How To Take The Best Photographs At Your Wedding

When you are planning your wedding, there are many things you have to think about - from finding your dream dress, locating your venue and finding ways to have the perfect wedding day for less. If you are trying to save money, you may decide to take pictures yourselves as opposed to hiring a photographer. However, getting the perfect shots is much more than just grabbing your phone or camera.

With that in mind, here are some top tips for getting the perfect photos of your wedding.

1: Capture Every Moment

Whilst it is important that you live in the moment during your wedding, ensure people are on hand to photograph the entire event - not just the first kiss. For example, you should try and take a range of photographs throughout the day, including getting shots of people seeing the bride in her dress for the first time. Though you will want to stage some photographs, such as group shots of the different families, candid photographs are the way to go here. They will help capture the happiness of you, your partner and your guests so that the memories will last forever. 

2: Make the most of your surroundings.

You’ve likely spent a lot of money on your venue, therefore you must utilise your surroundings to get the best photographs. A good backdrop can really make or break a photograph. For example, if you have opted for a     rustic wedding, make the most of the warm lighting and cosy backdrops for photographs that will stand out. If your venue has interesting surroundings, be sure to get a few outdoor shots too - even if it is a little chilly. 

When taking a photograph, you should also ensure that it is well lit. Make the most of natural light when possible, as this will make your photographs look better and more professional. If some shots are a little blurry or rough around the edges, remember you can always edit them a little later on. However, imperfect photographs are often the most memorable. 

3: Write down a list of photographs you want

On your wedding day, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you and as a result, may forget to get photos of certain things, or with certain people. Therefore, you must put a plan in place. For example, write a list of all of the photographs you would like to be taken, and put in the hands of your ‘assigned photographers’. This could include: 

• Photos of the rings, flowers or catering.
• Photos of the venue.
• Photos of your bride getting ready, having her makeup/hair done.
• Photos of the groom getting ready.
• Photos of guests arriving.
• Photos of the bride walking down the aisle.
• Photos of the bridesmaids/groomsmen.
• Group photographs - friends, family, colleagues etc. 
• Photographs of people dancing.
• Photographs at a certain time (i.e, when the sun is setting).
• Photographs of the cake being cut

I hope you find some of these tips useful, get this part right and you'll be able to savour the memory's forever!
​Belle
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