Ok Let’s start with Tip #1: Location, Location, Location

So hear me out on this, because planning a wedding is not easy by nooo means whatsoever. I mean it’s difficult enough sometimes to make a good grocery list without forgetting something right! I know I do! All THE TIME.

Here is the deal, the best thing you can do when it comes to planning your wedding, is to try your best to keep everything close to one location. It is pretty common to host your wedding ceremony and reception in one location. By doing something like this it allows for your wedding day to go much smoother for you and your guest.

Now, I know this may not be the case for all weddings. This is a simple suggestion to keep the wedding day driving to a minimum. This also applies for your getting ready locations. If the distances greater than 30 minutes apart this will cut into portrait time.

Tip #2: Plan to Have an Unplugged Wedding.

When you are looking at your photographs from your wedding day, you are envisioning one of the best days of your life. I have seen this so many times on a wedding day. The bride starts to head down the aisle and there is nothing but cellphones or better yet the brick… the iPad all in the view of every photo. All these devices block the view of your guests and takes them out of the moment.

Here is what you should consider instead. Make it clear to your guest by place a sign outside your venue or ceremony area. Another way would be to a note in the program politely asking your guest to keep their phones tucked away. You can also ask your officiant to make an announcement to your guest before the ceremony begins to bring it all in. This will make a drastic difference in your final wedding gallery trust me!

Tip #3: Bring Comfy Dancing Shoes.

I don’t know about you but, I even change shoes during a wedding and so should you. No one wants to be in pair of stilettos all day! I know they are cute but, bring a second pair of comfortable shoes in case you just can’t keep going on your wedding day. I have seen couples go as far as have a pair of Converse or Chucks customized just for the wedding. Nothing should be stopping you from getting on that dance floor and busting out those awesome 90’s and 2000’s moves!

Tip #4: Have an ICE Kit.

The saying that comes to mind on this is “hope for the best and plan for the worst” right? So many things can take a happen and you just never know what you are going to end up needed. A good time to start making your “In Case of an Emergency Kit” would be about one to two weeks leading up to the wedding day. Have a bag solely filled with breath mints, tiny sewing kit, tissues, Tide pens, fashion tape, bobby pins, scissors, hair spray, Tylenol, lotion, blotting papers and whatever else you can think of. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, just toss it in the bag and roll with it.

Tip #5: Be Present Love!

This is often forgotten on the wedding day. With all the activities happening and the high energy of your wedding day, every part of your day can start to feel like a task that you are trying to accomplish instead of moments to enjoy. If there is anything that I know about wedding day’s is that you cannot control everything. Instead, enjoy the day and embrace it as it comes to you in full swing, fast or slow. This is your once-in-a-lifetime moment to make memories that will last forever.

Tip #6: We Are Here For You.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. These tips that I’ve shared are based on the experience that I’ve gained and learned while photographing weddings.

The commitment that we give our couples is that when you chose Carmen J Williams Photography, you just won’t have to worry about the photography or videography. Our purposeful process gets to the center of YOU. What does this means to you? It means that you will be able to enjoy your day, be present on your wedding day, knowing that you will have Beautiful, Authentic, and Unique images intentionally created by photographers full of fun personalities and passion.

If you’d like to talk to me more about your wedding day, our hear about some of my favorite’s local locations for engagement sessions, please give us a call or send over an email. I’d love to connect with you.

I hope that you found these tips for having a stress-free wedding day helpful!