This isn't our first rodeo, we've seen it all! We hope these tips help to not only plan out a perfect day, but live it out to the fullest too. *If you booked with us closer to the Wedding date, some of these may not apply, but if you have any questions or concerns, let’s chat!*
DAY OF COORDINATOR Hiring a Day of Coordinator takes all the stress off you, your family, Maid of Honor and are always helpful with any day of vendor questions as well. Message me for recommendations!
HAIR & MAKEUP Ensure you have more than enough time for hair and makeup, especially if you have a large Bridal Party. Hair & Makeup Vendors are great about scheduling this and we never want to be rushing you the day of. Leave a little time after hair and makeup leaves to pop some champagne, grab some lunch and hang out. We never want to be rushing anyone into their dresses or in general for the day. If you have a first look this can vary but if you have any questions message me
FAMILY PORTRAITS Keep the family photo list to the most important photos you or your family would like to see at the Portrait location. We can always get photos at the reception with larger groups, friends, etc.. and if you go around to table’s during dinner, a Photographer will usually come with you to get any group photos you’d like. Everyone is going to want photos with you so trying to schedule out the most important photos using a specific time ensures the Photographers capture every photo you and your guests would like. If you do have a first look be sure to have everyone you’d like ready to go for Family Portraits before the Ceremony. This saves time after and can enjoy your entire cocktail hour.
FIRST LOOK Have a first look! You may have to talk your family into it but this is very popular nowadays and allows you to get most all of your portraits, family photos and bridal party photos out of the way before the ceremony. This allows you to enjoy your cocktail hour, get a ton of stress free portraits before the ceremony and still have the option to get sunset photos later in the day.
PORTRAIT/VIDEO TIME If you are having a first look, ensure we have about at least 30 minutes for Portraits after the first look and before everyone should be at the Ceremony site. If you are doing some family photos before the Ceremony as well allow at least 20-30 minutes for those to be safe. If you are not having a first look, be sure to keep family photos to a reasonable minimum if you’d like more time for your own portraits and the bridal party's. Sometimes we only have an hour from when the Ceremony ends to when you have to make your reception entrances so trying to utilize this time as best as possible is essential to making sure we have more than enough time to get the family portraits but also not rush you during your Portraits together. If it is a tight timeline consider making sure you have time allowing for sunset hour or night photos.
SUNSET HOUR Try to always allow time for this of possible! These are most always the most beautiful time to shoot portraits during your day. If you are having a later outdoor ceremony as well try to schedule it to end about 30 minutes-60 minutes before sunset and you’ll get amazing shots during the Ceremony. This is always dependent on your day and what you'd like to see in your photos/film. If you're having your reception at the Omni Downtown you have the option to get those photos around sunset at Mellon Square or can even get some night portraits in the streets of Pittsburgh. We always love getting as many portraits as possible!
TOASTS Consider scheduling toasts during dinner! This is completely up to you and your DJ but is a much more popular option at Weddings in recent years. Dinner takes up a good bit of time during the day so trying to utilize that time as best as possible allows for more time on the dance floor. It’s always a nice option to think about during your day especially if you have more than 2 toasts or anticipate a longer toast from someone.
