"9 Tips for Great Pre-Ceremony Photos" by Revival Photography NC Wedding Photographers
Pre-ceremony photos are some of our very favorites to capture on the wedding day. There are so many things that happen during this portion of the day that are so beautiful and moving - you'll definitely want photos of these moments to cherish and remember! Here are a few tips to help ensure that your pre-ceremony wedding photos are picture perfect.
1. When working on the photography plan for the wedding day, be sure to discuss the types of shots that are most important to you during this portion of the day. This will help your photographer to know how much time will be needed in order to get the types of shots that you want. For example, if still life shots of your dress, shoes, jewelry, other details like these are important, your photographer will probably need a good 30 min- an hour to get these shots, depending on how many details there are. If photos of having hair styled and make-up applied are important to you, then you'll want to make sure to coordinate with your photographer so that they can get these around the time you are finishing up. The key is communication!
2. When choosing a location to get ready or have hair and make-up applied, always look for well lit rooms with lots of natural light if at all possible. This will allow your photographer to use the beautiful light that is pouring in from a window and capture everything as organically as possible. Stay away from rooms with fluorescent lighting if at all possible as it can give skin a yellowish skin tone. Your photographer can use a flash to battle the unflattering light, but if you want less flashy types of shots that are less invasive, this is definitely something to keep in mind!
3. Try to keep the room clutter free, especially the room where you'll be getting into your wedding dress. Another option could be to stage these photos in another room or area that is more of a blank slate. If that is not an option, designate the decluttering duties to a bridesmaid and you won't have to worry about a thing!
4. When your photographer arrives, have all details (shoes, jewelry, dress, bridesmaids dresses, rings, garters, handkerchiefs, cufflinks, pocket watch, heirlooms and other details that you would like photographed) readily available so that your photographer can get those shots before you need the items for the day. Also, it helps to keep these items in one central place so that your photographer will have easy access to them and not miss anything important!
5. Make sure the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses are pressed and wrinkle free as this will show up in photos.
6. Bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride should be dressed before it's time for you to get into the wedding dress! Let everyone know when they should be there and ready ahead of time. Typically having everyone ready 15 minutes beforehand is a great rule of thumb.
7. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get into the dress. Some dresses take 2 minutes to get into, and some take 30 minutes to get into.
8. If you are wanting to do pre-ceremony wedding party photos, be sure to arrange for the boutonnieres and bouquets to be delivered to this location. Discuss with your photographer and wedding coordinator when creating the wedding day timeline.
9. If you are doing pre-ceremony family photos, make sure these family members know where to be and when. Above all, be sure to work with your coordinator to incorporate some cushion time into your pre-ceremony timeline so that if all else fails and you are running behind, there's cushion time in there to fall back on!
Be sure to head over to our site for more wedding day tips!