See your reception room before the guests arrive

Ask your planner and photographer whether there is time for the two of you to see the finished reception room before the doors open. You can take in the flowers, table settings and atmosphere while everything is still in place.

I love including the couple in those photographs. The room becomes part of your story, rather than a record of decorations alone. A quiet look around—or a little dance—can give you something personal to remember before the room fills with everyone you invited.

Adapted from The Secrets to Spectacular Wedding Photography by Robert Evans.