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How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonising over what the right dress for you might be. Do you want a ball gown? Mermaid? A-line? Do you want strapless? A train? When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, there are so many options available it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Another question you might ask is how much does a wedding dress cost? You may know the style you want for your wedding, but does it align with the budget you have in mind? For many, choosing the perfect dress is just as important – if not more important than – the venue and catering.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a wedding dress, including the average cost, what affects the cost and what you might expect for your budget.

What’s the average cost of a wedding dress?

Photo © Bow Belles Bridal Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on a wedding dress is about £1,300. However, there are plenty of reasons why you may spend far less than this, and in other cases, why you might spend way more. 

It’s important to note that this amount doesn’t include any jewellery or accessories you might wear, nor your shoes. So, expect to pay a little more for those (unless you’re getting married on the beach!) to complete your overall wedding attire. Check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your wedding might cost.

Even if you don’t have the average amount to spend on a dress, there are still plenty of options available to ensure a stunning dress is within easy reach. Here at Bridebook, we have a fabulous collection of wedding dress suppliers and boutiques, so you can find your perfect dress. There are also a few tricks to be aware of so you can save money on your wedding dress.

What factors affect the cost of a wedding dress?

Photo © Oui Madame Bridal Atelier | See their Bridebook profile

With wedding dresses coming in all manners of shapes, designs and sizes, no two dresses cost the same. Plenty of factors mean you may end up spending less – or even a lot more – than the average.

  • Location: Wedding dresses bought in London will cost more than those bought outside the capital.
  • Brand: A dress made by a well-known brand will often cost significantly more than a dress made by a less well-known brand.
  • Materials: Premium and high-quality fabrics, such as lace and silk, will cost more than other fabrics, such as satin.
  • Expertise: A dress from an experienced designer will be more expensive than an up-and-coming designer with little experience.
  • Style: The more complex the style and design, the pricier your dress will be.
  • Embellishments: Dresses with more embellishments, such as embroidery, beads or sequins, will cost more than dresses without.
  • Imported materials: If materials are imported from overseas it will add to the cost more than if locally-sourced materials are used.

What type of wedding dress can you expect for your budget?

Photo © Kate Joseph Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Even if you already have a good idea of the budget for your dress, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Do you go designer? Which designers suit your budget? How do you find out the wedding dress prices if designers don’t even show them?

To help with the confusion, below is a rough price guide for different stores and designers based on various budget ranges:

Budget

Store/Designer

£100 – £500

Monsoon, Phase Eight, Ben de Lisi, Pearce II Fonda.

£500 – £1,000

Aneberry, Benjamin Roberts, Alexia, John Lewis.

£1,000 – £2,000

Maggie Sottero, Jenny Packham, Pronovias, Ronald Joyce, Benjamin Roberts, Vera Wang White Collection.

£2,000+

Vera Wang, Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Caroline Castigliano, Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier.

How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?

Photo © The Wedding Workshop | See their Bridebook profile

For a bespoke dress, you’ll need a little more than the average paid by couples, with costs starting from £1,850. If you want a dress made by a designer, you‘ll pay for their time designing the dress, the materials and any extras, like intricate beadwork.

Designers like Vera Wang, McQueen and Givenchy will charge premium rates, so if your budget is more forgiving then you’ll have a greater selection of well-known designers to choose from. However, most designers will have a more affordable collection, like White by Vera Wang, if you’re keen on a big-name brand but not necessarily a big-name budget.

How much does an off-the-peg dress cost?

Photo © HEMYCA | See their Bridebook profile

An off-the-peg wedding dress can be a fantastic way to reduce your wedding dress cost. Most department stores will have an array of absolutely stunning gowns at a fraction of the price of a bespoke or designer gown. As we highlighted above, John Lewis offers modestly priced wedding dresses that start from as low as £175 (or lower during a sale).

Our advice for an off-the-peg dress is to make sure the gown fits you as close as possible before buying and then taking it to a professional seamstress for any alterations, otherwise it can get quite pricey.

How much does a bespoke dress by a seamstress cost?

Photo © Sabina Motasem | See their Bridebook profile

If you still want a bespoke gown but your budget is limited, you can always contact a talented seamstress near you and ask what she would charge for making your wedding dress. Much like designer gowns, you’ll pay for the design, the time and the materials, but at a far more affordable price. The cost for simpler gowns starts at £400 and something more elaborate will start at £1,200.

How much do wedding dress appointments cost?

Photo © Susie Grist Couture | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re visiting a department store, you won’t need to make an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often much smaller, so you’ll likely need to reserve an appointment. Whether or not you have to pay for this appointment depends on the owners’ policy, but many do charge at busy times such as evenings and weekends. The amount can vary between £20 and £50, which is usually discounted from the dress if you make a purchase. But, if you’re making an appointment at several boutiques, then you may lose a little as you’re not likely to buy a dress at every store!

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

 
Photo © Naya Custom Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Much like the cost of the dress itself, the cost of alterations can vary based on factors such as location, time, the skills required, and the experience of the seamstress. It can also be cheaper to have the alterations done at the same boutique you bought your dress at as part of a package.

The typical price you might expect to pay for wedding dress alterations is between £100 and £500. However, this is totally dependent on the amount of work required.

The rough price breakdown for a London seamstress is:

  • Altering the hem: £75 – £100. The more layers your dress has, the more altering it will need, with the first two layers coming to £75 and the subsequent layers adding around £25 each.
  • Altering the sides: £50 – £75. If your dress has intricate beading and detailing it might cost more as a seamstress would have to remove them, make the alterations and then sew them back on by hand.
  • Adding bustles (to tie up the train if needed): £20 per bustle.
  • Changing the zip to a laced back: £75 – £100.

Can you buy a wedding dress from a charity shop?

Photo © New Beginnings Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Yes, you can buy a wedding dress from a charity shop! More often than not they’re in great condition because they’ve been carefully looked after, and have usually only been worn once before.

Browsing charity shops is a fantastic way to grab a bargain while supporting a good cause. You may even find a wonderful dress for around £50. But, finding the perfect dress for you in a charity shop will take a lot of dedication and luck. It’s also likely that you’ll need to take it to a seamstress for alterations.

Charity shops are also sometimes sent discontinued dresses which will be cheaper than the original cost, but still fairly pricey – especially if by a well-known brand or designer.

How much does it cost to rent a wedding dress?

Photo © Rasha Kashou Studio | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of buying your wedding dress isn’t cheap, especially as you’re only going to wear it once. If you’re on a budget, another option is to rent your wedding dress, with costs starting from as low as £12 per day. To put this into perspective, Carrie Johnson’s wedding dress was rented for £45 – far less than the original £2,830 price tag.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Sign up to Bridebook and start planning your wedding today! We have a huge choice of wonderful wedding dress suppliers so you can find the dress.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding dress, we’ve got a load of hacks to help you slash your budget and still look fabulous on your big day.

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Happy Planning!

9 Tips To Consider When Shopping For Your Wedding Dress

Bridebook.co.uk Summer Bride in lace dress with big skirt

We’re here to help you with all the boring, adminny, practical and unfortunately very necessary parts of your wedding, which is why we’ve developed super powerful wedding planning tools, alongside our amazing venue directory. But on top of that we totally want to help with the frillier, more exciting bits too! Choosing your dress is definitely one of the most exciting parts of being engaged, so grab the bubbles, some of your nearest and dearest and hit the shops!

1. Give yourself plenty of time. It can take around 6 months to make a wedding dress, so give yourself lots of time to enjoy all the appointments and fittings.

2. Research away. Working out what you like and don’t like is the first step, so make a few appointments. Then you will know you’ve found the perfect dress – gold star for you.

3. Who to bring? Part of you wants to bring a gaggle of friends to drink bubbly and try on a bunch of dresses, but that’s all well and good until you have seven opinions for every dress. Many boutiques stipulate a maximum number of accompanying guests, which is usually 3 or less. Take a couple of people who’s honest opinion you trust and who’s company you enjoy. 

4. Be Prepared. Some stores ask you come without makeup or perfume on for fittings, so check before. Neutral coloured, seamless underwear works best when trying on dresses – or rock out the fluorescent pink if that’s your vibe.

5. Budget. Be realistic about what you can afford when shopping for your wedding dress. Add in the extras: veil, accessories and shoes. If you’ve put in your budget with Bridebook (if you haven’t, get on it now!), we’ll have given you an estimate for that bit of your spendings.

6. Wedding lingerie. If you’ve chosen a dress that leaves you wanting some extra support, choose some practical underwear for the day that can lift and hide whatever you want hiding. Save something sexier for the wedding night.

7. Think through the storage and transportation. Think about where your dress will be stored pre-wedding and how it will be transported to the wedding location. Wedding dresses can require a lot of space (and believe it or not, you can buy your dress a seat on a plane)!

8. Get it in writing. Make sure you have all the details (whether given to you in the store or sent via email) such as: when your dress is due for delivery and the dates of your fittings in writing.

9. Dry cleaning. Budget in the dry cleaning of the dress post-wedding. It will often cost a lot more than you expect.

 

Happy Planning!

Introduction: Your Wedding Dress

 

The wedding dress is an iconic part of the wedding process. Selecting your wedding dress is a very unique and personal experience where the bride makes a statement about who she is as a person and how she wants to be seen and remembered on her wedding day. For many people, it is also turning a dream into reality. (Can you tell we’re just a little excited for you?!) So to help you with one of the most important, and exciting, decisions in your wedding planning, we have put together everything you need to know about choosing the perfect dress for you.

 

Choose the time of year

The time of year will dictate the fabric you will choose for your wedding dress. And you should remember that different fabrics have different ‘looks’ and comfort levels, and will ultimately determine the style of your wedding dress. Most wedding dress fabrics are very versatile but heavy fabrics such as velvet and brocade are clearly suited for winter weddings, whereas lighter fabrics like organza and georgette are better suited to summer weddings. Don’t forget to think about this when picking your shoes and veil too, as they must be suitable for the anticipated weather conditions and the chosen venue. 

 

Choose your style of occasion

Time and location of the wedding are crucial when selecting the design of your wedding dress. Small, lavish, religious, indoors, outdoors, modern, traditional or themed – all of these can have an impact! And if it’s a destination wedding, then make sure you have researched the weather! 

 

bridebook.co.uk bride running through garden in wedding dress with lace trim

 

Make appointments

On average, it takes 6 months for your dress to be made, so bear this in mind when making appointments at different bridal shops and don’t rush your dream dress! And whilst you should allow yourself enough time to give yourself options, don’t overwhelm yourself with an appointment at every boutique within an 100 mile radius. The worst thing in the world could be not finding your dream dress; a very close second is trying on so many that no dress will ever be your dream. Think also about who you should bring to your first few appointments; most boutiques recommend three as a maximum, because too many opinions and voices can be so overwhelming.  We think bringing your Mum, Sister or Maid of Honour is enough and will give you the most honest feedback!

 

Dress shapes

Before you make your first bridal appointment start collecting images of dresses that you like – Pinterest is perfect for this or any other Bridebook inspiration pages such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Try out evening dresses in different silhouettes at various department stores and see what shapes and necklines suit you best. To help you narrow down the choices, here are the most popular wedding dress styles and the shapes that they generally work well with:

 

Ball gown

Style: Also known as meringue, consists of a fitted bodice and a big and full skirt. Best for: For a slender or petite frame, good for highlighting the waist. Tip: This is the ultimate wedding dress shape and your wedding day is probably the only time that you can wear a dress like this (unless you’re likely to be at the MET Gala one day…)

Fishtail or trumpet

Style: Figure hugging, with a skirt that flares from the knee, good for highlighting curves. Best for: Hourglass, curvy. Tip: This is a quite a restricting dress shape so make sure it’s not going to hold you back from the dance floor.

