Planning a wedding is exciting, emotional, and occasionally overwhelming. As a photographer who has been lucky enough to witness many beautiful days unfold, I often hear the same thoughtful (and sometimes panicked!) questions from brides-to-be. If you’re in the thick of planning and wondering if you’re on the right track, this one’s for you.
Here are the 10 most common questions I hear, along with calm, practical advice to help you feel a little more in control and a lot more excited.
1. What’s the average cost of a wedding?
This is often the first question and with good reason. The cost varies wildly depending on location, guest count, and priorities. In the UK, the average wedding hovers around £20,000–£30,000, but that number doesn’t define your day. Start by identifying your top three priorities (e.g. food, photography, venue), allocate your budget accordingly, and let the rest fall into place. You can create something meaningful at any price point.
2. How far in advance should I start planning?
Ideally, couples start planning 12 to 18 months ahead. Venues and photographers (hi!) book out early, especially for summer weekends. That said, short timelines can work too (they just require quick decisions and a bit of flexibility).
3. How do I choose the right venue?
Think about how you want your day to feel. Is it warm and relaxed? Elegant and timeless? Wild and celebratory? Your venue sets the tone. Practical considerations like location, guest capacity, indoor/outdoor options, and lighting (for photos!) matter too. Visit a few spaces, ask to see galleries from real weddings, and trust your gut when it feels right.
4. How many guests should we invite?
This often comes down to your venue size and budget. A good starting point is to create an A-list (must-have people) and a B-list (nice-to-have guests if space allows). Don’t be afraid to keep it small if that suits your vibe – intimate weddings are just as joyful.
5. How do I find trustworthy suppliers?
Start with recommendations from your venue or photographer (we often work with the same dream teams!). Check reviews, browse social media, and meet people where possible. You want to feel comfortable, heard, and excited by their work.
6. What should I look for in a wedding photographer?
Look beyond pretty pictures. Do they make people look comfortable and natural? Do they communicate clearly and kindly? You’ll spend a lot of time with your photographer, so choose someone who makes you feel at ease and respects your vision. If you’re looking for a natural, observant, storytelling style – I’d love to chat!
7. Do I need a wedding-planner?
Planners are incredibly helpful, especially for full-scale or destination weddings – but they’re not essential for everyone. If you’re organised, enjoy lists, and have support from family or a trusted friend, you can absolutely manage it. If your wedding venue does not provide a wedding-coordinator (which is different to a wedding-planner), seriously consider hiring someone for the day to handle logistics and let you relax.
8. How do I manage family expectations?
This is one of the trickier parts. Everyone means well, but not everyone agrees. Be clear about what you and your partner want from the start, communicate kindly, and find compromises where you can. This is your day, and it should reflect you both.
9. What should my wedding day timeline look like?
Every wedding is different, but a smooth timeline allows for calm moments, natural photos, and a relaxed flow. Build in breathing room between events, and always allow extra time for things like getting dressed, transport, or just soaking it all in. I help my couples with this as part of the photography process to make sure nothing feels rushed.
10. Do I need a second shooter at my wedding?
Not always, but it can be a brilliant addition depending on the size and structure of your day. A second shooter can capture moments from different angles (like both of you getting ready at the same time if you are at separate locations), and more candid moments during the canapé hour while we’re off doing portraits. If photography is high on your priority list, and your wedding has more than 120 day guests or multiple locations, it’s worth considering.
