Your wedding day will fly by in a joyful blur of laughter, love, and celebration. When the music fades and the flowers wilt, your photos and videos are what remain. That’s why choosing the right wedding media team—photographer and videographer—is so important.
Yet, many couples unknowingly make a few missteps that can impact the quality of their wedding memories.
If you’re in the planning phase, here are the top 5 mistakes couples make when booking wedding photography and videography—and how to avoid them.
1. Booking Too Late
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is waiting too long to book their photography and videography team. Great vendors often book up 12–18 months in advance—especially during peak wedding seasons (spring through fall).
Why it matters
Delaying your booking can limit your choices and force you to settle for someone who isn’t your first pick—or worse, someone inexperienced.
What to do instead
Start researching photo and video teams as soon as you have your venue and date locked in. Prioritize this early in your planning process to secure your ideal vendor.
2. Not Reviewing Full Wedding Galleries or Films
It’s easy to be impressed by highlight reels on Instagram or a handful of perfectly edited photos on a website. But social media only shows the best 1%. To get the full picture, you need to see an entire wedding.
Why it matters
A vendor may deliver great previews but struggle with consistency across an entire day. You want someone who captures all moments—big and small—beautifully.
What to do instead
Ask to view full wedding galleries or complete wedding films. Look for consistency in lighting, storytelling, sound quality, and attention to detail throughout the day.
3. Not Considering Team Chemistry and Style Compatibility
Photography and videography aren’t just about equipment—they’re about personality and creative vision. If your media team doesn’t mesh with your vibe, it can affect both your comfort and the final product.
Why it matters
You’ll spend more time with your photographer and videographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day. If they make you feel awkward or rushed, it’ll show in your footage.
What to do instead
Meet your potential vendors before booking—whether in person, on a video call, or during an engagement shoot. Make sure their style aligns with yours, and their energy puts you at ease.
4. Hiring Separate Teams Without Communication
Booking a photographer and videographer from two different companies can work—but only if they collaborate well. If they compete for the best angles or get in each other’s way, it can compromise your coverage.
Why it matters
Clashing styles, poor communication, or conflicting directions can lead to missed moments or awkward footage.
What to do instead
Choose a photo + video team that works together regularly, or ask your vendors if they’ve worked together before. If hiring separately, introduce them early so they can coordinate plans.
5. Focusing Only on Price (Not Value)
We get it—wedding budgets are tight. But focusing solely on price when choosing your wedding photographer and videographer is a risky move. The cheapest option often comes with trade-offs in experience, professionalism, or quality.
Why it matters
You get one shot at capturing your wedding. If the footage is shaky, the audio is bad, or the photos are poorly lit, there’s no redo.
What to do instead
Think in terms of value, not just cost. Look at what’s included in each package (number of shooters, hours, editing, albums, raw footage, etc.) and evaluate the long-term worth of preserving your memories beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding is a story worth telling with care, creativity, and experience. Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in how your day is captured—and how you remember it for years to come.
Need a trusted, experienced wedding videographer (or photographer + videographer team) who delivers both artistry and ease? Let’s talk about how we can make your wedding story unforgettable.