Wedding Day Tips for Brides

As a full-time Phoenix wedding photographer, I’ve picked up on several things that many of my couples, brides and grooms tend to do on the big day.  There are always things that could have been done different or thought about, and things that worked out just perfectly.  I’m so thankful that shooting weddings allowed me to execute my own wedding successfully in the way that I wanted.

If you’re engaged or planning on being engaged, here are a few tips for you to try to remember on your big day.  Keep in mind that your wedding day, while incredibly important is just one day. I know that might sound strange coming from a wedding photographer, because I understand the weight and significance of the day, but much more than that, what is really significant is what is happening on your wedding day.  You are marrying your best friend, life partner and that day is amazing, so if you can maintain a positive attitude while the day is long and can easily be stressful, you’ll not only truly enjoy the day, but your photographs will show it as well.  A positive attitude can’t be beat!

• Before your photographer arrives, have all of your wedding goodies in a box or on a table – shoes, rings – his and yours, jewelry, all of it so detail shots can be done quickly.
• Make sure florals arrive before your first look or portraits.
• As you walk down the aisle, chin up buttercup.  I know it’s a long walk and everyone is staring, and it’s easier to look at the ground but this is your day.  You look marvelous, look up, look at your groom, take in every second.  Plus, your photographer (me) wants to see your pretty face!
• Your bridal party doesn’t have to be even on both sides.
• If your friend is the officiant, make sure he has “Please rise” in his script before you enter, and especially, “You may all be seated” before he begins the ceremony.  Often guests stand the entire time of the ceremony unless reminded to sit.
• After the first kiss, hold it a little longer then usual because you can.  Embrace this moment.
• Before you walk back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs., don’t forget your bouquet!  If you do, don’t worry about it.
• Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer where you should stand – most likely your photographer will tell you where to stand when getting dressed, signing the license or cutting the cake, but just in case, feel free to ask if you want to ensure the right lighting is present.
• If you’re a crier, don’t forget your hanky.
• When posing, when arm is bent, keep it out a little.  Kinda like you’re letting your armpit breathe a little.  The less you squish it against your body, the less fat arm it will be.
• If you are close in height to your groom (sometimes this happens when you’re wearing very high heels) a trick is to bend your back knee and shift the weight to the straight knee (in front) and keep spine straight.  This shortens you by an inch or two and no one can tell because of your big dress.
• If you can, know your good side.  And always give your good side.
• If your photography time limit restricts your timeline, consider cutting the cake as soon as you walk into the reception for photos.  That way you don’t have to worry about the flow of the reception and you know it has been captured.
• As the bride, you should be the one cuddling and leaning into your groom, not vice versa.  He stands tall, you lean in.
• No matter WHAT happens – the cake, the dress you have to be sewn into, things are running late, whatever it is, forget about it.  Smile all day, those things don’t matter and think about what really matters.  Now, smile!

Diana Elizabeth encourages photographers to educate their couples on when they should set their ceremony time.  If you are interested in shooting weddings, consider signing up for my Wedding Crasher course – it’s an online introduction to wedding photography class – 3 hours and will be jam packed with everything about shooting weddings!