Planning a wedding is such a beautiful, wild ride—and as a photographer who’s been lucky enough to capture love stories all over Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and the Central Coast, I’ve seen what works (and what can catch couples off guard).
Here’s a collection of tips to help you navigate wedding planning with a little more ease, joy and confidence. Whether you’re still dreaming up the details or about to tie the knot, this guide is for you!
(And just so you know—if I’m your photographer, I’m here for all of it. I’ve helped sew dresses, fixed buttonholes, calmed nerves and held umbrellas in sideways rain. I bring a lot more than just a camera to the day 💛)
The Ceremony ✨
- Keep vows close by: Don’t stress about memorising your vows. When the nerves hit, even the best memory can go blank. Let your celebrant guide you through it.
- Refresh before you walk down the aisle: A quick read of your vows as you’re getting ready helps ease those last-minute nerves.
- 20 minutes is the sweet spot: A short and heartfelt ceremony will keep your guests engaged.
- Planning a summer outdoor ceremony? Offer shade, drinks, and fans. And always, always have a backup plan for rain (especially around Port Stephens!).
- Getting married overseas? Do your research on legal requirements and marriage laws in your chosen destination.
💡 Photographer tip: I always arrive early to scope out the best angles, lighting and ceremony flow. If anything’s out of place or needs a quick tweak—I’ll help fix it, no problem.
Reception Vibes 💃
- Match venue size to your guest list: Too big feels empty, too small feels cramped—find that just-right fit.
- Keep speeches tight: Aim for five minutes per speaker, no more than 30 minutes total.
- Thank-you speech checklist: Sit down with your partner and list who needs a shoutout so no one’s forgotten.
- DIY confetti ideas: Punch heart shapes out of leaves or use rose petals for a biodegradable (and beautiful) option.
- Make it easy for your MC: Give them names, an agenda, and a friendly rundown—it’s a big job and being organised helps them shine!
💡 Photographer tip: I always work closely with your MC and venue coordinator to make sure we’re not missing those key moments. If something runs behind, I can shuffle our photo time to keep the vibe relaxed.
Budget Tips That Actually Help 💸
- Track your spending closely: Budget blowouts are real. Keep revisiting your numbers.
- Cutting guest numbers = instant savings: Have a reserve list handy for any last-minute changes.
- Plan for surprise costs: Always leave 5–10% extra in the budget.
- Splurge where it matters: Your wedding photos will last a lifetime—don’t trust them to a well-meaning friend with a nice camera.
- Cake as dessert? Yes please! Saves money and guarantees everyone gets a slice.
💡 Photographer tip: I’ve worked at a huge range of weddings—from small backyard celebrations to high-end Hunter Valley venues. No matter your budget, I’ll help you get the most from your photography.
Bridal Party Tips 💐
- Give them a timeline: Let everyone know where they need to be and when. It makes the day smoother.
- Let them help you move through the crowd: A bridesmaid can gently steer you away from long guest chats so you don’t get stuck.
- Reception entrance tunes: Let each person choose their walk-in song—it adds personality and fun!
- Assign someone your phone: You don’t need notifications on your wedding day. Hand it to someone you trust.
- Boys’ brekkie: Help calm nerves with a morning run or breakfast for the groomsmen.
💡 Photographer tip: I always have a copy of your run sheet, and I’ll gently guide everyone throughout the day so no one’s left wondering what’s next. Think of me as a calming extra set of hands.
Guests ❤️
- Check the calendar: Avoid major events and public holidays where accommodation will be tight (especially around Newcastle and the Hunter).
- Kids or no kids? Be consistent. Either it’s a kid-free wedding or it’s not.
- Hosting out-of-towners? Suggest local accommodation and maybe a little “welcome” pack with things to do around Lake Mac or the Central Coast.
- Make it easy to RSVP: People forget—expect to chase them up (it’s totally normal!).
- Keep gifts practical: Mini drinks, chocolate or hangover kits are always a hit.
Food & Drinks 🥂
- Feed your vendors: A well-fed photographer, band, or coordinator is a happy and hardworking one!
- More food, please: For cocktail-style weddings, make sure no one goes hungry.
- Include the little ones: A kids’ snack station is a fun (and helpful) touch.
- Save that leftover cake: Bring it to your next-day catch-up—it’ll be a hit!
Beauty & Self-Care 💆♀️
- Trial your spray tan: No surprises here! Test the colour well before the big day.
- Stay hydrated: Water is your skin’s best friend in the lead-up.
- Flats are your friend: Have comfy shoes ready for dancing later.
- Don’t forget to eat! Nerves + no food = not fun. Pre-order snacks for the bridal party.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference 💫
- Create a mood board: Pinterest is great for pulling your vision together.
- Keep wedding emails in one spot: Set up a dedicated inbox to stay organised.
- Have a wedding day contact list: Print it and hand it out so you’re not the one fielding questions.
- Let others help: You don’t have to do it all. Your bridal party, vendors and friends want to support you.
- Take a moment to soak it all in: Grab your partner’s hand and look around—this is your wedding day. Soak it up.
💡 Photographer tip: I’m here to make your day easier, not just document it. Need a tissue, safety pin, or moment to breathe? I’ve got you.
Dresses, Suits & Style 👗
- Say yes and move on: Once you’ve chosen your dress, stop looking!
- Suits don’t have to be hired: Sometimes having them made is just as cost-effective.
- Something borrowed: Use sentimental items like your mum’s cake knife or a ribbon from grandma’s dress.
- Dry clean your dress ASAP: Stains get harder to remove over time.
Honeymoon Hints ✈️
- Check those passports: Some countries won’t let you in if your passport expires in under 6 months.
- Pack before the wedding: You won’t have time after.
- Ask a friend to check on your home: Bonus points if they water the garden!
And Finally… 💕
- Golden hour magic: Check sunset time and sneak away for a few dreamy photos.
- It’s your day: Plan it your way. It’s about you and your partner—no one else.
- Write a love letter: A simple note to your love before the ceremony sets the tone beautifully.
- Watch your own wedding: Take a step back at the reception and just watch the joy unfold. It’s unforgettable.
Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it should be fun and filled with love. If you’re getting married in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley or along the Central Coast, I’d love to help you capture every special moment.
📷 Visit www.leftofthemiddle.com.au to say hello or get in touch.
Let’s tell your story, your way 😊
– Melissa @ Left of the Middle Photography
- Microwedding Newcastle
- Microwedding Lake Macquarie
- Microwedding Hunter Valley
- Microwedding Central Coast
- Intimate wedding venues in Newcastle
- Small wedding venues Lake Macquarie
- Hunter Valley elopement
- Central Coast elopement photographer
- Lake Macquarie wedding photographer
- Newcastle wedding photography
- Small wedding ideas
- Intimate wedding photography
- Beachfront wedding Central Coast
- Vineyard wedding Hunter Valley
- Romantic elopements NSW
- Luxury small weddings
- Cozy Wedding Venues NSW
- Personalized wedding ideas
- Stress-free wedding planning
- Outdoor wedding locations NSW
