Here are the top ten regrets couples have about their weddings.
Weddings are one of the most memorable days of a person's life, but even with meticulous planning, many brides find themselves reflecting on things they wish they had done differently. If you're in the process of planning your big day, learn from these common regrets so you can walk away with only happy memories.
1. Choosing the Wrong Photographer
Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, but many brides regret not thoroughly vetting their photographer. In fact, up to 40% of brides are said to have regretted the photographer they chose on their big day. Whether it’s an editing style that doesn’t match your vision, or a lack of communication, or simply not investing in a quality professional, this regret can sting for years. Do your research, check reviews, and ensure their style aligns with what you want before signing a contract.
2. Serving Alcohol at the Rehearsal Dinner
While a toast or a glass of wine is fine, many brides regret offering a full/open bar at their rehearsal dinner. A night of overindulgence can lead to guests (and even the bridal party) showing up tired or hungover for the main event. Consider limiting alcohol or keeping it light to ensure everyone is fresh for the big day.
3. Inviting People Out of Obligation
The guest list is often one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning, and many brides regret inviting people just because they felt socially obligated to do so. Whether it’s distant relatives you barely know or old colleagues you haven’t spoken to in years, remember—this is your day. Surround yourself with people who truly support and love you. You should be comfortable around all your guests.
4. Including Traditions That Don’t Matter to You
Many brides feel pressured to include traditions like the bouquet toss or garter removal, only to realize later that they didn't actually care about them. If something doesn’t feel meaningful to you, skip it! Your wedding should reflect you and your partner, not outdated customs.
5. Not Hiring a Day-of Coordinator
Even if you love planning, not having someone to handle the wedding day logistics is a regret many brides share. A day-of coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than troubleshooting last-minute problems.
6. Drinking Too Much
It’s a celebration, but too many brides regret having one too many drinks and not being fully present. The last thing you want is to be foggy on one of the most important days of your life. Enjoy a drink or two, but pace yourself so you remember every special moment.
7. Not Scheduling Enough Time for Photos
Even with a great photographer, many brides regret not setting aside enough time for portraits with their partner and family. Some brides have mentioned not having enough candid images to capture the moments and their images look too ‘staged’. A rushed timeline can lead to missing key shots. Plan for extra time in your schedule, especially for golden hour photos if you love that soft, dreamy lighting.
8. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
Those gorgeous stilettos might look amazing, but if they leave you in pain halfway through the night, you’ll regret it. Many brides wish they had broken in their shoes beforehand or brought a comfortable backup pair for dancing.
9. Not Eating Enough
Between nerves, excitement, and a packed schedule, it’s easy to forget to eat. Many brides regret feeling lightheaded or missing out on the amazing food they carefully chose. Schedule time to sit down and eat—you’ll need the energy for the long day ahead.
10. Worrying Too Much About Perfection
At the end of the day, things might not go exactly as planned—but many brides say they wish they had stressed less and enjoyed the moment more. A wedding is about celebrating love, not perfection. Embrace the little imperfections, and your day will be even more special.
