5 Tips to Have a Stress Free Wedding
See this image? This is what it is all about! This is being able to be present in your day and have THE GREATEST DAY EVER. There is no stress in this photograph, and this is how it was all day long!
That is why I am creating this list, because you deserve this exact same experience!
Having shot numerous weddings, I can tell you that the most fun, stress-free weddings have a few things in common, so let’s get into what they are!!
TIP #1 : LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Let’s be completely honest here. Planning a wedding can be gut wrenching, like running 10 minutes late to class on final exam day, then headed to the DMV at noon tough.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to pick a venue that is an all-in-one location. Where you can get ready, have the ceremony, and then the reception without the stress of traveling. You can take a look at some of the most amazing wedding venues in Greenville, SC here. The beauty of one location makes everything so convenient, not only for you, but also for your guests.
Now, I completely understand if you are having a traditional church wedding, and can’t or don’t want to do everything at the same location, my wedding was that exact same way. In this case make sure to try and book a venue that is close to your ceremony location.
TIP #2: Hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator
You’ve been dreaming of this day for your entire life…not to mention the months you’ve spent planning like crazy! So, you should be 100% free to enjoy every moment on your wedding day instead of coordinating vendor arrivals and putting out fires. A wedding planner or day-of coordinator will take care of all the little details, ensuring the best day of your life really IS the best day of your life!
TIP #3: Remember, this is your day! So you do you, I’ll do me.
When you get your gallery and your album I want you blown away, and the happy tears flowing. I want this to be because in every picture you see YOU, the real you, enjoying every single moment of your wedding day. Getting to be present in your day is what it is all about. So on your wedding day let’s do the things that make you happiest and the most relaxed.
so if you want to get ready at your home, because it means the world to you, let’s do that!
if instead of creative sessions after the ceremony you want to go by and see your Grandma that couldn’t be in attendance, let’s do that!
if there is a special location that means the world to you and your husband, let’s go take some photographs there too!
Too many times we caught up in where we are going to take the photographs, instead of why you want to take them there. Instead let’s choose a location that is most important to you and your new spouse, that’s where the magic will happen.
TIP #4: This is the day to unplug
There is no image as incredible as the one of the bride walking down the aisle, and then that look on her fiance’s face as he is seeing her for the first time. That is the best moment at the wedding. There is only one thing that can ruin that image. That’s Uncle Joe and Aunt Karen hanging out in the aisle with their iPads trying to get the shot of the night to show their friends on Facebook.
Unfortunately in this social media crazed world we live in this is all too common. Every one is trying to get the shot for Instagram, or Snapchat.
But see, you already had this all planned out, you took your time and hired the photographer that you knew would capture your day perfectly, and that will give you images that your guests (AND YOU!) can share all you want.
To prevent this I strongly suggest making your ceremony an “unplugged” ceremony. Just have a sign at the front asking guests to keep their phone, and iPads, put away until after the ceremony. You can even have the officiant make an official announcement as well.
TIP #5: Remember what’s important
You know what I am about to say: You can’t control everything. Zippers will break, flower girls will cry, and what matters is the marriage, not the height of the centerpieces. Remember, as the bride, you drive the mood. It won’t matter if the storm of the century is sweeping through—if you’re all smiles and thrilled to be marrying the love of your life, the guests will have fun, too.
Remember that this is the day you have been dreaming of and it’s all about you! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “The [church/guests/officiant/band/servers/you fill in the blank] will wait for you. You’re the main event and the day can’t go on until you’re ready
I AM HERE FOR YOU.
I will be honest, planning your wedding and even the wedding day can be stressful, but the truth is that it doesn’t have to be. The tips I have just listed for you are from what I have seen after years of wedding seasons.
The commitment I make to my couples is that I will be there for them on their wedding day, no matter what they need. That way they can be present in the day, without having to worry about the photography. My process allows me to get to the real YOU on your wedding day, and this allows me to capture images that are Timeless, Authentic, and Emotional.
If you’d like to talk to me more about your wedding day, or hear about some of my favorite local locations for engagement shoots, please give me a call or fire over an email. I’d love to chat!