10 Essential Wedding Photography Tips Every Couple Should Know Before Their Big Day

Here's what most couples don't realize: the best wedding photos have nothing to do with being photogenic.

They're about being prepared. Being relaxed. Being yourself.

I've photographed couples who were terrified of the camera. Couples who said "we're so awkward in photos." Couples who almost didn't hire a photographer because they were that uncomfortable.

And their photos? Stunning. Because they knew what to expect, trusted the process, and let themselves be present.

You don't need to be a model. You just need to know a few things that make everything easier.

Here's what actually matters. (And once you've got these tips down, make sure to read our wedding day timeline guide to plan your day for the best photos.)

1. Choose the Right Photographer (Then Actually Trust Them)

Finding Your Match

This isn't about finding the "best" photographer. It's about finding the right one for you.

Look at their work:

Do you love their style?
Can you see yourself in their photos?
Do the images feel like something you'd want?

Meet them:

Do you feel comfortable around them?
Do they listen?
Do they get what you're going for?

You'll spend 8-10 hours with this person on your wedding day. Chemistry matters.

Then Trust Them

Once you've chosen your photographer, let them do their job.

They know:

The best angles for your body
How to use light
Which locations will work
When to direct and when to step back

What this looks like:

They suggest a location? Go with it.
They ask you to move slightly? Trust the adjustment.
They recommend a different time for portraits? Listen.
They say "one more"? They're getting the shot.

2. Schedule an Engagement Session

Why Engagement Sessions Matter

An engagement session isn't just about getting photos for your save-the-dates—it's a crucial practice run for your wedding day. Here's why it's invaluable:

Get Comfortable with the Camera

Learn how it feels to be photographed
Discover your best angles
Practice posing together
Overcome camera shyness

Build Rapport with Your Photographer

Get to know each other in a relaxed setting
Learn how they direct and communicate
Understand their shooting style
Build trust before the big day

Learn What Works for You

Discover which poses feel natural
Find out what to do with your hands
Learn how to stand and move together
Identify what makes you feel confident

Pro Tip: Treat your engagement session as a dress rehearsal. Wear something you feel great in, choose a meaningful location, and have fun! The confidence you gain will show in your wedding photos.

What You'll Learn

After your engagement session, you'll know:

How to relax in front of the camera
What your photographer means by "chin down" or "lean in"
How to laugh and interact naturally
Which poses are most flattering for you
How to trust the process

3. Communicate Your Vision (But Stay Flexible)

Your photographer isn't a mind reader! Help them understand your vision by:

Creating a Pinterest Board

Save 15-20 photos you love
Include variety: details, portraits, candids, reception shots
Note what you like about each image (lighting, pose, mood, location)
Share it with your photographer 2-3 months before the wedding

Discussing Must-Have Shots

Specific family combinations
Important details (heirloom jewelry, custom shoes, etc.)
Cultural or religious traditions
Special moments you don't want missed

Sharing Your Concerns

Angles you prefer to avoid
Insecurities about your appearance
Family dynamics your photographer should know
Any physical limitations

Pro Tip: While it's great to share inspiration, avoid giving your photographer a shot-by-shot list of 100 photos. Trust them to capture your day authentically while incorporating your style preferences.

Stay Open to Spontaneity

The best wedding photos often happen in unplanned moments:

A genuine laugh during portraits
Your grandmother's reaction during the ceremony
An unexpected dance floor moment
The way your partner looks at you when you're not posing

Balance is Key:

Share your vision: ✓
Provide must-have shot list: ✓
Micromanage every moment: ✗
Stress about recreating Pinterest photos exactly: ✗

4. Invest in Professional Hair and Makeup

Why It Matters for Photos

Professional hair and makeup isn't just about looking good in person—it's about photographing beautifully. Here's the difference:

Camera-Ready Makeup

Photographs well in different lighting
Lasts 12+ hours without touch-ups
Looks natural in person but defined in photos
Handles tears, heat, and humidity

Professional Hair Styling

Stays in place all day and night
Looks polished from every angle
Frames your face beautifully
Withstands weather and dancing

What to Request:

Trial run 2-3 months before the wedding
Bring inspiration photos
Test how it photographs (take selfies in different lighting)
Ensure it feels like an elevated version of yourself

Pro Tip: Avoid trying a completely new look on your wedding day. Your photos should look like YOU—just the most beautiful, polished version of yourself.

