I searched all over OSP to see if anybody else has asked this question, but evidently not!

I wanted to see how everyone else handles the organization of the logistics for a wedding day- let me explain.

Right now, once a couple has booked and we are a few months away from their wedding date, I send them what I call a "Photography Checklist" which contains spots for them to fill in information about their vendors, specific notes about the ceremony, locations, etc. There's also a section for them to check which formal shots they'd like (Groom with Father, Bride with Parents, etc).

I realize that just because this is how I've always done things doesn't make it the best way, or even the most productive way to do things, so I'd really like to hear/see how others handle this.

As much as I hate having a checklist of images around, I do find that it helps me get the photographs that are most important to the couple, even though I'd prefer to just be there, documenting the event from start to finish, without this little piece of paper in my hand....

Thoughts/Comments/Ideas?

I'm doing my first one in March - I already have the checklist of 'must-have-formal-shots' in my possession.


but like I say - it's my first, so like you say, it may not be the best way to do it. (I can't think of a better way though).

Pray!

Amen!

communication is key with the clients...find out locations, travel times between locations, sunset time etc...the logistic details are what cna make or mess up the day...

Roll out of bed, kick husband, grab cameras, show up on time.





Edit: Ok, I was (mostly) kidding there... we charge all batteries, test the cameras, format the memory cards, and get plenty of sleep the night before.
Except for on one really bad occassion, we always get maps and directions to the locations about a week before, that is if we haven't been able to scout the location out before hand.
We go over the posed formals with the bride about one week before the wedding. And at that time, we nail down the exact timeline for arriving, getting made up, photos, wedding, reception, and leaving. These will change throughout the day, guaranteed!
We know the sunset and sunrise times, and we discuss those at the inital meeting with the couple.

Mostly, we just relax and don't stress! Be professional, and enjoy your time!!

Do you take your husband with you, or do you just kick him for good measure?
k.c.

list?

list?

list?


however, family formals are important to me. b&g, parents, grandparents... that's it.
our focus is the b&g, so whatever else we need, we talk about before the wedding.

i have a pre-wedding consultation (usually by phone with the bride) and i ask all the important questions like what formals, one of the groomsmen's phone number (for very legitimate reasons!!), name of the coordinator, events at the reception, timeline & make sure i'm in it, and if there are any "family situations" i should be aware of.

it's surprising how many people say "oh yes! please never put person x with person y." and sometimes people start telling me about family situations that have absolutely nothing to do with my job! but i always feel like i know the family better, and the bride feels like i know her better, and that's good.

When I do my consultation I try to get as many details as possible - Names of key players, times locations etc. It's all part of my contract so it's documented and guaranteed to be kept by both parties. 2 Weeks out I meet again to review the flow of the day and make certain everything is up to date and I have the right names etc.

I also shoot the rehearsal dinner as part of my process. I get to meet all the key people the night before in an informal setting. I learn names and personalities in advance and have a peek into the dynamics of the group as well. Makes for cool pages in the album as well...

I also use a checklist, but I've found one thing to really help in out my photographs come out in the end. For the 'getting ready' pictures I always have the bridesmaids be ready before the bride so that they look good and tell them early on to have everything picked up in the dressing area so there is not crap all over the place-this makes the biggest difference in how things look.

Here is some more from one of my recent threads that might help as well.

+1