Sheath

Style: Follows your body’s natural silhouette. Best for: Sleek figures. Tip: A very easy shape to wear, good for summer weddings.

A-line

Style: Fitted bodice with the bottom half of the dress following the shape of the letter ‘A’. Best for: This shape suits most body types, which is why it is the most popular. Tip: Can work with any neckline and sleeve/no sleeve.

 

Bridebook.co.uk Bride with back detailing and full skirt

 

Dress Train

Once you’ve chosen the dress shape of your dreams, the next thing to think about is the dress train, which should be comfortable for the bride and suitable for the wedding style. The length of the train should be influenced by the formality and surroundings of your wedding.

Almost all dress styles can have a train, and a lot of the time these can be re-adjusted after the ceremony too. Sometimes they are simply bustled up or removed, but some dresses will often come with a hook to wear on your wrist whilst you boogie. 

Here are the different styles of train to help you choose:

Brush

This is the shortest and most modest train style. It lightly ‘brushes’ behind and gives a very subtle volume to the dress. This train length is suitable for all occasions, regardless of the ceremony format or the time of year of the wedding. This would be the best choice for outdoor weddings. Approximate length: 6 inches

Court

This train length is slightly longer then the Brush. This would be suitable for all ceremonies, but could be problematic for outdoor receptions since the train can collect greenery as the bride walks around on grass. Approximate length: 3 feet

Chapel

This is the intermediate train length, between the more modest ‘brush’ and ‘court’, and the very dramatic ‘cathedral’ and ‘royal’ lengths. Approximate length: 5 feet

Cathedral

This train is suitable for formal and traditional weddings. Due to its length, you will need help from the bridal team to make sure that the train is in place before you walk down the aisle and throughout the ceremony. This train will often have a bustle option. Approximate length: 7 feet

Royal

This is the grandest length of train; it makes a statement about the bride and the wedding itself. Similar to a ‘cathedral’ train, this will require assistance to make sure that the train is in correct position and does not interfere at any point while the bride is walking down the aisle. Approximate length: 10 feet

Watteau

This train is a separate piece of fabric that is attached to the top part of the bodice on the wedding dress. This is a more contemporary version of the train. Approximate length: varied. 

 

Bridebook.co.uk Boho bride at woodland wedding with long sleeved lace wedding dress

 

Choose the right shade of white

It is important to choose the right shade of white that goes well with your skin tone and will work well with the lighting of your wedding venue. Generally, if you are fair skinned you should opt for warmer shades of white, such as Ivory, while darker skin tones should opt for cooler shades of white, with a slight blue undertone. Once the dress has been chosen make sure you try walking in it and sitting down. If you are taking a car to the ceremony make sure the fabric does not crease (and that you and your dress can fit into the car!).

Fittings

Generally speaking you need approximately 6 months for the dress to be made. Work backwards and have your fittings as close to the wedding date as is comfortable. Make the most of each fitting and make sure you attend them with your trusted person, someone whose advice you value and whom you are at ease with.

Underwear

Do not underestimate the power of undergarments. Make sure you consider the practical options when trying on the wedding dress – will you feel supported if it’s completely backless? Will you be able to let your hair down on the dancefloor in a tummy-smoother? You will want to be as comfortable as possible on your wedding day and good underwear is sure to achieve that.

Be yourself!

The final piece of advice is for you to be yourself. Make sure that you are comfortable in whatever dress shape you choose and that you feel beautiful. Make sure your dress isn’t restricting as this will be very obvious when you make your way down the aisle. Choose your best feature and make sure that your perfect dress highlights that.

 

Happy Planning!

How to Save Money on Wedding Alcohol

Weddings don’t come along very often, but when they do they’re a cause for a celebration. And one of the ways a lot of wedding guests like to let their hair down is by having a drink or two (or three or four).

Raising a glass of bubbles is also a great way for your guests to toast you and your new spouse, and celebrate your marriage. But as well as the fizz, your guests will enjoy a variety of alcoholic drinks, from wines and beers to cocktails and spirits.

In the UK, the average amount spent by couples on their wedding is £20,775, with more than a quarter of that going towards catering alone. Part of that catering is the drinks you provide your guests, so the more thirsty guests you invite, the more you’re likely to spend.

So, how can you save money on wedding alcohol? In this post, we’re going to dive into the ways you can reduce how much you spend on booze so you can get more out of your wedding budget.

What kind of alcohol is usually served at a wedding?

Photo © Savva Bars & Catering Co | See their Bridebook profile

It’s common for a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to be served at weddings. If a full-service bar is provided, the possibilities are endless, but the alcoholic drinks offered generally include:

  • Beer
  • Cider
  • Red wine
  • White wine
  • Sparkling wine or Champagne
  • Spirits
  • Cocktails

Often, couples will provide their guests with a limited number of drinks, such as an arrival drink, a bottle of red and white for each table at the breakfast and a glass of bubbles for the toast. A third of couples opt to offer an open bar,  but this can be a rather expensive option – especially if you’re inviting a lot of guests.

For more information check out our ultimate guide to wedding alcohol.

Should you offer an open bar?

Photo © Sip ‘n’ Swig | See their Bridebook profile

Whether or not you choose to offer an open bar at your wedding is entirely your choice – there’s no right or wrong answer. Just because a third of couples choose to offer an open bar doesn’t mean you need to – that still leaves two-thirds of all couples who decide not to.

In fact, if you decide to have a paid bar at your wedding you could save more than £2,100. Plus, your guests are unlikely to think anything of it or mind paying for their drinks. 

10 ways to save money on wedding alcohol

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Offering a paid bar is just one of the ways you can save money on alcohol at your wedding. For more tips and cost-cutting ideas, read our guide to how to save money on your wedding. 

Below are 10 more ways you can save while still making sure your guests can enjoy a few drinks on your big day.

1. Buy your alcohol just after Christmas 

Photo © Party Ingredients | See their Bridebook profile

Alcohol may be one of the most expensive items on your wedding list, but remember – it doesn’t go off! So regardless of your wedding date, we recommend buying any alcohol you need either after Christmas or New Year or around the big summer bank holidays. That’s when supermarkets slash their prices and have huge sales on alcohol. You can save up to £1,500 buying Champagne in the sales just after Christmas compared to in the run-up to your wedding. 

2. Ask about ‘sale or return’

Photo © Foray Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, if you do offer your guests a couple of free drinks, then there’s every chance it won’t be finished, particularly if you’ve provided bottles of wine. Not everyone drinks wine – even when it’s free – so what do you do if you end up with six bottles of unopened wine at the end of the reception?

Ask the venue or vendor about sale or return, which is a policy that allows you to return unopened and undamaged bottles of alcohol for a refund or credit off your final bill. It might not save you loads, but even a little saving is better than none when you’re spending so much.

3. Switch the expensive stuff for the not-so-expensive

Photo © Daisy Duke Bar and Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Your wedding is a fabulous celebration and it can be tempting to bring out the big guns and pop open a few bottles of Champagne, particularly for arrival drinks and raising a glass during the speeches. But, Champagne is expensive and some cheaper alternatives are actually more popular anyway.

Instead of pricey Champers, consider more affordable options like Cava and Prosecco, which plenty of people prefer, and many won’t even realise are different.

To put it into perspective, a decent bottle of Champagne will cost around £40, whereas a nice bottle of Prosecco will cost around £10. So, if you need 25 bottles, by switching from Champagne to Prosecco, you could save £750.

4. Introduce a DIY cocktail bar

Photo © Liquid Mobile Bar | See their Bridebook profile

A great way to get your guests in good spirits (get it?) and save some money is with a DIY cocktail bar. All you need are half a dozen bottles of spirits, a few mixers and a recipe guide, and your guests can get to work creating their own delicious drinks. It also doubles as a unique form of wedding entertainment and gets your guests chatting and interacting with each other.

For a little extra personalisation, you could create some custom cocktail recipes that are themed around you and your spouse-to-be, and name some drinks after significant moments, places and people in your lives.

5. Bring your own alcohol

Photo © Fabulous Fizz Bar | See their Bridebook profile

When you think about it, a wedding is just one big party – and it’s not unheard of to ask party guests to bring their own drinks. It might not be the most comfortable option, but asking your guests to come armed with a bottle or two will potentially save you thousands.

If this is something you’re considering, make sure to check with the venue that it’s something they allow – if you’re getting married in a hotel or similar, then it might be written into your agreement that it’s prohibited. But, many venue types will allow it, particularly if you haven’t gone for an all-inclusive package.

If you go down this route, just remember to add BYOB to your wedding invitations!

6. Hire an external vendor

Photo © Mambo Mobile Bars | See their Bridebook profile

Another way to lessen costs is by hiring an outside vendor, such as a mobile bar, to provide all the drinks at your wedding. This also opens up more options for personalisation if your wedding has a specific theme.

This is again something you’ll need to check with your chosen venue – they may not allow mobile bars. You’ll also want to make sure your chosen vendor has a license to sell alcohol, because if they don’t, it could land you in hot water.

7. Bypass the arrival drinks

Photo © Dine | See their Bridebook profile

Before the ceremony, when your guests slowly begin to arrive, it’s common for couples to offer their guests an arrival drink to help them get into the mood. If you offer each of your guests a drink, it can quickly get expensive.

But, a drink on arrival isn’t something your guests will expect – it’s simply a nice surprise, similar to canapés and wedding favours. So, to save a little money, why not bypass the arrival drinks altogether? Or, simply switch them out for a non-alcoholic drink so you can offer the gesture while cutting back on the cost.

8. Scale back how much you offer your guests

Photo © Paisley Flour Catering | See their Bridebook profile

An open bar might not suit your budget, but you could still thank your guests for coming by providing them with a drink or two. Many couples opt to include a couple of bottles of wine for each table – one red and one white – but for a little extra selection, why not extend that to include beer, too?

If you’re keen on providing your guests with a glass of wine at the wedding breakfast or a flute of bubbles during the toasts, one money-saving tip is to simply ask the venue to be a little more reserved with their pouring than they might usually be. Whereas a bottle of Champagne will generally fill six glasses, a slightly less generous pour might stretch this to 10. If a bottle can serve more guests, you won’t need to open as many. And if you don’t need to open as many bottles, you won’t need to pay for as many. 

9. Brew your own booze

Photo © The Copper Top Bar | See their Bridebook profile

If you plan far enough in advance, why not have a go at brewing your own alcohol? After all, brewing wine, beer and even spirits at home is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Not only is supplying your own handmade drinks a great way to save money on wedding alcohol, but it also personalises your reception.

10. Forgo the toasts

Photo © Filly & Foal Mobile Bar Hire | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re not one for traditions, consider forgoing the speeches completely, which then also forgoes the need to supply your guests with a glass of fizz and to provide bottles of wine on each of the tables. With the increase in the popularity of twilight weddings, it’s becoming more common for couples to bypass wedding breakfasts and go straight from the ceremony to the evening reception. 

Plan your wedding stress-free with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools you need to plan your wedding. You should also check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for more money-saving tips. Sign up and start your planning journey today!

Browse other similar articles…

Happy Planning!

How to Save Money on Wedding Catering

Depending on the duration of your wedding, your guests are served food and drinks at different intervals throughout the day. This can include arrival drinks and canapés, a three or four-course breakfast and a glorious buffet in the evening. But, how much does it cost to keep your guests wined and dined?

