5 Wedding Day Mistakes to Avoid (From a Photographer Who’s Seen It All)

After photographing weddings for nearly two decades, I’ve learned that it’s not always the big, obvious things that can throw off a wedding day - it’s often the little ones you don’t think about until they’re happening. The best weddings are the ones where the only tears are the happy kind, not the stressed-out, “we’re running late” kind. So here are 5 mistakes to avoid to keep your day running smoothly - and your tears joyful.

1. Underestimating Hair & Makeup Time

If I had a dollar for every time hair and makeup ran over schedule, I’d be relaxing on a beach somewhere with my toes in the sand! It’s the number one thing I see throw off a wedding timeline. Since your ceremony start time isn’t exactly flexible, it means your photographer ends up speed-running through the portraits like it’s an Olympic event!

Pro tip: Ask your hair and makeup team how long they really need, then add at least 30 extra minutes. You’ll thank yourself later!

2. Skipping the Timeline Talk

A great timeline isn’t just for your planner -it’s for everyone who’s part of your day. When the schedule is clear, your vendors can keep things running seamlessly, and you get more time to actually enjoy your wedding instead of feeling rushed.

Pro tip: Share your final timeline with your vendors a week in advance so there are no surprises.

3. Forgetting the Details Box

Rings, shoes, invitations, vow books, jewelry - those beautiful little details tell part of your wedding story. If they’re scattered all over the venue, we’ll spend more time hunting and less time photographing.

Pro tip: Put all your details in one box or bag and hand it to your photographer when they arrive.

4. Not Eating Before the Ceremony

You’d be surprised how many couples realize halfway through portraits that they haven’t eaten all day. Cue dizziness, headaches, and hangry faces.

Pro tip: Have snacks on hand while you’re getting ready. Bonus points for mimosas and charcuterie.

5. Overstuffing the Family Photo List

Yes, you want everyone you love in photos - but cramming in 37 different combinations will eat up your cocktail hour faster than you can say “cheers.” I see it all the time: halfway through family formals, couples look at me with that “are we done yet?” face because the list is just too long, and dad wandered off for the 7th time...

Pro tip: Keep your must-have list short and sweet. We can always snag extra group shots during the reception when everyone’s relaxed and having fun.

💡 Bonus Tip:

If you have a videographer, add a little extra time to your portrait schedule. They’ll often want to direct a few shots of their own, and giving them that space ensures both your video and photos turn out amazing without feeling rushed.

Your wedding day goes by in a blink, but avoiding these small mistakes can make a huge difference in how it feels (and how it photographs!). And trust me - your photos will thank you!