Before the Big Day: Set the Stage for Fun
A little prep in the days leading up to your wedding can make all the difference. Here are some game-changing tips to help things run smoothly so you can relax and soak in all the joy without stressing about the little things.
1. Delegate Like a Boss
Friends and family are your secret weapons! Get them to handle all those little tasks that pile up—collecting flowers, grabbing suits, picking up guests from the airport, organizing babysitters, handling last-minute payments, or even curating that killer playlist. This way, you get to focus on what really matters: enjoying every single moment.
2. Think About Your Photos (But Don’t Overthink!)
We’ll chat ahead of time to make sure you’re feeling good about where and when photos will happen, but I promise, the less you plan, the better the moments. If I’m not your documentary photographer, still trust your photographer to do their thing. The best shots are those that just happen, so don’t stress about poses. Let the day unfold naturally and live in the moment.
3. Sleep Is Your Superpower
I know it’s tough, but aim for a good night’s sleep before the big day. Whether it’s through calming music, a bath, or some meditation, try to get some rest. You want to wake up refreshed, ready for the fun ahead!
4. Don’t Forget to Eat!
I cannot stress this enough—breakfast is your best friend. It’s so easy to skip it in the whirlwind of excitement, but you’ll need the energy to make it through the day. Think croissants, fruit, or a cheeky fry-up—whatever makes your taste buds happy. Snack throughout the morning, and keep hydrated too. You’ve got a full day of fun ahead!
The Morning of: Getting Ready, but Keep It Chill
This is when it all starts feeling real! The energy is building, and you’re surrounded by your favourite people. Here’s how to keep the vibe upbeat and stress-free:
5. Play Some Tunes!
An upbeat playlist can transform the getting-ready vibes. Go for songs that get everyone moving, laughing, and feeling good. Whether it’s ’90s throwbacks, current bangers, or a mix of feel-good classics, the right music will set the tone for the day.
6. PJ Game On Point
You’ll be photographed while getting ready, so why not add some fun with cute PJs or robes? Nothing fancy needed—just make sure there are no holes or stains (we’ve all got that one favourite tee, but maybe save it for another time!). Trust me, you’ll appreciate looking back at these moments in 20 years.
Ceremony Time: Make It Yours
This is your moment—whether you’re walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, or just soaking in the love around you. Here’s how to make it go smoothly:
7. Chat with Your Officiant
If you’re having a religious ceremony, it’s always worth having a quick chat with the priest or officiant about photos. Some can be a bit strict about when and where photos can be taken, and this often surprises couples on the day. It’s best to get on the same page so there are no surprises! For celebrant-led weddings, the vibe is usually much more relaxed and personal—so if that’s your style, go for it!
Group Photos: Keep It Quick and Fun
I know group shots aren’t everyone’s favorite, but here’s how to breeze through them without it feeling like a school photo:
8. Make a List (But Keep It Simple)
Think about the people you truly want in these photos—the. ones you’ll actually print and frame. Focus on family and close friends, like parents, grandparents, and siblings. No need to overthink it—just jot down the key people, and let the helper like trusted bridesmaids and photographer handle the rest. The quicker you get through these, the sooner you’re back to the party! We have another guide to help planning those here.
The Dance Floor: Let Loose!
Now it’s time for the real fun—the dance floor! This is where the energy really picks up, and you can just let go.
9. Get Your Guests Involved
The vibe on the dance floor depends on you. If you’re out there dancing, your guests will follow. Lead by example—whether it’s busting out your goofiest moves or just enjoying a slow dance, the more fun you have, the more your guests will join in.
10. Bands Are Epic (But Avoid Lasers!)
Live music brings the energy up a notch, so if you’re thinking about a band, do it! But please, for the love of cameras, skip the lasers. They’re outdated, and worse, they can actually damage our cameras—making it impossible to capture those fun moments on the dance floor.
Have a look on one of our wedding stories (and parties) at Dewshall Court
Smile Big, Embrace Double Chins, and Just Enjoy It!
Here’s the thing about wedding photos: don’t overthink them. Forget about ‘soft smiles’ or trying to look perfect. The most beautiful moments are when you’re just being yourself—laughing, smiling, and having the time of your life. So embrace the double chins, silly faces, and belly laughs. In 20 years, you’ll look back on these photos and be so glad you didn’t worry about ‘looking perfect.’ Check out how Shanna enjoyed her day to the fullest here.
Weather: Prepare for Anything
Weddings and weather, right? Here’s the key: prepare for the worst but hope for the best. If rain’s in the forecast, grab a couple of cute umbrellas or even a stylish jacket. Trust me, the moody skies can actually make for epic photos! And if the sun’s shining? All the better. Either way, it’s going to be amazing, so don’t sweat it.
Your wedding day is going to be a blast, and with these tips, it’ll run even smoother. Just remember: the less you stress, the more fun you’ll have. And fun is what it’s all about!
If you haven’t made a decision yet, why not check out some of our couples’ stories on the blog or view our portfolio and read our confetti tips article . You’ll see how we capture all the little moments, big emotions, and everything in between. Each wedding is its own adventure, and we’d love to help make sure your memories are captured just as perfectly.
Let’s chat about how we can help bring your vision to life and make your day as fun and relaxed as possible!
