Feel like you're forgetting something? We got you covered!
Nobody forgets the cake tasting, right?? But there are less compelling wedding-planning details that fall through the cracks and it is important you keep in mind and add it to your 'To Do List'.
1. Build some cushion into your wedding budget.
There is a 95% change that you'll run into some hidden fees or other unexpected expenses, so make sure to give yourselves a cushion. We recommend using about 5%-8% of your total budget as a buffer to cover any unanticipated costs.
2. Keep vendor contact information on hand.
Use apps like Google Sheets to keep a list of all your vendors along with their contact information, in case you need to get in touch with them quickly (or on the go!). These files are online, can be shared with anyone, and can be accessed anywhere from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Rust Manor House, Leesburg, VA
3. Include a 'First Look' in your timeline.
It is no secret that wedding photographers LOVE first looks. Why? Not just for the special moment and beautiful, emotive photos we get to capture when you do one, but also for the more relaxed timeline first looks allow us to create. When you do a first look, this allows us to do photos of the two of you and group photos BEFORE your ceremony. This means we can knock out couples photos, wedding party photos, and even some family photos if you want! Doing these photos before your ceremony allows for a far more relaxed/enjoyable photo taking experience.
Rust Manor House
4. Consider an "unplugged" wedding.
I get it, your wedding day is exciting and your friends & family are probably eager to snap some phone photos! During certain parts of the day (such as the reception), this is completely acceptable; however, many guests do not realize that certain moments (such as the ceremony!) are not the time to be on their phone.
I have seen many instances where a guest sticking their phone out into the aisle obstructs not only the moment as it unfolds, but also the photos I am taking as the hired photographer. To avoid having phones dangling out of the aisle and to allow guests to be more present, I strongly suggest having an unplugged ceremony.
5. Pay attention to the weather—and the sunset!
You'll definitely want to have a bad-weather contingency plan in place, but you may not realize that it's important to keep an eye on what time the sun sets, too. Ask your photographer about the infamous golden hour, the period shortly before sunset that's usually the prime time to take outdoor wedding photos. It's definitely worth fitting in to your timeline!
