Now dont go hiding in a dark corner somewhere, you are going to want to read this, believe me !

After being on so many wedding planning pages, I see a lot of brides planning their wedding and this post comes up at least 3 times a day.... WHY IS WEDDING PLANNING SO STRESSFUL?
I feel you, I really do and believe me if I could go back and do things differently when it come to me planning my wedding, Id snap it up right away!

You see, all us woman, men sometimes too, have been dreaming about this day since being little and all the little things mattered, down to what colour your shoes needed to be, the dress being 'The One' and the little mint favours on the tables labled "its mint to be Mr & Mrs....". ​I was one of those brides. Yes they do look amazing in photos, yes its nice to have something you have made personally for your big day, but when it all comes down to it...the stress of getting these little things or making them and you feeling stressed about making them or getting them....JUST ISNT WORTH IT! There are tons of wedding professionals out there who would be more than happy to help you, but if DIY is the only option make it fun!!!

If you start getting stressed during the wedding planning process , take a step back and ask yourself, is it really neccessary?

You are only planning this one time and when stress takes over it completely ruins it and you dont get that time back ! You know the saying "take it all in because the day goes so quickly" this applies to your diy making, favour finding, dress adjusting process. As long as you have got you, your significant other, something to wear (this is where I get a little hypocritical of myself because I wasnt getting married in just any old frock) and you are tying the knot, thats all that matters right?

If your other half wants to be involved with the planning process such as parts of the DIY....let them, they might surprise you! Give them a job to do, something like sticking pretty gems on the invites might not suffice but you might get to see a creative side of them you didnt know they had....you 're onto a winner! Its also really nice to look at these bits and know you did them together, giving your wedding that really personal touch!

If your other half would rather just turn up on the day...fine...dont worry about it...they are giving you free rein to do whatever you like...just means planning a day to get you, the girls, a couple bottles of wine and lots of ideas to get working on!

​Weddings are huge and of course we want it all to run smoothly and pain free as possible ! Just dont stress through the wedding planning bit of it and all will be well!!

DISCLAIMER : This doesnt always go like this, I know!! Its just something I wish I had done when it came to wedding planning rather than having to explain to my hair dresser at the trial why I had no hair left ;*)

Let me know your planning hacks below ! You might save someone from ultimate breakdowns over wedding planning !!

THANKS FOR READING!!
​Kate x

It is forever being asked and I thought I would just do a write up on why people do ask and why it shouldn't always matter.

Don't  get me wrong, I completely see the advantages of choosing someone who may have worked at your venue because they 'know it well' and many venues have  ​recommended suppliers but sometimes it nice to have a look further afield and heres why.

1. Photographers have different styles, some may look similar but everyone is different. No matter how many times an image can be replicated it will never be the same, this is because each one sees things differently

2. Venues have different spots for photo opportunities and each couple who get taken here are expectant of beautiful, memorable images from their day. The light may differ, the weather here in the UK is completely unpredictable and as a photographer this puts factors in place to do the best I can to carry on and achieve these images. This is what we call 'contingency' so what ever obstacles obstruct we work around them to give the best service! This may mean trying different spots because of rennovation in a certain area, taking pictures inside because the weather is unbearable and just simply being spontaneous (a good trait of mine already). So really this would just come down to experience in general not specifically the venue itsself.

3. Last but not least... hiring someone who hasn't yet worked at your venue will be more than excited to try somewhere new and use their creativity to give you what you are looking for.....after all you are choosing them because you liked their style and approach right?
​
The moral of the story, dont restrict yourself to suppliers who have worked here before just see it as a bonus if they have !!

Wedding photos are one of the things you actually keep from your big day – and keep forever (well maybe not all of them!). After the cake has been eaten, the flowers have wilted and the favours 100% of the time get chucked away! So you want to make sure they capture YOU as a couple. Don’t get scared by the huge price range, averaging around £800 and going into thousands! There is something for everyone, you just need to work out what you’re looking for – so here are our guidelines.


