Some Wedding Ideas That Could Have Gone Better
Some Wedding Ideas That Could Have Gone Better
When I tell people that I have photographed over 500 weddings, the reaction is almost always, “Wow, I bet you have seen it all”. Well, maybe I have not seen it all, but I’ve seen a lot. I thought I might share a few of my experiences with you.
Butterfly release: What to say? I have seen this one quite a few times. In theory, it’s an ace. In reality, can be a little less than desirable. What could be better than having your guests release a couple hundred butterflies? Here’s how this one works: You order these butterflies that come neatly packaged in little boxes. Now, these poor creatures have been enclosed in this box for the shipping. This is probably why I detest this ritual even more so, than the fact that it is unsuccessful. So, you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, and everyone is supposed to open their little boxes. In theory, these little beauties are to fly out and circle everyone, and it’s a surrealist hallmark moment. The reality is, half of them are dead, and a third are paralyzed from the journey. I’m sorry but dead butterflies aren’t the best way to begin your journey as husband and wife.
Consider the Season: So, I work in the Southeast. It’s a beautiful part of the country partly because of our four distinct seasons. Please, consider your season when planning your event. Please don’t wear a summer, destination, strapless dress for your January wedding. I’ve seen it many times. The bride wants photos outside. The bride is in a strapless gown. The bridesmaids are in strapless cocktail dresses. It’s sleeting outside. The only thing worse than being covered in goosebumps with wind-chapped skin in your photos is being dripping in perspiration. Which brings us to summer. If you love your fiancé and his assigns you WILL NOT plan an August wedding in Georgia and require them to wear a 3 piece rental. If you want a summer wedding, your styling should reflect it. The important thing is to be comfortable, so think ahead.
Multiple Locations: I certainly have no problem shooting in multiple locations. After all, I am there to capture the day that you have created. If you are planning a ceremony, and reception in different locations, just make sure that you account for the “travel time”. Now, “travel time” is very different when it involves a wedding party in formal wear, and travel bags. Keep in mind that, your guests will get to the reception site before you will. Plan this accordingly, because you don’t want to feel frantic and rushed after the ceremony. You want to have time to take the pictures that you want, and make a graceful excitable entrance into your reception.
No Rain Plan: I’ll keep this one short. If you are planning an event with more than 25 people you BETTER have a rain plan. Don’t count on mother nature doing you any favors. The second that you do, she will dump showers on you for 12 hours.
These are some things that I have found to be subpar over the years. This is not to say that all of the above are going to work out just fine for you. What you should remember, is that SOMETHING will go awry on your big day. When it does, look at your husband, your best friends, your family, and remember that you are loved, you look GORGEOUS, and have some fun!!!
