7 Things You Should Consider on Your Wedding Day.

Mark and I have written about some of these tips in previous blog entries, but since we see the same issues frequently we decided to do a refresher.

1. Wedding gown problems.

At almost every wedding we have ever photographed the bride has had problems with her bustle. We have photographed over 200 weddings and this happens very often. Some times it is a quick redo of a hook and sometimes it is a broken tie or a tear. Wedding gowns are so heavy that there is often nothing that can be done with safety pins. If someone steps on the back of your gown while you are dancing it’s going to come undone. However, if you know you like to dance and are planning on being a part of all the action, (which we hope you are!) we suggest telling your bridal shop to put some extra hooks on your bustle. Plus, make sure it does not drag the ground and easily stepped on.

2. Flowers that hide too much of your gown.

Photographing a bride on her wedding day is one of the most important assignments a photographer has. Bouquets can easily obscure the beautiful gowns because they may be too large. We can have them positioned properly for the formal posed photographs, but for many key moments through-out the day they are held too high and they hide way too much of the dress. Two examples of this would be; walking down the aisle at your ceremony and being introduced at your reception. If you love the idea of having a large bouquet of flowers, remember to practice holding your flowers low as you’re walking. You’ll be glad you did when you see your photographs.

3. Seeing “you” during the ceremony.

We personally like veils. They’re fun to photograph, they blow in the wind, and they add a classic look to a contemporary gown. But they can hide your face. You are saying your vows and exchanging rings - but no one can see you face or expression! Everyone is wondering is she: crying, smiling, laughing, or all the above? It’s a wonderful moment in your life. You invite everyone that is special to you in the whole world to witness this moment - and they can’t see your face. They can usually see the groom fine, because his face isn’t covered. The same thing can happen with a hairstyle that hides the right side of your face. Remember that the bride will be on the left side during the ceremony and the right side of your face will be what everyone gets to see, or not!

4. Having a friend take your photographs.

This might be the biggest of them all. We have heard at least 100 times "Oh, I have a friend that has volunteered to be our photographer. He is an amateur but he is good." Mark recently helped out a bride with an amateur taking the pictures. The photo's were out of focus, blown out and you could tell the equipment was substandard. Mark did what he could to repair the photos, but at that point "it is what it is". This is why a good photographer is so important. You will want to be able to relive all those wonderful moments that made your day so special. Do not leave those memories to a friend. You only get one shot at great pictures. Select us or don't... but select a professional.

5. Not scheduling enough time for photo's.

For some reason, this seems to be the last thing a bride thinks about. Talk to us. We have many suggestions for effective use of your time that will get you to your guests - as soon as possible, It is easy to build in plenty of time for your pictures. It just takes a little bit of pre planning.

6. Kids at weddings.

This is a tough one! We were parents of small children at one time. If you ask most parents if they would enjoy your wedding reception more if their young children weren’t there, they would probably say yes most of the time. Children do have a lot of fun at weddings and enjoy their role as ring bearer or flower girl. But, they should not dominate the party and take away from the Bride and Groom...like roaming on to the dance floor during the first dance. If you decide to have children at your reception, we have a few suggestions and tips. Naps and sleep are really important for young children. Rehearsals are important for the child so they understand what they need to do - but the rehearsal dinner is not. Take the child home for a good nights sleep. Snacks in a zip-lock bag, (they open quietly), juice boxes, (apple not grape!) a coloring book with crayons (not markers) in a goody bag with books will go a long way to keep the kids busy. Have your reception hall get their meals to them right away. Have your band or DJ play a few kids’ songs during dinner and if possible, have someone take them home early so mom & dad can have some fun.

7. Not visiting your guests as a couple.

We have seen couples separate when greeting family and friends. We suggest you stay together. This way you can be introduced to each other's friends and family that you might not have met and will still be available to move the reception along for first dances, toasts, cake cutting etc. No lost bride or groom this way. We have found that the action is where the couple is. You want your guests to dance... be out there together on the dance floor!