I’ve been a wedding photographer in Wiltshire, capturing weddings across Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset, Surrey and beyond for fifteen years now. I have truly seen it all at weddings, the good, the bad, and the ugly – including one Groom who forgot the wedding rings, and another who left a chocolate wedding cake in the car to melt! Yikes!

Thankfully, those were both one offs, but there are some common wedding planning mistakes I see or hear about, all too often. So, I thought it’s high time I shared them along with some golden wedding planning tips to ensure you can avoid these simple mistakes and have the best wedding day ever!

Mistake 1: Listening to too many opinions

I’m sure this one may sound familiar. Almost as soon as you announce your engagement you’re swamped with well meaning opinions and wedding planning tips from the world and his wife about where you want to have your wedding, what the bridesmaids should wear, the fact you MUST have table cloths and ‘oh my word, but there HAS to be a seating plan’. etc etc. Even this blog post is really one big opinion piece- though I do have more than a little experience with weddings, perhaps more than Auntie Margret at least!

When you’re relying on financial contributions to your wedding from family it can be really hard to avoid these opinions, as anyone with a vested interest or making a contribution may feel they’re entitled to voice their opinion. There’s also been a big shift, especially since Covid, to couples ditching the traditional elements of the day to what works for them, which can be hard for some members of the family to accept when they have a rigid opinion on what happens at a wedding or who should be on the guest list.

How to avoid it…

Firstly, being united as a couple on your vision for your day will make all the difference. Presenting as a solid team makes it harder for others to influence individual decisions. Have a chat at the start of the planning journey about your ‘non-negotiables’ or the things which are an important part of your vision, and this will really help if anyone tries to sway either of you.

Remember you can also choose to limit the information you choose to share about your wedding planning. If you like you can tell guests you want them to have a wonderful experience and a ‘surprise’ on the day. Choose the things you’re happy to share but remember you don’t need to let people know every detail. The fewer details people know in advance, the fewer things they can offer an opinion on!

When given an opinion, acknowledge the input politely without committing to anything. Phrases like, “Thanks for the suggestion, we’ll keep that in mind,” or “That’s an interesting idea,” are helpful deflectors.

Mistake 2: Not planning for the weather

This sounds obvious, but a lot of people are so busy with other logistics they don’t plan for the weather. And I’m talking hot sunny days as well as wet ones!

Wet Days…

Obviously, you might have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony or having your group shots outdoors, but it’s essential to plan for all eventualities. I once did a wedding in a gorgeous orchard, but there was no back up plan for rain, which meant the couple ended up dashing out to Argos in a hurry on the morning of the wedding to buy any coverings they could get their hands on. They ended up getting married under a black gazebo. This meant they were married totally in shadow as the black gazebo was so dark it didn’t let light in. Not great for photos! Some forward planning would have meant they could have chosen a white one to keep on stand by, which would have at least allowed light onto them resulting in better photographs of their ceremony. If it went unused it could have easily been returned and refunded.

Alternatively I’ve done lots of outdoor weddings where the couple have a small tent (like this one) from a marquee company on standby which is much more aesthetically pleasing. You’d make a call 48hrs before depending on the weather forecast whether or not to have the tent put up, which is a great option.

Wet Weather Wedding Planning Tips ….

• Ensure you’ve got wellies, brollies (and maybe even a white gazebo) on stand by.
• Visualise a rainy day before hand so you’re mentally prepared to be flexible.
• Remember you’ve bought your wedding dress to wear on this one day, your wedding day. You’ll never wear it again so trust your photographer doesn’t want to trash it, and be prepared to put it down on the ground for a few photos. Alternatively choose a shorter dress or something more slimline than a full princess skirt which might be more practical in Autumn/Winter or early Spring.
• Ensure you’ve got a big enough marquee with enough space to take group photos at the same time as having your reception indoors if needed.

