Posts

Wedding photos group of friends

Plan Your Wedding Photos

/0 Comments/in /by

Plan Your Wedding Photos

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Your wedding day is one of the only days you will have most of your loved ones in one place. Because of this, you must plan your wedding photos accordingly. While, of course, many of your wedding photos will center around you and your bridal party, you don’t want to miss out on photos with your other loved ones too. To accomplish that, you need to organize your guests by the connection they have to you and to each other in a grand list for your photographer. Here’s how you should start to plan your wedding photos with your special wedding guests.

Immediate Families

The immediate families include the parents and siblings of the newlyweds. These photos are usually not forgotten, but they are important to organize nonetheless. Some details to keep in mind are:

  • Is there an old family photo you’d like to recreate alongside your formal photos?
  • Are there any family dynamics the photographer should be mindful of?
    • I.e. Divorced parents, differently-abled or handicapped family members who may not be able to stand for long, etc.

Extended Families

Extended family includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins. This group of people requires a lot of photos. This is often the most overlooked group of people for wedding photos. Being that this is one of the only times in your life you’ll have a photographer present, it’s so important to get photos with your aging relatives. That being said, keep in mind any physical difficulties your elderly relatives may have while taking pictures. Many couples also have special relationships with aunts and uncles. Therefore it may be important to get one-on-one photos with special family members too. The easiest way to organize this larger group is to divide them by individuals/one-on-one photos and large group photos. Some important photos for extended families may be:

  • Individual/One-on-One Photos:
    • Grandparents, together and individually. Also with the groom/bride together and individually.
    • Aunts & Uncles, together with the newlyweds, and potentially individually too.
    • If there are specific special cousin relationships you might also want individual photos with them too.
  • Large Group Photos
    • The entire side of the prospective families (just the bride’s side, then just the groom’s side) including grandparents, cousins, parents, and siblings
    • Grandparents group photo (bride’s side and groom’s side separately) with the immediate families
    • Grandparents group photo with the extended family (bride’s side and groom’s side separately)
    • Divided extended family, families the bride and groom may be close to (ex. Uncle John’s family with the bride and groom)
    • Just the bride/groom’s generation of cousins

Specific Friend Groups

Oftentimes newlyweds have friend groups from various stages of their lives. Just because they were not in the bridal party does not mean you cannot get special photos with them. An easy way to accomplish this is to have your wedding photographer coordinate with your wedding DJ. The DJ can call the various groups to the dance floor for group photos during any reception downtime. Here are some potential groups you may want photos with:

  • Elementary School Friends
  • Middle School Friends
  • High School Friends
  • Sports Team Friends
  • College Friends
  • Work Friends
  • Neighbors

All Your Wedding Guests

What is more fun than getting a ginormous group photo of all your loved ones together on your wedding day? This often-overlooked photo will be so fun to look back on. You’ll be able to remember who was at your wedding, even as years go by.

If you have this detailed list to give to your photographer you will surely not miss any cherished photos with your loved ones. You will never regret being organized in advance. Each couple has different family and friend relationships, so organize this photo list in a way that works with your relationships. We can’t wait to see your special wedding photos from your organized list! Tag us in your wedding photos or email them to hello@ChicagoWeddingBlog.com. For more wedding planning inspiration and advice check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Wedding Lights photo

Lights as Wedding Décor

/0 Comments/in /by

Lights as Wedding Décor

If you walk into just about any store looking for wedding décor you will likely find an array of lights. Most venues have typical ceiling lights. If you add unique lights to your wedding décor it will create a warm and artistic atmosphere. From candles to string lights, there are so many options to choose from. To make designing your wedding décor easier we narrowed down the best lights to use as wedding décor.

Candelabras

Since the first time we saw Beauty and the Beast, we all saw the formality a candelabra can add to an event. If you are having a formal wedding, a candelabra is the perfect complementary lighting choice. You can introduce your wedding colors by using colored candles in the candelabra. If you prefer the classic, white candles you can have colored flowers draped around the bottom of the candelabra.

Modern Candelabra

Post: The Knot, Photo: Henry Photography

Fairy or Twinkle Lights

If you want a less formal lighting option, fairy or twinkle lights are a softer choice. Fairy lights are very thin lights on a wire that are easily moldable into or around shapes, such as mason jars or vases. Twinkle lights are essentially Christmas lights that come in many bulb colors and sizes. Twinkle lights can be hung from the ceiling or draped with tulle or other soft fabrics. Fairy lights tend to be done on a smaller scale such as being used in centerpieces. If you want to incorporate many different lights, fairy and twinkle lights are very complementary.

String lights

Speaking of lights that can be hung, string lights have become increasingly popular in the last few years. If you are having an outdoor wedding, reception, or cocktail hour string lights add romance to the space. String lights also make for amazing after-dark photos. If you dream of having a beautiful kiss-in-the-dark wedding photo, string lights are a great addition to your wedding décor. As with any light that is hung, it’s important to check with your venue about your hanging options before you get your heart set on hanging lights.

