Your wedding day goes by quickly. The couples who enjoy their day most are often those who have sorted out a few details beforehand. Here is what we go through with every couple, so that you no longer have to think about it on the day.
Write down the schedule for the day
The photographer needs to know where to be, and when. Note down the key moments of the day with an approximate time and the address of each venue.
- getting ready, on both sides if you wish;
- the civil ceremony, followed by a religious or humanist ceremony where applicable;
- the drinks reception and group photos;
- the couple’s photo session;
- the entrance into the reception, the speeches, the wedding cake, the first dance.
Allow some leeway between moments: a procession, a journey or leaving the town hall almost always takes longer than planned. Also pass on the name and number of someone to contact on the day, other than yourselves.
Think about the light
The light changes a lot over the course of the day. At midday it is harsh: it accentuates features and makes people squint. In the late afternoon it becomes softer and warmer, which suits portraits well.
If possible, keep some free time for the couple’s session at the end of the day, before sunset. Twenty to thirty minutes is enough. Indoors, choose a room with large windows for getting ready, if you can.
Make a list of the photos that matter to you
A photographer knows what to photograph, but does not know your story. Tell them what matters to you: a family heirloom, someone travelling from far away, a planned surprise, a decoration detail you made yourselves.
No need to write fifty lines. A short list of what you really do not want to miss is more useful than an exhaustive one.
Organise the family photos
Group photos are often the longest part of the day. To help them go smoothly:
- list the groups you want in advance, from largest to smallest;
- give the list to someone who knows both families and can call everyone over;
- choose a shady spot with a simple background, and plan a sheltered alternative in case of rain;
- announce the time of the photos during the ceremony, so that nobody heads off to the buffet.
Drone shots
A few images from the sky show the venue in its landscape and bring all the guests together in a single photo. They are not possible everywhere or at all times: a drone flight depends on the rules that apply to the location, the permissions required and the weather on the day (wind, rain).
Talk to your photographer about it early: they will check what is possible for your venue and date, and plan an alternative without the drone if the flight cannot go ahead.
Your guests’ image rights
The photos belong to you for your personal use. If you want to post some on social media, remember to get the consent of anyone who can be recognised. For our part, we always ask for your consent before showing a photo of your wedding in our portfolio.
In summary
A clear schedule, time set aside for the late-day light, a short list of important photos and someone to gather the families: with that, you can enjoy your day. To talk about it, discover our wedding services or write to us.
An article by Market'Thur, a communication & marketing agency in the Thur valley.
