One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is creating your wedding gift list. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you create your perfect wedding gift list. From deciding on a gift registry, to choosing the perfect gifts, we’ve got you covered!
The first step in creating your gift list is deciding on a registry. There are several options to choose from, including traditional department stores, online retailers, or even a combination of both. The most important thing is to choose a registry that suits your unique needs and preferences. A traditional department store registry will allow you to add a mix of home and lifestyle items, whereas an online registry will give you the flexibility to add items from multiple retailers.
For creating a unique and personalised gift list, our top choice is The Wedding Shop. Our founder, Hamish Shephard, used it for his own wedding, and was very impressed! They’ve won a number of awards, and it’s completely free to sign up. Plus, you get your own Gift Guru (a.k.a. personal wedding gift list advisor), to help make your journey enjoyable and unique to you, not to mention stress-free! They’ve got over 30 years of experience and feature over 450 brands, so your list will be in the best possible hands, and you’ll have a great selection of gifts to choose from.
Once you’ve decided on a registry, it’s time to start choosing the perfect gifts. Consider what you currently have and what you still need, and include a mix of items at different price points (to cater to guests with different budgets). For homebodies, consider items like cookware, bedding and home decor. For foodies, think items like a KitchenAid mixer, a set of high-quality knives and a cast iron skillet. For all the art lovers out there, add a beautiful painting or sculpture, or a membership to a local museum. For the adventurous couple, consider adding experiences such as a cooking class at a gourmet restaurant, or a hot air balloon ride at sunrise – the possibilities are endless!
Our recommended must-have items
We’ve picked out our favourite must-haves from The Wedding Shop, which are sure to inspire you!
Creating your perfect wedding gift list is an exciting opportunity to start building your new life together as a couple. By following these steps, the whole process will be fun and stress-free! Looking for alternatives to physical gifts? The Wedding Shop offers these too! From honeymoon funds and charity donations, to memorable experience gifts, we love the choice and flexibility. Plus, everything is all in one place, which makes the whole process so oh-so-easy from start to finish.
Winter weddings can be such a magical and dreamy experience. But choosing the right winter wedding outfit can be challenging as well. As a wedding guest, you want to look balance formality and style, while also staying warm and comfortable amidst cooler temperatures. To help inspire you, we’ve put together our top tips and tricks for the best winter wedding guest outfits, so you can look and feel your best this season, whatever your style or budget, and whatever the weather!
1. Dresses
Dresses with billowing sleeves, higher necklines, and longer hems are ideal choices for a winter wedding. Opt for a thicker, heavier fabric, like wool or velvet, to keep you warm. You can choose from a variety of sensible styles, from a flowing maxi dress to a form-fitting cocktail dress. The trick is to make a statement with bold prints and luxe embellishments like beading or lace detailing.
2. Suits
You can’t go wrong with a stylish suit at a winter wedding. For warmth and comfort, choose a suit made from a heavier fabric, like wool or corduroy. For a more casual look, consider a pair of dress trousers or skirt with a button-up shirt, with either a sweater or blazer. If you’re on a budget, consider renting a suit – it’s not only a cost-effective option, but also more sustainable.
3. Colours
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear warm colours in rich, jewel-like hues. Think wine and champagne tones, emerald green, ruby red, burgundy and navy blue.
4. Accessories
From scarves and shawls, to hats and gloves, winter accessories will keep you warm, while also adding a pop of colour and glamour to your outfit. Add some extra sparkle to your look with eye-catching jewellery, like a statement-necklace, earrings or a brooch.
5. Outerwear
A winter wedding always calls for a warm outer layer. For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider a classic wool coat or pea coat, which will keep you warm and complement any dress or suit underneath. For a more budget-friendly option, consider an elegant faux fur jacket. They come in a variety of styles and colours, and can be found at a fraction of the cost of a real fur jacket.
6. Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are a must for a winter wedding, whether that’s heeled boots, ankle boots or loafers. Make sure they’re comfortable enough to dance in, and will keep your feet warm and dry. If you’re on a budget, consider buying a pair of shoes in a neutral colour, like black or brown, so you can wear them with multiple outfits and on more than one occasion.
Now you’ll be properly prepped for all those winter weddings pencilled into your calendar. Whatever the weather throws at you, you’ll have a guest outfit that’s both sensible and stylish.
Sustainable and ethical weddings are on the rise. Back in the day, very few venues and suppliers would cater for such requirements, or when they did, would do so with little creativity (cue sad stuffed mushroom and limp lettuce leaf). But now, there’s a demand amongst today’s couples for more locally sourced, ethical menus, as well as vegan and cruelty-free wedding choices. And so, celebrate the month of Veganuary, we’re showcasing our favourite vegan venues and suppliers.
The Wellbeing Farm is one of our favourite sustainable wedding venues…period. It offers a fun, unique farm-based barn experience, is the first B Corp certified venue in the UK, and has just become members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (which you can’t enter if you haven’t got sufficient vegan and other dietary credentials). Their general ethos is around wellbeing, and minimising stress for its couples. And ensuring every single one of your guests has a creative and tasty meal – whether they’re vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free – is a huge part of that. Their innovative Head Chef sources natural, local produce to create vegetarian and vegan menus that are big in both quality and taste, and even went on a course specialising in vegan desserts (so no more lonely fresh fruit salads!). A lot of venues may offer a single vegan option, but this vegan-friendly venue prides itself on offering a range – a range of starters, a range of mains, a range of desserts. So you’ll be spoilt for choice! For the meat lovers out there, they use Meatless Farm and Beyond Burger as meal substitutes, so you’ll hardly notice the difference.
Stylish and sustainable, relaxed and boho, there’s so much to love about Wilderness Weddings. Set in a protected nature reserve, it features woodlands, giant tipi tents, and a lakeside boathouse. Their seven accredited caterers provide a wealth of dining options, catering for all tastes and budgets. For vegetarians and vegans in particular, choose Scott Anderson catering, who pride themselves on designing bespoke menus around each couple’s requirements. Look no further for creative canapés, scrumptious sharing wedding breakfasts, and exquisite evening platters!
Lettice Events is one of the country’s leading names in luxury catering, known for its innovative and creative food design, cutting-edge presentation and stylish service. Their team of talented chefs can cater to specific dietary restrictions, including a completely vegan menu. From vegan cream cheese and smoked carrot ribbons on light rye wafers, to roast pumpkin skewers, you and your guests are sure to be delighted. With pre-event tastings available, you can effortlessly sample different flavours and select your favourite dishes ahead of your big day.
Two veggies unable to stomach another bean burger, Matt and Ross, a.k.a. The Hogless Roast, have reimagined the traditional hog roast for a new generation, whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption. Their smoky BBQ vegan burgers use the best plant protein out there – lathered in apple sauce, topped with homemade stuffing, and loaded into a toasted vegan brioche bun. They’re packed with protein and fibre, gluten-free, and, most importantly, keep pigs off plates! Plus, they only use eco-friendly packaging, and are members of the NCASS.
We’ve taken the best plant based protein out there, infused it with smoky BBQ flavours, lathered it in apple sauce, topped it with homemade stuffing and packed it into a toasted vegan brioche bun. Then we’ve thrown in some naughty vegan crackling for good measure!
For bespoke wedding cakes made vegan, look no further than Bee Vegan Bakery – whether you’re vegan yourself, want a more inclusive option for all of your guests, or have allergies or dietary requirements. There are also plenty of other sweet and savoury vegan treats available, from meatless carrot ‘bacon’ and almond ‘feta’ canapés, and bitesize vegan pastries.
From cute cupcake favours to magnificent multi-tiered showstoppers, Bakehouse Revolution works with you to personally design, bake and create stunning wedding cakes for your special day. Everything is 100% vegan, and will leave a smile on everyone’s faces, whether vegan or not.
Tanya Westley is a vegan wedding hair & makeup specialist based in Oxfordshire. Her kit consists of a carefully curated list of cruelty-free, vegan products, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Cover FX, Face Atelier and Illamasqua, to Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Moroccan Oil, Living Proof and more.
Becx Beauty offers a bespoke makeup service for your special day, to ensure you look incredible while everyone looks on in awe. She is fully qualified, insured and accredited by BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), and also Barbicide certified. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free. As a makeup artist, she has built up a strong reputation and portfolio, becoming one of the most sought after vegan and cruelty-Free MUA in the North East.
Lauren Marie Studio creates hand-painted, bespoke, eco-friendly wedding stationery that tells your own unique love story, with lots of detail. She is passionate about providing conscious and sustainable stationery, and uses a gorgeous range of eco-friendly papers, sourcing ethical, vegan-friendly materials wherever possible in her exquisite designs.
If you’re a vegan, and keen to choose a wedding photographer whose personal values and lifestyle align with your own, be sure to check out Vegan Wedding Photography. Denis is passionate about the environment, nature and sustainability and follows a vegan lifestyle.
Whether you’re a vegan yourself, want to create a more inclusive wedding for your guests, or simply want to reduce the impact of your wedding, the vegan-friendly venues and suppliers above are a great place to start . If any caught your eye, be sure to check out their Bridebook profiles!
From simple, timeless looks and plain fabrics, to chic, colourful styles with luxe embellishments, this year’s weddings are sure to be full of fashion inspiration and ideas. To get a better understanding of the latest trends and must-have looks this wedding season, we reached out to some of the top dressmakers in the industry to get their expert insights and predictions.
The simple look is in this year – from the style to the fabric. “We’re seeing lots of simple designs made from luxurious mikado, satin or crepe,” comments Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story. “Less is more is definitely going to be a key bridal trend.” Elizabeth from Elizabeth Kate Bridal is also noticing more “plain wedding dresses and plain fabrics such as mikado and satin.”
At the same time, bridal fashion is featuring plenty of luxe accessories and detailing. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd is seeing a trend towards simple gowns accessorised. “For example, lots of our brides love to add bows to their satin gowns.” According to our dressmakers, the most popular fashion element this year is bows, followed by pearls, then feathers, and finally beads. Zera Rowell from Aime Moi Encore says they are “seeing a demand for simpler designs where extra details can be featured such as big bows and lots of pearls, flowers and head pieces. Flower appliques and colour are also very popular!”
Wedding dresses with colour are also en vogue. Over half of the dressmakers we spoke to are seeing wedding dresses in alternative colours to the traditional bridal white. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage says they are ‘seeing a huge uplift in the number of requests for colourful dresses’. Donna from DM Bridal Accessories also emphasises seeing ‘dresses with colour’.
