These days’ couples and their parents spend a great deal of money trying to create the “Perfect Wedding Day”.
Many achieve it, but it’s not always the most expensive ones. As a very successful wedding photographer working in Southern England, I see my fair share of disappointments.
Many couples spend a great deal of time on tiny details and not enough on the really important things.
Booking early for venues and photographers is one very important detail. The best venues and photographers will book up between 1 and 2 years ahead and to avoid disappointment it’s best to get in early.
Cars, carriages, hairdressers, make-up artists and entertainers also need thinking about carefully. Reliability and experience count for a lot. A bad DJ or band can ruin your evening reception.
Wedding dresses, shoes, bridesmaids dresses and men’s suits need careful consideration bearing in mind the time of year of the wedding and the venue. Long trains get very dirty on wet winters days or even after a shower in the summer. High-heeled satin shoes can get wrecked if your arrival drinks or photography are to be outside on grass.
Long, or even short, veils can be an absolute nightmare on even slightly windy days. Many brides find them uncomfortable and can’t wait to get them off, so think carefully before choosing one. Mind you I have some great photos of veils flying through the air.
A three piece morning suit can be incredibly hot and uncomfortable on a warm summers day, so don’t be afraid to invite the men of the bridal party to remove their jackets once the photographs have been taken, no one will mind.
The current trend for very pale cravats with white shirts may look great in the shop, but is a real technical challenge for the photographer on a sunny day. Another thing that looks great indoors, but is a perennial nuisance outside is the hairstyle that incorporates long thin strands of hairs down the side of the face. They nearly always blow across your face unless it is a totally still day.
Speeches at the reception nearly always take longer than you think and many wedding breakfasts are only just finishing as the evening guests start arriving, leaving the DJ or band little time to set-up.
Unless you are a natural dancer, it’s best not to try and learn a routine. This causes many couples a lot of stress and no one will worry if you just move around the floor for a couple of minutes before the DJ invites other couples to join you on the dance floor.
And finally, remember to enjoy the day. Relax and savour this most special day in your lives.
Geoff Roberts LBIPP LMPA LSWPP is a very successful wedding photographer, based in The New Forest area of Hampshire.
He has many years of experience of all types of weddings from grand country houses to small town weddings.
Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ArticlePros.com and/or its partners.
