13 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BRIDES

It’s your Dream wedding and your trying to put extensive thought and effort into every minor detail. This is a once in a lifetime day that you will remember for the rest of your life. But years from the wedding, all that remains are the moments, emotions and memories captured by your photographer.

Besides hiring a good wedding photographer, there are numerous steps you can take as a bride to guarantee incredible photos. From incorporating a first look to picking that long flowy veil in the bridal shop, we’ve narrowed down the top 13 wedding photography tips you should follow as a bride.

1. Create A Pinterest Mood Board

In order for your wedding photographer to know your preferences, and relationship, you need to help them. To help your photographer get to know you, it is best to create a moodbard. This moodboard is created on a website or app like Pinterest, where you can save images that you like and even images you don’t like. Pinterest allows you to visually communicate the style of photos you love for your engagement photography session and/or wedding day photos. Click HERE for our post on how to setup a mood baord.

2. Try to Hire Photography and Videography Services From The Same Company or that Have Worked Together Before

Choosing a photographer and videographer that have worked together before is often the better choice for many reasons including:

1. Better Communication, Workflow & Positioning

2. They generally have a Common Shared Vision and Style

3. Fewer Contracts & Admin for a combined Photography and Videography Package

4. Wedding Photography and Videography Package Discounts

3. Schedule Enough Time For Each Section Of The Day

A timeline is the most CRUCIAL thing for your wedding day. We HIGHLY recommend a seasoned wedding planner to assist you with organizing your timeline. There should be an estimated start and end time for hair, makeup, reception setup, etc. Within that timeline should include all your photo sessions such as the first look, bridal party photos, and couple’s session. Not sure how much photo time you’ll need for each section of the day? Click here for a detailed photo timeline.

4. Minimize Your locations

If you want to maximize photo time on your wedding day, minimize the number locations you take photos at. Travel time from point A to point B wastes so much time that your photographer could actually be taking pictures. A great photographer should be able to make almost any location work. Even if you don’t love the background options of your venue, trust in the creative abilities of your photographer.

5. Hire Quality Vendors

Quality vendors are key to the flow of your day. This is why we emphasize the importance of selecting the right vendors. All too often we have seen a makeup artist show up 2 hours late or a DJ with no wedding experience. We suggest quality vendors in order to avoid the stress that may carry over into your wedding photos.

A wedding planner is a great way to make your planning process easier and allow you to enjoy your wedding day without any unnecessary distractions. Your wedding planner is there to handle any mishaps while you and your partner go un bothered. Don’t skimp on this. You will discover that most wedding planners know what vendors do great work and therefore limit the amount of problems during your big day.

With so many vendor options it may be difficult to determine the right companies for your big day. Before hiring each vendor, do your research, check your venue’s preferred vendor list and most importantly, follow your instincts.

6. Plan Extra Time for Hair & Make-up

The number one reason for weddings getting behind is hair and makeup. Plan to finish the process well ahead of schedule, too often do we see brides rushing because of unexpected delays. We have seen delays of up to 90 minutes because hair and makeup went way over in time. Many great hair and makeup artists will create a schedule to follow during wedding preparations.

Generally our wedding photography team asks for at least one hour in order to capture final touch-ups, detail shots, and candid moments with your closest friends and family for the bride.

Take a look at our perfect Wedding Timeline to find out exactly how much photo time you should have set aside throughout the day.

7. Wear a Long Veil

There is something about putting on that wispy piece of fabric that makes you finally feel like a bride. Long veils makes for some of the best pictures and is one reason we encourage brides to choose a long veil on their wedding day. We use the veil in many ways in our pictures to add depth and intrigue.

8. Try to Include Toss Items

In either group photos, your first dance or your grand exit, toss items can add that extra touch to your photos. Confetti, flower petals, paper planes, rice, all make great cheap items to throw at these moments. These pictures radiate bliss, excitement and results in genuine smiles and laughter from you and your guests.

9. Try to Incorporate a First Look Session

Probably the most memorable part of a wedding day is the moment the bride and groom see each other for the first time. The jitters and anticipation fades away and just the two get the chance to enjoy this remarkable moment. The first look makes for some of the most heartfelt photos, a tradition you can’t forget on your wedding day.

10. Try to Schedule The Couples Session During The Best Lighting

Many venues showcase beautiful views of the ocean or gorgeous vines in the winery, why not use that to your advantage. To get the most out of your venue, schedule your couple’s session 30-45 minutes before sunset. The warm romantic hues during “Golden Hour” set the perfect romantic scene to capture the new Mr. and Mrs.

11. Try to Schedule Time In Your Ballroom

This is when you finally get to see the reception you’ve worked on for months and months. It’s a great opportunity for your photographer to capture a genuine reaction, as well as a quick couple’s session. It makes the perfect time for your photographer to capture your first moments on the dance floor without any guests wondering in the background. Feel like a true princess and prince in an empty room made just for you.

12. Have A Sneak Away Session

Twinkling stars and dark skies are beautiful and make for a great photo backdrop. The Sneak Away session lasts no more than 20-30 minutes and is typically scheduled during your reception and after dinner. Instead of sneaking away, you can also try and get these shots at the very end of the night once all the guests have left. Night skies adds a touch of romance and gives a seasoned wedding photographer the opportunity to create dramatic images.

13. A Sparkler Exit

You have a grand entrance, but have you thought about a grand exit? Sparkler exits are a great way to end a day of celebrations. Sparkler exits are very unique and exciting, and they make for some stunning photos. We’ve seen nothing but smiles from guests as they send off the newlyweds. Everyone seems to love fire.

Be sure to check with your venue because although most allow sparklers for the exit, other venues may not. Confetti, bubbles, and flower petals are alternative options to include in your grand exit and will still look great in photos.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Wedding Sparkler Exit

We have over a decade of capturing cherished wedding memories and turning moments into love legends.

Sandcastle Farms Bride and groom holding hands in sun

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We're your local Charlotte and surrounding area experts. We've uncovered the city's secret gardens, the intimate alcoves, and the ethereal backdrops where your love story comes to life in each frame.

Your vision, our commitment. We walk you through everything and leave nothing to chance. We customize the look and feel of your images to your desires.

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