Sunny Days…

Over the last few years the summers seem to have gotten hotter and hotter, and the heat is just as important to prepare for as the rain. I have seen a lot of very drunk sunburned guests and wedding parties in my time, which isn’t a good look in your wedding photos! If the forecast is looking like it’s going to be a scorcher there’s a few things you should consider.

Sunny Wedding Planning Tips…

• Make sure you’ve got (extra) water stations around the venue to ensure guests are hydrating. These jars are great and can be styled up beautifully.
• Ask your venue if they have parasols, or hire or buy some if you’re planning a DIY wedding – shade will be essential!
• Make sure you put suncream on your body and face before you sit in the make up chair. Ask your MUA for advice, or I like this brand which sits well under make up without looking shiny. They have formulations for every skin type.
• Consider providing fans and mini bottles of sun cream for guests.

Mistake 3: Not having a long enough drinks reception

The number of times I hear ‘I didn’t even get a canape at my wedding, we were too busy having photos’. It breaks my heart, but it doesn’t have to be this way. All too often people underestimate travel time from the ceremony venue to the reception, or they just don’t like the idea of their guests ‘standing around’ for too long. But here’s the thing, there’s a lot to do and so many people to get around during your drinks reception as well as ensuring you’ve got all the group shots ticked off the list and a some nice photos of you as a couple. Make sure you give yourself enough time to relax as well as working the room. The number one thing you can do for yourself to ensure you have a relaxed day, is give yourself plenty of time during your reception.

How long should I give myself?

Based on my experience at weddings I advise a two hour drinks reception if you want to feel relaxed. One and a half hours is the minimum just to get round everyone, and get all the photos done. This is based on the group shots taking 20-25 mins and 15-20 minutes for photos of the couple. If anyone tells me they’re planning an hour or less I’d feel a bit concerned about that as it’ll just end in a stressful tense time. I’ve written a longer post with lots of wedding planning tips and more detail about how long your reception should be here. So do check that out.

Mistake 4: Getting social media overwhelm

In the months leading up to your wedding, it’s so easy to fall into the scroll, Pinterest boards overflowing with “must-haves,” Instagram reels showing impossibly perfect wedding decor, and TikTok trends that make you feel like you’re already behind or that you have to find time on your wedding morning to film that perfect transition to get a few likes.

Remember: social media is a highlight reel, not a rulebook. What you see online is often styled or staged, and it rarely reflects the beautifully personal reality of a real wedding day. Your celebration doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful, emotional, or unforgettable. The moment you step back from comparison, you’ll feel more able to plan a day that feels genuinely you.

How to ditch comparison-itis

Remember, ‘Comparison Is The Thief of Joy’. If scrolling is starting to feel overwhelming, give yourself permission to set boundaries. Mute accounts that trigger pressure for you, take breaks from wedding hashtags, or limit apps to certain times of day. (I would highly recommend the app Be Present) Instead, focus on what truly matters: the experience you want to have, the people you want to celebrate with, and the memories you want to walk away with. When you tune out the noise, you’ll feel all the excitement and joy that social media can sometimes cloud. Your wedding will be perfect not because it looks like the ones online, but because it’s yours, spent with the people you love.

Mistake 5: Choosing your vendors on price alone

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s completely understandable to look at the numbers first. Weddings are an investment, and staying within budget matters. But choosing your vendors on price alone can end up costing you more in stress, disappointment, or last-minute scrambling. A vendor’s price usually reflects their experience, reliability, and the level of service they provide, and those things directly impact how smoothly your day runs. The cheapest option may look appealing on paper, but if they lack professionalism, communication, or a proven track record, it can quickly create problems.

Your wedding vendors are the people you’re trusting with the most important parts of your day: the memories you relive afterwards, the atmosphere, the logistics, and the moments you won’t see that happen behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. A seasoned supplier doesn’t just “show up and do the job” they’ll guide you through the process, anticipate issues before they happen, and help your day run effortlessly. You’re not just paying for the photos, the food or the flowers, you’re paying for expertise, peace of mind, and the ability to fully enjoy your wedding without worrying about what’s happening in the background.

