...from the perspective of a wedding photographer, parent, and someone who has been married for many years!

Planning your big day can feel overwhelming with so many details to consider. Just thinking about it myself brings on a sense of pressure. However, having photographed many weddings and drawn from my unique life experiences, I believe I can offer valuable insights into the wedding planning process. What follows is not in any particular order, and takes into account many different aspects of planning a wedding. With all that said, let's get started!

1.) When it comes to deciding on a venue, here are some things to think about. Of course you want somewhere that feels meaningful, is aesthetically pleasing, is in a preferred location, etc. but here are a few other factors to consider. First, what does accessing the building look like? Are there a lot of stairs to contend with? Is the building and surrounding areas accessible for any attendees who may have mobility differences? For example, if Great Uncle Jimmy and Great Auntie Sarah are coming, how comfortable will they be getting to the ceremony location? Second, what does parking look like? For example, if a lot of your attendees are traveling from far away, how hard will it be for them to find parking close to the venue? Will they have to pay to park in a garage that is several blocks away? Does the venue coordinator mark off several spots?

2.) Related to #1, what do the amenities look like for the venue? Are there ample restrooms to use if you are having a medium to large gathering or is there just one, small, bathroom? Is the restroom wheelchair accessible if need be? Are only porta-potties available? How do you feel about that? Also, if you have any mothers who are nursing that will be in attendance, is there a private space they can access? Further, if younger children will be at the wedding, is there a space they can go to away from everyone where they may be able to play, draw, etc.?

3.) Another aspect of weddings that I think a lot of soon-to-be-wed couples don't think about a lot is whether or not to allow cell phones during the ceremony (and possibly even the reception, too). Things have changed a lot in the last 5-10 years, and I notice more and more how many guests at weddings are using their phones to take photos/videos during all aspects of a wedding celebration. I never tell my couples what to do, but I think this is something worth considering. From an outsider's perspective, I notice that cell phones seem to be taking away more than adding to a couple's big day. Attendees holding cell phones often do not look great in photos, so they are edited out, and it also feels like it can be a distraction, taking people out of the present moment. See below for a few examples of what wedding ceremonies can look like when just a few people are using their devices.



Things to consider continued...

4.) Have you considered using a Wedding Planner? I'll admit that when I first heard the term Wedding Planner it made me think of a travel agent - why would a couple need someone like that when we can do it all online ourselves? As I have come to find out, hiring a reputable wedding planner can be invaluable. They have insider knowledge of every aspect of a wedding day. They know the reliable caterers. They know which DJs will play music other than "Celebrate" and "YMCA." (Sidenote: if you like the standard wedding music playlist, no judgment! Everyone has different tastes, loves different genres, and feels comfortable dancing to all different types of music). Further, they can recommend delicious cake bakers, thoughtful florists, and help set up tours of beautiful venues. Finally, and maybe most importantly, a solid Wedding Planner will help you organize all of the overwhelming details of a wedding. They will remember what time the officiant is arriving when you have forgotten, they will make sure the wedding party is ready for photos on time, and they will confirm the time for the tables and place settings delivery so that you don't have to. I had the pleasure of working alongside a former teacher turned wedding planner a few years ago and her attention to detail and coordination for the couple were truly outstanding. You can learn more about her services here. Also, it's important to note that a Wedding Planner's role is much more involved than a venue's Event Coordinator or Site Coordinator. That being said, each party will work together to help ensure you and your significant other's special day goes off without a hitch!

5.) Think about the time of day for your nuptials....a vast majority of weddings happen in the late afternoon and evening, but if you are looking to make your wedding a little non-traditional, consider having a morning or afternoon ceremony and reception. And, let's face it, sometimes when you are older (or perhaps just in general), you become more of a "morning person." When my wife and I got married about a decade and a half ago (yikes!) we had our wedding in the morning. Our attendees got to enjoy a delicious brunch, and we ended the "reception" of sorts with a toast on top of Mount Battie in Camden. All festivities were wrapped up by the afternoon, so our guests got to enjoy time in the Camden area without events going late into the evening. This worked out really well for our family and friends who traveled from far away and for older (and younger kids, too!) attendees.

6.) Consider doing a "first look." While I know there is something to be said for seeing each other for the first time when walking down the aisle, it is also nice to get some nervous jitters out of one's system and get a lot of formal photos done before the ceremony.

7.) Consider all possible weather challenges. When you are looking at venues, consider a few things. For example, if you are getting married in the summertime and parts of your wedding will be outdoors, are there several spots with ample shade? If it starts raining during your outdoor wedding, is there a space to go inside and hold the ceremony? Conversely, if the wedding is in the winter, are their aestehtically pleasing spots indoors to take photos? Outdoors?

8.) Can you donate your wedding decorations after the big day? Did you know that organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are (sometimes) able to accept decorations? Also, businesses such as Brides for a Cause accept dress donations, where they resell the dresses, which in turn benefits women-focused charities. How cool is that?!

9.) Don't be afraid to make your wedding your own. Add your personal touch. Tell your story. Sure, social media, Pinterest, magazines, and the like can provide some inspiration for your wedding; however, leaving your own personal touch on your wedding can help make it all the more memorable!

10.) Ignore any and all advice or suggestions. Sure, I thought long and hard about this and put together this blog post, but ultimately, do what works for you!

11.) Bonus tip - hire a photographer (shameless plug!) that you trust and feel comfortable being around. Please fill in your contact information below if you would like to chat more about your big day!