As for bridesmaids’ dresses, the most popular colours this year are champagne, earthy tones, and greens (both emerald and sage). Dusty rose, blush pink, dusty blue and navy blue are also trending, particularly as we move into the season of late winter/early spring.
At the other end from simple styles, many of our dressmakers are seeing dramatic statement dresses. Jo Maloney from A Bridal Story comments that “big and bold designs are also trending with dramatic skirts, necklines and sleeve’, while Margo Brittain from Margo Chamberlain Millinery is seeing “puff sleeves, long trains, maximalist styles, and large flower corsages.”
Princess skirts, long or floating trains, long veils, even capes, are in high demand. Kate Ashwell from Heartfelt Vintage attributes this to the popularity of Netflix’s Bridgerton: “The Bridgerton-inspired trends keep on coming!” Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd speaks of an “abundance of uber-chic inspo in the 2023 wedding dress trends, from dramatic ball gowns to colorful wedding gowns to luxe embellishments like bows, feathers, ruffles, gloves, capes, scooped and strapless necklines, high-low hemline ball gowns with over-the-top tiered skirts, decadent fabrics and beads, lingerie-inspired slip wedding dresses.” She also adds that “in 2023 we’ll be seeing more statement veils with 3D elements, sparkles, flowers, prints and pops of colour. Fashion is stepping away from plain tulle and making the veil its own masterpiece and something that is able to express the bride’s style and personality.”
Continuing the Bridgerton theme, the trend towards long, elegant gloves is making a comeback in 2023: our dressmakers unanimously report long gloves, from long tulle gloves to long opera gloves. Amy Money from Amy Money Millinery also comments on the trend of long sleeves, and even detachable sleeves for greater versatility and flexibility throughout the day.
“Split dresses are very on trend”, Zoey Jayaweera from The White Room of Minchinhampton reports. Duduzile Sibanda from Couture & Tiaras Bridal agrees: “We are selling a lot of dresses with a slit.” Split wedding dresses are gaining in popularity over the years because they offer a modern and elegant look, while also being comfortable to dance and move around in. Not to mention that a slit can show off a pair of beautiful shoes!
Many of our dressmakers are seeing a demand for detachable skirts or separate overskirts, as brides increasingly look for versatility and flexibility when it comes to choosing their wedding dress. Fross from Fross Wedding Collections Ltd notes seeing “brides wanting two gowns, daytime and evening looks, or gowns with detachable skirts to create two looks in one!”
For bridesmaids, multi dresses (a.k.a. convertible dresses or infinity dresses) are all the rage. These dresses can be worn in different ways, so bridesmaids can choose the most flattering style for their body type and taste. They can also be worn again and again long after the wedding, making them both practical and cost-effective. Jekaterina Domnych from Gold Needle Ltd lists a range of flexible styles for bridesmaids: “mismatching bridesmaids dresses, cowl neck bridesmaids dresses, velvet bridesmaids dresses, convertible bridesmaids dresses.”
More and more brides are opting to break the mould and wear a non-traditional wedding dress that more truly reflects their own personal style and preferences. Lisa Carrington from Lisa Carrington Couture summarises this trend: “More and more brides are turning to individuality – bespoke instead of mass-produced. I feel trends heading more to personal tastes and not what everyone else is doing, so possibly more quirky and adventurous details will come through.” Nathalie Neuilly from Dressarte Paris agrees: “[There is] great interest towards non-traditional wedding outfits and colours (like black and green in particular)”.
Sustainability is increasingly become a key concern for today’s couples, according to many of our dressmakers. Eve Mannion from Love It Again Bridal has observed that “more couples are becoming eco-conscious about their wedding choices”. Wendy Hook from Vintage Adornments agrees that the eco fashion trend continues to grow with more and more brides opting for sustainable choices when it comes to choosing a dress: “There’s a real move towards more sustainable choices for both cost and environmental reasons. Vintage and nostalgic themes are also having a real influence after the years of the pandemic and then the fuel and economic crises – couples are keen to harken back to happier times and evoke that in their wedding styling.” Popular sustainable options include choosing a dress made from organic, natural or recycled materials; renting a wedding dress; or opting for a vintage or second-hand dress.
Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or simply a fashion-savvy wedding guest, these styles, colours and fabrics are sure to make a statement at any wedding this year. You’ve now got all the inspiration and ideas you need to start putting together your own unique look!
Everyone loves a wedding speech, but there is so much to think about if you are organising a day to be remembered, from how to write a great wedding speech to figuring out which order the wedding speeches should be in.
Before we dive into everything you need to know about writing a wedding speech, we wanted to give you an overview of what type of wedding speeches to expect at weddings in the UK.
The father of the bride speech
The father of the bride speech is an opportunity for the father to express his love for his daughter, and to welcome the groom into the family. The speech often includes some memories from the bride’s life. The father of the bride may also offer his blessing and good wishes for the couple’s future together. The speech is often emotional and sentimental and is a special moment for the bride and her father to share.
The groom’s speech
The groom’s speech is an opportunity for the groom to express his love to his new wife and his family, and to thank everyone who has played a role in the wedding planning and ceremony. The groom may also thank his parents, the parents of the bride, the bridal party, and any other important people in attendance. He will often express his feelings and thoughts about the wedding day and his future with his new wife. The groom’s speech is often a blend of sentimentality and humour.
The best man speech
The best man’s speech is an opportunity for him to give his congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds, and to share his thoughts and memories about the groom. The best man may also include some light-hearted humour and anecdotes. He may also thank the parents of the bride and groom and the bridal party for their support, and express his appreciation for the couple’s relationship.
The maid of honour speech
The maid of honour’s speech is an opportunity for her to give congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds, and to share her thoughts and memories about the bride. She may also include some words the bride’s personality and character. As it’s the maid of honour’s duty to help the bride during the planning process, so she may also thank the wedding planner and vendors for making the day special.
The bride’s speech
The bride’s speech is a less traditional part of a wedding ceremony, but it is becoming more common for the bride to give a speech at her wedding reception. The bride’s speech is an opportunity for her to express her love and gratitude to her new husband, family, and friends. She may also thank the wedding planner and vendors for making the day special.
The parent of the groom speech
A parents of the groom speech is less traditional, but it’s becoming increasingly common for the parents of the groom to give a speech at their son’s wedding reception. The parents of the groom speech is an opportunity for them to express their love and pride in their son, and to welcome the bride and her family into their own family.
Nowadays, wedding speeches in the UK are a much less formal affair than in previous years, so you can take the opportunity to give your speeches in whatever order you think works for your wedding day, but the wedding speech order traditionally follows this format and begins after the wedding breakfast is finished:
The father of the bride speech
The groom’s speech
The best man speech
The maid of honour speech (if any)
The bride’s speech (if she wishes)
The parent of the groom (if any)
Remember, this is the traditional order, but can vary depending on the wedding and those attending. Some weddings also have speeches from other family members such as step parents that might change the order.
Tips for Writing and Delivering a Great Speech
Researching for your wedding speech can be a fun and rewarding experience. If you are stuck on where to begin when it comes to researching your wedding speech then think about working through the following tips.
Reflect on your relationship: Think about your relationship with the bride or groom, and any special memories or moments that you’ve shared. This can make for great content in your speech.
Talk to the couple: Speak to the bride and groom to get a sense of what they would like to hear in your speech. Ask them about their favourite memories, what they love about each other, and what they are looking forward to in the future.
Research online: There are many resources available online that can help you gather material for your speech. You can find speech examples, tips, and advice on how to structure your speech.
Get inspiration from others: Speak to friends or family members who have given speeches at weddings in the past. Ask them for tips, and gather inspiration from their speeches. But remember, never copy!
Take your time: Don’t rush to write your speech. Take your time to gather material, reflect on your relationship, and think about what you want to say. A well-prepared speech will be more meaningful and heartfelt.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you will be when you deliver your speech. It will also help you to time your speech and make sure it’s the right length.
Remember, the goal of your speech is to show your support for the couple, and to celebrate their marriage. With proper research, you will have no problem giving a wedding speech that is heartfelt, meaningful, and memorable.
Many people find themselves anxious at the thought of actually delivering the speech itself, even if they have spent time writing and researching a great speech. Spend some time focusing on these top tips to help your wedding speech go with a bang.
Speak clearly and confidently: Speak in a clear, confident voice, and make sure to project your voice so that everyone can hear you.
Make eye contact: Make eye contact with the audience, especially the bride and groom, to create a connection and show your sincerity.
Speak at a natural pace: Speak at a natural pace, and don’t rush through your speech. Take your time and enjoy the moment.
Use visual aids: Use visual aids such as photos, videos, or props to add some visual interest to your speech.
Have a glass of water nearby: It’s good to have a glass of water nearby, in case you need it.
Be yourself: The most important thing is to be yourself, don’t try to copy someone else’s speech. The couple and the guests want to hear what you have to say.
Examples of wedding speeches
Browse the examples below for inspiration and guidance on how to write and deliver a wedding speech. Whether you’re the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, or the maid of honour, they’ll help you create a speech that’s personal, meaningful and will be remembered for years to come. And for even more speech samples, check out our dedicated wedding speech examples post.
Funny wedding speech examples
Use self-deprecating humour to make the audience laugh. For example, “I’m honoured to be standing here today as [couple’s name] best man/maid of honour, considering all the times I’ve been a bad influence on them.”
Share a funny story or anecdote about the couple. For example, “I remember the first time [couple’s name] met, they bonded over their love of [insert a shared interest] and it’s been nothing but laughs ever since.”
Use a pop culture reference to make your speech more relatable. For example, “I always thought [couple’s name] would end up together, it’s like a fairytale romance straight out of a Disney movie.”
Use a pun or play on words to add some humour to your speech. For example, “I always knew [couple’s name] were meant to be together, they’re truly a perfect pear.”
Use a hypothetical scenario to add humour to your wedding speech. For example, “I can’t imagine what [couple’s name] wedding would have been like if they had chosen someone else as their best man/maid of honour. It would have been a disaster!”
Use a silly or unexpected prop to add some humour to your wedding speech. For example, “I have a special gift for the couple, it’s a [insert a funny or unexpected prop] to symbolise their love and commitment to each other.”
It’s also worth keeping in mind that you should be careful with the use of humour in a wedding speech, as you don’t want to offend anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. Make sure you test your jokes with a few people before delivering your speech.
Romantic wedding speech examples
Share the story of how the couple met and fell in love. For example, “I remember the moment [couple’s name] met, it was love at first sight and it’s been nothing but romance ever since.”
