During the Covid-19 pandemic, working as a wedding photographer in the UK has thrown up many challenges, as I am sure it has across the rest of the world.
Couples who have been planning their wedding for years have had to postpone for several months, knowing that even then, it might have to move again.
Wedding suppliers, who are usually able to give all the answers to their clients, have at times, been stuck in a position of not knowing what to say. Whilst trying their best to keep all their couples happy, they also have to try and keep their business afloat. It has been, and continues to be, a testing time for all.
There has, over the last couple of days, been an update on weddings in England. From July 4th, couples are now allowed upto 30 guests, including the staff and photographers but are being advised against having a reception. The wedding of their dreams, still a long way off.
With so many questions being asked, I thought it might help to list the 5 FAQ’s for a wedding photographer most common questions I get asked. These have either come from wedding fayres or through online enquiries before and during Covid.
1 – “What happens if you are ill?”
By far the most common question and understandably so. In my 23 years as a professional photographer though, I have only ever had to call in sick once, and it wasn’t a wedding. It would have to be pretty extreme for me to not attend. I am lucky enough to be part of a couple of wedding photography networks and so they would be the first people I would call upon. If the absolute worst happened and I was unable to attend OR find a replacement in time, you would be entitled to a full refund, which I have insurance for.
2 – “Do we need a second photographer?”
Picture by Clara Lou Photography 
I recently wrote a blog about the benefits of having a second photographer which you may find useful. The main two advantages are that you instantly have a back up photographer. The second is the increased content you get from your wedding. As you can see from the mage above, from a wedding I shot with Clara Lou Photography, two photographers who work in a similar style, gives you extra coverage from your wedding. The most common advantage is that covering groom prep as well as bridal prep becomes more straight forward.
3 – “What happens if we have to change the date and is there a charge?”
Not something that was asked very frequently until Covid came along but is now a very relevant question. Firstly, speak to your suppliers! As a photographer I try my best to accommodate couples and their new dates. This can only be done though, if a conversation takes place before the rescheduling begins. All my couples who wanted to set a new date were offered a calander to check, which allowed them to see my availability. Thankfully, we have so far been able to make all bookings work. Communication is key.
Many couples have had to postpone their wedding. Some suppliers have charged a postponement fee but many have not. My personal view, currently, is that there shouldn’t be a charge. Covid is not something any of us have planned for and so there has to be some level of understanding, from both sides.
4 – “What happens if it rains?”
It’s the UK. There is every chance it will rain on your wedding day. This is another wedding aspect that I have written about so you will find a lot of the answers in this blog.
5 – “Do we need a videographer?”
This is hugely down to your own personal view. There are obvious advantages to having a videographer at your wedding. The main one being that you will have a great moving memory of your wedding. It will though come down to your budget. Many couples tend to book their videographer nearer the date as they know how much is left in the kitty. You do though run the risk of not booking the one you really want. There is a short blog about my friend Kristian at Diag Media who I have worked with over the last year or so and would highly recommend.
Hopefully this has been a useful read for those of you getting married. If you do have any other questions though please do feel free to get in touch and I will happily answer any further question you have.
Here’s hoping that we will soon be able to celebrate UK weddings like we have done n the past. Stay safe x