Wedding catering is one of the biggest expenses in most wedding budgets, second only to the cost of a wedding venue. According to our ultimate guide to budgeting a wedding, the average cost of wedding catering for 80 – 90 guests is £5,700. 

We understand that this is a huge expense, and one obvious way to save money on wedding food is by cutting the number of guests. However, we also understand that this might not always be possible. If this is the case for you, fear not – there are still plenty of ways you can save money. 

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the many ways you can save money on wedding catering while still keeping your guests full and happy.

What type of food is the cheapest at a wedding?

Photo © Touchays Wedding Caterer | See their Bridebook profile

Food that is easy to cook in bulk and requires little prep time will be among the cheapest food you can serve at your wedding. This includes the food served at both your wedding breakfast and the evening buffet.

At the reception, simple food cooked well will keep the costs down. An example of an affordable three-course wedding breakfast meal could include:

Starter – Soup

Main course – Roast chicken, potatoes and seasonal vegetables

Dessert – New York cheesecake

In the evening, the same applies to the buffet. Simple, tasty food that your guests can eat with their hands will make sure everyone is more than satisfied. Examples of cheap and easy wedding buffet food include pizza, pasta, salad, chips, chicken, wraps, tacos and more. You could even have a theme for your evening buffet, such as American, Asian, Mexican or barbeque.

12 ways to save money on wedding food 

Photo © Blame Frank | See their Bridebook profile

Now that you know what factors can increase the cost of wedding food, let’s look at 12 ways to do cheap wedding food.

1. Compare venue catering to outsourcing wedding catering

Photo © Taverna Catering | See their Bridebook profile

If your chosen venue has an all-inclusive package, this likely includes food. While it can be more affordable to hire other vendors, an all-inclusive option is usually your best bet. According to our 2024 Wedding Report, couples save over £1,000 when the venue cost includes catering versus external catering costs.

If you do want to hire external caterers, though, do plenty of research before you book your wedding venue. Make sure your chosen venue is flexible, as this will open up your choices and allow you to hire other caterers. So, if you want a fancy countryside venue but also want to serve woodfired pizzas in the evening, ask the venue whether they would allow this first.

It’s best to research wedding caterers and venues at the same time so you can see which option is the most suitable for your budget. During your research, make sure you’re looking at not just the cost, but also the services they provide, their location and recent reviews to make sure they provide exactly what you want.

2. Choose local caterers

Photo © Strawberry Shortcake | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve decided on a location for your wedding and you’ve found your perfect venue, try to choose local caterers if you’re outsourcing them. If your wedding is on the outskirts of Birmingham but the caterer you’ve chosen is based in London, they’ll charge you an additional fee to travel all that way, which could be a flat rate or a cost per mile outside of their usual catchment area.

By choosing a local vendor it will keep costs as low as possible. It’s also possible that they’ve already provided catering for an event at your chosen venue, so may also have a professional relationship that will help things go smoother on the day. An additional bonus is that you’ll be supporting local businesses.

Bridebook has a fabulous selection of wedding caterers, so regardless of where you’re getting married, you’ll find the perfect food options for your wedding.

3. Go for a buffet 

Photo © Bristol Event Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Who doesn’t love a buffet? Your guests are free to choose whatever food tickles their fancy and can load their plates up with as much or as little food as they like. Not only are buffets versatile, but they’re also major crowd-pleasers – not to mention they’re generally cheaper than a traditional wedding breakfast.

With full table service, you get to be treated like royalty on your special day (which is obviously amazing), but this service does come at a cost. Typically, you’ll need one member of wait staff per 10 guests at a table service wedding breakfast. That means, if you have 100 guests, you’ll need 10 wait staff – and this is before you even take into consideration the kitchen and bar staff.

Even though buffets offer a wider variety of food than a three- or four-course table-service meal, a far smaller team is needed to prepare and serve the food. Whereas a breakfast might cost £30 – £40 per head, a buffet will cost around half of this. While a buffet isn’t quite as luxurious as a table service meal, your guests likely won’t mind so long as they get something to eat.

4. Cut your guest list

Photo © Pro Roasts Events | See their Bridebook profile

The number of guests you invite to your wedding directly affects the total cost of catering, because the more mouths to feed, the more food you need. 

With the cost of food per head averaging £62, costs can quickly add up. Suppose you’ve invited 100 guests – 100 x £62 = £6,200 for the food alone. If you’re in a position to, cutting just 10% of your guest list will save you around £620, and this doesn’t even include other savings you can make, such as decor, stationery, favours and the ability to choose a smaller, more affordable venue.

It might be tough, but very few couples can invite everyone. A little bravery could potentially save you thousands, without you having to forgo the food you want. 

5. Take peak dates and times into account

Photo © Caper & Berry | See their Bridebook profile

A huge number of couples want to tie the knot during peak wedding season, when the weather is more likely to behave itself, flowers are blooming and you have more options for beautiful outdoor photographs.

However, with so much competition during the most popular weeks and months, vendors have to raise their prices, and this includes caterers. So, you could save a lot of money by setting your date on a common-or-garden weekday between October and March, when caterers’ rates are generally lower.

So, instead of booking your wedding for a Saturday in August, why not consider a Tuesday in February? This will slash the cost of catering, as well as other wedding costs such as your venue and entertainment.

6. Craft your menu

Photo © Crafted Events | See their Bridebook profile

Your first instinct might be to get one of everything when you see the menu options, as that way, you can cater to everyone – from meat eaters to vegetarians – while knocking out any allergy-causing options too. 

But, to keep costs down, don’t offer your guests a wide variety of options at the wedding breakfast. It’s usually far more cost-effective to offer a limited number of choices, as the catering team will be able to focus on making sure every plate is perfect. So, one meat and one vegetarian or vegan option is usually more than enough to meet the needs of the majority of your guests.

The type of food you go for will also influence the cost. Instead of choosing fancy or time-consuming dishes like lobster, sushi or beef Wellington, opt for more affordable options such as chicken, potatoes and vegetables. A skilled catering team can make even the most affordable ingredients look and taste fabulous.

It’s even better to go for in-season and locally-grown ingredients. This will be much cheaper while also allowing you to support local businesses. Have a chat with your catering team to see what they can do to get the most out of your budget. Fancy food doesn’t automatically have to mean expensive.

While it’s vital to make sure dietary requirements are fulfilled, the more bespoke dishes the team has to cater for, the pricier it will be. So, it’s important to provide food for special requirements, but you should try to avoid making changes purely because your cousin is a fussy eater and will only eat chicken nuggets.

Remember, whenever in doubt, speak to your wedding caterer. If you want to know what to ask, read our guide on questions to ask your wedding caterer.

7. Consider your bar options carefully

Photo © Mambo Mobile Bars | See their Bridebook profile

A fully stocked bar with all kinds of drinks, or a mixologist putting on a fancy show, might be a must-have for some couples, but this will add to the cost. This is especially true if you choose to offer an open bar, which will potentially add thousands to your final bill. You’ll save more than £2,000 by asking your guests to pay for their own drinks (with the exception of a bottle of wine at the table and a glass of fizz for the toasts). Plus, weddings with an open bar are in the minority, so it’s not something your guests will expect.

When it comes to the fizz, Champagne is a luxurious option, but your guests will be just as happy with a cheaper alternative such as prosecco or Cava. This is often more affordable than supplying your own bubbles, as most venues will charge a corkage fee, which can be as high as £35 per bottle.

Another option is a mobile bar service that will handle all your drinking needs. Some of the best options Bridebook has to offer are Mambo Mobile Bars, Louisiana’s Mobile Bars, and The Mobile Bar Company.

For more information, see our post on how to save money on wedding alcohol.

8. Ask for smaller plates

Photo © Create | See their Bridebook profile

You read that right – ask your vendor for smaller plates during the evening buffet. This will limit the amount of food your guests can pile up. Instead of taking mountains of food, most guests will take considerably less, which will reduce the amount of waste too. And don’t worry – if someone wants to go for multiple rounds, they can! No one will go home hungry.

9. Consider a food truck 

Photo © Feast It | See their Bridebook profile

Renting a food truck to provide freshly-cooked plates is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding, and will help keep your catering budget down.

Think about it – food trucks are used to cooking and serving delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes at busy, fast-paced events. The same can be done for your wedding – just tell them your budget and they’ll handle the rest. This is great way to keep costs manageable while offering your guests some unique and mouth-watering food. Plus, with food trucks being one of the hottest wedding trends of 2024, this kind of catering is all the rage right now. 

10. Go for special promotions 

Photo © Squisito Italian Celebrations | See their Bridebook profile

Keep a look out for wedding fairs, where a selection of vendors come together to showcase their offerings and encourage you to have a taste. This is a great way to see what options are available and try food from a wide selection of local caterers. During events, a lot of caterers will offer exclusive discounts and promotions, which could save you a nice chunk of change. Not only will you leave the event with a full stomach, but your budget will also thank you for it.

For more information, see our ultimate guide for saving money on your wedding.

11. Have a twilight wedding

Photo © Dine | See their Bridebook profile

A twilight wedding is a wedding which starts much later in the day, usually around the time the sun starts to set. This means, after the reception and photographs, you’ll likely want to bypass the wedding breakfast and dive straight into the evening buffet – a far more cost-effective option. Because you’re only feeding your guests once, you’ll drastically reduce the amount of money you spend on catering, as well as various other parts of your wedding.

12. Limit or cut the canapés and arrival drinks

Photo © Jacaranda Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Canapés and arrival drinks add a touch of class and elegance to your wedding, but they can be costly. To save a little money, consider only offering a single canapé option or even cutting it completely, together with the arrival drinks.

Find your dream caterer on Bridebook 

Here at Bridebook, we have a wide range of wedding caterers to suit all styles, tastes and budgets. You can also check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for more cost-cutting tips ahead of your big day.

Browse other similar articles…

Happy Planning!

22 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Caterer

Bridebook.co.uk- Wedding menu propped up on some flowers
By Weddings Vintage

The catering may be the most costly part of your wedding reception, so let’s get this right. We’ve put together everything you might want to ask, so you can sit back and enjoy that spring roll, and that piece of beef. Oh and that chocolate pudding and that treacle tart. So print out these questions and enjoy!

Bridebook.co.uk- menu placed on a plate
By Especially Amy

1) Is there a specific cuisine that you specialise in?

As obvious as this might sound, if you and your beloved are lovers of French food, there is little point in meeting someone whose speciality is Mexican cuisine!

2) Do you provide the silverware/ linens/chairs?

If your caterer does provide these items, make sure you see photos of the available options to check that they work well with your wedding theme and colours.

3) How many other weddings will you be catering for on my chosen date?

Ideally, you will want their undivided attention!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom having canapes
  By Allister Freeman

4) What does your price include? Does it depend on the menu or do you have a flat rate? Does it include VAT, gratuity, rentals, silverware, tea and coffee for the guests?

We recommend you get this part in writing so you can rest assured it’s taken care of.

5) Will you be present on the day or will it be someone else? Will you take on the role of coordinator, deciding when to serve the food and cut the cake?

Your wedding caterer is a huge part of your wedding day and they need to be organised and reliable. So if the person that you are meeting isn’t the one who will be present on the day itself, make sure you get an introduction ahead of time.

6) How many waiters will you provide? What will they wear/can I provide outfits? Will they be responsible for laying the tables, placing favours and place settings?

Ideally, you would need one waiter for eleven people  for a sit-down meal and you will want them to look professional and if possible, their uniforms should compliment your wedding colours.

7) Do you provide a set menu or can I customise my own? What if I have a special family dish I want to include? Can you cater kosher/ halal/ any other dietary requirements?