Share your personal thoughts on the couple’s relationship and what makes it special. For example, “I’ve never seen two people more in love than [couple’s name]. Their love is truly inspiring.”
Share your hopes and wishes for the couple’s future together. For example, “I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness and love, may they always be each other’s best friend and partner.”
Use poetry or a quote to add romance to your speech. For example, “I leave you with a quote that perfectly sums up the love between [couple’s name]: ‘I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.'”
Use a metaphor to describe the couple’s relationship. For example, “The love between [couple’s name] is like a beautiful garden, it has grown stronger with each passing day.”
Share a personal memory or moment that you shared with the couple and how it made you realise the depth of their love. For example, “I remember the time when [couple’s name] did [insert a special memory], it was then when I realised that they were truly meant to be together.”
Share a message of love and support for the couple. For example, “I want to tell the couple that I love them and I will always be there for them, through good times and bad.”
As you’ll now know, a wedding speech is a special moment during a couple’s big day when the couple and their loved ones can celebrate their union. Writing a wedding speech, no matter your part in the day, can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and some helpful tips, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone when it comes to the day itself.
Speeches are a part of the wedding that everyone loves to get excited about, but what if it’s your turn to be in the hot seat? Let’s take a look at what it takes to write a great groom’s speech, whether you are looking to write something that leaves the ladies swooning or your guests crying with laughter.
What is a groom’s speech?
A groom’s speech is the speech given by the groom at the wedding reception, typically after the meal. The groom will often use this opportunity to show his love and gratitude to his partner and thank the guests for attending the wedding. It’s also a time to share some personal memories and reflect on you and your new spouse’s relationship.
How to write a groom’s speech
Preparing a groom’s speech
Preparing for your groom’s speech is an exciting but nervewracking time. Your groom’s speech should give you an opportunity to express your love and gratitude to your partner, but it should also allow you to show your personality and make a lasting impression on your guests.
By taking the time to plan and prepare your speech, you can be confident and comfortable when it’s time to deliver it. This means that you definitely shouldnt wait until the last minute to start planning your speech, take the time to write a meaningful grooms speech that will make your partner and guests feel special.
Tips for researching and gathering material for your groom’s speech
Start by making a list of special memories and moments that you have shared with your partner. Think about your first date, the proposal, and any other significant events that have happened during your relationship, such as holidays or special surprises you have organised in the past.
Ask your partner and close friends or family members if they have any anecdotes or memories that they would like to share with you. This can provide some great material for your speech and give a different perspective on your relationship.
Look through old photographs and videos together, this can serve as a great source of inspiration and help jog your memory about certain moments in your relationship.
Take note of any inside jokes or silly nicknames that you and your partner have for one another.
Research and read speeches from other grooms for inspiration, but remember to not produce a carbon copy of another speech you have seen or heard. People will know.
Consider incorporating a poem, song or a personal story that relates to your relationship.
Remember, speak from your own experiences and emotions. This will make the speech more genuine and heartfelt.
At this point, its probably worth thinking about if you should write a funny groom’s speech, When it comes to whether or not the groom’s speech should be funny, the jury’s out. It can be difficult to ensure that any jokes you make aren’t going to fall flat but at the same time, if it suits the feel of the wedding then there is nothing stopping you from throwing a few well placed jokes into the speech.
How should I structure my groom’s speech?
It’s important to keep in mind that this structure should be adjusted to your own style, personality, and the tone of the wedding. The important thing is to keep it simple, sincere and heartfelt.
Here’s a suggested structure for the Groom’s speech:
Opening: Welcome the guests, thank the parents of the bride, acknowledge the bridal party, and thank the bride for making you the happiest man in the world.
Body: Share your feelings and thoughts about the couple’s relationship, express your love for the bride, and thank the guests for being a part of your special day.
Closing: Thank everyone for being a part of the day and raise your glass to the happy couple.
Now let’s break this down into a structured speech:
Opening: Start with a warm welcome and thank the guests for attending the wedding.
Expressing gratitude: Thank the parents of the bride and groom for their support, and any other important people who have played a role in the wedding planning.
Love for the partner: Share your feelings for your partner and express your love for them.
Personal anecdotes and memories: Share personal anecdotes and memories about your relationship with your partner, these can be funny or touching.
Future plans: Share your future plans as a couple, and your hopes and dreams for the future.
Toast: Raise a glass to the couple and make a toast to the happy couple.
Groom’s speech examples
The internet is awash with examples of wedding speeches, but nothing is worse than sitting through a plagiarised speech you have heard a thousand times before. If you are looking to get your creative juices flowing, then we have included a few typical sentence ideas for a grooms speech that might help kickstart the writing process.
“I never knew true love until I met [partner’s name].”
“I am the luckiest man in the world to have [partner’s name] as my wife.”
“I promise to love, cherish and support [partner’s name] in every way, every day.”
“To my beautiful partner, I love you more than words can express.”
“I want to thank my parents for raising me to be the man I am today and for their unwavering support in my life, and for welcoming [partner’s name] into our family.”
“I want to thank [partner’s name]’s parents for raising such an amazing woman and for entrusting her to me.”
“I want to thank all of our friends and family for being here to share this special day with us, it means the world to us.”
“I want to thank my groomsmen for being my loyal friends and standing by my side today.”
“I want to thank my beautiful partner for showing me what true love is, I am forever grateful to have you by my side.”
“I look forward to spending the rest of my life making memories with my soulmate [partner’s name]”
Groom’s Speech Delivery
The delivery of a groom’s speech is crucial as it can make or break the impact of the speech. It can be the difference between a speech that is engaging and memorable,or one of those super uncomfortable ones we have all had to sit through.
A confident and well-delivered speech can help create a positive atmosphere on the day, making the guests feel more connected to the couple and the event. To ensure that the speech is well-received, make sure you work on controlling nerves, maintaining composure so you don’t find yourself racing through the entire speech.
Combating nerves when delivering a speech can be challenging, but there are several techniques that can help to control them. One effective technique is to practice the speech in advance as much as possible. Visualising a positive outcome can also be helpful when it comes to delivering your speech. Another way to combat nerves is to engage with the audience, making eye contact and using natural body language. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to make a mistake and that the audience is fully of your nearest and dearest who are there to support you.
Writing a brilliant groom’s speech is an important part of your wedding day that requires planning, preparation, and a lot of thought. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can create a heartfelt and meaningful speech that will make your partner and guests feel special. Remember to start your speech writing journey by thinking about the special memories that you have already shared with your partner, ask for input from friends and family members, and take the time to gather your material.
Most importantly, write from the heart and be yourself. With a bit of preparation and practice, you can deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.
Calling all animal lovers! Enjoy our hand-picked selection of the best pet photos for our Wedding Photography Awards. Pets bring so much comfort and joy to a wedding. They’re a great source of fun and entertainment, and can add such a personal touch.
The story behind this photo: “Hungry dog at a wedding reception…loved its bow tie!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a beautifully captured, funny and memorable photo! We adore the little dog’s cheeky expression as it eyes up the platters, and the way it stands to the side, front legs held up, like it’s one of the human guests. The purple bow tie adds to the comical effect and gives this photo real personality. We love the brightness of this shot too, with the vibrant saturated colours standing out against the black background.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “The speeches went on too long for Toto.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This little dog’s sleepy expression is so adorable! We love the way it rests its chin on the table, and looks directly at the camera.
The story behind this photo: “Liz loves goats! So when she found out that the venue had their very own goats we decided to meet them. The goat was not fussed about us so much and had an obsession with Liz’s beautiful colourful bouquet!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo really made us smile – the goat’s cheekiness, the colourful flowers, the bride’s laughter. Everything about it is uplifting and joyful.
The story behind this photo: “Maia and Matt petting ‘Porka Radcliffe’ and ‘Uswine Bolt’ after some amazing pig racing at Maia and Matt’s wedding at Stowe House.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A super fun and unique take on the pets at weddings theme! We love the perspective from the ground up, with the couple crouching at the pig’s level.
The story behind this photo: “Just before the ceremony the groom gave some love to his dog. But the dog’s look!!!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely heart-warming image, with an unusual composition. The connection between the groom and his little fur baby is beautiful to see.
The story behind this photo: “Kirsty is a dog trainer and it was important to the couple to have their dogs be a part of their wedding at the beautiful Stubton Hall.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and light-hearted image. We love the composition and colours, with the three gorgeous dogs taking centre stage.
The story behind this photo: “The bride took her pet horse for a walk.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful, timeless image which captures a real feeling of freedom and wildness. The black and white palette adds a sense of refinement and elegance.
The story behind this photo: “This Dalmatian sat and waited so patiently at the front of the queue for the wedding breakfast.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a fun yet sophisticated image, with a striking composition. We love how the black and white palette picks out the Dalmatian’s spots.
The story behind this photo: “This couple’s dog latched onto the energy of the couple gesturing everyone to the dancefloor after their first dance. He clearly wasn’t going to be left out!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see this dog joining in the dancing like one of the human guests. There is a wonderful energy and vibrancy to this photo.
The story behind this photo: “Rosie was only staying for the church ceremony but she just had to be a part of some of the photos. She’s so happy that mummy and daddy are now married.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A charming, candid shot of the couple walking with their adorable dog! We love the subdued, wintry tones in contrast with the pops of festive red.
The story behind this photo: “Lauren and John always wanted their trusty doggo, Gryff, to be a big part of their wedding day. And he definitely played his part and stole the show.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We agree that Gryff stole the show here! We love the way he’s smiling at the camera, held between the couple, who are themselves smiling at each other.
The story behind this photo: “Usually the wedding couple have special requests for family or friends they want me to make sure I get a photo of. However, for Andy and Vicky, their priority was their dog Freyja.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such vibrant and joyful image, full of character and personality! We love the bright colours, the confetti, and the dog’s happy smile.
There you have our favourite photos of pets at weddings this year! Next in this series is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, with the best of LGBTQ+.
Browse our favourite kids wedding photos for this year’s Wedding Photography Awards. Children often aren’t aware of the camera, so photos can capture their genuine reactions and emotions, not to mention those fun and silly moments that adults might overthink.
The story behind this photo: “I loved the way it looked like the boys were trying to trick the barman into thinking they were older than they were.”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is such a beautifully captured and heart-warming kids’ shot. We love the composition, with the two boys standing on stools behind the bar in their smart suits, their backs to us, trying to look grown-up and sophisticated. The barman’s knowing expression adds to the effect. The lighting adds a mature touch, at odds with the presence of the children, which makes the scene all the more humorous and memorable.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “This was supposed to be a posed group shot of the couple and the groom’s sister and family. The kids ran left and right throughout and I decided to make it fun. I asked them to run toward me instead and that’s how we got the shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the feeling of fun and freedom in this unposed shot. There is a real sense of energy and excitement captured in the kids’ playful running.
