Top wedding photo and video regrets from real couples

When you look back on your wedding day, the last thing you want to feel is the bitter sting of regret. This is a sentiment shared by many of our Easy Weddings couples, who consider top-tier wedding photography and videography to be absolute must-haves. And we completely understand why!

You want to be able to soak up every epic moment of your celebration with the peace of mind that it’s being preserved beautifully on film.

In this article, we spoke with real couples about their biggest regrets when it comes to wedding photography and videography — the juicy details that haunt them and keep them up at night. They shared their experiences and insights on what they would do differently if they could turn back the clock. Whether it’s missing out on candid shots, not researching photographers thoroughly, or skimping on videography, their stories provide invaluable lessons for future couples.

Regret #1: Using Amateurs

“When my wife and I got married, we were younger and more budget-conscious. My wife had a work colleague who loved photography, so we asked him to be our photographer. We had seen some of his stuff and thought it was beautiful, subtle, and had a nice undone feel to it. Unfortunately, he insisted on shooting the whole day on film. Many of the images were over-exposed and had weird shadows (he was trying to be artsy). None of the dusk or evening photos worked out. We probably have 10 shots from the whole day that look okay.”

“We (my husband and I) thought we were being thrifty by hiring local film students to shoot our video. They were nice guys and tried their best, but, looking back, they didn’t know what they were doing at all. If I could do the day over, I would bite the bullet and hire actual wedding videography specialists.”

The solution:

It’s a tempting trap to shell out a little less for hobbyist photographers or recruit your cousin who dabbles in videography. However, this can often lead to disappointment, as these well-meaning amateurs may lack the necessary skills and equipment to capture your wedding day properly.

Investing in seasoned professionals is the key to avoiding this regret. Experienced wedding photographers and videographers bring expertise, high-quality equipment, and an understanding of the flow of wedding days. They know how to handle different lighting conditions, capture candid moments, and deliver consistent, beautiful results.

Choosing professionals ensures that every important moment is captured perfectly, giving you peace of mind and stunning memories to cherish. While it might cost more upfront, the quality and reliability of professional work are invaluable, making it a worthwhile investment for one of the most important days of your life.

Regret 2: We didn’t supply a shot-list

“I was really casual about our wedding photography. We hired someone well-reviewed whose work we loved (and still love), so we just told him to do his thing. Our photos are stunning — even though it bucketed down all day. Our photographer was a true professional, and our guests loved him. My only regret is not giving him a shot list. We don’t have a photo of my husband and I with my dad’s side of the family, some of whom have flown internationally to be there. If you had asked me before the wedding, I probably would have said I wouldn’t care, but now I really do.”

“We have NO photos of our reception set-up. It was so beautiful with tablescapes and florals I spent months planning. For the amount of money and effort that was put into it, I wish we had captured it.”

The solution:

Even the best photographers and videographers aren’t mind readers. While they can capture stunning moments on their own, providing a shot list ensures they get the specific shots you want.

Creating a detailed shot list helps communicate your priorities, whether it’s group photos with specific family members or capturing the intricate details of your reception setup. This simple step can prevent the disappointment of missing key photos that hold sentimental value or showcase the effort you put into your wedding decor.

A shot list acts as a guide for your photographer, allowing them to focus on the moments that matter most to you. By taking the time to outline these important shots, you can enjoy your wedding day with the confidence that your photographer will capture every cherished moment.

Regret 3: We chose a photographer whose style just wasn’t “us”

“Our photographer was so nice and accommodating — that’s one of the reasons why we picked her. However, we should have looked more closely at her actual work before locking the booking in. On the day, she kept trying to get us into those cheesy school ball-type poses. My wife and I are more laid-back, fun and spontaneous types. We like things to feel natural and candid. My wife actually ended up walking out of the couples shoot because she felt so uncomfortable.”

The solution:

Eeek, no one likes a cheesy, overly-stiff wedding photo. To avoid this, it’s crucial to choose a photographer whose style aligns with your personality and preferences.

When selecting a photographer, spend time reviewing their portfolio to ensure their style matches what you envision for your wedding. Do you prefer candid, natural shots, or are you looking for more traditional, posed photographs? Communicate your preferences clearly during your initial meetings and see how they respond to your vision.

Don’t be swayed solely by a photographer’s personality or reputation. While it’s important to feel comfortable with them, their work should ultimately reflect your style.

Regret 4: We didn’t have coverage of our reception.

“I honestly thought that we wouldn’t need further photography or videography besides ceremony coverage and some beautiful couples photos. Besides, we had disposable cameras for our guests to snap candid photos for us. Turns out the guests were having too good a time (win!) to take photos. I wish I had photos of my parents’ speeches, our first dance, and us mingling with our guests who took the time to be there for us.”

The solution:

It’s hard to know which portions of your wedding you’ll want coverage of going in. Have a serious chat with your photographer and partner about which parts of the day you’ll want photos and video footage of afterwards. For example, you might decide that getting-ready footage is nice to have but less important than reception shots. Or you might decide to go all out and reallocate the budget to accommodate.

Professional coverage of your reception captures essential moments like speeches, first dances, and candid interactions with your guests. These moments are irreplaceable and contribute to the complete story of your wedding day. By planning ahead and discussing your priorities, you can ensure that every significant part of your celebration is beautifully documented.

Regret 5: We didn’t have an unplugged wedding

“There’s nothing that irks me more than seeing random devices up in the background of my wedding video. The shot of me walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with my dear dad is marred by my great aunt filming on her huge iPad! It’s the worst. It’s a bit easier to edit out in the photos, but it still grinds my gears when I see it in our wedding video.”

The solution:

It’s sweet that good old Aunty Ethel wants to capture every moment of your day for her bridge buddies. However, having an unplugged wedding can save you from the frustration of seeing random devices in your professional photos and videos.

By politely asking your guests to put away their phones and cameras during the ceremony, you can ensure that your photographer and videographer have a clear view to capture those special moments without distractions. Consider including a note in your invitations, signage at the venue, and a reminder from the celebrant to reinforce this request. This way, your guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience, and your wedding photos and videos will be free of intrusive devices, preserving the beauty of your big day.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you deserve to have every precious moment captured just the way you envision it. By learning from the regrets of others, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your wedding photography and videography are top-notch.

Remember, invest in professionals, create a detailed shot list, choose a photographer whose style matches yours, cover the whole event, and consider having an unplugged wedding. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully documented wedding day, leaving you with stunning memories to cherish for years to come.

So, here’s to a picture-perfect day, captured just the way you want it! Cheers to no regrets and a lifetime of happy memories.