the big day is here! everyone is so excited and running around like crazy to get ready for pictures. the photographer arrives and says, “okay, who’s ready?” ….and no one is. bummer.
it happens at every wedding. the schedule runs behind. the bride’s hair isn’t ready. something happens to shorten the portrait time. it never fails – it’s going to get cut short! here are a few tips to make sure your bridal party is as prepared as they can be for the wedding day!

1} bring everything with you!

don’t rely on grandma to bring your tie 10 minutes before the ceremony. bring it with you! have everything ready! bridesmaids, don’t bring only your high heels…bring a pair of flip flops to wear to and from places. slip on the heels for pictures and then swap back…you’ll thank me later 🙂

2} be 95% ready!!!

when i arrive to photograph the bride, she’s 75% ready. usually her makeup is done or almost done and her hair has been curled, styled or pinned and ready to be styled/fluffed/whatever it is those magic hair ladies do!!! no one wants to look ‘un-done’ in the getting ready pictures. bridesmaids should have hair and makeup done, jewelry ready and dresses on hangers with the tags cut off! you’ll want to be looking good when you help the bride into her dress!

guys…this goes for you too! you should have your undershirt, pants and socks on. the groom will be photographed getting his jacket/vest on, buttoning cuff links, tying his tie, lacing his shoes, etc. but YOU will be in the background ‘getting ready’…we don’t need anyone running around in boxer shorts/briefs. it’s just not a good look…or first impression 😉

3} help!

bridesmaids and groomsmen…be prepared to help. the bride may’ve forgotten her honeymoon bag…guess what…someone has to go get it. be prepared to step in and help with whatever the bride or groom needs. occasionally i’ll ask a groomsmen to help me hang the bride’s dress so i can photograph it or i’ll send a bridesmaid to ‘fetch’ the groom for the first look.

4} make it about the bride/groom

i’ve not encountered this yet, but i’ve heard stories from other photographers. please don’t make this about anyone or anything other than the bride and groom. this is their day. the photographer works for them. don’t request crazy stuff, don’t talk over the bride and groom. just be there, be present and be happy 🙂 they need you.

5} walk slow!!!

when walking down the aisle to stand beside your best friend, it is easy to go with the beat of the music…and a lot of times, that’s a little fast. look for the photographer and slowly make your way down the aisle with a natural smile on your face, make eye contact with the camera, and keep a natural but slow pace. it isn’t anything other than walking…don’t worry…people rarely trip!