How To Make Sure Your Wedding Day Runs Smoothly: Advice from a Wedding Photographer

After years of wedding days under my belt, I'm here to break it down with some tips on how to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly and you have the best experience possible! As a photographer, we often spend part of the months leading up to a wedding day finalizing a photography timeline in coordination with the couple and their planner or coordinator. Every couple is unique as is their wedding day. We always work to customize a photography timeline that will best create a visual story for a bespoke wedding album. Okay, enough chit-chat! Let's dive into those tips!

Having an expert coordinator and/or planner is essential!

Weddings are expensive! When planning your budget, you've got to make some hard decisions on costs and how much you are willing to allocate towards vendors and various parts of your day. I can not emphasize enough how much value an experienced planner brings to your overall experience. I have seen some nightmare scenarios unfold that could have been avoided by having an expert on your team to take care of all your logistics. There's also a big difference between a day-of coordinator (sometimes included with your venue) and a full-service planner. If you can allocate a good portion of your budget towards affording a full-service planner, you won't regret it! Your coordinator or planner is also responsible for working with all of your vendors to make sure they have what they need to perform their services and are apprised of all timeline details and changes. Having someone who works well with others goes a long way. Poor communication and unorganized approaches can lead to negative experiences for you and your other vendors. Some of my favorite planner and coordinator teams I've worked with are below:

• Hannah Rose Design

• Kelsey Regina Events

• A Tid Bit Bridal

• Amy Cynthia Events

• Weddings By Kristy

Add Some Buffer Into Your Timeline

Wedding days tend to go pretty quickly and, it's a whirlwind from the moment you wake until you end the night and head home/to your hotel. I often see couples try and cram as much as they can into their timeline but it can backfire and, often will if you don't have enough buffer time between important transitions throughout the day. Sometimes hair and makeup can fall behind or family hasn't arrived yet for important pre-ceremony photos. Allowing enough time throughout the various timeline steps allows you to take your time and be present while adding buffer in case of delays. Ensuring that you have enough time to soak in all the small and big moments throughout your day will make your overall wedding experience so much better. It makes it better for us vendors too! For example, if I have 10 minutes for your details photos, I am going to feel less creative and more rushed than if I have 30 minutes. Allowing more time allows me to get into a creative flow and really create something unique and intentional for your wedding gallery!

Manage Your Expectations and Be Prepared for a Pivot or Two

Sometimes you have to "let go and let God." You've planned for months or even years for your big day but, as the saying goes, even "the best laid plans...go awry." Weather happens, people make mistakes or sometimes things just don't work the way we thought they would. At the end of the day, you're marrying your person and all your favorite people get to be there to celebrate you! Take the day with grace and maintain a positive attitude. Anticipate some hiccups but trust your vendors to handle it!

Stay Present

As I mentioned to you already, your day goes by fast and, trust me, the post-wedding blues are real! You've put so much thought into planning your celebration and your family and friends are so excited as you embark on your journey of marriage. You don't want to be so wrapped up into making sure things are perfect that you miss it all. Presence creates the most beautiful, candid pictures that end up being some of my favorites in a gallery.