Your wedding is the biggest day of your life. Obviously, you will want to remember this day years down the road and the best way to do this is to take pictures of every moment. Rather than stressing out on the day of, we highly recommend planning out your party ahead of time. Here are 10 essential tips to ensure the photos you desire for a bride-to-be:

1. Enjoy the Day

Your wedding day should not be consumed with worrying about pictures and details. It's your big day, and you should be focused on enjoying yourself. You should also be interacting with your guests and thanking them for celebrating with you. There will be plenty of great pictures from the day, so don't stress about it too much. Plus, some of the best pictures will be candid shots of you and your future husband with the guests. If you want to plan a photography schedule ahead of time to ensure you get all the shots you need and want, be sure to check out our other blog on creating a wedding timeline. Overall, don't let posing for the camera overtake the fun and the excitement of the day - live in the moment and let the photographer do the rest. 

2. Create a theme and build your wedding around it

To get the best pictures, you need to set the scene. Scenery usually makes up half the photo itself, compromising of the venue and the decor; the most important aspect of this will be the venue. When you pick your venue, think if it's worth a little extra to pick a venue that will give you the “must-have” photos that you want - remember to consider both where the ceremony and reception will take place. Throughout the ceremony and reception sites, you will likely need some decorations to place around for a unique touch. Flowers, centerpieces, furniture, and even food all partake in the overall theme of the wedding, and can add a lot of personality to your photos.

3. Photo booth Fun

An easy way to get pictures of your guests is to have them take their own photos! There's something charming and vintage about the look of pictures from a photo booth or polaroid camera, and all the guests love it. Include these pictures into your big day by getting a interactive photo booth for the reception; it usually doesn't take up much room or require much maintenance. It is a great way to keep the guests entertained, as well as keep the pictures as a fun reminder of the day. Consider getting a bunch of accessories for the booth, too, like handheld signs or fun hats and glasses. Encourage people to share the pictures on social media right from the photo booth and use your special wedding hashtag!

4. Always Have a Backup Plan

As every bride knows, unexpected problems can happen on the wedding day. To avoid a serious crisis, it's always good to have a backup option just in case - like having a second photographer on call in the case of an emergency with your photographer. You may even consider hiring two photographers from the beginning to take on the load of capturing the whole wedding. You should also be ready in the case of a major outfit malfunction, or a last minute change in plans for food - hiring an event planner can help you with these issues if they arise, and can take a huge stress load off of you. All in all, when you are prepared, nothing can ruin your big day.  

5. Write Down Must Have Pictures

Throughout the night, you are going to have a number of different pictures you want to take. Generally speaking, these are pictures with certain guests; write down a list of all of the pictures you want. Family lists are pretty typical for weddings, and photographers often have that nailed down. For some more specific groups, like your sorority sisters or a theater group, you may want to mention those to your photographer before hand. You may even have some people that should not take a picture together for personal reasons, in which you should also mention that to your photographer to avoid any possible feuds. When the photographer has a list, they can make sure to cross all of your must have pictures off of the list before the end of the night. The venue may have some unique spots that interest you too, don't forget to put those on the list! 

6. It's All About the Lighting

Every photographer knows that lighting means everything. Do your best to use natural lighting by scheduling outdoor pictures at the most ideal times throughout the day. Be ready for the sunrise or sunset shot when it comes. Furthermore, you should pick a venue that will have plenty of natural lighting for you. If your venue doesn't offer natural lighting, ask about bringing your own lights.  

7. Stick to Your Schedule

Wedding days are chaotic. It's difficult to stick to your schedule by the exact minute, but you have to try your best - once again, hiring an event planner can help with this and take the stress off your back. When you stick to your schedule, your photographer will know where to be at what time. To make this possible, be sure to give yourself plenty of time from the very beginning; getting ready can take a lot longer than anticipated. It’s better to give yourself some cushion room when scheduling, rather than cutting things short!

8. Check Out the Venue at your wedding time

Visit the venue in advance with your photographer to plan what areas are your favorite for pictures. You should go over details, such as who else you want in specific shots, and estimate the amount of time it will take you to complete the pictures. If there are a number of outdoor locations, come up with a plan in the case of bad weather - it is smart to do this even if the weather is scheduled to be great. 

9. Be at the Moment

You will be posing a lot on your wedding day. Similar to tip number 1, don’t be afraid to take more natural pictures. Encourage a lot of candid shots and take shots in between the posed shots. You should also take pictures with poses that are as natural to you and your loved ones as possible. The photographer will often help you with posing and feeling comfortable taking photos.

10. Get the Right Photographer

You have a number of different options when it comes to picking a photographer for your wedding; you want to pick the right one for you and your event. Search for photographers in your area that fit your budget and narrow it down by looking at reviews. Finally, look at the work of your different options - one artist's aesthetic may stand out to you above the rest; this is how you know that they are the best photographer for you. 