It’s also worth remembering that the right vendor should also be someone who feels like a good fit. Their style and personality should make a connection with you. You want people you can genuinely trust and feel comfortable with, whose work excites you and who you know will care about your day as much as you do. When you choose based on connection and quality rather than price alone, you’ll have a much better experience. For this reason it’s alway worth setting up a zoom call meeting with a vendor before booking and for photographers make sure you see some real, full wedding galleries too.

Mistake 6: Booking a videographer with a totally different ethos to your photographer

Your photographer and videographer are two of the most important vendors on your wedding day. Apart from the fact their work is the only thing left after the day beyond your wedding rings, they’ll both be hanging out with you for long chunks of the day, more so than any other supplier! For this reason it’s essential that you choose a photographer and videographer whose styles both align with your vision for your day, and also with each other’s approach. Don’t just look at their portfolio, ask them about how they’ll practically work with you on the day to get their results.

Let me set the scene for you. I am almost always chosen because my couples want relaxed, natural photography. My couples don’t want to spend too long having photos taken, they’d rather be hanging out with their mates while I shoot candid relaxed shots of whats going on. With this in mind, I work in a very laid back way, spending most of the time blending in and capturing the day in an unobtrusive style. However, all too often when it gets to the day the videographer has been booked because they make gorgeous films (or they’re within budget) but maybe they set up noisy drones which buzz over the guests heads, or big video lights which shine in your eyes during the speeches. I once had a videographer literally direct the moment the Father of the Bride saw his daughter like he was Speilberg. He was physically moving people around, getting them to repeat themselves to shoot it from multiple angles which firstly took up loads of time, and secondly felt very staged and unnatural. Completely at odds with the vibe I try to bring on the day.

Similarly, ideally I keep my couples from their reception for only around fifteen minutes to capture photos of the two of them. And I’m not a fan of posing or giving too much complicated direction. A videographer who works in a similar relaxed style to me (like Ben Radley or The Wedding Video Guys) will shoot alongside me, so you’re only gone for fifteen minutes total. We also will communicate effortlessly, avoid stepping into each other’s shots and work well as a team. But sadly I’ve worked with some videographers who want to set up and direct shot after shot of the couple, keeping them away for half an hour or more of the reception; resulting in the couple missing precious time with their loved ones on their own wedding day. The time will go by so fast, you shouldn’t spend it all in front of the camera and I’m really passionate about that.

How to avoid it…

I get it, it can be really hard to tell from someone’s photos or videos what the experience will be like on the day. I’d recommend that if you’d like to hire a videographer, where possible ask the photographer who they’d recommend. Or at least run the name of the videographer by your photographer as they can steer you away from anyone who won’t align with their style. It’s also worth considering booking a hybrid photographer like me, who can shoot both film and photos for you. There are lots of pros and some cons to this, and you can read more about those and see my wedding films here.

Mistake 7: Planning the seating plan for the meal but not the ceremony

Many couples spend hours perfecting their seating plan for the wedding breakfast, yet don’t think twice about who sits where during the ceremony. It can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. The ceremony is one of the most emotionally significant parts of the day, and the people closest to you should be positioned where they can clearly see, hear, and feel every moment. Without a plan, important family members or close friends can end up scattered, sat behind tall groomsmen or bridesmaids, or even stuck at the back, which can unintentionally take away from their experience of witnessing your vows. It’s something small but vital, which often gets over looked.

All too often I’ve seen the Groom & Groomsmen looking confused or stressed about who should sit where, and either the front rows filling up with no consideration of where the bridesmaids will sit once they’ve come down the aisle, or too much space left at the front and a Mum sitting towards the back feeling hurt and upset – sadly a real wedding story.

