The Ultimate Guide to Prepping for Your Wedding Photographer: Top 10 Tips

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and with so much to plan, ensuring it's beautifully captured should be a priority. As a wedding photographer in London, I’m sharing my top tips to help future newlyweds prepare in advance for their photographer, create a seamless experience and get the best from their photos.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already booked your photographer—yay! (And an extra yay if it’s me, Laura, at Éire & Wild Photography!)

Your photographer will likely send you a questionnaire to gather the more ‘practical’ details—your names and pronouns, venue address(es), booked vendors, timeline, guest count, and so on. But beyond the logistics, I believe it’s just as important to connect on a personal level. That’s why I always make time to meet my couples beforehand, whether it’s over a coffee, a Zoom call, or even an engagement session. This gives us a chance to get to know each other, discuss any ideas and helps you feel more at ease in front of the camera — so when your wedding day arrives, it already feels like we’re friends!

You’ve got the questionnaire to cover the admin side of things, but I’ve put together this guide to help with the organisational side of your wedding prep. Think of it as a helpful resource rather than a rule book. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate elopement, these tips can be adapted to any wedding style—helping you stay present, minimise stress, and, most importantly, make life easier for your photographer!

1. Assign Roles: A Stress-Free Morning

Your wedding morning should be filled with excitement, happy tears, and maybe a bit of —not last-minute stress! If you’ve got a wedding party, close friends, or family helping out, assigning roles in advance is a total game-changer.

Here's how they can help:

• The Vendor Contact: Pick someone to be the go-to person for vendors so you’re not getting calls about flowers or table setups while you're getting your hair done.

• The Tidy-Up Crew: Assign a helper (or three) to keep your getting-ready space clear of clutter—trust me, a tidy space makes a big difference in your photos!

• The Details Keeper: Someone to gather your accessories—jewellery, shoes, perfume, sentimental items—so they’re ready for your photographer. (See Tip 3 for more on this!)

• The Group Photo Organiser: This person will help round up family and friends when it’s time for those formal shots, so you’re not left searching for Uncle Jim when you could be celebrating.

💡 Tip: Once it's complete, share your wedding day timeline with your parties and vendors so everyone is on the same page!

2. Group Photos: Keep it Short and Sweet

You want to ensure your group photos capture the people who mean the most to you, while also keeping the process smooth and stress-free. To help you plan ahead, here are ten key group photo suggestions that work for a variety of family dynamics, including blended and separated families.

Aim for around 10 key groups and give these people a heads-up before the wedding so they know where to be. Your assigned helper can gather everyone on the day, making things run smoothly.

1. You and Your Parents/Caregivers

A classic must-have. If your parents or primary caregivers are separted, you might prefer individual photos with each. If you have stepparents or other important parental figures, include them too!

2. You and Your Immediate Families

One side at a time—Partner A with their parents/caregivers and siblings, then Partner B with theirs. Keeping these shots separate can make things run more smoothly if you have a large or blended family.

3. You and Any Stepparents or Blended Families

You can choose to do one big blended family photo or take individual ones to honour different relationships.

4. You and Your Grandparents

If you’re lucky enough to have grandparents at your wedding, make time for this one. These photos often become some of the most cherished.

5. You and Your Siblings (+ Their Partners, If Relevant)

Whether they’re biological, step, or chosen siblings, this is your chance to capture a mix of heartfelt and fun shots.

6. You and Your Wedding Party

The people who have had your back through the wedding planning chaos deserve a moment in the spotlight! Make it fun and let their personalities shine.

7. You and Close Extended Family

Aunts, uncles, cousins—if you have extended family who have played a big role in your life, this is a great way to include them.

8. You and Your Chosen Family (Close Friends)

Not all family is biological, and for many couples, close friends are just as important (if not more!). Whether it's childhood besties, uni friends, or your work family, make time for a group shot.

9. You and Any Flower Children/Page Boys/Ring Bearers

If you have little ones involved in your day, a cute and playful shot with them will be a lovely keepsake.

10. A Multi-Generational Photo

If family dynamics allow, a big family photo with parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents can be incredibly special.

💡 Tip: Give your photographer a heads-up (usually via the questionnaire) about any sensitive family situations or dynamics (e.g. separated parents, missing loved ones.)

That way, they can navigate group shots with care and make sure everyone feels comfortable.

3. Gather the Details in Advance

The night before your wedding, set aside your attire, accessories and any special details in a quiet, well-lit space—this makes it easy for your photographer to capture those beautiful flat-lay and styled shots. Decide whether you prefer your wedding attire shot to be taken indoors or outdoors and let your photographer (and assigned helper) know so it’s ready to go.

Details for both partners may include:

• Wedding attire

• Shoes

• Wedding rings & engagement ring(s)

• Flowers

• Perfume / Cologne

• Vows or any written letters to each other

• Stationary: Invitations and one copy of save-the-dates, order of service, menus, etc)

• Socks (especially if they're fun or personalised)

• Accessories: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, garter, cufflinks, watch, pocket square, tie, bow-tie, belts, braces, suspenders, boutonnière

• Hair accessories: clips, combs, veil, headpieces

• Sentimental items: lockets, charms, handkerchiefs, heirloom jewellery

• Any cultural or religious items you’re incorporating

• Special fabrics or materials (a piece of lace from a family member’s dress, a hand-embroidered veil, etc.)

