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I Asked 10 Brides About Their Biggest Wedding Regrets—Here’s What They Said

No matter how meticulously a wedding is planned, many couples find themselves reflecting on aspects they wish had gone differently. To understand what truly stands out once the celebration ends, I spoke with 10 brides and asked one revealing question: “What’s your biggest wedding regret?” Their responses provide valuable insights that could reshape how you approach your own wedding planning.


While some regrets were minor, others had a lasting impact on how they remembered their day. From overlooked details to emotional moments missed, these reflections highlight the importance of thoughtful preparation. If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, consider these honest insights as a guide to avoid your own “if only” moments.



1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer for the Entire Day


“We tried to save money by booking a photographer for only a few hours. I figured we just needed the ceremony and some formal portraits. But now, I deeply regret not having coverage for the entire day—especially those candid moments while getting ready and the fun at the reception. It feels like half our story is missing.” — Sarah T.


Bride gazing at her reflection in the mirror, her veil softly draped—representing thoughtful moments where wedding regrets often form.

Many brides shared similar sentiments. Morning preparations, quiet moments with loved ones, and spontaneous laughter during the reception often become the most treasured memories. Without comprehensive coverage, these fleeting moments can be lost.


Takeaway: Investing in full-day coverage ensures you capture the complete narrative of your wedding, from the quiet anticipation of the morning to the joyful celebration of the evening. It’s not just about staged photos—it’s about preserving the story as it naturally unfolds.



2. Skipping the First Look


“I was adamant about not seeing my fiancé before the ceremony because I wanted that magical ‘aisle moment.’ But I was so nervous walking down the aisle that I barely registered his reaction. A first look would’ve given us a calm, private moment to connect before the ceremony.” — Jenna R.


Couple standing under glowing lights, smiling at each other—highlighting joy that contrasts with overlooked wedding regrets.

Several brides echoed this regret, realizing too late that nerves often overshadow the walk down the aisle. A first look provides an intimate moment to connect, calm your nerves, and soak in the significance of the day without an audience.


Takeaway: A first look doesn’t diminish the aisle moment—it enhances it by allowing you to connect and enjoy the ceremony with less anxiety. Plus, it offers an opportunity for additional portraits while you’re looking your best.



3. Underestimating the Getting-Ready Timeline


“Hair and makeup ran behind schedule, and everything felt rushed. I missed out on those cute robe photos with my bridesmaids and felt flustered heading into the ceremony.” — Emily L.


Bride and bridesmaids laughing in robes during the getting-ready session, a candid scene brides often mention in their wedding regrets.

It’s easy to underestimate how long preparations take, especially when emotions are running high. Brides often find that small delays compound, leaving little time for relaxed, joyful moments before the ceremony.


Takeaway: Build extra buffer time into your morning schedule. This ensures a relaxed start to your day and gives your photographer ample opportunity to capture pre-ceremony moments, like toasts with your bridal party or your mother adjusting your veil.



4. Not Investing in a Wedding Album


“Our photographer provided a beautiful digital gallery, but we never got around to printing an album. Two years later, I wish I had something tangible to flip through. Scrolling on a phone just doesn’t feel the same.” — Rachel K.


Close-up of a wedding cake photo album, symbolizing wedding memories that can sometimes be tinged with small regrets.

Many couples assume digital photos are enough, but physical albums offer a tactile experience that enhances the emotional connection to your memories. It’s the difference between glancing at a moment and reliving it.


Takeaway: A professionally printed album transforms your digital memories into a timeless keepsake. It’s something you’ll cherish for decades and pass down as a family heirloom.



5. Forgetting to Eat


“Everyone warned me, but I still forgot to eat! Between photos, mingling, and dancing, I barely touched my plate. By the end of the night, I was exhausted and starving.” — Megan S.


Bride and groom playfully feeding each other tacos at their reception, showing personality-filled choices that help avoid wedding regrets.

