Common Wedding Photography Mistakes That Are Easy to Avoid

Common Wedding Photography Mistakes That Are Easy to Avoid

Wedding photography is one of the few things you’ll keep forever, but small oversights can lead to big regrets. As a wedding photographer who’s seen hundreds of galleries (both mine and others), I’ve noticed the same mistakes repeat over and over. The good news? Almost all of them are completely avoidable with a little planning and awareness.

Here are the most common wedding photography mistakes couples make — and simple ways to prevent them so your photos turn out exactly as beautiful and meaningful as you dreamed.

1. Not Booking Enough Coverage Hours

The mistake: Booking only 6 hours to “save money,” then realizing at the reception that you missed getting-ready moments, late-night dancing, or had rushed portraits.

Easy fix: Most couples need 8–10 hours for a full story.

• 8 hours: ideal for most standard weddings with First Look
• 10 hours: perfect if reception runs late or you want deeper candids Ask your photographer: “What would you recommend for my timeline?” They know where the gaps usually happen.

2. Overloading the Family Formal List

The mistake: Asking for 30+ family combinations → chaos, stress, long wait for guests, missed cocktail hour.

Easy fix: Limit to 10–15 groupings max (immediate family + wedding party).

• Pre-plan the list and share it weeks ahead.
• Assign one person (coordinator or family member) to gather people quickly.
• Do a First Look → most portraits done early, freeing up time.

3. Skipping the Engagement Session

The mistake: Thinking “we’re not photogenic” or “we’ll just do it on the wedding day” → awkwardness and tension during portraits.

Easy fix: Do an engagement session (even a short one). It’s practice: you learn how your photographer directs, see how you look together, build trust. Couples who do this almost always say their wedding photos were 10× more relaxed and natural.

4. Ignoring Golden Hour Timing

The mistake: Scheduling couple portraits at noon (harsh shadows, squinting) or too late (no light left).

Easy fix: Plan main couple portraits during golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset).

• Summer in Edmonton: sunset ~9–10 PM → plenty of time
• Winter: earlier ceremony + indoor/outdoor mix A First Look makes golden hour much easier to catch.

5. Not Communicating Must-Have Shots Clearly

The mistake: Assuming the photographer will “just know” to photograph grandma’s reaction or your dog during the ceremony.

Easy fix: Make a short, prioritized list (5–10 items max):

• Specific family combos
• Key details (rings, dress, invitation)
• Special moments (pet, cultural tradition) Share it early — we love knowing what matters most to you.

6. Allowing Phones During the Ceremony

The mistake: Guests holding up phones/iPads blocking the photographer’s view of the aisle, kiss, vows.

Easy fix: Make it an “unplugged ceremony.” A simple sign at the entrance or polite announcement from the officiant works wonders. Your pro photos will be clear and unobstructed — and guests can enjoy being present.

7. Cutting Coverage Too Early

The mistake: Ending photography right after first dances or cake cutting → missing the best dance floor energy and late-night candids.

Easy fix: Stay until at least 10–11 PM (or later if dancing goes strong). The most joyful, unscripted photos often happen after 9 PM when everyone’s loosened up.

8. Not Preparing Details in Advance

The mistake: Rings, invitation, jewelry scattered or forgotten → missed or rushed detail shots.

Easy fix: Gather everything the night before in one box/bag. Give it to your photographer early in the morning — we’ll style beautiful flat-lays while you get ready.

9. Hiring Based Only on Price or Instagram Highlights

The mistake: Choosing the cheapest option or booking based on 9 curated posts without seeing full galleries.

Easy fix: Always ask for 2–3 complete weddings. Price matters, but the wrong photographer can cost you irreplaceable memories. Invest in someone whose full work feels emotional, consistent, and timeless.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy the Day

The biggest mistake of all: Spending the day worrying about photos instead of living the moment.

Easy fix: Trust your photographer. Let go of perfection. Focus on each other — the love, the laughter, the connection. The photos will be beautiful because you were present and happy.

Your wedding photos should be a celebration, not a source of stress. With a little planning and the right photographer, you can avoid these common pitfalls and end up with a gallery full of authentic, joyful, timeless moments.

Planning your wedding and want a stress-free photography experience? I’d love to help you avoid these mistakes and create images you’ll love forever. Reach out — let’s make your day perfect.