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UK's most popular wedding car hire booking service.

How To Choose A Wedding Photographer: 10 Tips For Selecting Wedding Photography

Now that you’ve commenced wedding planning, one of the many things you will have to decide on is who should be your photographer. It’s critical to choose a trustworthy professional with years of experience under the belt. Here are ten tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Has a physical location

The first thing you should consider is if the photographer has a physical location. It is safer to choose a photographer with a brick and mortar studio over a random stranger online. You want to be able to visit the photographer at any time.

2. Friendly personality

Your photographer is going to spend a greater part of the day at your wedding venue, so it’s important to choose someone you can tolerate and maybe like. A friendly personality means the photographer will able to get along with your guests without trouble.

3. Style

Your photographer should have a style that aligns with yours, There are different kinds of style: traditional, documentary, editorial, romantic, portraiture and photojournalistic among several others. Whatever your style may be, there’s a photographer out there that fits your requirements.

4. Full wedding

Don’t hire a photographer based on a few photos you see on social media. To truly gauge their work, request to see a full wedding collection that he or she has shot from start to finish.

5. Experience

An amateur photographer will likely deliver a bad job since he has no experience working under pressure in a wedding setting. Ask how many weddings they’ve covered and how long they’ve been in the business.

6. Recommendation

Another factor to take into consideration is the recommendation you get from previous clients of the photographer. It is an excellent way to get an unbiased review of his or her services. A great photographer should be able to provide testimonials and contacts of previous clients to that effect.

7. Insurance

Since we are talking business stuff, ask the photographer if they’re insured and licensed as a legal business. Many venues require insurance from vendors working there to cover for unforeseen events that may occur.

8. Turnaround time

How long does it take for the photographer to deliver your photos? Be sure to ask the turnaround time so you don’t have to wait for months to receive your photographs.

9. Backup

Your photographer should have backup equipment in the event that something goes wrong with the main tools. If they have only one camera, it probably won’t be enough to meet your needs.

10.  Budget

The photographer will likely charge you on the basis of the package you pick. Make sure you inquire about what’s included in the package and whether there’s a second shooter. While the price list is a factor to consider, it’s best to avoid photographers that offer ridiculously cheap packages because you will always get what you paid for.

Wrap-up

Each of the points above is as important as the next, so be sure to consider all these factors before you commit to hiring a photographer for your perfect day.

The Five Biggest Wedding Preparation And Planning Mistakes

Planning a wedding can be likened to a huge project – it can be very demanding. Like everyone else, you want your wedding day to be perfect but because you’re human, there’s only so much you can do without making a mistake. Here are the five biggest mistakes you don’t want to make when planning and preparing for your special day.

1. Not setting a budget

Perhaps, the most common mistake people make when it comes to wedding preparation and planning is failing to establish a budget. Most couples make an assumption about how much the wedding ceremony might cost, often due to what they heard from friends and family members or what they read online. If you don’t set a realistic budget before anything else, you may fall in love with a venue or a wedding dress only to discover that each one costs more than you can afford.  Set a budget first and then you can use it to decide how much to pay for every item on your list.

2. Not having a rain plan

Planned a beautiful garden wedding with thousands put into the décor without a contingency plan for the weather? Most couples count on luck to ensure perfect weather, which is the equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and yelling, “I can’t hear you, rain.” Rather than just hope that your wedding won’t be disrupted by the elements, protect yourself by preparing a plan B if you’re planning an outside affair.

3. Not putting together a full list of guests

Another top mistake most couples make is sending out their save-the-dates only to discover that their venue cannot accommodate that number of guests. The problem? They already invited friends and loved one, making it quite complicated to withdraw the invites. Sometimes, the problem with the guest list is that your loved ones might want to invite others you’re not thinking off and this can get things out of control. It’s best to discuss it with those supporting you and then wait till you can confirm the capacity of the venue before you draw up your list.

