The ‘photo friendly’ wedding planning guide.
I’ll be here every step of the way so if you’re ever struggling with planning or just need a third-party opinion then give me a shout.
One of my couples years ago described a wedding as “just a big party for all of their friends and family where they just happened to be getting married”. Having got married myself I can confirm that they hit the nail on the head. I often wish that I could go back in time and relive my own wedding as one of my guests to see just how fun it was from their point of view!
To try and help you deliver on this “best day ever” feeling I’ve put together loads of information set around each part of the day and how you can get the most out of it. I don’t expect you to read it all but I promise if you even adopt just 1 or 2 of my tips then you’ll be setting yourselves up well.
Big love and thank you once again for having me at your big day.
Albert
You’ve Booked!
The Morning
You’ve spent months planning the day, and it’s finally here. The atmosphere is crackling with electricity, your friends are literally buzzing with giddiness and your family are desperate to see you step into your dress for the first time.
Get ready in the largest and lightest room you can (the more natural window light the better for photos) and setup for makeup next to a large window where possible. You spent hours looking for the perfect dress so don’t let it hide in its bag under a layer of polythene. Get it out, hang it up somewhere beautiful and show it off!
The same goes with bridesmaids dresses, shoes and sparkly things. If you’ve gone to the trouble of getting them out I’ll assume you’d like them photographed.
The other biggest thing and something that will become a recurring theme in this guide is to give yourself plenty of time and to be ready on time. Be in your dress 30mins or so before you’re due to leave. Then you’ll have plenty of time for any small delays and any photos that you’d like before you set off for the ceremony.
Normally I start around 2 hours pre-ceremony.
Sometimes more if you want both want some coverage. If one partner isn’t interested in photographs that’s no problem. But, if you do want both sides covered then consider where you’ll both get ready. Two rooms/buildings in the same venue are a lot easier to cover than ones separated by 30 minutes of driving.
I’ll often turn any big ceiling lights off when I take photographs. It may seem a little strange but artificial lights often give off a yellow cast. This isn’t hugely flattering.
Also, to allay any fears, I rarely take photos of people without makeup on.
“First Look”
You may want a special moment where a certain person sees you in your outfit and you can have five minutes with them before things get wild. If you’d like this covered then be sure to let me know so I’m in the right place at the right time.
Also, when you’re getting ready feel free to invite as many people as you want. They don’t have to have an official title to be involved in the morning. The more the merrier!
Gentlemen
Guys, if you take the same approach as the girls you’ll be setting yourself up well.
If you can try and get ready in a large room with plenty of window light that’s free of clutter you’ll give me every opportunity to make you look just as pretty as the fairer side of the bridal party!
If I am joining you in the morning don’t be too eager to get ready, it doesn’t take long. Just get yourself semi ready reasonably early. Trousers, shirt, shoes and then just hold fire and wait for me to arrive.
That way I can photograph all the finishing touches as you get suited and booted, exchange gifts and get ready to roll.
Lastly, make it a morning to remember.
Make all the guys some breakfast, give each other some gifts, nip to the pub and stand in the sunshine for a G&T or two before you head off to the ceremony. Steady those nerves, read that speech one last time (and remember to bring it) and get ready for the best day of your life!
The Ceremony
Wherever you’re choosing to do the ceremony make it special. It doesn’t just have to be the bit you want to get over and done with. It can be so much more.
WEDDING CEREMONY TIPS
My number one advice for walking down the aisle on your wedding day is to make sure no one else is in the aisle. If there are, pause, wait for them to take their place, then go.
But do what you want. I’ve had brides make solo entrances, assisted by their dad and stepdad, with their mum’s and Grooms, well, I’ve had them make bombastic music video style entrances and also more reserved entrances with relatives. You do you.
Readings
If you’re having a civil ceremony, then you’ve probably not even thought of readings. I always suggest you include them.
Often, you’ll have a friend or sibling who didn’t have an official role in your day. Here’s their time to shine. Give them the job of organising a reading for themselves to present. It’s amazing how much the faces of my couples light up when they’re looking at their friends rather than a registrar.
