Every couple dreams of a picture-perfect wedding day, but as a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I’ve seen common mistakes that can affect both the experience and the final wedding photos. Minor oversights can significantly impact, from rushed timelines to ignoring lighting. Let’s dive into the most common wedding mistakes we’ve encountered and how you can avoid them!
Not Prioritizing Photography in Your Budget
Your wedding photos are the only lasting memories of your big day—don’t cut corners when choosing your photographer! Many couples underestimate the value of professional photography, only to regret it later when they receive subpar images. Hiring an experienced Los Angeles wedding photographer ensures that every precious moment is captured beautifully. Investing in quality photography means investing in memories that will last a lifetime.
Photography is one of the few wedding elements that will stay with you forever. While florals wilt and the cake gets eaten, your wedding photos will tell the story of your day for generations to come. A skilled photographer doesn’t just take pictures—they capture emotions, reactions, and details you might miss in the whirlwind of the day.
Many couples make the mistake of prioritizing other expenses over photography, only to realize too late that they should have allocated more of their budget to securing an expert. While it’s tempting to cut costs by hiring a friend with a camera or opting for a budget photographer, the risk of poor lighting, missed moments, and unflattering angles isn’t worth it. Instead, research LA wedding photographers whose style aligns with your vision and invest in someone who understands how to create timeless, breathtaking images.
Consider adjusting other parts of your budget to prioritize photography without breaking the bank. Simplifying décor, choosing a smaller cake, or cutting back on party favors can free up funds for a photographer who will ensure your wedding pictures look stunning. After all, long after the vows are exchanged, and the music fades, your photos will be the one thing that brings your wedding day back to life.
Featured in Brides, this comprehensive guide highlights common missteps brides often encounter, offering practical advice on guest considerations, attire choices, and etiquette to help navigate the wedding planning process smoothly.
Skipping the Engagement Session
Engagement sessions aren’t just about pretty photos—they help you feel comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Many LA wedding photographers recommend engagement sessions to help couples get accustomed to posing naturally. This session also builds a strong rapport with your photographer, making your wedding day photography feel effortless. Plus, engagement photos make great additions to invitations and wedding décor!
An engagement session serves as a trial run for your wedding portraits. It allows you to see how your photographer works, understand their shooting style, and get used to being directed. Suppose you or your partner feel awkward in front of the camera. In that case, this is the perfect opportunity to ease that discomfort before your wedding day.
Additionally, these sessions provide valuable insight into what works best for you as a couple. You’ll discover which angles, poses, and expressions you love, making it easier to achieve stunning wedding photos without stress. The more comfortable and confident you feel during your engagement shoot, the more natural and authentic your wedding photos will be.
Skipping the engagement session is a time-saver. Still, couples who opt out often regret missing this chance to prepare and connect with their photographer. It’s a fun, relaxed experience that results in beautiful photos and makes your wedding day feel smoother and more enjoyable.
Not Considering Lighting for Your Ceremony & Reception
Lighting is crucial in wedding photography, yet many couples overlook it when planning their ceremony and reception. The right lighting enhances the mood, highlights emotions, and captures every detail beautifully. On the other hand, poor lighting can result in harsh shadows, overexposed areas, or grainy, dark images. Romantics (couple session) also need good light! It’s essential to consider lighting as part of creating the perfect atmosphere.
For outdoor ceremonies, timing is everything. As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I recommend scheduling your ceremony during golden hour—the hour before sunset—when the light is warm, soft, and flattering. Keep in mind that this option works well if you plan to have a first look before the ceremony, so we can capture romantic moments and group portraits during the day while the sun is still out.
If your ceremony is scheduled during midday, especially in bright sunlight, it can create unflattering shadows and make your guests squint. If a midday ceremony is unavoidable, consider choosing a shaded area or setting up a canopy to diffuse the harsh light. And if your ceremony is outdoors and it’s hot and sunny, make sure to keep your guests comfortable. Consider bringing umbrellas for shade, offering water stations, or providing fans to help everyone stay cool.
Indoor ceremonies present their challenges. If your venue has large windows, use natural light to schedule your ceremony when sunlight streams in. However, if your ceremony occurs in a dimly lit church or banquet hall, talk to your photographer about additional lighting options. Professional photographers can use external flashes and reflectors to enhance the lighting. However, having an adequate base level of light in your venue will help create more evenly exposed images.
Reception lighting plays a vital role in setting the mood for your celebration. While dim, romantic lighting can create a beautiful atmosphere, it can also pose challenges for photography. Incorporating elements like uplighting, string lights, and candles can enhance the ambiance. To ensure high-quality images, it’s essential to have a skilled photographer who understands how to work with various lighting conditions.
By considering lighting in advance, you’ll ensure that your wedding photos turn out beautifully, no matter the setting. A well-lit ceremony and reception create a warm, vibrant atmosphere that translates into stunning, timeless wedding photos.
Rushing Through the Wedding Timeline
A well-planned timeline and stunning photographs are essential for a stress-free wedding day. However, many couples underestimate the time needed for key moments, leading to rushed portraits, missed shots, and unnecessary stress. A carefully structured schedule ensures you have enough time to capture every unique detail without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the most common mistakes couples make is not allocating enough time for getting ready. Hair and makeup often take longer than expected, which can cause a domino effect of delays throughout the day. To avoid this, build extra buffer time so that your schedule isn’t completely thrown off if something runs behind. Additionally, a calm and relaxed getting-ready experience results in better photos, as no one wants to look flustered or stressed in their wedding pictures.