Pictures from your wedding will be displayed for the rest of your life. Using these tips will set you up for a seamless day and allow you to get the most our of your photos. Set up great pictures with a great venue, decorations, and food; have your guests help you by setting up a photo booth. Picking a reputable photographer that share in your vision is important, too. Most of all, just enjoy your day!

Classic Groomsmen Gifts They Can Actually Use

For a distinguished gent, think nothing more than a classic groomsmen gent. Whether it’s Clark Gable in Gone With The Wind or Daniel Craig in James Bond, achieve the ultimate debonair look.

And frankly my dear we do give a wotsit! The first manly port of call is, of course, your man’s appearance. Give your best men something that will not only appear dashing but will turn heads among your wedding crowd. 

A groomsmen accessory is the way to go as you can have the ability to accentuate his wedding suit or tux. From cummerbunds to cuffs, make your buddy catwalk ready so he is good to go on the white carpet and on the floor. 

Why not take the art of sophistication to the next level with a stylish gift that is built to last. On the other hand, you want to look for something that is practical as well as affordable.

Choose wisely as if you go too cheap it will fall apart like an old pair of socks. It can be dress socks or something sporty. Nevertheless, you should focus on tailoring your wedding gift according to your man’s likes or passions. 

Searching for a little manly inspiration? Consult our classic groomsmen gift list for a present they will use for years to come.

Groomsmen Beer Mug

Cheers To The Groomsman 25 oz. Personalized Beer Mug, personalizationmail.com.

Crack open a cold one with a classic custom beer mug. Add personalization such as your bro’s name, role or wedding date for a cherished keepsake. 

Holding up to 25 ounces, never let your pal’s mug go empty again. Made from extremely sturdy glass, they can pour their favourite beer or continental brewski for a smooth finish.

Featuring a robust handle, it has a unique starburst design on the bottom of the glass. Suitable for the dishwasher, we like the frosted glass appearance which will make your man’s details stand out. 

Leather Wallet & Hunting Gift Set

Personalized Leather Wallet & Hunting Knife Accessory Gift Set, groomsmengiftideas.com.

Presented in a super stylish black box, this leather wallet and hunting gift set kills two groomsmen birds with one stone. 

Perfect for both outdoor explorers and adventure seekers, the hunting knife suits those Bear Grylls wannabes. From gathering sticks for a makeshift campfire to gutting fish, your men will make great use out of this stainless steel smart knife. 

Meanwhile, enjoy keeping your Benjamins in this snazzy leather wallet, ideal for keeping in your pants pocket. Whack customization on both classic gifts and your men will not go away empty handed. 

Monogram Navy & White Pocket Square

Nautical Navy and White Men’s Linen Pocket Square, bumblebeelinens.com.

Ahoy there shipmates! If your men enjoy taking to the ocean waves or are jaunty jet-setters, how about a stylish pocket square. 

Ideal as a classic gift, this navy and white square has anchors as its main feature. Ideal for darker and tonal blue suits, dress your man up to the nines with this classy groomsmen accessory. 

Made from linen, it fits snugly into your bro’s suit pocket ensuring he can show it off throughout the day. And he can also use it long after the event for a number of different social occasions and gatherings. 

Have a monogram embroidered and make sure you create a personalized keepsake of your big bash.

Engravable Football Cufflinks

Stainless Steel Engravable Football Cufflinks, cufflinksinc.com.

For sports addicts, why not consider a pair of personalized football cufflinks. 

There’s no need to run or hide from your buddy with this classic groomsmen gift. Made from stainless steel, score a touchdown every time with fabulous etching details.

Great for a bit of arm candy, this one of a kind gift is the perfect finishing touch for your man’s outfit. Don’t expect any fashion faux pas or foul plays with this set of links. Have your gang running back to the bar for one more drink and ensure they enjoy the night. 

Add your pal’s name, initials or wedding date on to the super shiny polished surface for a special treasured memento.

Rectangular 24 oz. Whiskey Decanter & Lowball Glasses

Personalized Kinsale Rectangular 24 oz. Whiskey Decanter & 2 Lowball Glasses, gifts.menswearhouse.com.

Does your man appreciate the finer things? This whiskey decanter gift set is an excellent luxury groomsmen gift. 

Great for gifting, this attractive gift can certainly be put to good use in any man cave, smoking room or home bar. Whether it’s scotch, cognac or rum, add his favorite tipple and say thanks in style. 

Show your gratitude for your bros and drink to your success long after the rice has been thrown. Smack on personalization to show him how much you care, serving as a poignant reminder of your big day. 

Bring it out for poker nights, pre-drinking affairs with the guys or a cheeky dran watching the big game. Taking pride of place in your man’s drinks cabinet or trolley, he won’t require any excuse to share a drink.