A Wedding Photographer's Advice for a Stress Free Wedding

I have been meaning to sit down and write this post for awhile! If you are a previous or future couple of mine, you already know most of this advice!

I have lots of tips on how to have a stress free wedding, but at the end of the day it comes down to two things -- preparedness and mindset. So with that, let's get into the nitty gritty!

1. Book your vendors ASAP.

I don't say this to add additional anxiety to your life, but booking your vendors far in advance will save you SO much time and stress as your wedding planning progresses.

Securing a date, venue, photographer, florist, etc should be first on your list! Wedding vendors book up QUICK. I am not just saying this because I am a vendor. Turning away a client due to unavailability sucks so much.

Vendors are not robots, we have to be selective with the clients that we take on. We have families and personal lives too!

If you know the vendor team that you want at your wedding, reach out today!

2. Hire a wedding planner and coordinator.

If your budget allows, look into hiring a wedding planner/coordinator for your big day. It will be the best investment that you make, I promise!!! Wedding planners are truly angels on earth. Not only do they make your life easier (and mine!!!), but they add to the value of your day x10000.

Wedding planners have an eye for detail that is unmatched. You know all of those wedding inspiration photos that you have saved on Instagram? Yeah, they had a planner.

3. Have a bad weather backup plan.

Eep, bad weather. It is an unknown factor no matter where you live. When you set a wedding date a year or two in advance, you have no idea what the weather will be like on your big day. Take the "what ifs" out of the scenario by having a back up plan.

Reserve a tent in the chance that your reception cannot be held directly under the stars. The money spent reserving the tent will be well worth the peace of mind.

If you already have a tent, look into having removable sides in the chance of rain or wind.

If your ceremony is outside, plan an alternative location.

4. Don't be scared to get a little wet or dirty.

Yall. You get married ONCE (hopefully!). Do not let a little weather hold you back from getting dreamy photos. I promise I will not ruin your dress, but also....when will you ever wear it again?!?

I bring clear umbrellas to every wedding. Let me tell you, I love a rainy wedding day!!! The photos alway end up being so romantic.

Let's get windblown and a little wet together.

I adore couples who do not hesitate when I ask them to follow me into a field or into a forrest.

Life's best moments are like our favorite pictures. They rarely happen when the scenario is perfect.

5. Know what you want and prepare for it.

This advice can truly be applied to any and every area of your wedding day. Brides -- do you love detail photos?! These don't just magically happen. Your photographer needs time to create these images. Prepare ahead of time by gathering all of your special items and having them all in one place.

I bring lots of ribbon and velvet ring boxes to weddings for detail photos. However, if you are a detail oriented bride and there is something particular that you want for your photos, such as a custom monogrammed ring box, make sure to have it ready to roll!

Is there a certain photo that you want? Make sure that your photographer knows ahead of time. Most wedding photographers require couples to make a "shot list" prior to the wedding day. This list gives the photographer something to go off of, typically during portrait time.

6. Trust your vendors.

Your vendors most likely do this every weekend, sometimes multiple times in one weekend. They have seen it all, and they know what to do.

Trust their creative vision and opinions. Let them guide you. Micromanaging adds unneeded stress to everyone.

7. It is all in the attitude.

It is your wedding day, regardless of the obstacles that are being thrown your way, you are marrying your best friend! This alone is a reason to celebrate!!!

Face the day with a good attitude. We feed off the energy of others, if you are calm, everyone around you will be as well!

8. Roll with the punches and let it go.

I hate to break it to you, but something will go wrong on your wedding day. Maybe multiple things. Accept, adjust, and move the heck on.

You have the power to handle unexpected wedding day surprises with grace.

No wedding is perfect, and it normally makes a funny story to laugh about in the future!!

9. Have a comfy pair of shoes.

Brides, this is for you!!! I love shoes. If you have been following me for any amount of time you know that fun designer wedding heels are my absolute favorite. Shoes are such a stunning detail that I love to capture! They are also super uncomfortable when you have been on your feet all day.

I recommend having a comfy pair of shoes to switch into after your ceremony. I have seen it all: a smaller heel, sandals, white sneakers, even chacos!

Normally your shoes aren't seen anyways, and this gives you a little more comfort as we adventure around and take photos. Nothing is more annoying than a blister on the best day of your life. Boooo!

10. Don't compare yourself to others.

So many of the weddings that you have seen on large scale blogs and social media accounts are not realistic.

Expecting your wedding day to be like something that you saw in a magazine will leave you disappointed.

Guess what? Those weddings are normally hundreds of thousands of dollars, or they are a styled shoot designed by professionals to mimic a real wedding.

Find what matters to you, and stick with it. Your wedding day should reflect your relationship and what you hold most important.

Happy wedding planning!!!

xo,

Lauran