Religious Service
If you’re getting married in a place of worship, you must speak with the celebrant beforehand about photography and ask about restrictions. I’m happy for you to pass on my contact details for them to speak with me directly if this makes it easier.
My preferred position is to be facing the two of you. This usually means I’m just behind the celebrant to one side, facing you and all your guests. If the restrictions which the celebrant imposes stop me from going here, then there’s nothing to fear. You’ll still have great photographs and it’ll cause me to be a little more inventive with my approach. Rarely, a place of worship may make a very restrictive request on where I’m positioned. If this is the case, then I’ll always let you know.
If your church is a little unique, then feel free to take a video when you next visit. You can then send this over and it will help me get a feel for the venue before I turn up on your day.
Unplug Your Wedding
For me, the service is the part of the day where I just want everyone’s eyes to be on you and not on their phones/cameras. I’ll usually be photographing from behind the registrar or celebrant, so your family and friends will make up the backdrop to every photograph.
All of the final photographs you get will be accessible to everyone so let your guests know they don’t need to help me, I’ve got this covered.
Confetti
First off, check with your venue on their confetti policy. Some have strict rules around where and what you can throw.
There are many options, from dried petals, biodegradable paper, fresh petals and even rice.
What should we buy?
The paper-based biodegradable confetti always offers much more coverage than petal-based but has a bigger environmental impact.
Personally I would not bother with cones or bags. A large basket where people can grab handfuls is all you need.
How much should we buy/make?
This depends on how crazy you want your photographs. You’ll have to get more per person of dried petals than biodegradable paper. If you want a place to start for a great result, then I’d base it upon each guest having a chunky handful each.
The usual time to throw confetti is after the service. As you come out I’ll let you have a little moment with your guests to celebrate the awesomeness of what just happened. After this calms, I’ll then construct a quick line or half circle and confetti away!
Just like with everything on your day, do not worry, I’ve got it all in hand.
Drinks Reception
After the ceremony you’re going to be buzzing.
Everyone is going to be tugging at your arm, desperate to give you a hug or put a glass of champagne in your hand.
How long?
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to soak this up.
No one will get bored. People love to stand and chat. To wolf down a canapé or three and to laugh with their friends who they’ve not caught up with in ages.
A good 2 – 2.5 hours is ideal. It might sound like a long time but it will be over in a flash. It also gives me a good amount of time to photograph the venue styling and details. To gather people together for the group photos
(I’ll try and keep this brief, more on this later!) and maybe even 15 minutes of couple photos.
Simply put, more time equals more fun. It’s a cliche but the day really does just fly by.
One minute you’re getting ready and the next you’re being called in for dinner with no idea where the time went. Weddings are special days and a once in a lifetime occasion. Make the most of it. Have a nice long, relaxed day and don’t cram your timeline too tightly. Set yourself up for a really
brilliant day with minimal stress. Especially during the summer. There are far worse things than a nice long lazy reception soaking up the sun and celebrating with those you love.
I want to be right in the thick of the reception photographing as many smiling faces as I possibly can for you!
Group Photos
Yes, those photographs.
Often judged as the most stressful time of a wedding day, the group/family portraits should be anything but that.
I don’t want you to feel any amount of stress on your wedding day and this is why I handle these photographs completely. I often get through them with speed whilst also making sure they look fantastic.
DO WE NEED TO WRITE A LIST?
Yes, I’d definitely recommend putting together a list of the group photos you’d like. Ideally keep it to around 10. Each one takes about 2–3 minutes, so this keeps things flowing nicely without eating into your day.
It really helps to have an usher or two on hand to gather people while I’m taking the photos. It really helps if they’re dedicated to the cause, I can’t stress this enough! Otherwise it can drag on and you’ll be left waiting.
With the right help, everything runs smoothly and I promise you won’t be stood in the same spot for 45 minutes.
On the day, I like to keep things feeling natural. Right after the ceremony, when the atmosphere is at its best, I’ll let everything unfold and capture those natural moments. Once things naturally settle I’ll step in and start organising the group photos.
