When it comes to your big day, planning is key! Having been fortunate enough to photograph many weddings over the years, I have devised a few simple but effective tips which will definitely come in handy for those all important wedding photos! These are all really minor but add up!

1) Purchase a nice hanger for your wedding dress

It might sound simple but my first tip is to purchase a nice wedding hanger. I’ve witnessed many gorgeous, expensive wedding dresses hanging up on a black plastic hanger, which doesn’t make for the most spectacular photograph. Wooden hangers always look great and you can even have them engraved, making the perfect memento for your wedding party. Check out these personalised wedding hangers here.

2) Have a nice pen handy for signing the register

This wedding shot is always on couples’ lists so I recommend having a nice pen to sign the register. A ballpoint Bic pen just doesn’t have the same effect as a lovely silver number.

3) Bring a wedding umbrella

No one wants to think about rain on their wedding day but in Northern Ireland, the weather isn’t always kind to us! Thankfully a nice wedding umbrella can make a great accessory and you can still get some beautiful outdoor shots. Be prepared for wet weather with a nice white wedding umbrella. Check out these ones here.

 4) Have a pair of comfortable shoes handy

Although I will always try to keep it to a minimum, sometimes getting some truly memorable wedding shots requires a bit of walking or standing on uneven surfaces. In these situations, I always recommend that the bride brings a spare pair of more comfortable shoes to change into.

5) Avoid overwhelming flower arrangements

A focal point in many weddings, flowers can look spectacular but sometimes overwhelmingly large arrangements can detract from the happy couple. When it comes to signing the register, or sitting at the top table, I recommend having a smaller arrangement on the table so as to not cover up your faces, allowing me to snap away and get some unobtrusive shots.

6) Practice your walk up and down the aisle

A few days before the wedding, take 10 minutes together and practice your walk up and down the aisle. This will give you an idea of timings and make you aware of how you will look in these photos.

7) Stagger bridesmaids walking down the aisle

When it comes to your bridesmaids, plan ahead and time them walking down the aisle. Stagger your leading ladies and allow them plenty of time to make it down the aisle so they don’t all come down too quickly as this makes it difficult to photograph.

8) Create a schedule for your day

Carefully schedule timings for the day. Take into consideration things like how long hair and make-up will last and the distance from the ceremony to the reception. If you will be arriving by vintage car, remember that some of these older cars may drive a little slower than normal motors.

9) Think about your ‘getting ready’ shots

Getting ready photographs make for fun and playful shot for your album. My tip for this stage of the day would be to think about what you and your bridal party will be wearing. Consider matching robes or pyjamas, which look great in photos. Check out these personalised robes here.

10) Plan your group photos

Again, this comes down to timings. If you plan on having group photos or a photo of all your wedding guests together, make sure everyone knows where they need to be and when. These shots can take a lot of time but with a little planning, they can be quick and easy and are a fantastic part of your wedding album.

Have you got any tips? Leave them in the comments!