As with many things at a wedding there are some things that people just don’t think about until they have to make a decision on the matter, in this case it’s engagement ring etiquette. When are you supposed to take it off, how are you supposed to wear it and do you switch hands it’s worn on once you’re married? Whether you have a lab created or natural diamond ring, there are actually engagement ring etiquette rules you should keep in mind.
There are a few different traditions people follow regarding how you place your engagement rings and wedding bands on your hands before the wedding, the day of the wedding and after the wedding. As a wedding photographer I’m often asked what is supposed to happen, so I thought I’d write a blog about it!
Engagement ring etiquette
Engagement ring – One of my favourite shots to get during wedding preparation
During your wedding ceremony
On the day of your wedding, engagement ring etiquette dictates you should be wearing it on the third finger on your right hand (your right hand ring finger) – which is probably the opposite to what you’ve been wearing it on 😛 During the ceremony your husband to be should place your wedding ring on the ring finger of your left hand. At the end of your wedding ceremony you should have a ring on both hands – your engagement ring and your new wedding ring.
The history of the left hand’s ring finger being used dates back to ancient Egypt where people believed it contained a vein that linked directly to the heart – thereby linking your heart to the wedding band.
After your wedding ceremony
Once you’re married, you are supposed to move your engagement band back to the left land. In doing so your wedding band should be placed closer to your heart, or the closest to the base of your finger. This is where your husband placed your wedding ring on our wedding day. Dependant on the hand you wear your engagement ring on you’re supposed to tell if someone is merely engaged or already married if they choose not to wear their wedding band, and only their engagement ring for whatever reason.
Wedding rings
You could also ignore tradition
As with many traditions, due to it becoming more obscure due to not many people knowing about it, people often not worry about them anymore. Much in the same way the traditional wedding dress colour was actually blue up until a few hundred years ago. But it’s always nice to know these traditions exist and revive them if you’re that was inclined 🙂
Some ideas of what some ladies do with their engagement rings include continuing to wear their engagement rings on their right hand or not even wearing it at all. Some people go for far as to combine the two rings together permanently by welding or adding molten gold. The most important thing is just so that you’re comfortable wearing whatever you want to wear 🙂
How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Engagement for Your Photographer to Capture
For many couples, the idea of planning and executing a surprise engagement may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually easier than you might think! In fact, if you follow these simple steps when planning your engagement, then your photographer can capture all the happy tears, hugs, and kisses without having to worry about how to pull off the surprise!
So, read on for some helpful tips on how to plan the perfect surprise engagement, and then get out there and start planning! From finding the perfect spot to pulling off the surprise, this guide should help you create the romantic and memorable experience you will cherish for years to come!
Engagements Are Beautiful. Surprises Are Fun. Captured Moments Are Priceless.
Here’s how to plan the perfect surprise engagement so that your photographer can capture it:
1) Choose The Location
Your journey towards a surprise engagement will start at your perfect location. Whether you’re deciding on an indoor or outdoor setting, you want to pick somewhere that has sentimental value as well as some privacy. Whether it’s visiting one of your favorite restaurants or going on a hiking adventure, you’ll want to choose something that is special to both of you and where you can go early before your photographer arrives. That way, your engagement day goes by like any other day; no one will suspect what is in store for them! Moreover, if you do opt for an indoor location, such as a restaurant, then make sure to arrive early enough so that you have plenty of time alone.
This extra planning ahead makes all the difference when trying to pull off a surprise wedding proposal! Overall, if you want your photographer to capture those precious tears and smiles in photos instead of missed opportunities on video, then always plan ahead and schedule plenty of time alone together with low lighting during their engagement session.
Belair National Park engagement photo
2) Choose The Time of Day
Timing is everything, and when planning for your surprise engagement, you want to choose an early time in order to avoid crowds. For example, if you choose a restaurant for your location, then ask about lunch or breakfast reservations. If you go on an outdoor adventure, then you’ll want to check sunrise and sunset times first. By doing your research ahead of time and making sure that no one else will be at your special location during these prime times, you’ll be able to achieve complete privacy during your photoshoot!
Plus, don’t forget to always plan plenty of extra time just in case things take longer than expected or any issues arise. That way, if there are any delays getting back home after your shoot, you won’t need to rush it and miss any opportunities along the way. When all is said and done, though, be realistic with how much time you actually have; rushing through certain aspects of your process could lead to interruptions or incomplete details – both of which could ruin what should be a perfect surprise!
