Five things couples often overlook (but make a big difference on the day.)
When you’re planning your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the headline items like the dress, the food, the music, the flowers.
All of these are important, of course. But after years of filming weddings across Norfolk and Suffolk, one truth always stands out: It’s often the things couples overlook that leave the most lasting emotional impression. These aren’t details you’ll always find on a checklist. They don’t necessarily cost more, and they’re not about creating a perfect picture. They’re about how your day feels – and as a wedding filmmaker, it’s that feeling that shapes how your story comes across on film.
When you’re relaxed, present, and truly enjoying it, it shows – not just in the moment, but in how your wedding is remembered and relived. Here are five often-missed items that can subtly transform the feel of your day and how it looks on film:
1. Give yourself breathing room.
Wedding days have a flow, and when your timeline is crammed, it can be difficult to find time to enjoy it. A small delay in the morning can have a knock-on effect, leaving you feeling rushed and disconnected.
The solution is to build in buffer time. Give yourself extra space to breathe, to eat, to laugh with your best friends, or to take in the moment before walking down the aisle.
It’s not about doing less. It’s about feeling more.
Planning tip: Add padding to key parts of your timeline, especially the morning. Leave space between your ceremony and reception. And definitely prioritise a quiet ten-minute moment just for the two of you following your ceremony. It might be the only time all day where you get to be together – just the two of you.
2. Where you get ready sets the tone.
The space where you get ready might not feel like a major decision, but it has a big impact. It shapes the mood of your morning, influences your energy, and leaves its mark on both your photos and how you remember the start of the day.
Soft natural light, a peaceful atmosphere, and being surrounded by people who help you feel relaxed and grounded - these things have a bigger impact than you might expect. On the flip side, a cramped or chaotic space can add unnecessary stress to an already full morning.
Things to consider: Does the space feel calm and comfortable? Is there plenty of natural light for great photos and video? Is there enough room for everyone to move without stepping on clothes or equipment?
If you're booking a venue's prep space or arranging accommodation for the morning, try to view it in advance so you know exactly what to expect. Think about keeping just a few trusted, calming people around you. Too many voices and opinions can easily become overwhelming.
“When you feel calm and genuinely connected, your guests feel it too - and that’s exactly what comes across on film.”
3. Ditch traditions that don’t feel like you.
There can be a lot of pressure to do things in a certain way - first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss. But if it doesn’t resonate or feel like you, you don’t need it.
The weddings that stay with me are the ones where couples stripped it back to what truly mattered to them - not what they felt they should do.
Maybe it's a joint speech instead of a first dance. A donation in place of favours. No wedding party. No formal fanfare.
Your day, your way: Ask yourselves - would we still choose this if it wasn’t a wedding? If the answer is no, then there’s no need for it. Prioritise the moments that hold real meaning for you, rather than just following what’s expected or traditional.
4. Make the ceremony personal.
This is often the area that gets the least attention, but it’s the heart of your day and one which deserves your time, intention and care.
Whether you're writing your own vows or collaborating with a celebrant, including personal touches in your ceremony can really make it resonate (it can also provide some great moments for your wedding film!). Even subtle changes like walking in together or facing your guests during vows can shift the energy of the room and make your film feel uniquely yours.
Your guests will remember: Emotion and sincerity over the perfect script or a flawless delivery. The pause as you look at each other, the laughter - that’s what stays with you.
5. Your comfort impacts everything.
It might sound really obvious, but if you’re not physically comfortable on the day, it’s hard to be emotionally present. Sore feet or feeling hungry can affect your energy levels and how much you enjoy the day.
You’ll be on the go for most of the time, with lots happening around you. Staying hydrated, having something to eat, and wearing something that feels comfortable can make all the difference in helping you enjoy it fully.
How to prepare: Break in your shoes before the day. Pack a cosy layer for the unpredictable UK weather. Keep snacks, water and everyday essentials (lip balm, tissues, plasters) close to hand. Ask someone you trust to look after a little essentials kit so it’s one less thing on your mind. It’s a small detail, but it can quietly save the day.
The beauty of your wedding isn’t in flawless visuals,
it’s in how present you feel.
Give yourself space. Choose calm environments. Let go of traditions that don’t fit you. Make your ceremony feel authentically yours. Take care of your body and your mind.
These aren’t just planning tips. They’re simple, thoughtful reminders to centre your experience. Because when you feel calm and genuinely connected, your guests feel it too - and that’s exactly what comes across on film.
If you're planning your wedding and putting thought into the details that really feel like you, I'd love to help you capture it all on film. Get in touch and I'll set up a discovery call to chat about your plans.