Important Tips for Planning your Wedding

Here are some commonly forgotten or underestimated things during wedding planning:

1. Surprise Costs

“Service fee not included” is wedding-speak for: this will cost more than you think. Ask every vendor — venue, caterer, florist — if their quote includes tax, service charges, and cleanup.
Also: alterations. If it zips, it probably needs tailoring.

2. Vendor Meals

Photographers are human. DJs are human. We all get hungry.
If someone’s with you for 8+ hours, feed them — especially at rural or remote weddings.
(For me: no dietary needs, but I will steal your grazing table if left unsupervised.)

3. Timeline Padding

Weddings run late. It’s tradition.
Add buffer time between hair, ceremony, photos, speeches, and dinner. Gives us space to fix delays — or just breathe.

4. Transport

Don't forget how people will get there — and back.
If it’s out of the way, think shuttles. Check parking. Have a sober driver plan.
(Your aunt’s Corolla is not a limo.)

5. Weather Backup

Getting married outside? You’re brave. Now make a Plan B.
Tents, umbrellas, air-con, heaters — welcome to Australia. Bonus points if your rainy-day backup still looks good in photos.

6. Photography Must-Haves

Got a special guest flying in from Sweden? Grandma’s antique earrings? A secret dance routine?
Tell me. Don’t assume I know your unusual habits and traditions.
I’ll capture all the real moments — but I can’t read minds.

7. Guest Survival

Outdoor wedding? Think creature comforts:

• Fans, shade or sunscreen for heat (please don’t forget this, I’m serious)

• Blankets and heaters for chill

• Toilets they don’t have to hike to

Happy guests = better photos.

8. The Legal Bit

The marriage license. Kind of important.
Ask your celebrant what you need to do — and when. There’s paperwork and deadlines.
No license = fancy party with cake.

9. Someone to Run the Day

Even without a planner, assign someone to run the timeline (MCs work well).
I’ll help out where I can, but I also have 1,000 moments to photograph. Don’t make me also wrangle the band.

10. Emergency Kit

This little bag will save you:
Safety pins, painkillers, tissues, spare lipstick, mints, bandaids.
Ask your makeup artist if you can buy the same lipstick shade they’re using.

11. Not-Soul-Crushing Shoes

After a full day in heels or dress shoes, your feet will mutiny.
Pack comfy shoes for dancing, walking, or just surviving.

12. After-Party Logistics

Who’s packing up your gifts, flowers, decor, and hire gear?
Sort this before the wedding, or you’ll end up doing it in your suit. (Speaking from experience.)

Thinking ahead about these often-overlooked details can help make your wedding day go smoothly and ensure that nothing important is missed!