7 Tips for Beautiful Wedding Photos You'll Want to Frame
When all is said and done, your wedding day is just that—one day. It's the photos (and, of course, your love) that will ultimately stand the test of time, so they should be perfect. That's where A Vintage Affair Events & Rentals comes in—they have all the tips to get picture-perfect wedding photos. And if you need proof, just look at this gorgeous inspiration session from Callie Hobbs Photography, Bella Lu Floral and Plum Pretty Sugar in The Vault!
A Vintage Affair Events & Rentals' Tips for Incredible Detail Shots
Pick a getting ready location with good light, especially if your photographer uses film. We all know that the sunlight is the best form of flattery in pictures - when done right ;) And who's going to get that better than your photographer? So don't be shy, embrace that light! If your photographer uses film, it's a huge help to them, as their photos will come out even better. If the room is too dark, the focus could be off and skin tones will tend to look muddy and dark instead of radiant and flawless. Digital cameras also appreciate lots of light as it too will present a softer more flattering photo!
Have a pretty bridal hanger at the ready! As well as bridesmaids and if needed groom and groomsmen hangers. This is a simple detail that so many people don’t even think about. When it comes time for the photographer to shoot the bride’s dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses or even the groom and groomsmen attire they need to hang it on a hanger (no brainer!). But if that hanger is just one of your hundred plastic hangers - or the flimsy metal hangers you get from the dry cleaner’s - then all the attention goes to it instead of the gorgeous clothes! Ok, maybe not all the attention, but it does certainly take away from the beauty and elegance of the picture. Depending on the theme/feeling of your wedding there are quite a few options to choose from. Some of our favorites include these vintage inspired beauties from Anthropologie’s BHLDN line, or the popular calligraphy elegant hangers with your name written out in the metal like this one. But, before you buy a hanger make sure to ask your planner or photographer if they don’t already have one on hand, because chances are they may have already thought about this.
Another detail that’s often neglected is getting shots of what you’ll be wearing on the big day. This not only includes your dress, but your shoes (are there multiple?), your veil, your bouquet, accessories and of course the ring! Photographers and stylists love coming up with the best ways to show off all these details in pictures. And as a word of advice let your dress out of the bag right when you arrive to get ready so it has time to breathe.
Guys, don’t think you’ve been left out the photographer wants to shoot your details too! Cuff links, boutonnieres, vow book, shoes, watch...all the goods! So before you see your photographer that day, put all these items in a convenient little bag so that when you do see her or him you can just hand that off and they can be on their merry way enjoying photographing the finer details of the day.
Now I might need a whole section just on the invites! Let me start with simply leave time for your photographer to take pictures of them (meaning make sure you have an extra on hand)! You paid to have them made up, printed, maybe even done in calligraphy. They are your fist creative outlet, the first glimpse your guests have into the magnificence that is your wedding. It’s only right to get a lasting memory of them. Also, don’t forget about those other stationery items (programs, table numbers, escort cards). An additional way you can spice up your invite stylings is vintage stamps. Who knows, the stamps you used to send out your invites could be beautiful (if that’s the case use them!), but chances are they could also just be the standard Forever stamp or something similar. Vintage stamps add a certain je ne sais quoi to your photos. There’s a dash of elegance, a sprinkle of delicacy, and a hint of timeless romance to complete the everlasting memory of your stationery. Did I mention you can also find just the right stamps to go with your color theme?! You can find vintage stamps at many of your local vintage and antique stores. Now this next invite styling tip goes a little above and beyond, but can really add some flair to your invitations. If you didn’t get them done in calligraphy for your guests, you can get one set done for yourselves. Adding calligraphy to the envelope is a sweet and nice touch to add to the timelessness of the images. These last few elements may seem to come off as silly or unnecessary, but they add so much more thought into the artwork of the photos. And when you look back at them over the years, you’ll truly appreciate the smaller details that will bring your wedding photos to life as you relive your special day!
Wear a cute robe before you put on that oh so special dress. There are a few reasons why you may want to wear a pretty robe or something special while you are getting ready. One of them is the fact that many times you're getting photos taken while you're getting ready. It's fun to look back at those photos and not think "man I wish I would have worn something cuter." You don't have to worry about dressing up for those photos, you just get out of bed and pop on a robe and voila! you're already picture perfect for those photos. Even if you don't have your photographer taking the pictures of you getting ready you can still don the robe. I know that when I'm dressed a little nicer than just sweats and a shirt I feel prettier. I don't mean putting on makeup or doing my hair, but just having something other than my frumpy pj's on helps me perk up and feel incredible like I'm ready to take on the day. It's your wedding day! You deserve to feel pampered and relaxed while not caring or worrying about what your outfit looks like. With a robe (or even cute PJ's) it's cute yet easy.
Have your florist bring her favorite centerpiece to photograph during this time. We love seeing the centerpiece photographed by itself so you can really focus on the flowers. It helps bring the centerpiece to life. When it's mixed in with everything else, it's still beautiful, but by itself it's able to stand out. It's also hard to appreciate all the flowers that aren't a bouquet or boutonniere on your wedding day because you're so caught up in the day (and you should be!). This way you'll be able to look back on the photo of the centerpiece and truly treasure how beautiful it is!
