Pre Wedding Preparation | LDS

No wedding day is perfect, but preparation and these tips can help make it the best it can be.

Items to Avoid:

Glitter makeup: Avoid it, as it can reflect light and transfer onto the groom’s suit.
Avoid styling hair with tendrils. These loose strands can cast shadows, blow in the wind, and require constant fixing. Keep hair pulled back and off the face.
Avoid chewing gum.
Avoid bulky items in pocket (wallet, cell phone etc.).
Avoid tanning 4–7 days before your wedding. A little color is fine, but avoid sunburn.
Avoid spray tans, as they don’t photograph well and can look overly orange.
Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.
Avoid tan lines that may show with your dress, including neckline, sleeves, sunglasses, and watches.
The bride should avoid white or solid deodorants, as they can transfer onto the groom’s suit. Choose a clear gel deodorant instead.
Avoid open-toed shoes during winter months. Footwear is rarely visible, so wear warm boots and socks, and consider thermal layers for outdoor photos during winter months.
Avoid vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle.

Suggestions:

Pick simple, classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years. This applies to clothing, hairstyle, hair color and jewelry.
Women should have manicured nails and well-shaped brows. Men should trim ear, nose, and eyebrow hair, and ensure facial hair is clean and well-groomed, whether clean-shaven or kept as stubble or a beard. If prone to razor burn, shave at a time that minimizes irritation on the wedding day. Both men and women should use chapstick and moisturizer in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Men should also keep fingernails clean and trimmed.Shoes polished, dress socks, stockings free of runs. Clothing neatly pressed and ironed. Apply eye drops and moisturizer the day of your wedding.
Women should smooth and secure any flyaway hairs with hairspray before your temple exit and the start of your reception.
During hot summer months, hydrate well the night before. The groom should carry a handkerchief for perspiration.
Men, ensure all temporary stitching on a new suit is removed, including shoulder stitching, vents, and pockets.
Thick, long eyelash extensions can obscure your eyes and reduce catchlights. If you squint when smiling, choose shorter, lighter extensions.
Men should cut their hair 2-5 days before the wedding day. Cut to the length you want it to be on the wedding day. Neckline should be neatly shaped and clean.
Remain side by side whenever possible to ensure candid moments are captured, and stay aware of your body language.
Cufflinks for men are a small detail that adds a nice touch. You will need to buy a French Cuff Shirt to make this work.
A two-button suit coat should typically have its top button fastened. The only instance when it's appropriate to leave the suit coat unbuttoned is when you're wearing a vest underneath it. Please check out this brief and informative YouTube video from Real Men Real Style.
When tying your tie, it should lightly reach the top of your belt. Avoid tying it too long. Choose a solid earth-tone tie that complements your features and suit, and avoid loud patterns or pastel colors. My personal favorite brand for neckties is JZ Richards which can be found at Nordstrom and Utah Woolen Mills.
If you choose to wear suspenders, opt for button suspenders over clip-ons for a cleaner, more polished look.
Please run a link roller over tuxedo/suit. Pockets are to be empty! (Your temple locker key in your suit coat is fine). I suggest leaving pocket items (wallet, cell phone car key) in your temple locker. You can go back to get them once photos are done.
In case the weather turns cold on the wedding day, the bride should have a coat, blanket, or cloak handy that can be effortlessly worn and removed. While it doesn't necessarily need to be something suitable for photographs, it's a nice extra touch if it complements the formality of the wedding attire.
After the sealing ceremony apply eye drops to your eyes if they are in need.
DON’T FORGET YOUR WEDDINGS RINGS, TEMPLE RECOMMENDS AND MARRIAGE LICENSE.
Check the car you will be traveling in to make sure it has a full tank of gas. Do this the day prior to the wedding.
Make sure you have a bouquet at the temple. It is an important part of your wedding day photos at the temple. A boutonniere for men is generally worn. The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel. If possible please try to pin this to your jacket prior to the sealing ceremony to save time.
Please check your wedding dress and try it on again a few days before your wedding. Make sure everything fits properly with the temple garment and make any adjustments ahead of time. Check for loose buttons or anything important that may be missing.
The groom should bring a comb to the temple and use it after the sealing ceremony.
An important reminder. Please make sure both families understand.
OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS: There are to be no other professional photographers, and/or photographers building their portfolio taking photos during the scheduled events for which the Photographer has been hired. Client is asked NOT to encourage family or friends to take photos with professional cameras during the event for which the photographer is hired. Other photographers present can adversely affect the final outcome of your images (example: during group photos half the group can tend to look in the direction of the other camera present). One hired videographer taking strictly video is acceptable. A photo booth at the reception is acceptable. I don't mind people taking photos on their phones as long as they don't disrupt or distract the subjects I'm capturing. Client understands and agrees that he or she has hired Brandon Burk Photography as the exclusive Photographer for this event. In order to provide a high level of satisfaction and quality product, no other service providers (including family members) may be allowed to disrupt the event by photographing the services outlined in this Agreement. No other venders/family members will be permitted to provide the same or similar services or products, paid or unpaid, at the locations and dates specified in this Agreement.
Have your hair, makeup and all items done in advance and organized to create a shorter wait time for your guests as well as get you out the exit doors before all the other brides.
If a family member is not attending the sealing ceremony but is planning on being at the temple it is best to tell them to arrive 20 minutes after your scheduled sealing time. Example: If your sealing time is 10am tell your family members/friends to be there at 10:20am. Yes, it usually takes forty minutes to an hour for your exit but most people don’t factor in the time it takes to find parking.
If you’re ready to exit and someone hasn’t arrived, proceed rather than waiting. Late arrivals can join group photos later. Ask guests to remain at the temple after the ceremony and avoid leaving for things like lunch.
It is probable that between 1 to 6 other couples will have their weddings within the 30-45 minutes surrounding your ceremony, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. To ensure a smooth experience, it's advisable to be well-prepared to leave the temple promptly. If you can exit before these other couples, you won't have to wait behind them to use the temple steps for group photos. Avoid lingering and move efficiently after the sealing ceremony.
Remind family members attending the sealing to bring their temple recommends.
Check the expiration date on your temple recommend well in advance. Talk with grandparents in advance that are attending the temple, have them double check their expiration date on their recommend. I have seen many temple sealings delayed due to a family member forgetting their recommend was expired.
On a hot summer's day, it's a good idea for the groom and family members to bring an extra clean white button-up shirt/garments and an additional pair of clean dress socks for the reception.
Gentlemen, please inspect the buttons on your suit or tuxedo to ensure they are securely stitched. I've witnessed many instances where the top suit buttons have come loose during weddings.
For the Temple Exit, Grand Entrance, and Sparkler Exit, walking slowly is ideal as it helps me maintain sharp focus and capture more photos with precision.
For the temple exit, step just outside the doors, share a kiss, then head directly to your immediate family for hugs, followed by your in-laws. This keeps the moment smooth and natural.
If you are doing a sparkler exit and the venue is not providing the service for you I recommend bringing a torch lighter (hand torch) for the lighting of all the sparklers. If the venue is doing this for you they will most likely have this. If you are looking to buy sparklers I have heard “Zurchers” sells them. Be sure to call ahead to confirm they have them in stock. There are Zurchers locations throughout Salt Lake and Utah County.
Bouquet advice: A well-rounded, neatly shaped bouquet is recommended. Avoid twigs or elements that extend outward, as they can cast shadows or appear distracting in photos.
Guests at the temple during hot summer months will appreciate a cooler with water bottles.

