longer than travelling the same distance in your everyday car. More people in and out, parking, access etc.

Every wedding is different, and there are so many things to consider, not everything may go as planned on your day, but if you have a little time in your schedule, you can regroup and continue, and no one would ever know! Also, sometimes it is nice to sit, and breathe, and have the time to take in your day.

Do Pamper Yourself

You might have a friend or relative who is a hair or makeup artist, or great at doing their own and want to be involved. This may save some money but keep in mind these few things:

1. Are they in the bridal party? We want your bridal party to be ready together and ready for photos, if they are doing hair and makeup for everyone else they then need time for themselves too, it can get a little stressful for them.

2. Professional wedding hair and makeup can be a little different from your everyday hair and makeup. They can use a lot of pins to keep your hair in place all day, and bridal makeup is photo ready, and often a little different from a night on the town.

A hair and makeup trial is also great to have. Book this for the same day as your engagement shoot, or date night to get the most out of it.

When is sunset?

Ideally we love photographing your wedding portraits an hour prior to sunset. Knowing when sunset is on your wedding day assists with planning your timeline and selecting your ceremony commencement time.
Will you have enough time for your wedding party photos?
Keep in mind Winter months sunset is a lot earlier too.

Don’t be cold on your wedding day

Winter weddings can have some beautiful sunny days, but it does get cooler in the afternoon, and evening.

Have a coat, or a wrap on hand, you don’t have to wear it throughout your location shoot, just in between. You don’t want to be cold during your portraits while we are outside in the cooler weather.

Don’t stress the small stuff

All the planning is complete and your wedding day has arrived, and something may not go completely as planned, and that is okay.

Relax, have fun, laugh, cry, and enjoy your magical day with your family and friends, and most importantly the LOVE of your life.

Don’t be late

Some brides think it’s tradition to be late to your ceremony but this isn’t the case. Being on time is now considered fashionable. Remember being late also cuts into your family photo time and then into your bridal portraits.

Don’t leave your guests sitting outside in the hot sun, especially during hot summer months just because you want to be 10 – 15 minutes late.

If you are worried about guests being late consider this when planning your wedding invitations. See our ‘What information is on your wedding invitation’ post.

Have a timeline

Planning and knowing the schedule of your day is important.

Your timeline is just a guide, but this ensures your suppliers know where to be and when, and what is happening next.

You won’t need to worry about this on the day, everything is in place and your experienced and trusted vendors know what to do.

Have Fun

Anything can happen, so when your day comes around, ensure someone takes over any last minute tweaks, and enjoy every moment.

Don’t forget it’s your wedding day

In a world full of instagram, wedding magazines, wedding blogs and pinterest, it is easy to be overwhelmed and consumed by all of the “prettiness” of a wedding event. While details can matter, and planning is necessary, it is important to never lose sight of the real purpose of this amazing day… Marrying the one you love!

It’s YOUR wedding day!