Your North West Wedding- June/July 2020 (Issue 62)

COUNTING THE PENNIES I want to book our photographer and was wondering how I can keep the price down without compromising on quality? ❤ If you’re looking to save money, ask your supplier if they can do a half-day package. Most photographers will do this but most likely stipulate that it will only be available on less popular dates. ❤ Save money by meeting your photographer just before the ceremony and have coverage until the speeches. You could then ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the bridal prep and first dance. ❤ An alternative would be to save money elsewhere, for example, you could use your photographer as a photo booth. Purchase a cheap background and inflatables and ask your chosen supplier to spend an hour shooting group shots. ❤ Invite fewer people to your wedding. The average cost for meals, invites, seat covers etc adds up to £70 per person. By removing 10 people from your guest list, you’ll have more than enough to cover a full day of wedding photography. ❤ Remember when the day is over one of the few things you’ll have to look back on is your photographs, so it’s worth investing in them. Simon Kearsley Photographer www.creative-camera.org KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON Our wedding has been postponed due to COVID-19, and we’re having to re-book our photographer. What do you suggest we ask before booking? In the sad event that your existing photographer cannot cover your new date and you need to look for a new supplier, ask what’s their style of photography? It’s important to do your research to see if their style matches your personality. Secondly, find out what their cancellation policy for COVID-19 is. We’re in an unknown and extreme situation, and if it were to happen again, it’s worth knowing what their stance is. Remember it may differ from the terms and conditions in their contract for rescheduled events and cancellations. Lastly, meet with them for a brew. It will help you feel comfortable around them, which is important as you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day. Christina Davies Photographer www.fish2.co.uk www.crea tive-camera.org www.fish2 .co.uk www.chri stopherlewisphotography.com MUSIC TO MY EARS We’re thinking of booking a harpist, but we’re a bit worried about booking someone online that we’ve never met. Do you have any suggestions? Booking someone online can be a daunting prospect, especially for your big day. Sometimes dashing down to a wedding fair to see a harpist isn’t really an option with our busy schedules. Most professionals will have a website where you can get a good feel for what they offer. I always try and talk to my couples before the wedding through different platforms like Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp or even over the phone. It’s a great way to see if you get along and if they’re a good fit for your day. When I talk to a couple for the first time, I send a list of what I currently play and ask them to send some of their own ideas so that we can tailor the music to suit their tastes. The harp is a rich-sounding and dramatic-looking instrument, so just remember the effects may be lost slightly in a weblink but will sound amazing live. I love speaking to all my couples and being a part of their special day, so don’t be afraid to get in touch. Sarah Davies Harpist www.sarahdaviesharpist.com EXPERT ADVICE 47