Makeup Tips for Photography

Do:

Slightly more dramatic than everyday makeup
Define your eyes (they're the focus in photos)
Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner
Apply false lashes for definition
Choose a long-lasting lip color

Don't:

Go too heavy on powder (can look cakey in photos)
Use SPF products (can cause flashback in flash photos)
Try a completely different style than your normal look
Forget to blend down your neck

5. Plan Your Timeline Around the Light

Understanding Golden Hour

We covered this in detail in our timeline guide, but it bears repeating: golden hour is magic for wedding photos. This is the hour before sunset when the light is:

Soft and flattering
Warm and romantic
Directional and dimensional
Absolutely stunning

How to Plan for It:

Find out what time sunset is on your wedding date
Schedule your ceremony to end 2-3 hours before sunset
Plan couple portraits during golden hour
Be willing to step away from cocktail hour for 15-20 minutes

Example Timeline:

Sunset: 7:30 PM
Ceremony: 5:00 PM
Family formals: 5:30-6:00 PM
Cocktail hour: 6:00-7:00 PM
Golden hour portraits: 7:00-7:30 PM
Reception entrance: 7:30 PM

Pro Tip: Even if you do portraits earlier in the day, step out during golden hour for 15 minutes. These will be your favorite photos—I promise!

Backup Plans for Weather

New Jersey weather is unpredictable. Always have a Plan B:

For Outdoor Ceremonies:

Tent or indoor backup location
Clear umbrellas for light rain (they photograph beautifully!)
Embrace the weather (some of the best photos happen in unexpected conditions)

For Outdoor Portraits:

Scout indoor locations with good light
Use covered porches or overhangs
Wait for breaks in the weather
Trust your photographer to make it work

6. What to Do with Your Hands (The Eternal Question!)

The Hand Problem

"What do I do with my hands?" is the most common question I hear during photo sessions. Here's the secret: your hands should be doing something, not just hanging there.

For the Bride:

Hold your bouquet at belly button height
Touch your partner's chest, arm, or face
Adjust your partner's tie or boutonniere
Hold your dress slightly to show details
Touch your hair or jewelry gently
Rest one hand on your partner's shoulder

For the Groom:

Hands in pockets (one or both, with thumbs out)
One hand on bride's waist, one in pocket
Adjust your jacket or cufflinks
Touch bride's face or hair
Hold bride's hand
Hands clasped in front (for formal shots)

Together:

Hold hands (but not in a death grip!)
Embrace with hands on each other's backs
Walk together with linked arms
Dance position (one hand holding, one on waist/shoulder)
Forehead-to-forehead with hands clasped

Pro Tip: Keep your hands soft and relaxed. Tense, clenched hands photograph awkwardly. Think "gentle" with everything you do.

Natural Hand Positions

The best hand positions happen when you're:

Actually doing something (walking, dancing, laughing)
Interacting with each other (touching face, adjusting clothing)
Holding something (bouquet, champagne glass, each other)

Avoid:

Stiff, straight arms at your sides
Clenched fists
Awkward finger positions
Covering your face completely
Death-grip hand holding

7. Perfect Your Posture and Body Language

The Power of Good Posture

Good posture instantly makes you look more confident, elegant, and photogenic. Here's how to nail it:

For Everyone:

Stand tall with shoulders back
Elongate your neck (imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head)
Engage your core slightly
Relax your shoulders (drop them away from your ears)
Distribute weight evenly or shift to your back foot

For Brides:

Turn your body slightly (never face the camera straight-on)
Angle your hips away from the camera
Create space between your arms and body (slimming effect)
Point your front foot toward the camera
Keep your bouquet low (belly button height, not chest)

For Grooms:

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
Square your shoulders to the camera (men can face forward)
Keep your weight on your back foot
Pull your shoulders back and chest forward slightly
Maintain strong, confident posture

Pro Tip: The "model pose" for women: Weight on back foot, front foot pointed toward camera, hips angled, shoulders back, chin slightly down. This creates the most flattering silhouette.

