Planning a wedding is a monumental task, and when it comes to capturing those precious moments, stress can sometimes take over. However, your wedding photography and videography experience should be enjoyable and memorable, just like the day itself. In this guide, we’ll share tips to ensure a stress-free experience for both you and your hired team of professionals.
1. Communication is Key:
- Establish clear communication with your wedding photography and videography team well before the big day. Your wedding photographer and videographer spend the most time with you on your wedding day, so it is crucial there are open lines of communication between both you and your team.
- Clearly outline your expectations and discuss any specific shots you desire in your wedding gallery or film
- Pro Tip: Building a Pinterest Board with inspiration is very helpful if there are any shots you really desire
- Provide a detailed schedule of the day, including important locations and timelines so your photographer and videographer can come up with the best photo and film timeline to meet your needs. If you’re working with a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator, make sure your photo and film team know so that they may communicate as well. Planners, photographers, and videographers go hand-in-hand on a wedding day and work very closely together.
2. Engagement Session:
- Consider scheduling an engagement session with your photographers before the wedding day.
- Pro Tip: Many wedding photographers offer engagement sessions with their packages. Ask your photographer if this is an option for your wedding collection.
- This allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera and builds rapport with your photographer and videographer before hand.
- It also helps them understand your style and preferences and vice-versa.
3. Create a Family Photo Shot List:
- Work with your wedding photography and videography team to create a comprehensive shot list for your family photos after your ceremony.
- Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is to make sure your family shot list has no more than 10-12 groupings. Any more groupings may delay the amount of time you have to get to cocktail hour or take bride and groom portraits (if you did not have a first look).
- Include immediate family only on the shot list. This is an often debated topic but it’s very easy to stress over the family shot list for fear that guests may become upset with you. Remember, this is your wedding day and you should only include the people who are closest to you on the family shot list.
- Having a well-prepared family shot list helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures nothing is overlooked.
4. Delegate Responsibilities:
- Assign a point person (not the bride or groom) to assist the wedding photography and videography team if there are any questions that may need to be addressed (where your box with items for detail photos is, where your dress is, making sure the getting ready room is clean, etc.). This can be an immediate family member or a member of the bridal party.
- This person can also help gather family members for group shots and manage the logistics.
- Delegating responsibilities allows you to focus on enjoying your day and being fully present.
5. Embrace the Unplanned:
- Understand that not everything will go exactly as planned, and that’s okay! Wedding days often have small hiccups, but your mindset will be your biggest asset to get through anything that may not go as planned.
- Candid moments often make the most memorable shots, so allow for spontaneity and trust that your photo and film will be amazing no matter what happens.
- Trust your wedding photography and videography team to capture the essence of your day exactly as it happened.
6. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated:
- Schedule short breaks to rest and recharge throughout the day.
- Pro Tip: This point is only possible if you have a timeline that allows for breaks. Ensure you’re hiring your photographer and videographer for the amount of time needed to capture all of your moments while also having time to soak in all the details of your big day. Talk to your wedding photography and videography team about the amount of time they think you will need.
- Staying hydrated and taking moments for yourself will help you feel more relaxed and present. Make sure to eat something as well! Wedding days are very long and you don’t want to be “hangry” during your ceremony or cocktail hour.
- A well-rested and relaxed couple contributes to better photos and videos!
7. Invest in a Second Shooter:
- Consider hiring a second shooter or an assistant to support the main photographer and videographer.
- Pro Tip: Talk to your wedding photographer and videographer and ask if they have second shooters they work with. More often than not, they will have others they work with and can hire them for you.
- This additional support ensures no important moments are missed, especially during busy periods or if there are multiple locations on the timeline.
8. Have a Backup Plan:
- Prepare for unexpected challenges such as weather changes or equipment malfunctions. It’s very important that you talk to your venue coordinator about a back up plan and what should happen if the weather forecast changes.
- Have a backup indoor location or alternative plan for outdoor shots just in case weather does not permit outdoor photo and film.
- Knowing you have a contingency plan in place will alleviate stress!
9. Trust Your Professionals:
Once you’ve communicated your expectations, trust your wedding photography and videography team to do what they do best. Professionals bring their expertise to the table, and giving them creative freedom can lead to stunning results and ensure you stay nothing but present on the day you have so meticulously planned.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and the memories captured by your wedding photographer and videographer will last a lifetime. By implementing these stress-free tips, you can focus on the joy of the moment, confident that your visual storytellers will beautifully preserve your special day. Remember, the key is open communication, careful planning, and embracing the uniqueness of your wedding day.
If you’re interested in having us capture your wedding day, we’d love to chat with you and talk all about your wedding day vision! Contact us and let’s start planning the wedding of your dreams!
XoXo
Priscila & Frank