Sunset proposal
3) Choose Who Will Be There
Choosing who you invite will be an important step towards your surprise engagement. While it’s usually best to keep it small, there may be times when you want extra witnesses around for your big moment. For example, if you’re planning on surprising your partner at a restaurant, then consider inviting one of his/her closest friends or family members for support.
On the other hand, if you want to keep it even more private and intimate, then plan ahead with only your photographer and perhaps one or two people who know about your plans. When planning for your perfect location, make sure not to inform anyone else about any details of your big day; otherwise, there is a chance that someone could accidentally spoil it before you are ready!
One Tree Hill Engagement shoot
4) Get A Professional Photographer
Hiring an experienced and professional photographer is one of the most important steps when planning for your surprise engagement. By hiring someone who knows what they’re doing, you can rest assured knowing that all of your precious memories will be captured perfectly. If you’re not sure where to find a qualified wedding photographer, then SvenStudios is your best bet! Our team prides itself on providing exceptional photojournalism at some of Australia’s best photo studios!
Moreover, we offer packages specifically designed for couples wanting beautiful engagements photos taken in unique locations around Australia; if you need any further information about these options or would like us to capture your perfect proposal, please reach out today!
Smoke backdrop for couple
Wrapping Up
It’s not hard to see why planning an engagement is so fun, but it can also be a lot of work! Remember to plan ahead as much as possible getting your photographer involved early on is one of your best tools for success when you plan the perfect surprise engagement. And remember that once you’ve set everything up with them, then it’s time to concentrate on having fun and making sure that you surprise your partner properly.
Being adventurous with your wedding photography can lead to some of the most unique and beautiful shots that people will stare at in awe. Rather than relying on the tried-and-true locations, you can take advantage of your surroundings and try something new—or at least different. Being adventurous with your wedding photography can mean that your photos will capture your true emotion and personality so much better than ‘playing safe’ and relying on tired cliches.
Your wedding will be a day filled with joy and happiness, and your photos should reflect that. But how can you go about making these decisions? What are you getting yourself into? And what does being adventurous even mean in the context of wedding photography? If you’re completely lost, don’t worry—we’re here to help.
Below I’ll go over what adventurous wedding photography can entail as both a photographer and the couples, as well as some tips and tricks to make sure you have the best experience possible. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Be Adventurous with your Wedding Photography for best results!
1) Think Outside the Box
If you’re looking to take your wedding photography up a notch, think outside of the box. Rather than cliche poses and plain backgrounds, experiment with various settings and find something interesting in your surroundings. You’ll want to be careful not to get too avant-garde or abstract; after all, you don’t want your photos to look like they were taken by M.C. Escher (though some may argue that would be pretty cool).
Keep it real and go with something authentic, but new and exciting at that. If you need inspiration, get out there are search for artistic landscape photographs from your wedding venue and surrounds that you like and simply put yourself in those scenes after discussing with your photographer.
Wedding photo on cliffs
2) A Necessary Conversation Between Bride and Groom
Expectations can often get in the way of enjoying yourself on your wedding day, and that’s completely normal. You’re expected to look a certain way, act a certain way, etc., and these pressures can take their toll over time. One good thing you can do is make sure to have a clear conversation about expectations with your partner before you head out for your big day.
Make sure you’re on board with each other’s ideas before anything else—this will ensure everyone gets what they want out of their photographs, which will ultimately result in more enjoyable pictures!
Out on pride rock
3) Spend Time in Your Location
While you’re getting used to being adventurous, try heading out of your comfort zone and spending some time in your potential wedding location before you take any photos. Doing so will make you feel more at ease during that special day—you’ll know where everything is and have a good idea of how to get around. You might even stumble upon a few photo opportunities along the way.
So don’t be afraid to head into uncharted territory—the worst thing that can happen is you won’t end up using it for anything. Be brave and find something new that works with your story!
Burbrook Kuitpo forest wedding photo
4) Keep An Open Mind to Suggestions
A big part of being adventurous with your wedding photography is keeping an open mind to suggestions from others as well as coming up with ideas on your own. If you don’t feel like you’re in a position to make decisions about how you want your wedding photography taken, that’s perfectly fine—your photographer has experience and can point you in a direction that will work best for both of you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something new! And just like before, if it turns out you don’t like it, it was all a learning experience. In fact, most photographers suggest trying many different looks during your session; what works for one shot might not work so well for another and vice versa.
