7 Things Most Couples Forget When Planning Their Wedding
(and why they actually matter more than you think)
Planning a wedding? You’ve probably got a Pinterest board full of inspo, a to-do list longer than your ceremony run sheet… and maybe, just maybe, a few “wait—did we forget that?!” moments coming your way.
I’ve captured over a hundred weddings (and been to even more as a guest), and lemme tell you: it’s often the little things—those sneaky, easy-to-miss moments—that can make or break how the day feels.
Here are 7 things most couples forget when planning their wedding (but really shouldn't):
Buffer Time = Your Best Friend
Running late? Happens. But without breathing room, one tiny hiccup (a missing button, a forgotten bouquet, a teary mum moment that deserves more than 2 rushed minutes) can domino into stress-ville.
✨ Pro tip: Add at least 10–15 extra minutes around every major event in your timeline — especially before the ceremony and portraits.
2. Someone to Be the “Go-To” Person (That’s Not You)
You shouldn’t be fielding questions on your wedding day. Period.
Whether it’s “Where are the table runners?” or “Is the cake knife clean?” — someone will ask something. And if everyone comes to you, the vibe gets zapped real quick.
Pick a trusted friend, bridal party member, or hire a coordinator to be your behind-the-scenes ninja. That way, you get to be fully present — not logistics manager.
3. Lighting Matters—More Than You Think
Good lighting = dreamy photos and a magical mood. Let it work for you.
From golden-hour paddocks to fairy lights at dusk, light sets the whole tone. Talk to your photographer (hi, it me 👋) about when and where the best lighting hits. It’s not just pretty — it’s practical for photos that actually feel like you.
✨ Golden-hour couple portraits? Chef’s kiss.
4. Feeding Your Vendors
Your photo/video team, band, and planner are working hard. A meal = major morale boost.
Most vendors work through lunch and dinner without breaks. And while we don’t expect five-star catering, a warm meal goes a long way in keeping your team energised, focused, and feeling appreciated.
✨ Yes, include it in your catering headcount — and ask your venue where/when vendor meals are served.
5. The Ceremony Isn’t Just Formalities—it’s the Heartbeat
The ceremony isn’t just a formality — it’s the soul of the day.
So many couples spend hours perfecting reception playlists and forget that the vows, the emotion, the “oh-my-god-we’re-doing-this” moment is the whole point.
✨ Slow it down. Personalise it. Breathe it all in. This is where the real stuff lives.
6. It’s Okay to Go Phone-Free
Phones down = faces up. Your photos (and guests) will thank you.
You don’t need a sea of phones in every aisle shot. An unplugged ceremony invites your people to really witness the moment, not watch it through a screen. Plus, it keeps your professional photos clean and emotional.
✨ A cute sign and quick announcement from the celebrant is all it takes.
7. It’s YOUR Day. You Get to Break the “Rules”
No cake? No problem. Ceremony in a paddock? Bloody perfect.
There’s no “right” way to get married. You want a barefoot picnic and dogs in the wedding party? Do it. You want a first-look in the back paddock with mozzie spray in your pocket? I’ll be there with bells on (and snacks).
✨ The best weddings reflect who you are — not what Pinterest says is trending.
💛 Bonus tip from me?
Photos are amazing — and I’ll be there to capture every candid laugh, wrangled groomsman, and glowy golden moment. But the real magic?
It’s how the day feels.
So give yourself permission to break the “rules,” be in the moment, and remember what matters most: connection, not perfection.
Planning your day and want photos that feel like you?
Let’s chat. I’m here to help freeze the fleeting moments, and make sure you don’t forget the stuff that really matters.
