23 Tips for a stress free, smooth wedding day

Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you can ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless weddings, and over the years, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creating a smooth, stress-free experience. To help you navigate the day with ease and enjoy every moment, I’ve put together a list of tried-and-true tips. Whether you’re in the midst of planning or finalizing the details, these suggestions will help make your wedding day as seamless and memorable as possible.

1. Create a Shot List for Your Photographer

To ensure your wedding day photos capture every important moment, make a detailed shot list for your photographer. Think about any must-have images—whether it's special details like heirloom jewelry, personalized décor, or the emotions of your closest family members. Do you have specific people you want to make sure are featured in your photos? A meaningful tradition or candid moments you want documented? Share your vision with me! By providing a thoughtful shot list, I can tailor my approach to highlight the moments that matter most to you, ensuring no important memory is missed.

2. Collect all of your getting ready details in one place

Gather all of the details you want photographed in one place. A shoe box is a great place to transport and keep things.Collect all of your details and items you want photographed such as: Rings, bouquets, wedding invitations, jewelry, shoes, cufflinks, special memorabilia, ring box, hair pieces, vow book, perfume etc.

3. Wedding invitations

I loveeeee taking lay flat detail photos during the getting ready portion of the day. The invitation is such a lovely addition to this. Bring your invitation along with your other getting ready details for some beautiful flat lay photos. You can also mail me an invitation and I will make sure to bring it to the wedding to photograph, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing it.

4. Consider a First Look

A first look is an incredibly special moment for many couples, and for good reason. It offers a private, intimate opportunity to see your partner for the first time on your wedding day, away from the crowds and the ceremony’s rush. The raw emotion and joy in these moments create truly authentic and heartwarming photos. From a photography perspective, a first look is also a fantastic way to make the most of your wedding day timeline. It allows us to capture beautiful couple portraits before the ceremony, when your hair, makeup, and outfits are still fresh. This extra time for portraits means you’ll have even more stunning, stress-free photos to look back on.

5. Consider Private Vows

If you're looking for a deeply personal moment before the ceremony, consider exchanging private vows. Typically, this takes place after your first look, offering you the chance to share intimate words with each other without the pressure of an audience. It’s a quiet, meaningful moment that can be beautifully captured through candid portraits, allowing me to document the raw emotion of the exchange. These private vows not only create timeless photos but also give you both a moment to pause and reflect on the significance of the day, just the two of you.

6. Go Slow Down the Aisle

I know, I know—walking down the aisle is one of those moments where your instinct might be to book it and get to your partner as fast as possible. But trust me, take a deep breath and savor it! This is your moment to shine, and slowing down gives you the chance to truly soak in the love and excitement around you. Look at the faces of your closest friends and family, and don’t forget to take in the way your partner’s eyes light up when they see you. Plus, slowing down allows me to capture the magic of the processional and recessional in all its glory. With just a little extra time, I can frame those perfect, cinematic shots that will make your photos even that much better.

7. Hydrate and eat

Make sure you drink plenty of water, and have a nice meal while getting ready. The day goes by so fast, it is so important to hydrate and keep your energy up.

8. Add Extra Wiggle Room to the Timeline

A little extra time in the schedule can go a long way toward keeping the day flowing smoothly. Adding just 5-10 minutes between transitions—like getting from one location to the next—can make a big difference. Plus, if you're on track with the timeline, guess what? More time to relax and enjoy your cocktail hour! (Who doesn’t want that?) The trick is not to over-pack the day with back-to-back events. Trust me, it’s always better to leave some wiggle room. Because let’s be real—wedding days rarely go exactly as planned. Something might take longer than expected (it always does, right?). By building in some buffer time, everyone can stay relaxed and enjoy the day without feeling rushed or stressed.

9. Practice Tying Your Tie or Bow Tie Ahead of Time

I can’t tell you how many weddings I’ve shot where the guys are running late because they didn’t quite master tying a tie—or thought they had it figured out... only to realize they didn’t! Save yourself the stress and take a few minutes to practice before the big day. Whether it’s a classic tie or a bow tie, getting the hang of it beforehand can save you time and frustration. And if you're looking for a super easy option, clip-on bow ties or ties can look just as sharp and are a breeze to put on. Need a little help? Here’s some link to some handy how-to videos to get you on your way — TIE. BOWTIE.

10. Consider a 2nd wedding outfit for the reception/ dance floor

Let’s be real, some wedding dresses are NOT easy to move around in. Consider getting a fun dress to change into sometime during the reception. I often see fun mini dresses, sparkly full length slip dresses, and cute white/ sparkle tennis shoes. This is such a special day, why not be EXTRA and have an extra outfit (or two!)

11. Enjoy your reception meal

You carefully picked out an amazing meal for all of your guests to enjoy, make sure you enjoy it as well! If opting for a buffet dinner, have your wedding coordinator or caterer bring you your plate!

12. Ask your florist for a few extra floral pieces to use in the getting ready photos

I love to incorporate flowers in my detail shots because they add a natural, romantic touch to the images. Ask your florist for a few extra blooms or greenery to use while styling your invitation suite, rings, or bridal accessories. Florals help tie your wedding theme together and create a cohesive, polished look in your getting ready photos. Whether placed delicately around your dress, shoes, or flat-lay details, flowers bring a fresh, elegant feel that beautifully complements the story of your day.