4. Skipping the video

The prominent reason most couples skip video is that the costs. They believe they’re saving by not hiring a videographer but it is no surprise that most of them eventually wish they shelled out more on a videographer to document their day. If you’re planning your wedding on a budget, see if you have a loved one that’s willing to pitch in for the cost of the Videography as a wedding gift.

5. Doing everything yourself

There’s no rule that says you have to do everything for yourself. Even if you can do most of the tasks, you shouldn’t so you don’t end up totally burned out by the time the wedding day comes. Shop around for vendors with the vision and style that is compatible with yours, and let them help you create your perfect wedding day.

Bonus tip

Another huge mistake most couples make when planning their wedding is assuming that they have enough time. The simple truth is that you may never know how much work planning a wedding requires until you get started. You may even have to take time off from work when you commence planning. Believe it because chances are high that it’s going to happen.

The UK’s Best Unusual Wedding Venues

Planning a wedding but tired of the same old venues? It can be difficult to organise something that will make you stand out from the crowd. So if you want to tie the knot in a ceremony that your guests will remember for years to come, why not say “I do” at one of these unusual spaces?

Burgh Island Hotel

For something truly glamorous, you can take a leaf out of Agatha Christie’s book and celebrate in the one-of-a-kind, Art Deco-inspired Burgh Island Hotel. Set on its own private island off the South Devon coast, this stunning venue is only reachable by boat or sea tractor at high tide – creating a sumptuous and romantic retreat for you and your lucky guests.

Spitbank Fort

Continuing along the same theme, Spitbank Fort is a recommissioned fortification in the Solent off the coast of Portsmouth. However, its military past is long behind it, and it’s now enjoying a new lease of life as a luxury hotel. With its rooftop hot tubs, intimate dining spaces and five-star accommodation, this unique destination is available for exclusive hire for your wedding celebration.

Tutbury Castle

Back on land, this medieval castle is the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. Although most of the structure is in picturesque ruins, the main hall is still standing, providing the ideal venue for a really romantic celebration. According to legend, the ancient castle is also extremely haunted, so the braver amongst your guests can even indulge in a spot of ghost hunting on your special day.

Carnglaze Caverns

Want something really different? At Cornwall’s Carnglaze Caverns you can tie the knot in a subterranean cave buried deep beneath the surface of the earth. There are a choice of wedding spots within the cavern, but our favorite is The Underground Lake – a magical spot where you can enjoy an intimate ceremony by candlelight.

Alnwick Treehouse

For a venue straight out of the storybooks, the sprawling treehouse at Alnwick – also famous as one of the filming locations for Harry Potter – is hard to beat. Think twinkling fairy lights, roaring log fires and countless opportunities for photographs, all wrapped up in a picturesque wooden structure that’s nestled in the leaves of a copse of mature lime trees.

Summer Weddings vs. Winter Weddings: Which One is Right for You?

When you’re planning a proposal, popping that big question can seem like the most important thing in the world. But once they’ve said yes, you’ll realise that there’s a whole host of decisions that need to be made. And along with the dress and the venue, one choice that will have a big impact on your special day is the time of year that you pick. So if you’re struggling to choose between a winter and a summer wedding, here are some tips to help you decide.

Statistically, the vast majority of weddings take place during the warmer months – and it’s easy to see why. You’ll (hopefully) be able to get married in the sunshine – or at least in weather that doesn’t require heavy coats – and the possibility of celebrating outside means a wider choice of venues. Late spring and summer weddings also open up more opportunities for budget weddings – a barn and camping for guests can be charming when the sun is out, but much less so in colder temperatures. Also, some caterers and other services only operate during these months of the year, so you’ll have more choice too.

Given all these positives, why would someone choose a winter wedding? Luckily, there are lots of advantages to getting married during the colder months. For starters, many venues are cheaper around this time, so your budget is likely to stretch further. And while the weather might not seem as appealing, wrapping up warm for your celebrations can be romantic – and there’s even the chance of snow for some really dramatic photographs. Also, essential wedding services like car hire are usually less popular at this time of year, so there’s more chance of getting exactly what you want.

