10 Wedding Day Mistakes Couples Make and How To Avoid Them: WeddingWednesday

Your wedding day will go by faster than you expect. With so many moving parts it's easy for small things to get lost in the mix and create unnecessary stress.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, I've seen what works and what couples often with they had done differently.

Here are 10 common wedding day mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Leaving Enough Time In The Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is creating a timeline that is too tight. Adding buffer time allows the day to flow naturally, gives you some quiet time, and keeps everyone relaxed.

Skipping The Engagement Session

Engagement sessions help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and helps you build trust with your photographer.

Forgetting To Eat

Between excitement and nerves, many couples forget to eat. Make sure you schedule time to eat that morning and when it's time for your reception meal, sit down and enjoy it, don't feel like you need to keep your guests occupied.

Not Planning Sunset Photos

Golden hour provides the most flattering light for portraits. Scheduling a quick 10 minutes for a few photos during sunset will allow you to get a few photos with some great light and take a few moments for just the two of you!

Not Assigning Someone For Family Photos

Designating a relative who knows family members keeps family portraits quick and organized. They will be able to help your photographer find the folks you need for your portraits.

Getting Ready In A Dark Or Cramped Room

Natural light will dramatically improve your getting ready photos. Choosing a location with great window light and help your photos look elevated. You also want to make sure you have enough room for everyone to get ready so the room isn't cramped and cluttered.

Not Practicing Your Bustle

If you are wearing a dress with a bustle, you will want to practice bustling your dress before the big day arrives. Bustles can be complicated so practicing beforehand will save you time at the reception.

Overpacking The Timeline

While you will want to schedule out all of your wedding day activities and portraits, you won't want to pack it too full to where you won't have downtime to enjoy your day. Leave some space so you can enjoy your day and breathe.

Not Preparing Your Wedding Details In Advance

Small details like your invitations, rings, shoes, and jewelry help tell the story of your day. Make sure you prepare these in one location in advance so your photographer can get some great photos of all of your special items.

Stressing Over Small Things

At the end of the day, what matters most is celebrating your marriage. The best weddings are the ones where you get to focus on joy, not perfection. Let the small things go and focus on what matters the most, the love you have for each other!