Photographers Offer 8 Proven Tips to Calm Your Wedding Day Nerves

Couples hire photographers and videographers to provide lasting visual memories of their wedding. Your photo professional will document every step of your special day, from pre-ceremony preparations to your first dance and beyond.

However, many couples aren’t familiar with the particulars of wedding photography – the timing, coordination and other details. A little knowledge and preparation can help you overcome the unknowns that could otherwise overwhelm you and cause added anxiety on your wedding day.

Here at Christmas Central, the professionals who photograph our products also have backgrounds in wedding photography, so we turned to them for advice on working with a photographer to chronicle your wedding day. Here are eight tips they offered to help the day go smoothly and minimize your wedding day jitters.

It’s easier than ever to view a photographer’s work even before you contact them. Check out their website, portfolio and social feeds to get a feel for the style and scope of their work. Do you prefer wedding photos that are airy, sentimental, moody, journalistic? Make sure their style meshes with your vision.

Some photographers work as a team. This is helpful if multiple venues are part of your wedding photography plans, from preparation at the couple’s homes to photo shoots at various locations. That way, sessions can be managed simultaneously or with minimal time delays.

At some point, you will meet with your photographer to review the details surrounding your day. After all, it’s a long day for all of you, with many significant moments to capture. An experienced photo professional is familiar with the wedding day game plan and is prepared for each highlight. However, if there’s a particular image you want photographed, mention it, so they can add it to their schedule.

As you work through the photography schedule, remember that quality wedding photos can take time. Your photographer will stage each shot to ensure every detail looks just right.

Beyond that, consider the whims of guests and traffic. Sometimes you have to wrangle family members or guests away from the party for a special shot. If your ceremony and reception will be held in different places, consider transportation, too, and allow ample time for travel. 

Assign people to handle all the small but significant details that crop up on the wedding day. This is why you have attendants! If you want a detailed memorabilia shot, put your maid of honor in charge of gathering your rings, invitations, jewelry, shoes and bouquet.

Have someone carry an “emergency kit” with essentials like lipstick, stain remover, small scissors, safety pins, etc. Assign someone to corral guests who are needed for special photos.

Will there be a flower girl and ring bearer? Designate a person who is not in the wedding party to watch the kids and provide snacks, entertainment or potty breaks as necessary.

Many couples include pets in their special day. Book a pet sitter to pick up your pooch and mind her after the ceremony.

You’ve hired a photographer to chronicle your wedding and invited guests to share your joy. However, personal technology has blurred the line between photographer and guest – often to the detriment of your wedding photos, with a wall of cell phones blocking the faces of your family and friends in the background.

If you desire an “unplugged” event, make your wishes known to guests. Multiple reminders are helpful. Put a note on your invitations and programs, have your officiant repeat the message, ask your wedding party to remind guests and make signs for the venue. Make it clear to guests that you want them to relax and be present with you at specific points during the day. That way, Uncle Mike hopefully won’t be squatting there with his tablet as you walk down the aisle.

Many couples envision a beautiful natural backdrop for their wedding photos, like a favorite park, garden, beach or mountain top. However, Mother Nature can ruin plans for those magical outdoor shots. Hope for the best, but be prepared to pivot.

Even if you're hoping for outdoor photos, professional wedding photographers suggest you always have a rain plan. Public buildings, historical sites and botanical gardens are excellent backup options for indoor photo sessions, but check with the location in advance. You may be required to make a photo shoot reservation and/or pay a fee. 

Your wedding photos are a lasting reminder of one of the most important days of your life. A few savvy “insider tips” from professionals can help you prepare and keep your wedding day running smoothly, so all you have to do is smile!

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