Hairstyle and Makeup

Touch up your roots if you color your hair, and avoid making any drastic changes before the wedding. If you’re hiring a stylist or makeup artist, do a trial run beforehand. Keep hairstyles off the face to prevent shadows. Eye makeup should be well blended with no harsh lines, and avoid white above the eyes. Blend foundation evenly at the jawline to ensure a seamless transition between face and neck. Some temples are known for being windy (such as Draper and Oquirrh Mountain). If wind is expected on your wedding day, choose a hairstyle that will hold up well in those conditions.

My Preparation:

I am extremely prepared for your wedding day. I have a backup for all of my equipment. I always have two cameras with me. I always photograph and record the digital images simultaneously on two memory cards. I understand that I am a representation of you at your wedding. I always dress in formal attire and present myself professionally. Your wedding day photos are just as important to me as they are to you. I will be observant of all moments occurring to ensure I capture them. Please understand that I am not perfect however, I am dedicated to delivering my very best for the bride, groom, and your families. Your wedding day is not about me, it is about the two of you. I strive to make sure the focus always remains on the two of you on your wedding day. Self-awareness holds significant importance for me in how I represent you. Your wedding day is very important to me.

Pre Wedding Preparation | LDS

No wedding day is perfect, but preparation and these tips can help make it the best it can be.

