Welcome to The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide, crafted just for you by me, a Scotland-based photographer. As you embark on the exciting journey of planning your wedding, this guide will be your go-to resource for everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable. From stunning Scottish venues to essential tips for capturing every magical moment, we’re here to help you navigate the planning process with ease and confidence. Let’s make your dream wedding a reality, filled with joy, love, and beautiful memories.

MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

SO WHERE DO YOU START?

BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION

You can’t have a wedding without a plan. Even choosing a date and venue counts as a start! However, to achieve your dream wedding, it’s best to lay a solid foundation by clarifying your desires and staying within budget.

THE VISION FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Your wedding day is a significant occasion and the perfect chance to plan something truly special. Every detail, from décor to entertainment, should match your vision. But first, you need to imagine it!

Do you dream of a romantic and elegant wedding? Or do you prefer something more adventurous and fun? Where do you picture it happening? Do you want a grand entrance with fireworks, or a cosy, laid-back reception?

These are vital questions when shaping your shared vision. I’ve seen couples get overwhelmed because they weren’t sure what they wanted, leading to too many choices.

Before diving into details, start a journal for your dream wedding. Note down every idea, big or small, to keep track of your thoughts. This journal will help you stay true to your vision, keep you focused, and make the process less overwhelming. For example, if you want fireworks, skip the doves and concentrate on what truly matters to you.

SET A WEDDING BUDGET

Figuring out your vision and deciding if you need help is already half the battle won. Next, tackle the budget, which may seem daunting but is manageable.

Start by setting up a spreadsheet to track expected costs and monitor your spending. Then, consider how much you’re comfortable investing in your wedding. Research typical costs for vendors and venues to get a rough estimate, then adjust as needed.

HIRING HELP

Even if you’ve already booked a few vendors (like me), you can still hire a planner at any stage. DIY options are brilliant for saving money, but even a little professional help can make a huge difference.

A wedding planner can ensure everything runs smoothly, handle last-minute issues, coordinate vendors and guests, manage permits and licences, track contracts and payments, offer décor ideas, and much more.

Remember, having extra help makes planning much easier. You don’t have to do it all alone! If hiring a full-time planner isn’t within your budget, consider a day-of planner or coordinator. They can step in just for the day, relieving stress so you can enjoy every special moment.

A NOTE ON “MUST-HAVES”

It’s easy to get carried away by Pinterest ideas, but let your budget guide decisions on splurging and cutting back. Research and communication are essential.

Sit down with your fiancé and list what’s most important to you both. For example, if flowers matter most but music doesn’t, allocate more funds to flowers and opt for budget-friendly music like a playlist. This list is practical and good practice for your future marriage. If your fiancé values live music, you’ll need to compromise.

Don’t forget hidden costs like gratuity, taxes, and credit card fees. Discuss these to avoid surprises later.

MAKE YOUR GUEST LIST THE A-LIST ONLY

A smaller guest list benefits both your budget and sanity. Trimming it helps you feel less overwhelmed and makes everything more manageable. An intimate celebration often requires less money and effort, plus you’ll enjoy more quality time with those you’ve invited.

Here’s how to trim your list:

• Start with your “A-list”: Include immediate family and closest friends who will definitely get an invite. Estimate food costs and note the total.
• Create a “B-list”: Include people you’ll invite only if your budget allows, like distant family or friends you’ve lost touch with.
• Compare costs: Check food expenses for your A-list against your budget. If you have room, consider inviting a few from your B-list.
• Be realistic: Decide how many guests you can comfortably host and stick to that number. Being honest about numbers will keep everything on track.

By keeping your guest list manageable, you’ll reduce stress and ensure everyone has a great time.

CHOOSE IN-SEASON FLOWERS AND FOOD

“Seasonal” and “local” are key to saving money on catering and flowers. In-season options are cheaper because they’re in peak supply. Buying local avoids expensive shipping and reduces your carbon footprint, saving money and benefiting the environment—a win-win!

