Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, with endless advice coming from magazines, blogs, and Pinterest. After being a wedding photographer for 5 years, I’ve seen it all—and I know that stressing over every little detail isn’t the way to go. Instead, I’m here to help make your planning process smoother and your wedding day even more enjoyable.
One of my biggest goals is to provide not just beautiful photos but also helpful guidance along the way. With each wedding I capture, I gain new insights that I love passing along to future brides. I also value the wisdom of my past brides, which is why I’ve gathered their best advice to help you make the most of your big day. Keep reading for real wedding tips from brides who have been in your shoes!
Wedding planning is exciting but can also be stressful. There will be moments when it feels like there are a million decisions to make, and that’s completely normal. Take breaks when needed, lean on your support system, and remember why you’re doing this in the first place—to celebrate your love!
I will die on this hill – a first look should be a standard part of modern day weddings. You can make it as special as you want – read private vows to each other, swap gifts, or just enjoy 5 minutes alone talking about how the day has gone so far. Doing a first look lets us take a majority of the photos before the ceremony, so afterwards you can enjoy the day with friends and family. At the very least, consider it and do a lot of research online about the pros and cons!
No wedding goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay! Whether it’s a minor detail like a misplaced boutonnière or something bigger like unexpected weather, the key is to stay flexible and focus on the joyous moments. At the end of the day, you’ll be married to the love of your life, and that’s what truly matters.
Your wedding day will fly by, and your first dance is one of the few moments where time seems to slow down. Of course, take the time to just be there together, swaying or spinning. But at some point, take a glance around the room and remember the faces of those who came to support you! You can also do this during the ceremony, or while toasts are happening. Anytime you have, pause, look around, listen, and take a moment to remember what it feels like.
Wedding planning involves a lot of communication with vendors, guests, and family members. Having a shared email ensures that both you and your partner stay on the same page and don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it keeps all wedding-related emails organized in one place!
Healthy, glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s best to start a skincare routine early. An esthetician can help you address any concerns and create a personalized plan leading up to your big day. Consistency is key, and your wedding photos will thank you for it!
I am sure you will be cheesin’ most of the day anyway, but it’s easy to be focused on other things and forget to smile. If you have RBF, try to take extra care to have a small smile on throughout the night, even if you have to have your friends remind you. Even if you feel happy, you might not look like it when you get your photos back… this is something I have heard several past brides mention they wish they knew beforehand!
Bustling a wedding dress can be tricky, and the last thing you want is to struggle with it on your wedding day. Have your bridal party or family member practice ahead of time, and record a video as a reference. This will save time and prevent any last-minute dress mishaps (and late reception entrances).
Your photographer will capture stunning images (you know I will 😉), but your guests will have a unique perspective of your day. Using an app like WedUploader makes it easy for them to share their candid shots, allowing you to relive all the little moments you might have missed. It’s a great way to see your wedding from multiple angles!
A pile of lettings and gifts can quickly become overwhelming. Having notecards on hand to send a thank-you card asap keeps your to do list down, and gives your loved ones peace of mind knowing you received it. After your wedding day, keep a list of any additional cards or gifts you received and set aside an evening to write all of the letters at once while you are still giddy from the wedding. I made the mistake of waiting over a month to send out cards, and it turned into a tedious task instead of a fun close to our wedding day.