Planning a wedding is exciting, but there are a few things that can make even the most experienced wedding photographer cringe a little! After photographing weddings, I've learned that the smallest details can make a big difference in how smoothly your wedding day goes and how your photos turn out.
From guests holding up their phones during the ceremony to timelines that leave absolutely no room to breathe, these are my top 10 wedding photographer pet peeves. Don't worry, this isn't a list of things you have to do perfectly! Think of it as a little wedding planning advice from your photographer friend who wants you to have the best day ever.
1. The Pinterest Board That Requires a $100,000 Budget
I love a good Pinterest board as much as the next girl. But when your wedding inspiration includes a European castle, elaborate floral installations, and a sunset that looks like it was personally scheduled by God himself, we might need to adjust our expectations.
Your wedding can be beautiful without recreating every detail of someone else's day. The best wedding photos come from a combination of beautiful light, thoughtful details, and moments that feel genuinely like you. Focus on creating a wedding that reflects your relationship rather than trying to copy someone else's.
2. Guests Stepping Into the Aisle for Their Own Photos
Your wedding photographer is ready. Your videographer is ready. And suddenly, a sea of phones appears as you walk down the aisle.
Occasionally, a guest will even step into the aisle to capture their own shot, unintentionally blocking the view for everyone behind them, including the professionals you hired to document the moment. Does this happen at every wedding? Absolutely not! But when it does, it can make capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments a little tricky.
My advice? Consider an unplugged wedding ceremony or simply ask guests to keep their phones out of the aisle. Your friends and family can be fully present, and your photographer can capture those emotional moments without a phone appearing in every frame.
3. "Can You Just Fix It in Editing?"
Wedding photography editing can do some pretty amazing things, but it isn't quite magic!
Removing distracting objects, correcting exposure, and refining colors are all part of the process. However, completely changing a location or removing dozens of unexpected distractions takes time that could be spent perfecting the images that matter most.
A little wedding day prep goes a long way. Keep getting-ready spaces tidy, gather your details in advance, and trust your photographer to help find the best locations for portraits.
4. Pulling the Couple Off the Dance Floor to Say Goodbye
Nothing makes my photographer heart hurt quite like pulling the bride and groom away from the dance floor when they're finally letting loose and having the time of their lives.
I know the grand exit is cute, and I know everyone wants that last photo. But if your reception is absolutely popping off, I promise we can find a way to capture your exit without interrupting the best part of your night.
Your wedding isn't a photoshoot with a party attached. The party is part of the story, too! When planning your wedding photography timeline, make sure you leave room to enjoy your reception. Whether you choose a traditional grand exit or a more relaxed send-off, your wedding day should feel like a celebration rather than a checklist.
5. A Wedding Timeline With Absolutely No Breathing Room
Getting-ready photos, first looks, wedding party portraits, family photos, travel time, ceremony, cocktail hour, sunset portraits, and reception entrances…
All in 23 minutes, apparently.
One of the best wedding photography tips I can offer is to build extra time into your wedding day timeline. Hair and makeup can run late (in fact, count on it running a bit behind schedule!) , family photos can take longer than expected, and travel between venues rarely happens as quickly as you hope. A realistic timeline helps your wedding photographer capture all the important moments without making you feel rushed. More importantly, it gives you the freedom to enjoy your wedding instead of constantly watching the clock.
6. Forgetting to Eat (And Then Wondering Why Everyone Is Cranky)
This one is less of a photographer ick and more of a public service announcement.
Please eat breakfast. Please drink water. Please eat dinner.
Your wedding day will probably be full of excitement, happy tears, and a hundred little things happening at once. It's surprisingly easy to forget the basics when you're busy getting married! Plan time for meals, keep water nearby, and make sure your wedding day timeline accounts for eating. You'll feel better, have more energy, and be able to enjoy those candid wedding reception photos without running on three almonds and a dream.
7. The "We Don't Need a Shot List" Followed by a 90-Photo Shot List
I don't need a list of every pose you've ever saved on Pinterest. That's what you hired me for!
However, if there are meaningful family dynamics, sentimental heirlooms, or specific wedding photos you absolutely cannot imagine missing, please tell me. There's a difference between trusting your wedding photographer's creativity and expecting them to read your mind. Share your priorities before the wedding so we can build a photography timeline that allows room for the moments that matter most to you.
8. Spending Thousands on Details and Hiding Them in a Dark Corner
The invitation suite, the gorgeous shoes, the sentimental jewelry, the handwritten vows, and the florals you spent months choosing…
And then everything gets tossed on a cluttered hotel desk beside a half-eaten Chick-fil-A box.
Your wedding details deserve a little love, too! Before your photographer arrives, gather your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, vow books, and other meaningful items in one place.
This simple wedding preparation tip saves time on the wedding morning and gives your photographer everything needed to create beautiful, cohesive detail photos.
9. Guests Interrupting Bride and Groom Portraits for Their Own Photos
We're in the middle of portraits. The light is perfect. Your newlywed glow is glowing. And suddenly, someone appears with an iPhone asking if they can grab a quick picture. I promise I don't mind your guests taking photos throughout the day! But when we're working with a limited window of beautiful natural light and intentionally setting aside time for bride and groom portraits, those little interruptions add up quickly.
Trust your photographer to lead this part of the day. We'll make sure you have time for your own beautiful wedding portraits, and your guests will have plenty of opportunities to take pictures later.
10. Thinking Perfect Means Meaningful
This might be my biggest wedding photography ick of all.
A little wind in your hair? Beautiful. Happy tears that ruin your makeup? Worth remembering. Your grandparents dancing together? Frame it.
I'll always appreciate a gorgeous setting, thoughtful wedding details, and beautiful light. But the photographs that matter most aren't necessarily the ones where every single thing went according to plan.
They're the ones that feel like you. As a wedding photographer, my goal isn't just to deliver pretty pictures. It's to preserve the emotions, relationships, and little in-between moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours.
The Best Wedding Photos Come From Being Present
At the end of the day, these wedding photographer pet peeves are all shared with love. Your wedding doesn't have to be perfect, Pinterest-worthy, or planned down to the minute to be meaningful.
Plan the beautiful details. Make the Pinterest board. Wear the fancy shoes. Just leave a little room for real life, too.
Choose a wedding photographer whose style you love, communicate what matters most to you, and trust the people you've hired to help bring your vision to life.
Because the best wedding photographs aren't just pretty pictures. They're the pieces of your story you'll get to keep forever.
Looking for a wedding photographer who values genuine moments, timeless images, and a wedding day that actually feels like you? I'd love to hear what you're planning!
With love,
Josie <3
Josie Lane Photography