Wedding Photo Essentials

Written by Managing Editor and Curator Michelle Cox-Vergara

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I have encountered so many things on a wedding day. From scorching heat in the middle of October (yes I am talking about 90+ degrees) to a snowy spring day, we see it all. I generally try to prepare my clients with helpful tips on things to bring or purchase before the wedding day and today I am sharing that list with all of you. Not all of these are required for every wedding or every couple but at the very least it could provide some helpful incite on things you might not already be considering for your big day.

A Clear Umbrella

I know, we should never chat about rain on the wedding day but unfortunately (and especially in Chicago) I could be a possibility. I always tell my clients that it is wise to be prepared so that if it does in fact sprinkle, we have a plan. Not only should you plan a backup portrait location for inclement weather but you may want to make a purchase of umbrellas for yourselves and your wedding party. These clear umbrellas are my favorite because they allow in significant light and photograph beautifully. I have had couples purchase one or several for their whole party as a “just in case” expense. Before making this purchase, ask your photographer or wedding planner to see if they have any. Many of us keep a few in our studios (or car trunk) for emergencies.

PRO TIP - Leave the tags on until the wedding day because if it doesn’t rain you may be able to get a refund which is always a good thing!

Comfortable Flats

If you are planning on wearing shoes that have an inclined heel or are just overall a little snug, plan for a more comfortable option at two separate times on the wedding day - during on location portraits and during your reception. Many couples will have a shoe change during the portraits because running around the city to locations can be rough on your feet! Sometimes we dash across streets, walk through uneven surfaces, maybe stop at the beach… Overall it is helpful to consider another shoe option. This is also true for the reception. If you want to stay on the dance floor with your friends or just walk comfortably from table to table to visit family, it is a great option to have something else on hand. This is also a great way to showcase a little more of your personality and yourself into your reception look so I say, win win all around! AND most importability, your feet will thank you.

Stain Remover

If you have a wedding planner, they will probably have a Tide Pen or a stain remover of some sort but if you don’t, GET ONE! You just never know what you will encounter on the wedding day. I have seen small stains or large on the wedding day so being prepared it really key. From a lipstick stain or a smudge of dirt, to something a bit larger, it is just a great tool to keep in your bag. Yes, your photographer will potentially have the ability of photoshopping things out but overall, it would just be so much better to try to get the stains out before we have to go to those lengths.
It seems like many couples enjoy wearing white throughout the whole engagement season (from engagement party to shower to rehearsal) so keeping a tide pen with you is something that I am sure is not foreign to you - just make sure you toss a few in your bag on the wedding day and you will be good to go for any accidents or mishaps.

Wine Wipes

For those daring enough to sip on red wine throughout your reception, these are so helpful for late night portraits or fun photos near the end of your wedding day. One wipe will help remove staining that you might have on your mouth and lips and you can quickly go from red wine to white smile in a few minutes. Many couples choose to use some kind of teeth whitening before their wedding day and one glass of wine (without a wipe) cause spoil their plans for having white teeth in images. These are great things to have in your pocket or in your bag on the wedding day just to help you feel a little more fresh and pulled together for those late night snaps on the dance floor.

A Wrap or Shawl or bomber jacket

If you and your wedding party plan on taking photos outdoors for more than an hour on the wedding day, it can be a safe decision to purchase wedding day wraps or shawls. On more than one occasion I have seen folks gathered together trying to stay warm while taking photos and with a little preparation you can find a shawl or wrap that stays on theme with the wedding day while also helping everyone stay a little warmer. There are lots of other trendy items like branded denim jackets or leather bombers so just like the shoe change, this can be a great way to bring out more of your personalities while also helping everyone stay warm and excited about your wedding photo session.

A Hand Towel or Two

Bouquets are generally delivered in a bit of water and/or will be placed in a temporary vase waiting for everyone to get ready on the wedding morning. That being said, when you remove them from the water, the stems are a bit damp. Having a few small rags on hand for the wedding party bouquets can be super helpful so as not to soil any wedding day looks with water stains. The temporary moisture on a suit or gown will dry indeed but depending on the material it could take a bit of time and on the wedding day (especially during pre-ceremony portraits) time is a limited commodity. Purchasing a small pack of towels or rags can be a great way to avoid water staining and is another useful item to have tucked away in the corner of a tote bag.

Summing up

Overall, there are lots of easy ways to be prepared for your wedding photo session. Taking a few moments to consider less than ideal weather will help you be ready just in case and can also create a new vibe for your photos by choosing a unique backup venue or some bedazzled denim jackets for your crew.

Hopefully these tips will help you prepare a bit more for your wedding day portraits. Even though you may have to make some additional purchases, having the peace of mind that your big day will go without a hitch makes some of these items, in my humble opinion, wedding day essentials.

Happy Planning!