Having been to hundreds of weddings over the years, here are a few tips from a photographer’s point of view, to help your day go as smoothly as possible.

Compile a list prior to the big day of the photographs you would like. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, complicated or set in stone. You can’t go back and recreate the day so if Granny or Uncle Ted are left out you will feel disappointed when you view the photos back and they aren’t there.Think of basic group photos you have to have, eg bride and groom with parents, bride and groom with siblings, best friends and colleagues etc. You can always add to these on the day with spontaneous ones. It is amazing what can be forgotten in the whirlwind of the day, so a list is always helpful. You can email it to your photographer before the day, or give it to your best man to save you the worry!

Think well in advance when looking around your venue. Think about where the photographs are going to be taken. If you want photographs outside, is there the space?  Is there somewhere picturesque that can be utilised. Inside? A grand staircase, vintage mirror or a fireplace can transform a good photograph into an outstanding one. We will be familiar with many of the venues and if not will research them first if possible, but occasionally you get venues where some photographs will be restricted . If your venue is like this, is there somewhere nearby that you could walk to? A nearby stream or outside space. Sometimes in circumstances like this we can be flexible and take more at the Church. We always do our best to find a way.

Have you thought about your speeches? This tip is one that won’t necessarily affect your photographs but is likely to help you enjoy your day more. From experience, if you have a very nervous Groom or Father of the bride, or one that does not relish public speaking, how about moving the speeches to BEFORE the meal. We always think it is such a shame that the people paying for an expensive and special meal shouldn’t enjoy it because he or she has the speeches to come. Weddings where the speeches and toasts are first are great as you see everyone visibly relax and tuck in!

Communicate with your photographer. Explain the photographs you love. Do you love traditional or natural, black and white, colour or a mixture of the two? Are you shy and want discreet, reportage style pictures or arty and unique ones? Communicate any family circumstances, are there any divorces or family fall outs? Let us know so that no one feels awkward or uncomfortable. Talk to us, if you have a scar or something you want hidden in a photograph, don’t be embarrassed to say. We want you to enjoy your day and get the photographs you want, with the best memories possible. If you feel uncomfortable around your photographer, then don’t book them. You should feel like a friend is taking the photographs, but with the results of a true professional.