Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourhertsbeds.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Picture-perfect photography
Q. There are so many photographers out there, how do we choose the right one for us?
A. Melanie Bayford says: Your wedding photos are a reminder and a keepsake of your wedding, so you must find the perfect photographer. Just because a friend or family member has a decent camera doesn't mean they'll capture memorable shots of your day.
Wedding photography is a saturated market that can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right supplier, but it's essential to find your desired style. Whether that's a candid, classic, contemporary or creative style, try to see what look stands out to you.
Once you've narrowed this down, the next step is setting a budget. There's absolutely no point in finding a photographer you love, only to realise that they're way out of your budget. The average wedding photographer costs between £1,500 to £2,000. Although this seems like a huge chunk of your wedding costs, don't forget that this is an investment. Bear in mind that you get what you pay for.
Recommendations and reviews go a long way, so ask friends and family if they have any suggestions. If you were at a wedding and fell in love with the images, find out who took them. Search social media and have a look at online reviews. Is there perhaps a wedding chat group for your area or where you're getting married? Once you have a few photographers in mind, check their availability on your desired date.
Your photographer will be with you on one of the most important days of your lives and you'll need to make sure you click – that's why I love a pre-wedding shoot. Spending time with your photographer before the wedding will make you feel more relaxed about those photos on the day. Plus, you'll get experience when posing for couple shots and won't feel awkward on the day. Zoom calls or FaceTime is another great way to meet your wedding photographer. Even better, face-to-face over coffee and cake. Don't be shy asking lots of questions. I love a good chat, plus you'll feel confident in choosing someone open to being questioned about their work.
Melanie Bayford, Photography by Melanie
www.photographybymelanie.co.uk
Step into spring
Q. My wife-to-be and I are getting married next spring and we'd like some shots to reflect the season. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Becky Kerr says: Spring is a fantastic time to get married as everything begins to bloom. Make sure to take outdoor shots if your venue has spring flowers and blossom trees. The weather can still be a little unpredictable, but you can have this issue any month in the UK.
The days are longer in spring with it getting dark from around 6pm, this means your photographer will be able to capture golden hour, dusk and night shots before they leave. You don't often get the opportunity for night shots in the summer months, as you'd be waiting till around 10pm to take them.
Becky Kerr, Becky Kerr Photography
www.beckykerrphotography.co.uk
Capturing memories
Q. We're feeling anxious about having our photos taken on our wedding day, but we want a lovely album to look back on. Can you offer us some advice?
A. Sarah Whyte says: The photographs from your wedding are one of the only things you can keep as a constant reminder of your special day. I would urge anyone reluctant to hire a professional photographer to think really carefully about their decision.
I was a very nervous bride and was uncomfortable being the centre of attention. However, the wedding day itself was such a joyful occasion that I soon forgot about the photographer and that everyone would be looking at me. I just enjoyed the day surrounded by the people I loved the most.
As a photographer, I'm very sensitive to nerves and always stay as inconspicuous as possible to make couples feel comfortable and confident. If the idea of having your photos taken fills you with dread, don't put yourselves through endless formal images. Instead, find a photographer who will take lots of natural photos of you having fun or during a quiet and romantic moment with your new husband or wife.
Sarah Whyte, Purple Kite Photography
www.purplekitephotography.com
Pretty as a picture
Q. We're clueless when it comes to photography. Is there a list of shots we should ask our photographer to capture?
A. Ami Johnson says: You can ask to see a full wedding gallery from your photographer to view images they typically photograph. If there's anything in particular that's important to you, just let them know. Maybe there's a special piece of jewellery or the perfume/aftershave you're wearing – we love to know the significance of these personal items too! Or maybe you want a specific person's reaction to the song played as you walk down the aisle or enter the wedding breakfast.
I like to have a catch-up call with my couples to run through the group combinations they'd like when it comes to group shots. The most popular ones include parents, immediate family, and the wedding party shots and then we discuss other options such as close friends or other relatives.
Being open with your photographer about what you want will mean you'll fall in love with your final photos.
Ami Johnson, Ami Louisa Photography
www.amilouisaphotography.com
