Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and you don't want to walk away with lingering regrets about what you didn’t do. Skipped experiences, overlooked details, or strictly following traditions can be small missteps that leave big memories missing. Even through all the chaos of wedding planning, it's important to pause, prioritize, and protect the moments that will mean the most when you look back years from now—not the moments you feel obligated to perform. To help future couples feel fully present on their day, here are seven regrets brides and grooms shared and why they matter.
Pavel Golubnichy, We Are Ona / Jacquemus
Not Hiring a
Professional Videographer
While photos beautifully capture still moments, video preserves the laughter, music, and emotion in a way nothing else can. Many couples look back and wish they had invested in a videographer, realizing they missed the chance to listen back on their vows or watch loved ones give speeches. A wedding film allows you to relive not just how your day looked, but how it felt. Years later, it becomes a living keepsake to share with future generations.
Skipping a Private
Moment Together
Couples often describe their wedding day as a blur, rushing from ceremony to cocktails to the dance floor without pause. Those who skip carving out a private moment together regret not slowing down to truly connect amidst the whirlwind. Maybe it’s a sunset stroll after the cocktail hour, a few minutes after the ceremony, or sneaking away between songs, that pause will anchor the day and allow you to take a moment to connect. It’s a reminder that beyond the guests and decor, the day is really about the two of you.
Missing Out on Enjoying
the Food They Chose
It’s surprisingly common for couples to realize at the end of the night that they never ate the meal they carefully selected. Between hugs, photos, and endless conversations, the food often gets left behind. Later, many regret not enjoying the flavors and cocktails they spent months planning. Taking even 20 minutes to sit, savor, and toast together ensures you don’t miss out on one of your wedding’s most thoughtful details.
Not Leaving More Time to
Write Personal Vows
Reciting traditional vows is meaningful, but couples who skip writing their own often wish they had taken the chance to personalize the ceremony. Personal vows give space to speak from the heart, share inside jokes, and articulate promises in your own words. Guests also connect more deeply to a ceremony that feels authentic and unique. Looking back, many couples realize those spoken words would have been the most treasured keepsake.
Skimping on the
Photography Coverage
The early hours of a wedding are documented in detail, but the celebration often continues late into the night. Couples who cut photography too early often regret missing candids of the packed dance floor, the last group of friends still laughing, or the energetic send-off. These moments capture the raw, unpolished joy that comes after the wedding formalities fade, and preserving those memories in photos creates a fuller story of the celebration.
Not Hiring a Planner or
Coordinator Earlier (or at All)
Without professional guidance, couples sometimes find themselves managing logistics instead of soaking in the joy. Those who skipped hiring a planner or even a day-of coordinator often regret being pulled into problem-solving when they should have been celebrating. A professional ensures timelines run smoothly and that vendors are managed seamlessly. The investment buys peace of mind, leaving you free to focus on the moments that matter most.
Joy Zamora, Dos Mas en la Mesa / Alice Wilkes Design
Skipping the Recovery Day
The wedding day itself goes by so fast, leaving little time for extended connection with guests. Couples often regret not planning a brunch, pool party, or casual get-together the morning after to continue the celebration. These slower, less formal hours create space to laugh, share stories, and truly enjoy the company of friends and family. For many, it’s those relaxed moments that balance out the whirlwind of the wedding day.
