Hilarious & Helpful Tips to Prepare for Wedding Ceremony!

Planning a wedding is no joke, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun while preparing! As your wedding photographer, I want to make sure your ceremony goes smoothly and your photos are as magical as your day. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will help avoid hiccups on the big day. Trust me—these will make your life (and your photographer's life) so much easier!

1. Plan Ahead and Arrive on Time (Really!)

No one likes a late arrival. And honestly, showing up fashionably late isn’t a thing at weddings—especially when it’s your own! Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. You need time to breathe, get organized, and make sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be. Plus, early arrival helps us grab those gorgeous, peaceful photos before the madness begins. Being on time is also a great way to start the day—especially when the “I do” part is on schedule!

2. Be Prepared for the Weather (Mother Nature Can Be Sneaky)

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, I have two words for you: weather prep. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we handle it. Have a backup plan just in case the sun decides to be a diva or the rain crashes your outdoor party. I recommend having a few umbrellas or a cozy indoor spot lined up just in case you need to pivot quickly. And hey, a little rain could make for some seriously romantic photos—just be ready for it!

3. Let Your Photographer Know About Any Photo Restrictions

If your venue has any weird, wild rules (like, “no photos during the vows” or “no flash during the first kiss”), just let us know ahead of time. We’ll figure out how to work within those restrictions and still get the best shots possible. That way, no one will be awkwardly whispering, “Can I take a photo here?” during the ceremony!

4. Choose a Responsible Ring Bearer (Sorry, Kids!)

Little ring bearers are adorable—until they panic and refuse to walk down the aisle. If you choose to have one, make sure someone very responsible (like a grandparent or a calm cousin) is in charge of bringing the rings to the altar. That way, there’s no chance of losing the most important items of the day in the middle of the ceremony!

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes (Trust Me, Your Feet Will Thank You)

Yes, those heels are stunning, but will you still be able to walk gracefully down the aisle in them? Think comfort here! Also, practice walking in that long dress and veil. You don’t want to trip over yourself in front of all your guests (or your photographer). A smooth walk means beautiful photos. Plus, you’ll feel way more confident!

6. Choose Your Ceremony Music & Brief Your DJ

Pick your music in advance and give your DJ the heads-up about the ceremony. Also, make sure they’re aware of the venue setup. Are there electrical outlets for their equipment? Can they handle an outdoor ceremony? These little details can save you from awkward moments when you’re waiting for the music to start (or worse—waiting for the DJ to figure out how to plug in their gear).

7. Facing Each Other During the Vows & Ring Exchange

When you exchange vows and rings, face each other—not the officiant, not the altar, and definitely not the ceiling. It’s a much more intimate moment, and it looks so much better in photos when you’re focused on each other. Trust me, your photographer will thank you!

8. Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony? Face Your Guests!

If you’re lighting a unity candle or doing a sand ceremony, make sure your guests can see you—and your faces! It’s an emotional moment, so don’t block it with your back. If space is tight, stand on either side of the candles or sand and face each other. Your guests will appreciate it—and the photos will be so much better.

9. The First Kiss: Less Is More

When it comes to the first kiss, remember: gentle is better. A soft, romantic kiss will make your photos look classic and timeless. We all know what happens when you go for an “X-rated” smooch—awkward photos and a few cringes from your family. Keep it sweet, keep it simple. After all, there’s a time and place for other kisses.

10. Look Ahead (Not at Your Feet)

Walking down the aisle? Look ahead, not at your feet! Not only will this make you look like you’re walking confidently, but it will also make your photos look way better. You want to look like you’re walking toward your partner, not like you’re looking for something on the floor!

11. Family Photos: Let Them Know to Stick Around

After the ceremony, we’ll want to grab some quick family photos. So, give your family a heads-up that they’ll need to stay behind for a few more minutes. No one wants to chase down Grandma right after the ceremony for a quick pic, so make sure everyone knows to stick around!

12. Communicate With Your Florist (It’s All About the Details)

Your florist is in charge of making your venue look beautiful—and they’ll need to know that you care about photography-friendly arrangements. Let them know where flowers should go so they don’t block any important photo angles (like, say, the couple’s faces during vows). After all, you want the flowers to enhance your photos, not hide your big moment!

Final Thoughts:

Your wedding day is going to be magical, no matter what—but a little planning can make sure your photos are absolutely stunning. So, get ready to laugh, love, and look fabulous while following these tips. Your photographer will be ready to capture every moment—so all you need to do is enjoy the ride!

Now go get married, and make sure to smile when you see your first kiss photo! You’ve got this! 💍📸

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