Looking for a way to be absolutely prepared to photograph a wedding? One simple thing you can do is attend the wedding rehearsal. This event typically (although not always) takes place the night before the wedding. Here are some advantages to going to the wedding rehearsal.
The first and most obvious advantage to going to a wedding rehearsal is that you get to scout out the location of the wedding. This is especially valuable if this is your first wedding at this location. Start taking notes even as you drive up to the ceremony location. Are there any picturesque areas outdoors near the church? What is the best entrance to bring your gear in through? Where can I park for a quick getaway to the reception site?
Once you are inside, continue to look for possible locations for pictures. Unique architecture and windows always seem to catch my eye. If you need power for lighting equipment, scout that out as well. Once the actual rehearsal begins, check out different locations high, low, close and far that are going to be the best vantage points. This is a great way to make sure you are not scrambling around disturbing guests during the actual ceremony. Have a game plan ready to go. Take note of how and where the wedding party will walk down the isle. Also be aware of where the special events will occur during the ceremony so you can be sure to have a clear shot.
Another advantage to attending a rehearsal is that you get an early introduction to all of the wedding “V.I.P’s.” You’ll meet all of the couple’s very dearest friends and family they have chosen to be a part of their day. All of the members of the couple’s families, wedding party, readers, personal attendants, ceremony officiant, and wedding coordinator of that facility to name just a few. It sounds odd but by meeting everyone the night before, you’ll get insight into what kinds of body types you’ll be working with the next day. This knowledge will get you to start thinking about the most flattering poses and arrangement to use the next day.
Finally, one of the most important things to take away from attending a wedding rehearsal: What are these people like? I have found that people tend to act more like themselves at the rehearsal vs the actual day of the wedding. This is a great way to get a better idea of what kind of personalities you’ll be working with the next day. Is the wedding party having a great time laughing and joking during the rehearsal? Is the bride’s family quieter and more reserved? Is it now apparent that it’s going to take two adults and a roll of duct tape to get the three year old ring bearer down the isle? I joke? I mean, I joke but seriously, if you can read and tap into the personalities of the people you’re photographing, you can set up and shoot images that fit their style better. Ultimately in the end this should result in a smoother wedding day experience with a better product delivered to a happier bride.
As always I encourage you to share your tips and techniques relating to this topic. Thanks!
Dz
Very nice tip, tks.
Good Luck!
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Yeehaaw the rehearsal. Good tip, and they are good to attend. I confess I usually don;t since most of my weddings are out of town, but it can really help you get on the right rhythm for an event… Gav
Great tip, I do this trick for every wedding. Helps with placement options of remote triggered cameras, locations of where to setup for certain shots, bad lighting angles vs. good ones. Work out where you are going to setup for the portrait shots. Get used to the timing of the event and the steps they are going to go through. I also go to the rehearsal dinner as often as possible. Great to get to know people, learn the names you are going to use tomorrow and get used to being part of the family.
Definitely a great tip! We do this for about half our weddings; some of our packages actually include rehearsal coverage, but it is good to go if we’ve never photographed that location before. We also like to scout the area a week or two beforehand, if the wedding is local.