Body Language That Photographs Well

Connection Over Perfection:

Lean into each other (shows intimacy)
Foreheads touching (creates connection)
Looking at each other, not the camera (authentic emotion)
Laughing together (genuine joy)
Gentle touches (shows affection)

The Triangle Principle:

Create triangles with your arms and bodies
Avoid parallel lines (they look stiff)
Vary your heights (one person slightly higher)
Create visual interest with asymmetry

Pro Tip: The best photos happen when you forget about the camera and focus on each other. Your photographer will capture those genuine moments of connection.

8. Prepare Your Details for Photography

The Details Matter

Detail shots tell the complete story of your wedding day. Here's how to prepare:

Bride's Details to Gather:

Wedding dress on hanger (steam it the night before!)
Shoes (clean the soles!)
Jewelry (all pieces together)
Veil and hair accessories
Perfume bottle
Invitation suite
Rings in their boxes

Groom's Details:

Suit or tuxedo on hanger
Shoes (polished!)
Watch and cufflinks
Tie or bow tie
Boutonniere
Cologne
Wedding bands

Shared Details:

Wedding rings together
Invitation suite (invitation, RSVP, details card, envelope)
Vow books
Special gifts to each other
Family heirlooms
Custom items (monogrammed handkerchiefs, etc.)

Pro Tip: Assign someone (maid of honor, best man, or wedding planner) to gather all these items in one place for your photographer. This saves time and ensures nothing is forgotten.

Presentation Tips

For Best Detail Photos:

Steam your dress the night before
Clean shoe soles (they'll be photographed!)
Keep rings in their boxes until photos
Bring invitation suite in pristine condition
Have a beautiful hanger for your dress
Consider a detail box with all small items

Avoid:

Wrinkled dresses or suits
Dirty shoes
Missing invitation pieces
Damaged or worn items
Plastic hangers (use wooden or padded)

9. Work with Your Photographer, Not Against Them

During Portraits

Do:

Listen to direction and make adjustments
Ask questions if you don't understand
Trust their vision and expertise
Have fun and be yourselves
Take breaks if you need them

Don't:

Constantly check how you look
Worry about every single shot
Rush through the session
Ignore your photographer's guidance
Stress about being perfect

Pro Tip: Your photographer is on your side! They want you to look amazing. If they're adjusting your position or asking you to move, it's to make you look better, not to be picky.

During the Reception

Let Your Photographer Work:

They know when to step in and when to step back
Trust them to capture important moments
Don't pose for every photo (candids are often better!)
Enjoy your reception—they'll document it

Help Them Help You:

Introduce them to important family members
Give them a heads-up about special moments
Point out details you want captured
Let them know if you're stepping away

Pro Tip: Assign a family member or friend to help wrangle people for family formals. This frees you up to enjoy the moment while ensuring everyone gets in the right photos.

10. Relax, Be Present, and Enjoy Your Day

The Most Important Tip

Here's the truth: The best wedding photos happen when you're relaxed, present, and genuinely enjoying your day. No amount of perfect posing can replace authentic joy and emotion.

How to Stay Present:

Before the Wedding:

Prepare everything in advance
Delegate tasks to trusted people
Trust your vendors to do their jobs
Let go of perfection

On Your Wedding Day:

Take moments to pause and breathe
Look at your partner and remember why you're there
Soak in the details and emotions
Don't stress about the timeline
Laugh when things go wrong

During Photos:

Focus on each other, not the camera
Laugh, talk, and interact naturally
Trust your photographer
Don't worry about looking perfect
Enjoy this time together

Pro Tip: Some of my favorite photos happen when couples forget I'm there. They're laughing at a private joke, sharing a quiet moment, or just being themselves. That's when the magic happens.