Tea lights

Even the smallest touch of light can make a big impact. Tea lights can be burning or battery-operated candles. They can be used in so many ways from floating in water to placed in a floral centerpiece or table. If you already have a lot of wedding décor tea lights are a perfect, smaller option that will also highlight the existing décor.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns come in many shapes and sizes. These lights are soft but add drama to your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. Paper lanterns can be hung from the ceiling or placed on the ground to frame the aisle, patio, or dance floor. Similar to string lights, lantern lights are a great option if you are having any part of your wedding outdoors. The beauty of these lanterns comes not only from the color of the paper but also from the dramatic contrast of light.

We hope these ideas will make designing your wedding décor easier. Don’t forget, even a little light goes a long way! Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and tips check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Dog Friendly Wedding Schedule

A Dog-Friendly Wedding

/0 Comments/in /by

A Dog-Friendly Wedding

We love the trend of including dogs in wedding photos. There aren’t many things sweeter than wedding photos with the couple’s best canine companions!  To include dogs in your wedding day there are a few important details to think about first. Here’s all the information you need to have a dog-friendly wedding.

A Companion For Your Companion

If you’re going to have your pets at your wedding you will need a pet sitter to be with them while you and and your guests are busy. The best scenario is to have someone your dog is familiar with be their companion. If you have a coworker or neighbor who isn’t invited to the wedding, but knows your dog well, they will be a great option. Write out as much information on your dog’s food, toys, schedule etc. so they can help navigate the day with your dog.

Schedule The Dog

Dog’s do best with their normal routine. The last thing you want is for your poor pup to freak out on your wedding day. Have them eat their normal food at their typical times. Make sure they go on a walk at their usual time. Though it is a momentous day for you, the dog will not be able to be at their best if their routine is not taken care of. Set your dog, wedding photos, and yourself up for success.

Have A Plan B If The Dog Is Overwhelmed

There are plenty of amazing doggy daycare locations in just about every town. Confirm in advance your dog has the needed vaccinations to attend incase the wedding is too much for them. Often the drop-in rate for doggy daycare is very reasonable. You can have your dog’s companion drop them off for a stress free day to play. It’s definitely important to check in with the doggy daycare place the day before the wedding to ensure they can accommodate your dog if need be.

Pack For The Dog

It is so important to have toys that will keep your dog’s attention span if you want them to be at your ceremony and reception. Keep in mind there will be lots of overwhelming smells, so have their food and favorite treats on hand to keep them satisfied. And last, but not least, the less glamorous side: when dogs have to go, they have to go! Be prepared with supplies to clean up after your dog.

We hope this list helps you prepare for a stress-free wedding day for you and your furry best friend! Are you planning on having your dog at your wedding? We would love to hear how it went. E-mail us your story and credited vendors and photos to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com. For more wedding planning advice and inspiration check out more featured Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding Favor Ideas

/0 Comments/in /by

When you think of your wedding guest tables you think of the centerpieces and table linens. But have you thought about wedding favors yet? These are a great way to say thank you to your guests as well as pull your wedding theme together. Here are some great wedding favor ideas sure to please your guests.

Read more
White wedding

Return To A Classic Wedding

/0 Comments/in , /by

Return To A Classic Wedding

For 2019 we are going to see a return to classic wedding! We’ve seen so many rustic and bohemian themed weddings that it’s a breath of fresh air to return to classic elegance. What should you keep in mind for a classic wedding? We can help.

First, the color white.

Weddings are usually symbolic of the white (in various shades), but a classic wedding keeps white flowers. If you want a pop of color stick to greenery. The classic wedding is clean and elegant. Choose clean and classic  flower arrangements, and avoid a floral crown. It’s best left to the flower girls.
A simple décor with white flowers is classic. Too much decoration is distracting for your guests. This will create stunning photos with clear crystal chandeliers or sleek draping.

Second, you’ll want to wear a more traditional dress with a long veil.

A classic style also utilizes long sleeves on the wedding dress. There are several styles right now that are stunning, even a little Victorian. Keep the accessories minimal. You want be the center of attention and not your baubles. Your groom and the groomsmen should also keep things simple with dark suits or tuxes. The boutonniere’s should be simple florals as well.

Third, the wedding cake will complete your classic wedding.

A multi-tier white cake with tasteful décor and topper are perfect for the return to classic. The flavors inside can be where you get adventurous and bold!

The classic wedding also pays homage to tradition. You can re-create an old wedding photo of your parents’ day. Think clean lines, elegant refinement and a neutral color palette for your classic wedding!



Are you going to have a classic wedding? Did you apply this classic wedding style to your wedding? E-Mail us your photos with credited vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com