I recommend against one big group shot of everyone. People look tiny and it does interrupt the flow of the day. Instead, I focus on a handful of more refined groups.
This way there is no fuss, just relaxed, beautiful photos of you and your favourite people.
Couple Photos
Probably the most nervously anticipated part of the day where people wonder how I’m going to make them look some sort of normal!
DO WE HAVE TO POSE?
Not really, I usually give simple instructions like ‘walk over here,’ ‘give each other a hug’ etc.
This is one of my favourite times of the day. Every single couple that I’ve ever photographed says in the run up to the wedding “I’m not great at having my photo taken” or “I’m really awkward in front of
the camera” and yet it always works out brilliantly.
Creating portraits on your wedding day is unlike having your photo taken on any other day. You’re excited, you’re emotional, you’re surrounded by everyone you know and love and it all combines into a feeling like you’ve never had before.
I won’t remove you from your own wedding and I will never take you away for hours, leaving your guests to wonder where the heck you are.
I prefer 5-15 minutes here and there throughout the day.
Add a little skill and experience of how to get the best from people, I guarantee you’ll end up with photos you’ll want to hang on
your wall forever. It takes a few moments for you to feel at
ease and to get into it and that’s normal. Ideally, I’ll grab you as your guests are taking their seats for dinner. Then again later in the day at sunset where I can really get the very best light and make you look your absolute best.
The Wedding Breakfast
If you’re like me and most other people on this planet then you’d rather not have a photograph of yourself chomping down on a piece of broccoli!
For this reason, I take almost no photographs during the wedding breakfast. I may take some just before or after desert when people are relaxed.
Instead use part of this time to take a short break. I almost always backup the photos I’ve captured so far, look through them and prepare some previous for you. I’ll also establish a plan for the post-meal moments so that things are super streamlined post-wedding breakfast.
WILL YOU FEED ME A HOT MEAL?
You don’t have to feed me, but it’s an absolute game-changer if you can. I get to sit and enjoy a lovely meal usually nearby to you and your guests so if I’m needed in a moment’s notice, I can be up and at it asap. It doesn’t need to be the 15-course £££ a head option you may be feeding to the rest of your guests but something substantial you feel someone who’s been on their feet all day may enjoy.
Just in case you wanted to know I have no dietary requirements.
But, as I said, I’m a grown up and if food isn’t possible I’m more than happy to bring it with me.
The Speeches
Some people fully embrace the opportunity to get up in front of their friends. Some dread it, but either way it’s often a complete goldmine of photographic opportunity and can be surprisingly emotional.
In my experience I’ve found that they work best when done all at once. Whether that’s before or after the wedding breakfast as opposed to dotted throughout the courses.
The reason for this is simple. People always take longer than they think! I’ve seen it countless times where speeches have over run. The chef is looking tetchy, or the crowd has had to wait for 10 minutes for cousin Jon to get back from the bar.
All of these little delays add up and before you know it you’re 45 mins behind where you thought you’d be. You’ve missed sunset and your evening guests are loitering outside with one ear to the last speech of the day.
DO WE NEED TO DO THEM?
If you like you can get creative with the layout of your speeches. Add some in, take some out. Some of the best speeches I’ve heard have been from the Maid of Honour or the Mother of the Bride. Don’t just stick with tradition because you feel you have to.
I’d recommend a minimum of 3-5 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes per speech. Anything more or less than this will either not give you a good coverage of photographs or be too drawn out for your guests, causing the tempo to drop off.
The Evening
By the time the evening comes, you will be completely embedded in the atmosphere.
THE DANCE FLOOR
When it comes to the first dance, there is nothing better than having your song played live. Whether this is by a friend who does you a favour or a live band, it will bring the night alive and kick off the evening with a bang.
I would strongly recommend a great band. They’re not cheap but can bring an evening to life.
There is one main contribution to a great dance floor. That is to have you two in the middle of it.
You see, your guests are so much more likely to dance if you dance. If the dance floor gets going, you’ll very often find me in the middle of it having an absolute rave.