Another area where couples tend to rush is the portrait session. Whether it’s a first look, bridal party portraits, or family photos, giving yourself ample time for these moments ensures they feel natural and not forced. If you’re doing a first look, take at least 30 minutes to enjoy the moment without feeling pressured. Family and bridal party portraits can also take longer than expected, mainly if guests are scattered or unaware of where they need to be. Creating a detailed shot list and working with your photographer to organize these sessions efficiently can make a huge difference.
Ceremony and reception transitions are also key points where timing issues arise. Suppose there’s not enough time built into your schedule between the ceremony and reception. In that case, it can feel rushed, leaving little room for post-ceremony portraits or a private moment for you and your partner. Similarly, making time for golden hour portraits can elevate your wedding album. Still, you may miss this magical lighting window if your schedule is too packed.
Work closely with your photographer and planner to create a realistic schedule to avoid timeline stress. Many LA wedding photographers have extensive experience in timing wedding day events. They can offer invaluable insight into how long different photo sessions typically take. By planning and allowing enough time for each part of the day, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more relaxed celebration and ensure that every beautiful moment is captured to perfection.
Neglecting a Backup Plan for Outdoor Weddings
Los Angeles has sunshine most of the year, but what happens if the unexpected strikes? Even in a city known for its beautiful weather, outdoor weddings still require contingency plans. Whether an unexpected drizzle or excessive heat, having an indoor alternative or a covered area ensures your celebration continues without disruption. As Los Angeles wedding photographers, we are skilled in adapting to different conditions, but a solid backup plan guarantees peace of mind.
Not Communicating Shot Preferences with Your Photographer
Your photographer isn’t a mind reader—clear communication is key to getting the shots you want! While an experienced photographer knows how to capture essential moments, sharing a must-have shot list can ensure your personal preferences are met. However, avoid overloading the list, as too many posed requests can prevent you from capturing candid, emotional moments.
Forgetting About Unplugged Ceremonies
Guests with phones and iPads can unintentionally ruin your ceremony photos—here’s how to avoid it. An unplugged ceremony encourages guests to be fully present while allowing your photographer to capture unobstructed shots. You can kindly request this in your invitations or have your officiant announce it before the ceremony begins. The result? More meaningful images where all eyes are on you instead of screens.
Overlooking the Getting Ready Space
The getting ready space often gets overlooked, but it plays a key role in capturing some of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day. The right environment can help shine those intimate, candid moments in your photos!
While many focus on the ceremony and reception, the getting ready moments offer a chance for relaxed, emotional shots. If the space is cluttered or poorly lit, getting the images you envision can be challenging.
Here are a few tips to make sure the getting ready space works in your favor:
- Choose a Bright, Spacious Room: Natural light can make all the difference in wedding photography. A well-lit space will help create beautiful, flattering images and reduce the need for heavy edits.
- Declutter the Space: Clear away any unnecessary items distracting from the photos. Small touches, like personal items or accessories, can add to the atmosphere, but make sure there aren’t things competing for attention.
- Keep the Scene Simple: A neutral color palette and minimal distractions in the background will allow the focus to stay on the couple and their preparations. Simple backgrounds often create the most timeless photos.
- Add Personal Touches: Small details like framed photos, a favorite piece of jewelry, or a keepsake can add personality to the space and create a more intimate feel during the getting ready moments.
By considering the getting-ready space, couples can ensure that their wedding pictures in Los Angeles tell the full story of their day, not just the moments of the ceremony. Thoughtful preparation can lead to some of the most cherished photos of the day.
Vogue explores frequent pitfalls in wedding planning, such as budgeting errors and overlooking videography, providing expert insights to help couples avoid costly and regretful decisions.
This piece from Martha Stewart Weddings outlines key etiquette errors, such as interrupting the couple’s portraits or overindulging at the reception, offering guidance to ensure guests contribute positively to the celebration.
Skipping Golden Hour Portraits
Golden hour is the secret ingredient to breathtaking wedding photos—don’t miss out! This short window before sunset offers the most flattering, warm lighting for dreamy portraits. Scheduling time for golden hour portraits ensures your wedding photos have a magical, cinematic quality. Work with your photographer to plan around this golden opportunity, so you don’t miss the chance for truly stunning images.
Not Hiring a Second Shooter
One photographer can only be in one place at a time—here’s why a second shooter is a game-changer. A second photographer captures additional angles, reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments that might otherwise be missed. If you’re having a large wedding, a second shooter ensures that the bride’s and groom’s perspectives are documented simultaneously. Los Angeles Wedding photographer should offer second shooter options to provide a more complete visual story of your day.
Capture Your Perfect Wedding Day Without Regrets
Avoiding these common wedding mistakes will help ensure you get the most beautiful, timeless wedding photos possible. As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I always work closely with my couples to plan, ease wedding day stress, and create unforgettable images. Do you want to discuss your wedding photography plans? Contact us here—We’d love to help bring your vision to life!
FAQ
How far in advance should I book a Los Angeles wedding photographer?
It’s best to book your photographer at least 9-12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls during peak season. Top LA wedding photographers book quickly, so securing your date early ensures availability.
What’s the best time of day for wedding portraits?
Golden hour—just before sunset—is ideal for soft, flattering lighting. However, if your timeline doesn’t allow it, your photographer can work with various lighting conditions to achieve beautiful results.
Can I mix different wedding photography styles?
Absolutely! Many couples love blending documentary, fine art, and editorial styles to create a dynamic wedding album. Communicate your preferences with your photographer to find the perfect balance for your vision.
How do I make sure my wedding timeline allows enough time for photos?
Discuss your timeline with your photographer early in the planning process. Allocate extra time for bridal prep, first looks, and family portraits to ensure everything runs smoothly without feeling rushed.
Why should I consider an unplugged ceremony?
An unplugged ceremony ensures guests are fully present and prevents phones from interfering with professional shots. Your photographer will capture every critical moment without distractions.
