Local suppliers share tips and tricks to help couples create their dream day Planning a wedding might seem like a daunting experience at first with so many different aspects to consider – it’s hard knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered top suppliers from around the region to share their wedding planning advice. www.pmphotography.uk THROUGH THE LENS Months of preparation go into weddings, and every moment is precious and fleeting. After the flowers have faded and the champagne has been drunk, your photographs are a permanent link to the magical day and are an investment – not a cost. Booking a company that’s a member of professional organisations such as the British Institute of Professional Photography, The Guild of Photographers, or the Master Photographers Association is a great idea. Businesses can offer different photography styles, and try to pick a team who can mix styles to capture various shots. You might not want formal photos, but they’ll look amazing around your home. You’ll want to find someone who can capture these images as well as the fun and emotional parts of the day. Check if your photographer can control a large group, as dealing with more than 100 people is a real skill. The company should cope with different lighting situations, from dark churches to bright sunny days and manage all types of weather conditions. Look at the team’s past work to view examples of this. Photographs should be displayed and not just stored on phones, so ask the team to see some prints and albums. Check if they’re included in the overall price, and ask how long until you can see the images – I aim for a week to get them back to clients or a month at peak times. Russell Croucher | RFC Photography www.facebook.com/rfcroucherphotography Plan the SETTING THE SCENE When the wedding planning begins, decide if you’d like a religious or civil ceremony. For those opting for civil service, start to think about what type of venue you’re looking for; this could be a barn, a hotel or a stately home to name a few. After finding a few local properties, book some appointments to see them in person. You might fall in love with one, or it could narrow down your search. You might like a certain barn venue, but realise you’d need to book the caterers, entertainment and a wedding planner to keep everything organised – this might be difficult if you have limited time to plan everything. Or you might find a property that has bedrooms on-site, a wedding planner as part of the venue’s team, a resident DJ and menus all prepared, which would be a less stressful option. Think about what’s important to you both. A venue with character and charm might top something more modern and lends itself better to those all-important photographic moments. The Dower House Hotel is a Edwardian hotel full of period features with an in-house culinary team, a dedicated wedding planner, 21 spacious bedrooms and a beautiful new dressing room for weddings. Carolyn Hutchison | The Dower House Hotel www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk PERFECT WEDDING 45 PLANNING SOS
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