After your wedding day comes and goes, your wedding photos are the one thing you’ll have forever. They’re the memories you’ll flip back to for years, which is why they feel so important. But here’s the thing—I’ve been doing this long enough to know that a lot of couples look back and wish they’d done a few things differently.
The good news? Most of those regrets are totally avoidable with a little planning. So, let’s talk through the most common wedding photo regrets I’ve seen (and how you can make sure they don’t happen to you).
1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard couples say they wish they’d hired a professional photographer. And trust me, I get it—weddings are expensive, and it can feel easier to ask a friend with a nice camera to step in or to go with the cheapest option on the list. But here’s the thing: taking wedding photos isn’t just about snapping pictures. It’s about knowing how to handle tricky lighting, move quickly when the timeline goes off track, and capture those blink-and-you-miss-it moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Remember: the cheapest option doesn’t always mean the best option. And if you’re going to splurge on one wedding detail, make it your photographer. My advice? Find someone whose style speaks to you and whose work you can see yourself loving 20 years from now. It’s an investment you’ll never regret.
2. Skipping an Engagement Session
Skipping an engagement session is a regret I hear more often than you’d think. Maybe you’re trying to save money, or you feel like you don’t need one because you’re not using the photos for your wedding invitations. Trust me—engagement sessions are totally worth it.
Think of it as a little trial run for your wedding day. Not only do you get to see how I work, but you also get a chance for you to get comfortable in front of the camera and figure out what poses or angles feel natural for you. It’s also a great way to build trust and ease between us, so that on your wedding day, you can relax, enjoy the moment, and actually have fun while we capture it all.
3. Not Having a Shot List for Family Photos
Group photos are some of the most challenging images to capture on your big day. And I’m not talking about your wedding party, but actually your family photos. From rounding everyone up to letting them know where they’re supposed to be and when, it can feel like a lot. That’s why it’s so important to create a shot list well in advance with your wedding photographer.
This ensures everything runs smoothly and helps you avoid missing key family members or friends. It happens more often than you’d think, especially when everyone’s mingling and the timeline is tight.
Pro tip: Assign a family member or friend to help gather people for each shot so you’re not running around trying to round everyone up on the day. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
4. Not Scheduling Enough Time for Photos
One of the most common regrets I hear? Feeling rushed through photos or realizing you didn’t leave enough time for them. Weddings fly by, and if you don’t build photography into your timeline, you’ll miss out on those relaxed, beautiful moments. My advice is to always plan extra time for portraits, especially during golden hour—the light is unreal and creates those dreamy shots you’ll love forever. And always add a little buffer in case things run behind schedule. Giving yourself this breathing room makes for way less stress and way more gorgeous photos.
5. Not Prepping Your Detail Shots
You’ve seen those gorgeous flatlay photos all over Pinterest—the ones where your photographer gets creative with your invitations, shoes, and jewelry to create a sweet little snapshot of your wedding day trinkets. And if this is something you want, a little prep goes a long way before the big day. Let me tell you, there’s nothing I love more than walking into a wedding morning where the couple has a flatlay box ready for me. It makes my life a million times easier!
It also gives you the chance to gather all those meaningful items you want included. Missing photos of them is always such a bummer. Save us both the stress by putting together a “details box” the night before with everything: rings, shoes, perfume, vow books, jewelry, and invitations. That way, nothing gets missed, and you’ll end up with gorgeous photos of all the little pieces that make your day uniquely yours.
6. Not Communicating Preferences Clearly
Don’t be shy about sharing your preferences during those first conversations with your photographer (and honestly, with any vendor). Every couple is different, and being upfront about your needs helps ensure we’re on the same page before the big day.
When preferences aren’t communicated, it’s easy to feel disappointed if your photos don’t match the vibe you envisioned—whether that’s moody and romantic, bright and airy, candid, or editorial. The fix is simple: talk through your vision, must-have shots, and specific preferences early on.
Pro tip: Create a Pinterest or Instagram board with inspiration you love. It’s one of the easiest ways to give your photographer a clear picture (literally!) of your style, so your wedding gallery feels 100% you.
Still Searching for a Photographer to Capture Your Big Day?
Weddings go by in the blink of an eye, and your photos are the memories that last a lifetime. You want to make sure you have no regrets when it comes to capturing them. With an experienced wedding photographer by your side, you can trust that your images will truly capture the magic of your day—and that every moment is in good hands.
Ready to create wedding photos you’ll cherish forever? Let's chat. Send over your wedding day details, and we’ll set up a free consultation. I’m excited to work with you and create lasting memories together!