We've put together some tips and ideas to help create stunning wedding photographs. These are gleaned from years of experience, working at wedding venues in and around Wirral, Liverpool, Chester and beyond.
Click on the + sign at the right of each box to reveal some of our favourite wedding ideas.
Click on the + sign at the right of each box to reveal some of our favourite wedding ideas.
Photography locations
Have party games for guests
Party games will keep your guests entertained and encourage them to socialise. Try games such as jenga, croquet, bouncy castles, face painting. We have even seen a game of rugby!
throwing the bouquet
walking down the aisle
This may sound simple, yet it is so easy to get it badly wrong!
Remember to look up and smile, but you also need to keep it looking natural. Keep your walk slow, this allows you to make a real impact and with style. It also allows your photographer to increase the number of shots to select from. Ensure bridesmaids are well spaced and don't start walking until the last bridesmaid has cleared the aisle.
Remember to look up and smile, but you also need to keep it looking natural. Keep your walk slow, this allows you to make a real impact and with style. It also allows your photographer to increase the number of shots to select from. Ensure bridesmaids are well spaced and don't start walking until the last bridesmaid has cleared the aisle.
avoid serving food / drink before the formal photographs
We're not trying to spoil the fun, but this can really reduce stress levels, trust us!
It is really important that formal group shots are completed quickly, with the minimum of fuss. We want you and your guests to be having fun! However, once guests have drinks, food and a comfy chair, they will not want to move! It can be a lengthy process to gather guests for the formal shots. Avoiding food / drinks until the formal shots can allow the photographs to be completed in 30 minutes or less! Your guests will also be able to get served more quickly as only small groups will be attending the bar at any one time! |
holding flowers
When posing for formal photographs, hold your flowers at hip height. Many brides and bridesmaids hold flowers too high, also ensure all bouquets are at the same height. A more freestyle approach can be adopted for casual shots.
cabaret seating
Cabaret seating can be an effective seating option, especially if your venue room is larger than your requirements. Just increase the number of tables, each guest has more space and an unobstructed view of the top table, great for speeches and photographs.
ceremony room laylout
Having space helps achieve great photographs. Ensure the front row of guest chairs are set back from the bride and groom positions. You will need more room than you think! Ensure that the viewpoints from each side are unobstructed for photographs.
check photography restrictions at venues
Not all clergy and registrars have the same rules regarding photography. Many couples overlook this, so it is vital to check and agree on restrictions (if any), well before the wedding day. Don't forget to inform your photographer!
consider a pre-wedding photo shoot
It's not unusual for couples to feel nervous or tense about having so much attention through the camera lens! If you find having photographs taken a nervy experience, try a relaxed pre-wedding shoot. You can have some practice, get used to working with your photographer and get some useful tips on how to stand / pose. Pre-wedding shoots have worked extremely well for lots of clients.
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formal group photographs
have a bad weather plan
Hopefully, you won't need to use it! Being prepared for poor weather can help avoid any stress on the day. Include provision for every activity on the day, so all are covered. If it rains, simply use plan 'B', allowing things to run smoothly.
speeches
We see so many groom's and best men looking really nervous about their upcoming speech, during the wedding breakfast. A good way to avoid this is to plan the speeches to take place before the food is served. You will already have the full attention of your guests and everyone can then enjoy their meal, without any worry or stress.
It is also important to look up frequently when making a speech. It is very easy to look at your script, but the audience are your guests, so make sure that you are addressing them! |
getting ready photographs
photography planning
Whilst it is a good idea to have a basic plan, avoid becoming too rigid regarding the events on the day. Your ideas may have changed or conditions may have placed limitations on what is possible. Be flexible and don't be afraid to ask for a few changes. Good photographers should be able to work with any changes.
first dance
venue lighting
Be sure to check the lighting at the ceremony venue. This includes checking the lighting on the day itself. Harsh daylight falling unevenly in the room should be avoided. This may involve changing the room layout, so it's a good idea to ask the venue staff to take care of this. It will ensure much better results in your photographs.
toastmaster
Toastmasters can bring greater organisation to your day. They help with everything from arranging formal photographs to announcing the speeches.
individual table carvery
bride and groom speech
singing waiters
Want to create a really fun atmosphere? Try hiring some singing waiters.
takeaway cup cakes
Give your guests something to take home with individually boxed cup cakes.
photo sharing apps & disposable cameras
Get you guests to help capture the action with photo sharing apps and disposable cameras. Many apps are free and have some great features. Try wedpics.com
sparklers as favours
Add some fun with sparklers for your guests. This can work especially well when combined with a professional firework display. Great for autumn and winter weddings.
dj song request on rsvp cards
Get your guests involved with the party mood by allowing them to request their favourite song.
fun cake topper
online album providers
Consider using an online album supplier. Online album and photo companies offer a vast range of products. Most have clever, yet easy to use software, allowing you to simply upload your photo's and create anything from key rings to books. This will usually save you a considerable amount of money.
winter weddings
Winter weddings usually have lighting conditions that are much softer and therefore better for photography. The main drawbacks are unpredictable weather and a lack of daylight. To allow for outdoor shots you would need to ensure that the ceremony takes place quite early in the day.
summer weddings
Summer weddings can bring more settled weather and warmer conditions. If you have a venue with extensive grounds, you can really make the most of them and include a variety of activities for guests. Lighting does tend to be harsher, so photographs are usually better in the late afternoon when lighting is a little softer.
mr & mrs game
See how well you know each other! Swap a shoe each and answer a series of questions. You raise the appropriate shoe (his or hers) to answer the questions. Oh, you are sitting facing away from each other!
confetti poppers
Need a little more confetti during the first dance? Try some confetti poppers for a wow effect!
firework display
Great for winter weddings, a firework display will certainly wow your guests and provide unusual evening entertainment.
open top bus tour
Having a wedding in a major city? A open top bus tour is great to show your guests the sights and provides a multitude of backdrops for photographs.
animal handler
Great for keeping kids entertained, and educational! Animal handlers allow you to get close to snakes, lizards and even spiders! A hit with the adults too.
magician
Another great entertainment idea and can be done as mini shows at each table.
buffets
Can't decide on a menu? Buffets and a carvery keep everyone happy. Faster service, more choice and your guests have the option of bigger portions. You really can't go wrong.
hog roast
Hog roasts are a great food option for your arriving evening guests and always popular with wedding guests. You can add chips, salad and baked potatoes. You certainly won't go hungry.
beer keg
Why not have a couple of beer kegs with speciality beers? There are hundreds of micro breweries that can provide some unusual beers. Just check with the policy on supplying drinks with your venue first.
funny props for tables
casino
Mobile casino's are becoming more popular at weddings with a variety of games available.
children's entertainer
Keep the kids happy with a children's entertainer. You get the relaxation, they get unlimited fun. Everyone wins!
bbq
Great for summer evenings. A BBQ will prove popular with your guests.
other food ideas
Looking for a few more ideas?
Why not have some treats that everyone will love? A chocolate fountain with marshmallows, strawberry's, sponge cake or biscotti biscuits. Popcorn, doughnuts, or even an ice cream bar are all popular with wedding guests.
Why not have some treats that everyone will love? A chocolate fountain with marshmallows, strawberry's, sponge cake or biscotti biscuits. Popcorn, doughnuts, or even an ice cream bar are all popular with wedding guests.