Write Things Down, Communicate Clearly & Positively
Make detailed lists of what needs to be done, who is responsible for doing them, and make sure each person is well aware of what you need them to do!
Don’t assume everyone in your bridal party knows what to do. Remind, don’t nag. Express appreciation abundantly! People tend to rise to meet expectations and go the extra mile when they know what is expected of them and how appreciated they are.
Practice Makes Perfect Have a vision and know what you want. Things like your skin type, color scheme and style preference. Schedule a trial run with your hair and makeup team before your wedding. Make sure they know your skin type, your personal style and share your Pinterest boards with them for inspiration.
Make sure the men know how many days prior to the wedding their hair needs to be trimmed. Avoid an unexpected buzz cut that will forever remain in your wedding portraits. Don’t assume all men know how to tie a tie, use cufflinks, or pocket squares. Encourage them to learn ahead of the big day, so this doesn’t slow anyone down.
Beautiful Spaces You’ve thoughtfully chosen your wedding ceremony and reception areas. Make sure you’ve put as much thought into a beautiful getting ready location. After all, capturing these moments are just as much a part of your wedding photo story as your ceremony and reception photos! Small hotel rooms, (or worse, tiny bathrooms) can make it difficult for your wedding party to get ready. If there is a wall of toilet stalls reflecting in the mirror, the photographer really can’t be blamed for the backdrop of where you’re putting on lipstick!
On the big day, ask everyone to please avoid clutter in the room. It will result in a more relaxed atmosphere for all. By keeping the area clean, it also helps create beautiful getting ready photos.
Special Details Plan ahead and have someone else take care of these things ~ it will take a load off your shoulders and add finishing touches to your pre-ceremony portraits. Ask someone to make certain that your bouquets are delivered to your room 2 hours prior to th ceremony. Put someone else in charge of bringing your dress, shoes, garter, wedding
There are plenty of fancy hangers you can find for this special occasion. Look online or in stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Refreshed, Not Stressed Rest! Save the partying for the reception! The night before your special day, get some extra sleep! It may sound impossible when there are so many last minute details to finish up. However, if you become an expert at delegating, you’ll free up precious time to look and feel your best! Take those friends and extended relatives up on their kind offers of ‘Do you need me to do anything?’! Drink more water! Good ol’ H2O is a key to good health and looking your best! Breathe! Relax! Do whatever helps you slow down and be in the moment. Get a massage, go for a run, spend time in prayer, watch your favorite movie, write your thoughts down in a journal. Worrying can’t help anything. Being stressed out will not change circumstances, but it will definitely show in your photos!
Leisurely Morning versus Mad Dash
Ample time must be scheduled prior to the ceremony not only for getting
In order to still enjoy a leisurely time of getting ready, everyone simply must get a very early start. The goal should be for you and your bridesmaids to be finished with hair and makeup 2 hours before the ceremony, and your groom and groomsmen showered, shaved an in their pants & shirts at least 1 ½ hours before the ceremony
Your unhurried, non-stressful morning will leave you with plenty of energy and smiles for all of your pre-ceremony photos and most importantly, for your joyful wedding ceremony and reception!