If there is a particular starter and pudding that you just have to have, then it is important to ensure you hire a caterer who allows you to do this!

Bridebook.co.uk- vegetables in little pots at wedding reception
By Chris Giles Photography

8) Do you work with fresh or frozen food?

This is an essential question if your caterer will require specialist equipment to store or cook the food and if you will be in charge of sourcing this, as that can add unexpected amounts to your budget.

9) Can you provide children’s and vendors’ meals? How much will they cost? Are they included in the price above?

Normally, children’s meals will be cheaper than the adult ones, as would the vendor ones, as they don’t need to be as lavish as the others.

10) How will you handle last-minute requests?

In case someone who didn’t RSVP decides to attend at the last minute, it happens more often than you’d think!

11) Do you make wedding cakes? Will you charge a cake-cutting fee?

A cake-cutting fee is charged by either the caterer or venue for serving a cake made by someone not affiliated with them. If this is the case, you will want to know about this ahead of time, to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding breakfast lit up with candles
By Especially Amy

12) How long will you need for setting up and cleaning up?

Make sure to get clarification on the cleaning up process, as your venue will hold you responsible for clearing away all unwanted food, etc.

13) Do you have a food license?

This might seem obvious, but it’s always best to be sure.

14) Is there an extra charge for menu tastings? When can I book my tastings?

Before committing to a 3 hour long menu tasting, make sure you know whether or not you will be paying for it!

15) Is there an overtime fee, in case the event runs late?

If your wedding overruns, normally the waiters will be paid double charge for any extra hour that they stay.

16) Can I get references from couples you catered for?

If a couple loved their wedding food, they will be sure to want to tell you about it, so definitely get a few references before making a final decision!

17) When should I give you the final guest numbers?

The majority of caterers will need to know the total number of guests by a certain date so that they can order the right amount of food. If this changes at all after this date, you may be charged!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding breakfast menu next to water jug
By Chris Giles Photography

More often than not a caterer will also provide your wedding booze. Here are some questions so you can get tasting. Oh hello more bubbles!

18) Do you provide alcohol? Can you accommodate specialist cocktails?

Espresso Martinis for desert? Yes please! Just make sure you ask if your caterer can do this.

19) What brands of alcohol will you serve?

If you have any must-haves, like your Dad’s favourite whisky you want to make sure it is included, or that you can swap a bottle on their menu for the one of your choice!

20) Can we use our own alcohol and your bartenders? Is there a corkage fee for this? What is the service charge?

Sometimes caterers allow you to use your own alcohol, whilst still using their staff. This may be a good option if you have a unique taste in alcohol which you would like to serve!

21) Is the champagne toast included in the overall price?

Many caterers and/or venues will be happy to accommodate a free glass of champagne for the toasts, so make sure to ask!

22) Will we be charged for bottles ordered, or just those that are opened?

The most economical choice by far is to be charged for the bottles opened, as couples tend to buy more alcohol than gets drunk anyway!

Bridebook.co.uk- flag props for ordering at the bar
By Weddings Vintage

Happy Planning!

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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Alcohol

Bridebook.co.uk- eat drink and be married sign on table
By Weddings Vintage

You’re marrying your best friend – and as far as we’re concerned, that merits the celebration of the century. For many couples (and their guests!), that means one thing: alcohol. And lots of it.

But the world of wedding alcohol can feel overwhelming. Should you have an open bar or a cash bar? What drinks will you serve? And how much alcohol do you even need?

Hang on a minute! Don’t decide it’s easier to just ask your guests to BYOB just yet (although we won’t judge you if you do). Here’s everything you need to know about wedding alcohol.

Should You Have An Open Bar Or A Cash Bar At Your Wedding?

Of all your options, an open bar is the most expensive – so it comes down to how much you have to spend. But an open bar doesn’t necessarily mean putting on the works, so consider different types of limited open bars before you ask your guests to pay. For day- and lunchtime weddings, for example, a wine and beer bar tends to be more than enough.

On the other hand, if you are on a tighter budget, a cash bar could be a great option. Your guests will be able to drink exactly what they want – and you won’t need to worry about footing the bill! One thing we will say is that if you can, it’s always a nice touch to still make sure you’ve got in some champagne for the speeches.

What Drinks Should You Serve At Your Wedding

If you can, aim to provide the following alcoholic drinks:

  • White wine
  • Red wine
  • Sparkling wine
  • Light beer
  • Dark beer
  • Spirits

On top of this, you should also provide at least one soft drink option, as well as plenty of water.

A limited drinks selection is an easy way to cut costs – and speed up service.We’d recommend spirits be the first to go. Spirits (especially shots) can push prices – as well as your guests! – over the limit, so ditch them in favour of a premixed cocktail. A signature cocktail is always a great touch to any wedding drinks menu, whether that’s a bespoke drink created just for you or a classic cocktail that has a special meaning for you and your party. You could even rename the drink after yourselves!

For a more limited drinks selection, you might want to offer the following:

  • One red wine
  • One white wine
  • One light beer
  • One dark beer
  • One signature cocktail

Again, you should always provide at least one soft drink option and water on top of this.

How Much Alcohol Should You Buy For Your Wedding?

You should generally allow for two drinks per hour per guest during your drinks reception, and one drink per hour per guest from then on. You might think that these quantities sound smaller than expected – but remember that for every colleague that loves a martini, there’s a great aunt who’ll sip a small glass of champagne. On top of that, you’ll have guests who won’t drink at all. We tend to budget for soft drinks and mixers for 25% of guests.

As for the remaining 75%, you probably know best! As a general rule, wine tends to be the most popular option at weddings, followed by beer, and finally spirits. But always consider your audience! At an Irish wedding, Guinness might be the go to – while if you or your partner are from the West Country, cider could be the drink of the day. The other thing we would recommend is keeping your wedding date in mind. In the summer, it’s unlikely that many people will go for red wine, instead opting for white wine, champagne or light beers. In the winter, on the other hand, we’d expect to see more people drinking red wine or darker beers.

Once you’ve got an idea of what your guests will be drinking, break your alcohol down into measures:

  • A bottle of liquor contains 30 single shots or 15 double shots
  • A bottle of wine contains five glasses
  • A key of beer contains 124 pints or 165 can-sized servings

Here’s an easy formula to get you started:

(number of guests x length of drinks reception x 2 x 0.75) + (number of guests x length of afterparty x 0.75)

You should always order 10-15% on top of that – so that no matter what, you don’t run out of alcohol! If you can, buy your booze on a “sale or return if unopened” basis. But if you can’t, don’t worry – alcohol doesn’t go off, so you can always keep the party going with a post-honeymoon celebration.

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Introduction: Your Wedding Breakfast

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding breakfast buffet
By Millie Benbow Photography

When else do you get to scoff your favourite food ALL day? On your wedding day of course! Not only do you get to eat it, but you get to choose it, taste it AND share it with all your friends and family. On top of that it’s your first meal as a married person – hurray! It’s also an amazing moment to pause and relax after all the excitement of getting married and before the party kicks off. So let’s work out how to make it rock!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding venue set up for reception
By Richard Skins Photography

Let’s talk budget

Prepare to fork out some cash on your catering – it’s one of the more expensive (and yummiest) parts of the big day, with prices ranging from as little as £25 per head, to the averages sitting around £50 per head and the higher end being in the hundreds (and more!). The pricing predominantly depends on your chef (Michelin star chefs will charge accordingly) and how many options your guests can choose from, but spending money on this part is worth every penny.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding menu on a chopping board
By Anna Clarke Photography

How to serve

First consider how you would like to serve your food. Let’s break it down into three options: canapés only, a buffet meal or a sit-down, waiter-served meal. We find that canapés or a buffet usually work for a more relaxed wedding, whereas a three-course meal will provide a greater sense of occasion. Your mode of service can depend on your budget, as a buffet meal will normally be cheaper than a sit-down and waiter-serviced dinner. Although if you go with a buffet, we will need to run through the logistics on making it run smoothly – you don’t want your guests crowding over one station do you? Or go for a happy medium – get each table to carve and tuck into the food themselves; this is a great way to ensure all your guests interact and have fun!

Bridebook.co.uk- guests carving their own food
By Allister Freeman

Choosing what to eat

Now it’s time to choose the mouth-watering goodness! We find that simple, seasonal and local foods are the best answer, as they tend to be freshest, tastiest and easiest to prepare. Your own preferences are a great place to start when deciding on a menu: choose the foods that both of you like and (obviously) avoid the foods that you are allergic to. Ideally, you should be able to cater to a variety of tastes, always considering dietary and religious requirements where necessary.

Bridebook.co.uk- cupcake tower at wedding breakfast
By Pippa Mackenzie

Booze Talk

Make sure you broach the subject of booze with your caterer or venue as they might require you to buy through them. Ask them whether they’ll charge you a corkage fee if you’re planning on buying your own alcohol, and find out whether you need to buy from them before you make your decision.

Bridebook.co.uk- mini burger canapes
By Chris Giles Photography

Canapés

Never forget the canapés (we are never not thinking about canapés)! When you’re being papped by the wedding photographer your guests will be catching up with each other and having drinks, so make sure you leave them with some snacks too! We advise around 5 canapés per person, per each hour of the reception drinks. You should provide a variety of meat and vegetarian choices, which should always be served on separate trays.

Bridebook.co.uk- love sign in front of desert table
By Anna Clarke Photography

Ask around

Get as many recommendations from friends and family as possible. Wedding guests never forget good or bad food and will not be shy in telling you what they did and didn’t like. As soon as you have decided on your preferences and collected a number of reviews, start booking in some yummy tastings – our favourite bit!

Happy Planning!

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9 Tips To The Amateur Videographer

Bridebook.co.uk- outdoor wedding ceremony set up
By Pippa Mackenzie

Whether you decided to ask an amateur filmmaker friend, your younger brother, or even one of the waiters to film some of the essential moments form your wedding, here are our best tips selected exclusively for your helpers to ensure they create the perfect film:

1) First, conduct the necessary research. Sit down with the couple and ask them what they are expecting from their wedding film, which moments they want to be filmed. Visualise these requirements as clearly as you can and focus on capturing them on the day.

2) It is a good idea to intersperse the traditional film-worthy moments with some messages from the attending guests. This creates an effortlessly flowing film and some surprising and touching messages that the newlyweds may not have had the chance to hear on the day itself.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests dancing at reception
By Pippa Mackenzie

3) If you can find a partner in crime, amazing! The two of you working seamlessly together will provide even coverage, especially if one of you shadows the married couple and the other films the guests.

4) Take advantage of “cutaways”. These are beautiful shots of flowers, decorations and other small but important details. Make sure to have a steady hand and zoom out slowly. With a soundtrack, these will look gorgeous and guarantee that one moment flows into another with ease. Bonus point: the newlyweds will really appreciate the little details eternalised on film!

Bridebook.co.uk- table setting with flowers and candles
By Pippa Mackenzie

5) For the clearest audio possible, especially of the vows, try asking the officiant if they will let you pin a microphone to their lapel, if not, pin the mic to the groom’s lapel, but never to the bride’s dress. Other cool alternatives include hiding the mic in the bridal bouquet!

6) Film the guests during the drinks reception and as they take their seats, taking in all the decorations and table settings. The couple will appreciate being able to see the events as they unfold! Please don’t film the wedding guests as they eat! Switch off, enjoy the food and tune in again in time for the speeches.

Bridebook.co.uk- flower girl and ring bearer playing in the sun
By Pippa Mackenzie

7) As you film, make sure you aren’t in the way of any observing guests, after all, they came to see the newlyweds!

