Wedding Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Day

A Note from your photographer

After photographing weddings for over five years, I’ve noticed such a beautiful difference between days that are relaxed and present, and those where everyone is rushing to stay on schedule. The calm, joy-filled weddings always shine through in the photos — you can truly feel it.

I’ve gathered a few tips and suggestions to help you prepare for your big day with ease and mindfulness. These aren’t rules, just ideas to help you stay grounded, organized, and intentional.

 Beauty + Prep

Schedule your makeup trial for the same day as your engagement photos — it’s a great way to see how your look photographs and make any tweaks before the wedding.

• Pack a touch-up kit from your makeup artist for portraits — lipstick, powder, blotting paper, and anything you may need for shine or touch-ups.

• Keep essentials handy: bobby pins, a Tide-to-Go stick, and Q-tips (perfect if you tear up during the ceremony).

• Practice holding your bouquet at your belly button at rehearsal— it keeps your posture natural and ensures your face and dress are beautifully visible in photos.

• Be mindful of wrist tans and consider removing smartwatches (like Apple Watches) in the weeks leading up to the wedding for clean photos.

Getting Ready

Place all your details (rings, invitations, perfume, jewelry, vow books, etc.) in a box or bag the night before so your photographer can easily grab and style them for flat lays.

• Ask your florist for leftover petals or stems to include in detail photos — it adds a lovely, cohesive touch.

• Have water jars ready to keep florals fresh during transport and towels to gently pat them dry before the ceremony.

• Keep the getting-ready space tidy — designate one corner for bags and clutter so your photos look clean and aesthetic.

• Bring extra hangers (wood or velvet) for dresses and suits — they photograph beautifully compared to plastic ones.

• Bring a crochet hook for bustling your dress — it saves time and stress later on.

• Bring a portable speaker — soft music helps set the mood and calm nerves while getting ready.

• Wear a button-up or robe while getting ready to protect your hair and makeup.

Groom + Groomsmen

• Wear undershirts or use armpit pads to stay cool and avoid sweat marks (especially in summer heat).

• Bring handheld fans or mini towels for outdoor ceremonies to help everyone stay fresh.

• Keep water and electrolytes nearby for energy during photos and throughout the day.

• Have someone in charge of boutonnières — they’re easy to misplace in the rush of getting ready.

• Pin boutonnières at chest height with the flower facing outward — it’s easy to accidentally pin them too low.

• Lay out details for photos: tie, cufflinks, shoes, cologne, boutonnière, invitation, watch, and vow book.

• Avoid phones or wallets in your pockets during portraits — they can create bulges in suit photos.

• Bring lint rollers — dark suits pick up everything.

• Assign a best man or groomsman to hold the rings, phone, and any essentials during the ceremony.

Photo + Timeline Tips

• Do “girls with the bride” and “guys with the groom” photos before the ceremony to save time afterward and enjoy more time with guests.

• Consider a first look — it calms nerves and allows couple and wedding party photos to be finished early, so you can be fully present later.

• Plan travel time between locations (even short drives or walks can take longer than expected) to keep things relaxed and on schedule.

• Let your photographer know if there are sentimental items or moments you want captured (a prayer circle, heirloom jewelry, etc.).

• Ask your officiant to step slightly aside for your first kiss — it ensures a clear, timeless photo of just the two of you.

• Have an unplugged ceremony to prevent guests from blocking the aisle with phones or iPads.

• Designate a “family photo wrangler” — someone who knows names and dynamics to help gather people quickly.

• Time portraits around lighting: ask your venue when sunset typically happens for golden hour photos.

• Plan a private champagne spray with your wedding party after your ceremony exit — it makes for fun, candid photos!

• Tell your family and wedding party to stay close after the ceremony so group photos can happen efficiently.

Reception + Evening

• Ask your DJ or MC to announce big moments like cake cutting, first dance, or speeches so your photographer doesn’t miss them.

• Light your dance floor well — twinkle lights, disco balls, or uplighting create dreamy, motion-filled shots.

• Ask your caterer for a to-go box of food or appetizers — couples often miss out on eating during the reception.

• Pack comfortable shoes or a wardrobe change for the dance floor so you can move freely.

• Optional: ask your DJ or planner to cue a 5-minute private dance at the end of the night — a quiet, just-you-two moment before the exit.

• Plan a “fake exit” (sparklers, bubbles, confetti) if you want send-off photos earlier in the night without keeping elderly or some vendors later.

Planning & Coordination

Send your timeline to all vendors a few weeks before your wedding so everyone’s on the same page.

• Ask your venue about backup indoor photo options in case of weather changes.

• Add a few buffer minutes between major events (ceremony, portraits, dinner) — it helps everything flow more naturally.

• Assign someone to hold your phone and manage logistics so you can stay present and phone-free all day.

• Take a few minutes alone after the ceremony — it’s often the only quiet moment you’ll share together all day.

As always, I’m here to help answer any future or further questions and to make your day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. You deserve to feel calm, connected, and fully present in every moment.