- Make sure everyone understands the importance of being on time for the formal portraits.  Usually portraits are done 2-1/2 hours prior to the ceremony and the schedule is tightly arranged to include everything you need, as long as no one is late.  The guests usually begin arriving up to 30 minutes before the ceremony so any equipment used for the portraits will need to be taken down, and the bride needs to leave the chapel.  These are the most important pictures of your life, and you are not able to go back and get pictures that were missed if people don’t arrive as scheduled.

- Give everyone a specific time to be there, according to the schedule you receive from your photographers, and if you have friends or family that usually do run late, tell them to be there a half an hour earlier. Usually grandparents or other family members do not need to be there until about an hour before the ceremony for the pictures. Discuss with your photographer any frail family members or anyone with special needs, so they can adjust your portrait session accordingly to meet all of your needs and make everyone as comfortable as possible.

- When purchasing your bouquet, give consideration to the weight of the flowers. Sometimes when using real flowers they can be fairly heavy and keep in mind that you will be holding them for the entire time you are taking pictures.

- It is wise to have a second set of candles so you can have your candles lit during the portraits, and then use fresh ones for the ceremony.

- Designate, designate, designate. Give the chores away, let someone else handle the details for you, leaving you time to enjoy your day. Make a list.

- It is very important to wear comfortable shoes!!  The bride will be on her feet most of the day and dancing well into the night. You would not believe how many brides I have seen wearing tennis shoes or flip flops decorated up to look really cute. Ballet slippers work wonderfully!! Check with you bridal store. You will be so happy you did. I can not tell you how many times about an hour into the portraits the bride is miserable, with the day just beginning!! Your feet are the last thing you need to worry about.

- Rented tux shoes can be uncomfortable.  Sometimes the guys buy their own shoes that look like the tux shoes, but actually feel good. If nothing else, plan to have comfortable shoes to slip into at the reception, or invest in a pair of Dr. Scholl's foam inner soles for the rentals.

- Long reception lines can take a long time.  Usually around 30-45 minutes per 100 people. You have several options, any of which are acceptable.

- Consider going back in the church as soon as you walk down the aisle to greet your guests yourselves at each pew as they leave. Have just your parents stand in line with you to receive your guests as they leave the church.

- Start a receiving line with just the two of you to greet your guests at the reception and have the food ready for them to immediately get their plate while they are waiting for everyone to get there. I have even seen the bride & groom walk from table to table, eliminating the receiving line altogether.

- Plan to cut your cake directly after arriving at your reception. If you get the few pictures you need done quickly, you are then free to enjoy your reception and visit with all of your guests without worrying about the photographer pulling you away.

- Some darkly colored frosting can stain clothing, and can even actually color your mouth. Be sure you ask your cake decorator about it.

- And finally... ENJOY YOURSELF! It is your day of a lifetime.

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Creative Focus Photography - Wedding Portraits