Tips for Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Outdoor weddings can create beautiful photographs, but there are a few things couples don't always think about until they're in the middle of their wedding day. Here are a few tips from your photographer:
Think About Your Veil
You may not realize just how much the wind can affect your veil. A beautiful breeze can quickly turn into your veil blowing directly across your face during the ceremony and photographs.
Consider looking into veil weights, secure pins, or other ways to keep your veil in place. Amazon has several options specifically made for this.
There is nothing like getting your wedding gallery back and realizing your beautiful veil was covering your face in photograph after photograph! A little preparation can make a huge difference.
Consider Your Dress & Shoes
Outdoor locations can mean grass, dirt, gravel, uneven ground, and sometimes mud. Keep this in mind when choosing your dress and shoes.
If you're wearing a long train or dress, designate someone to help you arrange it throughout the day.
If you're wearing heels, consider how they will work on grass. Heel protectors, wedges, flats, or a second pair of comfortable shoes can make a huge difference.
Talk to Your Pastor or Officiant About Shadows
This is one that is often overlooked.
If your pastor or officiant is holding a Bible, book, binder, or papers, be aware of where the sun is coming from. Depending on where they stand, they can unintentionally cast a shadow directly across the bride or groom's face.
Having a beautiful photograph with the shadow of a book across your face isn't exactly what anyone is hoping for!
Let your pastor or officiant know ahead of time where the photographer will be positioned and that you want to avoid unnecessary shadows across your faces.
Leave Room for the Kiss!
When it's time for the first kiss, the pastor or officiant should step to the side and out of the way.
You don't want the person marrying you standing directly behind or between you during one of the most photographed parts of your ceremony.
A quick conversation with your officiant beforehand can prevent this from happening.
Give Your Photographer a Heads-Up
If there is anything unusual about your ceremony setup, location, lighting, special traditions, or anything else you specifically want photographed, tell your photographer ahead of time.
The more we know before the wedding day, the better we can prepare and make sure we're in the right place at the right time.
Always Have a Weather Plan
Even if you're expecting perfect weather, have a backup plan.
Know where your ceremony can be moved if you have rain, high winds, extreme heat, or another weather issue.
Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but Mother Nature gets the final say!