8) Always leave a few seconds after each shot before you stop, so that the editing process is made easier for whoever will be editing the finished product.

9) Teach yourself the VIP face sheet: AKA the list of all the important family members and friends, so that they definitely appear in the wedding film! We also strongly recommend you introduce yourself to the wedding photographer, as they are guaranteed to be photographing the same people and moments and you want to make sure that the two of you work in sync.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom leaving ceremony
By Guy Hearn

Follow these steps and prepare to give the newlyweds a beautiful film that they can keep watching for many, many years to come.

Happy filming!

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9 Things To Tell Your Wedding Videographer

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding camera with a say cheese smile
By Weddings Vintage

Once you have chosen your Oscar-worthy wedding videographer (loud applause please), there are a few useful things that you might want to tell them, so that the entire filming process goes off without a hitch – see what we did there?:

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom during first dance surrounded by confetti
By Allister Freeman

1) Provide them with the contact details of your venue and if you have one, your on the day co-ordinator. They can help your videographer if there are any problems setting up.

2) If you feel very passionately about a particular song being included in your wedding film, let your videographer know early on, so that they can adjust accordingly.

3) It is always a good idea to provide your videographer with a face sheet, with all the important people that you would like to see in your wedding film. This way, your videographer won’t accidentally leave someone out. The Mother of the Bride might not be too happy about that!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and mother hugging and smiling
By Chris Giles Photography

4) Let them know the dress code. Think of your wedding videographer as a guest; he or she will have to blend in seamlessly with everyone else at your reception! You can pass on dress code advice here.

5) Introduce them to your photographer. The two of them will be working in tandem so it’s best if they meet before the big day. This way you can make sure they will get along and work together to provide you with the best footage you can get.

6) Introduce them to the Best Man and/or the Maid of Honour, to whom they can direct any questions on your wedding day. (Trust us, you won’t want to be distracted!)

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom high five

7) If they want to use a drone (which looks absolutely epic), check if your wedding venue has any restrictions in regards to this.

8) Provide them with an order of service, so that they know where they should be and when for all the important moments of the day.

9) Lastly, if there is any aspect of the wedding that you have prepared in advance (and in secret), and really want it to be captured on film, let them know in advance!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom dips bride during first dance
By David Pullum Photography

Happy Planning!

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How to Save Money on Wedding Videography

More than 90% of couples in the UK hire a wedding photographer, but only one in three couples hire a videographer. Wedding photographs are a wonderful keepsake that the two of you will come back to again and again, and your wedding album might even become a family heirloom that will be passed down through generations.

The same might not necessarily be the case when it comes to a wedding video. However, a third of couples do still choose to capture their wedding on film, which is a more candid way of immortalising their big day.

In the UK, couples who hire a videographer pay an average of £1,300 – £1,500. This is a large expense, especially when you consider that the overall average cost of a wedding is £20,775.

Whether or not you hire a videographer for your wedding will likely come down to budget, with the average cost of a photographer being more or less the same. When it comes to one or the other, most couples choose to hire a photographer. However, there are ways to save money on a wedding videographer so that you can have the best of both worlds.

In this post, we’re going to explore how to save money on a wedding videographer and still have a lovely video you can watch again and again.

Why is wedding videography so expensive?

Photo © Affordable Wedding Videos | See their Bridebook profile

So, with couples paying an average of £1,300 – £1,500 for a wedding videographer, what exactly are they getting for their money and why are they so expensive? Videographers’ rates are based on:

  • High-quality equipment, including cameras, computers, edit equipment, stabilisers, microphones and even drones
  • The amount of time they spend shooting on the day, which could be during peak times
  • The amount of time post-production can take, which can range from less than a day to several days depending on the level of complexity
  • Skills and expertise which may have been refined from years of experience
  • Team and assistance, such as if they have a second camera operator and a dedicated editor

This is on top of other costs the videographer might have, including insurance, travel, software, equipment maintenance and more.

Do you need a videographer at your wedding?

Photo © GaetanoDiGiacomo Media Production | See their Bridebook profile

As we’ve already highlighted, only 33% of couples choose to hire a professional videographer for their wedding, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to hire one if it’s not something that suits your style, preference or budget. With the cost of many weddings reaching £20,000 and above, another £1,500 for a videographer can be difficult to justify. However, videographers will capture your special day in ways that photographers can’t, and a wedding video is a fantastic complement to your wedding album.

12 ways to save money on a wedding videographer

Photo © Cassidy Storytelling | See their Bridebook profile

If a wedding video is important to you but you don’t want to pay costs anywhere close to the average, there are ways to pay less. Below are 12 ways to save money on a videographer and still have a fabulous wedding video.

1. Choose the right video length

Photo © RMH Productions | See their Bridebook profile

While some couples prefer to have an hour-long feature that documents all the happenings of their wedding day, others choose a more budget-friendly version by asking for a shorter film. After all, the really important elements will all be there, only in a much more condensed format. So, instead of the wedding equivalent of The Lord of the Rings, something smaller will cut the cost at the same time as cutting the length.

2. Focus on the ceremony

Photo © Blooming Moments Films | See their Bridebook profile

The ceremony is arguably the most important and emotional part of your wedding day. This is when you make lifelong promises to love each other, as your nearest and dearest watch on. This is when all the dads get a bit teary giving away their daughters and when you share your first kiss as a married couple.

It’s also likely that you won’t have much other footage from the ceremony (as opposed to the Reels and stories you’ll see of the breakfast and evening reception) – especially if you ask your guests to adhere to an unplugged ceremony.

Ask your videographer to record just this part of your wedding day, saving you some precious pennies and giving you a wonderful keepsake.

3. Choose a basic package

Photo © Sam Baly Films | See their Bridebook profile

Just like photographers, videographers tend to have package offers when it comes to wedding films. Instead of choosing all the extra editing and special effects, go for the most basic package, which will simply follow the wedding day and generally avoid the more complex filming and editing techniques (as well as extras like a trailer and highlight reel). 

For example, Affordable Wedding Videos in Oxfordshire offer a basic ‘Carnation Package’, which costs just £700 and includes filming from the moment guests start arriving until the completion of the speeches.

4. Attend wedding fairs

Photo © Capture House Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

A lot of professional wedding videographers will attend industry fairs and many of them will offer great deals to the couples who meet and chat with them there. So make sure you go, ask plenty of questions and secure yourself an awesome deal.

Another quick tip is to make your booking early – if you find yourself hiring a videographer at the last minute you might have to pay rates that are higher than normal.

5. Become an editing guru

Photo © White Feather Filmmaker | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re something of a wannabe-Spielberg, you could have a go at editing your wedding video yourself. Your videographer will have hours of priceless, beautifully-shot film from the day that will practically speak for itself. If you’re a tech-savvy couple (or have techy friends), you may be able to do the editing yourselves and save on post-production costs, which is one of the most time-consuming (and expensive) parts.

The good news is, decent edit software is readily available and fairly affordable. Professional edit software such as Adobe Premiere offers a subscription service, so for around £50 you could subscribe for one month, edit your film, and then cancel. Or, there are plenty out there that are free, too. iMovie might not have the functionality of paid programmes, but it’s hard to argue if it saves you cash. Plus, iMovie can be downloaded on a smartphone or tablet, so you can edit on the go.

Do note that if you have no prior knowledge with editing software or any experience in the videography field, you might struggle at first. If you want high-quality results fast, hiring a professional videographer, with years of experience, is the way to go. Turning the raw footage from your wedding into an emotional film set to music, which perfectly tells the story of the day, is no small feat! So, be prepared to compromise on the quality of the final product if you go down the DIY video editing route.

6. Only hire one videographer

Photo © A Beautiful Day Productions | See their Bridebook profile

Some videographers have an assistant who helps them film on the big day, which ensures they get plenty of coverage of your wedding. While this will give you a greater variety of shots and options in the edit, it will also add extra pennies to the overall cost.

You can still have a great wedding film with just one videographer. There’s even the option of setting up multiple unoperated cameras, too. Have a word with your videographer and see what they’re able to do without the need for an assistant.

7. Hire a local videographer

Photo © Into Vision | See their Bridebook profile

The videographer you hire may charge you more if they have to travel a long way to get to your venue, so try to hire someone who makes it clear how far their catchment area covers.

The only exception to this may be if your wedding is taking place in London. Videographers based in the capital can have higher rates than those based outside of the M25, so make sure you get several quotes and weigh up the better option for your budget.

Check out our fantastic range of wedding videographers to find one close to you.

8. Ask a friend or family member to film your wedding for you

Photo © Severn Scent Videos | See their Bridebook profile

Know what the best thing about most of your friends and family members having a smartphone is? You in theory instantly have dozens of guests with relatively high-quality cameras at your disposal.

Consider asking one or two trustworthy guests to whip out their phones and record the ceremony. For a little extra professionalism, you can pick up a tripod that will hold a smartphone and allow for remote operation for around £20. That means your chosen friend or family member can record your wedding without having to miss out on actually watching you exchange your vows. That sounds like the perfect solution!

But again, as with the DIY video editing route, there are drawbacks to forgoing professional videography services. As we outlined above, there’s so much more to putting together a wedding film than simply pressing ‘play’ and letting the events naturally unfold. If you just want the simplest possible footage, and are prioritising minimising costs at all costs, then this could be the best choice for you. However, if you want a beautifully-shot and expertly-edited video which truly captures the story and spirit of your big day, then there’s nothing like that professional touch. 

9. Don’t agree to pay extra for unnecessary extras

Photo © Tom Jehu Media | See their Bridebook profile

It’s 2023: high-definition should always be the absolute minimum standard for a wedding video. If HD isn’t offered as part of a standard videography package, we recommend either insisting upon it or finding a videographer who does offer it at no extra cost.

You may also want to think twice about whether or not you want a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of your film. In the age of streaming, fewer and fewer people have a Blu-Ray player, anyway. A USB stick, or even just a download link, should be more than enough. Then, if you change your mind later and realise you do want a DVD copy, you can use your home PC to create one without much trouble.

10. Hire an up-and-coming videographer 

Photo © Wedlock Films | See their Bridebook profile

The more experience with shooting wedding videos a videographer has, the more they’re likely to charge. Of course, this experience will help them produce a fabulous video, but a videographer with less experience should still be capable of creating something magical.

It’s also worth remembering that less experience isn’t the same as no experience. If you hire a videographer who has never made a wedding video before, you’re unlikely to get a final product that meets your expectations. Then again, even the most skilled and experienced videographer had to start somewhere.

But, it’s about balance, and while an inexperienced videographer might not have a huge portfolio, they’ll have loads of enthusiasm and will want to impress you – and if they can do that while making sure you pay less, it might just be worth the gamble.

11. Avoid using drones and other expensive equipment

Photo © G&G Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

If you hire a videographer who uses a lot of technical and expensive equipment, like drones, then that can seriously add to the cost. Of course, sweeping drone shots will look stunning, cinematic and romantic in your final film, but it’ll likely cost a small fortune.

So, if you’re on a tight budget, speak to your videographer and let them know you want to keep things simple to help keep costs down.

12. Avoid peak times

Photo © ChrisJFilms: Wedding Videography | See their Bridebook profile

The date your wedding takes place will have a big influence over the cost of your videographer, as it will over many other aspects of your wedding. If you get married on a Saturday during the summer, you’ll pay much higher rates than you would if you got married on a Tuesday in winter.

If you can, try to plan your wedding during off-peak times. Not only will you pay less for a videographer, but for your venue, your catering, your transport and more, which will help your overall wedding budget. 

