You’re getting married and you’re after some advice about what not to forget, well you’re in the right place! Over the years I have compiled a list of things not to forget on your wedding day from an inside point of view… Here are just a few.

Let’s start with the easy stuff…

Heel caps
I’ve seen some mega heels in my time of wedding photography, but even the shortest of heels have seen brides go flying across a field and leaving their shoe behind (funny, but also so awkward). I always have a set of heel caps in my camera bag, just in case, but over my time I have learnt that they are not a ‘one size fits all’. So to be safe, just get some yourself and get someone to chuck them in their clutch or something, you’ll more than likely need them at some point.

Change of shoes
The most recent and obvious shoe changes at weddings are flip flops for guests in the evening, but don’t forget about yourself. It’s hard work wearing heels all day, don’t be afraid to change into a comfier set or some flats as the day goes on. Just keep them on for the ceremony, couple photos and group shots, and then you’re free to walk like a normal person. Perhaps keep them nearby for your first dance shots too!

Umbrellas
Let’s not take these little guys for granted. If you have decided to get married out of summer season (or even in the middle of August knowing UK weather), bear in mind you may need brollys. You guys aren’t going to want to get soaked all day when you are toing and froing, and from experience I can’t imagine the bridal party will either… especially after the 5 hours of bridal prep! Now, a bit of rain never stopped us as a photographer, in fact it can make some of the best shots, but my cameras unfortunately do not like the rain so they’ll need cover too!

Safety pins, hairbands, sewing kit etc.
This point just goes without saying and I don’t even know why I’m wasting blog space on it. However just in case you’re using this as a checklist I thought I better add it in!

Moving onto some of the ‘less obvious’…

A steamer
The amount of times I’ve seen straighteners and irons out on a wedding morning is beyond me. Don’t let your crazy family loose with their straighteners on your wedding dress before you’ve even worn it, just bring a steamer, please! If you’re reading this thinking ‘my wedding dress won’t get creased’, you’re probably a very optimistic person and should just bring one anyway… The guys will need it even if you don’t!

Decent confetti
If you’ve seen those pinterest, insta worthy confetti shots, just know that as a photographer they actually only happen like 2 out of 5 weddings. Confetti shots more times than not, are of the couple pulling stupid faces, with about 5 petals above their head and and uncles hand across their face. My advice; throw the confetti upwards and not directly at the couple, tell your uncles beforehand not to think they’re funny and get in the way of your one opportunity at a cool insta worthy confetti shot, get confetti pre emptied into a basket so people can grab handfuls, and most importantly buy double the amount to what they recommend. Venue dependant (some only like natural and biodegradable), buy the most colourful and cheapest un-earth friendly shit you can find - see below image for proof!

Cake knife
If you plan to cut the cake, and your venue doesn’t have its own caterers, just mention to them beforehand that you need a knife, or bring your own. It’s super awkward when couples go to cut the cake and there isn’t a knife supplied because they forgot to ask for it. I know it sounds crazy, but it happens, so just check in advance.

Most importantly…

Decent photographer
Is it cheeky to add this in? Going to do it anyway. Seriously though, a good photographer will not only be there to capture the day, but they should also be your right hand man. As one of the only suppliers who is with you from the start until the finish of the day, their job is equally as important to help the day run as smoothly as possible for you. Obviously do not just book a photographer and expect them to be your wedding coordinator too, but definitely have high expectations for their help and guidance. And bear in mind that because they are going to be there all day with you, make sure you meet them before and that they’re not a tit.

Aside from this, your photos, your memories, and your rings are all you will really take away from your wedding day, so please make sure you really invest into photography on your wedding day. It’s so easy not to prioritise it, but ultimately it’s one of the only things you leave the day with and I cannot stress this enough. If you are reading this and haven’t yet booked a photographer (bit weird that you’re stalking me this deep but anyway), get in touch here.

Designated person on the day
Ideally, we’d love a wedding coordinator to be calling the shots all day and making it run smoothly, but we know this isn’t always possible. So please just make sure you have someone on the day (preferably with a fog horn voice) to be your go to for announcements, round ups, etc. I like to take the lead on this for certain parts of the day (particularly group photos), but as I mentioned before, I can only do what I can when I am available to do so, so don’t rely on me to be your coordinator on the day - hire a professional, or promote a really loud friend.

Time to yourself
Please just disappear for 10 minutes, this is your day. We always try and whisk you off pretty eminently after ceremony so that you can embrace the moment as just the two of you without the hustle and bustle of every guest hugging and congratulating you, but if you can get a further 10 minutes (without us creeping on you with a camera), even better.

Extras without explanation

Transport for the entire bridal party and groomsmen if you are moving to and from locations.
Enough time throughout the day, it always takes longer than you think.
Early ceremony time if you’re getting married in the winter - Lighting is key for your couple shots!
Decent breakfast - hangry brides are not fun to work with.
Grooms, a spare pair of trousers, or a pair that fits properly and won’t split - Yehp, shit happens…