Mistake 1: Bridal Prep timings

ON the morning of the wedding before the ceremony lots of your suppliers play a key part, getting the timings right for these can ensure everything comes together and key shots can be captured with ease by your photographer. Ensure your florist, hair stylist, makeup artist and car hire are all working to the same timeline, your photographer will advise before the day timings to ensure a smooth flow to enable bride and bridal party/family portraits to be completed on schedule prior to the ceremony.

Mistake 2: Waiting until the last minute to book a photographer

The longer you wait to book a photographer, the less chance you’ll be able to secure the photographer you really want. Some photographers are booked up to 2 years in advance so it’s never too early to book.

Mistake 3: Looking directly at the camera all the time

Unless your photographer tells you to look at the camera, try and act as natural as possible and enjoy your day with your loved ones and your groom as these make for the best photos.

Mistake 4: Not having a rain backup plan

The weather can change so it’s a really good idea to have a plan for if it rains, especially if your ceremony or reception will be held outdoors. You should also be emotionally prepared for the fact that you might need to change the setting of your couple portraits or postpone until later in the day if the weather doesn’t clear up.

Mistake 5: Failing to arrange a pre wedding shoot

Not only is it wonderful to capture this time as an engaged couple but it gives you the chance to practice and get comfortable in front of the camera. It also gives you the opportunity to get to know your photographer so that you are completely relaxed on the day, and plan the days’ timeline and photography locations for sun and rain !

Ps. Every couple I have photographed at a wedding pre-shoot session have agreed that having the shoot relaxed their fears about their wedding day photography and that now they felt more relaxed and comfortable about being photographed on the day.

A Pre-wedding photo session is included for FREE with every wedding booking I take regardless of package.

(includes your favourite image as a FREE 16x12in wall print)

I also complete a detailed timeline and shot list for the day at this session, this means I ensure all key elements of the day flow smoothly and keep to time, please allow 2-3 hours for this session. (Children and pets welcome,)

Mistake 6: Hiring an amateur

It’s great when a family member or friend offers to take the photos at your wedding but hiring someone who isn’t a professional photographer has its setbacks. If you have a few photographers in mind, be sure to go through their portfolios to ensure that their work is up to scratch before you pay a deposit. A friend may capture some great one offs, but can they consistently deliver throughout the day, also will they be interrupted and encouraged to chat with other guests they know, missing those little candid’s your professional is constantly scanning for.