I created this wedding day checklist for the bride with the intention of getting every bride better photographs. First, though, keep in mind a wedding day isn’t always the movie-esque morning that we’d all like to imagine. It is okay and expected to miss a thing here or there. Let’s be honest, the weddings in the movies seem about as realistic as the job descriptions for couples on House Hunters on HGTV.

You know the ones where they are looking for a home with a small budget of $5,000,000 and he melts crayons for a living while she finger paints for Chippendales in Las Vegas. Anyway, real weddings can totally be smooth, but sometimes the first thing in the morning is just getting your bridesmaids enough water and Tylenol to battle the hangover from the epic party you threw the night before. Other times it’s just sipping mimosas and enjoying the fact that the day is about to be just as epic as you’d hoped it would be, and laughing in robes while getting ready for the day.

bring home

memories.

Don’t worry about awkward poses or feeling weird in front of a camera.

No pressure in the moment photography for laid back couples.

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Recommended checklist for the bride on the wedding day.

Wear matching robes or outfits with your bridesmaids while getting ready. Here’s why: this is a fun way to make sure everyone looks their best for getting ready candids.
Set out everything you wearing to your wedding ((including jewelry, your veil, shoes & shapewear), This way the photographer can quickly get detailed photographs of them. If everything is in one area away from everything else, the Where’s Waldo? Details Edition game can be avoided entirely.
Have your make-up and hair done near a window to get glowing natural light. Yes, flash is great, but it’s no replacement for the beauty of natural light.
Don’t try new beauty products or treatments. Only wear the stuff your beautician is recommending because you do not want an awkward skin reaction to start off your day.
Pace yourself on drinks or avoid them entirely until after the ceremony. You have 10+ hours ahead of you, and you don’t want to black out prior to the I Do’s. Plus, you really do want to remember as much of the day as you can clearly and even a slight buzz can fuzz things up.
Put essentials in a small purse and hand it to your bridesmaids. Legitimately, tissues, lip gloss for touch-ups, oil-absorbing sheets, a Tide stain pen, a comb, and a spare pair of flip-flops or flats. That is survival 101 on a wedding day!
Don’t be the point person for guests. You should be present during the day, not the tour guide. You want photographs of you laughing and having a good time, not telling Aunt Susan the seating chart is not optional. Designate that to vendors + someone with a lot of patience.
Exchange a note or a gift with your partner. Have these delivered or with them while they’re getting ready and open them at that time by yourselves (+ the photographer) if you can. A new Cologne/Perfume is a great gift because a new scent will now always remind you of the wedding day. Axe doesn’t count.
Have a first look with your parents/grandparents. They have been waiting to see you in that dress their entire lives and it’s such a great way to include them in more photographs without feeling posed.
Be yourself. Listen, if you want to jam out to your high school playlist with your bridal party or pinch your partners’ butt instead of tapping them on the shoulder for the first look, DO It. Be present in the day and be you, you will only regret it if you don’t.

BONUS: Do a first look. Yes, tradition is great, but a private moment between you and your partner is a gift in itself.