Hi lovelies,

The photos taken on your wedding day will become memories you cherish forever, so it’s important to get them right. Invest in a professional photographer and plan the pictures together carefully. Think about the different locations and settings, and have a contingency plan in place if the weather changes. This way, you should get a range of fantastic indoor and outdoor photos that you can share with your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box either and try something original. It’s your day and the photos should reflect your unique personality and style. Here are fifteen tips for getting the best wedding photos.

Hire a professional
Even if you’re planning a budget wedding, it’s worth spending money on a professional wedding photographer. They will have plenty of experience in taking the type of pictures you want and it will make the day less stressful. You can relax and rest assured that your photography is in the hands of an expert. You could look for a photographer online, read some reviews and see if their portfolio aligns with your personal style. Here are some more tips on how to choose a wedding photographer.

Choose a theme
In order to plan your wedding photos, you could decide on a theme. This could be related to the time of year, especially if you’re getting married during the holidays. If you’re getting married abroad or in a historical location, you could include aspects of the local culture in your theme. It’s entirely up to you. Here is a guide to wedding themes to help you. Speak to your photographer as well as they will be able to provide you with professional insights and ideas.

Find original locations
When you’re choosing a wedding venue, bear in mind locations for photos, indoors and outdoors. Research the local area and see if you can find more original locations for your photos. This will add a more unique touch. Find a setting that resonates with you or that reflects your personality. Original backdrops could be anything from industrial architecture to street art.

Avoid clichés
If you would like to take less than traditional photos, original backdrops are a good place to start. You could also consider different poses and more candid, natural photos. Here are a few more tips on how to avoid taking cliché wedding photos. The most important thing is that you show a touch of your true character. Try to relax and enjoy the day and you’ll avoid awkwardly posed photos. If you’d rather cut out the classics such as the throwing of the bouquet, find an alternative to carrying a bouquet altogether. It’s your wedding, so anything goes.

Set up the getting ready area
A classic getting ready photo is one many couples go for, however. You want this to look natural, but it’s a good idea to prepare the setting first. Tidy up the room where you’re getting ready so you don’t end up with socks on the floor in the background. If you’re eating and drinking, get rid of empty plates and glasses and instead set up a pretty table with champagne and treats. Once you’ve tidied up the space you can relax and get some natural getting ready pics.

Get natural mingling photos
Mingling shots are the best way to get candid photos of all your guests having fun. Your photographer will be an expert at doing this. You’ll never even know they were there and will wonder where the photos came from. If you’d like to mix things up a bit as well, you could ask your guests to take pictures. It’s up to them to document the fun times they had at your wedding. You might even get some nice reunion photos of family members that haven’t seen each other in a while.

Embrace the weather
Everybody fears rain on their wedding day but in fact, it can make for some very original photographs. If you’re worried the weather might change on the day there are few things you can do to be prepared to still get great photos. Talk to your make-up artist and hairdresser for any beauty secrets that will make your look more weather-proof. Then be ready to embrace it and take photos outdoors. Rain makes a beautiful backdrop, and you could even get some matching umbrellas to have on hold just in case. Don’t let the weather put you off getting amazing outdoor photos on your special day.

Take care of your photographer
Remember that your photographer is an experienced professional so listen to their ideas. They will know how to get the perfect pictures for you so their input is important. This is why it’s essential to build a good rapport with your photographer. Get to know them before the big day and ask them if there’s anything they need. The wedding will be a long working day for them so be sure to treat them to refreshments and plenty of quick breaks. It’s a good idea to agree on an appropriate schedule ahead of time too.

Allow plenty of time
Don’t try to rush things. Allow plenty of time for taking photos and discuss a realistic timeframe with your photographer. This is especially important if you’re using multiple locations. Wedding portraits can take time to set up if you want to get them right. Take your time walking down the aisle and hold certain poses for longer, such as the first kiss, for example. This will allow your photographer to get a few different shots and you can choose the best ones.

Make a mood board
If you’d like to give your photographer a visual of your personality and style beforehand, you could make a mood board on Pinterest. It’s very easy to do by dragging and dropping images onto a template of your choice. This will give them an indication of the theme and type of photos you want. Don’t be afraid to discuss your ideas with them as they will be able to help you plan your photos. 

Create action shots
Action shots are a fun choice for weddings. The classics include throwing confetti over the newlyweds or the catching of the bouquet. If you’re planning a more eco-friendly wedding, there are also plenty of sustainable alternatives to confetti. These include dried flowers, leaves, and herbs. You can ask your guests to throw some of these into the air instead. That way you’ll be able to get your action shots guilt-free with zero environmental impact.

Consider the time of day
There’s a term known by photographers as the golden hour. This is in the early evening just before sunset or right after dawn. It’s probably more typical to have a sunset wedding, so bear the time in mind. This type of lighting is said to be the most flattering and romantic. Sunset times will vary depending on the season so if you want to take advantage of the golden hour, check what time the sunsets are at the time of year when you’re getting married.

Emergency touch-up kit
If you’re worried about your hair and make-up while traveling between different photography locations you could always carry a small bridal touch-up kit. You can carry all the essentials you need and a small mirror. This way even if you opt for more spontaneous pics, you can freshen up quickly on the go. It’s also useful if the weather changes unexpectedly. An emergency touch-up kit, if nothing else, will give you peace of mind if you’re feeling self-conscious of how you look.

Lighten your load
Sometimes carting around too much stuff is tiring when you’re trying to take wedding photos. Consider how you’re getting to your chosen locations and whether you need to rethink any part of your outfit or accessories. Bouquets are delicate and it can be a challenge to keep them in a perfect arrangement all day. A hoop bouquet, for example, is a much more convenient choice. It’s really up to you, but your comfort is the most important thing. 

Relax and enjoy it
The only way to get truly amazing photos on your wedding day is to relax and enjoy it. Have fun creating original shots and poses. Look for curious and interesting locations and experiment a little. Your photographer is a trained professional so they’ll be able to work wonders in any setting. Ditch the stressed serious attitude and remember to smile and laugh. This way you’ll look more happy and natural in the photos. 

Your wedding photos will tell a story of a day you’ll never want to forget. Professional photography will help you capture every detail, from the place settings to the boutonnieres. When looking back at your photos you’ll remember every feeling, sounds, and even smells of the moment. They allow you to relive the magic of your special day. This is why it’s important to choose the best photographer, locations, and time of day to get your pictures just right.