Common wedding planning mistakes that can ruin your photos, according to a photographer

From rushed timelines to crammed shot lists, planning can have a big impact on how your wedding photos turn out. With the average UK wedding now costing £21,990, couples are investing heavily in a single day, with photography alone typically costing around £1,500, and often making up around 10% of the total budget*.

Behind that cost is far more than just the day itself. Photographers will often take between 5,000 and 7,000 images, narrowing these down to around 650–800 final shots, with hours of editing behind each one*. But several small decisions can have a lasting impact on how those photos turn out.

Nicole Lambert, Marketing Manager at Custtom, says: “Your wedding photos are one of the few parts of the day that last long after it’s over, whether that’s in an album or on your walls, so it’s worth thinking about how they’ll turn out from the start, not just on the day itself.”

Custtom spoke to wedding photographer Victoria Beddoes, who has more than 15 years of experience, to share the most common mistakes couples make before their wedding that can affect how their photos turn out.

Choosing a photographer whose style does not match your vision

“If you have a particular aesthetic in mind, whether that’s something more editorial, romantic or minimal, it’s important to choose a photographer who naturally works in that way,” Victoria says. “The best results happen when your photographer understands those details in advance and can capture them intentionally.”

Letting the shot list take over the day

“Not having a clear, realistic plan for the day can really impact your photos,” Victoria says. “Shot lists are helpful to make sure everyone is aligned, but they shouldn’t be overwhelming. Focus on what actually matters to you rather than trying to capture everything.
“If a shot list becomes too long, it can turn the day into a checklist, which pulls your photographer away from observing and capturing the natural, in-between moments that often end up being the most meaningful.
“It’s also worth building in space for something a little more creative if that’s important to you, rather than filling every moment with logistics.”

Not allowing enough time after the ceremony

“The time between the ceremony and the meal is the busiest part of the day,” she says. “You’re greeting guests, having drinks, taking photos, and trying to spend a moment together as newlyweds.
“I always recommend allowing a minimum of two hours here so everything can happen naturally without feeling rushed. I promise your guests will not get bored.”

Underestimating how long group photos take

“Formal group photos take longer than most couples expect; around three to five minutes per group is a good guide,” Victoria says. “That can quickly add up, so it’s important to be selective and think about how much of your drinks reception you’d like to spend on these.”

Having too many creatives involved without clear direction

“With photography, videography, and content creation all becoming more common, it’s important to decide in advance who is leading each moment,” she says. “Having a clear lead creative keeps everything calm and cohesive, and helps ensure everyone is working towards the same vision.”

Forgetting to plan around natural light

“Light plays a huge role in how your photos look, but it’s often overlooked when planning timelines,” Victoria says. “If possible, setting aside time for portraits later in the day when the light is softer, especially around sunset, can make a big difference to the overall feel of your images.”

This is especially relevant during peak wedding season, which runs from May to September, with August the most popular month*.

Not thinking about how the venue shapes the final gallery

“Your setting plays a big role in your final images,” Victoria says. “It can be helpful to work with a photographer who knows your venue, but more importantly, someone who knows how to use the environment around them.
“Whether it’s a countryside estate or a city celebration, the best photos feel connected to the location and tell a fuller story of the day.”
 

Custtom is a UK-based personalised photo gifting brand that helps turn everyday memories into meaningful keepsakes. From canvas prints to gallery walls, Custtom makes it easy to celebrate your favourite moments with beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind products. Whether it's a holiday snap, a family milestone or just a feel-good photo, Custtom helps you bring it to life – no design skills required.

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