The Most Common Wedding Regrets (And How to Avoid Them)
Your wedding day is meant to be one of the most magical moments of your life, but even with months of wedding planning, many couples walk away with a few lingering wedding regrets. From overspending to forgetting to eat, it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. The good news? Most of these regrets are totally avoidable with the right preparation. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or putting the final touches on your big day, this guide will help you sidestep the most common wedding regrets and create a celebration you’ll truly cherish.
1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer or Videographer
Regret: “We saved money by having a friend take pictures, and now we barely have any good ones.”
How to Avoid It: Your photos and videos are the only tangible memories you’ll have. Invest in a pro whose style you love and whose reviews back up their skills.
2. Letting Other People Take Over the Guest List
Regret: “We invited people we didn’t even know well just to make family happy.”
How to Avoid It: It’s your wedding. Be respectful, but firm about who you want (and don’t want) to share your day with.
3. Skipping the Video
Regret: “I thought photos were enough, but I wish I could hear the speeches and vows again.”
How to Avoid It: Even if you’re not hiring a full video team, consider a short highlight reel or ceremony-only footage. You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Not Eating Enough (or at All)
Regret: “We were so busy, we didn’t even taste the food we paid for.”
How to Avoid It: Schedule time to sit and eat. Consider a private tasting plate during cocktail hour or a sweetheart table where you can enjoy your meal in peace.
5. Overspending or Going Into Debt
Regret: “We’re still paying off our wedding three years later.”
How to Avoid It: Set a realistic budget and prioritize what truly matters to you. A beautiful wedding doesn’t have to mean financial stress.
6. Not Having a Day-Of Coordinator
Regret: “I spent the day managing vendors and couldn’t relax.”
How to Avoid It: If a full planner isn’t in the budget, hire a day-of coordinator to keep things on track so you can actually enjoy your wedding.
7. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes or an Itchy Dress
Regret: “My feet were killing me, and I couldn’t wait to take off my dress.”
How to Avoid It: Break in your shoes ahead of time and don’t be afraid to change into something more comfortable for the reception. Always choose comfort and beauty for your gown.
8. Not Taking a Moment to Be Present
Regret: “The whole day was a blur.”
How to Avoid It: Schedule intentional pauses—just the two of you. Sneak away for five minutes post-ceremony or during sunset for a breather.
9. Trying to Please Everyone
Regret: “We made choices based on what others wanted, not what we truly envisioned.”
How to Avoid It: Focus on what feels authentic to you as a couple. Trends fade, but your memories last forever.
10. Not Practicing the First Dance (Or Skipping It Entirely)
Regret: “We were awkward and stiff, and it shows in the video.”
How to Avoid It: Even just one or two lessons can make a big difference in your confidence, and it makes for a sweet shared experience before the big day.
11. Not Getting Enough Sleep the Night Before
Regret: “I was so exhausted I felt groggy and couldn’t fully enjoy the day.”
How to Avoid It: Avoid last-minute to-dos and get to bed at a decent time. Try calming teas, a warm bath, or unplugging early to help your body wind down. A rested bride or groom = a happier wedding day.
Weddings don’t have to be perfect to be unforgettable. But by learning from the wedding regrets of others, you can create a day that feels joyful, meaningful, and true to you. Focus on what matters most—love, connection, and the beginning of your life together.
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xo, Winky Pink
Have some more wedding regrets to add to this list? We would love to know! Drop us a comment and tell us.
The first dance is something I have thought about as well. I would want to practice that before the wedding just to be confident about it. This and not saving for what you really want and just going into debt is stupid. I’d rather wait longer to have what I really want.
What a great list! I can relate to a few regrets like not getting enough sleep! Will definitely share this with a few friends who would appreciate this list. Thanks!
Such a helpful post! It’s so easy to get caught up in the planning and overlook what really matters. Love the tips for staying grounded and making choices you won’t regret later.