PICK A LOCATION THAT LOOKS GREAT AU NATUREL

Let nature’s beauty do the heavy lifting for you with outdoor venues that boast stunning views! Choosing a location with amazing natural features, like a beach, garden, or barn, can save you a lot of money—sometimes even hundreds or thousands of pounds. All you need to do is add a few finishing touches. Check out wedding websites and Instagram for inspiration on how other couples have used minimal decorations in gorgeous venues. You might be surprised at the impact that just a few simple touches can make.

HAVE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT ONE LOCATION

Holding your ceremony and reception at the same venue saves money and simplifies planning. If one venue is too expensive, consider hosting the cocktail hour in a different area or renting a nearby budget-friendly space. Keeping everything in one location reduces transportation costs, streamlining and making the event more affordable.

FINE A VENUE THAT WILL LET YOU BYOB

Alcohol can be a significant expense, so check the price per bottle when choosing a venue. Opt for places where you can bring your own drinks. This helps you manage costs and stay within budget.

THE WEDDING TIMELINE

THE DETAILS

This section focuses on the photos. Capturing your wedding day memories is truly special. As your photographer, I aim to tell your story meaningfully, creating cinematic masterpieces of every moment—from getting ready and walking down the aisle to dancing with guests.

You’ve spent hours choosing every detail of your wedding, and I enjoy photographing these elements as part of your day’s story. Below are some details you might want me to capture.

Please gather all your wedding details and have them ready when I arrive. After greeting you, I’ll start with detail shots while you’re getting your hair and makeup done. To save time, collect everything in a box the day before.

Quick tip: For clutter-free images, set aside a room or section of a room at the venue as the “bag area” for most of your belongings. This keeps the space tidy and the photos looking sharp.

GET READY IN A WAY THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO BE CAPTURED IN PHOTOS

While getting ready photos are often candid, I focus on capturing the best moments, controlling light and space as much as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the room clean and tidy.
• Set up your hair and makeup artist near a window for the best natural light.
• Enjoy the moment. Don’t get so caught up in details that you forget to savour your wedding day.

These simple steps will help ensure your photos are as beautiful as the day itself!

FIRST LOOK

UNPLUGGED WEDDING

When you marry the love of your life, you invite your closest friends and family to share in your joy and witness the moment. You want to see their faces, smiles, and tears as you walk down the aisle.

What you likely don’t want is to see guests with cameras and phones blocking their faces.

I’ve often seen guests’ phones sticking out into the aisle, disrupting the moment and affecting my photos. To prevent phones in the background and help your guests stay present, I recommend having an unplugged ceremony.

If you choose an unplugged wedding, here’s how to inform your guests:

• Mention it in the invitation: Add a note like, “We would love for you to be there, but we are having an unplugged wedding. Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony.”
• Ask the officiant to announce it: Before the ceremony starts, the officiant can briefly ask guests to turn off their phones and avoid taking pictures.

This way, you ensure your special moments are captured beautifully without distractions.

THE CEREMONY

You’ve made it! This is the moment you’ve been eagerly anticipating for months. It’s easy to get caught up in preparations and stress, but remember, this marks the beginning of your life together. So, take a deep breath and savour every moment!

Typically, a ceremony lasts around 30 minutes, but if you’re including special traditions or elements, allocate about an hour. This ensures everything runs smoothly and you can fully enjoy the experience.

IMPORTANT TIPS

• Ask your officiant to step aside before the first kiss so they don’t appear in the background of the photo.
• Hold your kiss longer than usual to capture plenty of shots!
• When exiting down the aisle, pause half way down and kiss again to have your guests in the background of your photo
  

COUPLES PHOTOS

If you choose a first look, we’ll take photos of just the two of you afterwards. If you skip it, we’ll start with group photos right after the ceremony, then move on to couple shots.

