Wedding Day Tips for Brides

Your wedding day is going to be filled with joyful, emotional, unforgettable moments—some planned, some spontaneous—and a little thoughtful preparation can help it all unfold smoothly. While this guide is written from a seasoned wedding photographer’s perspective, these wedding day tips for brides go far beyond just photos. Whether you’re planning your timeline, choosing a getting ready space, or making sure your details are organized, this post will help you feel calm, confident, and ready to enjoy every second of your day.

Let’s walk through a few ways to make your wedding day feel effortless and joyful!

Making a Shot List: What You Do (and Don’t) Need

You don’t need to send your photographer a checklist of obvious moments like the first look, walking down the aisle, or your first kiss—we already have those top of mind.

What is helpful, though, is a family photo list and any specific requests that are unique to your day. For example:

• A sentimental heirloom you want photographed
• A surprise moment with your grandmother
• A group photo with college friends at the reception
• A special pose or tradition you want included

If it’s something that wouldn’t be obvious to your photographer, just let them know in advance!

 

Getting Ready: Tips for a Calm, Beautiful Start

Your getting ready space sets the tone for your entire day—so a little planning here goes a long way.

• Wear something beautiful and comfortable. Choose a robe or outfit that’s cozy for hair and makeup but also photographs well—and can be easily removed without messing up your finished look.
• Pick a space with good light and room to breathe. Standard hotel rooms can feel cramped fast when you add in bridesmaids, family, a photo team (usually 2 people), hair and makeup artists (often 2+), videographers (1–3), and even content creators. Choose a space with natural light and plenty of room to move around. Vacation rentals are a great option, as they’ll have multiple rooms!
• Have all of your details gathered in one spot and ready before your photographer arrives. That way they can easily begin photographing details without asking you where everything is located.

 

Details Photos: What to Gather Ahead of Time

To help your photographer create those dreamy details photos, gather all your special items in one spot ahead of time. Here’s what to include:

• Engagement ring + both wedding bands
• Ring box
• Bouquet and boutonnière
• Wedding dress + veil
• Shoes
• Hair accessories
• Jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelet, etc.)
• Vow books
• Invitation suite (bring two copies of anything with a front and back so it can all be photographed together)
• Perfume
• Family heirlooms or meaningful keepsakes
• Optional: Loose florals for styling photos (ask your florist for extras!)

Pro tip: Make sure your groom’s ring is also in the getting ready space for detail photos—it’s easy to overlook!

 

 Couples Photos: Just Be Present (Not Perfect)

You may have heard the trend of practicing a “soft smile” for wedding photos—but I promise, that’s not what you should be focusing on during your wedding. The best photos come when you’re fully in the moment, filled with joy, and not thinking about what your face looks like or what to do with your hands. It’s your photographer’s job to capture you in all your joy-filled beauty, from the quiet moments to the belly laughs and everything in between.

During your couples portraits, your photographer will guide you through everything. You don’t need to be a model or memorize poses. I use a technique I call “personality posing” to bring out your natural dynamic as a couple—whether you’re romantic, playful, giggly, or all of the above. Just focus on being present and soaking in the joy of the moment!

Should You Send Pinterest Photo Inspiration?

You’re welcome to share a Pinterest board if you want to give your photographer a sense of the overall vibe—but try not to treat it as a shot-for-shot checklist.

Remember:

• The photos you love most from your photographer weren’t copied from Pinterest—they were created organically in the moment.
• Trying to exactly replicate someone else’s photos takes time away from capturing your real story.
• Every wedding day has its own unique light, setting, couple, dress, and vibe—and those differences are what make your photos beautiful and personal.

Let’s make your wedding photos the ones that get pinned by other brides!

 

Extra Wedding Day Tips for Brides 

Here are a few small tips that can make a big difference on your wedding day:

• Clean your engagement ring beforehand so it sparkles in photos.
• Break in your shoes ahead of time to avoid sore feet. (And bring a second pair of shoes for the reception!)
• Take bouquets out of water 30 minutes before leaving and dry the stems to prevent water spots on dresses.
• Steam your dress and veil the night before so you’re not rushing the morning of.
• Eat a real meal! Even if you’re nervous, having protein in your system helps with raising energy and lowering anxiety.
• Choose your jewelry ahead of time so it’s one less decision to make the day of – and so your photographer can photograph your jewelry along with your other details.
• Bring a portable phone charger so you’re not tethered to a wall outlet all morning.
• Set the vibe with music (or silence). Choose whatever helps you feel relaxed and happy while getting ready.
• Write your vows in your vow book the day before to avoid delays in your timeline and unnecessary stress before your ceremony.
• Have a small day-of purse or pouch with lipstick, oil blotting sheets, a water bottle, and anything else you might need throughout the day. (And have a bridesmaid designated to carry it for you!)

 

The Most Important of ALL the Wedding Day Tips for Brides

At the end of the day, your wedding is about marrying your person and starting the next chapter of your life together. Yes, we’ll capture all the beautiful details you’ve thoughtfully chosen—but the heart of your wedding is the joy, love, and laughter you share throughout the day.

That’s what I care most about capturing for you—and that’s what you’ll treasure most when you look back at your photos. Questions? Send me an email!