Nikki Hedrick: 6 Things You Can Do to Make Your Wedding Day Easier

“It’s no secret how Eddie (McGrath) and I have been photographing a ton of weddings lately,” Nikki says. “When you attend over 40 weddings a year, you being to notice the most common mistakes—many of which are easily avoidable.”

1. Don’t Be Late. I know that sounds simple, but even 30 minutes can affect the timeline, notably if you’re aiming for sunset photos.
2. Learn the Lay of the Land. Especially for those traveling, being aware of where you need to go—and alternate routes if traffic should come to a standstill.
3. Be Aware of the Weather. Don’t underestimate how hot, windy or cold you will be. Being uncomfortable translates to your photos, and a little extra planning can go a long way.
4. Put Together a Bridal Emergency Kit. This is a neat little thing that’s grown in popularity in the last few years. A small bag containing items to fix your hair (bobby pins, comb, hairspray), fix a dress (tape, safety pins), and minimal makeup adjustments (blotting sheets, lipstick, makeup remover wipes) can go a long way towards making someone feel more confident.
5. It’s Okay to Say “No” to Family. This one’s a big one, and probably the toughest one on my list. It’s okay to let your wedding day be about you as a new couple. Saying no does not make you a bad person.
6. Don’t Strive for Pinterest Perfect. Ideas and inspiration are wonderful during the planning process. Heck, that’s exactly where Eddie and I are right now making decisions about our own wedding. The Internet can be amazing for research and fresh ideas, but don’t let those expectations cloud your day so much that you miss out on enjoying the experience.