Visual Effects
DO WE NEED THEM?
They make great photographs but do you need them? No, but they are a nice extra.
Just be mindful that sparklers and smoke bombs do carry a risk with them.
I will photograph what happens but for public liability I can’t provide them or offer anything other than support or guidance! The risk of something going wrong is too great. Smoke bombs can stain outfits, blow up unexpectedly and burn incredibly hot, posing a risk to people.
I love to capture these photographs but once again, you must be aware of the dangers to yourself and your clothes following the smoke or sparks.
It’s not uncommon to see little burns in delicate dresses, jackets or even skin.
I’ll do the arranging with your events team if you have one. I recommend not leaving this too late. Intoxication plus sparking sticks isn’t a great mix.
First, check with your venue on their policy. Then if it’s all good, be sure to pick up the same amount as guests you have, making sure they are the extra long-lasting versions. Picking up a couple of lighters also wouldn’t go amiss!
Should you be considering fireworks, then I suggest you contemplate the viewing area of where you and your guests will stand. This can be a great time for photographs and it can look awesome if you have a great landscape as well as the night sky lit up.
Videography
DO WE WANT A FILM THEM?
Right behind the most popular confetti question is “Should we have a video of our day?”
If you are then it’s important to bring someone on board who, like me, is a seasoned professional and knows what they’re doing. A budget option may seem attractive but I do sometimes find it can hinder my ability to create my usual high level of work.
If you want ‘some video’ but not necessarily a 20 minute documentary then I can create short 5 minute highlight films. Have a look and see what you think.
But, if you want something more then videographers bring this to the table. If it’s really important to you then you need to take this decision as importantly as your photography decision.
Below is a list of videographers of varying price ranges whom I get on really well with. We’ve worked together on many a wedding, so be sure to reach out to any of them and mention my name.
The Weather
Ahhhh the Great British Summer. You could set your watch by it right?
Well probably not as it turns out.
But I will always do everything I can to make sure you get the very best photos whatever the conditions.
Sunshine in December, rain in August and everything in between. The British Weather is nothing if not unpredictable. Fortunately, nothing stops me. My only limits are whether or not you guys are comfortable to step on the odd wet patch of grass to get that perfect shot.
I’ll never drag you outside in the pouring rain before your ceremony or deliberately encourage you to dirty your dress or shoes.
What can you do to prepare yourselves? Well as unglamorous as it sounds it’s an idea to have something warm to wrap around your
shoulders and something dry to put your feet in stashed in the back of a friend’s car. So that if you do decide that you want to brave the elements you’re as cosy as possible. I have worked in the rain, in the driving wind and even in the snow so there’s really nothing
I’ve shot over 500 weddings and I’ll never tire of it.
Thanks so much for reading all of this. I really hope it’s been useful and gives you some ideas of how to shape your day.
Wedding days are essentially as complicated, as you make them, so keep things easy, give yourself lots of time and just enjoy it. Don’t be swayed by well meaning friends, by “the industry” or Instagram.
Do things your way.
This is going to be the one day in your life where you have pretty much everyone you care about in the same room and that’s an enormous thing. It’s hugely exciting for me and motivates me to photograph as many moments between you, your friends and family as I possibly can. The photos live on as a visual record of this time in your life for decades to come.
Don’t be afraid to do things your way.
Venues and dare I say it family members will say “but you have to do it like that, it’s a wedding!” In well meaning tones but it’s your day. Nothing is set in stone, have things the way you want and be confident in your decisions. Things will go awry, but they’ll never go wrong. Minor details might not be perfect but these things don’t need to be either.
All that needs to happen for your day to be perfect is that you get to stand in front of your family and friends and make sincere, long lasting promises. If the canapés aren’t quite right or the Best Man’s waistcoat is too tight, it’ll all still be fine.
I can’t wait to find out how your day unfolds and what you have in store.
Roll on the big day!
Albert.
DO YOU HAVE
ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
If you want any more advice or have questions then do reach out.
There’s also a few more tips and FAQS below.