Avoid the Chaos: Real Wedding Day Delays (and How to Actually Prevent Them)

Weddings are beautiful, emotional, once-in-a-lifetime events... but they also run on a schedule. And when something throws that timeline off, it can ripple through the entire day.

The thing is—most delays don’t come from anything dramatic. It’s usually small details that stack up: missing people, missing items, lack of communication. After filming dozens of weddings, I’ve seen how even the best-planned days can run behind if a few key moments get overlooked.

So here are a few common ways weddings slow down—and how to avoid them like a pro.

1. Family Photos Turn Into Hide and Seek

One of the most consistently stressful moments I see for photographers? Family formal photos after the ceremony. Why? Because someone—Uncle Ben, Aunt Cassy, Grandma Sharon—is nowhere to be found.

Even with a printed photo list, it’s nearly impossible for a photographer to track down relatives if no one told them when or where to be.

What helps:
Tell both sides of the family before the ceremony where they should be after—ideally, ask them to line up or wait near (or behind) the photographer. This helps keep the flow moving quickly and clearly.

Even better? Assign a “photo wrangler” who knows both families. They can help gather people, cross names off the list, and reduce stress for everyone.

Trust me—your photographer will thank you. I’ve watched even the most experienced pros get stressed chasing names and faces against a ticking clock.

2. Boutonnières, Corsages, and Missing Suits

This happens more than you'd think. A groomsman’s jacket is in another room. Corsages were left at the hotel. Someone’s tie is still in a shopping bag.

What helps:
Have everything in one designated place. Label it clearly: boutonnières, corsages, accessories, ties, backup pins. The less hunting people need to do, the smoother things go.

Also—this is important—have a lint roller and a stain remover pen nearby. Someone will spill something. Being ready saves time and avoids stress.

If budget allows, having a backup shirt or dress can be a lifesaver.

3. Feed Your Wedding Party (Yes, Really)

Your bridal party is waking up early, getting dressed, standing for hours, helping you get ready—all without getting paid. And they might forget to eat.

A hungry bridesmaid or dizzy groomsman slows things down—and it happens more often than you think.

What helps:
Order breakfast delivery in advance—something like Starbucks, McDonald’s, bagels, or protein bars. Make sure it’s there early in the morning and that everyone knows it’s for them.

It’s a small gesture that goes a long way—and helps everyone stay energized.

4. Bride Goes First for Hair and Makeup

Here’s one a lot of couples don’t realize: If you—the bride—go last in hair and makeup, your entire timeline is at risk.

Your getting-ready shots, first look, pre-ceremony portraits, even ceremony timing... all depend on you being ready.

What helps:
Let your artist know you need to go first or second. It’s totally okay for bridesmaids to finish later—you’re the priority. That way, we can get the most beautiful footage of your final touches without rushing, and your team can stay on schedule.

5. Tight, Cramped Getting-Ready Rooms

This one’s for both the bridal party and the groomsmen: If the room is too small, it’s hard for everyone to move, much less film or photograph the moment.

Tight quarters = limited angles, people stepping over each other, and shots that don’t feel clean or composed.

What helps:
Try to get a getting-ready space with enough room to spread out. If not, keep clutter to a minimum—bags off the floor, dresses hung up, food and trash cleared.

Photographers and videographers will have more space to move around and capture those beautiful, candid prep moments that you’ll want to look back on forever.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, small changes can make a big difference. Keeping family close during photo time, organizing outfits, feeding your crew, and making room for your creative team—it all helps the day run smoother and feel more joyful.

As someone who's filmed weddings with and without these steps... I promise the difference is real.

If you’re planning your day and want to make sure your wedding film captures all the beauty without the stress, I’d love to help. Feel free to check out my work and get in touch.