GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE TO WEDDING PLANNING | YM PHOTOGRAPHY | TOP FIVE MUST-HAVEs TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS INCREDIBLE

Whether this is your first time or 10th reading our Girlfriend’s Guide series, welcome! We can’t wait to share with you our latest installment to help you with your wedding planning!! Today we are sharing our TOP FIVE MUST-HAVES TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS INCREDIBLE… and by incredible, I of course mean, the envy of all your friends and maybe wedding inspiration site publishable.

Drum roll please…

1. FLOWERS

I know budgets are a big factor for a lot of couples but if you want your wedding to give the impression you spent a lot of money (even if you plan to stay up until 3AM every night for days prior to your big day creating floral masterpieces)… stick with fresh flowers. There are so many times I take amazing photos of beautifully styled weddings to have the bouquet or centerpieces made from silk flowers. While lovely, magazines and bridal inspiration sites just won’t publish weddings with fake flowers.

Pro tip: Want to save money on centerpieces? Have beautiful vases for the head tableon hand to place the bridal party bouquets in… but remember to keep them low so the bouquets don’t block your faces during toasts and speeches.

2. DRESS TO IMPRESS FOR PRE-WEDDING PHOTOS

Hair and Make-up by www.katieburnsartistry.com

There are a lot of brides out there that dislike coordinating robes… and that’s okay. The point here is not to show up for pre-wedding getting ready images in last night’s BBQ-stained (hey, stress eating is a thing) florescent pink t-shirt. Give your bridesmaids/attendants/parents a dress code too. Remember this is a first time for everyone… if you don’t tell them what you prefer, they won’t know. And do you want the groom’s pre-wedding photos to be an eternal reminder that the best man thought it’d be funny to wear a t-shirt advertising for that popular wing destination with the busty waitresses?

Pro tip: Stuck for what to give your bridal party as a thank you present. A beautiful robe, a custom dolman tee or an embroidered plaid button up are perfect… not only will they coordinate bu they have a great keepsake. PS Don’t forget that whatever you do get should be easy to get in and out of after hair and make-up has been done.

3. THE DRESS HANGER

Okay, I get it. There are a million and one things to think about and buying a hanger you’ll use one time probably isn’t on the top of your list. While I always ensure I have wooden hangers available for my clients, not every photographer does and you can’t count on your hotel room or childhood closet to have one.

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to purchase and you don’t have one at home, ask one of your attendants to bring one to borrow or check out Z Create Designs on etsy for a variety of economically priced hangers.

4. THE TABLE SETTINGS

Table Styling by www.piecefulsettings.com . Florals by www.northcountryflowers.com

A beautifully set table makes the difference between a great wedding and an amazing wedding when it comes to photography. And you don’t need lavish flowers and imported crystal to have a beautiful setting. One of my favorite weddings included the use of the same china the bride’s grandmother used on her wedding day. The couple had accented with greenery and a few roses to give the table a lush lavish look that was easier on their budget.

Pro tip: Don’t have a set of china you can use and tired of the boring white provided by your venue check out china rentals from businesses like Pieceful Settings who not only offer rentals of glassware, china and flatware but tablescape planning as well!

5. THE CAKE

Wedding cakes don’t have to be large and lavish. You don’t have to have a huge event for the cake cutting or smash the cake in your love’s face in a totally loving, completely non-violent way… but no matter the cake you decide on, adding some coordinating florals or knick knacks that match your centerpiece goes a long way to ensuring that the details of your wedding coordinate when your gallery is viewed all as one or when you build a wedding album.

Pro tip: Ask your venue where the cake will be set up during the reception. Take a look at what is behind it. Will a bright red exit sign be on eye level with your cake or a light switch with be directly behind your topper? If so, then consider creating a backdrop or dessert display behind the cake to give the area a completely polished look.

That’s it! My top five must-haves to make your wedding photos incredible. I hope you’ve found some helpful tips… we’re always a note a way (just click on our contact form for booking information or check out the info and pricing links for our package options).