1. Start With Your Wedding Budget

Before booking anything, work out what you're realistically comfortable spending.

You don't need to have every supplier decided immediately, but having a budget gives you a framework for making decisions.

Start by dividing your budget into categories such as:

• Venue
• Catering
• Wedding photographer
• Videographer
• Wedding dress
• Suits
• Florist
• Wedding cake
• Hair and makeup
• Entertainment
• Wedding transport
• Decorations and styling
• Stationery
• Rings
• Accommodation
• Registrar or celebrant
• Honeymoon
• Miscellaneous expenses
• And leave a contingency.

This is something I'd strongly recommend.

There will almost always be something you hadn't accounted for.

Perhaps you decide you'd like additional evening entertainment, need extra transport or realise you need more accommodation for guests.

Having a little money set aside means these surprises don't become stressful.

2. Choose Your Wedding Venue Carefully

Your venue will influence almost everything else.

Before booking, don't just think:

"Is it beautiful?"

Ask yourself:

How does the day actually work here?

Think about:

• Where will you get ready?
• Where will your partner get ready?
• Is there somewhere private for you before the ceremony?
• Where will your photographs take place if it rains?
• Is there outdoor space?
• Where will guests have drinks?
• Where will the wedding breakfast happen?
• Where will the evening reception take place?
• Is there accommodation?
• Is there parking?
• How far away are nearby hotels?
• Can suppliers access the venue easily?
• What time can suppliers arrive?
• What time does music need to finish?
• Is there a wet-weather plan?

If you're getting married in Scotland, I'd particularly recommend thinking about the weather.

A beautiful outdoor ceremony is fantastic when the sun is shining.

But you need to know what happens if you wake up to sideways rain and a strong Scottish wind.

3. Book Your Wedding Photographer Early

If photography is important to you, don't leave this until the last minute.

Good photographers can be booked well in advance, particularly for popular Saturday dates during the summer months.

But don't simply choose a photographer because they're available.

Choose someone whose photographs you genuinely love.

Look carefully at their full galleries rather than just their favourite Instagram photographs.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like the way they photograph people?

• Do I like the colours?

• Do I like the way they capture emotions?

• Would I want my wedding to look like this?

And perhaps most importantly:

Do I like their approach?

4. Understand Different Wedding Photography Styles

This is something couples often don't think about until they start researching photographers.

You'll come across terms such as:

• Documentary wedding photography
• Candid wedding photography
• Natural wedding photography
• Traditional wedding photography
• Editorial wedding photography
• Fine-art wedding photography
• Reportage wedding photography

They aren't all the same.

Documentary wedding photography

This focuses heavily on what actually happens.

The photographer observes rather than constantly directing.

Traditional wedding photography

Generally involves more formal posing and structured photographs.

Editorial wedding photography

Often has a more polished, fashion-inspired appearance, particularly with portraits and lighting.

My approach

At Luxe Wedding Photography, I combine a documentary, natural and candid approach with an editorial feel.

That means I'll photograph the real moments happening around you, while also creating portraits that feel stylish and considered.

I don't want you spending your wedding day standing in front of a camera.

You should be with your people. I'll be there to document it.

5. Think About How Much Photography Coverage You Need

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is choosing coverage based purely on price.

Instead, think about what you want your wedding story to include.

Do you want photographs of:

• Hair and makeup?
• Your dress being put on?
• Your parents seeing you?
• Your partner getting ready?
• Guests arriving?
• The ceremony?
• Confetti?
• Group photographs?
• Drinks reception?
• Wedding breakfast?
• Speeches?
• Cake cutting?
• First dance?
• Evening celebrations?

The more of these you want documented, the more coverage you'll need.

For example, my current Luxe packages are:

THE ESSENTIALS — £600

5 hours of wedding photography

Ideal for smaller weddings and couples who want the important parts of the day captured.

THE FULL STORY — £1,000

10 hours of wedding photography

My most popular option, covering a much larger part of the wedding day.

THE AFTER PARTY — £1,200

12 hours of wedding photography

Designed for couples who want comprehensive coverage, including the later celebrations.

6. Don't Forget the Getting Ready Photographs

A lot of brides initially think:

"I don't need photographs of me getting ready."

But these can become some of the most meaningful photographs in your gallery.

