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Dover Photographers Marriage Blog

You might be astonished by the insights that marriage photographers gain throughout an event.

Here are some valuable wedding tips I've gathered at weddings over the years.

Our goal isn't to make planning your special day a source of stress. However, it's wise to be aware of some common issues that other couples have encountered. Remember, being prepared is key, and you can thoughtfully contemplate these points.

Each of these tips address challenges that marriage couples have faced over time.

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Marriage Planning

It may sound simple but not planning properly is planning to fail.

For the busy people you can consider the hire of a marriage planner.

There are some great apps, excel spread sheets of a decent book where you can begin to write things down and make your lists and plan.

Budget Planning

Understand the cost of the things you have in mind for your day and the budget you have is critical.

Make a list and research the rice ranges for those services.

I have lost count of the people who have said, "our wedding cost way more than we thought it would".

Marriage & Insurance

When ordering marriage services there are a number of large sums of money that are paid for in advance of the day.

In most cases this is £1,000s or £10,000s.

What if a business becomes liquidated?

It is all about risk and minimising your financial risk.

Time Flies Past

They say, time flies when you are having fun.

As the clock counts down to your day the pace at which time passes seems to speed up.

Make sure you plan the time you need for marriage meetings, trials, fittings and all sorts of the things you will need time to plan.

Book Early

Good service providers become booked early.

Sometimes hire is made over a year in advance.

Good businesses become booked very quickly as time runs down to a marriage day.

If you have found the marriage service provider you want to use, get the booking in with the provider as soon as you are able to.

But, only when you have clear service agreement, T&Cs and are clear on the service you will receive.

Choose Wisely and Well

Checking marriage services out and getting some feedback is important.

Before you pay for a service make sure you are clear and have a written agreement of the services, terms and conditions for the services you will receive for the price you have been given.

Absolute clarity!

Another great quote I have heard many times "If it isn't in writing it doesn't exist".

Something for you to think about.

Must Have or Optional

As part of your marriage day planning, it is nice to have a list of the items you must have and the things that are optional.

If you start to go over budget you can remove the items that were optional to bring your day back in budget.

AND, before you have paid deposits!!

Once the deposit is paid, things become difficult to change arrangements and your deposit is at risk, most non refundable.

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Location, Location, Location.

The venue will become a large portion of your budget.

It is important to take the time when looking for a venue and consider the hire of a venue carefully.

Where is the ceremony, reception or all in one place?

How people will be getting to and from locations and making some notes when you view the locations will help.

Consider the hire of a venue and your options thoughtfully.

People Stopping Over

When considering the hire of a marriage venue have a think about where your guests can stop over.

This may seem to be low on your priority list but it may need some consideration.

Where guests are travelling from and to, they may need somewhere to stay and how to get back and forth after enjoying themselves.

Passport & Name Changes

If you are booking your honeymoon where you would need your passport, a point to consider.

Are you changing your name?

Something to think about and there are two options to consider. The detail is available on the UK Government Passport website.

Is your passport in date?

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Families and Bad Feelings

Most people I have spoken with have worried about some people who don't get on.

We all have them and most people worry about this when wedding planning, you are not alone.

The first thing to remind everyone, it's your day and that is the priority for everyone.

Most people know that and the worrying comes to nothing.

Transport & Helpful People

Planning transport for weddings and thinking through how people move to and from venues is worth some thought.

Especially the next day if people are stopping over.

Also, you can never have enough people to help. There will be plenty of things to take away from the wedding venue, presents, clothing, keep sakes and many other items. Many hands make light work.

Photograph Worries

In my experience, every bride I’ve encountered has expressed her concerns about how she will appear in photographs.

Their worries often vary, covering aspects like arms, chins, legs, height, and much more.

Grooms, on the other hand, usually maintain a more relaxed attitude towards wedding photos.

We can talk about any concerns you might have, as it's often this worrying that leads to anxiety.

I'll help you and explain how we I can deal with any worries.

Sharing Photos

Did you know that when you share images on WhatsApp, their quality can plummet by an astonishing 75%?

While a picture may appear decent on a smartphone, sharing can complicate the integrity of your precious photographs.

I utilise a cloud-based solution with a straightforward link that preserves the original quality without any loss.

Links are effortless to share and can truly enhance the presentation of your photographic portfolio.

What If It Rains

We've all experienced that nail-biting moment before an outdoor event, anxiously checking the weather forecast and hoping for a celestial intervention to keep the skies clear...

Consider having a plan B ready in case Mother Nature decides to put a damper on things, and keep some stylish, photo-worthy umbrellas handy for shade or unexpected rain.

With your backup plans in place, you can happily turn off that weather app and fully savor the anticipation of your special day.

People won’t show up

Whether it's guests, vendors, or even your partner, we know that fears can often feel irrational. Yet, they frequently linger in our minds, making us uneasy.

Once you've received RSVPs from your guests and confirmed the final details with your suppliers in the weeks leading up to the wedding, you can breathe easy! Your preparations are complete!

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The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer

Why Quality Matters

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Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful days of your life. It will be a day filled with love, emotion, and moments you’ll want to remember forever. Every detail matters, but when it comes to preserving those memories, photography is one area where cutting corners can be emotionally costly.

While it might be tempting to save money by hiring a cheap wedding photographer, the reality is that photography is an investment — not an expense. Here’s why choosing a professional, experienced photographer is worth every penny.

You Only Get One Chance

A wedding isn’t a rehearsal — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. A skilled photographer understands the flow of the day, anticipates key moments, and captures them perfectly. Cheap photographers often lack the experience to handle fast-paced or challenging conditions, meaning missed shots, poor lighting, or awkward compositions.

There are no do-overs for your first kiss, your walk down the aisle, or your father-daughter dance. A professional knows how to get those moments right the first time.

Quality Equipment, Quality Results

Professional photographers invest thousands in high-end cameras, lenses, and lighting gear — as well as backups in case something goes wrong. Cheaper photographers often use budget equipment that struggles in low light or fast movement, resulting in blurry, grainy, or poorly exposed images.

When the lights dim for your first dance or the sun sets during your portraits, professional-grade gear makes all the difference.

Editing Is Half the Magic

Capturing the photo is only half of a photographer’s job — the other half happens during editing. A seasoned photographer knows how to color-correct, retouch, and craft a consistent, timeless aesthetic that tells the story of your day beautifully.

Cheaper photographers may deliver unedited or poorly edited images, leaving you with inconsistent colors, awkward cropping, or an overall amateur feel.

Professionalism and Peace of Mind

An experienced wedding photographer doesn’t just take pictures — they manage timelines, coordinate with planners, and keep calm under pressure. They know how to handle unexpected rain, tricky lighting, or a tight schedule without panicking.

You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your photographer will show up on time or capture the important details. Hiring a professional means you can focus on enjoying your day, confident that your memories are in capable hands.

Your Photos Become Your Legacy

After the cake is eaten and the flowers have wilted, your photos are what remain. They’ll become part of your family’s history — cherished for generations.

When you invest in a talented photographer, you’re not just paying for photos; you’re investing in heirlooms that will tell your story long after the day has passed.

You Get What You Pay For

It’s understandable to want to stay within budget, but photography is one area where you truly get what you pay for. A cheap photographer might save you a few hundred dollars now — but could cost you the priceless memories you can never recreate.

When you look back at your wedding album, you’ll want to feel the emotions, see the details, and relive the joy. That’s something only a skilled, passionate professional can deliver.

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