Essential
Wedding Planning Guide
by Jess Soper Photography
I can’t emphasise enough how much difference having lovely people around you on your wedding day will make. I think that’s especially true for caterers and event
co-ordinators. They are mingling with all your guests and their vibe will completely change your day. Trust me flappy people bringing out your meals is not what you want!
Make-up artists and hair stylists are also really key to making sure your morning is as fun and stress free as possible. They are there during one of the most emotional and personal parts of the day and it really can make a huge difference who you pick.
Finally I've tried to make my choices as ethical as possible, I'm really passionate about sustainable weddings and luckily lots of the lovely people I work with are too!
I'd also recommend hoping over to my Pinterest boards for some more inspiration and feel free to Whatsapp me ideas for your day that you're stuck on: 07581417697. I love being able to help out with your day!
Planning a wedding can be an absolute mission. There are so many factors to think about and so many options. It can be totally overwhelming when you’re trying to get all those elements together.
If you’ve booked a wedding with me please feel free to message me at any point to ask for advice. As someone who’s seen hundreds of weddings I really know what works and what doesn’t on a wedding day. I’ve totally got your back if you want to do something outside of the norm and I can help you pin down your decor choices and work out timings.
I think a wedding should reflect the two of you, your own unique personalities and what you love. You don’t need to do the things that make you feel uncomfortable and you can absolutely embrace the things you love.
To make things a little easier I’ve listed some wonderful wedding suppliers who I’d totally recommend. I’m pretty fussy about only picking people who not only deliver a great end result but are also really lovely people.
styling and props
Anthology Vintage Hire
Rock The Day
Absolute legends and prop design geniuses. These lovely ladies are masters at transforming a space from festival boho backdrops to neon electric bars, whatever vibe you’re after they’ve got you covered. Not only do they hire props but they’ll also style it on the day too.
Beautiful prop hire, I’ve done lots of weddings which have had tables, chairs, sofas etc from these guys and I can totally see where. They have great pieces that look amazing and are well made and they are super reliable. They are also passionate about environmentally friendly weddings.
Beautiful signs, place cards and table plans. All from sustainable resources
Of course it's all about the light! The lighting you choose can totally transform your wedding and these guys have some great set ups.
Caterers
Absolutely divine food and a cute food truck. The food is also ethically and locally sourced. A double win.
I’ve done lots of weddings with Linda and her wonderful team and I always jump for joy when I know they’re doing the same wedding. They are all absolutely lovely and their food is really amazing. They are so attentive to all the guests and really efficient. Honestly I can’t recommend them enough.
Step 04
Step 03
Delicious feasts with a speciality in outdoor cooking. Nina is passionate about fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. She even has her own kitchen garden where she grows some of the produce.
Locally sourced and seasonal these guys are great at more relaxed bbq and buffet style options
Hair & Makeup
Multiple award winner and absolute super star, Jamie is exactly the sort of person you want sorting you out on your wedding morning.
Effortlessly chic make-up – for everyone who loves that natural look. Zoe really is the master at this. Plus a lovely, fun person.
The lovely Charlotte creates the most gorgeous boho relaxed hairstyles.
Incredible skills and extensive experience working on Afro-Carribean Hair
Florists
Patrick and Sherrie have an amazing walled garden in Essex where they grow their own flowers. They have a great style and their flowers can transform your day.
The lovely Emma is passionate about sustainable flowers, growing her own or sourcing them locally. Her creations are so romantic and eye-catching.
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Contemporary style with flowers grown on an organic farm in Essex. Seasonal and sustainable.
A local Essex grower aiming to be biodynamic
Videographers
Tim is a great soul to work alongside and really talented. Definitely one of the most chilled videographers I've worked with!
The best of the best. It was a huge honour to work alongside these two and I couldn’t recommend them enough. This is the one for those of you who really value videography.
I've not worked with Georgia but her work looks awesome.
Really unobtrusive and chilled
Music
A quality duo, they know their stuff and are professional but really fun. They also offer a silent disco option.
I've been really impressed with this team in the past, they are far less cheesy than your standard classic wedding djs and can read a room rather than just churning out a list.
The perfect way to create a great atmosphere at your wedding. High quality djs for couples who don't want the fromage!
An absolutely brilliant vintage band, these guys will really create the party vibe for all your guests.