In short, both summer and winter offer great opportunities for celebrating your special day. If sunshine and warmth are important to you, then it obviously makes more sense to tie the knot when you have more chance of good weather – although in the UK nothing is guaranteed! Similarly, a winter wedding can be great looking for those to get married on the cheap without making compromises on all the things that you’ve dreamed of. So if you’re struggling to choose between the two, the best approach is to sit down and think about what your priorities are – and you’ll soon be on your way to enjoying a celebration that you’ll never forget.

Photo Credit: LucieWatsonPhotography.com

Top 10 Wedding Transport Ideas

Your wedding transport is an important part of your big day. Whether your planning a ceremony out of town and need plenty of vehicles to whisk all your guests to the venue or you’re just looking for a really special car to host your first journey as man and wife, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

Here is our pick of some of the best:

Limousine

One of the most popular choices with brides and grooms celebrating their big day, limousines have many benefits. They are elegant and stylish, with roomy interiors that are perfect for accommodating your entire party. For added wow factor, choose a limo with its own built-in bar and enjoy chilled drinks en route to the wedding.

classic wedding car hire

Another popular option, arriving at your wedding in a beautiful classic wedding car is a great way to get your guests talking. There are plenty of iconic brands to choose from including Rolls Royce, Bentley, Beauford and more, so you can find a style to suit any budget and taste.

Self drive sports car hire

For many people, their wedding day is one of the only chances they’ll get to hire a luxury car. So why let the chauffeurs have all the fun? With a self drive sports car hire package, you’ll have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most famous vehicles.

Minibus and coach hire

For weddings where there is a long distance between the locations of the ceremony and the party, or for out of the way weddings in rural locations, hiring a minibus or coach to transport your guests ensures that nobody has to worry about driving their car – so everyone can relax and have a good time.

Vintage bus hire

For group transport with a more retro feel, why not hire a cool vintage bus to transport your guests in style? There are a variety of models to choose from, from iconic Bedford buses to spacious double deckers from a bygone age.

TukTuk Hire

Want something completely different? How about arriving at the venue in the back of an Asian-style tuktuk? A fun and exhilarating way to travel, these open-sided vehicles are great for weddings in warmer weather and are sure to get you noticed wherever you go.

Open Top Car Hire

Getting married in the summer? Why not choose an open top wedding car? If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with fine weather you can roll the top down and enjoy the sensation of the wind in your hair – and if not you can just keep the top on and still enjoy all the comforts of a luxury car.

horse Drawn Carriage Hire

Want something really romantic for your big day? It doesn’t get any more traditional than hiring a horse-drawn carriage for the bride and groom. If you only have a short distance to travel to get to the venue, this can make a really magical start to the celebrations.

London Taxi Hire

For something a little quirky and fun, why not hire a black London taxi for your wedding? Surprisingly roomy, these vehicles can accommodate up to 5 passengers in comfort and are a great way to make a big impact when you arrive.

VW Camper Hire

Channelling a sixties vibe for your big day? What better way to complete the theme than by hiring an authentic VW Camper as your transport for the day. To really get the party started, choose a camper that comes equipped with its own bar and pile all your friends in for the ride.

Top 10 Classic Wedding Cars

Every bride and groom wants to look and feel like a celebrity on their special day, which is why so much thought is given to things like wedding dresses, venues, flowers and more. But one of the most important features of your big day – and one of the first things that your guests will see – is your wedding car. Your choice of car will create a lasting impression, so you need to make sure it’s one that says something about you as a couple. For romance, elegance and glamour, why not choose classic wedding car? Here’s our pick of some of the best:

Rolls Royce Phantom (Classic)

First put into production in 1925, the Phantom name has been attached to Rolls Royce’s luxurious cars for generations. The iconic design of a classic Phantom is instantly recognisable, making it a great choice for couples who want a classic car that really makes an impact on their special day.

