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WEDDING GUIDE
Mandie Forbes
wedding video tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
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Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know videography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed and filmed close to 100 weddings over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to wedding day tips and inclement weather.
- Mandie
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Sarah Rhodes Boyce Weddings
Sincerely Ginger
Juniper + Lace Events
Fox + Fern Events
Grateful Gatherings
WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
PhotoGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
That moment you see each other for the first time on your wedding day is magical. And this is true whether you choose to wait until you walk down the aisle during your ceremony or whether you choose to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of my couples each year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself a person who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures and video have to be taken after the ceremony. Your photographer can give let you know what order they like to do pictures in, but typically family pictures are done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then couples portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour. I'm working alongside your photographer during this time to capture video while they capture your photographs.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for pictures and video of your full bridal party as well as your couples portraits and video (although I do always like to do some additional video of the of you at sunset). This allows you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Photo & Video without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for photo and videos. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had everything done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" your photographer usually works with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images. Feel free to use these timelines though to get an idea for how your day may go.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo and video times: time before the ceremony and time after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for pre-ceremony bridals (bridesmaids and bride) and pre-ceremony groom (groomsmen and groom) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party time, 15-30 minutes of family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits and video after the ceremony if you're not having any time together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos and video can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few minutes of additional couples video at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos and video before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits and video for your families, bridal party and your couples romantics. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
12 p.m.
Mandie arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and 2nd arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1:15 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I'm happy to make recommendations.
2:00 p.m.
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits and video.
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: Your photographer will probably want to do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. During this time, I'm usually setting up video equipment for the reception and plugging into audio sources from the DJ, etc.
4:00 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, your photographer and I might want to grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party/couple shots and video clips.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. I’ll grab video clips of your guests and reception decor while you enjoy the hour.
5:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5pm Introductions
5:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm Sunset Portraits
Your photographer and I will make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sun sets for a few minutes of sunset pictures and video. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Videographers Depart
8:00pm Videographers Depart
1 p.m.
Mandie arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and 2nd arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos and video.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos and video.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: Your photographer will probably want to do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. During this time, I'm usually setting up video equipment for the reception and plugging into audio sources from the DJ, etc.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits and Video
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
Your photographer and I will make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sun sets for a few minutes of sunset pictures and video. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Videographer’s Depart
9:00pm Videographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe me, just take a look at Jacqueline & John's wedding day. It rained the for a good part of the day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait and video locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, your photographer and I can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images and gorgeous video.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and videography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for your photos, or even worse, your video of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me and my team do the best possible job of capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits and video is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING close to 100 weddings in the past few years, I'm happy to share a few additional tips
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If my team is doing both photo and video then supplying me with a list ahead of time will let me go over it and make sure that I shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! Feel free to email me any time at hello@mandieforbes.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!