Five Tips for a Smoother Los Cabos Wedding Day
Being a full-time Los Cabos photographer for more than ten years, I have seen a few wedding days. I’ve seen what makes the day go smoother, and what makes a chaotic wedding day. Here are five suggestions—not just photography related—to make your Los Cabos wedding day go smoother.
1. Be aware of the weather for your wedding day
Expect sunshine 350 days a year in Cabo due to its desert climate and the Californian Gulf breeze. Winter months average in the mid 70's, while summer months can get just above 100 degrees, so pack accordingly and don't forget floppy hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. Evenings do cool off significantly due to less humidity. The best time to visit Cabo is from May to June after the bird migration, but before the hurricane season.
2. Make sure to create a timeline with buffer room.
Remember to include travel time in your timeline. If you are on a big resort (here in Los Cabos area these could be the Riu or Pueblo Bonito, Hyatt Ziva to move from your room or from the spa to another wedding area this could take several minutes.
You should assume that everything will take longer than you think it will. Hair and makeup—you think it should take an hour. That would probably be true in most cases, but on your wedding day, you’ll have your sister, cousin, etc. interrupting asking you questions about the day. I would add at least 15-20 minutes longer than you think it should take, but 30-40 minutes would be safer.
Being rushed is a quick way to start feeling a bit stressed.
Work with your Cabo wedding planner and your photographer to create a timeline with lots of buffer room just in case things get a little behind.
And if things are running a little late, don’t let it worry you one bit. Truly. I’ll also be keeping and eye on things and will give some prompts and nudges here and there to keep things on time.
Having buffer room scheduled in will help keep you at ease since you know you have plenty of time worked in to the schedule to be flexible with however the day goes.
Best times to schedule in a bit of buffer?
Add an extra half hour for getting ready. Hair and make up can take a bit longer and putting on your wedding attire sometimes needs a few extra steps. This will ensure you have plenty of time in the first part of the day.
45 mins right before the ceremony. Make sure you are scheduled to wrap up photos at this time. This will also allow you to have one more glass of champagne and a moment to relax before the day’s events.
3. Use a “A first look”
I know there’s the whole superstition about the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony. And this tip is a little self-serving because first looks are so great from a story-telling perspective. They make great content for wedding albums.
The groom will appreciate a first look. Why? Because he is going to cry when he sees you. Men don’t like to cry in front of an audience, so let him do it in private. Besides, when you see how great the photos turn out, you’ll be glad you did it.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep, Take it easy the day before your wedding.
As stated previously, wedding days tend to be long days, especially for the bride. I know you’re going to be anxious and excited the night before your wedding, but try to get a good night’s sleep.
This goes for the groom as well. I don’t know why the tradition got started of the groom having “one last night of freedom.” I’ve seen several grooms who are so tired and hungover they can barely stand during the ceremony. Let me be straight and to the point: That’s not any way to win points with your bride, the new in-laws, or with relatives you haven’t seen in some time.
5. Maintain Hidrated and Your Blood Sugar
Depending on the time of the ceremony, many brides will begin getting ready before lunch but will not eat anything until the reception, several hours away. You will be nervous and anxious during this day, which coupled with a lack of food can cause you to experience low blood sugar.
Avoid this by eating a meal with complex carbohydrates before you begin getting ready. Avoid refined carbs because they will cause a blood sugar spike followed by a sharp drop.
Arrange at least one event (welcome cocktails or rehearsal dinner a boat trip to see the famous Cabo Arch) prior to the big day as a way to thank your guests for making the trip. It’s also a great opportunity for them to get to know each other
Guys, if you really want to have a night of debauchery, do it a week or two before the wedding. That way, you’re in good condition for the rehearsal, the wedding, and the reception.
An added benefit of this is you’ll look well-rested in the wedding photographs and you’ll have the stamina for the wedding night
I know I said five points but I´m going to include a few more:
Have a metting with all your vendors before the wedding
Hire professional wedding Planner
Practice putting on the Wedding Dress
Hire professional local vendors
Cabo Wedding Photography
Doing wedding photography in Los Cabos requires the ability to work quickly and effectively. There are so many locations and expertise in event photography is essential for capturing a wedding. The amazing selection of venues makes a beautiful backdrop for awesome wedding photography. Los Cabos has the distinct ability to offer luxry venues or calm and isolated beaches of the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.
Wedding photography is a passionate art for me, so I try to make each location unique and special. Even at locations I haven't shot at before, I am always looking for new angles and lighting to make my images pop and stand out. There are so many beautiful locations, ranging from the grogeous cliffs in the Pedregal to the many scenic and luxury hotels that dot the shorline, to the organic farms like Flora Farms and Acre, the calm waters from the Sea of Cortez to the west coast of the Baja Peninsula and much more.
VERY IMPORTANT
If you're at the beginning of your search for a wedding venue in Baja Sur, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Before booking with a hotel, check if you're allowed to bring in your preferred vendors. Often, hotels may charge high fees for external vendors, and even if you opt for their in-house services, it doesn't necessarily mean they're the best, but rather the ones that bring in the highest commissions for the hotel. As a wedding photographer based in Cabo San Lucas, I understand the importance of choosing vendors that align with your vision and budget. Don't hesitate to inquire about vendor policies before finalizing any contracts, as this can significantly impact your wedding planning experience.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email myself at info@gvphotographer.com and I will be happy to make sure you are making the right decision for your needs.
Thank you,
Gonzalo Verdeja
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