Photographic Excellence Since 1966

 Wedding Questions, Answers & Advice

Q. If I must choose between wedding photographs or video, which should I choose?

A. If you can possibly afford both, do so. You won't regret it. But, if you must choose one or the other, get photographs. They will be around long after a video is gone. See "How Long Do Video Tapes Last."

Q. I don't want the groom to see me before the ceremony. Is it necessary that the bride and groom be photographed together before the ceremony?

A. I don't think anyone should coerce a couple into seeing each other before the ceremony. It's your wedding, and you should do what you want. Yet, there are several advantages to the couple seeing each other. First, in my experience, allowing the couple 5 or 10 minutes alone has a wonderful calming effect on them. It soothes jittery nerves, resulting in much more relaxed pictures - and the couple seem to enjoy their wedding so much more. Second, since all of the pictures normally made between the ceremony and reception have already been made, everyone can go directly to the reception. Guests are not rudely kept waiting while pictures are made. By the way, do you know the origin of the tradition of not seeing each other? Long ago, the parents chose the mates for their children. The bride's veil was opaque, so after the ceremony the groom lifted the veil to discover the identity of his bride. Naturally, then they couldn't be allowed to see each other before the ceremony.

Q. If we decide that don't want to see each other before the wedding, but still want to get to the reception with the least possible delay, what can we do to lessen the time needed to make photographs between the ceremony and reception?

A. The greatest delays are caused by (1) well-wishers "catching" the bride and groom right after the ceremony, before the pictures can be made. When that happens, you will have your reception right then and there, while your other guests are kept rudely waiting at the reception site. Hide until the guests have left the auditorium, then go quickly to the front for pictures. (2) Amateur photographers trying to take pictures at the same time as the professional. If the professional must wait for a host of others to take each picture, the delay can be substantial. And, amateurs can accidentally ruin the professional's photographs by causing the subjects eyes to be closed from their flash. If the amateur's flash coincides with the pro's his pictures can be ruined. Encourage your guests to wait until they get to the reception to make their pictures. By then the time pressure will be eased.

Q. Should we have a "receiving line" at the reception, or just mingle with our guests?

A. Increasingly, couples are choosing to just mingle with their guests. Receiving lines are traditional, and more formal, but to me it has always seemed a little rude to keep people waiting in a line when they could be socializing with other guests, and eating. But, it's your wedding and you should do what you want to do.

Q. I have heard that throwing rice will kill birds. Should I plan to have bird seed thrown, instead?

A. No one seems to know where the rumor started that rice will kill birds, but it persists in spite of the fact that the Audubon Society and ornithologists have repeatedly stated that it will not harm birds. When you think about it, if rice killed birds, there would be no birds in Asia! Rice fields are everywhere! But, some churches will not allow rice to be thrown because it can be slippery.

Q. My friend, uncle, etc. has a good camera and takes good pictures. Why should I go to the expense of hiring a professional?

A. Well, we're biased, since we are professionals. But, KODAK will sell film either to your uncle or to us. Here's what Kodak says.

Paul White

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Last modified: May 17, 2007