How to Overcome Pre-Wedding Nerves: What You Can Do and How Your Photographer Can Help

2 Mar

The Nerves: Many couples feel anxious about the ceremony itself, whether it's walking down the aisle, saying their vows, or being the center of attention. It’s a big, emotional moment, and nerves can easily take over.
How to Overcome It:
- Take deep breaths and remind yourself that this is the moment you’ve been planning for. Focus on the love you’re about to commit to and the joy of the day.
- If you're nervous about the vows, practice them a few times in private to feel more confident.
How the Photographer Can Help:
- A photographer can help by capturing the moment without making you feel rushed or pressured. We’re there to document your genuine emotions, not to make you feel self-conscious.
- During your first look (if you have one), we create a private, intimate space for you to connect with your partner before the ceremony, which can reduce pre-ceremony nerves.

The Nerves: Standing in front of the camera, especially during formal portraits, can make many couples feel awkward. It's not unusual to feel like you're not "photogenic" or worry about looking stiff in front of the camera.
How to Overcome It:
- Trust that it’s normal to feel a bit awkward at first, but know that the more relaxed you are, the better the photos will turn out. Your photographer will guide you through the entire process, making suggestions for posing and even helping you with how to stand or what to do with your hands.
- Laugh, talk to your partner, and don’t be afraid to enjoy the moment! Candid moments often turn out to be the most beautiful.
How the Photographer Can Help:
- As a photographer, we can give gentle direction, so you won’t have to worry about knowing exactly what to do. A good photographer will help you feel comfortable and will focus on capturing your natural beauty. Instead of worrying about posing perfectly, we’ll guide you through it and make it feel natural.

The Nerves: Wedding timelines can be overwhelming, especially when trying to fit in everything from getting ready to the ceremony to family photos. It’s easy to feel stressed about everything running smoothly.
How to Overcome It:
- The key to reducing stress is preparation. Create a timeline ahead of time, but also allow room for flexibility. Things won’t always go exactly as planned, and that’s okay!
- Talk to your planner and vendors in advance to ensure everything is organized, so you can focus on enjoying your day rather than stressing over logistics.
How the Photographer Can Help:
- As your photographer, we’re often used to handling tight timelines. We can work with your coordinator to keep everything on schedule, especially when it comes to portrait time. We’ll guide you through the day and ensure that important moments are captured without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Nerves: Family dynamics can be a source of anxiety for many couples, especially when it comes to group photos. The worry that certain family members might not get along or be cooperative can cause a lot of stress.
How to Overcome It:
- The key is to stay calm and remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love, not about family drama. Focus on the people who are there to support you.
- Acknowledge the family dynamics, but try not to let them control your emotions. If needed, assign a trusted family member to help organize group photos.
How the Photographer Can Help:
- As a photographer, we are skilled at organizing family photos in a way that is efficient and respectful. We’ll make sure to get all the necessary shots while keeping things lighthearted and calm. If there are any sensitive dynamics, we’ll handle them with care and professionalism, ensuring that everyone stays relaxed.

The Nerves: Once the ceremony is over, many couples worry about the reception—keeping guests entertained, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and having a good time themselves.
How to Overcome It:
- Trust that everything will fall into place, and that the people attending your wedding are there to celebrate YOU. Don’t feel pressure to please everyone; focus on enjoying the celebration with your partner and closest loved ones.
- Give yourself permission to relax and let go of any worries. The reception is a time for joy, so enjoy the moment!
How the Photographer Can Help:
- During the reception, we can help by capturing candid, joyful moments of you and your guests. We’ll document the laughter, dancing, and love without you having to worry about every little detail.
- We’ll also keep an eye out for key moments (like speeches, cake cutting, etc.) to ensure no precious memory is missed.

The Nerves: Many couples feel like their wedding day will go by too quickly, and they’ll miss out on enjoying it because they’re caught up in the chaos of the day.
How to Overcome It:
- Stay present in the moment. Don’t let yourself get too wrapped up in the "what ifs." If you feel overwhelmed, take a break and breathe. You’ll want to savor the day as much as possible.
- Consider taking a few moments throughout the day for just the two of you—whether it's a quiet moment after the ceremony or a quick stroll outside during the reception.
How the Photographer Can Help:
- A good photographer will help you relive every moment. We’ll capture the small, intimate moments that you might miss in the whirlwind of your wedding day.
- Additionally, if you ever feel overwhelmed, we’re there to guide you through the process, ensure you’re comfortable, and remind you to enjoy the day.