You’ve likely put a lot of serious thought into the details of your wedding day, knowing that it’s going to be one you’ll remember forever. But down the road, years from now, it will be the photographs and videos that really help you relive the moments and emotions. Here are ten essential tips for brides and grooms to help ensure your photos and videos truly capture the essence of your wedding day.
1. Schedule Enough Time for Each Part of the Day
A well-organized timeline is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. Work with your planner and your photographer to set estimated start and end times for hair, makeup, the ceremony, and reception setup, ensuring you leave adequate time for all photo sessions, such as the first look, bridal party portraits and your couples' session. Unsure how long each section should take? Refer to our detailed photo timeline for guidance.
2. Hire Photography and Videography From the Same Company
Choosing the same company for both photography and videography can streamline the entire process. When you hire a photographer and videographer from the same studio, every member of the team shares the same incentives, has the same accountability and is guaranteed to work well together—for you! A unified photography/videography team will have the same vision as well as styles that complement each other. Moreover, you will have fewer contracts and details to manage, as well as possible discounts for combining multiple services.
3. Keep Your Locations to a Minimum
A lot of things will be happening on your wedding day, and you don’t want to feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions. Which is why it’s important to maximize your photography time. In addition to having a wedding coordinator and a detailed timeline, it’s a good idea to keep your photography locations to a minimum. Avoid spending precious moments traveling between locations, especially if they’re not in close proximity to one another. A capable photographer can make almost any location work, even if it’s not exactly what you envisioned.
4. Plan Enough Time for Hair and Makeup
One of the most common causes of wedding day stress is from pre-ceremony delays—specifically, hair, makeup and wardrobe. Not only are such delays stressful for brides and grooms, they can set the entire day behind and cause other unforeseen delays (or worse, missed opportunities). The best way to avoid this is to plan to finish early. Not only does this give you time to relax and enjoy yourself, it allows you to avoid (or at least deal with) other unexpected delays. Ask your hair and makeup artist to create a schedule to keep everything on track. If you’re planning on having your photographer capture final prep, touch-ups and wedding party candids, they will typically need 45 minutes to an hour, so be sure to build this into your timeline.
5. Choose a Long Veil
There’s something truly magical about a long gorgeous veil. Not only does it make you feel like a bride, but it also makes for breathtaking photos. From dramatic bridal portraits to intimate couples’ shots, a long veil can add a romantic, ethereal quality to your photographs.
6. Incorporate a First Look
A first look can be one of the most emotional and intimate moments of your wedding day. It allows a couple to experience the once-in-a-lifetime excitement of seeing each other for the first time without the added pressures of the ceremony. These moments usually lead to some of the most emotional, timeless photos, making it an unforgettable part of your wedding day. First looks are not mandatory, and seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony can be just as memorable (those reactions, too, are absolutely priceless). There is no right or wrong way to go here, so just plan for what feels best for you!
7. Schedule a Couples Session During Golden Hour
To truly capture the beauty of your venue—whether it’s a scenic ocean view, a rustic mountain retreat, or a charming vineyard—schedule your couples photo session 30-45 minutes before sunset. Known as Golden Hour, this time offers soft, romantic lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the scene and adds a warm, intimate glow to your photos.
8. Include a Sneak-Away Session
As the evening progresses and the stars begin to twinkle, consider sneaking away for a brief session with your photographer. A quick 20-minute session during your reception (or after most guests have left) gives you the chance to capture some stunning nighttime shots.
9. Plan a Sparkler Exit
Sparkler exits are a fun, dramatic way to end your wedding day—and they make for some spectacular photos! Your guests’ smiling faces and the glowing light from the sparklers create a vibrant, joyous atmosphere. If sparklers aren’t allowed at your venue, consider alternatives like bubbles, flower petals, light wands or confetti, all of which look equally stunning in photos.
10. Have Fun!
No matter what, don’t forget to have fun! Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of family and love, as well as the beginning of a new chapter in your life. While there is certainly a lot of planning involved—and a lot of details to manage—embracing joy and spontaneity is what truly makes the day memorable. When you and your partner focus on enjoying the moment, it not only reduces stress but also allows you to create lasting memories with family and friends. So be present in the experience, and let your guests be present too. Cherish the start of your journey together and soak in all of the love that surrounds you!
