Hey y'all! I’m Haleigh, 

- a wedding photographer based in Louisiana and serving the Southern US. I adore serving kindhearted couples who value timeless and romantic imagery. From sweeping veils to Southern estates and madly in love couples, you’ll find all the dreamy and heartfelt images right here on the blog!

April 23, 2025

Random but Essential Wedding Day Tips

Here’s a fun little mix of random but genuinely helpful and essential wedding day tips – from practical to sentimental:

Practical & Peace-of-Mind

  1. Pack a wedding day emergency kit – Think safety pins, double-sided tape, blotting papers, stain remover pen, pain relievers, bobby pins, mints, floss, etc.
  2. Break in your wedding shoes – Even if you think they’re comfy. Bonus: bring a backup pair for the dance floor!
  3. Eat breakfast. Seriously. – You don’t want to faint mid-vows or get hangry before the first look.
  4. Assign a “go-to” person – Someone who knows your schedule and preferences to handle any little issues that pop up (so you don’t have to).
  5. Stay hydrated – Especially if you’re getting married outside or drinking mimosas all morning.
  6. Clean your ring – Have it cleaned professionally, or with a home kit, a day or so before your wedding to ensure it will sparkle and shine!
  7. Practice bustling your dress ahead of time – Designate a friend/bridesmaid/parent who knows exactly how to do it quickly. You can even take a video of your seamstress showing you how to do it to look back on.
  8. Bring fans – If you are getting married in the South, especially in the warmer Summer months, have fans ready for you, your fiancé, and the entire wedding party if possible.

For Picture Perfect Moments

  1. Have your details ready for your photographer – Invitation suite, rings, perfume, shoes, heirlooms, etc. all in one box ready to go.
  2. Keep the bridal suite clean – Move everything out of a well lit corner or keep a separate room clean for an easy getting ready portrait location.
  3. Ladies, consider your morning attire – Wear a button down or a robe while getting ready so that your hair & makeup can stay clean. Also try not to wear a watch, socks, or a bra (if you have a strapless dress) so that marks aren’t left on your skin.
  4. Guys, remove everything from your pockets – This includes phones, keys, wallets, etc.
  5. Practice your first kiss – It might sound silly, but it helps avoid the awkward “do-we-go-left-or-right?” moment.
  6. And on that note, kiss slooooowly – Hold that ceremony kiss! A quick peck is harder to capture so hold it at least three seconds. Or better yet, go in for a second kiss!
  7. Hold your bouquet lower than you think – Belly button height keeps your arms relaxed and posture graceful.

Sentimental & Sweet

  1. Choose a signature scent – Having a special scent for your wedding day is so sweet. Smell is the strongest trigger for memories. Imagine wearing your perfume years from now and being taken back instantly to your “I Do” day!
  2. Write each other a letter to read the morning of – Great for calming nerves and capturing emotion (plus: amazing for photos).
  3. Consider a private dinner – This allows the two of you to have a moment alone together, while still getting some food before the busy reception starts.
  4. Have a “no phones during the ceremony” sign – Keeps guests present and your photos distraction-free.
  5. Remember: things might go a little off-plan – And that’s okay! It’s your day, not a performance.

While there’s probably millions more, I hope you gained some insight from these few random but essential wedding day tips!

Want more helpful wedding day knowledge? Check out my education section for more handy wedding day tips and tricks to remember.

And follow along on my Instagram for all the latest wedding photography content!

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