ThinkstockTaking photos are an important part of a wedding ceremony to most couples. To ensure that they don’t cause the party to miss all of the cocktail hour, plan out a 30- to 45-minute block with your photographer at the start of the hour. Or, which has become common, is to have a break in between nuptials and the reception to take photos.

Q: We’re taking photos after the ceremony but don’t want to miss the cocktail hour. How can we time it right?

A: The term “cocktail hour” can be misleading — the actual length is up to you. But bear in mind that after 90 minutes, your guests will be craving something heartier than canapes. Enlist your planner or photographer to pace the portrait session. After 30 to 45 minutes, it’s time to join the party. “There may be an opportunity to sneak away for additional pictures later in the evening, as the light changes,” suggests Amanda Gray of Ashley Baber Weddings in Charlottesville, Virginia.

If your heart is set on taking part in cocktails from start to finish, then consider building in a break between your nuptials and reception, an increasingly common practice. Guests can entertain themselves while you pose; then you’ll all join together for that first glass of bubbly.

Q: My mom is insisting that we play a game at my bridal shower, although I’m shy and would rather not. Do I have to oblige?

A: No, but you should consider it. An organized activity actually takes the spotlight off you, which you’ll likely welcome after opening presents front and center — a shower tradition. When your friends join in, you’ll be far from flying solo. And some games will get everyone laughing. (To download bridal-shower games, go to marthastewartweddings.com/shower-games.)

You can also choose an activity centered around a favorite theme that doubles as built-in entertainment and helps guests get to know one another more easily. If you’re a foodie, ask the hosts to invite a local chef to lead a simple cooking lesson based on your most-loved cuisine. Or try something that results in a party favor, such as bracelets made during a jewelry workshop or mugs from a pottery class.

Q: How can we ask our vendors to dress nicely (for example, not in jeans) for the event?

A: Typically, the pros choose all black or functional, professional clothing (in keeping with the occasion), so your request won’t be coming out of left field. “Some vendors go so far as to spell out attire in their contracts,” says Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events in Richmond, Virginia.

Still, it’s easiest to express — and set — expectations when booking. “Many venues have a dress code,” adds Spencer. “Refer vendors to it to take the pressure off you.” Or simply say, “The dress code will be formal, and we’d like our vendors to follow suit.” If you’ve already signed on the dotted line, confirm your attire preferences when you talk through final details, about one month before the I do’s.

Q: We want to book a hotel block for our wedding. How can we secure rooms — and a deal — without our credit card getting charged?

A: Work with online (and free!) booking concierges, like Skipper (hiskipper.com) or HotelWeddingBlocks.com, which negotiate directly with hotels to source low rates for large groups as well as oversee all contracts. They’ll try to find “courtesy” blocks that don’t require a credit card to hold the reservation, so you won’t get charged for unoccupied rooms.

But that’s not always possible, explains Mark Rothman, founder of HotelWeddingBlocks.com. “If you’re throwing a destination celebration during peak season, the hotel won’t want to reserve rooms without a financial commitment.” These rooms, instead, are held with an attrition clause, meaning you’ll be financially responsible for vacant rooms in your block over an agreed-upon percentage (for example, if 20 rooms are sectioned off with a 90 percent attrition clause, 18 rooms must be filled for you to walk away scot-free). But in exchange for this risk, many hotels offer perks, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast or hotel shuttles, says Jason Shames, CEO and co-founder of Skipper.

The key is to reserve in small quantities as early as possible, adding rooms in increments of 10 or 20, explains Shames, who also recommends arranging blocks at two different hotels and price points “to give guests options.”

Q: Should we pick out our wedding bands together, and how do we get started?

A: Most couples shop together at least two months before their celebration and find the process to be a fun part of the planning. Make sure you have your engagement ring on hand (literally!) to ensure it works with your band. (For instance, while white gold and platinum look similar, they are not identical. It’s generally best to stick with one type of metal.) Some couples like to select matching bands — or at least coordinating ones — but this isn’t necessary.

Who pays? The two of you can split the price down the middle, or make the buy even more sentimental by paying for each other’s rings. And one more tip: Opt for insurance (try jewelersmutual.com).

Q: We don’t drink wine but would like to serve one white and one red at our reception. Which varieties are affordable and pleasing to a crowd?

A: No matter the time of year or location, you can serve a pinot grigio from Italy or a California chardonnay as your white, plus a Napa merlot as your red, says Liz Barrett of Terlato Wines. All are palate pleasers and taste delicious with dishes from salmon to rib eye. Because white tends to be a fan favorite, plan on serving a 60/40 ratio of white to red.

If you can foot the tab, also offer a sparkling wine, like Prosecco. “It’s fun to serve at a wedding without the investment that Champagne requires,” she says. And remember this guideline: “The day is about celebrating with friends and family; doing that with bottles priced at $10 to $20 each is just fine.”

TIP: “Assume each guest will sip one glass of wine per hour, with one bottle holding five still servings,” says Liz Barrett of Terlato Wines.