10 helpful tips for a stress-free wedding
So you are planning your wedding, how exciting!
After photographing 50+ weddings all over Denmark, I started taking notes about what some couples do or don’t do. I’ve experienced smooth weddings from start to finish AND moments when things went a bit sideways. It’s never fun to see the bride, groom, or their guests having to stress over anything.
No matter what happens, it won’t be the end of the world. In the end, it might even turn into a great story. Nonetheless, I would love to share the following tips with you, so you can be present, have a backup plan and stay stress-free on your wedding day.
REMEMBER: this is your day, and you should enjoy it fully!
1. Make a detailed timeline - and set extra time for everything
One of the most helpful tips is to have a detailed timeline with enough breathing space. Things will happen unexpectedly - especially when people have a great time. Your planner and photographer are here to help you with this! Personally, I ask my couples about their timeline and wishes for the day, and I use the info to make a custom photo timeline for them.
When all is set, you can review the timeline with all your vendors, making sure there’s plenty of room for everything. For example, if I have a newlywed photoshoot straight after the ceremony, I set extra time off for this. Guests want to wish the couple all the best - it will take time!
PRO TIP
Share a little copy of the timeline with your guests. Trust me, it will take a big load off your shoulders.
2. Delegate as much as you can
In the same way that you give a role to your toastmaster, do this for other tasks with trusted people. Here are some ideas:
phone keeper
decor organizer, a person assigning the hotel rooms
first-aid person (snacks, water, tissues, or adjusting your dress, hair, and make-up)
a go-to person who knows everything about the timeline
a babysitter for your little one(s)
3. Invest in hiring professionals
This comes from a professional, and I stand by it 1000%. I’ve seen enough brides stressing over their hair & make-up choice, evening program, or low-quality photos from the phone.
Choose trusted hair and make-up stylists, photographers, or professional entertainers. All of them are specialized in what they do, and all of them can tackle problems within their area. It will allow you to relax and stay present.
I understand when couples go with a hobby photographer or rely on guests. It’s easy, and it saves money. All I can say is that investing in a specialized, experienced photographer will give you extra support, clear plan and saves you time. They will be prepared to capture the most authentic moments in a style you love. They know the best lighting, timing and will guide you through the day and posing!
4. Choose your dress wisely!
I’d strongly recommend prioritizing your comfort.
Are you okay with spending extra time styling your dress every time you enter the room? Can you spend a long time in your shoes? Does your veil sit in your hair without falling off constantly? If yes - go for it!
In my experience, some small things won’t let you feel present. Have extra comfy shoes ready, or put your veil away after the photoshoot. Don’t let the small things frustrate you. Everyone wants you to have the best day of your life!
5. Hire a photographer you have a real connection with
Both professionally as well as personally! In contrast to other vendors, the photographer will be around you almost all the time. Not only should you be crazy about their work, but they should also be the kind of people you enjoy having around. You can have two photographers for the same price, but that won’t tell you much about how they work with you.
PRO TIP
Ask them about all the things that are important to you. A good sign is that they will guide you through the whole process smoothly. Starting from planning the timeline, being at your wedding, to delivering the photos.
6. Have a rain plan ready!
Rain won’t stress you if you have a plan for it already. Talk to your vendors and photographer first! Ask your venue for rain solutions and your photographer for alternative locations. Bridges, roofs, museums, and overhangs can do magic!
Always have a pair of umbrellas and shoes ready. You’ll avoid getting soaked and dirty during an outdoor photoshoot! Your best man and bridesmaid can take care of it! Personally, I think rainy portraits with an umbrella are so so romantic.
7. Choose 2-3 areas that are the most important to you
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it doesn’t matter if you’re planning for just the 2 of you or 80 other people. You’ll get so many ideas from others and the Internet that you can get distracted by all the ideas quite fast.
Try choosing 2-3 most important things and invest your time and money in them. This could be anything from the food, the photography, and the venue. Take care of the most meaningful things to you and your partner first and make them perfect. Don’t stress about the rest. Remember that you’re here to enjoy this, and you’re not alone - it’s the two of you!
8. Do portraits and ‘first look’ before the ceremony
You can do the ‘first look’ or individual portraits around the time of your preparations. I usually experience this with smaller weddings or elopements. However, even couples with bigger weddings do this to save time and enjoy their guests! So, instead of stacking group photos, newlywed photoshoot, and individual portraits closely together, you can divide them and have a more balanced timeline.
PRO TIP
You can make this even more special by reading your wows to each other. It is so incredibly touching and powerful. And the photographer can capture this even from far away!
Extended group photos can drag time and drop good energy. Focus mainly on the closest family and guests. If the group photos are super important to you, photograph core family and larger groups! Make sure to photograph the older guests at the beginning, so they won’t be exhausted from standing too long. You can also guide the rest of the guests to the following location, so they can continue the celebrations!
PRO TIP
I always ask the couple to make a group list and find a contact person who knows everyone and can call them out for me. That way, the newlyweds can stay present and enjoy the moment!
9. Make group photos quick
10. Choose one location only
Avoid the extra cost and losing time on transportation by choosing one venue for the whole wedding.
There are so many options for doing this! You can rent a property for the weekend or invite everyone to your home. These wedding celebrations are so cozy and popular!
For the photoshoot, stay at the venue or pick a location nearby. Just talk to the photographer - they know how to make this work!
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Marianna Majer
Marianna Majer is a Danish wedding photographer based in Odense, Fyn. She captures weddings, engagements, families, maternity, and newborn sessions all around the country. Specializing in capturing authentic, natural portraits and unique perspectives to create raw emotional moments.