Where do I start?


Sitting on the opposite side of wedding planning, as a supplier, I see lots of couples making mistakes very early on. This can be costly and lead to hard work and stress in a time when you should be happy in the planning process.

As a Yorkshire wedding photographer, here's my guide to your do's and don'ts..

The do's


Set a Budget Early:

Before you start booking anything, figure out your overall wedding budget. This will help you prioritise what's most important and prevent any surprises down the line.

Book Vendors Early:

Popular wedding venues and vendors get booked up quickly, especially for peak seasons. Aim to book your venue and key vendors (like photographers, florists, and caterers) at least 12-18 months in advance.

Read the Fine Print:

When signing contracts, always read them thoroughly to ensure there are no hidden fees or surprises. Clarify cancellation policies, payment terms, and any restrictions.

Ask for Recommendations:

Get recommendations from friends or family who’ve recently gotten married, or check online reviews. Word-of-mouth can point you toward reliable vendors and venues.

Make a Timeline:

Create a wedding timeline, including when you’ll need to book certain things (dress, DJ, cake, etc.) and when to finalise details (like menu tastings or a final walkthrough).

Know Your Priorities:

Be clear about what matters most to you. For example, if you want incredible photography or an unforgettable meal, allocate more of your budget to those areas. It helps you make tough decisions later.

Consider the Guest Experience:

Make sure your wedding is enjoyable for your guests too. Consider accommodations, travel time between venues, and any special needs for family or friends.

Plan for a Backup:

If you're getting married outdoors or in a venue with unpredictable weather, always have a backup plan (indoor space or marquee) in place in case things don’t go as planned.



The dont's


Don't Overbook Yourself:

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with decisions. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Hire a wedding planner or delegate tasks to family or friends to help keep everything on track.

Don’t Ignore the Weather:

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, don't just assume the weather will be perfect. Even in warmer months, have a contingency plan for rain, heat, or cold.

Don’t Get Too Attached to One Vendor or Venue Without Flexibility:

Be open to other options. If the venue or vendor you love isn’t available on your desired date, it’s okay to look at other choices. Don’t limit your options to the point where it’s stressful.

Don't Skimp on Insurance:

Wedding insurance can help protect against things like cancellations, weather-related issues, or vendor problems. It’s worth considering to cover any unexpected emergencies.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute for Details:

Avoid waiting until the week of the wedding to finalize things like seating plans, final head counts, or vendor confirmations. It can create unnecessary stress.

Don't Invite People You Feel Obligated To:

It's your day, so don’t feel like you have to invite people you don’t want at your wedding just because of family or social pressure. Keep your guest list to people who truly matter.

Don't Ignore Your Partner's Preferences:

This day is for both of you, so make sure you're both involved in the planning process and take each other’s opinions into account, especially when making big decisions.


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Final words

Hopefully the above has given you some inspiration and advice when planning your dream wedding. Of course, if you would like any more helpful tips or advice from an award winning Yorkshire wedding photographer, you know where I am!

Thanks for reading


Daniel