Do we wedding photographers make an appearance at the rehearsal? Typically, no.
In my experience it makes very little difference, the information you need from the wedding officiant can be extracted from them on the day of the wedding, or even beforehand via a phone call. It’s quite literally asking them ‘where can I stand?’ and ‘what do you not want me to do?’
Sometimes the answer is ‘you can stand at the back and that’s all’ – so to attend a rehearsal when you can’t do anything on the day is a complete waste of time.
While the rehearsal can provide some valuable insights, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Many photographers, myself included, have developed a knack for swiftly and accurately assessing a venue on the wedding day itself. And let’s not forget the pre-wedding discussions we’ll have, where you can fill me in on all the important details and any specific shots you want. Not to mention that there are variables in play that are out of our control, the weather being the main one…these questions all form part of the list of things you should ask before booking.
The two factors that make attending a rehearsal worthwhile
The weather is the determining factor that would potentially make the attendance of a rehearsal worth it. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony then the positioning of the sun can make or break your photographs. To the naked eye it’s quite simple to make a wedding ceremony look beautiful, arches, flowers, lovely dresses etc. but if the sun is in your eyes you’re going to be hot, squinting and generally uncomfortable. Not to mention that your other half will be facing you, so if you are in full sun, their face will be in complete shadow, which looks rubbish in pictures.
Always aim to have the sun behind you where possible to avoid harsh contrast.
The other factor is lighting if you’re getting married indoors. In churches this isn’t really a problem because they were built with light in mind, barn conversions on the other hand were not, so artificial light is often used. Make sure that the light is soft and a neutral colour. Pink lights for some reason seem to be in every barn conversion and they look awful when pointed at someone’s face. Consult with you photographer how you think the light during the ceremony will effect the pictures.
Hit your mark
If the photographer does attend the rehearsal and give you tips on where to stand, you need to make marks on the floor because on the day you will 100% forget everything you were told. If you have a beautifully symmetrical scene but you’re stood slightly to one side, then the pictures won’t be as good as they could have been. Make some obvious marks on the floor so you know where to stand, then put your bridesmaid in charge of making sure you’ve hit your mark.
If a rehearsal attendance is something you’re keen on, that’s a conversation to have with your photographer. Many are happy to attend if their schedule allows, though there might be an additional cost involved.
Remember, each wedding, like each couple, is unique. The key is communication – a good photographer will listen to your needs and preferences, working with you to ensure they capture your special day in all its glory. Rehearsal or not, rest assured, we’ve got your back!