A thoughtful ceremony seating plan also helps avoid awkwardness and uncertainty, this is especially important if you’ve got separated parents on either side of the family. Your loved ones and guests will feel more relaxed when they know exactly where to go, and ushers can guide everyone smoothly, meaning no delays or confusion just as everything is about to begin.

Why the ceremony seating matters for your photography

For me as a photographer, intentional seating ensures your key people are visible in your images, allowing reactions, emotion, and connection to be captured beautifully. It also avoids the bridesmaids blocking my view and missing you coming down the aisle as the ‘maids either stand awkwardly at the front, or fill the aisle why they try and find a space in what little room was left for them.

Planning the ceremony seating doesn’t need to be complicated — but it can make the start of your day feel more relaxed, meaningful, and memorable for everyone involved.

Mistake 8: Not practicing getting dressed before the day

Right, I know that this may sound like something only a Bridezilla would do, but doing a trial run of getting into your wedding dress before the wedding day is one of those small steps that makes a huge difference. Hear me out.

Getting into your wedding dress on the day is very different to trying it on in the boutique or at a fitting. It is always the part of the day without fail where the nerves and emotions hit. Having a practice before hand gives you (and whoever will be helping you to get dressed) a chance to understand exactly how the dress fastens, how long it takes (yes I do advising timing it!), and whether you need extra hands for buttons, corsetry, or delicate details. You might discover that a particular clasp is fiddly, that the underskirt needs arranging in a certain way. You’d be amazed the number of brides who tell me the buttons are faux, only to find on the day that they actually have loads of fiddly elastics to tackle!

There’s a big difference between watching a wedding dress expert tie the corseting in the shop, to doing it yourself while feeling all the emotions on the day. (Hello shaky nervous hands!) Catching these things early means no surprises, no stress, and no rushed tugging or adjusting when you should be enjoying the morning. This should be a beautiful memory to make with your Mum or bestie, and all to often I see it descend into snappy chaos due to rushing or stress. A practice run solves that. And it’s a great excuse to get together and get excited before the day. I’d recommend adding a glass of fizz to the proceedings once you’re done!

If your bridesmaids are wearing those multiway/multi tie dresses I’d also advise you involve them too. If the first look/reveal is important to you, you can always do this separately. But seriously, I’ve seen it take bridesmaids ages to watch YouTube videos, tie their dresses securely, apply tit tape etc. etc. And if there are delays this can result in you compromising on those precious photos taken together before the ceremony.

The most important reason to practice is that it will help you plan your morning timeline more accurately. Knowing whether the dress takes 5 minutes or 25 minutes to get into ensures your hair and makeup schedule stays on track and that you have plenty of time for those calm, joyful getting-ready moments (and photos!) before leaving for the ceremony. It’s also a great confidence booster — you’ll feel comfortable, prepared, and able to enjoy slipping into your dress without pressure. A little rehearsal now leads to a smoother, calmer, and much more enjoyable start to your wedding day. Trust me!

Mistake 9: Booking venues with long journey times between them

Having a long journey between your prep location, ceremony, and reception might seem manageable when planning, but on the day travel time can quickly eat into the moments you want to enjoy. Every extra minute spent in the car is a minute you’re not relaxing with your bridal party, greeting guests, eating canapés, or soaking in the atmosphere.

Longer travel also makes your timeline much more vulnerable: traffic, parking, or delays can easily create a knock-on effect, leaving you rushed, stressed, or late, and registrars will not wait! If guests are moving between venues they’re more likely to stop and check into a hotel, or drop off bags at accommodation which will delay their arrival at your wedding, or in worst case scenario may mean they’re not there when your group shots start. (Yes, this has happened to me) When time gets tight, the first things to be sacrificed are usually the fun, memorable parts of the day, like lawn games, that champagne spray you had in mind, or just mingling with your guests.

