Allowing enough time for your photographs
A common dilemma I come across is the timing for the day. If the ceremony and reception are to be held at the same venue couples don’t want a huge gap between them. They worry that the guests will have too big a gap and be at a loss as to what to do. A few suggestions are:
1 Have your bridal party photographs taken before the ceremony. This is becoming more popular. Sure you will see each other before the ceremony but traditions are changing quickly. You could spend a couple of hours having beautiful images taken and then travel relaxed to the ceremony. After the ceremony and congratulations you can mingle with your guests and have family and guest photographs taken before the reception starts. You may still like to allow 30 minutes or so for photographs at the reception venue.
2 If seeing your wife or husband to-be-before the ceremony is a no no then you will need to allow enough time after the ceremony. You can arrange to have very brief congratulations or just have the parents congratulate you. This will allow for enough time to have photographs with your bridal party.
And of course some lovely romantic moments together.
3 Allow for a big gap between ceremony and reception. This gives guests time to return home and relax before the evening festivities begin. It allows you to mingle with the guests after the ceremony and maybe have a group photograph is the location is suitable.
4 You can send a list of sightseeing options with the invitations. For example, if the wedding is in the Swan Valley you could include a list of some of the many places they could visit. Maybe organize a bus to take them on a tour.
5 If the budget and time allows you could consider a photographic shoot on another day. On the actual wedding day the time between ceremony and reception can be used for family photographs plus with your bridal party. The next day you can have your own special wedding portrait shoot without the pressure of limited time. You will be relaxed and you won’t be worrying that the dress may get dirty. The following image was taken the day after the wedding and the fact that the gown was quite red by the end of the shoot didn’t matter quite as much.