There's something special about seeing:

• Your dress hanging up
• Your jewellery
• Your shoes
• Your flowers arriving
• Your bridesmaids getting ready
• Your mum helping you
• Your dad seeing you for the first time
• The champagne
• The nervous excitement
• The final moments before you leave

And often, the room is full of emotion.

My tip?

Keep the morning relaxed.

Don't schedule your hair and makeup so tightly that you're still getting your lipstick done five minutes before you need to leave.

Current wedding timeline guidance commonly allows around two hours for getting ready, with additional time if several people are having hair and makeup done.

I'd rather you have too much time than not enough.

7. Have Breakfast!

This sounds ridiculous.

It isn't.

Wedding mornings can be hectic and it's incredibly easy to forget to eat.

Have something substantial before the day really gets going.

You have a long day ahead of you.

And champagne is not breakfast.

8. Create a Wedding Morning Emergency Kit

Here's something I'd recommend putting together.

Give it to a bridesmaid, maid of honour or trusted friend.

Include things such as:

• Safety pins
• Plasters
• Tissues
• Hair grips
• Hairspray
• Deodorant
• Lipstick
• Powder
• Sewing kit
• Stain remover
• Painkillers
• Mints
• Phone charger
• Portable battery
• Umbrella
• Spare tights
• Small scissors
• Fashion tape
• Blister plasters
• Wet wipes
• Snacks
• Water

You probably won't need everything.

But when someone does need something, you'll be glad it's there.

9. Keep Your Getting-Ready Room Tidy

This is one photographers will thank you for.

Wedding mornings produce a lot of stuff.

• Suitcases.
• Makeup bags.
• Clothes.
• Shoes.
• Food packaging.
• Coffee cups.
• Phone chargers.
• Shopping bags.

Before the photographer arrives, nominate somewhere to put everything that isn't needed.

It doesn't need to look like a showroom.

You simply want one clean area where your photographer can photograph the important details.

10. Give Your Photographer Your Details

Photographers don't automatically know which details are important to you.

Before the wedding, tell them about anything particularly meaningful.

For example:

• A family heirloom
• A special piece of jewellery
• A photograph of someone who has passed away
• A gift from your partner
• A particular family member
• Something handmade
• A sentimental item
• A surprise you're planning

A good photographer can look for these things — but they need to know they exist.

11. Keep Your Family Photograph List Realistic

Family photographs are important.

But this can quickly become one of the longest parts of your wedding day.

As a rough example:

• Couple + parents
• Couple + siblings
• Couple + grandparents
• Couple + immediate family

Then suddenly you've got 25 combinations.

And every group needs organising.

Current wedding photography guidance suggests keeping group lists manageable because organising each group can take several minutes.

My recommendation?

Create a list of the photographs that genuinely matter.

Then give the list to someone who knows your family.

Don't make your photographer the person responsible for finding 30 people they've never met.

12. Tell People Where They Need to Be

This is particularly important for:

• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen
• Parents
• Ushers
• Readers
• People giving speeches
• Anyone involved in the ceremony

Send everyone the final timeline.

Don't assume they'll remember.

13. Build Your Timeline Around the Ceremony

Once your ceremony time is confirmed, work backwards.

For example:

Ceremony: 2:00pm

Then consider:

• What time must you be dressed?
• When does hair and makeup need to finish?
• When do photographs begin?
• When does the transport arrive?
• When do guests arrive?
• When do you need to leave?

After the ceremony, build forwards:

• Confetti
• Family photographs
• Couple portraits
• Drinks reception
• Wedding breakfast
• Speeches
• Cake cutting
• First dance
• Evening reception

A clear timeline helps suppliers and your wedding party know where they need to be, while leaving sensible buffer time helps prevent small delays becoming major ones.

14. Don't Make Your Timeline Too Tight

This is probably my biggest wedding-day tip.

Weddings rarely run perfectly to time.

Someone will be late.

Someone will lose their buttonhole.

Someone will need the toilet.

The registrar may take longer than expected.

Your guests might not move as quickly as you'd planned.

And that's okay.

Build in breathing room.

Ten or fifteen minutes of spare time can make an enormous difference to how relaxed you feel.

15. Allow Enough Time for Your Wedding Photographer

If you want beautiful photographs, give your photographer enough time to create them.

This doesn't mean disappearing for two hours.

You don't need to spend your reception away from your guests.

