Your wedding party is made up of your closest friends, siblings, cousins, and childhood pals—the people who have been by your side through thick and thin. On your wedding day, they’re there to support you, cheer you on, and, let’s be honest, keep the party going! Beyond standing next to you at the altar, your wedding party plays a key role in making sure your day runs smoothly.
As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless wedding parties and know how important it is to make sure your crew has an incredible experience. From getting ready to dancing the night away, these Wisconsin wedding party tips will help ensure everything is stress-free, fun, and, most importantly, memorable!
Wedding Party Tips for a Stress-Free & Fun Wedding | Wisconsin Wedding Photographer
Bridal Party Portraits: Where the Fun Begins!
Bridal party portraits are one of the most exciting moments of the day! The energy builds, the laughter flows, and we capture some of the most joyful and candid moments. Every bride and groom wants their wedding party to have an amazing time, and I make sure that happens.
Bridal party portraits should be fun and relaxed, not forced or stressful. If you’re planning a First Look, this is the perfect time to bring in your wedding party for photos. Ideally, we’ll capture all your group portraits before the ceremony, giving your wedding party the freedom to enjoy cocktail hour instead of stepping away for more photos.
During your session, we’ll get a variety of shots, including the entire wedding party together, just the bridesmaids, just the groomsmen, and individual portraits of the bride with each bridesmaid and the groom with each groomsman. If you have flower girls and ring bearers, they can join in during pre-ceremony portraits or for a final group shot after the ceremony. No matter what, we’ll make sure everyone looks amazing and has a great time.
A quick reminder—ask your groomsmen to arrive with their boutonnieres already pinned and your bridesmaids to have their bouquets ready. This small detail keeps everything on track! These Wisconsin wedding party tips will help your portraits go smoothly!
Keep Everyone in the Loop
The best way to avoid stress on your wedding day is to keep your wedding party informed. No one wants to feel confused or unsure about where they need to be, so make it easy for them!
Consider sending out a simple wedding party timeline at least a week before the big day. Whether it’s a group text, a shared document, or a quick verbal rundown at the rehearsal dinner, a clear schedule will help things run smoothly. Be sure to include key times for getting ready, group photos, the ceremony, and any special duties.
If you have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, they’ll help keep things on track. But having a wedding party that knows what to expect can make a huge difference in keeping your day on schedule. These Wisconsin wedding party tips ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time!
Pack a Wedding Party Survival Kit
Wedding days can be long, and even with the best planning, small hiccups happen. That’s why a wedding day emergency kit is a must! Assign a bridesmaid, groomsman, or family member to keep this kit on hand for quick fixes.
Some essentials to include are stain remover wipes, mints, band-aids, bobby pins, hairspray, tissues, fashion tape, pain relievers, and blotting paper. Someone might need a quick touch-up, a fresh mint before a close-up photo, or a band-aid for a blister from brand-new dress shoes! Following these Wisconsin wedding party tips will keep your group prepared for anything!
Stay Hydrated (and Not Just on Champagne!)
Between the excitement, emotions, and nonstop schedule, drinking water is easy to forget. But staying hydrated is so important, especially for a summer wedding in Lake Geneva or an outdoor wedding in Milwaukee.
Encourage your wedding party to keep a water bottle nearby and take sips throughout the day. Hydration keeps everyone energized, especially if they’ll be outside in warm weather for portraits. It’s also a great idea to have small, easy-to-eat snacks available, like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. A little bit of nourishment makes a big difference in keeping everyone feeling their best! These Wisconsin wedding party tips will help keep everyone refreshed and ready to celebrate!
Be On Time & Ready for Photos
The best way to keep your wedding day stress-free is to ensure everyone is on time. Sticking to the schedule means everything runs smoothly and you have time to enjoy every moment.
If you’re getting married in Milwaukee, downtown traffic and parking can cause delays, especially on weekends. If your wedding is in Lake Geneva, summer tourist crowds can slow things down. And if you’re having a winter wedding anywhere in Wisconsin, plan extra time for snow or icy roads.
A great tip is to tell your wedding party to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than necessary. This small buffer helps account for any last-minute delays and keeps the day running smoothly. With these Wisconsin wedding party tips, you can keep everything on track and stress-free!
Keep the Vibes Positive
Your wedding party sets the tone for the day. If they’re upbeat, having fun, and going with the flow, that energy spreads to everyone else—including you! If they’re stressed, that energy spreads too.
Encourage your wedding party to embrace the day with a flexible attitude. Remind them that things might not go exactly as planned—and that’s okay! What matters most is celebrating this special day with love, laughter, and excitement. These Wisconsin wedding party tips will help keep everyone in good spirits!
Hype Up the Dance Floor!
Once the formalities are over, it’s time to celebrate! Your wedding party plays a huge role in getting the party started. If they hit the dance floor early, the rest of your guests will follow.
Consider fun ways to get everyone involved, like a grand entrance with music and high-energy moves. Glow sticks, party props, and even a pre-planned group dance can help set the mood. Whether your reception is an elegant ballroom celebration or an outdoor tented wedding in Lake Geneva, the dance floor is where some of the best memories happen! These Wisconsin wedding party tips will help ensure an unforgettable night!
Enjoy Every Moment
More than anything, I want you to soak in every single moment of your wedding day. The day flies by faster than you can imagine, so take a moment to breathe, look around, and cherish all the love surrounding you.
Your wedding party is there to support you, celebrate you, and make sure your day is everything you dreamed of. With a little preparation, clear communication, and a whole lot of fun, your wedding party will help make your day smooth, stress-free, and completely unforgettable.
And if you’re still looking for a Milwaukee wedding photographer, Wisconsin wedding photographer, or Lake Geneva wedding photographer who will capture every fun, emotional, and candid moment, I’d love to chat! Let’s create the wedding day experience you’ll remember forever. These Wisconsin wedding party tips will help make your big day perfect!
add a comment
+ COMMENTS