12 Things Brides Regret Not Doing On Their Wedding Day (You Need To See This!)
There’s nothing quite like the clarity of hindsight. Your wedding day will undoubtedly be a magical day to remember for years to come. However, many brides look back wishing they’d made a few different choices. From practical decisions to indulgent splurges, these are the most common regrets we hear from brides. Here are some tips on how to avoid them.
Skipping Watermark Free Photos
One of the biggest regrets? Not having a single professional photo without a watermark to share immediately after the wedding. While you’ll wait weeks for your full gallery, having even a handful of watermark-free images means you can update your social media, send thank-you notes, and share with friends and family right away. Consider asking your photographer to include 10-15 watermark-free previews in your package. It’s a small addition that makes a massive difference in those exciting first days as newlyweds.
2. Sacrificing Comfort for Style (Especially Shoes)
Yes, those six-inch heels are beautiful. However, can you dance in them for eight hours? Many brides regret not having a comfortable pair of flats on standby. The solution is simple: invest in a gorgeous pair of block heels or embellished flats. Your feet and your ability to actually enjoy your party will thank you. Store your backup pair under your sweetheart table for an easy mid-reception swap.
3. Not Eating Enough (Or At All)
Between photos, greeting guests, and soaking in every moment of your special day, countless brides realize they barely touched their dinner. The regret hits around 10 pm when the adrenaline fades and hunger strikes. Assign your maid of honour or planner to bring your snacks while getting ready, and don’t be shy about asking servers to set aside a plate for you. Some venues even offer a late-night meal delivery to the couple’s suite, a thoughtful touch that ensures you’re fueled for the entire celebration.
4. Rushing Through Cocktail Hour:
Many couples spend cocktail hour taking photos and miss the entire experience. While those golden hour portraits are important, consider doing a first look so you can capture as many photos beforehand as possible. This allows you to actually attend your cocktail hour and enjoy your celebration. Your guests travelled to celebrate you, give them face time when everyone’s still excited and the party is just beginning.
5. Not Building In Moments to Pause
The day moves at lightning speed. Brides consistently wish they’d scheduled intentional moments to step back and absorb everything. Plan a private five-minute moment with your partner right after the ceremony, or a quiet walk together at sunset. These pauses become the memories you’ll treasure the most, the ones where you actually remember being present and celebrating with loved ones.
6. Forgetting to Assign a Phone-Free Trusted Friend:
You won't have your phone on your wedding day. However, you’ll need someone who does. Designate a trusted friend or family member to handle vendor questions, timeline updates, or any small emergencies that might arise. This person becomes your lifeline without you having to track your phone or break the magic of being unplugged. Just make sure they’re not in the wedding party so they’re available when needed.
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7. Not Considering a Second Dress
This one’s genuinely debatable, but many brides wish they’d had a lighter, more danceable option for the reception. If your ceremony gown is heavy or structured, a second dress gives you freedom to move. It’s also an excuse for another stunning entrance. However, if you’re budget-conscious, a simple bustle and confidence in your original choice work just as beautifully.
8. Overlooking the Little Luxuries
Small indulgences often get cut during budget discussions, but brides regret skipping them most. That could be a champagne tower for a show-stopping moment or perhaps a live painter to capture your first dance. These special touches become talking points and create the elevated, memorable experience that defines luxury weddings. If something speaks to you, find room for it. These details are what guests remember years later.
9. Not Prioritizing Fun Over Perfection:
The biggest regret of all? Being so focused on everything going perfectly that you forget to actually enjoy yourself. Timeline running five minutes late? It doesn’t matter. Centrepiece slightly off center? No one will notice. What people remember is the energy, whether the couple looked relaxed, happy, and genuinely present. Give yourself permission to let go of minor details once the day begins. You hired professionals for a reason; trust them and focus on celebration over coordination.
10. Skipping Video Coverage:
Photos are essential, but movement, voices, laughter, and vows spoken aloud can only be captured on film. Many couples skip videography to save money and later wish they could hear their partner’s voice during the ceremony, or watch their first dance from a different angle. Even a simple highlight reel becomes infinitely precious over time, especially as parents age and you want to remember exactly how everything sounded and felt on your special day.
11. Not Greeting Every Guest Personally
It’s nearly impossible to have a meaningful conversation with 150 people, but many brides wish they’d at least said hello to everyone. Consider skipping a formal receiving line in favour of visiting each table during dinner, or hosting a more intimate welcome event the night before, where you can actually connect. Your guest invested time, money, and energy to celebrate you and your partner. Acknowledgement matters more than perfect logistics.
12. Forgetting to Create Keepsakes for Themselves:
You’ll spend months choosing favours for guests but forget to create something meaningful for yourself. Whether it’s a pressed bouquet or a handwritten note from your partner to read while getting ready. These personal keepsakes become treasures. Don’t just curate an experience for others; give yourself tangible memories to hold onto long after your celebration.
Your wedding will be stunning regardless of these choices, but learning from other brides’ experiences helps you understand and make informed decisions. Prioritize comfort, presence, and genuine joy over perfection. Trust your vendors, feed yourself, and remember that the best weddings are the ones where you actually get to be a guest at your own party. After all, you’re not just planning an event, you’re living one of the most significant days of your life. Make choices that let you be fully present for it.