I’ve Photographed 200+ Weddings. Here’s What Always Goes Right (and What Never Does)
Let me just start by saying: no two weddings are the same. Seriously. I’ve photographed backyard potlucks and black-tie soirées. I’ve seen dogs as ring bearers, glow stick send-offs, 90-degree heat waves, and rainstorms that show up right at ceremony time. And through it all, there are certain things that always (weirdly, wonderfully) go right…and a few things that never really do. Here are some wedding day tips from a photographer!
So if you’re in the middle of planning your wedding and feeling like you’re juggling 50 different plates while blindfolded, here’s a little guide from someone who’s seen it all. These are the real, lived moments that make or break the experience, not the stuff you’ll find on Pinterest.
Wedding Day Tips from a Photographer:
1. Couples Who Build in Time for Themselves
The couples who sneak off for a few minutes to just be together always, always say it was the best part of their day. Whether it’s a walk during cocktail hour, a private last dance, or just sitting quietly with a drink before dinner, making space for the two of you makes the whole day feel more grounded.
2. The Unplanned Stuff
Toddlers crashing the ceremony, the wind grabbing your veil, spontaneous dance circles…those spontaneous, unfiltered moments are always the ones that make you laugh (or cry!) later. You can’t plan them. That’s the magic.
3. Letting the Emotions Happen
Please don’t try to hold it all in! The couples who let themselves feel it all: the nerves, the happy tears, the “holy crap this is happening” energy end up with the most powerful, honest, and beautiful photos. And honestly? That’s what you’ll treasure most.
4. Chill Timelines
When you build in buffer time and don’t plan every single second, everything feels more relaxed. You get to actually enjoy your day instead of rushing from one thing to the next like a wedding robot. Additionally, don’t try to incorporate every Tik Tok trend! Just breathe, and be.
5. Snacks = Sanity
I will shout this from the rooftops until the end of time: EAT. A HUNGRY COUPLE IS A GRUMPY COUPLE. Even just a granola bar between ceremony and portraits can change your life.
Things That Never Go Right:
1. Crammed Schedules
If there’s no wiggle room, things start running late, people get stressed, and moments start slipping through the cracks. It’s like trying to speed-run your own wedding. 0/10, would not recommend.
2. Trying to Please Everyone
You will never make everyone happy. And the couples who try usually end up overwhelmed and disconnected from what they actually wanted. This is YOUR day. Make it feel like you.
3. Pinterest Shot Lists
The worst. They pull you out of the moment and into “perform” mode. Trust your photographer (hi!) to capture your day in a way that reflects who you are, not someone else’s highlight reel.
4. No Backup Plan for Chaos
Rain? Forgotten bouquet? DJ stuck in traffic? Things happen. The weddings that flow best have at least a loose backup plan or someone on point to help pivot if needed. Not every moment will go according to plan, but we can still make it work (and beautifully).
5. No Real Connection With the Photographer
Listen, if you feel uncomfortable around your photographer, it’s gonna show in the photos. That’s why I invest time in getting to know my couples before the big day. The more comfortable you are, the more your true selves shine.
Weddings are weird. Wonderful. WILD. But they don’t have to be overwhelming. If there’s one thing I’ve learned after photographing hundreds of them, it’s this:
You don’t need perfection. You need presence.
Let the day unfold. Eat the snack. Hug the people. Laugh too hard. Ugly cry. Make out a little. Or a lot, who cares?
Wanna see advice from real life couples? Click here
Ready to make your day actually feel like yours? Reach out here to get started!
Want some more wedding day tips from a photographer? Check out my resource blogs
