Your Wedding Day Made Unforgettable
Congratulations — you’ve just said “Yes!”. Now comes one of the most exciting yet also one of the most overwhelming parts of wedding-planning: turning your vision into reality. At Purple Rose Photography, we’ve spent years capturing weddings across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, so we know how to plan well and photograph beautifully.
Whether you’re just starting out, or already knee-deep in colour palettes and venue visits, this guide is tailored to help you plan your wedding day and to show how we step in to support you from the moment you book.
Step 1 – Begin With Big Decisions
Decide your budget & guest list.
Before you get carried away with Pinterest boards or Instagram inspiration, it’s essential to set your budget and settle on a rough guest count. This guides everything else: venue size, catering, day-of photographic coverage and so much more.
Pick your date and region.
If your favourite date is available, grab it — especially if you’re working with a popular venue or date. The traditional “wedding season” might be wider now, but top Saturdays still book fast.
Because we cover weddings around Milton Keynes and the surrounding counties, we’re familiar with all-day timelines, daylight changes, weather patterns and the best photo locations in the area.
Choose your style and venue vibe.
Do you want a casual country feel, a formal manor-house affair or something totally unique? Once you have the feel in mind, everything else (from dress to décor to photography style) flows much easier.
As your photographers, we’ll guide you through what works best in light and location because planning ahead means better photographs for you.
Step 2 – 12 + Months To Go
What to check off early
Book your venue – When a venue fits you, don’t wait. Once it’s secured, your date is official.
Reserve key suppliers – Especially those that get booked up early: photographer (yes, that’s us 🙂), caterer, florist, entertainment. With wedding photography we typically recommend booking early because our calendar fills.
Decide on your photography coverage – We offer full-day support right through from morning preparations to the first dance, with two photographers to make sure no moment is missed.
Start gathering inspiration – Whether it’s colour palettes, dress styles or décor ideas, begin your mood-boarding. We encourage couples to share their inspiration with us so we capture images that reflect you.
Step 3 – 10 to 6 Months Out
Rolling pieces into place
Send out your ‘Save the Dates’ – Let guests pencil you in, especially if you’re tying the knot in peak season or inviting people travelling.
Choose your attire – Dresses, suits, bridesmaids, groomsmen. Fittings often take longer than expected, so the earlier you start the more relaxed you’ll be.
Meet your photographer for a check-in – We will meet (in person or virtually) to go through your day, discuss timings, key people, and any “must-have” shots you’d love. This ensures we’re fully aligned.
Confirm other vendors – Florist, cake, entertainment and cars. Think about readability for the photo timeline (e.g., when will the confetti moment happen? When do the bridesmaids get ready?). We collaborate with you to ensure your photo timeline fits seamlessly with all other elements.
Step 4 – 4 to 1 Months to Go
Final fine-tuning
Finalize your guest list & send invites – Include RSVP deadlines and any specific details (dress code, timing, location instructions).
Create a photo & day schedule – We’ll work with you to build a timeline that allows for relaxed photos (yes, with plenty of natural-light couple shots) and includes group shots without monopolising your day. Our aim: you’re with your guests, you have beautiful images, and the day flows.
Hair, make-up, and dress trial – If you try your hair/make-up ahead of time, you’ll feel confident on the day. And we’ll be ready to photograph those getting-ready moments too.
Check contracts and final payments – For venue and major suppliers.
Confirm your photography details – We’ll check arrival time, any special requests, and how you’d like to receive the images afterwards.
Step 5 – 1 Week to The Big Day
The finishing touches
Distribute payment envelopes – If you have vendors to pay on the day, prepare envelopes and assign someone you trust to hand them out.
Pack an emergency wedding kit – Safety pins, pain-killers, water, spare tights, stain-remover pen. These are lifesavers during the day.
Relax, sleep well, and arrive refreshed – This is your day. Everything else is in place.
Meet your photographers on-site – We’ll arrive ahead of schedule, scan the light, check any last-minute details and be ready to document your wedding from the very first moment.
Your Wedding Day
And just like that — it’s here ! The time you’ve been planning, dreaming and preparing for. We’ll be there from morning through to your first dance, unobtrusively capturing the big moments, details you might miss and all the genuine moments in between. Because while every detail matters, the most important thing is that you two get married —and have a fabulous time. We’ll even give you a few images on the day, so before you’ve even gone home you have wedding photos.
Afterwards you’ll receive your high-resolution images (colour and black & white) via an online gallery (and USB if you like), with the option of beautiful albums, wall art and keepsakes.
Why Choose Purple Rose Photography?
We’re a husband-and-wife team, which means you’ll always have two experienced photographers who know each other and how to work together smoothly.
Our style is relaxed, friendly and true to life. We help if you’re nervous in front of the camera, and our images reflect real emotions, real moments.
We cover Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and we know the local venues and light conditions inside-out.
We treat your images and albums like family heirlooms — they’re not just for a few weeks after the wedding, they’re for a lifetime.
We’ll work with you to plan the photo timeline, share ideas, help you avoid the common time-squeeze issues and capture both the big “wow” moments and the quiet little ones.
Because we only book one wedding per day, you get our full focus — we’re not juggling multiple events and deadlines.
Quick Checklist for Your Wedding Photography Planning
When What to do Why it matters
12 + months out Book photographer & venue Ensures availability and gives you peace of mind
10-6 months Gather inspiration, send Save the Dates Helps vendors align and guests plan
4-1 months Finalise schedule, meet photographer, hair/make-up trial Means smoother day and better images
1 week Pack emergency kit, confirm details, rest well Reduces stress and maximises enjoyment
Wedding day Be present, enjoy every moment, trust your photographer The best images come when you’re relaxed and having fun
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is big, but with the right support (and the right photographer) it can also be joyful, creative and fun. At Purple Rose Photography we don’t just show up and click a camera — we partner with you through the process, helping you feel comfortable, capturing your story and delivering images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
If you’re ready to talk about your wedding day, we’d love to hear your plans. Whether you’ve just got engaged or you’re gearing up for the final countdown, reach out, and let’s create something beautiful together.
Get in touch today to check availability and chat about your wedding.
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