I know that many people out there have barely been guests at a wedding, let alone many! So maybe some things are not really thought about when it comes to guest etiquette. There is a lot to say when it comes to this subject, but I decided to just jot down a few things that have really come to mind lately, and hope that if you are an upcoming wedding guest, that you will keep them in mind!
1) Turn off your cell phone during the ceremony. Please. There have been more then a few times where the officiant asks this before the ceremony begins, yet right in the middle of the vows someones goes off. Heck, one time it was the grooms phone that went off! 
2) Please sign the guest book, and know that signing the guest book does not literally mean to just sign your name. The couple invited you there because they wanted you to be apart of their special day. Take a minute to write a short message to them! Most people sign the guest book as they are walking in to the reception area, but know that its going to be there all night. You can always go to it after dinner and take a minute to write your well wishes to the couple.
3) During the first dance, or the parent dances, please don’t talk loudly with others at your table, and please don’t walk through the dance floor. There will be many chances throughout the night to speak to whoever you want, so please allow these dances (which take up just a few minutes each) to have your attention for this time. If you got up to go to the bathroom, or to get a drink before the dance started, please wait until its over to walk back to your seat if it involves going through the dance floor.
4) Same goes for the toasts. Sometimes its really hard to hear what people are saying during a toast because of the mic, or they are just really soft spoken people. Guests chatting at the same time does not mix well. Chances are they have rehearsed this toast a few times to get it right, so please take a minute to listen.
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After years of never using any sort of webcam communication, I have finally realized what a wonderful and useful tool Skype can be thanks to a far away couple of mine! (Hi Chad and Matt!) But you don’t need to be far away to take advantage of this!
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So if you are one of my couples, or have been thinking about scheduling a consultation meeting with me, keep in mind that we can meet from the comfort, and convenience, of our own homes. Perfect for those of you with busy schedules! Head on over to the “contact” page, and lets schedule a “meeting!”
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Looking back at the weddings I have shot, I would say about 19 out of every 20 did not really care about getting photos of the guys getting ready. When you’ve got a bride, she and all the details that go along with her new role tend to over power the guys. I say it shouldn’t! Guys have just as much “fun” as the girls, and sometimes the detail shots you can get with them are…uhh…interesting!
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It takes two to have a wedding, so why not make sure both partners have some photographic coverage before they say “I do”?
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My shots of guys getting ready are, as I said, very limited! I have asked permission from my friend Marina (In True Colors – Florida) to link to a blog where she was able to shoot a fun group of guys while they were getting ready! Click the image below to redirect to her blog with all the photos.
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Hey everyone! I haven’t typed out an actual “blog” in quite some time, and this past week has given me a topic to hit on! I’ve been calling this last week my “lucky week”. I met with three couples to talk to them about their wedding day timelines, and each one wants formal photos done before the ceremony! I didn’t even have to mention the idea! This, after years of barely having anyone consider it, let alone want to do it. Wow! I am very excited, and it will be a nice break from the normal cocktail hour photo time.
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Here are just a few reasons why getting your photos done before the ceremony might seem appealing for you:
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1) Everyone is fresh and clean, so there is no worrying about how everyone looks! No one has had a chance to sweat or even cry at this point, so no one’s makeup needs a touch up, and hair was just finished and is in its proper place (and we are hoping will stay that way the whole day!)
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2) More time to experiment! If your location has a lot of scenery and décor you’d like your wedding photos taken with – we would have time to try it all out! I get plenty idea’s in different locations – but sometimes cant try them all out. If the photos were done beforehand we can try them out, and if you thought of something, we can try that too with no pressure to finish up.
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3) Do you have small children in your wedding party who wont be staying for the reception? This is a great time to get some photos with the kids in there, then their parents don’t have to wait until after the cocktail hour to take them home.
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4) Speaking of cocktail hour: YOU WOULD GET TO ENJOY YOURS! When taking photos during the cocktail hour, most venues are great about bringing out some drinks and hor d’oeuvres for the wedding party – but since pictures need to be taken during this time, they are hardly eaten/enjoyed.
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5) There wont be any rush. No rushing means everyone is relaxed! When you take photos during the cocktail hour – that’s what you have. One hour. If time runs out, and you cant get specific shots, there isn’t really time later in the evening as the party is happening. When photos are done before the ceremony, there is now a little extra time you COULD use during the cocktail hour if lets say, someone in your family was late. Or if you just think of new people you’d like a formal portrait with!
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Some couples are hesitant to do such a thing because they fear they will lose that “WOW-factor” when they see eachother for the first time during the ceremony. This is what a “First Look” or “First Impression” shot is for. It’s a great way of capturing both reactions to each other before the formal photos are taken, without losing out on anything! Depending on where your wedding is, there could be many great settings for a First Look!
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