Wedding Tips & Tricks
Claire Hirst Photography Wedding Winners
SHOES
You’ve purchased lovely new wedding shoes, Do not leave the stickers on! We do not need to be faffing with removing them on the day. And 'usually' everyone in the room has lovely nice nails and it’s only ME who has practical nails (none.) So ends up with the job. I love being helpful but wouldn't you rather I was taking photos not peeling off your shoe labels?.... I rest my case!
TIMELINE
Don’t be afraid to tell your suppliers when you want to be ready for. You are paying for their services. I always tell my couples you think your morning will be so long, I PROMISE it will go like a flash, plan your morning, what time do you want to be in your dress and ready?... The earlier the better. Always. This will allow time for those extra special photographs. We were able to use the bridal suite this weekend as we were on schedule, it wasn't rushed and created some really special moments which otherwise wouldn't be possible.
DON’T SCRIMP ON CONFETTI !
More the better, Go Big or Go Home Ladies and Gentleman. I always remind guests throw the confetti out of your HANDS not the packet, it ONLY works this way- if we are doing this, we do it properly!
TAGS
Do not leave it until the morning of your wedding to take the tags off all your dresses. The morning can either run perfectly to time or for many reasons it often over runs, don't add to the stress by being unable to locate any - bloody - SCISSORS!!! You will be swearing!
SIT DOWN!
Traditionally at your wedding breakfast you are introduced in as the new 'Mr & Mrs' 'Mrs & Mrs' or 'Mr & Mr' and your wedding guests will all stand to greet you. Lovely.However your videographer and photographer do have quite a battle to see you and also you guys face an assault course, to battle your way through tight tables and chairs pulled out. Why not keep your guests SITTING and just welcome you with some noise instead....
EARRINGS
You've bought a lovely set of new earrings for your big day and you smile and tell me you haven't worn earrings for years. Yup. The hole is closed. This ACTUALLY happened. Get them in a few days before.
SPARKLERS
I LOVE A SPARKLER SHOT. But, these must, must, be the long lasting ones. If you buy generic sparklers we run out of time by the time your group have them all lit and everyone is in position we start to shoot and half have already finished. I personally think keep your group small, this needs to be quite a controlled shot so pick people that will listen and not be a little too merry by this point in the evening. 2 sparklers per person works well.
FAMILY FORMALS
Hands down the most painful part of your wedding day. No-one wants to be stood around for photos all day.
-Keep it short and sweet.
-Save two photographs if you can just create one.
-Don't make your guests who don't need to be in them hang around and watch - let them go drink/eat!
-Write a list before hand and select a person to help me get them - I don't know who these people are!
-Do not make the list up on the day - It's painful. Do it as soon as you can, before people go to the bar/toilet/check in etc.
