10 Mistakes Brides Make

I’ve been a part of over 250 weddings. From those, here are the top 10 Mistakes Brides Make. This is all based on my opinion as well as what other wedding vendors have agreed with.

1. They don’t hire a professional photographer.
   1. Of course I going to add this in. I’ve heard too many horror stories from friends and clients about how horrible their photographer experience was and it’s not like you can do a do over. These images and albums are what your grandchildren are going to have of you when you are gone. You spent so much in a great venue or great food… and that only lasts a few hours. Invest in a top photographer and your wedding day will always be remembered as a Platinum Wedding.
2. Not letting the right people help.
   1. I understand if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself. But not on your wedding day. This is the day you need to cherish and remember. Not be on the phone all day making sure everything is where it needs to be. I will always recommend a wedding planner but if that’s not an option. You NEED to have a wedding day coordinator. Someone to know where the batteries are kept, or the extra flowers, or the tape. Can never have enough tape. And tape is the last thing that needs to be on your mind today. Let others help you.
3. Letting the wrong people help you.
   1. This ties in with number two but it really is a big mistake. I know mom really wants to help take care of the delivery for the flowers, dresses, cake, and just everything else! Don’t let her. She needs to be in the room with you. Enjoying your day with you. I wait for moms to come back so we can get photos of her getting the bride dressed. It won’t help for the bride to see her mom stressed out on your day.
   2. Also as a personal note. Now being a mother of a beautiful baby girl. I am thinking of her big day and I want to cherish it with her, not be in the reception hall sweating and telling the guys where to put what.
4. Not scheduling enough time for hair and make up.
   1. It sets the schedule for the entire day. If you are having your full party of 6 girls get hair and make up down with only one hair stylist and one make up artist, you better block out at least 2 hours. I have had to cancel all the pictures before a ceremony because hair and make up went over by an hour. What happened? The Bride and Groom didn’t have time to go take photos in the spot he proposed because there was no time.
5. Forgetting what your wedding day is really about.
   1. I made the mistake of putting others requests and needs before my own because I wanted my day to be enjoyable for everyone. I know that is a very common thing and I see it so often on wedding days. The bride and groom just saying yes yes yes to everyone else to make them happy. Or if something small happens like the garter is missing. It is not something my brides should worry about. Please don’t stress. You are marrying the love of your life today.
6. Having uniformed guests.
   1. It can be tedious to have to inform them about everything but things like if it’s an outdoor wedding will help them prepare for a lot of sun, or having a jacket if it’s chilly. Another great thing to inform them is if you are having a cash bar and the type of attire they are expected to wear. Especially family you want to be in the photos. When you have most of your guests dressed in slacks and dress shoes, that one uncle that shows up in overalls and muddy boots will stick out like a  sore thumb in photos. Letting your guests know about having a cash bar will help them make sure to bring enough for the beverages they want. Very awkward showing up to the bar and not having money when ordering your drinks.
7. Not booking your venue before anything else!
   1. Picking your venue before anything is so important. If you have 300 people on your guest list and then you fall in love with a small venue that only allows 175. You have an issue. If you buy your dress before picking the venue you could end up having a greek, beachy, chiffon dress and then you fall in love with a castle venue that would look so much better with something like a ballroom style dress. If you select a photographer that has no experience with beach photos and you decide you want to have it on the beach will cause problems too. I didn’t think about that until I shot my first beach weddings. You have different gear you need to have, you need to account for the sand getting into everything and also the style of shooting will be different as well. So just letting you know I’m a photographer that loves the beach! Take me! ; )
8. GO with a PRO
   1. If it is important to you, go with a pro. There are expenses of a wedding that you can DIY and there are some you should leave to a pro. It’s up to you want you want. Want to guarantee professional photos and someone who knows how to juggle people, timelines, and stress, hire me : ). If you want to make sure your reception is enjoyable for your guests and the back keeps the party going, hire a professional band or DJ with reviews. I know just playing music isn’t a hard skill. But that’s not what they do. They keep the party going, they make sure the correct songs are being played for your first daces.
9. Not doing a first look.
   1. I know tradition plays a big part for couples not seeing each other before the wedding and I will 100% respect this. However, weddings that have a first look tend to have less stress and the couples have never regretted that decision. Taking a first look saves time after the ceremony so you can spend more time at your cocktail hour. Most importantly, this time before the ceremony is much more relaxed and spending that time with your groom is more special. One more thing to add! After the ceremony, it is go, go, go. Having that special alone time together is like having a breath of fresh air.

1. Not allowing enough time for photos.
   1. Most of my brides have me write their schedule which is very detailed. If there is a wedding planner I ask them first if they would like to create one since it’s usually their ballpark. But if that happens I make sure to communicate how much time I need for photos. If we are rushed, you will look rushed in photos. We need to take our time because remember, these photos are the ones you will see 50 years from now. You’re not going to remember what the cake tastes like. You will see these photos and you want the experience to be fun, calm, and memorable.

I’m so happy I had time to be able to put this together for you guys. If you want to check out my recommendations for timelines, check out these links here for ceremony and reception.