Tips to Rock Your Ceremony
I’ve shot over 100 weddings and there’s some things I’ve seen that have been bloody awesome. There’s also some things I’ve seen that I know the couple wished they would do different. Here’s some things that I reckon you will want to think about for your ceremony.
Note: Some of these things may not bother you and that’s totally cool!
CAR / THINGS IN THE BACKGROUND OF THE AISLE
I see this quite a lot. As a photographer, when you and the bridesmaids are walking down the aisle, I want a nice clean background. A clean background means the focus is on those walking down the aisle and the image is free from distractions.
Sometimes things are unavoidable, I get that. But the most common one I see is the car. Car drives in, drops the girls off and stays parked there (as it’s usually driven by dad who is walking daughter down the aisle). All photos now have the car in the background which can be a bit distracting.
WALKING DOWN THE AISLE
I always recommend that the girls have a few practice run throughs walking down the aisle. The main issue I see is girls walking too fast - which is understandable - nerves and all that. Have a practice run through the day before the wedding. Throw on the song, and practice the walk - ideally in the same spot you will start on the day so you are walking the same distance.
And for the flowers hold them low, not covering your face! As the saying goes - pubes not boobs!
BRIDAL HAIR
OK, so I know bugger all about girls hair, but something to be concious of is having your hair down this covering your face. This is especially true if that side is the one facing the guests - they won’t be able to see your face! That’s it. That’s all I know about bride’s hair.
SUNNIES OFF
This is mainly for the people in the front row (usually immediate family). Your photos will be 1000 times better if I can see your mum/dad/grandparents eyes. If they're not facing the sun, then there’s no need for them. I usually have a quick word to them about this as they're getting seating but the same rule applies to those walking down the aisle (dad!).
UMBRELLA (In Rihanna’s voice)
If there is rain on the forecast, then grab yourselves some nice clear umbrella’s for the bride & groom and bridal party. This is for the ceremony and also for portraits!
KISS SLOW
When you’re announced to kiss the bride, take your time! It gives me more of chance to get some different angles/perspectives and it’s your first kiss as husband and wife! Enjoy it!
END OF CEREMONY CELEBRATIONS
This is a biggie and it happens A LOT! At the end of the ceremony when you and your lover have walked back down the aisle, what happens? Half the time, all your family and friends hurry over to you and kiss and hug and it’s all gravy.
But, the other half the time, the guests don’t know what to do and you guys are left standing there awkwardly wondering if anyone is going to come over and say congratulations!
So, let your celebrant do the work! They usually announce the formalities before the ceremony starts. Have them announce that once Ange and Sam walk back down the aisle, get over there and celebrate!
On that note, don’t walk too far away! Just hang at the back of all of the guests and make sure you and your partner aren’t too far away from each other. Let everyone come to you. That makes it easier for me to cover both of you!
Hey! You made it to the end! Now, you’ve got a ton on your wedding to do list already and I’ve just give you more things to think about (sorry!). Rather than taking on more yourself, hit that share/send icon on this webpage and send it onto your bridal crew - they can help you with this!