Whether this is your first time or 10th reading my planning series, welcome! I can’t wait to share with you my latest installment to help you with your wedding photography.

Today we’re going to to talk about what it takes to get your wedding published. A lot of my brides want to get their weddings published on popular wedding blogs and there are definitely steps you can take to give your wedding a great chance to be accepted. These editors look for very particular editing styles and image types. So here are the ways to bring your images up a notch.

Drum roll please…

1. STYLING

The easiest way to get your wedding published is to hire a stylist. These are the experts that will ensure that the different “scenes” of your wedding day are cohesive. They’ll help you style your wedding within your budget.

PRO TIP: Pinterest is amazing for event design. It helps you create digital mood boards to see what works and doesn’t work.

 

 

2. FLOWERS

I know budgets are a big factor for a lot of couples but there is nothing that can replace the look of real 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 table or each guest table to put the bridal party bouquets in. Want a bit extra styling, ask your florist for extra photos for me to use when styling your invitation suite and bridal details.

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. However, even a plain wood or white hanger is preferred to plastic or wire.

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to purchase and you don’t have one at home, let me know ahead of time and I can bring one from my collection. If you are all-in on styling, a few of my brides purchased $25 dress forms to display their dress (found on amazon and tjmaxx).

4. THE TABLE SETTINGS

A beautifully set table is one of the extras that are needed when it comes to publishing your wedding on popular wedding blogs. 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 in your area or do thrifting parties with your friends to gather enough dishware for your wedding.

5. THE CAKE

Wedding cakes don’t have to be large and lavish. You also don’t have to cut the cake in front of all your guests and can opt for a private cake cutting just for the two of you (and the photos). 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).

6. THE INVITATION SUITE

My heart beats faster when I arrive at a wedding and there is a beautiful invitation suite. The invitations are the first thing I photograph and set the entire tone of the wedding. Ensuring they coordinate with your overall wedding day styling is extremely important. Editors want to see every detail be cohesive.

PRO TIP: Send me a copy of your invitation suite early so I can plan what items I’d like to use for your flatlays and talk with your florist about including a few extra stems. Bring all the little extras too like menu and escort cards. Have a special seating chart planned, let me know so I can be sure to do some extra images there.

 

7. GIVE IT TIME

My last tip would be give me time to work my magic and be creative. It takes planning and a bit of trial and error to get a great flatlay. I’ll also create vignettes with things like signature drinks to ensure they are styled as well. I ask for one hour prior to your getting ready for flat lay styling (I actually arrive 30-45 mins before that but only charge for one hour – that’s the time it takes for gorgeous flatlays).

And that’s it. While this won’t guarantee your weddings will be accepted, it does give you a great chance!