Whether your wedding is this summer, fall, or tbd because you are still making plan, this should give you a little help! I always want to provide you with a way to have just one bit less stress on and around your wedding day.

From years of photographing weddings and being on the frontlines of the day, from getting ready to hopping on the party bus, backrooms where dresses are getting bustled and dance floor oopsies - here is what you need to know.

1. Have alllllllllll the special things you want photographed as stand alone items ready to go in one place at the time of “getting ready” photos. This way you or someone in your bridal party isn’t scrambling for them. This is the best time for us to photograph this items, so they aren’t forgotten once the day gets going. This includes, but isn’t limited to items like:

   • your invitation suite

   • perfume

   • important paper products for the day (menu, program)

   • rings

   • momentos

   • gift/card for your partner if you are doing this

   • wedding party gift

   • shoes

   • cufflinks

   • heirlooms

   • non plastic hanger for your dress(es)/suit

2. Have getting ready space somewhat organized when photographer arrives, don’t want it to look like a tornado just passed through.

3. Assign a contact point person for the bride(s) and/or groom(s), generally someone who will be with you most of the day

4. Break in those shoes before your wedding day and bring back ups!

5. Pack an emergency kit! I always have one, but things that are helpful

   • needle with white + black thread

   • deodorant

   • safety pins

   • bandaids

   • bobby pins

   • wipes

   • anti chafing stick

   • tissues

   • nail file

   • double sided tape

   • phone charger

   • hairspray

   • floss

   • stain remover

   • environmentally friendly straws

6. Have important vendors numbers

7. Send everyone in your wedding party a copy of your schedule (if this is important to you)

8. Have a list of the family photo groupings you would like taken

9. Decide how important it is to you to stay on schedule (esp knowing what time your vendors are scheduled to depart)

10. Music/portable speaker! Get the party started or set the vibe when you are ready

11. Know where your marriage license and vows will be/who is in charge of them

12. If you don’t have a planner or coordinator for day of, who will be in charge of gift transport/security and wedding breakdown

13. If you are tipping vendors have that sorted and organized beforehand

14. WATER WATER WATER