Even 15–20 minutes together can create some fantastic portraits.

I'll guide you, so you don't need to know how to pose.

And because my style is natural and relaxed, the aim is to make your portraits feel like you, rather than a modelling session.

16. Consider a First Look — But Only If You Want One

A first look is where you see each other privately before the ceremony.

It's not for everyone.

Some couples love the tradition of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle.

Others love having a few quiet minutes together beforehand.

Neither is right or wrong.

It's your wedding.

17. Think About Sunset Photographs

If you've fallen in love with those beautiful golden-hour wedding photographs online, don't forget that the time of sunset changes dramatically throughout the Scottish year.

A summer wedding and a winter wedding will have completely different opportunities.

For winter weddings especially, daylight can disappear much earlier, so your photographer may need to schedule outdoor portraits earlier in the day. Current wedding timeline guidance specifically recommends adjusting winter schedules when sunset photography is important.

Don't wait until the wedding day to think about this.

Ask your photographer to help you work it into your timeline.

18. Have a Wet Weather Plan

Especially in Scotland.

You don't necessarily need to cancel your outdoor photographs because of rain.

Some of my favourite photographs can happen when the weather isn't perfect.

But have a backup plan.

Think about:

• Covered outdoor areas
• Indoor portrait locations
• Umbrellas
• Wellies
• Coats
• Towels
• Hair touch-up time



And don't let the weather ruin your day.

You can't control it.

You can control how much you let it bother you.

19. Think About Your Wedding Transport

If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, don't forget to allow enough time for travel.

Check:

• Distance
• Traffic
• Parking
• Guest transport
• Accessibility
• Where your photographer will travel
• Where the bridal car can stop
• Whether guests need transport home

If you're getting married somewhere remote in the Highlands, give yourself even more breathing room.

20. Don't Forget Your Photographer's Travel

This is particularly important for destination weddings and weddings in rural Scotland.

Ask suppliers:

• Is travel included?
• Are there additional mileage charges?
• Is accommodation required?
• Are parking costs included?

Get this confirmed before booking.

21. Give Your Photographer the Final Timeline

A few weeks before your wedding, send your photographer the final version.

Include:

Ceremony time

Venue addresses

Getting-ready location

Transport times

Reception times

Speeches

Cake cutting

First dance

Sunset plans

Evening entertainment

Wedding photography guidance also recommends sharing your final timeline and photography preferences several weeks before the wedding so your photographer has time to plan.

22. Tell Your Photographer What You DON'T Want

This is just as important as telling them what you do want.

Perhaps you hate:

Awkward posing

Flash photography

Lots of group photographs

Being photographed eating

Being away from your guests

Certain angles

Social media photographs

Tell them.

A good photographer should understand your preferences.

23. Don't Give Your Photographer a List of 100 Pinterest Photos

Pinterest is fantastic for inspiration.

But your wedding isn't a photoshoot.

A huge shot list can actually make it harder for a documentary photographer to capture spontaneous moments.

Instead, show your photographer a handful of images that communicate the feeling and style you love.

Then trust them.

Current wedding photography advice similarly recommends keeping shot lists manageable and avoiding over-specifying documentary photography, because spontaneous moments cannot be scripted.

24. Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

Phones can become surprisingly distracting.

There's nothing worse than looking at your wedding photographs and seeing a row of phones held up as you walk down the aisle.

You could politely ask guests to keep their phones away during the ceremony.

Your professional photographer can capture the moment.

Your guests can experience it.

Everyone wins.

25. Tell Your Guests About the Unplugged Ceremony Beforehand

Don't wait until you're walking down the aisle.

Put it in your wedding information.

Ask your celebrant or registrar to make a brief announcement.

You could also have a small sign at the entrance.

26. Assign Someone to Be the "Problem Solver"

This is a fantastic tip.

Don't make it you.

Choose someone you trust.

Perhaps:

• Your maid of honour
• Best man
• Bridesmaid
• Parent
• Wedding planner

Their job is to deal with little problems.

Supplier calls?

Give it to them.

Missing buttonhole?

Give it to them.

Someone can't find the venue?

Give it to them.

You shouldn't be answering questions about the cake delivery at 1:30pm.

Your only job should be getting married.

27. Tell Suppliers Who That Person Is

Make sure your key suppliers know who the point of contact is.