The story behind this photo: “The flower girl sucking it up at Lee and Leah’s wedding at Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle.
Why we shortlisted this photo: The flower girl’s intense, almost challenging, expression is very striking. We love the way she looks directly at the camera, completed unfazed.
The story behind this photo: “All of the children were desperate to visit the sheep in the field opposite the venue, so they all gathered to look through the gate and I captured them all peering through at the same time.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A lovely candid moment, beautifully captured. We love to see the children’s natural curiosity as they peer over the fence.
The story behind this photo: “Waiting patiently for his cue, Obie was beaming as he prepared to walk down the aisle with the rings.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the artful composition of this photo, with the young boy in focus in the centre, perfectly framed by the couple’s joined hands in the foreground. His solemn pride as he stands patiently with his hands held up is beautiful to see.
The story behind this photo: “During the downtime, before the speeches but when the little ones had finished dessert they all took to the floor to play with the balloon decorations which had been positioned around the room. Once they had gathered them up, the older kids had wrestled them from the youngsters and were beating each other with them. I love this photo, of the youngest flower girl trying her best to convince the young bridesmaids to give her back her balloon. Children at weddings always have their own dramas that if you stop to watch for, create beautiful, emotionally candids.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The quiet intensity of the youngest flower girl’s expression is beautifully captured. We also love the storytelling behind this photo.
The story behind this photo: “These two were so cute and as soon I walked into the room to shoot bridal prep, they warmed to the camera and wanted to show me everything in all the rooms in the suite!
Why we shortlisted this photo: An adorable shot, full of playfulness! The composition is very effective, with just the girls’ faces peeping over the edge of the bath.
The story behind this photo: “Was meant to capture their beautiful dresses from behind, but this cheeky one did not want to play ball.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The cheeky expression of this bridesmaid is priceless! It transforms an otherwise classically formal photo into a uniquely playful snapshot.
The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s little boy wanted to be as close as possible to his parents and while the couple were exchanging rings he was watching…picking away!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a funny and brilliantly captured shot. It’s candid moments like this that make photos of kids at weddings so special.
The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom’s son ran off with a (very large) piece of cake.
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and playfulness of this photo. The boy’s cheeky side-long glance as he prepares to take a bite of cake is wonderful to see.
The story behind this photo: “The flower girls were so excited to see a real life bride and wear her veil.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet photo, with lovely warm lighting. We love the expressions on each of the bridesmaids’ faces, and the way the bride is smiling with them.
The story behind this photo: “Gorgeous niece and flower girl seeing her auntie getting ready.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful photo capturing a beautiful moment. We love the perspective here, with the focus on the little girl’s reaction, and the bride’s back to us.
There you have our best kids at weddings photos of the year! For even more bundles of joy and cuteness, stay tuned for the next article in this series: pets at weddings.
Wedding vows are often one of the most highly anticipated parts of a wedding for guests and are a crucial aspect of any wedding ceremony, as they serve as a couple’s public declaration of love and commitment to one another. The vows are a symbol of the promises that a couple makes to one another in front of their loved ones, and are often considered to be the most meaningful part of the wedding ceremony as we get to see some of the reasons the Bride and Groom are choosing to get married. This is why it’s so important that the wedding vows you choose for your big day are well thought out and personalised to your relationship, as they will be a lasting reminder of the love and commitment the couple has for one another.
What are Wedding Vows?
The traditional role of wedding vows is for the couple to publicly declare their love and commitment to one another, and to make promises to each other for the rest of their lives. You will see wedding vows typically made during the wedding ceremony, where the Bride will meet the Groom after walking up the aisle accompanied by her bridesmaids.
In a traditional wedding ceremony, the couple makes vows to one another in front of their loved ones and a representative of their chosen faith. They publicly express their love and commitment to one another, and make promises to stay together in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do they part. These promises are taken seriously and are expected to be upheld throughout the marriage. Whilst these are often the main themes presented in many wedding vows, each faith and, often, religious leader, will have a slightly different take on the wording included.
The traditional role of wedding vows is to provide a sense of solemnity and seriousness to the marriage ceremony, and to make the couple’s commitment to each other clear to all of the guests present as well as the wider community.
Different types of wedding vows
Religious wedding vows are typically traditional and follow the religious texts and doctrine of the chosen faith. However, couples may choose to use the standard set of vows or personalise them with their own special promises.
Non-religious wedding vows, IE, those used in civil ceremonies, can be written by the couple themselves. They often include promises that reflect the couple’s personal beliefs and values. Secular wedding vows are not religious in nature but instead focus on the couple’s commitment to each other as individuals. Many people find writing wedding vows from scratch a tricky business so most officiants will be able to provide you with examples to use as-is or that can be edited so you can make something perfect that suits your day.
How to Write Wedding Vows
Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips that can make the process a little easier. One important tip is to start by thinking about what you want to say and what promises you want to make. You should also think about what makes your relationship unique and special. Other tips include keeping your vows short and sweet, speaking from the heart and making them personalised to include special memories you may share as a couple.
wedding vows ceremony on beach close up.
It’s also always worth speaking with whoever is leading your wedding ceremony as they will be able to help you in figuring out what type of vows will work for your ceremony and make sure all the important points that you need to include arent missed. Something else that is often forgotten is also to pratise! Practising your vows outloud beforehand will make you less nervous on the day itself.
Traditional wedding vow examples
Traditional wedding vow examples include traditional Christian vows, which typically include promises to “love, honour and obey”, and Jewish vows which the bride promises to “love, honour and respect” the groom. In other religions such as Hinduism or Sikhism, couples recite or listen to a series of verses relating to marriage that they agree to uphold.
Non-traditional and contemporary wedding vow examples
Non-traditional and contemporary wedding vows are becoming increasingly popular amongst couples who are looking to express how they feel to one another on a personal level, examples include personalised promises and declarations of love, such as “I promise to love you, support you, and always be your partner in adventure” or “I promise to be your best friend and partner in all things, and to love and cherish you forever.”
Renewing Your Wedding Vows
Couples renew their wedding vows for many reasons, such as to celebrate milestone anniversaries, to reaffirm their commitment to one another after a difficult time, or simply to renew the romance and love in their relationship. Sometimes couples choose to renew vows so that they can do so in front of their children, or even to relive a wedding that was cut short the first time around. Whatever your reason, vow renewal services offer couples a great way to celebrate their love surrounded by friends in a less traditional way. An officiant can lead the ceremony or you could choose to have a ‘blessing’ led by a religious leader from your community.
How much does it cost to renew wedding vows in the UK?
The cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK can vary greatly depending on the location, venue, and type of ceremony chosen. According to some estimates, the average cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK ranges between £500 to £3,000 or more.
Factors that can affect the cost of renewing wedding vows in the UK include the location of the ceremony (outdoor or indoor,city or countryside), the number of guests invited, the type of food and drink offered, and any additional services (such as photography or videography) that the couple may want to include. Some couples may opt for a simple ceremony with only a few guests, while others may choose to have a larger, more elaborate vow renewal the surpasses their original wedding day.
How to plan a vow renewal ceremony
Planning a vow renewal ceremony is similar to planning a wedding. It is essential to choose a meaningful location, decide on the guest list, select the appropriate clothing and flowers, and hire any necessary vendors, such as a photographer or florist. It is also important to consider the type of ceremony you want, whether a private ceremony with just the couple and close family, or a larger celebration with many guests in attendance.
The promises made during the wedding ceremony, whether traditional or personalised, serve as a constant reminder of the love and commitment between the two of you, so it is worth your time to sit down with your partner to agree on a set of vows that you will remember fondly for years to come.
Take a peek at our favourite candid shots for our Wedding Photography Awards – those natural, true-to-life moments which can’t be recreated, and which capture the real spirit of the big day.
The story behind this photo: “Lucy and Aiden arrived post ceremony to their reception aboard a steam train and its gorgeous carriages. Their infectious excitement failed to reach one guest who was concentrating on her mobile phone footage!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a wonderful shot – candid at its best! Both the couple’s reactions (the bride halfway standing, the groom lifting his hand in a wave), and the guest’s unprompted phone action, are completely natural and of the moment. We love the contrast between the couple’s laughing faces and the guest’s serious concentration as she takes her own snap, apparently unaware of their grand arrival. The use of the train window as a framing device is also very effective – it gives the image a unique and interesting perspective.
The story behind this photo: “There were lots of antlers on the walls and the shot made the bridesmaid look like a deer! (The reflections caught the other end of the room too).”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid yet artistic bridal prep shot. We love the bridesmaid’s natural laughter, and the perfect timing of capturing the antlers to frame her head.
The story behind this photo: “The moment when a space hopper race ended before it had really even started! I remember the bride starting well but after around three jumps the hopper bounced backwards ending with the bride lying on the grass like a starfish!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: What a brilliantly captured, light-hearted moment. We love to see the bride’s playfulness, and her unashamed starfish-style collapse onto the grass.
The story behind this photo: “A gust of wind caught the bride’s veil as she arrived at the church with her mum.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the way the bride’s veil billows around her like a cloud that can’t be controlled. Her and her mum’s genuine laughter is beautiful to see.
The story behind this photo: “It was a terrible day and an outdoor wedding in October with no Plan B. They did bring clear ponchos. There was a lot of laughter.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the rainy day black and white palette and the happy laughter. This is what weddings are all about – having fun with your loved ones, laughing off the less-than-perfect moments, and joyfully embracing the moment.
The story behind this photo: “This might be my favourite ever speeches photo. I wish I could remember what was said but whatever it was, it hit the spot big time! Belly laughs from the deepest depths!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what speech moments are all about – full of the kind of throw-you-head-back laughter that can never be posed or prepared for.
The story behind this photo: “Well you chose him to be best man. Taken an Minstrel Court.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: Best man’s speeches are meant to be cringe, and this one is perfectly captured. We love the crazy look on the best man’s face, the groom’s obvious embarrassment as he covers his hands over his eyes, and the bride’s laughter.
The story behind this photo: “The bride wanted something silly and different for her bridal preparations. This is just one of the silly ones where I got the bride in the bath and the bridesmaid on the side. Such fun!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun, relaxed vibe of this candid shot, and the bride’s non-serious approach to her bridal preparations. It’s an image full of joy and laughter.