Bentley MK VI

Out of the many classic Bentleys available to hire, the MK VI is one of the most striking. The first post-war luxury car produced by Bentley, it combines elegant design with a roomy interior that boasts plenty of room for you and your partner to relax before and after the ceremony.

Daimler Limousine

For a more understated, retro classic vehicle for your wedding day, why not check out the Daimler Limousine? Still used as the official state car in many countries around the world, the car creates an almost regal atmosphere and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

Brandford Elite

Want a car that captures the elegance of the roaring 1920s? The Brandford Elite is a romantic and eye-catching car with enough room for up to six passengers to travel in style. For summer weddings, you can roll the top down and enjoy the feel of the wind in your hair.

Vintage Soft-top Rolls Royce

Carrying on the theme of summer weddings, a soft top Rolls Royce is perfect for travelling to your wedding on a warm and sunny day. With a selection of different models to choose from, a soft-top Rolls Royce combines timeless elegance and glamour with a fun and exciting design that’s sure to get you noticed on your big day.

VW Campervan

Want something a little different? A VW Campervan is a funky and stylish way to transport larger parties in style. With their fun interiors and iconic design features, they combine vintage charm with spacious interiors large enough to carry the entire bridal party.

Beauford Classic

One of the most popular choices for a classic wedding car, the Beauford is a surefire way to make an impressive entrance on your wedding day. Boasting an optional soft top, contrasting colours and a plush, luxurious interior, this car creates a magical environment for your journey to the venue or your first trip as man and wife.

Bramwith

Another popular choice of classic wedding car, the Bramwith boasts an exceptionally roomy interior making it perfect for travelling to the ceremony with all of your loved ones. With elegant coachwork and a leather interior, these vehicles can seat up to 7 people with a roll-top roof at the rear for sunny days.

Bentley S

The first post-war redesign of Bentley’s luxury cars resulted in the elegant Bentley S, a spacious car offering sleek and stylish design for those that want a classic wedding car with a twist. Perfect for classic car enthusiasts and those who want to cause a stir on their wedding day.

Studebaker Dictator

One of the classic luxury cars of the 1920s and 1930s, the Studebaker Dictator offers affordable glamour for brides and grooms looking to travel in style. A vehicle that perfectly captures the romance of a bygone age, a ride in a Studebaker makes the perfect start to married life.

What your wedding transport says about you

When planning a wedding, there are so many choices to make: what dress to wear, what type of venue to choose, how to entertain your guests. And whether we like it or not, each choice says a little bit about who we are – and what we want our marriage to be. But what about the transport for your big day? We take a light-hearted look at what the most popular types tell us about the couples that pick them.

Vintage wedding cars

If you’ve chosen a classic vehicle like a Rolls Royce or a Bentley to whisk you to the venue on your wedding day, you’re a hopeless romantic who wants to pull out all the stops. Timeless and elegant, you and your loved one have bags of style and aren’t afraid to show the world. Teamed with avintage wedding dress for the bride and a cute, retro-themed reception, this choice is one that will never go out of fashion.

Sports cars

Who wouldn’t want to arrive at their wedding in a sleek Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini sports car? Stylish, sophisticated and effortlessly cool, these are vehicles with the real wow factor – a choice that will blow your guests away. The couples that choose these are dynamic and exciting people with lives that make others green with envy – and a ride in a wedding sports car will likely be followed by a honeymoon in some far-flung and exotic location.

Stretch limousine

The choice of the party animal, the stretch limousine is a vehicle for the couple that can’t decide between their loved ones – and opts to invite everyone along for the ride! If you’re travelling to your wedding in a stretch limo, you’re fun, sociable and like to let your hair down. And on your special day, we know that the celebrations won’t stop until the early hours!

