This’ll be short-but-sweet post, because today’s post is an easy one to understand! If you have a wedding come up at a venue you’ve never photographed before, you might want to think about attending the walkthrough. It’s not a rule I employ for every wedding, but it IS something I consider if any of the following apply:

  • I’m anticipating a complex timeline or reception set-up
  • I’m completely unfamiliar with the location and need to scout nearby spots for portraits (this has especially applied for some of my downtown DC weddings)
  • The planner/coordinator for the wedding is one I’ve never worked with before
  • Anything especially unique will be taking place during the wedding, and I’ll feel better having seen the location before the day of

Stone Tower Winery wedding | Abby Grace Photography

I definitely don’t attend final walkthroughs for every wedding, because it’s not always a) necessary, or b) practical (like with destination weddings, or if the location is further than an hour or so away). If I’m photographing a wedding a location previously unknown to me, but everything is relatively straightforward and par for the course, then I don’t feel the need to make a separate trip out before the day of. I’ve photographed enough weddings to feel incredibly confident showing up on the day, ready to handle whatever’s thrown at me (which is what APWW is all about!).

But if we’re expecting something unusual that I haven’t encountered before, like a circular ceremony set-up for Tim & Cristina’s wedding at the Carnegie, or a unique progressive flow like Eddie & Priyanka’s secret garden wedding, then it’s helpful for me to be able to visualize before things come together for the big day.

Carnegie Institution for Science wedding | Abby Grace Photography

If you have a wedding come up that you’re anxious about, think about reaching out to your couple or their planner, and ask to attend the final walkthrough! It’ll give you some peace of mind about the way things come together for the final product, and it’s also a great chance to get to know the other vendors you’ll be working with!

 

Photog Friday: Attending the Walkthrough

September 18, 2015

  1. Jean says:

    Sounds like great advice. Gorgeous photos!

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