I recommend asking friends and family to give you some space during this time. Many people find it easier to relax and enjoy the moment without feeling like they’re performing. But if you prefer having your personal hype team around, that’s fine too! Either way, you’ll be full of joy and love, and these photos will capture it beautifully.

“But what if we’re awkward in photos?”

Don’t worry! This is a common concern. Often, it means couples haven’t had professional photos before or feel nervous in front of the camera. My response is always, “It doesn’t matter!”

This isn’t a formal portrait session. You won’t be stuck in stiff poses or awkwardly wondering what to do with your hands. Instead, expect to have fun, laugh, and maybe even be a bit silly. I’ll help you be the best version of yourself because that’s where truly beautiful photos come from. This isn’t a Vogue photoshoot; you’re far more interesting than that!

By the end of your wedding day, you’ll have hundreds of photos that capture your love and joy. Trust me, you’ll look amazing in every single one!

Once we’ve finished the photos before or just after the ceremony, we’ll focus on the wedding party. I’ll start with one partner’s side, then move to the other side. I’ll also capture individual photos of both of you with your party members.

I know you want your wedding to be a blast for all your friends. Just like with the couple’s shoot, I’ll avoid stiff poses. One of my favourite prompts for the wedding party is having the couple share a kiss while everyone else cheers. It always results in a fun, lively shot!

THE FAMILY

My goal is to ensure your family photos are enjoyable and efficient. Though they might seem daunting, I’ll make them run smoothly.

Here’s what you need to know:

Inform Your Family

Let family members know about the photos in advance. You can also ask your officiant to announce where to meet for photos after the ceremony.

Prepare a Shot List

Before your wedding, I’ll request a shot list to capture all the family photo combinations you want. This way, my assistant or a friend can call out who’s next, ensuring we don’t miss any shots.

Designate Someone to Be in Charge

Assign a friend or family member who knows everyone well. They can help ensure everyone is present and ready for the photos.

We’ll work from big to small.

Start with the largest group and work down to smaller ones. This allows us to dismiss guests who are no longer needed. I also recommend photographing grandparents or older guests first so they can be dismissed earlier.

Ask Everyone to Put Their Phones Away

Guests taking photos over my shoulder can confuse everyone and slow down the process. Please ask guests to refrain from using their phones. They’ll have plenty of time for that once we’re done, I promise!

THE RECEPTION

Finally, it’s time to relax and celebrate. You’re married, and the reception is your time to enjoy! I’ll capture candid and group shots, so if you want photos with friends or extended family, let me know. I’ll photograph everything happening, so you can focus on having fun. The possibilities are endless!

Here are the usual reception events:

• Grand entrance
• Toasts
• First dance
• Parent dances
• Bouquet toss
• Garter toss
• Cake cutting
• Grand exit
  

SELF CARE

Don’t forget the most important person at your wedding: you! Wedding planning can be time-consuming and overwhelming. As your big day nears, you might feel stressed or frazzled.

Self-care is crucial during wedding planning—and in life generally—though it’s often overlooked. Despite the busyness or stress, prioritise your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

There may be hiccups, but remember, the key is that you’re getting married, and your loved ones will be there to celebrate. The couples who have the most fun focus on what truly matters and don’t stress over minor details.

Here are some self-care tips:

• Take a break: Step away from planning and do something you love.
• Try yoga or meditation: These help you relax and reconnect.
• Spend quality time: Enjoy moments with your partner, friends, and family. Go on dates!
• Talk to a professional: If needed, consult a therapist or counsellor to manage stress.

Thank you for choosing me as your photographer. I hope this guide has been helpful and makes you feel more prepared for your special day.

Looking for a Photographer and Videography Duo for your Scottish wedding?

If you’re getting married in 2025 or 2026, we want to hear from you! Whether you’re in the UK or abroad, we’d love to capture your special day. We travel all over Scotland, the UK, Europe, and the United States. Our passion for cinematic and fine art photography shines through in every celebration. So, reach out to secure your date, and let’s create beautiful memories together! Click here to enquire!