Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and naturally, you want to have beautiful photos to look back on. To ensure that your wedding photos come out as perfect as the day itself, proper planning and communication with your photographer are key. Whether you're working with a professional or just making sure everything goes smoothly, here are some essential tips to guarantee your wedding photography is on point.

1. Get ready with preparation in mind
Before the photographer arrives, have all the important items organized. This includes your wedding dress, shoes, rings, jewelry, and stationery. By keeping everything in one place, you’ll save time and prevent interruptions during your hair and makeup session. Ask your bridesmaids to help keep the room clutter-free so that the photographer can easily move around and capture every detail.

Small touches can make a big difference in your photos. Consider having a pretty hanger for your dress, a stylish box for the rings, and a few extra flowers for those detailed shots. You could also have a bottle of champagne and glasses ready to capture fun moments with your bridal party before you slip into your dress.

2. Consider a first-look moment
One beautiful trend that’s become popular in recent years is the "first look" before the ceremony. This private moment between you and your partner allows for some very emotional and intimate photos. It’s also a great way to see each other with fresh makeup and hair. Some couples use this time to exchange personal vows in private, away from all the guests.

Another benefit of having a first look is that it frees up time after the ceremony. You can enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests instead of rushing off for portrait sessions. These candid moments often lead to some of the best wedding photos.

3. Share your wedding timeline with your photographer
Communication with your photographer is crucial when planning the timeline of your wedding day. They can provide valuable input on the best times to take certain photos, especially if you want to capture the golden hour or other lighting conditions. Photographers also have experience in estimating how much time is needed for family photos and portraits, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Knowing when the best light is available and how much time you’ll need for group photos ensures that everything runs smoothly on the big day, without feeling rushed.

4. Use mood boards to share your vision
Some photographers love mood boards, while others may prefer a more organic approach. Either way, a mood board can help you communicate the types of shots and moments that are important to you. This might include photos with your bridesmaids, a first look with your father, or any specific poses you’ve seen and liked.

You can easily create mood boards on Pinterest or save ideas from social media. Sharing these with your photographer ensures that they understand your vision and can plan accordingly to capture these moments.

5. Book an engagement photoshoot
If you're nervous in front of the camera, consider booking an engagement photoshoot with your wedding photographer. This is a great opportunity to get comfortable being photographed and to get to know your photographer better. It can also give you a sneak peek into how they work and what you can expect on your wedding day.

Engagement photos are also perfect for use in your Save the Dates or wedding invitations. You can even schedule your hair and makeup trial on the same day to see how it photographs, hitting two birds with one stone.

6. Think about an unplugged wedding
These days, many couples choose to have an unplugged ceremony, where they ask guests to refrain from taking photos with their phones and instead, enjoy the moment. While guests may be tempted to snap their own pictures, an unplugged ceremony allows the professional photographer to capture candid moments without having to dodge raised smartphones.

By doing this, you ensure that your ceremony photos are filled with your guests' faces and reactions, rather than a sea of glowing screens. You’ll appreciate these photos years down the line when you can look back and see everyone enjoying the moment with you.

7. Pay attention to lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in the quality of your wedding photos. Natural light is ideal, so choose rooms with large windows for getting ready. During the ceremony, if you're outside, try to pick a location with shade—under a tree, for example. Direct sunlight can be harsh and unflattering, causing you and your guests to squint.

For evening receptions or dinners, you don’t want the space to be too bright or too dark. Soft, ambient lighting created with candles, fairy lights, or lanterns sets a romantic mood and makes for great photos. Discuss the lighting options with your photographer, as they can provide suggestions based on your venue and setup.

8. Don’t forget to feed your photographer
This tip often goes unnoticed but is incredibly important. Your photographer will be working hard all day to capture every special moment, so it’s essential that they are well-fed. The best time for your photographer to eat is when the guests are being served their main meal. Check for any dietary restrictions ahead of time, and make sure they are seated close to the dinner area so they can quickly jump back into action if needed.

9. Relax and be yourself
One of the best things you can do during your photos is to relax and be yourself. The couple photos are an opportunity for you and your spouse to enjoy some time alone, away from the hustle and bustle of the day. You can share a laugh, talk about how the day has been so far, or simply take in the moment together.

A skilled photographer knows how to guide you through these photos, so there’s no need to pose stiffly. Trust them to capture natural moments, as these often turn out to be the most beautiful and genuine shots.

10. Plan for backup weather
Even if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, it’s wise to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. An indoor location with good lighting or a tented area can save the day and still provide great photo opportunities. Discuss alternative options with your photographer ahead of time, so you’re prepared no matter what the weather brings.

Author's Bio: 

I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.

Our attention to ourselves, to our daily routine and habits, is very important. Things that may seem insignificant, are pieces of a big puzzle called life. I want to encourage people to be more attentive to their well-being, improve every little item of it and become healthier, happier, stronger. All of us deserve that. And I really hope that my work helps to make the world better.