Horse and carriage

For some people, it’s all about tradition – and even a motorised wedding car is too much of a concession to the modern age. If you’ve chosen a horse and carriage for your wedding day, you’re likely an old-fashioned sort of couple that wants your celebration to be all about the romance. You’re definitely not in a hurry, of course, and we predict that your day will be filled with precious moments to treasure for the rest of your lives.

Classic vs. modern wedding cars: which one is right for you?

It’s the eternal wedding debate… one of you wants to arrive at the venue in an elegant, vintage vehicle, while the other is dreaming of the sleek lines and powerful engine of the latest sports car. So how do you decide between the two? Luckily, it’s not just about the aesthetics – there are practical considerations that can help lead you in the right direction.

In order to make the best choice, you need to look at the pros and cons of both options. So let’s look at vintage cars first. With their classic good looks, romantic appearance and elegant interiors, older model vehicles like Rolls Royces and Bentleys are a popular choice of wedding car. And in many ways, they live up to the hype. You’ll definitely feel like a million dollars on board one of these charming vehicles, and they’re sure to make a beautiful backdrop to your special day.

However, classic cars have their limitations too. For example, they often have little power behind them, and might struggle with particularly hilly or difficult terrain. Plus, there’s a higher chance that they could break down – leaving you stranded en route to the biggest day of your life.

Another consideration is what you want in the way of technology. If your idea of the perfect ride to your wedding is relaxing with a glass of bubbly in hand, chatting while some soft music plays in the background, then a vintage vehicle could be just what you’re looking for. But if you’re the
sort of person who wants a state-of-the-art sound system and plenty of gadgets on board, you’re better off looking at a more modern option.

While they are a more unusual choice, modern wedding cars can be just as glamorous as their vintage counterparts – although they won’t give off the same traditional vibe. But what they lack in old-school charm they more than make up for in effortless cool, and your guests are sure to be impressed if you arrive in the latest Ferrari or Porsche model. And with the latest luxury vehicles, you’ll need to worry far less about any mechanical failings.

However, it’s worth noting that modern wedding cars are often less roomy than classic ones – although if space is a consideration you could always opt for a ‘stretch’ version of your favourite car. As you can see, there are pros and cons to each option – so take some time to weigh them up and decide which one is right for your big day.

How much to budget for your wedding transport

Wedding planning is an exciting time, but one that always comes with a certain reservation too. And when you have to fork out for everything from the dress and the flowers to the venue and the catering, the costs soon start adding up. Of course, sensible wedding budget is the key, but it can be difficult to know how much to set aside. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to wedding transport costs.

First, do a headcount of everyone you’ll need to sort travel for on your big day. Traditionally, you’ll be responsible for organising transport for the bride and groom and their respective wedding parties, plus both sets of parents and any other close family members. However, you don’t need to stick to this if it seems to costly – just talk to your guests honestly about what’s right for you.

Generally speaking, an out-of-season, basic car hire package will start somewhere in the region of £200. And if you only need a vehicle for an hour or two, you shouldn’t have to budget much more than this – although bear in mind that summer wedding transport will come with a higher
charge.

Confusingly, different companies operate different methods of pricing, with some charging by the hour and some charging a set fee. With this in mind, it’s difficult to predict exact prices, but if you want full day hire of a luxury vehicle you’ll need to be putting aside a budget of around £300 to £500. And if you need to transport your guests from the ceremony to the venue, coach hire usually starts at around £200.

At first, these prices can seem a bit daunting, with the possibility of paying over a thousand pounds just for transport on your big day. But luckily there are some things that you can do to bring these costs down. For example, some companies will offer a discount for couples booking multiple cars, while others offer special packages that will bring prices down. And don’t forget to negotiate either – often you can get extras like flowers and champagne thrown in for free.

With the right wedding budgeting, you can plan your perfect wedding transport – with no nasty surprises once the final bill arrives!