Planning and Scheduling
* Consider creating a mood board of photos and ideas. This will collate your thoughts and assist those helping you understand what you have in mind.
* Allow time in the schedule for things not to go according to plan! For example, if you want to chat with guests before the official photos after the ceremony, make sure you put that into your timeline.
* Keep travel to a minimum so precious time is not spent travelling.
* Be aware it generally takes at least 10 minutes from when the bride arrives at the ceremony to when she walks down the aisle. Often the same with the reception. So allow this extra time in your schedule.
* All try to get plenty of sleep the night before, so the day isn't just one big blur, and you can't wait till it's over!! - yes, it's happened!
Ladies
* Try on dresses at least one week before the wedding, once dresses have been hung and all the adjustments made. Sometimes the bride's dress is too tight. If this is the case, you have time to make adjustments. Double-check the length to confirm the gown hasn't dropped, and there will be no bride tripping up while walking down the aisle!
* Comfortable shoes make a more relaxing day! So, if you want to wear heels, you may want to bring flats to walk and dance in after the ceremony, etc.
* Ensure the hairdresser is very clear about the schedule and allow extra time for them to take longer than anticipated.
* If you are the bride with a fringe and want it straight and without a gap, make sure it's pinned and hair-sprayed so you don't have to worry about it during the wedding day!
* Give the makeup artist photos of what you like and what you DON'T like (maybe an example would be dark eyeliner) so they know their boundaries.
* Make sure your veil isn't so heavy that you find it hard to walk down the aisle without it pulling!
Gentleman
* Groom's boutonnieres (lapel flowers) often get squashed and look less than okay halfway through the day. Think about having something that doesn't matter if squashed a tad! Alternatively, you could get two boutonnieres made to put a fresh one on for the official photo time. At a minimum, choose a colour that doesn't show the bruising on the flower petals!
* Make a list of everything you need to take to the ceremony. This may include rings, speeches, and sunglasses.
* If you have ties, make sure someone knows how to tie them; if no one does, have them pre-tied and loose so you can slip them on.
Getting Out the Door!
* Have a checklist of things to take to the service at the front door. Include ALL the bouquets (flower girls, too) and the hats/headpieces of all the bridesmaids. Also, include the rings, speeches, shawls and vows, if applicable. Allow 10 minutes to get out the door. Driving around the block a few times is better than running the day late.
* You could have a snap-lock bag of things for emergencies—cotton and thread, bandages, safety pins, lip gloss, eyelash adhesive, etc.
* Do you need umbrellas? - make sure they are in the car before you leave.
* Don't plan to be late. Most weddings run late anyway, so if you plan to be late, you will probably be very late. If you are too early, drive around the block a few times.
During the Ceremony
* Look at the marriage celebrant during the service rather than the audience. You may need to figure out how to do this so you don't feel awkward!
* If you have an arbour or arch to stand under, think of it—stand in the middle—it looks better in photos!
* You will probably want to hold hands during the ceremony. Make sure the microphone doesn't prevent this.
* Make sure the marriage celebrant has a copy of both your vows before the ceremony!
* You don't have to sign your wedding certificate immediately after the ceremony if your celebrant stays for the reception.
* Families love that congratulations hug or handshake when you come back down the aisle, so take your time and include as many people as you want—this will prevent anyone from being offended!
* If you have confetti or rose petals, consider asking the marriage celebrant to encourage your guests to throw them up above your heads rather than in your faces as you come down the aisle. If you have confetti canons, you don't need much to get the effect. Consider having one on either side of the aisle and ask those letting the canons off to shoot them well above you so you aren't showered with confetti and no one can see you. This also ensures the photographers get a photo of you instead of just confetti! Another option might be to have six fired at three different times as you come down the aisle.
Chauffeurs
* Check ALL chauffeurs have printed directions for where they are going or a link on their phones.
Vows and Speeches
* It's a great idea to write your own vows, but they need thought and time. So, start writing them months before your wedding day so they aren't rushed. Here are my five top tips for writing your vows.
* Encourage those giving speeches to keep them positive—brides especially don't want to be run down on their special day! If you suggested 5-10 minute speeches, most guests would love them; they are often enjoyable that way!
* Seat your parents and grandparents so they don't have to turn around constantly to hear the speeches.
Rainy or Cold Wedding Day?
* Have a fabulous 'if it rains' option so you won't feel disappointed if it decides to pour—you can have fun and get great photos in the rain! See here for more tips on rainy-day weddings!
* Do everything you can to ensure your guests' comfort. For example, if it's cold, have enough heaters/fires and rugs so everyone feels comfortable, and keep any doors with drafts closed.
* provide umbrellas if it's forecast to rain - you can sell them all afterwards.
Hot Wedding Day?
* If it will be a scorching day, try to encourage your bridal party to drink lots of water the day before to stay hydrated. If there is travel time, keep the bouquets in water on the way to the ceremony, and have a towel to pat them dry when you get there. Have water at the registry signing table, and stand in the shade as much as possible.
Encourage ALL the bridal party to wear sunscreen and have it handy for guests at an outdoor wedding.
Finger Food Meals
* For finger food meals - make sure the caterers know the schedule and serve food at a reasonable hour rather than serving hot food late into the night when some guests need to leave.
* Make sure your caterers have a plan for distributing the food to all the guests. Some shy guests can go hungry if caterers don't have a strategic plan, so make sure everyone is well-fed
Receptions
* It's excellent if water is readily available during the reception.
* Don't forget a knife if you have a cake to cut and your wedding venue doesn't supply this.
* If you have a sparkler exit - make sure the person organising knows how long they burn for and time it so that they haven't burnt out by the time you are walking through them - you could get the long sparklers rather than the short ones - they burn for a lot longer, though they can give out a lot of smoke, so you have to watch that!
Seating
* Invite friends for your parents so people can surround them and share the special day.
Enjoy the Day!
* Relax, it usually doesn't matter if things don't go as planned - it usually adds to the happy story of the day!
Tips by Verity Edgecombe Photography
Contact: https://verityedgecombephotography.goodgallery.com/contact
Wedding, Family and Product Photographer based in the Adelaide Hills - 0409 995 035 - verity@verityedgecombephotography.com.au - Copyright 2025