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How Much Does Wedding Videography Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Most couples opt to hire a photographer to capture their wedding. In fact, our data shows that 9 out of 10 couples hire a photographer for their big day. However, far fewer couples hire a videographer, with just a third choosing to immortalise their wedding on video.

But, documenting your wedding by using the skills of a videographer is a unique and highly personal way of capturing the magic. Video is different from photography because it can be a lot more natural and encapsulates those special moments as they happen. Your photographs are wonderful, but nothing can replicate the beaming smiles and happy tears that happen in the moment.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding videographer, what can influence the cost and what level of skill and experience you might expect for your budget.

What’s the average cost of a wedding videographer?

Photo © Affordable Wedding Videos | See their Bridebook profile

The average amount couples spend on a wedding videographer in the UK is £1,300-£1,500, which is very similar to the average cost of a photographer. These are average costs for hiring an experienced, professional videographer, rather than going for a more DIY approach. 

However, there are several different factors that can affect this cost, including the videographer’s experience, the technology they use, the venue, the post-production, and the videography package. For the majority of UK videographers, the average package value is far closer to over £1,500. After all, a camera operator alone charges £450-£650 per day on average, editing £350 per day, let alone the cost of the use of equipment, plus marketing, sales, preparation and general admin time. That’s why the cost of a wedding videographer can seem so pricey – a lot goes into producing gorgeous wedding films!

What’s included in the cost?

Photo © Wedding Videos Northamptonshire | See their Bridebook profile

Unlike a wedding photographer, a videographer is someone who won’t spend a portion of the day ‘directing’ you – instead, they’ll blend into the crowd and naturally capture your wedding. In some ways, you could compare it to a documentary as it tells the story of your wedding day, from the moment you start getting ready to the moment the two of you are whisked away together at the end of the night.

What’s included in the cost depends entirely on the package you choose, but can include:

  • You and your other half getting ready
  • Your guests arriving
  • Footage of the ceremony (some videographers may offer just this as a basic package)
  • Footage of the wedding breakfast (including speeches)
  • Footage of the evening reception (including cutting the cake and the first dance)
  • Video editing and post-production
  • A USB or DVD of the finished film

If you’re on a budget should you hire a videographer instead of a photographer?

Photo © Samon Films | See their Bridebook profile

While a videographer is generally more affordable than a photographer, you may want to think twice before choosing video in place of the more traditional photographs. Videography is a lovely way to complement your photographs rather than replace them, so don’t let the cost be the deciding factor. Remember, even though the average cost of a photographer is more than the average cost of a videographer, there are options available. There are even vendors who will be able to offer a package that includes both photography and videography.

Sign up to Bridebook today and browse our extensive directory of videographers.

What can affect the cost of a wedding videographer?

Photo © CKS Productions | See their Bridebook profile

While our ultimate wedding budget breakdown found that £1,439 is the average amount couples in the UK spend on a wedding videographer, there are plenty of factors that can affect the cost:

  • The date: Expect to pay more than the average costs if your wedding is taking place during peak times, such as during the summer months or on a Saturday.
  • Venue: Where your venue is located – as well as how far your videographer has to travel – can impact the cost. For example, videographers in London will be more expensive than those outside the capital.
  • The style: The price will vary depending on whether you want the videographer to cover the ceremony alone or the entire day.
  • Experience: The more experience a videographer has, the higher their price will be. On the flip side, you’ll likely receive a far more professional and polished video.
  • Time: How long do you need the videographer to be there? Is there footage needed before or after your wedding? How long will post-production take to get the final product you’re after?
  • Additional crew: If you’re keen on the more dynamic style that multiple cameras allow, then a second camera person will bump up the cost.
  • Additional equipment: Are lights, additional cameras, or even drones needed to get the look you want?
  • Multiple copies: Your package may include a limited number of copies of your final film on USB or DVD.

There may also be optional extras that can bump up the cost, such as:

  • Expedited post-production and delivery
  • Video messages from friends and family
  • Montages set to music
  • Unedited footage

What should you be aware of before you book your wedding videographer?

Photo © Veiled Productions | See their Bridebook profile

Every videographer will have their own unique style and way of documenting your wedding. Before hiring them, make sure their style aligns with your vision – if you’re looking for something cinematic but they don’t have the skills (or equipment) to do so then you want to avoid disappointment. Just because they shoot weddings (and fit your budget), it doesn’t mean they can meet your needs.

If you’re hiring a videographer that can include drone footage, ensure they have the relevant documentation so they’re able to do so legally, including a flyer ID and operator ID. The last thing you want is for your videographer to get caught out halfway through shooting your wedding.

Finally, is the videographer insured? This may be something the venue wishes to see before the wedding, so make sure it’s something they can produce if needed.

What experience level can you expect for your budget?

Photo © Wedlock Films | See their Bridebook profile

Your budget will determine the level of experience, and therefore skill, your wedding videographer has. Check out the below table to get an idea of what your budget might get you.

Budget

£3,000+

£1,500-£3,000

£1,000-£1,500

Under £1,000

Level of experience

You’ll get an industry-leading videographer who will produce a stunning wedding video. They may also have a second videographer working with them to ensure a variety of high-quality footage.

You’ll get an experienced videographer who has documented many weddings and will produce a fantastic video.

You’ll get a videographer who is finding their own unique style and has documented several dozen weddings.

You’ll get an up-and-coming videographer keen to grow their portfolio.

Start planning your dream wedding today

Are you and your partner ready to start planning your big day? Sign up to Bridebook to take the stress out of planning!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding videography, we’ve got the lowdown on how to cut costs and stay within your budget.

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How To: Choose Your Wedding Videographer

Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your entire life – and you’ll want to remember every detail! One way to do that? Hiring a wedding videographer to capture absolutely every moment in a gorgeous wedding film that you can watch back for years to come. But that’s a big responsibility – so here’s how to find the wedding videographer that’s your perfect match.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom hugging in a forest
By Miki Photography

1. Get Inspired

Start off by sitting down with your partner and working out what you want from your wedding film. Look on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube to see what other couples have done, or check out other events videography if you want to cast the net a bit wider. What style of wedding film do you like? Every videographer has a different style so give some thought to whether you want something with more of a “documentary” or “fly-on-the-wall” style or something that feels more like a narrative.

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By Ross Harvey

2. Ask For Recommendations

Recently married friends will be more than happy to share their wisdom – and show off their wedding film too! You could also ask your wedding photographer if they’ve worked with any fantastic wedding videographers. 

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By Richard Skins Photography

3. Do Your Research

When you put together your shortlist of videographers, don’t be swayed by just their showreel! We recommend watching three complete wedding films from each videographer to really get a feel for their style and standard. Think about how each film makes you feel too. Does the videographer capture the emotions of each couple’s big day? The mark of a good videographer is being able to truly transport you back to that wedding day – and make you wish you’d been invited!

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By Luis Holden

4. Have A Chat

Once you’ve found two or three videographers you love, meet them in person and make sure you get along. On your wedding day, your videographer (and potentially their assistant too) will be following you from dawn to dusk – so it’s important you like them!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom during first dance

5. Pin Down The Details

Take some time to clarify exactly what you want from your videographer, whether that’s on your big day or in the finished film. For example, if you don’t want your videographers moving around during the ceremony, make sure to let them know you’d prefer it to be filmed statically.

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Introduction: Why You Should Have A Wedding Film

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaids climbing stairs
By Guy Hearn

You’ve spent months planning and pouring over every little detail of your wedding day, making sure everyone invited has a fantastic time. Once it’s all over your memories of the day might be a wee bit blurry. Have no fear the videographer is here! We find that nothing can quite convey the mood and atmosphere of the day as much as a wedding film that you can keep watching over and over again. In fact, 75% of newlyweds say they regret not hiring a videographer for their wedding, so here is our introduction to why we think it’s a no brainer!

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaids cheering
By Guy Hearn

 

  • A videographer will capture your personal story, the expressions of the wedding guests (which you definitely won’t have seen) as they witness all the important moments of the day, the exchange of the vows and the unique and wonderful mood of the whole day.
  • As the newlyweds, you will be the constant centre of attention, chatting to friends and relatives, listening to the speeches and having lots of fun. However, in the midst of all the entertaining you might miss certain moments, or some of the speeches may fade from your memory. A videographer will make sure that all the important moments are captured on film, so that you can refresh your memory (and everyone else’s) any time!
  • Consider this; if you had the option, would you watch your parents’ or your grandparents’ wedding video? Your children will definitely love the opportunity of seeing you on your wedding day, as well as their grandparents and family friends having fun!
  • Having a film of your special day could signal the start of a new tradition! The two of you could re-watch your wedding on every anniversary, reflecting back on the first day that started your life as a married couple and toasting your achievements with some bubbles.
Bridebook.co.uk- best man giving speech as bride and groom hug
By Lawson Photography

The only real disadvantage of a videographer is the price, which may stretch your budget, as the average price tends to be around £1000 for a fully edited wedding video. However, even if your budget will not reach the target, no matter how much you stretch it, Bridebook is here to offer you some great tips and potential alternatives.

  • Videographers tend to have a number of packages (the amount of hours they are hired for, the editing, the number of DVDs offered), available at different prices. Making sure you choose the right package for you could mean saving the necessary money and still creating a beautiful time capsule of your day.
  • Another, slightly more risky, option is going to a film school and hiring one of the students. Film academies have a lot of talent, so make sure you choose the right one for you by looking through their portfolio.
  • It is always a great idea to involve your guests in filming – maybe allocate certain parts of the day to certain people. Mobile cameras are so advanced and so clear that they may be a great alternative, as well as providing you with endless viewpoints. Similarly, you can use a GoPro; a savvy bride attached hers to the bouquet, which resulted in a creative and unique film of her special day. This may not have the polished result of a professional videographer, but it can always be perfected through free tools like iMovie, which allow for a soundtrack to be placed over the film, giving you all the control over the footage of your special day.

Whatever option you choose, you will end up with emotional, hilarious and special footage from your big day and that’s worth having – in our minds.

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By Ten Twenty One

Happy Planning!

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Tips: 10 Things You Should Tell Your Wedding Photographer

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By Guy Hearn

Your photographer is pretty much your closest friend on your Wedding Day. They are there for every moment from the beginning – they even see you when your loved one doesn’t! They are the ones to make those amazing lasting memories of you as newlyweds and of your happy guests, celebrating your marriage. Make sure your photographer is ready to go, with our handy tips below:

1) Tell them what they should wear; you don’t want a photographer in flip-flops and shorts in the middle of a black-tie affair. Your photographer should not stand out amongst your guests. (Massive camera aside of course!)

2) Provide them with an order of service, so they know what is happening and when. The only way for you to have photographs of all your special moments is to tell the photographer where he or she should be when they are taking place. (They need to get the best angle after all!)

Bridebook.co.uk- bride arriving at ceremony in the car
By Guy Hearn

3) Provide your photographer with a ‘face sheet’ (photos of key attendees and their names). That way, they will know who the important people are and make sure that they get photographed the most.

4) If you want big group shots, including the entire wedding (guests and all), let the photographer know in advance. These will take longer to organise (and you don’t want your MOH or BM running around and frantically making sure Uncle Tom’s hand isn’t covering Aunt Mary’s face when he waves!)

Bridebook.co.uk- bride groom bridal party
By Guy Hearn

5) Talking of group shots, if there are any awkward family circumstances, you should let your photographer know, so that he can position the subjects accordingly and be as tactful as possible.

6) Let your photographer know if any of your guests have mobility restrictions, so that benches and seats can be organised if needed for certain shots.

