Rehearsal dinner is often thought of as just a quick 15 minute ceremony rehearsal, and then dinner somewhere nice. More often now, couples have been leaning into planning more and making rehearsal memorable for everyone. Going to bowling alleys, having toasts to celebrate the couple, bonfires, hiking, you name it! The day before is about bringing all of your closest people together to celebrate the two of you, so why not make the most of it and photograph those memories as well? Below I’ll share my top 5 reasons for booking your photographer for rehearsal dinner coverage the day before your wedding, especially if it’s not your traditional evening!
1. Getting used to being around a camera
You booked the specific photographer for the candid photos, the ones where your people are truly in the moment having a great time. Many times when a camera turns to your guests, they break the moment and turn to smile at the camera. While we all love the smile at me photos, your photographer is there to get the moment, not the posed photo. There is a time for that, and your photographer will guide your guests for those pictures when it is time and the moment is right.
Booking your photographer for rehearsal dinner and the day before allows your guests to get used to the camera being around, so that they can ignore it and myself easier. When photographing, I gently tell guests who look at me to stay in the moment and ignore me. The more I do this the day before, the easier it gets come wedding day. You’ll get those true candid moments – your guests laughing at a story told by another, a tear on grandmom’s face as a sweet memory is shared. All these moments documented as they unfold, uninterrupted.
2. More meaningful time with your closest people
Rehearsal dinner is the best excuse to have more time with the people that mean the most to you. Plan that special dinner, and the party afterwards. Keep things intentional and true to you instead of performing for others. This is a chance to have one on one time with your family and friends so you can focus on one another the next day.
Spend a few extra moments with your grandparents, your favorite aunts or uncles. You won’t have as much time to talk to them on your wedding day, but they’re there for a reason. Use this time to really cherish those moments with them, as you never know what will happen next. Often times couples look back at their photos and are so thankful for the extra time they got with their family members. Your whole wedding day will be with your partner and friends. Your closest family members are there to celebrate too.
3. Build up the anticipation
Your story and the excitement truly begins the night before your wedding day. Emotions are high. Smiles are wide. Your day is almost here and things are starting to feel real. The glances at your partner across the room, hugs from your loved ones and the happy tears from all the speeches. Whether you keep it low key or go all out, you put the time and energy into planning your rehearsal dinner night. I’ll make sure no moment goes undocumented.
4. Speeches and toasts
Often times couples opt to do their speeches and toasts during rehearsal. A shy friend or parent won’t be comfortable in front of all your guests, but just a few? That’s doable. Giving them a platform that they feel themselves on allows you to hear everything they have to say. There’s not as many distractions, so you focus more on the words they speak than anything else. As your photographer, I’ll document any and all toasts that occur, even at the rehearsal dinner. Documenting these moments allows you to remember the reactions, happy tears and belly laughs years from now.
5. More photos and an even more prepared photographer
The most obvious reason for booking rehearsal dinner coverage is to have more photos. If photos are an important aspect to your day, then why not book your photographer for rehearsal too? Whether you plan the simple evening out, or all the fun activities, you’ll have it all!
Your photographer does enough planing with you to ensure no moment goes unnoticed during your wedding day. When you book me for rehearsal dinner coverage as well, I can learn everyone’s names and faces so I know who to pay close attention to during the ceremony and other formalities of your wedding day. I’ll be there for your actual rehearsal, so that I can help put people in a better position if needed, and let everyone know where I will be so there is zero room for error! I can also talk with you in person about the photos and angles that are most important to you, and how to go about getting them. It’s a win-win really!
Is rehearsal dinner coverage important to you? Reach out below to schedule a consult call and we can talk about what your wedding weekend plans are and what you need covered!