There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.
The story behind this photo: “Kerry and Ian married on Bournemouth Pier to be close to the ocean. Ian’s family had relocated to Spain when he was young and he had spent much of his childhood there and Kerry had also always been a beach baby. The cake, which was made by a friend from work, was covered in churros and looked amazing! The moment was completely spontaneous and really speaks to the kind of fun-loving relationship they have – moments later Ian got his own back by returning the favor and a lot of laughs were had at this wedding.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the fun and spontaneity of this moment, especially the expressions on both the couple’s faces. We also love to see such a unique choice of cake!
The story behind this photo: “I captured this image on the wedding day of Frederick and Georgina in Brickendon Hertfordshire. They had a marquee wedding at home on the 28th of August 2021. This image was captured during bridal prep when one of Georgina’s bridesmaids was having her hair done, sitting in front of a large table mirror, singing out loud very dramatically. It perfectly sums up all the drama and energy of Georgina’s wedding morning.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The bridesmaid’s expression here is priceless. We love the perspective of looking from behind her head into the mirror to see exactly what she can see.
The story behind this photo: “This was a magical moment when a butterfly landed on my beautiful bride and I was lucky enough to capture it.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A different kind of candid shot, perfectly captured. We love its stillness and beauty, as the bride turns slightly to look over her shoulder to spot the butterfly.
The story behind this photo: “Victor and Jenny wanted a photo with their best man – but then Jenny’s friend’s son did something super cute off camera. Jenny’s bright smile just captured her happiness on her wedding day.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the contrast between the men’s posed faces, and the bride’s completely candid and expressive reaction to her friend’s son off camera.
There you have our best candid shots of 2022! For more candid (and super cute) moments, check out our next article in this series: kids at weddings.
We know wedding planning can be stressful at times. Finding the perfect photographer is no exception. Where to even start? It’s an important decision, after all, as they’re the person responsible for capturing your special day. That’s why we reached out to our recently married couples, and asked them to share their top tips for snapping up your dream wedding photographer. Read on to learn for their best advice – they’re now fully fledged wedding experts in their own right, having gone through all the planning you’re now going through!
“Ask your venue if they have any recommended suppliers, or see who has tagged your venue on Insta to find who has shot there recently. Start following the ones whose styles you like on Instagram early.” – Danielle & Oliver
“Research research research! Find what style of photography you like and think about how comfortable you and your partner are in front of a camera. Check out the photographer’s social media to see how they work.” – Katie & Andrew
“When I was first planning the wedding, I started following applicable hashtags, like #suffolkwedding and #ukwedding and #ukweddingphotographer. I started keeping a list on my phone of the ones I liked. As I had time, I looked at more of their posts, work, and how they interacted, as well as at what other people said about them.” – Liz & David
“Always check out their Instagram first to ensure the style of their photographs fits what you’re looking for. You can even ask them to send your more via email.” – Simran & Jonathon
“Make sure the photographer does the type of photos you are looking for (whether it’s all natural, or posed, or a certain way they edit), and the way you want to receive your photos (whether all on a memory stick, a photo album etc.” – Ashleigh & William
“Look at what styles you love and see what you like when choosing. Everyone is different so knowing the style you love will help reduce the list!” – Claire & Alistair
”Be aware that photographers have a signature style – read filter – some will apply a darker sepia tone across the board and others will pop the colours to give a bright look. You are unlikely to get a mixture of both! Decide what’s most important to capture and what you’ll use most. Some photographers will do a lot of posed shots but you can go for a documentary style photographer to capture unscripted moments and random joy” – Lucy & Tom
“Speak to them about their style and make sure it matches yours! We wanted a lot of candid photos and found the perfect photographer for that – Lauren Henson Photography.” – Phoebe & TJ
“Request a full gallery of photos to see how the photographer’s style looks across the whole day. We loved ours, Joab Smith Photography.” – Cait & Alex
“Have a look at their previous work and MAKE SURE they photograph the way you like. Each photographer has their own style so have a look at other weddings they have done and 100% make sure you let them know exactly what you want on the day.” – Georgina & Jack
“Check out their portfolio and compare finishes. A lot can look similar until you look closely at the style of finish – choose one you like. Some over do it and you lose yourselves, some don’t go far enough and the photos can look basic. Look for the sparkle. Sarah Carter Photography takes a lot of time and effort to polish every photo and it really shows.” – Isabella & Arnie
“Look at their portfolios and have an initial chat, to see that their work and personality match you both as a couple. They’re an important part of your wedding day.” – Shannon & Mason
“Find someone you connect with. We used Captured By Crissi.” – Anne & Bruce
“It’s so important to meet your photographer face to face. Your photographer needs to be some someone you like and get on with. They are with you for most of your day and often help out with things when you’re stressed and getting ready! We used Nick Brightman Photography – he was a wedding ninja! He blended in like one of our guests and took real photos of the day rather than posed for photos.” – Katie & Andrew
“I LOVED my wedding photographers – Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography! Lisa and Neil were my faves by far so we scheduled an intro Zoom and right off the bat I liked them – most of all because they made my now-husband laugh and feel comfortable. That was so important because he was not a big fan of being photographed. So make sure you and your partner have a good rapport with whoever you choose! It will matter when you’re having a magical/stressful day!” – Liz & David
“Make sure you are comfortable with them, their verbal communication and style.” – Lucy & Tom
“Having a pre-wedding/belated engagement shoot really helped us get used to being in front of the camera.” – Derrian & Bryce
“Take up the offer of an engagement shoot if you can. It’s not really about the engagement; it’s about working out which shots work, getting you used to the photographer, and getting angles right – you can then feedback to the photographer what you do and don’t like so they know for the big day.” – Lucy & Tom
6. Know who and what you want your photographer to capture
“Find someone who will put you at ease in front of the camera and capture all of the little moments throughout the day that you might otherwise miss. It makes it more like a story of your day that you can relive over and over, rather than just endless formal portraits (unless that is what you want). We feel incredibly lucky that we had such an amazing photographer to work with – Danny Jack Photography.” – Derrian & Bryce
“Give the photographer the images and names of the important guests at the wedding to photograph.” – Simran & Jonathon
“Invest a good amount of your budget in your photographer – you get what you pay for, and for us it was one of the most important things.” – Derrian & Bryce
“Remember your day goes really quickly but your photos last forever, so don’t skimp on your photographer – they are worth their weight in gold!” – Katie & Andrew
“Don’t pay ridiculous prices for something that you can get just as good for half the price. We had a budget-friendly photographer for half the price of what we were originally quoted.” – Laura & Lee
“It’s not all about cost! We found a great photographer who was just starting out on her own but had photographed weddings for years with someone else – we got a great deal!” – Lucy & Tom
There you have the best advice and tips for finding your perfect wedding photographer! If any of those mentioned caught your eye, why not reach out to them on their Bridebook profile?
Congratulations on your engagement! Your wedding planning journey awaits! To help you get started, we reached out to our venues, and asked them to share their top tip for newly engaged couples. From choosing your wedding venue, and knowing what to look for, to checking venue availability and dates, we’ve rounded up all their expert advice to share with you.
“Our top tip when you’re planning your big day is to remember that it is YOUR day. So decide together what you both want, agree a budget, and then make a list. Aside from saying I do, choosing your venue is also a big decision. So do your research and make appointments with the wedding managers for viewings early in your planning. Make sure your quotation covers everything you need and that there are no hidden costs. And have fun with it, it is YOUR big day!” – Rebecca Prust & Kim Downer, The Duke of Cornwall Hotel
“Our top tip for newly engaged couples is to get your show round booked in. By seeing lots of different types of venue, you’ll be able to narrow down the one that’s just perfect for you.” – Hayley, Offley Place County House
“So, first of all, congratulations! One of my top tips for newly engaged couples would be to sit down and have a think about what it really important for you for the day when it comes to looking at venues – how you want it to feel, how you want it to flow. And when you start to enquire with venues, and when you start to visit them, discuss those things with the team. It will give you a very good sense of whether it’s the right place for you – if their vibe matches yours, and also if their values as a company match up with your values as a couple as well.” – Hannah Watson, Larchfield Estate
“Congratulations – you’re newly engaged! When you’re looking around wedding venues, my top tip is to always look for the unique features of a wedding venue. Some will be really obvious – otherwise the event manager or wedding coordinator can talk to you about them. So have a look for them and find out what they are. It’s so important – not only for you, because it’ll make your day so special, but also for your guests to talk about for years and years to come. And also, the people behind the venue, supplier or service are so important. They will be such a big part of the day, so get to know them and ensure their style of working is right for you.” – Harry South, Deer Park Weddings
“My number once top tip for selecting your venue would be to make sure you find somewhere that has the flexibility and scope to make sure they give you the day that you’re after, making sure to take into account all your ideas and your own personal requirements. Don’t rush any decisions and always have a notebook for any questions to ask people – otherwise you will forget!” – Luke Howard, Roundwood Function Centre
“The one thing I would recommend is having a wedding planning book, to bring with you when you have your planning meetings and appointments. Then you can make notes as well, as sometimes it can be overwhelming when there’s lots of information to go through. You can ask any questions and not feel as though it’s all in you’re head, because you’ll have it all written down. That will really help you stay organised. It’s also a great thing to keep with you forever. You can get them off Etsy or Amazon – they have lots of different prices, whether £10 or £18.” – Sarita Toor, The Keddleston Country House
With these top tips in mind, you’ll be planning the wedding of your dreams in no time! Keep on top of it all with our free wedding planning checklist – here to guide you every step of the way to ‘I do’.
Enjoy our selection of the most artistic shots for our Wedding Photography Awards. It’s all about the aesthetic and creativity – from colours and lighting, to composition and perspective.
The story behind this photo: “We’re always looking for new angles! Jane had to climb on top of a wardrobe to capture this shot of Emily checking her makeup and getting ready before heading off to Stone Barn to marry Dan.”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: A beautiful and unique bridal prep shot. We love the use of framing and perspective, which tells the story of the bride getting ready and suggests what is next to come. We look through the dress hanger, at the bride looking at her reflection in the mirror, through to the window behind her, itself framed by the dress hanger. We also love the photographer’s determination – literally climbing on top of a wardrobe!
The story behind this photo: “The last shot of the night. We wanted to create a silhouette but it just wasn’t working how I envisioned. Then I gave the flash to the groom and told him to hold it low and point it at the bush and the flash created this incredible heart shape behind them. It was one of those once in a lifetime shots!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: What a dreamy and romantic shot! We love the effect of the flash against the bushes, with the natural heart shape behind the couple.