Kuitpo Forest wedding
5) Stay Light on Your Feet
While you’re doing everything else on your list, don’t forget to have fun. Most photographers will tell you that good pictures come from having fun and feeling comfortable with one another (which is why it’s so important to have that conversation about expectations beforehand). So go ahead and dance a little, jump around if you want—it’s your wedding day, after all. And as long as you stay light on your feet, everything should work out just fine!
Remember, most of these suggestions are based on experience, but there are no strict rules when it comes to taking great photographs. Your best bet is going with what feels right for you and being excited about it; if nothing else, being adventurous will make your big day much more memorable.
The grooms men in rocks at Second Valley
6) Think About Storytelling Through Composition
When it comes to composition, there are so many different factors you have to think about. The first and most obvious one is framing—where do you want to place your subject within that photograph? Do you want them in front of a beautiful landscape or a famous landmark? What if they’re doing something interesting with their hands or body? How close should you be as a photographer when capturing an image?
In addition, consider depth of field (the way everything looks sharp and in focus or blurry), color schemes (everything from clothing to flowers), light exposure (for example, bright outdoor lighting versus more dim indoor lighting), shutter speed (how long your camera’s shutter will stay open), etc. All of these things can add up over time—so once again, be adventurous!
Beautiful light on the rocks
Have Fun, It’s Your Wedding Day!
And last but not least, don’t forget to have fun. Remember that whatever you decide to do, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re both happy with it. If your photographer suggests an idea that seems silly or uncomfortable at first—but gets you excited—give it a shot. Go ahead and plan something new and exciting—the best thing that can happen is you get great photos and memories from your special day; worst case scenario is nothing comes of it. Just try to be adventurous with your wedding photography and I promise it will all pay off!
When it comes to documenting you and your partner’s big day, the photos taken during the ceremony and reception are probably the first things that come to mind. However, did you know that some of the best pictures are actually taken before the wedding?
Wedding preparation photos offer plenty of opportunities for wedding photographers to capture fun and candid shots that turely show the personalities of the two people coming together as a married couple. These also allow them to take pictures of the most dramatic highlights of the preparation, such as the moment you put on your wedding dress or veil.
With all of that said, getting your pictures taken during preparation time is not as easy as it sounds – it’s also not generally the most natural of settings having a camera clicking along while you’re getting dressed! The final moments before you head down the aisle are memorable, but they are also often filled with panic and cramming. This is especially true if you had to adjust some things in your timeline and are running late for your schedule.
Wedding Dress hanging infront of Wilpena Pound
Tips on how to Get the Best Bridal Preparation Photos
To help you ensure that you get the best bridal preparation photos on your wedding day, keep these tips on how to get the best bridal preparation photos in mind:
Don’t Create a Tight Schedule
Your wedding day will naturally be filled with lots of activities here and there. However, creating a tight schedule may not give your wedding photographers enough time to take great shots.
As much as possible, think about the time you allocate for your hair and makeup. I personally try to get to the place of bridal preparation just before the makeup is complete. It would also help for you to go last. This will not only allow your makeup artists to get you ready without rushing the process but also give the photographers time to take creative shots with you as you “prepare”.
Finally, try to be in the venue earlier than scheduled, then if you plan to be just that little fashionably late you can be without the stress. This will give your photographer enough time to capture a good amount of final shots before you walk down the aisle.
This is also a great way to save time, especially if there has been a delay in your schedule. Whilst you are still not ready to have your photos taken, the photographers can work on these as they wait for you.
Engagement ring
Bring the Girls With You
Aside from your solo shots, getting pictures of you with your bridesmaids is also a lovely idea. It can be a candid shot of you and your girlfriends getting ready, or a lovely snap of the whole group in your matching dressing gowns.
These photos can also serve as a souvenir you can give your bridesmaids afterwards to thank them for being a special part of your big day.
Bridal party on bed
Let the Boys Shine, Too
When it comes to preparation photos, you should also give your groom and his crew a chance in the spotlight. However, it’s best to have the guys’ preparation photos done first. This will leave your wedding photographers to be with the bridal party up to the final moments before the actual ceremony.
