Your wedding day takes so long to plan. You’ve poured your heart into every detail to make it perfect, so don’t let these common wedding day mistakes get in the way of enjoying your big moment! Here are the top missteps I’ve seen time and time again—and how to avoid them for a smooth and memorable celebration.
Not giving your photographer time to get the shots you fell in love with on their social media
You booked your photographer because you fell in love with the stunning portraits they showcased on their website or social media. These images of joyful couples, exquisite details, and perfectly composed scenes are likely what made you say, “This is the one!” However, the biggest mistake I see couples make is not allocating enough time in the schedule for their photographer to create similar magic.
Whether you want casual shots of you and your bridal party getting ready, detail shots of your dress and accessories, or an extensive collection of romantic portraits, these things take time. Quality photography isn’t about snapping quick pictures and moving on—it’s about creating a moment, finding the best lighting, and capturing the mood and emotion.
Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Prioritize what’s important to you and be sure to give your photographer the flexibility to make it happen. Avoiding the biggest mistakes I see couples make will ensure better photos.
Only having 60 minutes in between the ceremony and reception
One of the most common wedding-day time crunches occurs between the ceremony and reception. If your cocktail hour is only 60 minutes, it can feel rushed—especially if you have a large family or bridal party. Here’s why this time is critical:
- Family Formals: Organizing family members can take longer than you expect, particularly with larger groups or relatives who wander off.
- Wedding Party Photos: Coordinating the entire wedding party takes time to achieve both fun, candid shots and the classic posed photos you’ll cherish.
- Couple Portraits: This is your moment. You deserve time to relax, be yourselves, and enjoy the process of capturing the love between you without feeling rushed.
If your schedule only allows for a 60-minute cocktail hour, you’re likely to feel stressed or limited in what can be accomplished—especially if anything runs behind. To avoid this, consider extending your cocktail hour to 90 minutes. Better yet, if a first look is part of your plan, you can capture many of the family and wedding party photos before the ceremony, leaving more time for just the two of you after. The biggest mistake I see couples make is not planning for sufficient photo time.
Not having enough time for the photos you want and need
Photographers are magicians with light and composition, but even magic takes time! To ensure you get the photos you’ll treasure forever, I always recommend budgeting time for each segment of the day:
- 30 minutes for family formals: Make a list of specific groupings ahead of time to streamline this process.
- 30 minutes for wedding party photos: These are some of the most fun and lively shots of the day! Give your photographer time to bring out everyone’s personality.
- 30 minutes for couple portraits: This is your moment to shine. Use this time to focus on each other, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process. The biggest mistake I see couples make is not allowing enough time for each stage.
The total time might sound like a lot, but it can be broken up throughout the day. Here are a few ways to maximize your schedule:
Sunset Photos: Take a moment to sneak away during golden hour for some breathtaking portraits. The light is dreamy, and you’ll appreciate the break from the reception buzz.
A First Look: If you’re open to seeing each other before the ceremony, this can be a game-changer. You’ll not only have a private moment together but also the opportunity to capture portraits and wedding party photos beforehand.
A Gap Between the Ceremony and Reception: If possible, consider scheduling a small break to allow for a stress-free photography session and avoid the biggest mistake I see couples make.
With enough time for all of your events (and a 10 or 15-minute buffer somewhere in your day for bonus points), you will be a wedding pro!