💡 Tip: Keep all your details together in a safe, undisturbed space—perhaps the finer items in a small box or tray—so your photographer can easily find and beautifully style them for photos!

4. Steam & Press the Night Before

A crisp outfit makes all the difference in photos! Steam or iron your wedding attire the night before, not on the morning of—this avoids last-minute panic and keeps your space clear. Plus, steam and humidity don’t mix well with fresh hair and makeup!

5. Practice Any Tricky Accessories

In the weeks leading up to the big day, take some time to practice putting on any intricate items, especially if you're wearing kilts, bow ties, laced-up shoes, boleros, or anything with fiddly fastenings. You wouldn’t believe how many wedding mornings involve a group huddled around a YouTube tutorial, trying to figure things out last minute! Practicing ahead of time will save you unnecessary stress and give you more moments to enjoy a drink and relax!

6. Keeping Kids Busy on the Wedding Morning

Kids are cute, but they can get restless fast! If you’ve got little ones in your wedding party, it’s a great idea to assign or rotate a “supervisor,” set up a mini play area, or plan some fun activities to keep them occupied. It’ll save everyone—especially you—a lot of stress and make sure the day stays smooth for all!

7. Walking Down the Aisle: Practice, Pace & Space

Grab your wedding party, play your aisle song, and do a quick rehearsal. Keep these three things in mind:

✔️ Practice so everyone knows their cue

✔️ Pace: walk slowly and naturally, no rushing!

✔️ Space: leave enough room between each person for clear, elegant photos. Savour the moment and smile!

8. Holding Flowers: The ‘Bush to Bush’ Rule

This one makes me laugh because I tell couples all the time and then totally forgot to do this at my own wedding! Hold your bouquet at belly button height, slightly tilted outward—this keeps your posture natural and ensures your flowers don’t cover your outfit.

9. Travel Time (for a Wedding Photographer in London)

As a wedding photographer in London, I know how important it is to get the travel details right on your big day. To help your photographer (hopefully, me!) capture everything smoothly, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Coordinate travel times: If you're getting ready in one location and then heading to your venue(s), allow plenty of time for your photographer, wedding party, and guests to travel between them. London traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to add a buffer—no one wants to feel rushed! A relaxed morning means better photos and more time to capture those special moments.

• Arrange parking or drop-off spots: In busy city areas, parking can be a challenge

• If possible, let your photographer know where they can park or safely drop off their equipment, especially if your venue is in the heart of London.

• Public transport & ride-sharing: If your venue is in central London, parking may be limited. If you're planning to use public transport or a ride-sharing service, let your photographer know so they can plan accordingly. Personally, I love the idea of taking some quirky wedding shots on a London bus or even the Underground!

• Travel charges: If your wedding is outside central London or requires long-distance travel, be sure to check with your photographer about any additional mileage costs for mileage or accommodation.

• Clear transport instructions for guests: If you’re arranging transport for your guests, share the details with your photographer. I love capturing those candid moments of guests arriving, but knowing the logistics in advance helps me be in the right place at the right time.

  
  

By planning these travel details ahead of time, your photographer will be able to focus on capturing your day without any stress or delays. It’s all about ensuring that we have plenty of time for all those special moments, and you get the best possible photos from your photographer!

10. Be Prepared: Weather & Comfort Essentials

Coming from Ireland, I know all too well how unpredictable the weather can be in the UK and Ireland! It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan—just in case!

If you're having an outdoor wedding or taking photos outside, think ahead about what you might need. Clear umbrellas, stylish cover-ups, or even a nearby indoor location with great lighting can be a lifesaver.

When I got married, we fully embraced the rain! Thankfully, most of our guests brought umbrellas, but we also stocked up on large clear ones, which looked stunning in photos. We even took shelter for afternoon tea in a nearby greenhouse!

And let’s talk about shoes—because comfort matters! While your wedding shoes will look amazing in photos, having a comfy pair for in-between moments (like walking between locations or hitting the dancefloor) is a game-changer. One of my brides even wore bedazzled Crocs all day, and honestly? Iconic.

Wrapping It Up: Enjoy Every Moment!

Before I leave you to soak in these tips, my biggest piece of advice is this: set aside a little time in your day—just the two of you. No family, no guests, no vendors (not even your photographer!).

Take a breath, be present, and truly savour the moment together.

This guide is here to help make your wedding day as smooth and stress-free as possible—at least when it comes to photography! With a little planning, a few extra hands, and a good sense of humour, your day will be relaxed, fun, and full of incredible memories waiting to be captured.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will be there to document every laugh, tear, and in-between moment, I’d love to chat! Whether you’re planning a big wedding or an intimate elopement, I’m here to make your day as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Ready to chat about your wedding photography? Contact Laura from Éire & Wild Photography!

All images are the property of Éire & Wild Photography. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

The Ultimate Guide to Prepping for Your Wedding Photographer: Top 10 Tips | Éire & Wild Photography 2025