Your photographer isn’t just snapping pretty pictures. They’re capturing the once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll look back on forever. To make sure nothing meaningful gets missed, communication is everything.
Here are 9 important things to tell your Cedar Rapids wedding photographer before the big day to make your gallery everything you’re hoping for (and more):
1. Your Must-Have Moments
Every couple has a few moments they absolutely want captured. While we’ll photograph the essentials—first look, first kiss, first dance—it helps to know what’s uniquely important to you.
Maybe it’s a private letter reading, a special exchange with your grandparent, or a choreographed reception entrance. Whatever those personal touches are, we want to know ahead of time so we can be ready to catch them.
This is one of the most helpful things to tell your wedding photographer, because we can’t prioritize what we don’t know matters to you.
2. Family Dynamics
Weddings bring families together—and sometimes that includes a few complexities.
Let us know about any sensitive situations: divorced parents, remarriages, guests who should or shouldn’t be grouped together. These details help us keep family portraits smooth and drama-free.
You don’t need to explain everything. A quick heads-up lets us structure the photos thoughtfully and respectfully.
3. Your Wedding Day Timeline
Timing is everything. Knowing where we need to be and when helps us stay organized and ready.
Let us know if you’re doing a first look, when you’re walking down the aisle, and what time the dance floor opens.
You don’t need a perfect plan—just an outline helps us map out lighting, locations, and key transition times. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help build a photo-friendly schedule with you.
4. Cultural or Religious Traditions
If you’re incorporating meaningful traditions—whether they’re cultural, spiritual, or family-based—please share the details.
It could be a tea ceremony, breaking the glass, jumping the broom, or a unity candle. These are beautiful moments that deserve proper focus.
Knowing they’re part of your day helps us prepare for the emotion, symbolism, and best camera angles.
5. What You Don’t Want Photographed
This is one of the most underrated things to tell your wedding photographer. Everyone has their preferences, and we want to honor yours.
Dislike posed shots? Want us to avoid specific angles? Prefer we keep cocktail hour more candid than formal? Just let us know.
We’re here to help you feel confident and comfortable, not awkward or overly styled.
6. Ceremony Restrictions
Some venues limit flash photography or restrict where your photographer can stand during the ceremony.
These rules vary by location and officiant, so it’s super helpful to communicate them in advance. We’ll come prepared with the right equipment and game plan to work within those boundaries while still capturing meaningful shots.
7. Weather Backup Plans
If you’re planning any part of your wedding outdoors, we’ll cross our fingers for perfect weather—but we’ll also prepare for rain.
Let us know what your Plan B is. That could be a covered pavilion, a cozy tent, or a move indoors. We’ll scout and prep both locations so your photos are beautiful no matter what the sky decides.
Rainy weddings can be just as magical. We just need the heads-up to pivot smoothly.
8. VIP Guests to Prioritize
You know the people who mean the world to you—the ones who helped shape your love story. Maybe it’s a grandparent, your godmother, or a childhood best friend flying in for the weekend.
Let us know who they are so we can make sure they’re present and shining in your gallery.
This also helps us grab a few intentional portraits with them before the day slips away in the blink of an eye.
9. Your Photography Style + Overall Vibe
Are you going for dreamy, romantic vibes? Something bold and modern? Maybe documentary-style storytelling with very few posed moments?
This is one of the top things to tell your wedding photographer ahead of time. Even if you’re not sure what the “style” is called, send us a few sample photos you love.
We’ll adjust how we shoot and edit to match your preferences as closely as possible. It’s your day—your photos should reflect your personality and taste.
Your wedding photographer isn’t just showing up with a camera. They’re showing up with intention, empathy, creativity, and a heart for telling your story.
When you openly share your expectations, your priorities, and your people, we can bring so much more meaning to your final gallery.
So don’t hesitate. The more things you tell your Cedar Rapids wedding photographer before the big day, the better your photos will reflect everything you love about it.
Complete Weddings + Events – Cedar Rapids Wedding Photographers, Videographers & More!
At Complete Weddings + Events, we do more than capture moments—we create an experience that’s seamless, relaxed, and full of joy. From photography and videography to DJs, photo booths, and coordination, we’re your all-in-one team.
Get in touch today to learn more about our wedding bundle packages and how we can help bring your dream day to life!