Wedding Day Tips Every Bride Needs to Know (From a Wedding Photographer Who’s Seen It All!)

Hey, beautiful bride-to-be!

Your wedding day is going to be amazing, and I’m here to make sure you feel calm, confident, and ready to soak in every magical moment. As a wedding photographer, I’ve been behind the scenes of so many weddings, and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that can help make your day run smoothly.

So grab a cup of coffee (or a mimosa—no judgment!) and let’s get into it!

1. Build in Extra Time—Then Add a Little More

No matter how perfect your timeline is, weddings have a way of running late. Hair and makeup can take longer than expected, someone might misplace a shoe (seriously, it happens!), and getting into your dress is never as quick as you think.

Pro Tip: Add 15-30 minutes of buffer time to every part of your day. That way, you won’t feel rushed, and you can actually breathe between events!

2. Break in Your Shoes (Seriously, Do It!)

New wedding heels + an all-day event = ouch. Do yourself a favor and break in those beauties before the big day. Wear them around the house, practice walking in them, and bring a comfy backup pair for the dance floor.

Pro Tip: If your shoes are slippery, scuff the bottoms with sandpaper or walk on a rough surface to give them some grip!

3. Don’t Skip Breakfast (Even If You’re Nervous!)

With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat. But trust me—you don’t want to be hangry (or lightheaded!) before walking down the aisle. Have a solid breakfast with protein and carbs to keep you going.

Pro Tip: Assign a bridesmaid to make sure you snack throughout the day! Granola bars, nuts, or even a little charcuterie spread in the bridal suite = lifesaver.

4. Pack an Emergency Kit

Weddings are beautiful, but they’re also full of tiny surprises—buttons popping, lipstick smudging, and yes, the occasional tear. An emergency kit is your secret weapon!

• Safety pins & fashion tape
• Bobby pins & hair spray
• Oil blotting sheets (for picture-perfect skin)
• Lipstick for touch-ups
• Mini sewing kit
• Pain relievers & band-aids
• Stain remover pen (because champagne will spill at some point!)

Pro Tip: Give the kit to a bridesmaid so you don’t have to carry it!

5. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!

You should not be worrying about centerpieces, playlists, or lost groomsmen on your wedding day. Assign a bridesmaid, family member, or wedding planner to handle the logistics so you can relax and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Have one go-to person for vendor questions, one for dress & makeup touch-ups, and one to keep your drink full!

6. Have a Private Moment with Your Partner

Your wedding day will fly by so fast, and you’ll constantly be surrounded by people. Take a moment—just the two of you—to soak it all in. Whether it’s a first look before the ceremony or a quiet dance away from the crowd, these little pauses will be some of your favorite memories.

Pro Tip: Sneak away for 5-10 minutes after the ceremony just to breathe, hug, and say, “OMG, we just got married!”

7. Expect Something to Go Wrong—And Laugh It Off

Here’s a little wedding truth bomb—something always goes a little off-plan. Maybe the weather changes, a flower girl refuses to walk down the aisle, or a groomsman splits his pants on the dance floor. But guess what? Those little moments are what make your wedding yours.

Pro Tip: Stay in the moment, embrace the unexpected, and focus on what really matters—you’re marrying your person!

8. Be Present & Soak It All In

Between the vows, the first dance, and hugging 100+ guests, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the day. But pause, take deep breaths, and really take it all in. Look around. Hold your partner’s hand. Dance like no one’s watching.

Pro Tip: Designate a “mindfulness moment” before the ceremony where you take a deep breath, look around, and remind yourself—this is happening. This is our day.

9. Don’t Worry About the Camera—Just Have Fun!

The best wedding photos happen when you’re not thinking about the camera. Trust your photographer (hey, that’s me!), let go of the pressure to pose perfectly, and just enjoy the moment.

Pro Tip: If you feel awkward, interact with your partner—whisper something funny, twirl your dress, or pretend it’s just the two of you. The best shots are the ones that feel real.

10. Dance, Eat Cake & Soak Up the Love!

At the end of the day, this is your celebration. Eat the cake, dance like nobody’s watching, and soak up every second of love from your friends and family.

Final Pro Tip: Your wedding is about you and your person. Forget the “shoulds” and do what feels right for your day!

💚 At Crunchy Leaf Creative, I believe your wedding day should feel like you—fun, joyful, and filled with real, unscripted moments. If you want a photographer who will capture your day exactly as it happens (without stiff, awkward posing), let’s chat!