7) Ask your photographer to take pictures of all the little details you’ve worked so hard over! This could mean anything from the favours and elaborate seating cards, to the flower centrepieces on every table.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding table number with old toys for decoration
By Weddings Vintage

8) Similarly, tell your photographer if there is a specific location where you would like to be photographed (on a bridge, underneath a gorgeous tree, walking down a grand staircase), so that he or she can leave enough time for these shots, especially if lighting needs to be adjusted.

9) If you and your beloved are planning a surprise first dance with an incredible lift, get your photographer in on the surprise! If he knows when the big moments are coming, he can get the best angles for the coolest photos!

10) Lastly, we strongly advise you to tell your photographer if there are certain parts of your wedding you don’t want captured. Whilst some might find the drunken antics of your uncle Bill hilarious, you may not want them in your wedding album for years to come!

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By Allister Freeman

Happy Planning!

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16 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom holding hands and laughing
By Raw Silk Photography

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your big day. They need to have a strong combination of artistic vision, professionalism and experience, as your wedding photos will take pride of place in your photo albums for generations to come. Ask the following questions and rest assured, the professional you hire will be the perfect one for you.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom in front of the venue and starry sky
By Chris Giles Photography

1) What is your shooting style? (Fashion editorial, traditional or documentary)

You will know from looking at lots of portfolios, which style of photography you prefer, whether it is the fly-on-the-wall documentary, the stylised fashion editorial or the classic traditional. Therefore, it is very important that the photographers you meet know and specialise in your chosen style.

2) Do you shoot on film or digitally?

Film is more demanding in terms of editing and getting the right shot the first time around – the results are pretty amazing. While digital is less time consuming, it is just as impressive. Both will look ace so don’t worry too much. Just balance up results vs time on the big day!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom first dance
By Stephen Casey Photography

3) How many weddings do you photograph a year?

This is an incredibly important question, as it will give you an indication of how experienced your photographer is and how much they are likely to charge! For example, a photographer shooting less than 20 weddings a year might charge a premium price, as they dedicate a lot of time to the shooting and editing, or they might offer their services at a lower rate, because they’re just entering the industry.

4) Can I see an example of a complete wedding album?

This means you will see all the photographs taken on your wedding day instead of a selection curated by the photographer.

Bridebook.co.uk- flower girls carrying brides train
By Guy Hearn

5) May I contact previous customers for references?

Any successful photographer will be happy to put you in touch with previous customers, as they will be secure in knowing they will receive great feedback!

6) What wedding packages do you offer and what do they include?

You want to know if the package includes the album, the editing, the engagement shoot and visiting the venue before the day. Essentially, you will want to find out exactly what is included in the wedding package so that you won’t have to pay additional charges for extras you thought were already included!

7) Do you have insurance?

A professional wedding photographer should have both professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance for between £2-5 million.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom hug and smile
By Simon Biffen Photography

8) Have you taken photos at my wedding venue before? Would you be willing to visit the venue before the wedding day?

If your photographer has shot at your wedding venue before, make sure you ask to see a complete wedding album taken at this venue! This will give you a much clearer indication of what your wedding photographs will look like.

9) Do I need to cover your travel costs or is that included in the price?

Again, this is another question to make sure there aren’t any unforeseen costs. Similarly, you will want to know if you will need to pay for petrol or overnight accommodation, or both.

10) Will it be you photographing us on the wedding day? Do you plan on bringing assistants?

We advise you to think carefully before you ask for 2-3 assistants to attend your wedding and cover it second by second. We find that an experienced photographer can capture your day with discretion and thought, with you and your guests barely knowing that they are there.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in wedding car
By Guy Hearn

11) Do you have any good back-up photographers you can call on should something happen to you?

Though the likelihood of your photographer not working on your wedding day is slim, you will want to make sure someone is there to pick up the ball and capture your special day!

12) Do you carry back-up equipment?

Even if your photographer has an awesome camera, that is not enough! In fact, even two cameras may not be enough. Should one break/run out of battery, your photographer is back to just having one camera. A professional photographer will carry three cameras minimum and just as many different lenses.

13) What do you usually wear to a wedding?

You want your photographer to blend in with your guests as much as possible, which is why you want to make sure they don’t come to your wedding in jeans and a T-shirt, while everyone else is in ball gowns and tuxes!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaids holding bouquets and smiling
By Richard Skins Photography

14) When can I expect to see the finished wedding photographs?

You will want to know when your online gallery will be up on the website and how much reprints of your favourite photographs will cost you.

15) Will I get all of the photographs or just those selected by you? How many photographs can I expect?

Printing the photos yourselves can be a cheaper option so ask if this is possible – just make sure that they are printed on quality paper, so that they don’t wear with time.

16) Although you have the copyright, can I print my own photos from the wedding disc and can I put your photos on my blog?

You want to make sure that you won’t have to pay for any extra photograph that you want printed. Similarly, if you want to post your images online, you will want to know that you are allowed to do so!

Bridebook.co.uk- kisses bride at reception
By Lawson Photography

Happy Planning!

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How to Save Money on Wedding Photography

Hiring a photographer is one of the few non-negotiables that couples have when it comes to their wedding. A photographer will spend time capturing moments that you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives, so it’s worth dedicating a portion of your budget to a skilled professional.

That skill naturally often comes with a fairly hefty price tag. In the UK, couples spend an average of £1,300 – £1,500 on a wedding photographer, which is a decent chunk of the average overall budget for a wedding at £20,775.

But what if you don’t want to spend that much on a photographer, or you simply don’t have the budget to spare? Does that mean you have to forgo beautifully-taken professional photos and rely on what your guests capture on their phones? 

Thankfully, the answer is a resounding no. Even on a tight budget, there are ways around having to pay even close to the UK average for a photographer. In this post, we’re going to dive into the many tips and tricks you can use to save money on a wedding photographer and still have a wonderful wedding album that you can treasure forever.

Why are wedding photographers so expensive?

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You might be wondering how wedding photography can cost £1,500 or more on average. Well, a lot of time, money, experience and effort goes into the production of a wedding album – more than you probably realise at first glance. The cost will include:

  • The years of training and experience behind them
  • Their knowledge and expertise
  • Their expensive equipment (including what they need for post-production)
  • Their time before, during and after the big day
  • Travel and other business expenses
  • Post-production and editing costs
  • Print release/copyright of your photographs (you’ll need to check with your photographer which is included – see below) 

So, while you may spend a relatively short amount of time with your photographer on the day itself, the monumental amount of work they do behind the scenes contributes heavily towards the cost.

12 ways to save money on a wedding photographer

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The good news is, there are plenty of ways you can significantly lower how much you pay for a photographer at your wedding. Below are 12 ways you can pay less but still have fabulous photographs of your special day.

1. Hire them using their hourly rate instead of a flat rate

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All wedding photographers tend to advertise a flat rate, which will normally be a certain number of hours at a set fee. You can save money by asking them for their hourly rate and hiring them for fewer hours. Of course, you’ll want them there to capture the ceremony and then photos of you and your new spouse, plus your family and friends, but you could really cut how much you spend by forgoing photos of the breakfast, speeches and the evening reception. An added bonus is that if you hire a photographer for fewer hours, it’ll also help you to be more organised and avoid any time-consuming faff.

2. Choose a basic package

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Photographers tend to offer set bundles or packages, which will normally involve an album and a certain amount of printed images. Settle for the basic package and then get creative by putting together your own wedding album, when you can spread the cost out during the months following your wedding. There are plenty of affordable albums available, which you can personalise with a little creative craftwork.

For example, Jacque Prates Photography in Derbyshire offers a basic ‘Fun Package’ which includes four to six hours of photography with prices starting from as little as £70 per hour.

3. Ask for photographer recommendations (which could lead to a discount)

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Find out if your desired photographer will offer a discount based on a referral. Word of mouth dominates the wedding industry, so this is often the case with a lot of professional photographers. Always mention who it was who referred you in the first place. Remember, the worst they can say is no, but chances are they’ll be able to offer you something. Even a small saving, like 5%, will help when you have so many different vendors and services to pay for.

You can also browse our wonderful selection of wedding photographers and filter by exclusive Bridebook special offers to find discounts you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Opt only for digital copies of your photographs

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It’s the 21st century, and if you think about it, when was the last time you had actual physical photographs printed? Gone are the days of having to develop photos as the only option, with most of us having years’ worth of photos right there on our smartphones. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s not unreasonable to consider doing the same with your wedding photos? Then, you could have just one or two printed to frame and hang on the wall, and skip the physical album altogether to save hundreds. 

On this note, though, there are several important points to be aware of. If you hire a professional photographer, but ask only for digital photos, when you take those images down to your instant local photo lab, what you get back might not be not what you imagined or even saw on your screen. 

A professional photographer does more than send your photos out for printing to make it into a great print that can last a lifetime. This includes:

  • Retouching the final image, including the people and the background
  • Using calibrated monitor to make sure everything is true to life (including the colours, brightness, contrast and vibrancy) 
  • Properly cropping the picture to fit the frame
  • Resizing the image based upon the desired dimensions
  • Sharpening the image for the printer depending on the surface it will be printed on (whether paper, wood or even metal)
  • Working with professional colour labs (to make sure the colour reproduction is true)
  • Choosing the right high-quality paper for the image 

Read more on why your photographer should print your images here. The point is, if you’re trying to save money and want to print your wedding photos yourself, there are potential consequences and risks to consider. 

5. Secure a print release rather than complete copyright 

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When choosing your wedding photographer, be sure to discuss the type of release they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs. This clarity will help you plan your wedding budget effectively and nurture a positive and transparent relationship with your photographer.

If you’re budget-conscious, a personal use/printing release is more than enough to meet your wedding photo needs. It allows you to enjoy your photos without the added expense of purchasing complete copyright, which can be costly on top of the shooting fee. Some photographers may also offer high-quality prints and albums as an alternative, but this can be more expensive. Whichever option you choose, it’s always good practice to credit your photographer when sharing photos on social media – especially if the images aren’t watermarked – as a sign of appreciation for their work.

6. Book your photographer early (and in some cases…late)

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Book as soon as you possibly can. Photographers will often have a discount for advanced bookings, which you can definitely utilise. Plus, if you wait until fairly close to the big day, photographers will know you’ll have very few options, which means you might have to pay higher-than-usual rates.

On the flip side, the opposite can also save you money, with many photographers offering great last-minute deals. Browse our range of photographers and filter by Bridebook special offers to view late availability. If you’re brave enough, this could save you as much as 30%. Of course, it doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be able to find your number one choice, but it could be worth the risk.

7. Ask an aspiring photographer in your family to do the honours

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Do you have a cousin studying photography at college or an uncle who once won a photography award? Ask them to snap some photos during the day and into the night so you don’t have to rely on paying a professional for more hours than you’d like to. You may not want to rely on an amateur photographer to take your official wedding photos, but whatever they capture should be able to complement them perfectly.

8. Hire a local photographer

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The photographer you hire will more than likely have a catchment area. If your wedding venue is outside of this area, you’ll have to pay additional travel (and maybe even accommodation) expenses, which can soon add up. Try to hire a photographer who has a catchment area that includes your venue so they don’t have to travel too far.

The only exception to this might be if you’re hiring a photographer who is based in London. London-based photographers tend to have higher rates than those outside the capital, so try to bear this in mind. Get some quotes and weigh up which is more in keeping with your budget.

Check out our huge range of photographers across the UK to find one close to you.