Managing Wedding Day Stress

Stress-Reducing Strategies:

Morning:

Eat a good breakfast
Stay hydrated
Build buffer time into your schedule
Surround yourself with positive people
Play music you love

During Photos:

Remember it's not a photoshoot—it's your wedding day
Take breaks when needed
Communicate with your photographer
Focus on the experience, not just the outcome
Laugh off any mishaps

Throughout the Day:

Delegate problems to your planner or wedding party
Stay in the moment
Don't sweat the small stuff
Remember what really matters: marrying your person

Pro Tip: Schedule 10 minutes alone together during your wedding day. Step away from everyone, take a breath, and just be together. These quiet moments often produce the most intimate, emotional photos.

Bonus Tips for Specific Situations

For Camera-Shy Couples

If you're nervous about being photographed:

Practice at Home:

Take selfies together in different poses
Practice in front of a mirror
Get comfortable with physical closeness
Learn your best angles

Communicate with Your Photographer:

Tell them you're camera-shy
Ask for extra direction
Request more candid, less posed shots
Take breaks when overwhelmed

Focus on Each Other:

Pretend the camera isn't there
Talk to each other during photos
Laugh and interact naturally
Remember you're with your favorite person

For Couples with Different Heights

Height differences can actually create beautiful, dynamic photos:

Posing Solutions:

Bride on stairs or elevated surface
Groom sitting while bride stands
Both sitting (equalizes height)
Embrace from behind (height difference less obvious)
Use the difference creatively (forehead kisses, looking up/down)

Pro Tip: Don't stress about height differences! Your photographer knows how to work with any height combination to create flattering photos.

For Plus-Size Couples

Every body is beautiful and deserves to be photographed confidently:

Flattering Techniques:

Angle your body (never face camera straight-on)
Create space between arms and body
Elongate your neck
Use good posture
Wear well-fitted clothing
Trust your photographer's angles

Mindset Matters:

You deserve beautiful photos
Your photographer wants you to look amazing
Confidence is the most attractive thing you can wear
Focus on the love, not the insecurities

Pro Tip: Choose a photographer whose portfolio includes diverse body types and who makes you feel comfortable and confident.

For Introverted Couples

If you're both introverts who prefer quiet moments:

Communicate Your Needs:

Tell your photographer you prefer intimate, quiet moments
Request fewer large group photos
Ask for more candid, documentary-style coverage
Schedule alone time during the day

Play to Your Strengths:

Quiet, intimate moments photograph beautifully
Genuine connection beats forced enthusiasm
Subtle emotions are powerful in photos
Your love story is valid exactly as it is

Here's What It Comes Down To

You don't need to be a model to have incredible wedding photos.

You need to:

Choose the right photographer
Prepare thoughtfully
Trust the process
Be present

That's it.

The couples with the best photos aren't the ones who stress about every pose or try to control every moment. They're the ones who show up as themselves, trust their photographer, and let the day unfold.

Your wedding photos will capture what you give them. If you're stressed and performing, that's what shows. If you're relaxed and present, that's what you'll see.

The photos aren't about perfection. They're about truth. The real moments. The way you look at each other when you think no one's watching. The quiet seconds before you walk down the aisle. Your dad's hand shaking slightly as he takes your arm.

Those moments can't be faked. They can only be felt.

So prepare. Then let go. Be there. Feel it.

That's when the magic happens.

If you're planning a wedding and want a photographer who gets this — who understands that the best photos come from real moments, not forced poses — let's talk. I've been doing this for 14 years, and I still get excited about capturing the truth of your day.

Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer?

Contact Hariel Xavier Photography:

📧 Email: Hi@HarielXavier.com 📞 Phone: (862) 355-3502 📍 Location: Sparta, NJ (serving all of New Jersey)

More Resources: Wedding Timeline Guide • Top NJ Venues • View Our Portfolio

Let's create something real together.