I’ve photographed a lot of weddings over the last 11 years, seen what works and what causes stress, and this guide is simply me passing on the tips and tricks that help your day flow beautifully and result in the best images possible.
Less Panic, More Party
You’ve received my full Welcome Guide after booking with all my detailed tips and planning help.
This is the short version. A quick, easy read to keep you on track while you plan, without the overwhelm.
Save it. Skim it. Come back to it later.
The Morning
Prep the night before. Remove tags. Lay everything out.
Hair and makeup first for you. Calm beats rushed every time.
Get into your dress at least 30 minutes before you need to leave.
Fans, scissors and a small sewing kit are lifesavers.
Once hair and makeup are finished, time matters.
If the morning is tight, ask your hair and makeup team to keep content quick so your bridal portraits aren’t rushed.
Flowers and Buttonholes
Hold your bouquet low. Belly button height.
Appoint one person to be in charge of buttonholes so they don’t disappear.
Buttonholes go on the left.
The Ceremony
Speak to the Vicar befor hand, tell him how important your images are to you.
Walk slowly. Slower than you think.
Flowers low. Look up. Look at each other.
Hold hands. Stand close.
If you cry or fluff a vow, perfect. Those moments are gold.
Confetti
More is more. Big handfuls.
Paper discs and petals photograph best.
If confetti isn’t allowed, bubbles or ribbons work beautifully.
Look at each other, not at me.
Group Photos
Keep them to around 8 to 10 images.
Let guests know photos happen straight after the ceremony, or back at the venue if it’s a church wedding.
Appoint one confident person who knows everyone to help gather people.
Bridesmaids keep hold of bouquets until photos are done.
Portraits
We only need two short pockets of 10 to 15 minutes.
One should be around golden hour if timings allow.
No awkward posing. Just breathing space, laughs and little glances.
Drinks Reception
Around two hours is ideal.
Entertainment and garden games are always a win.
Canapés and cocktails keep energy up and vibes flowing.
Speeches and Cake
Speeches work best at the start or end of the wedding breakfast.
Backdrop matters. Avoid exit signs and plain walls if you can.
Ask your venue to place the cake somewhere special, not in a corner.
Evening Party
If you want a packed dance floor, be on it. Guests will follow.
Walkaround evening food keeps the party moving.
If you’re doing sparklers, fewer people is better and longer sparklers work best.
Rain
Have a loose rain plan and then go with the flow.
Umbrellas and flexibility go a long way.
Rain does not ruin photos. Bad vibes do. Embrace it.
Image Delivery
Sneak peek a few days after the wedding.
Full gallery follows within your contract timeframe.
Gallery stays live for a year, with options to extend if you wish.
You set the vibe for the day.
Relax. Trust it. Enjoy it.
And if you need anything at all… you know where I am.
If you want to read the full version of tips with more in depth tips then here is the link.
GET IN TOUCH