9. Hire a photographer with less experience

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When you hire a photographer, you’ll want to have confidence that they’ll be able to take perfect photos and have a full understanding of composition, lighting, framing and how to direct people, to capture the best photographs possible. A photographer with years of experience will be able to do this without any issues, but that experience comes at a cost.

A less experienced photographer will still be finding their feet, but they’ll have the developing skill, knowledge and understanding they need to still take brilliant photos. They just might be a little less confident and nervous. If you’re willing to take the risk, hiring an up-and-coming photographer is a great way to save hundreds of pounds.

10. Try to avoid having your wedding during peak times

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The most popular time to get married is between April and September, and on weekends, which means professional photographers will always have higher rates during these times. The same applies to practically every supplier you’ll hire to be a part of your big day.

That means, if you get married outside of peak dates, you’ll pay less – way less. It might not be super convenient for you or your guests, but having the confidence to ask your guests to take a day of annual leave can save you an absolute ton of money – not just on your photographer, but on many other parts of your wedding, too.

January and February tend to be the cheapests month for a wedding, so if you don’t feel the cold, either of these months could be a great time to book your photographer. And on the off-chance there’s frost or snow, it’ll give you the opportunity to take unique wedding photos.

When browsing for photographers here on Bridebook, check out their seasonal offers to see what brilliant discounts they can offer when your wedding is during quieter times. Many give out amazing discounts on winter weddings in particular. 

11. Ask your photographer not to use an assistant

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Sometimes, your chosen photographer will employ an assistant to work at your wedding to provide photographs from a variety of angles. While their assistant won’t be as experienced as them and will be an up-and-coming photographer who is still learning their craft, they can still add a hefty amount to the cost. Ask your photographer to work alone – and lower the cost at the same time.

12. Only shoot photos during and after the ceremony

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Your wedding ceremony will only take around half an hour, so why not hire a photographer to only shoot the ceremony and then a few post-ceremony photos with close family? That way, they should only have to be at your wedding for a maximum of 90 minutes, but you’ll still have professional photos to remember the big day by. Even when photographers offer set packages, they’ll usually be open to working to your requirements if you’re after something bespoke.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

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Happy Planning!

How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Choosing the right wedding photographer for you is absolutely crucial to ensure you have an amazing wedding album that you’re proud to leave out on the coffee table and show everyone who pops over. Your photo album will be a keepsake from your wedding that you’ll want to return to again and again, and may even cement itself as a family heirloom for your kids, grandkids and beyond. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll use them as your profile pics on social media, too!

Every photographer is different, providing a unique way of stylising your wedding photos through framing, lighting, composition and more. Each professional photographer you consider will also have different rates, which will vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as experience and skill.

So, when it comes to budgeting for your wedding, how much might you expect to pay for a wedding photographer? In this post we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include, and what you need to be aware of before your big day.

What’s the average price of a wedding photographer?

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The price of a wedding photographer can vary wildly, but on average you can expect to pay around £1,300-£1,500. This may sound like a lot, but it’s important to remember that you’re not just paying for the photographer’s time on the big day. You’re also paying for their knowledge, skill and experience, as well as the work that goes into preparing for your wedding and the post-production afterwards.

What’s included in this cost?

Photo © Emis Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs on a USB, whereas a premium package will include this and much more. When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to make sure you know exactly what your chosen package includes.

Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:

  • A pre-wedding photography session
  • Coverage on the day
  • Post-production including photo editing
  • A second supporting photographer
  • Prints of your photos or digital download link 
  • A physical wedding album
  • Printed canvases
  • A ‘best of the day’ video

Most photographers offer a range of packages for you to choose from, with optional extras that allow you to customise your package. For a rough idea of what to expect for your budget, check out the table below:

Budget

£3,000+

£1,500-£3,000

£1,000-£1,500

Under £1,000

What may be included

This can offer you up to two experienced wedding photographers to follow you for the duration of your wedding day and a premium, leather-bound album with wedding photographs carefully chosen by you with optional personalisations.

This can offer you up to two photographers for eight hours and a set of beautiful high-resolution images, or just one photographer, an album and an engagement shoot.

This can offer you one photographer for six hours along with an engagement shoot, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).

This can offer you up to four hours of coverage, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding photographer?

Photo © Queen Bea Photography | See their Bridebook profile

While these are general, average UK wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:

  • Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
  • Location: Where you are in the UK will impact costs. For example, photographers in London will be more expensive than those outside.
  • Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
  • The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year.
  • How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
  • Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
  • The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your Great Aunt’s eyes because she blinked.
  • The type of album: Many photographers will offer your options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.

What else should you be aware of when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer?

Photo © W&K Event Photography | See their Bridebook profile

As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, find out what type of release  they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs. 

By default, your photographer will own the copyright to your wedding photos. To buy the copyright for your photos later could end up being rather pricey – there are horror stories of newlyweds ending up paying hundreds or even thousands of pounds they hadn’t budgeted for. It’s rare, but something to be aware of before making your decision. And in all likelihood, you won’t need the copyright anyway. 

In the vast majority of cases, a personal use license or printing release is more than enough to meet your wedding photo needs. It allows you to enjoy your photos (for example, print them at home, or share them on your own social media) without the added expense of purchasing complete copyright.

Whichever you go for, be sure to communicate with your photographer to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. And in all cases, it’s always good practice to credit your photographer when sharing photos on social media – especially if the images aren’t watermarked – as a sign of appreciation for their work.

What level of experience can you expect for your budget?

Photo © Stevie Price Photography | See their Bridebook profile

As we’ve already covered, pricing structures vary between photographers. At Bridebook, we’ve got a huge directory of photographers that includes photographers to fit all budgets.

A more inexperienced photographer will likely be much cheaper than one who has photographed hundreds of weddings, which means there’s also more risk. Full-time wedding photographers – who rely on events like yours as their sole income – may also charge more than those who use it as a side hustle. But again, if they’re full-time then they’re likely to have more experience, too.

Check out the table below to get a rough idea of what to expect from your budget.

Budget

£3,000+

£1,500-£3,000

£1,000-£1,500

Under £1,000

Level of experience

You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience.

You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style.

You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience.

You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs.

Ready to start planning your wedding?

Planning your big day but not sure where to start? Join Bridebook and take all the stress out of planning your wedding.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding photographer, check out our expert money-saving tips to help your budget go as far as possible.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding photography, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you stretch out your budget.

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Introduction: First Look Photography

Bridebook.co.uk- bride taps groom on the shoulder and he turns around
By Benj Haisch

First Look photography is a movement that is becoming more and more popular in the wedding industry, especially for winter weddings where daylight hours are so short. If you want amazing photographs of you and your beloved, simply enjoying each other’s company and how gorgeous both of you look, then this could be an option to consider. To save you the debating time we’re going to tell you everything about First Look photography, so that all you have to do is decide if it works for you or not – aren’t we kind!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom back to back before first look
By Kyle Hemp

Your wedding day is a busy day – you’re getting married to the love of your life AND having a huge party. Isn’t that enough? Well on top of that there’s a lot going on and a lot of people will want to talk to you and congratulate you. As awesome as that is, it can leave your photography slot pressed for time.  First Look photography aims to eliminate some of that pressure (pass the champagne please!) by moving your photography time to before the ceremony, leaving you to enjoy your drinks reception after the ceremony. Yes, please!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom seeing bride for the first time being very happy
By Benj Haisch

So how does it work?

The First Look shoot happens before the ceremony. Nice to get it done when you don’t have guests to chat to and champagne to drink but this does mean that the first time you see each other on your wedding day won’t be on the walk down the aisle – that can be a deal-breaker for some couples. However, trust us, the moment the couple first set eyes on each other is incredible and so romantic that you will want something as special as that captured on film! Besides, you will still be as ecstatic to see each other when the walk down the aisle does begin, because you’ll actually be getting married and that’s the whole point, right?

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom on different side of the door
By Ian Grant Photography

What about everyone else?

This part is largely up to you. The bridal party, the groomsmen and the families can all be involved in a First Look, leaving the rest of your wedding day with a little more time. Alternatively, you may decide that the First Look is only for you and all the other photographs should be taken at a different time. Either way, if you do decide to involve everyone else, just make sure the bride is hidden away when the rest of the guests start to arrive!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom before first look as wedding team looks on
By Femina Photo

What are the main advantages?

Apart from all the extra time with your guests; we think the main advantage of First Look photography is that the bride’s make-up will look absolutely flawless in all of the photographs. This is especially great if your make-up artist isn’t staying for a touch-up after the ceremony. You will also get more time to take the photographs you want while saving more time to eat and drink to your heart’s content at the reception.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride about to turn groom around for first look
By Benj Haisch
Bridebook.co.uk- groom sees bride for the first time
By Benj Haisch

Final Thought

If this is something you are keen to explore, get in touch with some wedding photographers that you like to discuss your ideas! The combination of your vision and the creativity of the person you choose, will make the most perfect wedding album. How exciting!

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Different Styles of Wedding Photography

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom hugging and laughing in a field
By Lawson Photography

Having a wedding photographer is essential and so much fun to choose. When else do you get to splash out on amazing snaps! To help you find what you’re looking for, let’s take this back to basics. There are three types of wedding photography: reportage photography, traditional photography and contemporary wedding photography. Whether you are looking for some budget photography, or you want to splurge, your wedding photographs will be one of the few solid mementos from W-Day and you want them to be epic! So let’s work out which type will suit you and your wedding theme.

Contemporary Photography

Contemporary, fashion, editorial or creative photography takes its inspiration from fashion photography. Contemporary wedding photography does have some posed shots, but they are slightly more relaxed, as the photographer will be looking for exciting lighting and angles.  While stunning, these shots may be less about the mood of the day or the couple as characters, but instead the vision and artistic stance of the photographer – which might or might not be what you are after!

Thumbs up: stunning and artistic shots.

Thumbs down: could lose some personality and mood.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride sitting at st pancras
By Weddings Vintage
Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom in an armchair in a field
By Weddings Vintage
Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom kiss against a lit up abckground
By Stephen Casey Photography

Traditional Photography

Traditional wedding photography, also known as posed, conventional or classic photography used to be the most popular category of wedding photography until the digital era, at which point, both photographers and newlywed couples stopped worrying about the costs of film.  Traditional style focuses on taking posed shots of the couple and the group at large and involves a lot of direction from the photographer and time from the wedding party. It will give you some beautiful shots to keep forever.

Thumbs up: classic and timeless shots.

Thumbs down: takes up time and may miss some of the emotion.

Bridebook.co.uk- entire wedding group shot
By Raw Silk Photography
Bridebook.co.uk- bride groom and families outside venue
By Guy Hearn

 

Bridebook.co.uk- bride bridesmaids and flower girl
By Chris Giles Photography

Reportage Photography

Reportage, also known as documentary or journalistic photography is not a new approach altogether, but in the world of wedding photography it has come into vogue in the last couple of years. The aim of this type of photographer is to document your special day in an unobtrusive fashion, telling a narrative. Whilst this will provide stunning shots and genuine emotion, brought to life by the photographer’s artistic vision, this type of wedding photographer is usually more than happy to conduct some formal shots too. However, it is worth checking with your chosen photographer what their attitude towards traditional shots is.

Thumbs up: captures emotion and story of the day

Thumbs down: might not include traditional shots (so check if you want them!)

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaids doing father of the bride hair and make-up
By Millie Benbow Photography
Bridebook.co.uk- father and bride hugging
By Kristian Leven
Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom watching ushers
By Stephen Casey Photography

Whichever type you choose will give you beautiful photographs to keep forever, so have a look at some inspiration and get booking!

Happy Planning!

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