That way, instead of calling you:

"Hi Mark, the florist is here but doesn't know where to go."

They can call your designated person.

It's a small thing that can make your morning considerably calmer.

28. Don't Forget Your Rings

Yes, people occasionally forget them.

Decide in advance:

Who has the rings?

Don't leave this until the morning of the wedding.

29. Don't Forget the Marriage Documents

Make sure the relevant paperwork is dealt with correctly and on time.

If you're getting married in Scotland, check the requirements with the appropriate registrar or celebrant well before your wedding.

Don't leave legal paperwork until the final week.

30. Think About Your Guests' Experience

Your wedding isn't just about how it looks.

Think about how it feels for your guests.

• Are they waiting around for hours?
• Do they know where to go?
• Is there somewhere comfortable to sit?
• Will older guests have somewhere warm?
• Do they have access to drinks?
• Is there somewhere for children?

If guests are travelling a long way, have you given them information about accommodation?

Small details can make a huge difference.

31. Have Something for Guests During Photographs

If you're disappearing for 20 minutes for photographs, don't leave your guests standing around wondering what to do.

This is where:

• Canapés
• Drinks
• Live music
• Lawn games
• Entertainment
• A relaxed outdoor area

can work really well.

Your guests can enjoy themselves while you have a little time together.

32. Remember to Eat During the Reception

Again.

Eat.

Ask your venue if you can have something put aside for you if you're going to miss the meal because of photographs or other commitments.

33. Drink Water

This sounds incredibly basic.

But you'll be surprised how quickly a wedding day passes without you drinking enough water.

You're excited.

You're talking.

You're drinking champagne.

You're dancing.

Have water available throughout the day.

34. Take Ten Minutes Alone Together

This is one of my favourite pieces of advice.

At some point during your wedding, disappear.

Just for ten minutes.

Walk somewhere quiet.

Sit down.

Look at each other.

Take a breath.

Talk about what has happened.

Because the day will probably go incredibly quickly.

And those ten minutes might be the only time you actually stop and realise:

"We're married."

35. Don't Worry When Something Goes Wrong

Something probably will.

And that's okay.

• The flowers might arrive late.
• It might rain.
• Someone might forget their speech.
• The cake might lean.
• A button might fall off.
• The DJ might play the wrong song.
• Someone might be late.
• Nobody will remember.

But you might remember if you spent your entire wedding worrying about it.

Don't let a small imperfection become the biggest memory of your day.

36. Your Wedding Photographs Don't Have to Be Perfect

This is particularly important to me as a documentary wedding photographer.

I don't want every photograph to look staged.

I want your gallery to feel like your wedding.

The tears.

The laughter.

The awkward dancing.

The hugs.

The chaos.

The quiet moments.

The people you love.

The things you didn't even notice happening.

That's where the story lives.

37. Consider a Pre-Wedding Shoot

If you're nervous about being photographed, a pre-wedding or engagement shoot can be a brilliant idea.

It gives you a chance to:

• Meet your photographer
• Get comfortable in front of the camera
• Learn how your photographer works
• Try different poses
• Discover what feels natural
• Get some photographs before the wedding

It can also help remove some of the nerves surrounding your wedding portraits. Pre-wedding shoots are increasingly being used as a relaxed way for couples to become comfortable with their photographer and camera.

38. Think About Your Shoes

Your wedding shoes might look fantastic.

But can you actually walk in them?

If you're wearing heels all day, consider bringing:

A second pair of comfortable shoes.

You can switch later.

Your feet will thank you.

39. Break Your Wedding Shoes In

Don't wear brand-new shoes for the first time on your wedding day.

Wear them around the house.

Get used to them.

Make sure they don't rub.

And have blister plasters ready.

40. Pack an Evening Bag

If you're carrying a small bag during the day, think about what you'll actually need.

Consider:

Lipstick

Powder

Phone

Tissues

Mints

Plasters

Hair grips

And nominate someone to look after it if you don't want to carry it yourself.

41. Think About Your Dress After the Wedding

This is something brides sometimes forget.

What are you going to do with your dress afterwards?

Will you:

Have it professionally cleaned?

Preserve it?

Sell it?

Donate it?

Keep it?

Don't throw it into a cupboard and forget about it.

42. Have a Plan for Your Flowers

Your bouquet can become a beautiful keepsake.

