I asked past brides what tips and tricks they would give to future brides and what they wish they had told their past selves.

#1 My favourite response out of all of them was this, something I want everyone to take on board after photographing so many weddings; "Do it for you and your Husband to be, not for others. They will understand and love the day even more for it!" 

Very often people try and impress friends and family by going above and beyond for their big day, that they forget the day is for. It's about celebrating and uniting two people, forever. It's about you as husband and wife.

#2 Go Unplugged! Ban guests from using technology, at least during the ceremony.

You will be amazed with how many photographers have to work their magic, contorting their body, around guests with cameras/phones and even iPads during the ceremony. When the beautiful bride is being walked down the aisle with their proud father and a guest steps out in to the middle, with their iPhone and whacky phone cover, blocking the photographers view. They pay us as photographers to capture these moments, they invite guests to witness those moments.



#3 Schedule in "Us" time with your new husband.

Your day will go so fast, that you will blink and it will all be over. After your ceremony, take some time for you, as the new Mr and Mrs. At this point, you may even want to go for a walk with your photographer, they will keep their distance but it is the perfect to capture your raw emotions, as your husband whispers sweet nothings in to your ear.

#4 Make-up Artist and Hair Stylists are lifesavers!

Don't give yourself added stress by doing your own hair and makeup. Have a professional do it for you but make sure you have a trial with them and that it's still a style that is 'you'. Professional make-up is created to last, so is perfect for all day coverage on one of the most important days of your life. The same goes with creating those lasting curls or frizz-free up dos. I know I stress over doing my hair for a night out, so for something as important as your wedding, don't put yourself through it.

#5 Don't spend a fortune...

The wedding is for you as a couple, it's no longer seen as the norm for Father of the Bride to pay for everything. Can you afford to spend a crazy amount on a Wedding and still have all of the nice treats/trips away/holidays for the next couple of years? What would you rather? I can tell you that I have photographed weddings where the couple have spent a fortune and others that have been on a low budget and I cannot tell. Is your day worth living in eternal debt? Shop around, get quotes, be quirky. Most of all, if you do want to spend big, spend on things that mean the most. A dress worn once for £2-3k or around £1k on wedding photos that last a lifetime?


#6 Invite those that mean the most.

You don't need to invite your Dads Brothers Neighbour, Dave that you've met once when shopping in Tesco. For the day invite those you wouldn't want to miss out on the most important parts; the walking down the aisle, the exchanging of the vows, the speeches. You can invite everyone else to the reception, it doesn't mean you don't care about them, you just want to celebrate the most special moments with those closest to you.   

and finally, there's always one...

#7 You get for less murder... 

Good luck to all of the future Brides, do feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comments section!