The story behind this photo: “Taken during the couple’s Belfast tour of the Titanic Belfast.’
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this modern, urban shot, with its clean geometric shapes and bright lighting. These elements contrast nicely with the bride’s light, flowing veil.
The story behind this photo: “I had my husband Paul on the phone on the other side of the bridge to give instructions and stay out of shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how the bridge frames the couple like a window, while the water reflects them like a mirror. An artful, well-considered composition and perspective.
The story behind this photo: “This was shot in the big glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. I had the idea to try and make the couple look like they were lost in the undergrowth. I had to find framing that removed everything manmade. It took ages but was worth it!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the effect of this couple’s shot, with its striking composition and use of scaling. There is an illusory, otherworldly quality to it.
The story behind this photo: “Oonagh ONeill’s wedding day (my daughter). Even though there were other photographers shooting on the day (day off!!!), I had to capture one of my own style of wedding shots on the day too.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: An awe-inspiring, ethereal shot, backlit with an off-camera flash to illuminate the bride’s veil. We love how the veil holds the light, almost like a stained glass window. The symmetry is also very effective, with the sweeping stairs and paintings perfectly framing the bride. Including the intricate ceiling adds to the effect.
The story behind this photo: “Bridal prep – keeping it natural and unposed but showing the reality of the morning from a different perspective.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this unusual perspective of the bridal prep, with its clever use of verticals and framing. The use of black and white elevates this candid shot.
The story behind this photo: “I was photographing details when I saw the reflection of the flower girl running around outside. I just managed to click the moment that she was perfectly framed.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see a natural, candid moment captured in such an artistic way. The use of angles, framing and perspective here is very well considered.
The story behind this photo: “I love creating artistic images and playing with mirrors and reflections. Catherine and Greg were there for it and allowed me to get as creative as I wanted at their wedding!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A very striking and artistic shot. We love the doubling of reflections, and the way the blurring of the foreground draws the eye through the image.
The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom were walking from their ceremony in Bath back to the hotel they were staying in. I knew they’d be walking past this shop and had already decided earlier that I would try and dive in and get this shot of them framed by the mannequins’ legs as they went by. Sometimes creativity is planned as much as it is spontaneous.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such an interesting and unique composition. We love how the static framing by the mannequins’ legs frames such a candid, dynamic moment.
The story behind this photo: “I got creative at night with some lights and fractals.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The play on light here is very striking. It gives the image an abstract, artistic quality, and contrasts beautifully with the darkness of the night sky.
There you have our best artistic shots of 2022! As a contrasting follow-up, next in the series is best candid photos – those natural, unposed, spontaneous, caught-off-guard snapshots.
Group shots are a great way to capture the overall theme and atmosphere of a wedding, featuring the entire party. Here are our top picks for our Wedding Photography Awards.
The story behind this photo: “Andy and Alyssa didn’t want any standard pictures. I shot Alyssa’s sister’s wedding just before lockdown, and was the photographer for six other couples who were guests at the wedding. So as you can see from the picture we all had a lot of fun. Venue was Bishton Hall in Stafford, and it was a festival vibe wedding.
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the warmth and sunniness of this photo. From the pale blue suits and yellow sunflower dresses, to the backdrop of the ancient Greek temple, to the bright lighting, everything about the image screams fun. The poses of the wedding party are posed and theatrical, yet fun and light-hearted. There is a loose symmetry to the composition which is very effective – it holds everything together without feeling forced.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “Matt the groom had some special Cuban cigars saved for his special day. He wanted me to capture the moment when he smoked them with his ushers. The evening atmosphere and backlit courtyard was perfect for it to show off the smoke and create a different kind of group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love an unusual group shot, and this one is no exception. The chill poses of the men, and the effect of the smoke, create a very striking image.
The story behind this photo: “A fun group shot of Ben and his wedding crew.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the buzz of action captured in this photo as the wedding party happily make their preparations. It has a lovely candid feel to it.
The story behind this photo: “Sunset on the way back from the shot!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: Golden hour photos are always magical! The sun’s rays beautifully illuminate the figures as they walk back through the fields of wheat.
The story behind this photo: “The bride and the bridesmaids. When taking formal group shots, I encourage genuine laughs with creative prompts and suggestions.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The girls’ colourful dresses and laughing expressions caught our eye. An uplifting, refreshing twist on a classic bridal group shot.
The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted some non-traditional group shots with their wedding party.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see the grooms and guests enjoying themselves so casually – chatting, drinking, and just having a good laugh! A lovely light-hearted moment.
The story behind this photo: “Rain forced the garden group shots indoors, so I spied this sofa earlier and wanted to use it anyway, for a more editorial inspired shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the drama of this editorial shot. The intense frontal gazes of the wedding party, and muted colour palette, make for a very striking image.
The story behind this photo: “This was taken a little later in the day which made for a nice relaxed vibe to this group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The late afternoon light gives this photo such a warm, uplifting quality. We love the group’s casual poses and candid expressions.
The story behind this photo: “One of the reasons I love this photo so much is THE VIEW! I’ve never taken a group photo in such a stunning location before, and I think that, and the sense of fun in it, is what makes it one of my favourite group shots of the year. The location is on the cliffs in Devon at Wurzell Weddings.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the sense of space created by the breathtaking natural landscape, and the relaxed poses of the guests themselves. A memorable group shot!
The story behind this photo: “The wedding was shot in Leeds and the bride was, well, a bit late. I saw the sun coming through the mist and therefore an opportunity to get my groomsmen shot. Scots in the mist.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The choice to shoot in black and white creates a moody atmosphere, perfect for such a misty scene. We love the groomsmen’s striking poses.
The story behind this photo: “Found a secret snooker room in the basement of the hotel. Gathered my lights and the full bridal party for this cool group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a unique and creative group shot. We love its intensity and drama, as well as the candid poses of the wedding party in action.
There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.
It wouldn’t be a wedding without a couple to tie the knot! Enjoy our top couple shots for our Wedding Photography Awards, from the romantic to the comedic to everything in between.
The story behind this photo: “Jess and Jamie travelled from Singapore to elope in Glencoe in winter. The couple was dreaming about the trip to Scotland for so long! They were so happy and grateful for being there together. This picture was taken on the road of Glen Etive. Winter conditions created an amazing opportunity to capture beautiful images, which was very exciting for all of us that day. We wanted to capture these beautiful and genuine moments and the newlyweds just expressed that by starting to run for a while to release their energy and emotions. It was so lucky we managed to document that!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the natural documentary style, set against the snowy peaks of the Scottish Highlands. The dark and subdued, wintry tones perfectly fit the setting and season and add a sense of drama. Yet there is a real sense of lightness and freedom in the couple’s joy and freedom. The bride’s expression is particularly striking – we love her excitement and laughter, and the way her hair is blowing in the wind.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “I am always a sucker for a good bath. I am always looking to shoot something different and my couples are always up for anything.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a prize-worthy couple shot – both artistic and aesthetic, yet candid and humorous. We love its composition and symmetry.
The story behind this photo: “Tabitha and Jed eloped with just their closest family members by their side on a small island on the west coast of Scotland which they’ve been coming to for ages for holidays. We went for some photos after the ceremony and they really wanted to go for a little paddle in one of the slate quarries. They went in, it started to rain heavily, they looked at each other, Jed took off his jacket, threw it back to the shore, and the paddle became a swim. It was the most exhilarating moment. Then we just walked back to their cottage and you should have seen their family’s faces when they came back!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo perfectly captures the couple’s joy and exhilaration in the moment. We love to see them laughing and joyfully embracing the moment.
The story behind this photo: “During the ceremony we looked out of the window and snow started to fall. By the end of the ceremony it looked like a winter wonderland outside. Thankfully Raychel and Callum were as excited as I was to go and take some pictures in it…”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical photo. It transports you to another place and time. We love its cool, clean tones, and the luminous effect of the light on the bride’s flowing veil. The couple’s blurry reflection in the frozen water is also very striking.
The story behind this photo: “I wanted to make it look like a Rembrandt painting – the grandeur of the venue and this couple deserved it!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The artistry of this couple shot beautifully echoes the art hanging on the walls of the venue itself. We love the moody, dramatic lighting.
The story behind this photo: “The story behind this photo: “I love Stapleford Park. There are so many opportunities to take stunning photos outdoors and indoors. My aim is to take a special and unique wow shot for all couples on their wedding day. When I saw Charlotte’s wedding dress I knew straightaway where we needed to go to take this shot for the couple.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the unusual perspective of this shot, with the couple smiling up from below. We also love the shape the bride’s dress makes on the floor.
The story behind this photo: “Rebecca and Adam relaxing on a vintage sofa, at Rushpool Hall in Saltburn by the Sea.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a heart-warming, candid shot. We love to see the couple laughing together and enjoying each other’s company in such a relaxed and informal way.
The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and vibrant and colourful. A wonderful couple shot, full of love, joy and celebration.
The story behind this photo: “A fantastically happy couple at the wonderful Babington House. I had to shoot from low perspective to capture the epic feel of all the lanterns.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such a joyful couple, smiling together and embracing. The lanterns hanging against the black sky create a lovely, dreamy atmosphere.
The story behind this photo: “Manvi (the bride) is a doctor and Conor (the groom) is a GP, and they met at medical college and fell in love at first sight. Conor always wanted to have an Indian-styled wedding and went to India with Manvi to do all the shopping for their wedding. They had their beautiful wedding in Larchfield Estate in Northern Ireland.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a beautiful, vibrant photo. We love to see the colours and patterns of the couple’s dress set against the natural foliage backdrop.
The story behind this photo: “Bride and groom are both endurance athletes with a great sense of humour and wanted their wedding photos to reflect their passion for running and fun!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how this photo embraces the couple’s passion for running and their fun-loving, adventurous spirit. It is a refreshingly unique shot.
The story behind this photo: “Found a cool spot and captured a cool moment.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is definitely a cool moment! It’s a classic couple’s shot with the yellow wisteria hanging down and framing the bride and groom in a romantic arch. But what makes it are the couple’s happy expressions. A perfectly captured snapshot.
There you have our best couple shots of 2022! We’re following up with the rest of the dream team, so don’t miss our next article featuring the best group photos of the year.
No wedding would be complete without a showstopper of a cake and champagne to pop and toast with. It’s all about the celebration and joy of the occasion. Here are our favourite snaps of the year, hand-picked for our Wedding Photography Awards. From classic cake-cutting moments, to chic champagne towers, there’s something for everyone!
