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Poppy & Hive
Photography

10 Must-Dos for a Flawless Utah Wedding Day: A Photographer’s Insider Tips

Oh, my dear bride-to-be, your Utah wedding day is almost here! Can you believe it? After months of Pinterest boards, dress fittings, and cake tastings, the day you’ve been dreaming of is just around the corner. As a Utah wedding photographer who has had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, I know how quickly this day can fly by. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, happy tears, and moments you’ll want to remember forever. So, to help you savor every second and ensure your Utah wedding day is nothing short of perfect, I’ve compiled these 10 essential tips, just for you.

1. Nourish Your Body and Soul: Darling, you simply cannot run on love and champagne alone! Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint. Start your day with a nourishing breakfast filled with protein and good fats to keep you energized. Stay hydrated throughout the day by sipping on water, herbal tea, or even coconut water. Pack some healthy snacks for you and your bridal party to enjoy while getting ready. Trust me, a hangry bride is not a happy bride!

2. Delegate Like a Queen: Remember, you’re the queen of this day, not the wedding planner! Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to your trusted bridesmaids, family members, or even your wedding planner (if you have one). Let them handle the logistics, coordinate vendor arrivals, and manage any last-minute hiccups. Your job is to relax, enjoy the pampering, and soak in every moment of your special day.

3. Steal Quiet Moments with Your Beloved: Amidst the excitement and celebrations, remember to steal a few quiet moments with your partner. Hold hands, whisper sweet nothings, and simply bask in the joy of this momentous occasion. These stolen moments will be treasured memories and often make for the most beautiful and intimate photos.

4. Express Your Gratitude: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the amazing vendors who have worked tirelessly to bring your vision to life. A heartfelt “thank you” and a genuine smile go a long way in showing your appreciation. And if you’re feeling extra generous, a small tip for exceptional service is always a kind gesture.

5. Embrace the Unexpected: Sweet bride, even with the most meticulous planning, unexpected things can happen on your wedding day. The weather might take a sudden turn, a vendor might be delayed, or a cake might topple over (yes, I’ve seen it happen!). But remember, it’s all part of the adventure. Embrace the unexpected with grace and a sense of humor, and focus on the bigger picture: celebrating your love with the people you cherish.

6. Be Prepared for Utah’s Weather: Utah’s weather can be as unpredictable as a bride’s emotions! One minute it’s sunshine and blue skies, the next it’s a blizzard or a torrential downpour. So, have a backup plan in case Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball. This happens most often in the spring, when the weather can quickly change back to winter, or during the summer monsoon season. A clear tent, portable heaters, or even a change of location can save the day and ensure your celebration continues without a hitch.

7. The Emergency Kit is Your Fairy Godmother: Every bride needs a fairy godmother, and your emergency kit is just that! Pack a small kit with essentials like pain relievers (for those pesky headaches), band-aids (for blisters from those gorgeous but oh-so-uncomfortable shoes), a sewing kit (for wardrobe malfunctions), safety pins (for everything!), and even a stain remover pen (because accidents happen, especially with champagne flowing!). Trust me, this little kit can be a lifesaver on your wedding day. Check out these popular options: Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit for Her or the Pinch Provisions Wedding Kit.

8. Trust Your Photographer (and Videographer): You’ve invested time and resources in hiring a professional photographer (and hopefully a videographer too!), so trust their expertise and let them capture the magic of your day. Communicate your vision and preferences beforehand, then relax and let them work their magic. They’ll be capturing those candid moments, those stolen glances, and those heartfelt emotions that you’ll cherish forever.

9. Comfort is Queen (After All): You’ll be on your feet for hours, from the ceremony to the photos to the first dance and beyond. So, choose comfortable shoes that you can wear all day (or at least most of the day!). Consider bringing a pair of stylish flats or even some cute sneakers for the reception so you can dance the night away without sacrificing your feet. Here are some comfy and chic options: Elle Magazine’s list of best wedding flats, or Tieks Wedding Ballet Flats.

10. Focus on the “Why”: Amidst all the excitement, the details, and the inevitable chaos, remember the true reason for this day: your love for your partner. Focus on that connection, on the promises you’re making, and on the journey you’re embarking on together. Everything else will fall into place.

My dear bride-to-be, your Utah wedding day is a celebration of your unique love story. It’s a day to cherish, to savor, and to remember forever. So, relax, breathe, and enjoy every moment. Trust your vendors, embrace the unexpected, and focus on the love that brought you to this special day. And remember, I’ll be there to capture it all, so you can relive these precious memories for years to come.

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Serving Salt Lake City, Park City, The Rocky Mountain west, and beyond