Over the years, I’ve learned some insider tips that will help you when planning your Philadelphia wedding! As a Philadelphia wedding photographer, I’ve seen weddings of all sizes and styles. Along the way, I’ve watched my couples plan weddings in the heart of the city, at some of the most gorgeous local venues.
The day of your wedding can go by SO fast. As exciting as it is to be embarking on this new chapter of your life with the person you love most, wedding day complications can and will arise! The last thing you want on the day of your wedding is to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
If you’re planning a wedding in Philadelphia, here are my top 5 tips as a seasoned Philadelphia wedding photographer!
Hire a wedding planner!
Planning a wedding in a city like Philadelphia can be utterly overwhelming. There are often multiple locations involved (getting ready, ceremony, reception, etc.) Not to mention rentals, timelines, toasts, dinner, dances, and so on! There are so many moving parts, and plenty of coordination needed to keep it all running smoothly. On the day of your wedding, when you are all dressed up and ready to say I do, you shouldn’t be worried about traffic, transportation, or the entertainment pronouncing your name correctly! Having a planner on your side will ensure that everything transitions smoothly, while you and your guests are having a great experience! Not to mention, planners often have first-hand knowledge of some of the most gorgeous venues, landmarks, and ‘how-tos’ when it comes to planning a wedding in Philadelphia!
Cushion your timeline!
The biggest tip I have for you is to cushion your timeline. Planning a wedding in a city like Philadelphia always means dealing with traffic. I know it’s hard to believe, but Google Maps is not always correct. You have to be ready to expect the unexpected! Plus, when you have to walk in heels, dressed in your gorgeous bridal gown while lots of people (your bridal party) follow, it’s a safe assumption that if Google says it will take 5 minutes to get there, it will, in reality, take 15!
By cushioning your timeline on the day of your wedding everyone will feel way less stressed as the day wears on. And when it comes down to it, it’s better to arrive early than leave your guests waiting and hungry!
Leave enough time for portraits!
When you get married in Philadelphia, that gorgeous glowing light you want for your portraits happens a bit earlier than if you were out in an open field. The tall city buildings block some of the light! Make sure you talk with your photographer about what time you should plan your portraits in order to get that gorgeous glow. Hint: it’ll be earlier than you think! Your photographer and planner will help you craft your day around these portraits as much as they can – so don’t stress!
Apply for permits!
If you want wedding portraits by any historical city landmarks, you’ll need a permit! Although it’s tempting to just show up and hope for the best, sit down with your photographer and talk about your ideal portrait settings. If the locations you choose require permits, make a plan to have them all taken care of before the day of the wedding. There are so many gorgeous landmarks in Philadelphia and I have helped many of my clients obtain permits for the portraits of their dreams! Did you decide to hire a planner after all? This is also a task that they can take care of for you!
Book a transportation service for the wedding party!
One of the great things about a wedding in Philadelphia is that you have so many gorgeous locations at your fingertips. The not-so-great part is that they’re not always together or within walking distance of each other. It’s an easy way to lose track of time, or even worse, members of your bridal party! By booking a transportation service for your wedding party, you can ensure everyone stays together while traveling. Keeping everyone grouped makes everything way less stressful, and ultimately more fun!!! You and your friends will happily enjoy the day without the responsibility of driving!
BONUS TIP: Embrace the city life!
Philadelphia is busy for sure! And there is never a short supply of enthusiastic people who will want to celebrate with you! Embrace the beeps, the high-fives, and the random window screams of Congratulations! Everyone loves weddings and if we walk around with a “city mindset” we’ll end up having so much fun in the process!
At the end of the day, I LOVE weddings in the city of Philadelphia and I want my couples to have the wedding day of their dreams. If you have more questions about planning your Philadelphia wedding, let’s talk! I can’t wait to capture your gorgeous and elegant wedding day!
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