In this article, I will address wedding photography tips for brides. These tips are intended to help you get the most out of your photography investment - and yes, if you've hired a professional photographer, it is an investment. There are several reasons why a wedding day may not run smoothly. Many brides have never been a bride before and therefore don't know what to expect or how much time to allow for different parts of the day. I've had several brides (who promise me they will be on time), be shocked that they are running late. Or exasperated with family and wedding party members who do not show up on time for photographs. It's not uncommon for wedding photography to start 15-30 minutes late. Every once in a while, I'll have a bride that is 45-60 minutes late. If you've hired a wedding photographer for 5 hours of time and you are 30 minutes late, you've just thrown away $100! These wedding photography tips for brides should help to minimize any snags and not only make your day run more smoothly, but allow you to enjoy your day and not be stressed out.

Wedding Photography Tips for Brides #1 - Primp My Bride

The number one reason I see brides run late is because they did not allow enough time to get their hair and make up done. One of the most important things I can suggest is to do a run through with your hair dresser before the wedding day. This will not only solidify how you want your hair to look but give you an idea how long it takes. Same goes with your make up. With both of these services, I recommend you figure out how long these take and add 15 -20 minutes. So if hair takes an hour and makeup takes 30 minutes, budget 1 hour and 45 minutes in your schedule. It can also be helpful to find out if your hair dresser and make up artist have appointments before yours. If so, there is more potential for them to be running late.

Wedding Photography Tips for Brides #2 - Say Yes to the Dress

I tell brides to allow 45 minutes to get dressed. Often I get the reply, "Oh I'll be quick, I just need to get in my dress." Well, it sounds simple but picture this: upon arriving at your venue you and your bridesmaids have to bring everything inside - your dress, slip, jewelry, garter, veil, shoes and touch up make up. Once in there, you'll have to put on all those items and hopefully your maid of honor remembers how to lace up your dress. The getting ready process is a ritual in and of itself. You should be able to do so at a leisurely pace and not be stressed out about being late. Allow enough time!

Wedding Photography Tips for Brides #3 - Coach Your Team

At the wedding rehearsal dinner, hand out a printed time line to each member of the wedding party and any family that will be in photos. Highlight the sections when that person is needed. If possible email that schedule before the rehearsal dinner. Then go over the schedule verbally at the dinner. You don't need to sound like a drill sergeant here, but do go over the schedule for the wedding day. Once family and friends are notified in written form and verbally there should be no excuse to be late. However...

Wedding Photography Tips for Brides #4 - Lie to Your Friends

Just because you've given them no excuse to be late, doesn't mean they won't be - especially if they are known for being late. With this type of person, I encourage you to lie, yes, I said it, lie! You've invested a lot of time and money into this one day and you want it to run as smoothly as possible. If you have a friend who is always 30 minutes late, tell them 10:30 instead of 11:00. It's o.k., it's your wedding day.

In general, things just take longer on a wedding day. I encourage brides to plan how much prep time they need and then throw in an extra 30 minutes. You want to be able to enjoy all parts of your wedding day - not running around stressed out that you are late or that people won't be on time. Keep in mind these wedding photography tips for brides and your day is sure to run more smoothly.