This past Saturdays wedding I was not-so-intentionally
reminded of how planning a wedding schedule is so important. Not only
for you and your photographer, but for your guests.
I had to make a pit stop at the Inn at where we had just
wrapped up the days after ceremony photos. The venue was very strict on
their reception start and would not allow guests to go inside until a
particular time. While in my stall, a few ladies had walked in
mid-conversation about how annoyingly long pictures take after the
ceremony. Giggling to myself (as we had been done for over a half hour)
it made me very aware about how planning out your wedding day time line
can be such a tricky thing. It’s a good thing I have a thick skin
because I’m usually the one blamed for things running a little long.
To a photographers defence there are reasons why we do “take so long”. If anyone has looked into a wedding photographer
recently you have probably noticed that most of our styles have gone
way above and beyond the standard statue poses and high flash lighting.
Every day wedding photography is turning into a mater piece work-of-art, under very short time constraints.
Things to consider when you’re planning your wedding day:
- An ever more popular solution is a cocktail hour at the
reception venue – consider doing your photographs nearby as you won’t
keep your guests waiting as long. Music also goes a long way in
entertaining. Maybe you could consider having something live like a
string quartet or cover band if your budget allows.
- Ask only family members having their picture taken to
accompany the wedding party and the photographer. This way you’re less
distracted with people trying to pull you aside or grab a ‘quick photo’.
100 ‘quick photos’ take a lot of time, may (probably) annoy your
photographer, and keep you from getting back to your own big party. It’s
quite often I will have my couple stand together outside the ceremony
JUST for the guests to get in a pic (to post to Facebook) and show off
the new couple immediately. However, sometimes the weather or the time
line doesn’t always allow for this.
- If you plan on taking considerable amounts of time for your
photography, consider mentioning with your invitations nearby places to
grab an appetizer and a drink or maybe a mini-golf
course or something fun to do in the meantime. If you’re doing an
outside or tent reception come up with some fun games, could be as
simple as horse shoes, for your guests to start up on their own. Etsy
has TONS of fun hand-made ideas that are sure to impress and for those
on a budget – the dollar store is a wonderful place to find cost
effective entertainment.
- Do first-look photos (photos together before the ceremony)
to cut down the after ceremony wait. Did you know that the big reveal
down the isle, although has been adopted as a tradition, originated from
arranged marriages so that the couple doesn’t have a chance to change
their minds? Doing your photos before the ceremony could put you
directly into your party after the ceremony – how much fun would that
be?! For everyone!
Things to consider as a guest of a wedding:
- Save your ‘quick pics’ for the reception. Chances are
you’ll get a great shot in your Thank You card that the photographer has
taken. Maybe the couple will have a photo booth at their wedding where
you can get a professional shot of yourselves with the couple.
- Be proactive. Take a look at the time that the bride and
groom have set aside until the reception and do a bit of homework. Is
there an art gallery or a market in the area to go and check out? Maybe
there is a nice patio to sit out on (with a beverage) to take the day’s
events in and chat with other guests.
Because of so many restrictions with vendors it’s hard to
plan a day that flows perfectly. Try to contact your venue or your
photographer prior to your big day to come up with some ideas to
accommodate your guests. Best thing to do is remember that the day of
the wedding the only thing you can do is sit back, relax and enjoy the
day as it happens. It’ll go by so fast.
Regardless your guests are there to enjoy and celebrate your
BIG DAY with the two of you. If the photo portion after the ceremony
goes a little long and someone needs to point a finger, blame me, I’m
used to it.
Article written by: Alicia Riley
Alicia Riley Photography – www.aliciariley.com
source: http://www.ijustsaidyes.com/?p=5595
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