Pinterest is a great place to dream. I love it. I use it. I send my clients there all the time for inspiration. But after photographing weddings all over Idaho and beyond as a Salmon Idaho wedding photographer, I can tell you this: Pinterest rarely shows you what actually happens on a wedding day.

So if you’re in the middle of wedding planning in Idaho, this blog is for you. Not to burst your bubble but to ease your stress, set realistic expectations, and help you plan a wedding day that feels good, not just looks good.

Something Will Happen (and That’s Normal)

Pinterest timelines look perfect. Hair and makeup finish on time. The ceremony starts exactly on schedule. The sun hits just right.

Real life? There’s almost always a hiccup.

Hair runs long. Someone forgets their shoes. A zipper sticks. A family member gets lost on the way to the venue. None of this means your day is ruined. It simply means you’re human.

This is why I always encourage couples to build buffer time into their timeline. Extra time isn’t wasted time, it’s peace of mind. When something runs late (and it often does), you won’t feel rushed or panicked. You’ll still have room to breathe, laugh, and actually enjoy the day you worked so hard to plan.

As an Idaho wedding photographer, I see this constantly: the most relaxed couples are the ones who planned for flexibility. Pinterest focuses on décor, but in real life your timeline determines how calm you feel, how much natural light you have, and whether photos feel rushed or natural. A well-built timeline matters more than almost any single detail.

Want People to Dance? You Have to Dance

Pinterest dance floors are always packed. What they don’t show you is why.

Here’s the truth: guests follow the couple’s lead. If you’re out on the dance floor laughing and having fun, your guests will join you. If you stay seated all night, most of them will too.

You don’t need choreographed moves or perfect rhythm. You just need to show up and enjoy yourselves. Even ten minutes on the dance floor early in the night can completely set the tone for the reception.

Your energy matters more than the playlist. (And yes, if you want local DJ recommendations, I’m always happy to share.)

Food Always Takes Longer Than You Think

This is something Pinterest never talks about but photographers definitely notice.

Food timing has a huge impact on your wedding day flow. A plated dinner moves very differently than a buffet. Food trucks operate differently than a catering team. Even guest count can change how long dinner takes.

That’s why I always ask my couples: How is the food being served?

Does it matter to me creatively? Not really. Does it matter for your timeline, lighting, and how the rest of the evening unfolds? Absolutely.

When dinner runs long (which it often does), everything after it shifts, speeches, sunset photos, and dancing. Planning with realistic expectations helps the day feel smooth instead of rushed.

You Don’t Have to Do Anything “Traditional”

Pinterest can make it feel like there’s a checklist you have to follow.

You don’t.

Don’t want a cake? Serve your favorite dessert. Not into first dances? Skip them. Bouquet toss? Garter toss? Completely optional.

Modern weddings are less about tradition and more about intention. The best weddings I photograph are the ones that reflect the couple, not a template.

If something doesn’t feel like you, you’re allowed to leave it out.

A Beautiful View Can Be the Décor

Extravagant florals are stunning. I love photographing them. But Pinterest can make them feel required.

They’re not.

If you’re getting married with sweeping Idaho views, mountains, rivers, open skies, you already have a backdrop people travel for. You don’t need to compete with it.

This doesn’t mean skipping flowers altogether. It means giving yourself permission to scale back if your budget doesn’t allow for over-the-top arrangements. Nature does a lot of the work for you here.