I've been shooting weddings going on 7 years now. I've seen mistakes the bride and groom made which really affected the quality of not only the pictures, but the entire day.
Silly things like outdoor weddings in 100 degree heat. No shade... just everyone leaving early and sweaty tired shots of the b&g and their family and friends.
I've come up with a list of a few.
Time of year: While August is a nice month, it's also one of the hottest months. Places like the Botanic Gardens are just too hot for an outside wedding. If you don't mind not having the wedding in a Church, then have both the wedding and reception in the same location. Also remember if you have the reception at night around any large body of water, then be prepared for thousands of bugs flying everywhere. You won't have to spend much on food because there will be so many bugs in it.
My worst hot wedding had the reception next to the Mississippi river at the Ornamental Metal Museum. The bride was so sweaty and everyone had sweat dripping off them. The bugs were so thick you were scared to breath heavy.
Remember you will have many unhappy hot people if you don't account for the weather.
Winter isn't as bad in Memphis.. unless we are having snow.
The early to middle fall is a great time. Especially for outdoor weddings. You also have less chance of rain than the early spring.
One great venue which most people don't consider is having their wedding on a riverboat. From cash bar to buffet, it is really a nice peaceful journey under the old bridges. Oh and the opportunity for sunset pictures makes this a really great idea.
What are the best location for pictures? Perhaps you are getting married in your church or the church your mother got married in... then the place has sentimental meaning. If you are open for suggestions then here are some ideas.
Make sure the place has interesting features. Long drapes, windows which will let the sun stream in for dramatic black and white shots.
The fireplace at the Pink Palace is really nice for the dress shots.
What to avoid. Large clear glass windows with no blinds. These are very hard to take photographs in front of. Mirrored walls, same thing.
Dark painted walls and ceilings. When you photograph, bouncing the light is impossible with this setup.
What to bring with you.
1: Windex for clean windows and mirrors
2: Nice wooden coat hanger for dress shots.
3: Maybe some props for ring shots... talk to your photographer.. (Hopefully me..:))
4: White sheet or blanket if you want to walk out and sit on grass or somewhere which might have dirt.
How much time do you need for the pictures?
Brides ask me this all the time... I say at least 3 hours if you arrive with makup. I might even go up to 5 if you want to get really cool pictures. Remember you really have to stop taking pictures when the guests start showing up.
Don't think you are going to take many pictures of just the bride and groom and any fun shots after the ceremony, it just doesn't happen. Guests start complaining because they are hungry.. "Grandma has to eat.. she is getting weak."
Some of the best wedding shots are because the B&G gave themselves enough time to really try some cool shots. Make sure you go to wherever you are having the ceremony and scout for cool backgrounds and interesting things for.
Ring shots
Shoe shots
Engagement pictures
In a later post I will tell you the best venues and worst as far as photography.
