How to make the most of your wedding day details – Concordia, Missouri photographer

It’s your wedding day, and there are so many things happening all at once. Make-up and hair, the reception details are being finalized, the groom and groomsmen are getting ready – it’s a lot to take in. Below, I’ve created a list of things to have ready when the photographer arrives on your big day to help it go as smoothly as possible.

1. The rings

Having all the rings with the bride the morning of your big day will mean they are all in one place for detail photos, and no one is trying to hunt them down. The engagement ring began the whole journey to this day, and the wedding bands are a symbol of your commitment to each other. The rings and your wedding images are the two main things you have to hold on to after your wedding day is over.

2. The papers

All the invitations, programs, envelopes, etc. You took the time to plan your invitations and they tell the story of the beginning of your day. Everything about the day has been carefully thought out by the couple, and I love being able to document all of the details that reflect the feeling of the entire day.

3. The bride’s accessories

Any additional jewelry, like earrings, necklaces, bottles of perfume, or the garters are good to have on hand. Sometimes these little details can be overlooked throughout the day, but having them photographed makes sure you will always remember every part of your day.

4. The dresses

One of the more obvious things to have out when I arrive would be all the bridesmaids dresses and the wedding dress, preferably on a wooden or decorative hanger. I think the wedding dress says a lot about the mood of the day.

5. The groom’s accessories

His cuff links, the tie or bow tie, if he’s wearing a watch… all of these details tell just as much of a story as the bridal details. Weddings tend to get pretty bride-oriented, but it is a story of two people celebrating their love. The groom’s details had just as much thought put into them, and that should be showcased.

6. The flowers

I adore fresh flowers. And like many other details throughout the day, the flowers are a part of the story and the tone throughout the day. Wild and carefree bouquet or a more traditional uniform arrangement? Which will it be?

7. The reception details and party favors

If the reception is set up early enough, I can go in and capture all of those details without the area being full of guests. Most couples only get to see the reception hall when it is full of people as they do their grand entrance. I think it’s nice to be able to see everything all laid out and ready for your guests arrival.

8. The bride

This one may seem odd, and I know a lot of bride’s want to go last so their makeup and hair are the freshest. However, if they bride goes second or third, it allows the stylist to see how your hair is going to hold up and they can make any changes the need to before you run out the door. The same goes for makeup, if you wait until the end, and something with your makeup is not photographing well (like highlighter and the camera’s flash) there isn’t any time to fix it.

Hair and makeup always takes much longer than anyone plans, and if the bride is going last then the stylist and makeup artist feel rushed to try to keep everything else on time. Going earlier in the line up allows time for corrections that might be needed to ensure you look your best.

If you’d like to share your engagement story with me, or to book your engagement session or wedding, you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Follow @kelseyalumbaugh on Instagram to see the more photos and like me on Facebook to see more of my work.

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