5 Common Wedding Day Regrets (and How to Avoid Them)

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life, right?! And it will be! But let's be real - there are a few common "oops" moments that couples look back on and wish they had handled differently. The good new? You don't have to make the same mistakes! Learn from those who've been there, done that, and make sure your big day is filled with nothing but love, laughter, and memories you'll actually want to relive.

1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer

 I know, I know, your cousin has a really nice camera. I get it. But trust me when I say that's not enough. A professional wedding photographer does so much more than just take pictures. They know how to handle unpredictable lighting, capture fleeting emotional moments, and make sure your love story is told beautifully. They’re also pros at keeping you relaxed, giving gentle direction when needed, and making sure you don’t end up with stiff, awkward photos that make you cringe 10 years later.

How to avoid it: Don’t skimp on photography. Find someone whose style makes you swoon, whose personality makes you feel at ease, and who knows how to handle a wedding day from start to finish. These photos will be the one thing you cherish forever—make sure they’re done right.

2. Trying to Please Everyone

Ah, the impossible dream: making everyone happy. From seating charts to food choices to whether or not Aunt Susan’s very specific wedding traditions (must-have Jordan almonds, anyone?) are included, you’ll quickly realize that no matter what you do, someone will have thoughts. Bending over backward to accommodate every single person’s wishes will only leave you exhausted, frustrated, and wondering why your wedding day feels like it belongs to everyone but you.

How to avoid it: Set boundaries early. Decide what’s truly important to you and your partner and let that guide your decisions. Be polite but firm when people try to insert their opinions where they aren’t needed. Either that or turn off your phone and go to the spa! Your choice

3. Not Eating (Seriously, Don't forget the Snacks!)

With all the excitement, nerves, and a packed schedule, many couples barely eat on their wedding day - and regret it big time. You spend months choosing the perfect menu, only to end up starving because you were too busy mingling to grab a bite. No one wants to be lightheaded, hangry, or running on cake and champagne alone (trust me, that combo does not end well.)

How to avoid it: Make eating a priority! Have a solid breakfast in the morning, and bring plenty of snacks to the getting ready room - granola bars, fruit, anything easy to munch on between hair and makeup. Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint - fuel up and enjoy every delicious bite! 

4. Overstuffing the Timeline

Please, oh please, I am begging you—leave breaks in your timeline! Believe me when I say EVERYTHING takes longer than you think it will. (Hairdressers, I’m looking at you.) If every minute is scheduled, there’s no room for spontaneity, fun, or HELLO even a bathroom break!!

I learned this lesson the hard way—my husband forgot his dress shirt on our wedding day. Yep. He had to drive to a mall and then went running through a store shouting, "I’m getting married in 45 minutes and I need a dress shirt!" Thankfully, he got immediate assistance and other shoppers let him go to the front of the line. He made it back on time for the ceremony—BARELY!!

So repeat after me...I WILL SCHEDULE EXTRA TIME.

5. Skipping the First Look

Picture it: You, on your wedding day, stress-free and radiant... because you took a moment to actually breathe before walking down the aisle. This is the biggest regret I hear from couples. People don’t realize that they might get emotional… in front of lots of people. We’re talking makeup running down your face and no tissues in sight. And as soon as you get to the end of the aisle? The officiant starts talking. There’s no time to catch your breath, touch up your makeup, or even share an embrace.

How to avoid it: If you don’t want to do a first look, that’s fine! But plan some kind of private moment—whether it’s a quiet conversation before the ceremony (without seeing each other), a hand-written letter exchange (which also makes for great photos). A little alone time will help you stay grounded and actually feel the magic of your day.

Final Thoughts

Wedding day regrets are real, but they don’t have to be yours. Prioritize what matters, let go of perfection, and make choices that feel right for you. Your wedding day should be filled with love, laughter, and zero stress—so take a deep breath, be present, and soak in every beautiful, imperfect, wonderful moment. Years from now, when you flip through your wedding photos, you’ll be so glad you did.