Hey there, lovely couples-to-be! I’m so excited to share some helpful tips for planning your wedding ceremony. As a Milwaukee wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless “I do’s,” and I’ve seen firsthand how small details can have a huge impact on both your photos and your overall experience. From choosing the best light to designing a meaningful order of service, here’s everything you need to know!
Ceremony Tips from a Wisconsin Wedding Photographer | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer
1. Timing & Lighting
Let’s talk light first because it’s such a game-changer! If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony at noon, you’ll likely deal with super harsh sunlight—not ideal for photos or your comfort. To avoid squinting and intense shadows, consider timing your outdoor ceremony two hours before sunset if you’re having a First Look, or three hours before if you’re not. That gives you plenty of time for portraits afterward, and the light will be softer, dreamier, and oh-so-romantic! If you’re getting married indoors, think about skipping any spotlight-style lighting on the altar—these can create uneven exposures. Even, diffused lighting works wonders for beautiful, balanced photos!
2. Crafting Your Order of Service
This is where you can let your personalities shine! I’ve seen everything from foot-washing to unity candles, and it’s truly amazing to see how creative couples get. For our own ceremony, we hand-selected different poems and readings that reflected our relationship, did a wine box ceremony where we wrote letters to each other and locked them up with a bottle of wine to be opened in five years, and even had some of our favorite songs played as instrumental versions (Faithfully by Journey, anyone?!). We wrapped up the ceremony by walking out to Hey, Ho by The Lumineers! Designing a service that feels totally you will make your day that much more special.
3. Programs & Details
When you’re printing programs, remember that not everyone needs one! Families often share, so you can absolutely print fewer than your guest list headcount. Before hitting “order,” be sure to have a few trusted eyes review the spelling and grammar—typos can sneak in when you’ve been staring at the same text for weeks! Also, don’t try to set everything up yourself on the wedding morning. Delegate those tasks to a friend or day-of coordinator so you can savor each moment without running around in a frenzy!
4. Coordination: The Unsung Hero
Speaking of coordinators—having one is such a lifesaver! If you don’t have someone dedicated to organizing the flow of the day, that responsibility often falls on the bride, her mom, or even (gasp!) the photographer, which is way too much stress on top of everything else. A coordinator ensures your timeline runs smoothly and frees up your photographer to focus on capturing all the special moments rather than juggling schedules. Trust me, when everyone has a clear plan, you’ll be able to relax and truly enjoy your big day! If you need some recommendations on amazing coordinators and planners, please reach out!!
Ceremony Tips from a Wisconsin Wedding Photographer | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer
Additional Ceremony Considerations
Guest Comfort
Ensuring your guests are comfortable during the ceremony can make a world of difference! If you’re having an outdoor summer ceremony, think about providing parasols, hand-held fans, or even a small drink station with water or lemonade—your guests will thank you later! For cooler fall or winter weddings, consider offering blankets or shawls for anyone who might be a little chilly. When your guests feel cared for, they’ll be in a more celebratory mood, and that positive energy always shows in your photos!
Music Selection & Timing
Music sets the tone from the moment guests arrive! Whether you choose classical strings, acoustic guitar, or your favorite pop tunes, make sure the length of each song fits the timing of your processional and recessional. You don’t want your bridal party standing awkwardly in the aisle if the song ends too soon. Also, plan for pre-ceremony music to welcome guests as they take their seats. Carefully selecting pieces that reflect your style (and maybe your love story!) can add so much heart to the entire day!
Personalized Vows & Readings
If you’re comfortable sharing your own vows, it can be incredibly moving for both you and your guests! Handwritten, personal promises make the ceremony feel intimate and genuine. If that’s not your thing, consider asking friends or family to read a poem, scripture, or quote that holds special meaning. This small addition not only honors those who read, but also creates a more personal and warm atmosphere. Everyone loves hearing stories and words that represent who you are as a couple!
Aisle Setup & Décor
Think about how you want your aisle to look in photos! Simple touches like lanterns, small floral arrangements, or candles along the aisle can create a lovely atmosphere without breaking the bank. Just remember to keep things practical—you don’t want anyone tripping over elaborate decorations, especially little flower girls or ring bearers! Adding decorative elements that reflect your wedding theme or color palette can also tie everything together beautifully.
Officiant Selection & Style
Who you choose to officiate your wedding can drastically impact the vibe of your ceremony! Whether you go with a faith-based leader, a close friend, or a professional officiant, make sure they know your story and are comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Give them any specific wording you’d like included—like special blessings, quotes, or stories about how you met. This ensures your ceremony feels authentic and personalized, instead of a one-size-fits-all script.
Include a Moment of Gratitude
Taking a brief pause during your ceremony to express gratitude can be so meaningful. Some couples like to thank their parents, honor loved ones who couldn’t be there, or acknowledge their guests for sharing in the day. It’s a sweet touch that can leave everyone feeling connected and reminded of why they’ve come together to celebrate you!
I hope these ceremony tips leave you feeling inspired and excited about planning your ceremony! Think carefully about lighting, let your creativity shine in the order of service, simplify with fewer programs, lean on a coordinator, and don’t forget to keep your guests feeling welcomed and comfortable. As a Milwaukee wedding photographer, it’s my joy to help couples navigate these details so their wedding day is fun, memorable, and oh-so-photogenic! If you have any questions or want more advice, I’m here to help. Happy planning!
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