Want an Instagrammable wedding? Here's what it really takes

Most couples want nothing more than flawless wedding photos that perfectly capture a magical moment, blockbuster arrival or spectacular view.

- Alix Strauss

NEW YORK - Most couples want nothing more than flawless wedding photos that perfectly capture a magical moment, blockbuster arrival, or spectacular view.

What they probably do not understand is the months of meticulous planning - not to mention hefty budgets - that are often needed to bring these awe-inspiring visuals to life.

The 200-person mid-Atlantic wedding Ms Lindsey Shaktman, director of planning for Mavinhouse Events in Ipswich, Massachusetts, pulled off in 2024 is one example.

"We lost the groom for several moments because he was on the wrong channel" of the long-range walkie-talkies, she said, "and a major storm happened off the coast of Maine 24 hours before."

"In water, you can't will five anchored boats to be still - everything constantly moves," she added.

But here is the magic: None of that turbulence was evident in the photos. "That's the beauty of photography," Ms Shaktman said. "It can show perfection in otherwise imperfect scenarios, which couples never see. They have no idea how hard that photo was to capture or what went into making their request possible."

Other wedding specialists with similar experiences feel the same way. They share the behind-the-scenes efforts needed to create visually compelling moments.

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"This is usually a wedding's first impression," said Mr Scott Warfel, creative and operations director for Putnam Designs in New York City. "It needs a wow factor because it sets the tone and expectations."

This is often achieved with flowers. Floral arrangements have migrated from the table to enormous backdrops at wedding venues. These non-permanent configurations are painstakingly assembled and can be pricey.

"They need to be substantial, sound and interactive, and have lasting power for a high-intensity experience," said Mr Warfel, whose company creates 15 to 20 mega flower arrangements a year.