The Role of the Sun in Weddings: Tips for Stunning Ceremonies and Photos
Image taken by: The HP Collective
When it comes to weddings, the sun plays a major role in setting the mood, ensuring guest comfort, and, most importantly, making your photos look incredible. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor Indian wedding or any other type of celebration, understanding how the sun impacts your ceremony can make all the difference.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how the right lighting can elevate not just your photos but the entire atmosphere of your big day. Let’s dive into how you can use the sun to your advantage while planning your ceremony.
1. Time of Day Matters
The sun’s position changes throughout the day, and each time frame has its pros and cons:
Morning Ceremonies: The light is softer and more forgiving in the morning, creating a warm and flattering glow. However, keep an eye on where shadows fall—especially if the mandap is surrounded by tall trees or structures. A slight tilt of your mandap can ensure the couple is evenly lit without awkward shadows.
Midday Ceremonies: With the sun directly overhead, lighting can get harsh and create strong shadows. Combat this by adding a canopy or delicate drapes to your mandap to diffuse the sunlight. It’s a win-win: better photos and a more comfortable setting for everyone!
Golden Hour Ceremonies: Ah, the golden hour—the dream for any photographer! The soft, warm light adds a magical glow to your ceremony. Position your mandap to face the sunset, and you’ll get breathtaking photos that feel straight out of a fairytale.
📸 Photographer’s Tip: If golden hour is on your radar, chat with your photographer to align key moments, like exchanging garlands or vows, with this time frame. Trust me—it’s worth it!
2. Avoid Squinting During Key Moments
A ceremony is all about heartfelt emotions, but squinting into direct sunlight isn’t the look you want. If your mandap faces the sun, you and your partner might struggle to keep your eyes open during the rituals—not ideal for those close-up shots!
Instead, position your mandap so the sunlight falls gently to the side or behind you. This not only keeps you comfortable but ensures your expressions are natural and relaxed.
📸 Photographer’s Tip: Backlighting (when the sun is behind the couple) can create a stunning halo effect around you, adding a dreamy feel to your photos.
3. Play with Light for Décor Highlights
The way sunlight interacts with your mandap décor can elevate its beauty. Reflective elements like mirrors, crystals, or metallic finishes will sparkle under direct sunlight, while softer fabrics like chiffon or organza glow beautifully when backlit.
📸 Photographer’s Tip: Your photographer can use the natural light to highlight these details and create artistic shots that showcase your mandap’s design in all its glory.
4. Keep Guests Comfortable
The sun doesn’t just affect the couple—it impacts your guests too. For midday ceremonies, ensure seating areas are shaded to keep everyone cool and happy. This might mean adding umbrellas, tents, or even trees as part of your setup.
📸 Photographer’s Tip: Comfortable guests mean vibrant, joyful energy in your photos. Nobody wants shots of overheated, squinting guests, so invest in shade and hydration!
5. Don’t Forget the Weather
While the sun is a crucial factor, outdoor weddings come with other weather considerations too. Have a backup plan in case clouds or unexpected weather disrupt your ideal lighting.
📸 Photographer’s Tip: Even cloudy days can result in beautiful photos thanks to the natural diffused light—just make sure you’re ready to embrace the weather with a positive attitude.
Why Sun Placement Matters for Photography
As a wedding photographer, I can confidently say that the sun can completely transform how your photos turn out. Thoughtful mandap placement ensures:
No harsh shadows or squinting faces.
Consistent, flattering light on the couple and décor.
Dreamy, cinematic photos that capture the magic of the moment.
The key is to consider the sun’s role early in your planning and work closely with your photographer. Together, you can create a setup that enhances both your ceremony and your photos.
Hope this helps xx