Shauna Wear
Shauna Wear
When I became a wedding photographer back in 2012, I never could have imagined ending up here. "Here" as in having couples-turned-lifelong-friends, shooting hundreds of weddings at the most beautiful venues in Metro Detroit, and fueling my passion for travel by adventuring from coast to coast. It's such a dream and privilege to serve couples like you on a daily basis!
Your wedding day has finally arrived—let the excitement begin! After all the planning and preparation, it’s time to celebrate. But with so many moving parts, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together these wedding day tips to help you stay calm, collected, and ready to soak in every moment of your special day.
From getting ready to the last dance, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re tying the knot in a charming garden, a stunning venue, or a cozy spot, these tips will help everything run smoothly. Trust me—when everything is organized and on time, your wedding day will be nothing short of perfect. Let’s dive in!
The key to a stress-free wedding day? Communication! Make sure you share your timeline with everyone involved—your wedding planner, bridal party, and family members who will be part of your family portraits. When everyone is on the same page, it helps avoid confusion and keeps things moving smoothly. You don’t want anyone wondering where they need to be or when they need to show up. A simple shared timeline works wonders for keeping everyone in sync.
One of the easiest ways to ensure your photographer doesn’t miss a thing is to have your details ready when they arrive. Think rings, shoes, jewelry, invitations, and any gifts or special items you want captured. Having everything in one place saves time and guarantees that your photographer can capture those beautiful details without any rushing or stress.
It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in creating those gorgeous images you’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget—these details help tell the story of your wedding day.
Gentlemen, this one’s for you! When your photographer arrives, make sure the groomsmen are partially dressed. Pants and shirts should be on (jackets off), and all your details—shoes, ties, cufflinks, bow ties, and gifts—should be ready for photos. This gives your photographer time to grab all the important shots of you and your crew before things get too busy.
Plus, the more organized you are, the smoother the entire morning will go!
This one’s a game-changer! Choose one area of your getting-ready location to keep tidy and free of clutter. It doesn’t need to be big, but it’ll make for the perfect spot to capture those precious details and candid moments as you get ready.
Whether it’s a cozy corner or a spot with great natural light, having a clean space ensures that your photos are as beautiful and timeless as the moments they capture.
One thing that often gets overlooked? Flowers! Make sure your bouquets and boutonnieres arrive at your getting-ready location before the portraits start. This will ensure that your photographer can get those essential bridal party and couple shots with all the details in place.
Having your flowers on hand will also make your morning feel more organized and less rushed. And trust me, the photos will be stunning!
Family portraits are a special part of your day, but they can also take up more time than you think. To keep them quick and easy, make sure your family members know when and where they need to be. A little coordination goes a long way in keeping things on schedule. No one wants to waste precious time searching for relatives, and your photographer will appreciate the clarity.
Here’s a fun one: If you want a packed dance floor, lead by example! Your guests want to celebrate with you, and they’ll follow your lead when it comes to dancing. If you’re out there having fun, so will they.
It’s your day, so don’t hold back—get on that dance floor and let the good times roll! Want to see some of the epic moments from past weddings? View them here.
Last but certainly not least—don’t forget to eat and drink plenty of water before you slip into your wedding attire! It might sound simple, but fueling your body with the right foods and hydration will give you the energy you need to enjoy every moment of your big day.
You’ll be on your feet, smiling, and celebrating for hours, so make sure you’re properly fueled for the fun ahead!
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and bustle of your wedding day, but don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy it all. Whether it’s a quiet moment with your spouse or a few minutes savoring your cocktail hour, these small moments are what make your wedding day so special.
I hope these wedding day tips help ease some of the wedding-day stress and help you enjoy every moment of your celebration! If you’re looking for more planning tips or need a wedding photographer to help capture it all, I’d love to chat with you.
Check out my portfolio to see more of my work, and feel free to reach out to me here to chat more about your wedding photography.
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