Wedding Day Tips from the Photographer's Perspective

December 9, 2021

Wedding Day Tips from the Photographer’s Perspective

Wedding Day Tips from Your Photographer’s Perspective

Weeks and months have gone by. You’ve thoughtfully planned every last detail — and now, your wedding day is finally here! Your photographer is about to arrive, and these simple wedding day tips can make a huge difference when it comes to your portraits.

Let’s maximize all those months of planning and make the most of your photography hours.

Tip #1: Gather Your Details Ahead of Time

When you hire Captured Perspective, I typically begin with small, intimate detail shots. Collecting and organizing these items into a crate or bin before your photographer arrives is incredibly helpful — for so many reasons.

First, you’ll know you didn’t forget those meaningful last-minute items, like the handkerchief your grandmother embroidered just for your wedding day. You’ll also be confident you packed the perfect socks, custom cufflinks, or sentimental keepsakes.

I suggest including:

Rings
Invitations & save-the-dates
Jewelry
Vows or letters
Borrowed & blue items
Garters
Pocket watches & cufflinks
Any other meaningful details you’d love photographed

Lastly, please remove price tags and packaging ahead of time. You have no idea how scary it is to watch someone try to burn a tag off a wedding veil with a lighter. Trust me. 😅

Bonus Tip:
Many couples remember to steam or press their main wedding attire, but don’t forget about matching robes, pajamas, or shirts you’ll be wearing while getting ready. A quick steam goes a long way — and yes, it’s absolutely a photography tip.

Tip #2: Dress Your Helpers First

When it’s time to get into your wedding attire — whether that’s a gown, suit, or ceremonial outfit — I recommend having your guardians or bridal party members get dressed before you do.

Anyone assisting you should look fresh and polished in photos. For example, if you plan to get dressed at 2:30 PM, have your helpers ready at least 15 minutes earlier. That way, everyone looks flawless while helping you into your attire.

bride getting in wedding dress with her mother helping her

sister helping bride with makeup on her wedding day

Tip #3: Family Portraits (a.k.a. Herding Cats)

Family portraits can be one of the biggest challenges of the day — truly, it’s like herding cats! While these tips won’t make it perfect, they can absolutely help.

First, anyone you’d like included in family photos should know ahead of time. This avoids confusion and last-minute scrambling.

If portraits are before the ceremony, invite those family members to arrive early. If portraits are after the ceremony, it’s extremely helpful for the officiant to make an announcement, such as:

“All family members requested for portraits, please meet at the arch. Everyone else is welcome to head to cocktail hour.”

Another key tip: keep family portraits close to the ceremony location. The farther we walk, the more likely we are to lose people along the way.

Lastly, Captured Perspective requests a detailed family shot list. This allows me to efficiently guide groupings and ensure no one important is missed.

Tip #4: Unplugged Ceremonies

If you’re planning an unplugged ceremony, this tip is huge.

Have your officiant (or a designated person) make one final announcement before the processional begins. If the reminder comes after guests see the wedding party walking down the aisle, it’s usually too late — phones are already out.

If phones don’t bother you, no worries at all! This is completely personal preference — these are simply suggestions from a photographer’s perspective.

Tip #5: Special Moments & Surprise Exchanges

Please let your photographer know about any meaningful moments you’ve planned throughout the day, such as:

A first look with a grandparent
A letter or gift exchange
A surprise reveal with your bridal party
A special dance
A surprise guest or moment

These moments are often brief and don’t always make it onto a final timeline — but they’re incredibly important. Giving your photographer a heads-up ensures proper lighting, positioning, and readiness.

As always, a huge shoutout to my photo-world BFFs who bring me along to capture extra magic. Nikki B, you’re the best! Jake’s puppy surprise for her was absolutely priceless — that moment when she realized he was there? Pure gold.