Wedding Day Wisdom: Tips I’ve Learned as a Bride and Photographer
Wedding photography by Wray 18 Photography
Planning a wedding is exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Having been both a bride myself and a wedding photographer behind the scenes, I’ve learned a few things that can truly make the day smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips I wish every couple knew before the big day.
1. Rehearse Backwards
One of the most effective tricks I learned from my own wedding rehearsal is to practice backwards. Start by placing everyone where they’ll stand at the altar or ceremony space. Once everyone is confident about their spot, walk through the ceremony itself. Then, practice the exit down the aisle, and finally rehearse the procession walking in.
This saves so much confusion and time—you’ll avoid the awkward shuffling and uncertainty that sometimes happens when everyone tries to figure it out in the moment.
2. Create Cues for the Processional
Timing is everything when walking down the aisle. Have each couple or person look for a specific cue (like a lyric in the song or a visual landmark) before they start walking. This keeps the pacing smooth and prevents people from bunching up.
Another pro tip: have everyone pause briefly before coming down the aisle. This allows your photographer and videographer to capture clean, beautiful shots of each person or couple. When everyone walks quickly or too close together, it creates chaos—not only for your guests but also for your photo and video team. By slowing down and creating space, the vibe feels smooth, relaxed, and intentional.
If possible, consider asking a friend or hiring a day-of coordinator to help organize people and keep things flowing. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
3. Be Smart About the Cake
Wedding cakes are beautiful, but they can also be expensive. One budget-friendly idea is to have a small, pretty cake for cutting and photos, then serve guests sheet cake or opt for something fun like a dessert bar. Not only does this save money, but it also gives your guests more variety to enjoy.
4. Protect Your Peace
This one’s personal but so important: don’t let anyone harm your peace. Weddings can bring out unexpected drama in people—sometimes even revealing who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Set boundaries early and stick to them. You can be thoughtful and considerate without turning your wedding into someone else’s vision. At the end of the day, it’s your marriage and your celebration. Don’t carry the weight of trying to keep everyone happy—it’s simply not worth it.
5. Build in Buffer Time
A little extra time between major events (like getting ready, photos, and the ceremony) is a lifesaver. It keeps the day from feeling rushed and gives you breathing room if anything runs late. Plus, you’ll appreciate those quiet moments to pause and soak everything in.
6. Prioritize What Matters Most to You
Whether it’s photography, food, or flowers, decide early what’s most important and put your budget toward those priorities. Let go of the things that don’t mean as much to you—it will simplify decision-making and reduce stress.
7. Don’t Forget to Eat and Hydrate
It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked! Plan ahead for snacks or have someone bring you a plate during cocktail hour. Staying fueled and hydrated helps you enjoy your day to the fullest.
Your wedding is about celebrating your love and starting your marriage together. There will always be unexpected hiccups, but if you focus on what matters most—each other—you’ll look back and remember the joy, not the stress.
