A wedding bouquet with orange and pink roses sits on a rock next to a coral-colored book.

Wedding Guide

Pre Wedding Prep Checklist and Tips

This is your one stop reference page. You do not have to do all of this perfectly. It is here to help you feel prepared, supported, and calm, and to make space for the real moments you want to remember.

Timeline and Logistics

A good timeline is not just about fitting everything in. It is about protecting how the day feels. The best photos happen when you have breathing room, not when you are sprinting.

  • Confirm ceremony start time and any hard start times (venue access, shuttle, chapel timing, paid vendors).
  • Build buffer time on purpose. Hair and makeup usually runs late. Travel always takes longer than you think. Add padding.
  • Plan transitions like they matter. Dress on, hidden bathroom breaks, moving from one location to another, greeting guests, bustling, all take time.
  • Think about light. If you want glowy portraits, we plan around sunset or your best window light.
  • Vendor timing check. Ask your planner, DJ, caterer, and venue if they have timing requirements.

If you are unsure about any part of the timeline, that is normal. This is exactly why we do a timeline review call.

Detail Box Prep

If you want beautiful, cohesive detail photos, the easiest way is to gather your items into one box the week before. Then on wedding morning, it is done and you are not hunting for rings while someone is curling hair.

Paper Goods

  • Invitation suite, envelopes, stamps
  • Save the date
  • Vow books or written vows
  • Any personal notes or letters

Accessories

  • Rings, ring box
  • Jewelry
  • Perfume or cologne
  • Shoes
  • Hair pieces

Sentimental Items

  • Heirlooms
  • Something borrowed
  • Memory items
  • Special gifts

Tip: If you have florals, ask your florist for a few extra loose stems or small pieces. They make detail photos look instantly elevated.

Getting Ready Tips

  • Choose the best light in the room. A window is your best friend. If there are multiple rooms, pick the one with the biggest window.
  • Declutter one corner. Bags, boxes, and extra hangers all go into one spot. It helps your photos look clean without feeling sterile.
  • Have details ready when I arrive. Dress, rings, invitation suite, jewelry, shoes, vows, and any sentimental items.
  • Plan for food. Eat something with protein. Keep snacks and water available. This helps your body stay calm.
  • Give yourself five quiet minutes. Even if it is just sitting alone and breathing. It changes the whole day.

If you want a first look with a parent, or a letter exchange, tell me so we can build the space and timing for it.

Family Formals Without the Stress

Family formals go smoothly when we keep them organized and quick. The goal is not perfection. The goal is getting everyone in and back to the celebration.

  • Make a list grouped by immediate family first, then extended.
  • Assign a helper. Pick someone who can call names and keep people moving.
  • Tell people in advance. A quick heads up prevents the disappearing aunt problem.
  • Plan location. Shade is better than harsh sun. Covered porches are great. I will help choose the spot.

If there are family dynamics you want me to be aware of, you can tell me privately. I will handle it with care and tact.

Portraits and Candid Tips

If you want photos that feel natural and connected, the biggest secret is simple. Be with each other. I will give prompts and direction, but the magic is you actually participating in the moment.

What helps

  • Look at each other more than you look at the camera
  • Touch naturally (hands, waist, forehead, shoulder)
  • Talk to each other
  • Move slowly
  • Let yourself laugh

Quick prompts you can use

  • Whisper something that makes the other one laugh
  • Tell them what you are most excited about
  • Slow forehead touch, then stay there for three seconds
  • Hold hands and take one deep breath together

If you feel awkward, tell me. I will give clear direction. If you feel comfortable, I will step back. Either way, you are not alone in this.

Ceremony Tips

  • Slow down. Walk slower than you think. Pause at the end of the aisle. Take a breath.
  • Hold the kiss longer. Two seconds feels long in the moment. On camera, it is perfect.
  • Hands. Hold hands. Squeeze hands. Wipe tears. Let it be real.
  • Unplugged ceremony. If you want fewer phones in your aisle shots, tell your officiant to announce it.

Reception Tips

  • Tell your DJ to give me a heads up. Ten minutes notice for events is perfect.
  • Consider a private last dance. It is one of the sweetest moments, and it gives you a breath.
  • Plan your exit time realistically. If you want photos with the exit, build time for gathering guests.

One Week Before

  • Confirm vendor arrival times and addresses.
  • Finalize family formal list and send it over.
  • Gather your detail box.
  • Try on everything (dress, shoes, jewelry) and walk around in it.
  • Make sure rings are with the correct person.

Day Before

  • Charge phones and any personal devices you need.
  • Pack an emergency kit (snacks, water, meds, blotting papers, safety pins).
  • Set aside vendor tips or envelopes if you are doing those.
  • Put the detail box in one spot so it is grab and go.
  • Try to go to bed earlier than usual, even if you do not fall asleep fast.

Wedding Morning

  • Eat something with protein, even if it is small.
  • Drink water early.
  • Keep the getting ready space as tidy as possible.
  • Have details ready and gathered for when I arrive.
  • Give yourself one quiet moment before the day starts moving fast.

You do not have to remember everything. I will guide you through the day. This page is here so you can reference it when your brain is full.

If you are reading this and thinking, “I did not do half of this,” it is okay. We adjust. We adapt. We keep it calm.