The story behind this photo: “This shot was one the bride had imagined for 3 years! It was shot at 8pm immediately before the first dance and was an amazing end to the day’s reception.”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: What a vibrant and joyful photo! This is what cake moments are all about – cake, colour, confetti, celebration! There is a real party atmosphere, from the couple’s laughter to the guests’ cheering. We love the composition with the guests winding up the spiral staircase, showering the couple below with confetti. And the cake itself is incredible – towering and beautifully decorated. This may be a staged shot, but the reactions of the couple and their loved ones give it a wonderfully candid and natural feel.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “Liz the bride loves champagne. So just after she said ‘I do’ we got the bride’s clan together to open a bottle. So much fun!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such an uplifting and celebratory shot. We love to see the excitement of the three bridesmaids, and the champagne splatters on the camera lens.
The story behind this photo: “This was taken looking into a mirror. Early morning Prosecco livening up the late morning bridal prep.
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the spirit and liveliness of this photo. There is a real sense of togetherness and celebration, which is what champagne moments are all about!
The story behind this photo: “An LGBTQ+ wedding cake-cut moment with matching outfits for brides Lucy and Yak !”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such a joyful and colourful image, with the matching floral outfits complementing the magnificent floral cake. The composition, with the cake centrally placed in front of the brides, is also very effective.
The story behind this photo: “After months of planning, Kat was finally able to enjoy the sweet taste of a doughnut and taste the success of all her hard work!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The expression of pleasure on the bride’s face speaks for itself! This is a moment of pure indulgence and delight, as it should be!
The story behind this photo: “During a workshop at Asylum Chapel run by Emmy Shoots.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: For a TikTok trend (check out the hashtag #champagnetower, with its 40 million views), this photo has such a timeless, classic feel due to being shot in black and white. The bride’s expression adds a fun, modern touch to this impressive shot.
The story behind this photo: “Shauna and Tom wanted something a little bit different and fun for their night portrait at The Old Kent Barn and you can’t beat a champagne spray!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is photo is both artistic and theatrical, and fun and playful. We love how the drops of champagne look like stars against the black sky.
The story behind this photo: “A completely unprompted moment between Ross and Dale where she grabbed the sharp end of the knife!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a beautifully candid and light-hearted image. We love the playful look the bride and groom share with each other.
The story behind this photo: “The bride was a Polish girl, and the groom was from Italy. The wedding was in Scotland, where they both met. Beautiful couple!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: Candid cake moments are the best, and this photo is no exception! We love to see the couple having so much fun with the cake-cutting. The way the groom leans back, as the bride playfully reaches out, makes for a vibrant, dynamic composition. The bright, colourful tones perfectly capture the spirit of the photo.
The story behind this photo: “The couple were eloping together in Scotland and we decided to kick off the celebration in style.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: An elegant and refined recreation of a classic Instagram-worthy moment. The artistic monochrome tones contrasts nicely with the couple’s playfulness.
The story behind this photo: “The less traditional cheese wedding cake being attacked by the bridesmaids…”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the drama and intensity of this photo, with its moody lighting and striking composition. Not to mention the bridesmaids’ fierce expressions!
The story behind this photo: “It’s like rain on your wedding day! When Abby and Cree were married it unfortunately poured down, so we made the best we could with being indoors. In their honeymoon suite was a huge jacuzzi built into the floor, so they jumped in and grabbed their prosecco! The rain might have ruined the outdoors but we found fun inside.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet and intimate champagne moment. We love the way the brides are looking at each other, and kicking their feet up to relax in the tub.
There you have our top cake and champagne moments of 2022! Up next in this blog series is one for the romantics, with the best couples photos of the year.
We’ve put together our top picks of the most emotional ceremony moments for this year’s Wedding Photography Awards. From hugs and handshakes, to tears and laughter, each photo reflects the emotion and importance of the occasion.
The story behind this photo: “This is a shot of a mum of a groom. It’s actually the first second of her emotions. The next moment she went to tears. Then tried to hold herself together. I put a set of all three photos in their wedding album.”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: It’s no wonder the mum of the groom got three photos dedicated to her intense display of emotion. We love how expressive her upturned face is , and how the light hits it, and how she clasps her chest. We also love how the close-up shot puts all the focus on her emotions. The warm tones enhance the feeling of hope and joy.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “A VERY happy groom to just be newly married at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The groom’s literal fist pump speaks volumes – it is a beautifully candid moment. We love the bride’s reaction and the way she looks at him full of laughter.
The story behind this photo: “When you say nothing at all – as if to say “I love you Dad”, and dad looks at his daughter thinking the same thing.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a sweet image. The emotions are more in the gestures than the expressions, as the bride gently rests her head on her father’s shoulder.
The story behind this photo: “The breadth of emotions in one image, with the tears of the groom, the joy of the bride and the pride and happiness of her father.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the storytelling involved in this image, as well as the contrast in emotions between the groom, the bride, and the bride’s father. It beautifully captures the whirlwind of emotions at such a special moment in a relaxed, natural way.
The story behind this photo: “I saw how proud the bride’s 101-year-old grandmother was, and wanted to capture her emotions.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful, touching image. The composition is masterful, with the couple in the foreground but blurred, and the grandmother in focus between them in the centre, drawing our eyes to her expression of pride and joy.
The story behind this photo: “There’s a backstory to this wedding that’s too personal for me to share but it resulted in a VERY emotional ceremony. The atmosphere was electric. I find this image of it all getting a bit much for Heather very powerful indeed.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is an incredibly powerful and poignant image. We love how it captures the moment the bride glances up, caught up in the emotionality of the moment, fighting back the tears, as her partner quietly looks down.
The story behind this photo: “I absolutely loved these guys – Arpy and Cliff married at St Michael’s Manor, St Albans. They already had 2 kids, were moving to Chicago, and never intended to get married. Then Cliff popped the question and she was over the moon. She was cool as a cucumber until she walked down the aisle, then the nerves really kicked in, but Cliff knew what to do, and they laughed throughout the whole ceremony. One of the funniest weddings I’ve shot in a long while – I loved every minute.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see the couple laughing together and looking at each other with genuine love and affection. The choice to shoot in colour adds to the effect.
The story behind this photo: “Sandra entered the wedding venue like a movie star. Set to gently swelling music, a recording of her heartwarming words moved everyone to tears as she spoke of her undying love for Jeremy, her car pulling up at the end of the aisle at the speech and music crescendo. In bits and being consoled by his mother, Jeremy briskly walked halfway up the aisle to meet Sandra. Teary-eyed and surrounded by the packed, tight crowd of loved ones, he couldn’t wait to lift Sandra’s veil and finally marry the love of his life.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: Just reading the story behind this photo made us as teary-eyed as the bride. We love how this image captures the intimacy and intensity of the moment, emphasised by the close-up of the couples’ faces, and by the use of black and white.
The story behind this photo: “A very emotional reading of vows. The bride’s mother had passed away from cancer.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: A truly emotional photo, and a heart-wrenching story. Both took our breath away. Beyond the bride’s tearful, bittersweet expression, there is a desperation to the way she grips her husband-to-be’s arm. The choice to shoot in colour injects a measure of hope and light into what would otherwise be an entirely sombre and heavy image.
The story behind this photo: “I noticed this guest getting very emotional and her daughter seeming a little concerned and thought it made for a powerful moment and one that the couple would have been moved to see themselves afterwards.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a strikingly original composition. We love the focus on the little girl’s reaction to her mother’s reaction, emphasised by their centrality in the shot.
The story behind this photo: “This was such a joyful wedding! Groom Craig spontaneously twirled bride Lynsey as they walked back down the aisle after their ceremony.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see something unexpected and spontaneous, and this photo captures exactly that. It’s playful and fun, highlighting the joy of the ceremony.
There you have our most emotional ceremony moments of 2022! Get ready to party with the next episode in this blog series: the best cake and champagne moments of the year.
Continuing our Wedding Photography Awards blog series, take a look at our shortlist for the best first dance photos. Each captures the start of a couple’s journey together as partners for life, and all the magic, love, excitement and joy of the day.
The story behind this photo: “This was captured at Prestwold Hall, the couple are Chris and Michelle. The image was lit behind with two flashes to capture the movement and a bridesmaid was camera left in the shadows throwing the dress and veil. I really wanted to use the epic entrance vertical lines in contrast to the drama of a first dance, and the movement of the dress just works so well. Two or three attempts and we had it, and a very giggly bridesmaid!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: The artistry of this photo is entrancing. There is an otherworldly quality to it, which perfectly evokes the feeling of being transported in the first dance. The composition is masterful, with the couple standing in the middle of the dimly lit room, illuminated by the soft ceiling lighting, the bride’s veil flowing behind her. The solidity of the vertical columns contrasts beautifully with the weightlessness of the billowing veil. We also love the stillness of the moment, and the way the couple’s reflection is mirrored on the floor. It is overall a magical and awe-inspiring image, filled with beauty, grace and wonder.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “This was the bride and groom’s first dance, with their engagement photo on the photo-wall in the background.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo combines theatre with intimacy. Silhouetted figures, spotlights and smoke contrast with joyful expressions, clasped hands, and the very personal touch of having their colourful engagement photo hanging behind them.
The story behind this photo: “This couple were the best dancers ever and filled the dancefloor all night, surrounded by their friends.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo beautifully captures the spirit and joy of the first dance. The smiles of the bride and groom are infectious, as are the smiles of their loved ones. We love to see the bride’s outstretched arms as she fully embraces the moment, and how she directly meets her partner’s eyes. Their love for each other is obvious, as is their shared bond.
The story behind this photo: “The glamourous Mimi and Bish enjoying their first dance”.
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the brightness and colour of this photo, which perfectly capture the love and happiness of the moment. The couple’s close pose, with their foreheads touching, and their matching smiles, creates a touching yet uplifting effect.
The story behind this photo: “I captured this great dance shot with the dress in full display. I like that both the dress and the light above are in a circle.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the energy and dynamism in this photo, especially of the bride spinning in her vibrantly patterned dress. There is a real sense of joy in the moment.
The story behind this photo: “Lauren and Dan doing the dirty dancing move during their first dance at Highley Manor in Sussex.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the feeling of freedom captured in this photo, as the bride soars in her partner’s uplifted arms. The use of greyscale adds a measure of sophistication, which contrasts beautifully with the light-heartedness of the pose itself.
The story behind this photo: “For the first dance, these two had all their guests throw confetti! Nothing like being showered in their love”.
