With these tips, it really doesn't matter which wedding photographer(s) you've booked. Whether they work in an editorial or documentary style, whether the photo look is warm or cool, and whether you want moody or fine art images.
1. Choose the right wedding photographer.
Yes, it all really starts with choosing the right person to photograph your wedding the way you want it. This shouldn't just be about distance or fee, but rather about whether the photographer's style matches your wishes and whether you feel comfortable with them as a person.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Can they capture the feeling we want to convey with our wedding?
Will we enjoy looking at photos in their editing style in 10-20 years?
Will they get along with our guests/families/type of wedding?
Will we get pictures quickly, and if not, do we want to wait longer?
To answer this, an in-person meeting (or at least a video call) is essential. If you can answer these questions positively, things are looking great!
Congratulations, you've found the perfect wedding photographer!
2. Visit the photo locations with the booked photographer.
If the photographer is local or has the opportunity to visit the photo locations with you, you absolutely must do so (perhaps even with a test shoot)! Ideally, as close to the wedding day as possible... What's the light like at the location, where are there opportunities for group photos, what's blooming there during that time of year? All of these questions and many more can be answered during the wedding location visit, and you can also get a better sense of the photographer's skills. If, for example, I don't have the opportunity to be there, I always ask my couples to take a few photos of the location. If no one can attend the visit (e.g., the wedding is planned abroad), an internet search can help :)
3. Decoration/Colour Scheme.
The decoration of the wedding location and its colour scheme play a very important role in the visual harmony of the images and the emotional impact of the story being told, and later also in the photos. A warm, darker scheme tells a completely different story than a bright, fresh, and romantic one. Choose the one that suits you best and try to stick to it consistently throughout the day. This way, the pictures will appear more harmonious, and the story of the day will be more understandable through the color scheme and decorations.
4. Dress code for your guests.
You might not immediately think of it, but a well-communicated dress code contributes significantly to ensuring that wedding photos appear elegant, stylish, consistent, and harmonious. The dress code should ideally complement the chosen color scheme of the decor and put the bride and groom at the center of attention.
The dress code for a wedding is particularly important when it comes to the aesthetics of group photos. If the guests' outfits are completely different and the style is inconsistent, the photos tend to appear chaotic. However, if the guests' clothing is color-coordinated and/or style-coordinated with the chosen wedding theme, the overall wedding image is much more effective. Future wedding photos will look neater and more stylish, without any visual distractions.
5. Photo accessories.
Did you immediately think of an old-school lace umbrella? It's not necessary (unless you really want it ;) However, a transparent umbrella can be a lifesaver in rainy weather and also look stylish in the photos. Wedding paper parasols are currently very trendy and can also be used as guest gifts. Flower petals for the ceremony or even rice to throw afterward are inexpensive and make the pictures appear more romantic and dynamic.
Are there any special accessories that carry sentimental value? For example, a tandem bike you enjoy riding or a picnic blanket from your first date? Feel free to include anything that tells your story and might support the wedding theme.
6. Schedule time for a couples photoshoot.
For all lovers of the golden hour – I feel you! If there's a chance to take advantage of this light and schedule a short bridal couple photoshoot at sunset with your photographer, definitely do it! Usually during this time (depending on the time of year), guests are busy at dinner and might not even notice you've been gone for half an hour!
However, it's not always feasible... In this case, I would recommend dividing a couples photoshoot into several sections that would take place at different times. A few short five- to ten-minute breaks from the congratulations and guests can only do a newlywed couple good :)
7. Designate a person in charge of photographer.
Having someone "in charge" of the photographer on the wedding day can be a huge help. Whether it's picking out guests for a group shot, holding an umbrella, or simply asking if they're hungry or thirsty (photographers often forget such vital things as food and drink on a wedding day), it can save a lot of time and allow for better-quality, more creative images (and simply save your photographer from dehydration).
8. Have fun!
Last but not least... Have fun! And don't laugh (save that for the big day ;)! Sometimes it's actually difficult, because you're so nervous, thinking about so many things at once, and trying your best to please everyone (what, by the way, is completely impossible)... Especially if you don't have a wedding planner/coordinator. Here's a tip: Be sure to get one if possible, or delegate some tasks to your best friends or family. Try to stay relaxed and enjoy the moment – authentic emotions are much more precious and impressive than posed pictures!
Special moments make the best photos. Let the celebration take you and have fun – your joy will be reflected in the pictures!