If you and your partner are getting ready in different places, make sure to coordinate with your photographer on how to schedule the photography sessions best. I usually spend about an hour with boys, then 90 odd minutes with girls before heading to the ceremony venue. If it’s a same sex wedding then I generally allocate the same amount of time with both.
Groom adjusting tie in window 2
You will never again experience the thrill and excitement of getting ready for your big day. Nor will you get to see your closest friends get their makeup done with you and go through that feeling of finally putting on your wedding gown for the ceremony. Imagine your wedding album as a story book telling the story of the coming together of two beautiful people. The Preparation photos are the biginning of that story!
As these are all once-in-a-lifetime moments, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to ensure you get the best bridal preparation photos possible. Above all of these, however, don’t forget to savour each moment and remember the reason for the occasion!
If you are looking for experienced and reliable wedding photographers in Adelaide, SA, we’re the ones to call! At SvenStudios, we offer you professional photography services to capture your big day in the most natural way. Get in touch today to learn more about our wedding photography packages.
Help Your Photographer Get Better Shots at Your Wedding
Every wedding photographer wants to capture their clients’ weddings perfectly. As the bride or groom, you also share the same goal. Of course, it can be tricky for you to assist them on your wedding day. That may leave you wondering whether there is anything you can do to help your photographer do their jobs as well as they can.
Invite your photographer to your venue or rehearsals
It may not be part of the service offered by your photographer, but it will not hurt to invite them when to your wedding rehearsals, or even arrange to meet up and have a walk around. It is the best way for your photographer to see the venue and check the ambient lighting. They even get the chance to meet you and your family and friends before the big day, and this can help everyone feel comfortable with each other.
Alternatively if you can view a wedding your photographer has shot at your wedding venue in the past, it can give you an idea of what can and can’t work for your own day.
What I usually do is when I meet a new couple as their prospective wedding photographer, is to show them a wedding I had shot at their venue in the past, or failing that something similar so that they get a bit of an idea of what they will look like when being captured by me.
Burbrook forest wedding ceremony
Include buffers in the schedule
Make sure you allot a time buffer for each activity listed on your wedding day, as schedule changes are common in most weddings. For example, the bride may need to have her makeup and gown checked after the ceremony, and the groom might need to take a quick break at the same time. Even finding a location for the after-ceremony wedding shots may take several minutes. Some brides will also have a difficult time walking in heels, and this can slow everything down.
I’ve found that if I allocate 1 hour per location you’d like to take photos in this provides for ample time to take plenty of shots while also keeping things relaxed and not rushed.
Ekhidna wines wedding at sunset
On Your Wedding Day
Make sure your venue is spacious, bright, and clean
You can get beautiful photos if the location is clean, well-designed, well-lit, and with a stunning backdrop or view. It will make the job of producing quality and beautiful photos easier for your wedding photographer. The same goes for your place of preparation – a clean house will always look nicer than if it looks as though a tornado had just hit.
Ask your venue to ensure that the space has been cleared and tidied before the photographer arrives. That way, you can ensure that there are no distracting items in the background.
Reception setup
Know where you should stand during the ceremony
Traditionally, brides stand on the left-hand side, but this is entirely up to the couple. Wherever you choose to stand, try to make sure that there is enough natural lighting for both you and your partner and also so that one of you isnt staring into the sun. Another thing you need to ensure is that you stand in the middle of the aisle. If not, your photographer will have a hard time taking well-balanced wide shots from the aisle.
Botanic Park wedding ceremony with trees in background
Inform the Photographer on Schedule Changes
Keeping your photographers aligned with what is about to happen will help them get better photos of the event. While they may be following a schedule that you provided beforehand, keep in mind that these events do not always go as planned.
Make sure you, or ask your MC to give a heads up to your photographer before every special highlight, such as the grand entrance, the first dance, or the speech. Your photographer might need to change batteries or their camera settings in these special cases.
first dance in blue smoke
While it is important to trust your wedding photographer, there are many factors you can help your photographer work to their highest potential. Several factors will determine the quality of their work. As the bride or groom, there are ways you can help your photographer. Once you do your part, relax and enjoy your big day.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer? Sven Studios, headed by award-winning wedding photographer Steven Duncan, captures your precious moments in a fun and relaxing experience, giving you amazing photos you can treasure forever. Get in contact as we’d love to hear more about your day!