It’s surprisingly common for brides to get caught up in the excitement and overlook basic needs. Hunger and dehydration can lead to fatigue, making it harder to fully enjoy the reception.


Takeaway: Schedule 10–15 minutes for a private meal with your partner after the ceremony. Alternatively, assign someone to bring you a plate and check in periodically to ensure you’re staying fueled.



6. Not Hiring a Day-Of Coordinator


“I thought I could handle the logistics myself with some help from my bridesmaids. Big mistake. I spent the morning fielding questions from vendors instead of enjoying the moment.” — Laura P.


Frustrated bride looking at her laptop while planning her wedding, representing the confusion and overwhelm that often lead to wedding regrets.

Without a dedicated point person, brides often find themselves answering calls, managing timelines, and troubleshooting issues instead of savoring the experience.


Takeaway: A day-of coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on the joy of the day rather than managing logistics. Even if you’ve planned everything yourself, having someone to execute your vision is invaluable.



7. Skipping Videography


“I didn’t think video was necessary, but now I’d give anything to hear our vows again or see my grandmother dancing. Photos are wonderful, but video captures emotion in a unique way.” — Hannah M.


Behind-the-scenes photo of a videographer filming a couple in an industrial venue—one bride’s wedding regret was not hiring a videographer.

Photos freeze moments, but video preserves movement, voices, and atmosphere. Several brides expressed regret over not having footage of heartfelt speeches, laughter, and fleeting glances.


Takeaway: Even a short highlight reel can preserve the sights, sounds, and emotions of your wedding day in ways photos alone cannot. Consider video coverage, even if it’s scaled down to fit your budget.



8. Letting Small Details Cause Stress


“It rained. The cake had the wrong flowers. My dress got a tiny stain. I wish I’d let it all go and focused on the bigger picture—because, in the end, none of it really mattered.” — Danielle C.


Couple cutting their wedding cake surrounded by elegant flowers, a joyful moment some brides say they rushed and later regretted

Every wedding encounters minor hiccups. Brides who stressed over perfection often realized too late that their fixation on details detracted from their enjoyment of the day.


Takeaway: Embrace imperfection. Some of the most cherished memories often stem from unplanned moments, like dancing in the rain or an impromptu toast from a loved one.



9. Overlooking Time for Couple Portraits


“We were so focused on family and group shots that we barely took any photos of just the two of us. I wish we had prioritized more time for romantic portraits.” — Olivia N.


Couple embracing during golden hour in a forest, one of those serene moments brides cherish most and wish they'd had more of—highlighting emotional wedding regrets.

Couple portraits often get squeezed between other scheduled events, resulting in rushed sessions or missed opportunities for creative, intimate shots.


Takeaway: Schedule at least 20–30 minutes for couple portraits, ideally during golden hour for the most flattering light. These photos often become the most cherished from your wedding album.



10. Failing to Be Fully Present


“I spent so much time worrying about the schedule and little details that the day flew by in a blur. I barely remember the ceremony because I was thinking about the reception setup!” — Katie W.


Bride holding hands with her mother while her father looks on, capturing an emotional pre-ceremony moment tied to common wedding regrets.

Many brides reported feeling mentally absent during key moments because they were preoccupied with logistics and timelines.


Takeaway: Delegate tasks, take deep breaths, and remind yourself to savor each moment. This day happens once—be fully present for it. Practice mindfulness throughout the day to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.



Final Thoughts About Biggest Wedding Regrets


Every wedding has its unexpected moments, but learning from the experiences of past brides can help you avoid common pitfalls. From hiring the right photographer to embracing imperfection, one theme is clear: focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love and creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Ultimately, the most common regret wasn’t about decor, weather, or guest lists. It was about perspective. Brides who embraced the day with flexibility and joy, rather than striving for perfection, walked away with fewer regrets and richer memories.


Want to ensure your wedding photos are something you'll treasure forever? Let’s chat about how we can capture your day without regrets.

 
 
 

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