4 Things That Can Ruin Your Wedding Photos

Avoid these elements to make sure your pictures are perfect.

4 Things That Can Ruin Your Wedding Photos

By Emily Lasnier

how-to-make-sure-your-pictures-are-perfect
Photo: Hugh Forte

When looking for advice from recently married couples in terms of how much to spend on their wedding day, photography is often cited as the vendor to splurge on. After all, aside from your loving marriage, the photos are what will remain after the nuptials – which is why it’s extra crushing to receive your pictures back and find them less than ideal, sometimes at no fault of your photographer! Your guests and various inanimate objects are frequently the culprit of wedding photos that don’t match those of your dreams. Luckily, many of the things that can ruin pictures are avoidable, as long as you know what to ask for ahead of time.

what can ruin your wedding pictures, unplugged ceremony

Photo by Hugh Forte; Bridal Gown by Romona Keveža; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Below is a list of the most common ways to mess up a picture-perfect shot, as well as advice on how to avoid it happening to you. 

- Phones and cameras in the way. Even though you spent thousands on a photographer, many your loved ones will want to make sure they are the ones to get the best picture of you walking down the aisle. While unfortunately we can’t guarantee that everyone will listen, an unplugged ceremony can help cull the instinct of guests determined to get a snapshot. A cute sign as well as an announcement from your officiant are appropriate ways to get the message across. 

- Sound and video equipment. You’ll want to make sure that everyone can hear your vow exchange, but it’s difficult to make speakers and microphone stands look good, though floral arrangements can help to cover them up. Look into having the speakers placed in a more discreet location – rather than right at the altar – and consider a wireless mic pack for the ceremony. As for your videographers, make sure your photographer knows there will be people filming as well. Better still, ask for a referral – a videographer and photographer who are familiar with each other will be better at staying out of one another’s way. 

- Your officiant in the background. The moment when you and your spouse kiss for the first time as a married couple should just be a picture of the two of you. Make sure the person presiding over your vow exchange knows to smoothly step out of the way after announcing that you may now kiss. 

- Guest belongings and empty glasses. It’s important that your photographer is the first person in the reception space – or any area that is part of the celebration – once it has been properly decorated. If attendees wander in during cocktail hour and innocently put their coat or purse at their seat, suddenly the impeccable décor no longer looks as pristine. 

Learn why you should get to know your wedding photographer and how to take the perfect "first look" and first kiss photos. 

Wedding news