The one-minute wedding book planning guide
Posted on July 9, 2009
Filed Under Albums and photo books
Whether you are just planning your wedding, or putting together hundreds of photos of the occasion, here is a simple and quick guide to a well-made wedding book. You must be all excited to start, so we’ve kept it short and crisp! And remember there are no rules, so if you like that way, thats the best way to go!
Prep and intro
Half the fun is in getting prepared.
The most anticipated pre-wedding event is picking the brides gown and accessories. This once-in-a-lifetime event deserves an equally unique dress. Its every woman’s dream to pick just the right one.
So, don’t miss out on a full page spread of the brides gown. Its one to preserve for ever, even for years later when the gown no longer fits!
Some random shots of the wedding stationary, accessories and jewellery are a must.
Getting ready, and the final touches
Some snaps of the make up session is a must with additions like before and ‘after’ photos and a few shots of the bride checking herself out in the mirror.Photographers usually capture the bride in a pensive mood with a few candid photos of her deep in thought.
Indulge the photographer with a bit of role play and pose for them while doing your make up.
Snaps of your mother, sisters and close friends doing some last minute adjustments to your make up and dress are also a touching memory to revisit later.
While it is all fun, there will be a few tears shed as they realise their little girl is all set to step forth into a whole new life.
For the groom, it is usually the father straightening the grooms tie or tucking his collar. They also whisper a few last tips – so make sure its caught on camera!
As far as getting dressed goes, why should girls have all the fun? Make sure the photographer visits the men as they get ready for the big event.
The ladies can also gatecrash and help them out a bit – they won’t admit it but they all want to look their best!
The groom will be in for a special treatment by the guys, particularly if they’ve had a great bachelors party the previous day! (wink)
Ask the photographer to keep an eye out for the prankster of the bunch and make sure s/he is on hand, to capture all the fun as it happens!
Pre-wedding meet with Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Its mix-and-match time as you try out all the various combinations with your carefully selected dresses for the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. The men get to make faces while the women get a bouquet each for their efforts!
The best friends of the bride and the groom deserve a solo photo just for being there through all the times.
From goofy to elegant, to the popular jump shots, everything goes, as long as its fun.
Leaving for the ceremony
A flurry of satin and silk as everyone leaves for the ceremony. Excitement is in the air as all prepare to meet the big crowd at the hall or church.
The trip on the way is a great time for some candid shots of the bride (or groom) as they anticipate the beautiful reception arranged for them.
If the location is near, they can try hailing a cab or walking for a change!
Amid the last minute chaos, every moment is worth a photo.
Photos at the church and hall
Some early shots of the place where the ceremony is to be held, whether its outdoors or a church.
The photographer should pick a time so s/he can capture both the buzz while the place is being decked up, and the clear view once everything has been completed.
A series of photos of the guests arriving and slowly filling up the place is a great way to recreate the event through photos. Particularly since this is one part the groom and bride might miss.
Focus on important guests and family, as they are led to their seat by the ushers.
Arrival of the bride, and the main ceremony
Photos of the groom arriving and waiting anxiously, the veiled bride being lead in by the proud family and the faces of the guests as they admire the bride as she walks the aisle, and the groomsmen and bridesmaids being lead by the flower girls or ring bearers.
Wide shots of the altar with everyone in the frame, and the focus on the bride and groom are excellent for page wide spreads.
As they exchange vows and rings, or enjoy the much anticipated kiss, the photographer has his work cut out.
Candid photos of their expressions as they go through the ceremony make for great subjects.
The newly married on their way back
As the blushing bride walks back down the aisle as a married woman with her husband, its time for a few shots of them together as they step out of the church or hall.
There is just enough time to pose for a few romantic photos before they are spirited away in a waiting limousine.
A few mandatory snaps of the married couple as they enter the car and wave everyone goodbye.
If the photographer gets to ride along, s/he is assured of a few great romantic snaps to add to the book.
Reception
Start with detailed photos of the painstakingly laid out arrangements, cutlery and fancy decorations. The cake forms a subject in itself!
Photos of each table, starting with family and close friends. Followed by the toasts raised to the newly weds by one and all.
Find some close ups of the bride and groom as they steal some time with each other amongst all the attention.
Cake, Wine and Dance
Photos of the newlyweds as they cut the cake and open the wine.
Follow them as they lead the dance – everyone vies for a chance to dance with the bride, starting with her proud father, while the groom is sought out by the ladies!
Capture everyone from guests to grandparents as they let their hair down and join the dance floor.
A rare occasion to capture the wild side of some usually formal family members!
Photo shoot with family and guests
Its also time for the photo session, starting with the parents and the in-laws.
Photos of one and all congratulating the groom and bride, often teary eyed. The photos continue as guests stream in to congratulate the newly wedded couple.
Don’t forget to add the photos of the children, beginning with the flower girls or the ring bearers. Candid snaps of children form a contrast to photos with the adults striking a formal pose.
Goodbye, and good luck
Just enough time to capture the customary bouquet toss and a few final snaps with the newlywed!
Its time to say goodbye and the tired (and very happy) couple are all ready to hit the road to start their carefully planned honeymoon.
But thats another photo book story!
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Great article! Thanks!