Wedding photography mistakes couples don't realise they're making

Here is the thing. No one has planned a wedding before they start planning a wedding. There is no secret handbook, no cheat code, and definitely no magic download button that suddenly makes you an expert. So how on earth are you meant to know what actually helps you get stunning wedding photos and what quietly works against you?

That is where I come in. After photographing a lot of weddings, you start to spot patterns. The magic moments that happen naturally, and the little unintentional decisions that can make things a bit harder without you even realising. None of these are your fault by the way. You only know what you know. So let’s talk through the subtle mistakes couples make without noticing, and how to avoid them so you get relaxed, natural wedding photos you will love forever.

The first big one is time. The day goes fast, you want to see your guests, and the second you step out of the ceremony it all becomes a whirlwind. But if portraits and group photos are squeezed into a tiny ten minute slot, everything becomes rushed, you feel stressed and that relaxed look you want in your photos suddenly feels a bit forced. Giving yourself breathing room in your timeline means you can chat, laugh, breathe, be you and still get gorgeous photos without feeling like you are on a conveyor belt.

And while we are talking time, let’s talk group shots. The older generation always ask for them, they matter, and you absolutely should have them… but they can take longer than people expect, especially when Uncle Dave has wandered off to the bar and no one knows where the cousins have gone. I always recommend keeping your list to around ten core group shots. That way we move through them smoothly, everyone stays happy, and the day keeps its energy. Plus, right now it is cold out there. No one wants to spend forty minutes freezing in formal poses when they could be warming up with mulled wine and a laugh indoors.

Then there is the getting ready room. I promise you, this one matters more than the stylish chair in the corner or the cute pink robe you bought off Etsy. A tiny room with dark walls, one window and the entire bridal party squeezed in like you are playing human Tetris does not make for calm, beautiful morning photos. Light is everything. Whenever you can, choose a space with natural light and room to breathe. It changes the energy and the photos.

Phones at ceremonies… let’s talk about it. I love enthusiastic friends and family, truly, but nothing ruins a beautiful aisle shot like an iPad the size of a kitchen chopping board sticking out into the aisle. You want faces, tears, emotion, not screens. Consider an unplugged ceremony, or at least gently remind guests to stay present and keep their tech down. You will thank yourself later.

Confetti.

It looks effortless in photos, but there is an art to it. You want a proper walkway, people spaced enough to actually throw, and petals going up, not directly into your eyes like you are being ambushed by a flock of floral pigeons. Bigger biodegradable petals always look more dramatic, and slow walking makes the moment last. When in doubt, think “floaty and joyful”, not “assault by flower”.

Another one I see a lot is couples feeling like they have to micromanage every shot. You chose your photographer for a reason. You love their style and how they tell a story. Give them space to do what they do best. A handful of must have family shots? Absolutely. A shot list longer than a weekly food shop? Probably not. Real moments age better than Pinterest recreations every single time.

And a tiny but powerful one… tidy one corner of the room. Not the whole space. Not a deep clean. One corner. Hide bags, hangers and random outfits behind a bed or a sofa, and suddenly you have a calm space for bridal prep photos. It takes two minutes and makes a world of difference.

Golden hour is another one that sometimes slips people’s minds. The softest, most romantic light of the day happens once, and if you blink, it is gone. Planning ten minutes to step outside when the light hits will give you some of the most magical images of your whole wedding. Yes, even if you are mid forkful of sticky toffee pudding. Worth it every time.

And the biggest one of all… forgetting to enjoy it. It is so easy to become aware of the camera, to worry about angles or faces or whether your hair has moved. But the best photos happen when you stop thinking about being photographed and just live it. Hug. Laugh. Cry. Spill bubbles. Dance. Exist in the moment. I will do the rest.

You are not expected to know any of this. That is why you book a photographer you trust. Someone who not only captures the moments but helps you create space for them to happen. When you have the right person by your side, the day flows, you relax, and your gallery feels like real life, not a staged highlight reel.

If you want photos that feel effortless, fun and personal, and a photographer who keeps things calm, joyful and very uncheesy, I would love to chat and hear about your plans. Let’s make sure you get images you will never want to stop looking at.