Awkward wedding photos—they make us laugh, cringe, smile-frown, and blush with embarrassment. But, come on, whatever would we do without them? Following are a few of our favorite of these happy little gems, as well as some good advice from our expert partners on how you can avoid falling prey to the same. (After all, awkward wedding photos are so much more fun when we’re not in them.) So, without further I-Do’s, behold the awkwardness extravaganza!
Some topics are best left unaddressed
Awkwardness Factor: 10
Bonus Points Considered: -2 (because, her great nails and super cool gloves)
FINAL SCORE: 8
How to avoid: Two things to avoid here at all cost:
- 80’s-style composite glamour shots
- All references to the Western world’s most iconic act of feminine betrayal. Just saying, there are better wedding photo themes.
You were always on my mind (and blowing out the back of my head)
Awkwardness Factor: 10
Bonus Points Considered: -8 (because, despite the weirdness of it all, there’s just something sweet about these two eighties lovebirds)
FINAL AWKWARDNESS SCORE: 2
How to avoid: Here, again, we have two elements of extreme awkwardness to contend with:
- 80’s-style glamour shot composition
- A blast of brain material seemingly being emitted from the groom’s head (an essential avoid)
Honey, I shrunk… you!
Awkwardness Factor: 10
Bonus Points Considered: none (we looked, we tried, but… nope)
FINAL AWKWARDNESS SCORE: 10
How to avoid: Ask yourself why you’d like the world to perceive you as your husband’s fashion doll. Next, tell yourself that’s not an acceptable reason. Because there are no acceptable reasons to want this. Just be full size. Period.
Uncle Ernie… again
Awkwardness Factor: 7
Bonus Points Considered: -2 (because her reaction face is super cute)
TOTAL AWKWARDNESS SCORE: 5
How to avoid: This one requires a three-phased plan of avoidance:
- Reconsider the outrageously long veil. While quite glamorous, the ultra-long veil has been a powerful prop for awkward wedding photos throughout history (unless you happen to be a member of the royal family).
- Engage in thoughtful consideration before inviting Uncle Ernie, whom has proven to be an equally powerful impetus to awkward wedding photos throughout history.
- Never combine the two.
That friend… again
Awkwardness Factor: 8
Bonus Points Considered: -7 (because, That Friend)
TOTAL AWKWARDNESS SCORE: 1
How to avoid: *Note: Case in point to above argument against the outrageously long veil. If it is long it will get messed with. And in as many awkward ways as you can imagine. However, we cannot recommend dis-inviting That Friend. Because, isn’t she amazing?
Happily Ever E-Coli
Awkwardness Factor: 10
Bonus Points Considered: -2 (because he is at least trying to avoid the down spray of bacteria-infested raw chicken juice, and her dress is clearly amazing)
FINAL AWKWARDNESS SCORE: 8
How to avoid: Don’t celebrate anything—ever—by throwing raw chickens into the air. Just. Do. Not. Your life may depend on it, and the awkwardness potential of your wedding photos most certainly will.
Can’t get enough awkward wedding photos (us, either!)? Go have some fun and check out this hilarious Pinterest collection.
Have any awkward wedding photos you’d like to tell us about? We’d love to laugh… we mean hear about it here at Tahoe South!
