Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want it to be perfect! To help ensure that everything goes smoothly, there are some things you can do before and on the day of the wedding. Here are some tips to help you make your wedding day go as smoothly as possible:

1- Steam all the dresses the night before, including your wedding dress.

2- Consider buying custom hangers for the dresses. Wood hangers also work great!

3- Make sure the bride's hair and makeup is done (or close to done) by the time the photographer arrives. After the bride is completed, next on your list for makeup and hair completion is be mom. You will want everyone done early who will be assisting with your getting ready portraits.

4- If you are doing PJ/Robe photos, everyone's hair and makeup needs to be done or close to done by the time the photographer arrives.

5- Have all the detail items ready to go in a box upon my arrival. Great details include all 3 rings, ring box, jewelry, hair accessories, perfume, dress, florals etc. Have your florist deliver florals before photographer arrival. Sometimes they can give you a few extra for detail floral shots.

6- Don't forget to plan for the detail photos of the groom. Have these details ready and with the bride as details typically take place very first on the timeline. Think cuff links, shoes, watches, custom gifts etc.

7- Try to keep the window area as clear of clutter as possible. The natural light the window produces is highly desirable for getting ready portraits. Photographers will always plan for the biggest and brightest window.

8- Let your dad know if you plan on doing a First Look with him in advance. Make sure he is dressed and on location 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

9- Make sure immediate family is dressed and on location at least 15 minutes before the start time for family portraits. If doing family photos after the ceremony, tell your family and friends to wait to go to cocktail hour.

10- Hold that First Kiss for 5 seconds. You're now officially married- make the first moments count!

11- Take a video of how to bustle the dress for your bridesmaids to have step by step instructions. It's harder than it looks! Plan for dress failure with a sewing kit, extra buttons and some safety pins.

12- Have someone already prepped to assist the guys with their boutonnieres.

13- If your wedding is a summer wedding, bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and that you get the most beautiful (and memorable) portraits you'll cherish for years to come!

xoxo

Mandi