Your Wedding Photographer Has Seen It All

Weddings are emotional, complex, and often unpredictable — and even the best-laid plans can unravel. Canadian wedding photographers know this better than anyone. We’ve seen behind-the-scenes chaos and the sweet recoveries, and we’re here to help you plan with clarity and calm.

These are the most common things that go wrong on wedding days — and how to prevent them so your celebration stays joyful, relaxed, and beautifully documented.

1. Late Starts

Hair and makeup run long. Someone forgets their shoes. Guests get stuck in traffic. Suddenly, you're 40 minutes behind schedule.

How to Prevent It:

• Build in buffer time — at least 15–30 minutes extra per segment
• Assign someone (not you) to manage the morning timeline
• Expect delays, then be pleasantly surprised when things run smoothly

Read: Planner vs. Day-Of Coordinator: What’s the Real Difference?

2. Lighting Surprises

Dark hotel rooms, harsh sunlight during portraits, and backlit ceremonies can sabotage your photos.

How to Prevent It:

• Ask your photographer for input when booking your getting ready space and choosing ceremony timing
• Opt for natural light whenever possible
• Avoid scheduling portraits at high noon

Read: What to Put in Your Wedding Day Timeline
Read: What Makes a Great Getting Ready Space

3. Key People Go Missing

Your dad vanishes before the first look. A bridesmaid goes to grab a snack during portraits. Your MC doesn’t show up for rehearsal.

How to Prevent It:

• Share a VIP list with your planner, MC, or day-of coordinator
• Designate someone to help round up key guests at the right times
• Give everyone a printed schedule

4. Forgotten Details

The vow books are still in the hotel. The bouquets are in the fridge. The rings? No one has them.

How to Prevent It:

• Pack and stage everything the night before
• Use a checklist (yes, print it!)
• Assign a calm, organized helper to do a final sweep before departure

5. Rushed Photo Time

With no buffer between events, portraits get squeezed out. Golden hour slips by. Formal group shots turn chaotic.

How to Prevent It:

• Build a realistic, photo-friendly schedule with your photographer early on
• Communicate photo times with family and bridal party in advance
• Leave room for spontaneous, emotional moments

Read: Wedding Photography Shot List Advice

6. DIY Overload

We’ve seen brides setting up chairs in curlers and grooms hanging signage minutes before the ceremony.

How to Prevent It:

• Budget for setup help
• Even if you DIY the decor, don’t DIY the execution
• Hire a day-of coordinator or task a trusted friend (not family!) to oversee logistics

Plan for Imperfection — and You’ll Be More Present

No wedding is perfect. And that’s okay.

The couples who enjoy their day the most aren’t the ones who follow a flawless script. They’re the ones who leave room for imperfection. Who roll with the wind, the hiccups, the laughter — and let the story unfold.

Presence > Perfection.

Photographer Insight

“The best wedding photos come when the couple is relaxed and present. When they’re not watching the clock or managing chaos, they can truly enjoy the moment — and it shows in every frame.”