Items to Avoid:

Glitter makeup: Avoid it, as it can reflect light and transfer onto the groom’s suit.

Avoid styling hair with tendrils. These loose strands can cast shadows, blow in the wind, and require constant fixing. Keep hair pulled back and off the face.

Avoid chewing gum.

Avoid bulky items in pocket (wallet, cell phone etc.).

Avoid tanning 4–7 days before your wedding. A little color is fine, but avoid sunburn.

Avoid spray tans, as they don’t photograph well and can look overly orange.

Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.

Avoid tan lines that may show with your dress, including neckline, sleeves, sunglasses, and watches.

The bride should avoid white or solid deodorants, as they can transfer onto the groom’s suit. Choose a clear gel deodorant instead.

Avoid open-toed shoes during winter months. Footwear is rarely visible, so wear warm boots and socks, and consider thermal layers for outdoor photos during winter months.

Avoid vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle.

Suggestions:

Pick simple, classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years. This applies to clothing, hairstyle, hair color and jewelry.

Women should smooth and secure any flyaway hairs with hairspray before your temple exit and the start of your reception.

During hot summer months, hydrate well the night before. The groom should carry a handkerchief for perspiration.

Men, ensure all temporary stitching on a new suit is removed, including shoulder stitching, vents, and pockets.

Thick, long eyelash extensions can obscure your eyes and reduce catchlights. If you squint when smiling, choose shorter, lighter extensions.

Men should cut their hair 2-5 days before the wedding day. Cut to the length you want it to be on the wedding day. Neckline should be neatly shaped and clean.

Remain side by side whenever possible to ensure candid moments are captured, and stay aware of your body language.

Cufflinks for men are a small detail that adds a nice touch. You will need to buy a French Cuff Shirt to make this work.

A two-button suit coat should typically have its top button fastened. The only instance when it's appropriate to leave the suit coat unbuttoned is when you're wearing a vest underneath it. Please check out this brief and informative YouTube video from Real Men Real Style.

If you choose to wear suspenders, opt for button suspenders over clip-ons for a cleaner, more polished look.

Please run a link roller over tuxedo/suit. Pockets are to be empty! (Your temple locker key in your suit coat is fine). I suggest leaving pocket items (wallet, cell phone car key) in your temple locker. You can go back to get them once photos are done.

After the sealing ceremony apply eye drops to your eyes if they are in need.

DON’T FORGET YOUR WEDDINGS RINGS, TEMPLE RECOMMENDS AND MARRIAGE LICENSE.

Check the car you will be traveling in to make sure it has a full tank of gas. Do this the day prior to the wedding.

Make sure you have a bouquet at the temple. It is an important part of your wedding day photos at the temple. A boutonniere for men is generally worn. The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel. If possible please try to pin this to your jacket prior to the sealing ceremony to save time.

Please check your wedding dress and try it on again a few days before your wedding. Make sure everything fits properly with the temple garment and make any adjustments ahead of time. Check for loose buttons or anything important that may be missing.

The groom should bring a comb to the temple and use it after the sealing ceremony.

An important reminder. Please make sure both families understand.

Have your hair, makeup and all items done in advance and organized to create a shorter wait time for your guests as well as get you out the exit doors before all the other brides.

If you’re ready to exit and someone hasn’t arrived, proceed rather than waiting. Late arrivals can join group photos later. Ask guests to remain at the temple after the ceremony and avoid leaving for things like lunch.

Remind family members attending the sealing to bring their temple recommends.

On a hot summer's day, it's a good idea for the groom and family members to bring an extra clean white button-up shirt/garments and an additional pair of clean dress socks for the reception.

Gentlemen, please inspect the buttons on your suit or tuxedo to ensure they are securely stitched. I've witnessed many instances where the top suit buttons have come loose during weddings.

For the Temple Exit, Grand Entrance, and Sparkler Exit, walking slowly is ideal as it helps me maintain sharp focus and capture more photos with precision.

For the temple exit, step just outside the doors, share a kiss, then head directly to your immediate family for hugs, followed by your in-laws. This keeps the moment smooth and natural.

Bouquet advice: A well-rounded, neatly shaped bouquet is recommended. Avoid twigs or elements that extend outward, as they can cast shadows or appear distracting in photos.

Guests at the temple during hot summer months will appreciate a cooler with water bottles.

Hairstyle and Makeup

My Preparation: