I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade, so I’ve witnessed countless ceremonies and receptions — some disastrous, others impeccable.
Throughout the years, I’ve also watched couples make the same mistakes over and over. Here are a few I wish they’d avoid.
Filling the day-of schedule with way too much
Couples have to find time for the ceremony, photos, eating and drinking, dancing, talking to the people they invited, and connecting with each other.
When you try to fit too many things into the day, no one — especially the married couple — has time to breathe and relish the moments. The day can feel rushed and more focused on activities than the celebration of love.
A packed schedule often leaves couples stressed, with no time to eat because they’ve been pushed from one 15-minute window to the next.
However, your wedding day shouldn’t be a blur. You should have time to soak in every moment. When you map out your day, prioritize traditions you love and estimate how long each will take … then add buffers.
I also recommend working with a wedding planner or coordinator to plan your timeline, or consulting with your photographer and other vendors when arranging your schedule. They’ve experienced countless weddings and know firsthand how much time each activity usually takes.
Letting small mishaps and issues ruin the whole day
One of the things I always tell my couples right before their wedding day is that something will go wrong.
I don’t say this to scare them or make them worry, but mostly to adjust their expectations. No matter how much planning you do, people are imperfect, the weather can be unpredictable, and life happens.
By the time the day comes, couples have done all they can to make sure it’s how they pictured it. All that matters after that is that they enjoy their wedding.
Missing flowers or a cake that’s the wrong flavor can throw off your day — but these unexpected mishaps shouldn’t be so consuming that they’re all you remember from your wedding.
I don’t want to witness any more miserable couples desperately trying to fix details that will never be exactly right. Please try to roll with the punches on your wedding day.
Hiring the wrong photographer or videographer
I may be a bit biased, but I strongly believe having important memories properly documented in photo and video form is priceless.
I’ve also heard from countless married couples who regret booking a subpar photographer or skipping a videographer.
When hiring any vendors — especially these — choose carefully. You’re paying someone to use their physical and creative energy to tell the story of your wedding.
Ask a ton of questions and make sure you love their style by viewing their portfolios and websites. It can also help to hop on a phone call or video meeting — couples should esnsure they vibe with their photo and video team on a personal level because they’ll be spending a lot of time with them on the big day.
Planning the wedding they think they should have instead of the one they actually want
Weddings are for the couple, so they should do what they want.
I see so many of them spend thousands of dollars and devote countless hours to planning, only to celebrate their love the way they think they’re supposed to — not how they’d actually like.
Your wedding should be unique to you, and it doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s. If you wish to elope in the forest or plan a ball inspired by “Bridgerton” in a mansion, go for it.
The couple is at the core of the celebration, so why shouldn’t everything be based on who they are and what matters most to them?
Consider this my official public service announcement: Your wedding can — and should — be fun, unique, and meaningful to you.
This story was originally published in June 2021 and most recently updated on October 23, 2026.
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