I've been photographing weddings for a decade, so I've witnessed countless ceremonies and receptions — some disastrous, some impeccable.
Here are a few of the biggest mistakes I wish more couples would avoid on their big day.
Couples have to find time for the ceremony, photos, eating and drinking, dancing, talking to the people they invited, and each other.
Overscheduling your wedding can make it feel rushed and stressful
When you try to fit too many things into the day, no one — especially the married couple — has time to breathe and relish the moments. The day can feel rushed and more focused on activities than the celebration of love.
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It usually makes for stressed couples who haven't even had time to eat because they've been pushed from one 15-minute window to the next.
But your wedding day shouldn't be a blur. You should have time to soak in every moment.
When you schedule your day, prioritize traditions you love and consider the amount of time you think they'll take, and then add more time to give yourself a buffer.
I also recommend working with a wedding planner or talking to your photographer or vendors when you're planning your schedule. They've experienced countless weddings and know firsthand how much time each activity usually takes.
You'll likely be disappointed if you don't invest in a good photographer or videographer
I may be biased, but I've heard from countless people how much they regret hiring a subpar photographer or not documenting the day at all. Having important memories properly documented in photo and video form is priceless.
It's also important to carefully choose whom you hire. Ask them a ton of questions, make sure you love their style, and get a signed contract.
You should also vibe with the photographer on a personal level because you'll be spending a lot of time with them on the day.
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Also, remember that a great photographer or videographer usually comes with a bigger price tag.
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It's hard dropping a good amount of money on something that isn't tangible on the day, but view it as an investment. You're paying someone to use their physical and creative energy to tell the story of your wedding.
Couples have to roll with the punches on their wedding day
One of the things I always tell my couples right before their wedding day is that something will go wrong.
I don't say this to scare them or make them worry, but no matter how much planning you do, people are imperfect, weather is unpredictable, and life happens.
By the time the day comes, couples have done all they can to make sure it's how they pictured it. All that matters after that is that they enjoy their wedding.
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Whether flowers are missing, or the cake is the wrong color, those unexpected mistakes can throw off your day — but they shouldn't be so consuming that they're all you remember from your wedding.
I don't want to witness any more miserable couples desperately trying to fix details that will never be exactly right.
Weddings are for the couple, so they should do what they want
The biggest mistake I see couples make on their wedding day is not doing what they want.
I see so many couples spend thousands of dollars and devote countless hours of planning just to celebrate their love in the way they think they're supposed to.
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But your wedding can be anything. If you want to elope in the forest or plan a ball inspired by "Bridgerton"in a mansion, go for it.
People think there's a set of rules and traditions you have to follow for something to count as a wedding, but our current generation of trendsetters is breaking down those barriers.
The couple is at the core of the celebration, so why shouldn't everything be based on who they are and what's meaningful to them?
I have a series on TikTok where I post unique wedding ideas and tips for making your day true to you. I can't tell you how many people comment saying, "I didn't know you could do that for a wedding," or, "I wish I would have done that at my wedding."
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Consider this my official public service announcement: Your wedding can be fun, unique, and meaningful to you.
This story was originally published in June 2021 and most recently updated on March 8, 2024.
