Your wedding day is the culmination of months of planning, preparation, and dreaming. But it can also be very stressful, especially when it comes to coordinating wedding photos.
These photos are meant to be a collage of people you love and moments to remember, but the process of getting everybody situated and making sure the photographer is prepared can cause you headaches when all you should be doing is enjoying yourself.
Here are the steps you should take when coordinating your wedding photos to ensure that the day of your wedding is stress-free:
Find Your Location
The most important part of coordinating your wedding photos is finding out where you’re going to have them taken. This should be decided as soon as you finalize the date and the venue. Talk to your wedding planner or venue manager and ask them where it would be appropriate to have your photos taken. There are two things you should factor into deciding the location for your photos: beauty and convenience.
The backdrop for your formal wedding photos obviously has to be appealing, and it should serve to accentuate the outfits of your wedding party. But if you and your wedding party have to trek to the other side of a resort complex to quickly take photos in between the ceremony and the reception, it may not be the best option for you.
Your photographer may be able to provide tasteful backdrops for formal photos if you don’t have time to take them in another location.
Many couples decide to have their photos taken in locations completely separate from the venue, on a completely different day. If so, make sure the location is easily accessible for the photographer and your wedding party. You should also contact them individually to ensure that they are available the day of your photo shoot.
Decide What Kinds of Shots You Want
Before your photo shoot, you should work with the photographer to figure out what you want your photos to look like so you are not surprised when you get the final album. Do you have any poses in mind you think would be great additions to your wedding album? Tell the photographer.
Do you want to do a photo of just bridesmaids or just groomsmen? Let your photographer know so they can make sure to get those shots. In general, an experienced photographer will be aware of what shots to capture, but make sure you let them know if you want anything specific that they may not have thought of.
Are you a fan of themed wedding photos? Make sure you procure any props or special costumes beforehand. The best wedding photographers will be able to accommodate any of your requests within reason, as long as you can let them know beforehand.
Break Down The Day Into Segments
The easiest way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone in your wedding photo session is to set a schedule. This is especially beneficial if you have a large family. Work with the photographer to segment your photo shoot by party or family, and double-check the schedule to make sure everyone you want in your formal wedding photos is included.
Have the photographer work off this schedule. This way, they can let you know who is next on the list and help you stay within your time constraints.
Make Sure All Relevant Parties Are Aware of The Schedule
But it’s even more important to make sure that your family and friends are aware of the schedule to ensure that they are present when it’s their time to take photos with you. Tell them exactly when they will be taking their photos so that there is no confusion.
If everyone is responsible for being at your chosen location at a specific time, you can be more sure that they will present, rather than having to hastily wrangle everyone at the last minute.
If you are crunched for time, then you have to reiterate to your guests that if they do not make it in time for the photo shoot, they might miss out on a chance to be in the wedding album. Be sure to tell your hair and makeup team of the schedule as well.
Take Some Time To Relax!
However, it’s impossible to prepare for everything. As much planning as you do before your wedding, some issues may arise the day of your ceremony that you would not be able to predict. If something goes wrong, just remember to relax.
Coordinating wedding photos with your family and friends can test your patience, but when you look back at the photo album and see the smiling faces of your loved ones, you’ll remember how happy you were that they were there to celebrate your special day.
For more information on staying organized on the day of your wedding, visit the rest of our blog, and please contact us for the best wedding photography services in the Chicago area!