Images by London wedding photographer Jordanna Marston

Planning your ‘best day ever’ is the most amazing rollercoaster ride – and now is a fantastic time to get married! Some time ago we threw away the wedding rulebook, and couples are celebrating their commitment in creative, personal and truly individual style. I’ve been a wedding blogger for eight years and seen so many exciting changes in how we get married – and you know the very best thing about weddings now? They’re all so very different and those personal touches every couple include make every day special and magical in its own unique way!

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ wedding any more. I love that guest lists can be anything from two to five hundred of your nearest and dearest. Dresses and suits can be as formal or as boho as you like – and you can choose to be married in a centuries-old church or the field behind your house. What’s not to love about all this freedom… but where on earth do you start?

1. Keep it personal!

The most important thing is to be yourselves. Plan together as a couple so you can have the wedding you both dream of – whether that’s a classic hotel ‘do’ or a festival style woodland celebration. If your style is eclectic, embrace it! If you’re super tidy minimalists, it’s fine to keep your wedding simply beautiful to suit you both.

2. Enlist your nearest & dearest

Involve family in your day. More and more couples are bringing DIY details into their weddings – it could be homemade jam by the groom’s mum or jewellery made by a bridesmaid. People love to help, and giving creative family members a special job to do is a real honour – anything goes, from dads building wedding signs to nans and aunties decorating cakes!

3. Think creative and break the rules!

Enjoy the chance to be creative with styling and the way you approach your day. Would you rather have a receiving line or get the party started at two o’clock? I’m all for dancing the afternoon away! Nothing is stopping you changing the running order of your day, skipping speeches or serving pizza instead of canapés if that’s what you want!

4. Get social…

Have a hashtag for your wedding day – but don’t be afraid to ask guests to keep things ‘unplugged’ if you’re not ready to share it with the world straight away! And consider a ‘no phones’ ceremony… your photographer will love you for discouraging guests from leaning across the aisle to capture your first kiss on their iphones!

5. Trust your team

It used to be the case that suppliers would charge extra when they heard the word ‘wedding’ – that’s no longer true. All the independent businesses you can hire to make your dream day come true are real people who pour their hearts and souls into making weddings special – for you. They care! So trust your suppliers. Ask their advice, tell them your budget – and allow them creativity too.

6. Support local brands

Buy local where you can, and support indie businesses in your area. You’ll discover gems of little wedding creatives you never knew existed!

7. Shop further afield

At the same time, don’t limit yourself if you can’t find what you need locally. Most wedding suppliers will happily travel across the county so do your research and find the right ones for you!

8. Nail those spreadsheets

There are so many things to think about. You’re going to need a plan – and either a spreadsheet or an app to help you stay organised and on budget. Get the logistics of the day sorted before you get to play with styling and themes and design – because all those little details are so much fun to prepare!

9. Play on Pinterest

Pinterest is your friend. Get the app and go board-crazy exploring and discovering ideas for your stationery, flowers and venue styling. Plan DIY projects with your girls – or even a weekend away for crafty hens! Pinterest boards can really help your suppliers understand the look you’re going for – but don’t let it take over your wedding, and remember your own style is pretty damn gorgeous already, right?

10. Be true to yourselves

Most of all I think it’s important to trust your instincts. All your wedding needs to be is personal to you – so don’t let anyone tell you how things ‘should’ be. Go plan, play and prepare for the most incredible day of your lives!

All images on this feature are by London wedding photographer Jordanna Marston Photography