Llongyfarchiadau! You’re engaged, the ring is on, and the bubbles have been poured. It is such a lush time, isn’t it? But once the initial excitement settles, that "now what?" feeling can start to creep in.
Planning a wedding is a bit of a marathon, not a sprint, so here is a little guide to help you navigate those first few steps without losing your head.
Finding the Vibe and the Venue
Before you dive into spreadsheets, have a proper chat about the vibe. The venue is the foundation of your entire aesthetic, especially for your photos. If you are dreaming of green, earthy tones and a bit of a wild, rustic feel, then a sleek manor house might not be the right fit.
On the flip side, if you want those classic, neutral beige colours and timeless elegance, a manor house is often perfection. As a photographer, I can certainly enhance the colours of a day, but I can only work with what the venue provides. Think about the "bones" of the place first.
Get Out to Wedding Fayres
There is only so much scrolling you can do on Instagram. Head over to some local wedding fayres; they are honestly the best way to get to know vendors. You can’t tell if you truly vibe with someone through a screen. Chatting face-to-face lets you see if they are your kind of people, which makes a world of difference on the day.
The Big Bookings
Once you have found "the one" and your date is set, you need to move fast on two things:
- Your Photographer and Videographer: We can only be in one place at a time, and once a date is gone, it’s gone.
- Registrars or Celebrants: Don't forget the legal bit! Celebrant rules are changing soon to allow them to legally marry you, which is fab news because they add so much more emotion and personality to a ceremony. If you have a specific time in mind, book them quickly, as the popular slots go fast.
A note on timing: Midday weddings are grand if you want to stretch the day out, but remember it means a cracking early start for the bridal party. Also, from a photo perspective, that midday sun can be a bit harsh and unflattering if you’re outside.
The Dress and the Details
Dress shopping is a big deal, so give yourself plenty of time. It often takes several shops to find "the one," and once ordered, you’ll need time for shipping and multiple fittings. It isn’t a job for the last minute, that's for sure.
Your Morning Crew: Hair and Makeup
You will spend your entire morning with your hair and makeup artists. It is essential that they bring a fab vibe to the room while making you look beautiful.
I always suggest booking a trial. It is the perfect opportunity to see if you click, and here’s a pro tip: try to schedule your trial on the same day as your engagement photoshoot. It’s the best way to see how the look translates on camera before the big day arrives.
Keep the Stress at Bay
Finally, my biggest piece of advice is to keep it manageable. It is easy to look at the mountain of "to-dos" and feel a bit overwhelmed, so try creating a monthly checklist. By spreading your tasks out across the year, you can tick things off one by one rather than trying to do everything at once.
If you are the type of person who tends to stress over a long list of jobs, I would honestly advise you to avoid DIYing too much of your day. It might seem like a good idea at the start, but it adds a lot of pressure as the date gets closer. Instead, book vendors you can trust to take the weight off your shoulders. Choosing professionals who know their craft allows you to relax and enjoy the build-up, knowing everything is in safe hands.
