Most Common Wedding Day Regrets

Ready for some wedding truths? No matter how much planning goes into your big day, there are always going to be things that didn’t go quite as planned, that get forgotten, or that you wish you had done differently. While you must accept that your wedding day might have some small slip-ups, you must also learn from others who have come before you! Ask any married person, and they’ll no doubt be able to tell you at least one thing they wish they had done differently. We’ve compiled a list of regrets and tips on how to make sure you’re completely happy with your wedding day! 

Wedding Regrets and How to Solve Them

Not Sticking to a Strict Budget

In all aspects of life, sticking to a budget can be a tough task, and this is especially true when it comes to your wedding day. The “you only have one wedding day” temptation can make it very easy to go over your budget, but if you can manage, try not to. If you go over budget you might be paying for your wedding day for much longer than you had planned! It’s a wonderful day, but don’t let it be the reason you’re in debt the moment you begin married life.

Solution: If you’re worried about going over budget, you can always put that amount in a separate account and only pay for wedding things through that account. You can keep up with your expenses by having a spreadsheet of everything purchased. If you’re not great with spreadsheets, why not pull in a friend or family member who can help?

They Didn’t Ask for Help in Advance

Regardless of how big or small your wedding is, you may inevitably end up needing some assistance when it comes to planning the wedding. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help as weddings can be overwhelming and can easily feel as if they’re getting out of control.

Solution: Instead of panicking in the final days, ask for help early in the planning process. If someone offers to help you assemble the favors, let them! No one (besides you) will know that the task was delegated, and you’ll enjoy the extra time to enjoy the celebration that much more.

Choosing a Venue That Doesn’t Fit Your Vision

Choosing the right venue is one of the biggest selections you’ll make during the run-up to your big day. Having the right venue sets the tone for your whole wedding and reception. Don’t choose a venue just because someone in your family wants to you pick it. Not having a venue that you love may be your biggest regret from your wedding. 

Solution: Make sure to pick one that fits your vision. Sit down with your future spouse and discuss what type of event you want. Do you want a beach wedding, a small backyard affair, or a large Gatsby-themed event? 

Not Hiring a Day of Coordinator

You might think you can delegate this responsibility to a friend or family member, but if at all possible, don’t! A true day-of coordinator will be 100% focused on making sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch, and won’t be worried about missing out on the celebration themselves. 

Solution: Don’t want to spend much money on a coordinator? Ask around local colleges for organized students who might want to help you out. Bonus points if they’re studying event management!

Leaving the Festivities for Their Honeymoon Too Early

With all the mayhem surrounding your wedding day, you’ll be happy to have a few days to decompress and relax afterward! Many couples get swept up in the festivities of the day and miss out on the connection they feel right after getting married.

Solution: If at all possible, plan to leave for your honeymoon a few days after your wedding instead of the next day. You could even organize a brunch the day after to make sure you see everyone before they head home, or before you leave.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Wedding days can seem overwhelming with how busy they are. You are running from the ceremony, getting your photos done, rushing to your ceremony, and dancing the night away. It can be easy to forget about staying hydrated. 

Solution: Keep a glass of water handy whenever possible, and even designate a member of your bridal party to remind you to have a sip every few minutes. This is extra important if your wedding is in the summer and outside. A good rule of thumb is if it’s hot outside, keep your wedding party under an awning or near a fan. You don’t want anyone from the bridal party passing out while standing beside you during the long wedding ceremony. 

Didn’t Get Time to See All of the Guests

You thought long and hard about whom to invite to your wedding, but in most cases, you won’t even speak to each guest for longer than a few seconds! Even if you’re already planning on having a receiving line, leave some free time during the reception so you can wander around the tables to have a more relaxed conversation with your guests.

Solution: Make sure to put in a little time to go to each table and sit for five minutes with them; we know, easier said than done! But if your wedding is small, this could be a great way to make sure your loved ones feel special. 

Taking Too Much Time on Photos Post Wedding

If you want to get the perfect wedding photos, they’re the one thing you’ll bring home with you (besides the memories). But you’ve put so much time and effort into planning a beautiful wedding reception, you need to make sure you enjoy it!

Solution: Give your videographer and photographer a set time to be finished. Stick to that time and don’t go over. To make sure you stay on time, have your wedding day coordinator or maid of honor remind your photographer that it’s time to head to the reception (you know, in case they get carried away with being creative). 

No Private Time with Their New Spouse After the Wedding

Even though your wedding day is meant to be all about getting married to the person you love, there usually isn’t time for the two of you to be together in private until it’s all over. 

Solution: If you can arrange for it, try and carve out 10-15 minutes to spend alone with your new spouse right after the ceremony ends. Maybe enlist the help of your maid of honor to block the door so you have time together undisturbed. Take a moment to reflect on your commitment, enjoy a celebratory beverage, or simply revel in each other’s company before the mayhem of the day continues.

The Guest List Grew Too Large

Sure, sometimes your mom is the reason you have to invite your second cousin’s new boyfriend. But if you can help it at all, try and pare your guest list down as much as you can. Are you content to spend $50-$100 on that person just for them to be at your wedding?

Solution: Be brutal with your list and cut anyone you haven’t seen in person or spoken to in the last year. We feel it’s best to limit the family members you invite to people whom you see every holiday season. Your third cousin whom you haven’t seen since you were five probably shouldn’t make the list. Also, having a smaller guest list means you might be able to see everyone throughout the night.

By taking the advice and wise words of couples who have come before you, you’ll be a little more equipped to know which parts of your wedding day might matter the most and what parts you can relinquish some control over. Regardless of all that, the most important thing is to enjoy your wedding and that, no matter what, you’re now married to the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Lucy

Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.