Random Tips and Tricks to a Successful Wedding Day

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Not everything about your wedding day will go as planned—and that’s okay. The best moments often come from the in-between: the wind that lifts your veil, the impromptu toast from a grandparent, the way your partner squeezes your hand when no one’s looking.

This post isn’t a checklist. It’s a gathering of wisdom from the weddings we’ve photographed—little things that make a big difference. Things couples always say they’re glad they did.

Let’s get into it.

Start Slow

Your energy in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Whether you start with a cup of coffee, music, prayer, journaling, or a solo walk—ground yourself. Even 10 minutes of quiet can change how the rest of the day feels.

Our Getting Ready Guide is full of ways to build calm into your morning

Don’t Forget to Eat

Sounds simple. But so many couples forget—or don’t have time. Make a plan for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Assign someone to bring protein bars, fruit, or smoothies. Hydrate between toasts. You’ll feel better, steadier, and more emotionally present.

Trust the Team You Hired

By the wedding day, the planning is done. Let your photographer, planner, and vendors do what they do best. Give them your vision ahead of time—and then let go. You’ll enjoy the day so much more.

Something Will Go Off-Script

And it’ll be okay. Maybe the flower girl refuses to walk. Maybe the playlist glitches. Maybe your bustle breaks mid-dance.

It’s not a sign that something’s wrong. It’s a sign that this is real life. Embrace it.

Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Here are some of our most-recommended items:

  • Fashion tape
  • Sewing kit + safety pins
  • Tissues + blotting paper
  • Pain reliever
  • Bandaids
  • Snacks + water
  • Phone charger
  • Clear umbrellas (just in case)

Grab our full Emergency Kit Guide here

Take a Moment With Just the Two of You

After the ceremony or before the reception, carve out five minutes to just be. No cameras, no guests, no distractions. Let the weight of the moment land. We promise—it’ll become one of your favorite memories.

Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

Phones down. Eyes up. That’s the idea.

When guests are fully present, the energy in the room shifts. Plus, you get better photos (no phones in the aisle). You can word it sweetly: “We invite you to be fully present—please keep phones away until after the ceremony.”

Don’t Schedule Every Second

The best parts of a wedding aren’t always on the timeline. Build in breathing room. Let yourself linger. Make space to chase the light if it’s beautiful or cry if something moves you.

Want help creating space in your timeline? Read our Shooting Beforehand Guide

Take Mental Snapshots

Inhale during the vows. Look at your guests during the toasts. Feel your partner’s hand in yours during the first dance.

It’s not about remembering every detail. It’s about being in it while it’s happening.

Ask for What You Need

If you’re overwhelmed, need a minute, want water, or forgot something—say so. Your people want to help. Let them. Assign a go-to person ahead of time who can field questions and gather family for photos.

Our Formal Shot List Guide makes that process smoother

Sneak Away for Golden Hour Portraits

The light is best during the hour before sunset. Even 10–15 minutes of portraits in this glow can give you stunning images—and a second to reconnect.

Read our Let’s Get Intimate Guide to see what those moments can feel like

Be You, Fully

You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to be cheerful every second. You can cry, laugh, get quiet, dance like no one’s watching, or not dance at all.

The best photos come from the honest moments.

There’s no formula for a perfect wedding day. But presence, flexibility, and heart? That’s the recipe for a meaningful one.

We’ll be there to hold space for it. To document the quiet glances, the spontaneous laughter, the things you never saw coming but will never forget.

You bring yourself. We’ll take care of the rest.

← Back to All Wedding Planning Guides

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A woman in a lace off-shoulder wedding dress and veil sits, smiling, with her hair styled in loose curls and wearing a necklace.
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A bride in a lace wedding dress leans against a man in a navy suit, looking directly at the camera, with greenery in the blurred background.
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Two women in floral robes sit in a softly lit room; one applies makeup to the other, who is seated near a window, with their reflection visible on a shiny surface below.
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A bride in a strapless dress stands facing a patterned wall while a man in a vest and glasses stands facing her. The image is in black and white.
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A bride in a white lace gown walks hand-in-hand with a groom in a formal military uniform on a dirt road at sunset.
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A woman pins a boutonniere onto an older man's lapel outdoors, while another man in sunglasses smiles nearby.
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A bride and groom kiss while dancing together at their wedding reception in a warmly lit venue with guests in the background.
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A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors at sunset, both dressed in formal wedding attire.
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A bride and groom kiss on the dance floor at their wedding reception, with sunlight shining behind them and guests seated in the background.
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A bride in a wedding dress and a man in formal attire walk toward a large barn-like building at sunset.
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Two men in tuxedos embrace outdoors; one man in a white jacket hugs the other from behind. Green foliage and a wooden fence are in the background.
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A woman in a wedding dress looks out from behind a glass door while a man stands on a wooden terrace outside, facing away.
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A silhouetted couple stands close together outdoors at dusk, surrounded by dark trees and illuminated by fading light.
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A couple in formal attire walks hand-in-hand outdoors at sunset, with a barn and trees in the background. The scene is in black and white.
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