Long travel time also adds extra pressure for your vendors. Your photographer and videographer will need to pack up, travel, and reset at each location, which can cut into coverage and reduce opportunities for those natural, in-between moments. True story: I once spent over an hour of someone’s wedding day stuck in traffic on the M3. Thankfully the couple and all their guests were in the same traffic jam, but it meant they paid me for an hour of time I was sat in my car listening to a podcast & not taking photos! Not the best use of the 9hrs of coverage they’d paid for. And though it’s not happened to me, I’ve also heard horror stories from other photographers about flat tyres or getting lost on the way to the church!

You may also find that some guests may struggle with walking between parking and the venue, and the overall flow of the day can start to feel disjointed rather than relaxed. Keeping your locations close (ideally 15-20mins max) or even better all in one place, will help everything run more smoothly, keep stress low, maximise the best use of your budget, and give you back time to actually enjoy your wedding rather than spending it on the road.

Mistake 10: Not communicating the wedding morning timeline with your key people

Sharing your wedding morning timeline with your bridal party, parents, hair stylist & makeup artist is one of the simplest ways to ensure the day starts smoothly and stress-free. When everyone knows where they need to be and when, the morning flows easily, no frantic searching for missing people, no delays, and most importantly, all the precious moments of your morning captured beautifully.

Working with your photographer and glam squad on a clear timeline helps set expectations so your bridal party understands when they’ll be getting hair and makeup done, when to be dressed, and when photos will begin. This means everyone can relax and enjoy the morning rather than feeling rushed or unsure of what’s happening next. Keep in mind your parents and bridal party may just be thinking they need to be ready for your ceremony at 2pm for example, but in actual fact they may need to be dressed and ready an hour or more before for a first look and photos, so your photographer can arrive at the ceremony venue for photos there and to allow travel time as well as time for your interview with the registrar.

Your beauty team also relies heavily on the timeline to deliver their best work. Makeup artists and hairstylists plan their schedule down to the minute, especially if they’re working on multiple people. When they know the exact order and timing, they can pace themselves, avoid over running, and keep everyone polished and ready on time. It removes the pressure, keeps the atmosphere calm, and ensures you are finished with plenty of breathing room before getting into your dress, perfect for those beautiful, unrushed getting-ready photos. Also essential for a quick bite of a sarnie and a fresh spritz of deodorant!

So, if your hair and make up team are planning to start at 8am, ensure the first person in the hot seat is out of the shower, with their face prepped, having had breakfast, and ready to go. I have had make up artists tell me they had to get bridesmaids out of bed or the shower before! Delays at the start will mean delays at the end, which some times means I miss the first look or some gorgeous photos of you and your gang all together.

Parents and key family members also benefit from being included. They often have important roles in the morning — helping with jewellery, buttoning the dress, sharing emotional first looks, and if they know when those moments are happening, they won’t accidentally wander off or get dressed too late. A shared timeline ensures everyone feels prepared, involved, and confident, allowing the morning to unfold with excitement instead of chaos. It’s a small step that sets the tone for the rest of your day.

I always prepare a detailed timeline with all my couples on a video call as part of their ‘pre wedding consultation’. If you’d like tips on planning your wedding day timeline you can find my free pdf guide to planning a stress free wedding day timeline here.

Final words…

Planning a wedding comes with so much to consider and plenty of moving parts, and it’s completely normal to feel the overwhelm along the way. Dodging these common mistakes just means you’re giving yourselves a smoother, calmer wedding. Think of it as clearing the clutter so you can focus on the fun bits.

At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” way to plan a wedding — just the way that feels good for the two of you. Keep things in perspective, don’t be afraid to break the so-called rules, and trust your instincts. If you’re having a great time and the day feels like yours, you’re doing it right.

I hope this has helped to give you some insight from a wedding photographer who has attended literally hundreds of weddings. If you’re still on the hunt for a photographer for your wedding day who is all about relaxed, stress free vibes and capturing the good times, let me guide you through it all on your wedding journey. Just click here to check my availability and get a pricing brochure.