Wedding season is fully upon us! So I’ve throw together a few thoughts that you might find helpful. In the hundreds of weddings I’ve photographed, I’ve seen my share of stressed brides. My goal is for you to have the greatest day ever, as stress-free as possible!

1) Hire vendors you love and trust.
Before booking your vendors, do your research! Don’t book a vendor on the spot that you meet at wedding show. Even if you think you know for sure who you want, meet with 2-3 vendors from that category. Save your favorite for the last meeting – that way if you love them, you’ll be ready to book that day. Read reviews and talk to people who have used that vendor previously. If a florist has a reputation for always forgetting a bridesmaid bouquet (this happened to us 3 times in one year with a particular florist) its good to know that before the wedding day. And you really should like the people with which you’re working. If you don’t get warm fuzzies when you meet them, move on and find a better fit for you.

2) Be clear with your bridesmaids about what you expect from them.
It is my opinion that a bridesmaid is there to assist you in whatever way possible on the wedding day, and to keep the dance floor hoppin’. But some girls just aren’t aware of this. Just tell them. A lot of brides get frustrated that their many bridesmaids are not around when they need them to be. But did they actually tell the girls what they wanted? In most cases, I’m afraid not. Clearly and kindly tell them what you need from them on the wedding day – a good friend is more than happy to oblige. And be sure and add in that part about keeping the dance floor going. When the dance floor is empty, guests start leaving the wedding.

3) Do a first look for picture time!
(I’m a photographer. You didn’t really think that I wouldn’t be adding this, right? 🙂 ) But seriously guys, its not just about getting pictures done ahead of time. Its about enjoying your wedding day with your love. I just think its a huge bummer to spend 90% of your wedding day AWAY from the person you’re marrying. Plus, you get to have a drink right after the ceremony! Um, hello champagne!

4) Make a rule that you aren’t addressing any problems that day.
You’ve already done all the hard work. When the wedding day rolls around, your vendors, friends, and family can figure out a solution. There’s no reason that you need to be told that there’s a missing chair sash. But uh, yeah. Refer back to #1 and you won’t have to worry about this anyway.

5) JUST BREATHE!
Seriously girl, chill the heck out. Things are going to go wrong, that’s okay. Just roll with it and laugh. Let everyone do their jobs. Your job is to look pretty, get married, go to a party, and be fabulous. That’s it. Nothing else. So when things start to feel stressful, just close your eyes and breathe for a second and remember why you’re there.