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a fun, vibrant and colourful photo, which has a real feeling of love and celebration. We love how the hand throwing the confetti is in the foreground but blurred, drawing the eye to the couple just behind, who are in focus and clearly the centre of attention. We also love the bride’s expression of joy as she dances with her partner. The happiness of the guests in the background adds to the atmosphere.
The story behind this photo: “Nothing better than the rare occasion when the couple really enjoy their first dance, and even better when the guests gather round and enjoy it too.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The couple’s genuine joy is wonderful to see. We particularly love the bride’s carefree gesture of pointing to the ceiling. The composition is itself very artful, with the couple in the centre and the guests arrayed behind them in a semicircle. The drama of the photography contrasts beautifully with the passion of the subjects themselves.
The story behind this photo: “Just a beautiful expression of happiness from the bride in this favourite of mine.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: It was the bride’s expression that caught our eye too – the light in her eyes, the smile on her face. The elegance of the black and white image complements her serene joy. There is an almost luminous quality to it. We love the composition as well, with the couple in the foreground to the right, while the guests look on in the background.
The story behind this photo: “I asked the couple to take 5 minutes alone, and when I returned they were practicing their first dance. I captured this without them knowing!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The combination of drama and dynamism in this photo is breathtaking. The sinking sun bathes the couple in golden light, illuminating the bride’s dress as her partner spins her about. We love the ambience created by the play of light and dark. It is a perfect snapshot of an intimate moment in time set against a natural backdrop.
The story behind this photo: “The majestic Kings College in Cambridge was the perfect setting for this incredible wedding, so why not take in the full view from the gallery for this first dance image?”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo has the feeling of a painting, which gives it a majestic and impressive quality. We love the artful perspective from the gallery, with the couple in the spotlight in the centre and the guests surrounding them in a perfect circle.
The story behind this photo: “I lit this photo slightly differently due to the space and atmosphere to create a more “vibey” look that the couple loved”.
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the symmetry of this photo, with the two lights shining like stars either side of the couple as they embrace in the centre. Having the guests barely visible in the darkness is a masterful choice, as it puts the attention entirely on the couple and the enchanting moment they share, but reminds us that they are surrounded by loved ones.
There you have our favourite first dance photos of 2022! If you loved our line-up, stay tuned for the next in the series: the most emotional ceremony moments, sure to be a tear-jerker!
No wedding would be complete without a top-notch wedding photographer – the person responsible for making your special day last forever.
Our Wedding Photography Awards are here to celebrate just that. Take a look at this year’s selection of the most special wedding photos across 12 exciting categories, captured by our incredible wedding photographers, and handpicked by our panel of industry experts. We received 340 submissions in total – that’s 900 individual photos across all the categories. So a huge congratulations to all those photographers who have been shortlisted!
Go through the list and discover the story behind each photo and why we chose them.
And if any catch your eye, why not reach out to them on their Bridebook profiles to snap them up for your own wedding? After all, there’s no denying that the best wedding inspiration can come from dreamy photos of fellow brides and grooms who have already tied the knot.
Kicking off with the best first look photos. Seeing the bride in her wedding dress for the first time is always an emotional moment for all those involved, and one that’s so special to capture. It’s all about the emotions and reactions, from anticipation to joy to pride to love. We were blown away by the amazing submissions we received – here are our favourites.
The story behind this photo: “Becca and her bridesmaids were getting ready at the magnificent Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. Her mum helped her into her dress and I thought of arranging the first look with her bridesmaids – the looks on their faces, it was worth it!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: For us, this photo perfectly captures everything a first look is meant to be. It is all about the beauty and magic of the big reveal, and the emotions and reactions of those in the room when the bride makes her entrance. We adore the line-up of emotions on each of the bridesmaid’s faces, from shock to delight to pride to awe. The composition adds to the effect, with the bride posing in the foreground with her arms spread out and her back to the camera, while the bridesmaids stand together side by side, their hands clasped in front of them. The luminous, golden lighting creates a warm and light-hearted atmosphere, which wonderfully captures the joy of those in the room. It is a photo which is both artful and natural, combining posed perfection with heart-warming humanity.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo:“This photo is from the wedding of Poppy and Josh, who got married at Beaconside House in North Devon in 2021. The gorgeous bride, Poppy, bought her stunning dress from Champagne and Charlotte Bridal and had been waiting until the day to show to her adoring bridal party who raised the roof for the moment!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The expressions of joy on each of the bridesmaids’ faces are beautiful to see. We particularly love the gesture of the little girl covering her face, while the other children watch to see what her reaction will be.
The story behind this photo: “This was the first time the bridesmaids had seen the bride in her dress. They had no idea what style of dress she was going for and took bets on what she would have gone for. Needless to say none of them guessed right! They are a very close knit group of friends and definitely #bridetribe goals!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the energy and vibrancy in this photo – it is super fun, colourful, vibrant and full of joyful laughter. The reactions of the four bridesmaids are priceless, and really show the story of their attempts at guessing the style of their friend’s dress.
The story behind this photo: “This dad was making light of the day (joking all morning), until he saw his daughter. He couldn’t stop sobbing, making us all cry (yes, the photographer too!).”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The choice to shoot in greyscale adds to the intensity of the scene and gives weight to the composition. It perfectly captures that breathtaking moment when the dad sees his daughter before the wedding ceremony and is overcome with emotion.
The story behind this photo: “When the bride’s dad saw his daughter for the first time on her wedding day he was so overcome that emotion just took over. We love the look between mum and daughter while dad is struggling to hold it together.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The monochrome tones here perfectly capture the intensity and drama of this emotional moment. We love to see the bride’s visible gasp as she shares a look with her mum, who is herself overcome with emotion as she holds her husband close.
The story behind this photo: “We always love an emotional dad! I love how the bride squad really add to the energy and emotion in this shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The composition here, with the bride standing in the foreground to the side, while the dad and bridesmaids stand facing her, is very artful, and adds to the emotionality of the photo. We love to see the varying expressions on each of their faces – from the intensity of the dad’s tearful pride, to the bridesmaids’ smiles of delight.
The story behind this photo: “I met Jane and Tom when they agreed to do their engagement session in the only snow storm we’ve had in 2 years! So their wedding day was going to be fun. Well it was fun but also full of happy tears, starting with this wonderful moment between Jane and her dad at the first look. She looked amazing and that veil was incredible!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo captures such a special moment. The dad’s expression of admiration and love for his daughter is beautiful, while the gesture of wiping the happy tears from his face adds to the emotionality of the composition.
The story behind this photo: “Dad and Rebecca were both so nervous to see each other for the first look just before the ceremony and the emotions showed the incredible bond they hold – even the venue staff shed tears over the beautiful father and daughter moment they shared.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how this photo captures the dad’s outpouring of emotion at such a climactic moment. Having him in focus in the centre, with her in the foreground but out of focus, adds to the effect, and puts all the attention on his reaction.
The story behind this photo: “Jill’s reaction when seeing Kunal for the first time in church was absolutely priceless!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this unique interpretation of a first look. With the groom in the foreground but out of focus, the attention is on the bride’s reaction of excitement as her husband to be turns around to meet her eyes – a truly magical moment.
The story behind this photo: “I had just spotted the shoes coming down the stairs, and it seemed to tell the story of that moment”.
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is an artful, striking composition, that uniquely captures the moment just before the first look. It is the anticipation of the big reveal that really shines in this photo, with the bride’s family waiting downstairs as the bride takes her last steps towards them.
The story behind this photo: “The groom was so excited to see his bride walk down the aisle. I love his expression.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the groom’s expression too! We also love to see how her eyes meet his, while the father of the bride looks down at his daughter with a smile.
The story behind this photo: “I love capturing these moments and the emotion from the bridesmaids was so touching. A beautiful moment.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a classic, emotional first look moment. Capturing the bride’s reaction through her reflection in the mirror adds a lovely layer of extra depth.
There you have our favourite first look photos of 2022! If you loved our line-up, stay tuned for the next in the series: the best first dance photos, captured straight from the dancefloor!
Themed weddings are a great way to make your big day even more magical, and what’s a more magical time of year than Christmas? Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding, complete with snowflakes and twinkling lights, or a cosy celebration with festive decor and warming holiday treats, a Christmas-themed wedding is full of endless possibilities. To help inspire you, check out Jesse and Andy’s enchanting Christmas-themed wedding. Their festive celebrations made for a joyful and unforgettable day with their friends and family.
The Inspiration & Wedding Planning
We decided to get married in winter around Christmas because we both love that time of year. We have both always loved spending the festive season with our families, and since we started dating it became an important part of our relationship to spend the Christmas season with each other. We made an annual mini-break trip to the Manchester Christmas markets, and it’s something we really bonded over. Christmas is a season of spending time with family and friends, appreciating each other and spreading love, so it just made sense to have our wedding fit into our Christmas celebrations, since it’s something so important to us.
We had quite a long time to plan, as we got engaged in May 2020. We set a date that was over 2 years away as we obviously didn’t know when the lockdown was going to end.
We used the Bridebook articles for all sorts of advice, from budgeting to guest lists, and most importantly, used the Bridebook app to find our beautiful venue, The Villa Levens!
We (let’s be honest, Jesse) spent a lot of time online, looking on Instagram and Pinterest for visual inspiration for the floral decorations etc., all of which we made ourselves, with help from our family.
We actually made a physical scrapbook of visual inspiration so that we could have a clear vision for what we wanted for our day which we really enjoyed making, and is now a nice keepsake from our time wedding planning.
We decided we wanted to do as much as we could ourselves and have a very handmade wedding. All of the invitations and stationery were hand-painted and hand-written, and even the printed stationary for the seat reservations and Order of the Day were designed by Jesse and printed at home.
The bouquets and buttonholes were made by Jesse using artificial flowers from craft stores and online, and she included a set of fairy lights in the bride’s bouquet to add a touch of festive magic!
The cake was made by Jesse’s sister and bridesmaid, Hannah McNaughton-Hussain, who runs a small baking business in her spare time, and the favours were ceramic tree decorations made by the mother of the bride, artist Annie McNaughton.
Jesse’s wedding shoes were also Christmas-themed, from her favourite shoe company, Irregular Choice, who specialise in creating unique, show-stopping shoes for special occasions. Top tip: I bought them in the summer, and they were half-price in the sale because they were out of season!
As Jesse and Andy have shown, a Christmas-themed wedding doesn’t have to be tacky or cliché. With some thoughtful planning and a little DIY, you can make your fairytale wedding dreams come true with a winter wonderland celebration that’s both elegant and enchanting.