You could:

Dry it

Press some flowers

Preserve it

Photograph it

Keep part of it

Ask your florist what they recommend.

43. Don't Forget the Little Details

These can make wonderful photographs.

Have your photographer photograph:

Rings

Invitations

Shoes

Jewellery

Perfume

Cufflinks

Flowers

Dress

Veil

Buttonholes

Table decorations

Menu cards

Place names

Favours

Cake

Wedding stationery

Put these details together somewhere accessible.

44. Think About Lighting

This is something couples rarely consider.

Lighting can completely change the atmosphere of your photographs.

Ask your venue:

Where are the best-lit rooms?

Where does natural light come from?

What does the reception room look like in the evening?

As a photographer, I'm always thinking about light.

And later in the evening, I can use off-camera flash to create something completely different — more dramatic, editorial portraits that work particularly well after dark.

45. Your Wedding Day Is Not a Production

This might be the most important point in the entire article.

• Your wedding doesn't have to run perfectly.

• It doesn't have to look exactly like Instagram.

• It doesn't have to match Pinterest.

• It doesn't have to impress anyone.

• It needs to feel like you.

• If you want a huge party, have one.

• If you want an intimate wedding, have one.

• If you want to elope to Skye, do it.

If you want a relaxed wedding in Aberdeenshire with your closest family and friends, that's equally brilliant.

The Ultimate Wedding Day Checklist

Before your wedding, I'd recommend checking that you've thought about:

The essentials

☐ Venue booked

☐ Ceremony booked

☐ Photographer booked

☐ Videographer booked if required

☐ Caterer booked

☐ Florist booked

☐ Cake booked

☐ Hair and makeup booked

☐ Wedding transport arranged

☐ Entertainment booked

☐ Accommodation arranged

☐ Rings collected

☐ Wedding outfits fitted

☐ Marriage paperwork organised

Photography

☐ Photography style chosen

☐ Coverage confirmed

☐ Photographer knows venue

☐ Final timeline sent

☐ Family photograph list prepared

☐ Important people identified

☐ Important details mentioned

☐ Sunset photography considered

☐ Wet-weather plan arranged

☐ Getting-ready locations considered

Wedding morning

☐ Breakfast

☐ Water

☐ Emergency kit

☐ Rings

☐ Bouquet

☐ Dress

☐ Shoes

☐ Jewellery

☐ Transport

☐ Marriage documents

☐ Someone nominated to deal with problems

Things couples often forget

☐ Phone charger

☐ Portable battery

☐ Umbrellas

☐ Comfortable evening shoes

☐ Blister plasters

☐ Sewing kit

☐ Stain remover

☐ Snacks

☐ Water

☐ Someone to look after gifts

☐ Someone to take cards and envelopes home

☐ Someone to collect personal belongings from the venue

☐ Someone responsible for the wedding cake leftovers

☐ Someone responsible for your flowers

☐ Transport home for guests

☐ Emergency contact for suppliers

And Finally... Enjoy It

You've probably spent months planning this day.

You've made hundreds of decisions.

You've probably changed your mind about things more than once.

And eventually, the planning stops.

The music starts.

You walk down the aisle.

You marry your best friend.

And suddenly all those months of planning are over.

So when the day finally arrives, stop worrying about whether everything is perfect.

Look around.

Take it all in.

Laugh.

Cry.

Dance.

Eat the cake.

Hug your friends.

Spend time with your family.

And enjoy being married.

Because when you look back at your photographs years from now, you'll care far less about whether the centrepieces were perfect.

You'll care about the people, the moments and how you felt.

And that's exactly what I want to capture.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Aberdeenshire or Scotland?

I'm Mark, the photographer behind Luxe Wedding Photography, based in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

I photograph weddings throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow and across the UK, as well as elopements and destination weddings.

My approach is natural, documentary and candid, with an editorial feel when it comes to your portraits. I want to capture your wedding honestly without turning the day into one long photoshoot.

I currently offer three straightforward wedding photography packages:

The Essentials — £600

5 hours of coverage

The Full Story — £1,000

10 hours of coverage

The After Party — £1,200

12 hours of coverage

If you're looking for a Scotland wedding photographer who will capture the real moments while allowing you to enjoy your wedding, I'd love to hear what you're planning.

Explore Luxe Wedding Photography

Your wedding. Your people. Your story.

I'll be there to capture it.