13. Clean up your getting ready space for photos

I often rearrange furniture and tidy up the space to create the best possible backdrop for your getting ready photos. A clean, open room with plenty of natural window light makes a world of difference compared to a dimly lit, cluttered hotel room. If possible, consider booking a spacious suite or an Airbnb to ensure a bright and beautiful setting. A well-lit, clutter-free space not only enhances your photos but also creates a more relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere as you prepare for your special day.

14. Plan Your Family and Bridal Party Photos Before the Ceremony

Many couples choose to schedule their family and bridal party photos right after the first look and couple’s portraits—and for good reason. Knocking out those group photos before the ceremony means you get to fully enjoy your cocktail hour and reception without the interruption of more posed shots. If you want to go with a hybrid approach, I often recommend doing immediate family photos before the ceremony and saving extended family photos for afterward. This balanced approach helps keep the timeline smooth and gives you more time to relax, mingle, and soak in the celebration.

15. Take Golden Hour Couple Portraits

Golden hour is every photographer’s dream—it’s that magical time just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. Taking 10–20 minutes around this time for a quick portrait session can result in some of the most stunning, romantic images of the day. Since golden hour usually falls during cocktail hour or early into the reception, it’s also a perfect opportunity to step away from the crowd, share a quiet moment together, and soak it all in as newlyweds.

16. Make Sure the Bridal Party Is Photo-Ready

Little details can easily delay the timeline—I've seen things like missing boutonnieres or forgotten bouquets set us back 10+ minutes. To keep things running smoothly, make sure the entire bridal party is fully prepped before photo time. That means boutonnieres are pinned, bouquets are in hand, and no phones or sunglasses are in pockets. When everyone’s camera-ready, we can jump right into photos without any hiccups.

17. Let Family Know When and Where to Be for Photos

One of the easiest ways to keep your timeline on track is to make sure your family knows exactly where to be—and when—for group portraits. Let them know ahead of time and ask them to arrive at least 15 minutes early. That buffer helps account for any last-minute delays and ensures we can start right on time without chasing people down. The more prepared everyone is, the smoother and faster the photo session will go!

18. Ask Your Officiant to Step Aside Before the First Kiss

Professional officiants usually know to step to the side before your first kiss—but if a friend or family member is officiating, they may not realize this detail. A quick heads-up beforehand can make a big difference! Once they pronounce you married, ask them to take a small step out of the frame so your first kiss photo is just the two of you. It’s a simple move that helps create a clean, timeless shot you’ll love forever.

19. Plan a Dip or Kiss During Your Ceremony Recessional

While these moments can happen naturally, a dip or kiss during your walk back down the aisle is usually best when it's planned and practiced. About halfway down the aisle, pause, turn toward each other, and go for that kiss or dramatic dip. With your loved ones cheering in the background, this makes for one of the most joyful and frame-worthy photos of the day. It's a little moment with a big impact!

20. Consider Having Your Rehearsal Dinner Photographed

Why photograph your rehearsal dinner? Because it’s one of the most intimate, heartfelt parts of the wedding weekend. It’s usually a smaller, handpicked group of your closest people—many of whom have traveled just to be there. It’s a relaxed, meaningful time filled with laughter, hugs, and anticipation. Capturing this evening means preserving the beautiful setting you thoughtfully chose, as well as fun candids, emotional toasts, and group shots before the big day kicks off.

It’s also a great opportunity to take some relaxed couple portraits in a different outfit—whether you’re dressed up or keeping it casual, it adds variety and another layer of personality to your wedding gallery.

21. Build in Extra Time for Hair and Makeup

One of the most common reasons wedding timelines fall behind is hair and makeup running longer than expected. To keep your day on track, work with your hair and makeup artists to create a schedule that allows for plenty of buffer time—not just for you, but for anyone else getting glammed up. Starting earlier than you think you need can make all the difference and help the rest of the day unfold smoothly, stress-free, and right on time.

22. Don’t Rush the First Kiss—Make It Linger!

With over 200 weddings under my belt, I’m proud to say I’ve never missed a first kiss. That said… I’ve had a few that were so quick, I almost did! Your first kiss as a married couple is a big moment—so take your time, savor it, and let it linger just a little longer than feels natural. Not only is it more meaningful in the moment, but it also makes for a much better photo. Trust me, your future selves will thank you.

23. Break Tradition and Have Fun!

This is, without a doubt, the most important tip of all: Your wedding day is about YOU. You can do absolutely anything you want. Don’t feel obligated to follow every tradition if it’s not your style. Afraid of dancing in front of people? Skip the first dance. Want to walk down the aisle together as a couple? Go for it! I’ve seen couples break all sorts of traditions in the best ways—like a mosh pit instead of the traditional mother-son/father-daughter dance, a ceremony PowerPoint presentation, or even a staged sword fight!

Smash cake in each other’s faces, whisper your deepest secrets, and get wild on the dance floor like no one’s watching. Light sparklers, skip under a starlit sky, pop bottles, take shots (after the formal photos, of course!), and make silly faces with your best friends. Whatever makes your day uniquely yours—go for it. The more fun you have, the more legendary the celebration will be!