1) RecommendationsThe majority of the time, you want to use someone who someone else may have used to get a good idea of how that specific photographer worked and what kind of work they produced.
Ask your family or friends! If a member of family or your friend got married recently, look at their wedding album (you can steal some of their ideas too), or ask them for some guidance (they will LOVE spreading their post-wedding knowledge). Facebook is full of THOUSANDS #noexaggeration of Wedding groups these days with lots of brides asking for recommendations across the UK and also giving friendly advice on lots of stuff, definitely worth a check! Also, if you have a venue in mind, ask them about wedding fairs or if they have recommendations for photographers that have worked there – they will have seen a lot of photographers so can give you some options. Have a look at the photographer’s website, online reviews and social media to get a bit more of an idea.

2) Budget
When choosing your wedding photographer, you will find a lot of them charging different amounts and of course your budget is very important! Don't settle for less when you can have the best! Ask suppliers if they offer payment plans, especially if you are booking in advance. It can help spread the cost and then you can do a little excited dance! Don't be disheartened if they don't accept this as not all offer it. As a photographer myself I take bookings up to 3 years in advance and clients make the move to pay off their balance, at their own discretion so they can have exactly what they want in the time given. After all its your day, do it the way you want to!

3)Contracts, Insurance, Invoices & Payment options
This bit might seem kind of boring, but extremely important when booking not only your photographer but all of your suppliers for the big day! Ask businesses if they have all these things to make sure they are professional and of course have your best interests at heart. 


4) Venue
Always keep your wedding venue in mind. Is it indoors, outdoors, is there a lot of light, or little light! If you are celebrating your nuptials in the evening, at a candle-lit venue, then a photographer who has had experience in this would be perfect, although most photographers love something new to try!. Look at their portfolio and their ability to create light, even in a dimmer setting. (Tip: ask to see some ceremony photographs, as those often take place in a dim church). 


5) Style
​Now for the fun bit! Start looking deeper into different portfolios and have a look at their style. Sometimes, even if you love a photographer’s work, you and the photographer still might not be the perfect fit – it’s like finding another person to marry! You need to be able to see yourself in the photographs, as they will represent you as a couple for years and years to come.
Also, consider how much time their style might require; elaborate fashion shoots can take hours. If you don’t want to spend your entire wedding posing for photos then bear this in mind. Check out first look photography tips if you want it to take up as little time as possible. You can work out details with the photographer once you’ve chosen them.

6)Windle your search down to your favourite 3 if its easier once you have scoured through, asked for recommendations and got a clear idea of what it is you are looking for. Making sure of course that these suppliers have your date available. Most of the time photographers are unable to hold dates due to high demand but do ask to make sure you aren't wasting your time in conversation.

6)Consultations
Once you’ve looked through the portfolios and picked your favourites, its time to meet the professionals themselves – it’s a bit like a blind date! Your photographer will spend the majority of your wedding day with you, so it’s important your personalities mesh. A helpful tip from us: ask them about their favourite photograph! You will learn a lot about their vision and personality from the way they answer your question.
Vision aside, a wedding photographer should be polite and unobtrusive, yet able to direct group images, which can require a lot of organising.  A good way to figure this out is to look at the group images and see whether the participants look relaxed and comfortable.

7) Finalise
Lastly, check with the photographer whether it will be definitely them shooting your wedding, as larger agencies may often have alternatives. Most photographers are family run businesses like myself, I have my lovely hubby join in on the fun! Similarly, ask if they have an assistant and what kind of equipment they are going to use, especially if you prefer basic edits or if you have a strong opinion about how the images should be edited.
Don’t be afraid to ask every question until you’re happy. Going back to the beginning, your photography is something that is going to be there forever and your moments matter immensely to your chosen photographer. However, you don't  need to worry too much, the camera will barely have to do anything, as you’re both going to look amazing!

Happy Planning!