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Wedding regrets—every couple has them, but no one wants to look back on their big day wishing they’d done something differently. After surveying over 100 real couples, I learned exactly what they regret most about their weddings, and I’m here to share the top 5 wedding regrets and how to avoid them.

If you’re planning your wedding right now, knowing what others regret can help you make better decisions, save money, and make sure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

Let’s dive into the biggest wedding regrets and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.

The Top 5 Wedding Regrets

1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer (67%)

One of the most common wedding regrets is hiring a friend or amateur photographer instead of a professional. Wedding photos are memories you’ll cherish forever, so don’t settle for blurry shots and poor editing.
Lisa shared her regret: “We hired my friend’s cousin who had a nice camera. Half our photos are blurry, and we have no good shots of the ceremony. I’d give anything to go back and spend the money on a real photographer.”
Make sure you hire a photographer whose editing style matches your vision, and someone who can truly capture the essence of your day.

2. Trying to Please Everyone (52%)

This is a big one—weddings can feel like an obligation to please everyone, but this is one of the biggest wedding regrets you can avoid.
Michael shared, “We invited people we barely talk to because we felt obligated. Our wedding was full of strangers instead of our chosen family.”
Don’t let the pressure of pleasing others take over. Make your wedding day about you and your partner—surround yourselves with the people who truly support and love you.

3. Skipping the First Look (48%)

Many couples regret not having a first look. While it’s tempting to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, a first look can give you the private, intimate time you may need to calm pre-ceremony nerves.
Sarah said, “I wanted to save the moment for the ceremony, but walking down the aisle with 150 people watching felt too overwhelming. I wish we’d had a private moment first.”
Consider having a first look—it can be a peaceful, emotional, and private moment to ground you before the excitement of the ceremony.

4. Overspending on Things That Don’t Matter (43%)

Weddings are expensive, but many couples regret overspending on things that didn’t truly matter.
Jessica explained, “We spent $800 on centerpieces that people barely noticed, but skimped on the DJ. The music was terrible, and nobody danced.”
Focus your budget on things that create lasting memories: great food, music, and photography. Don’t waste your money on things that won’t leave an impact on your guests or your experience.

5. Forgetting to Add Personal Touches (41%)

Wedding regrets often stem from not making the day personal enough. Couples often wish they had incorporated more of their personalities or unique love story into their celebrations.
David said, “Our wedding looked like every other wedding. We should’ve included more of our story, our culture, our inside jokes.”
Personal touches can be simple, like custom decor, a meaningful song, or a memorable detail that speaks to your love story.

What Couples Loved Most About Their Wedding Day

It’s not all about regrets—let’s talk about what couples cherished the most about their wedding day:

• Their Vows: “I spent weeks writing them, and they were the most meaningful part of the day.”
• The Food: “We served comfort food instead of fancy stuff. Everyone was happy and full.”
• Small, Personal Moments: “My husband surprised me by learning to play our song on guitar. That’s what I remember most.”
• Having the Right People There: “Our wedding was small but mighty. Every person there truly loved us.”

These moments are what make your wedding day unforgettable, and they don’t have to cost a fortune to be meaningful.

How to Avoid Wedding Regrets

Now that you know the biggest wedding regrets, here’s how you can avoid them and plan a day you’ll cherish forever:

• Prioritize Photography: Hire a professional photographer who captures the essence of your wedding day.
• Make Decisions for YOU: This is your day—don’t feel pressured to please anyone else.
• Plan Intimate Moments: A first look or private vows can create beautiful, personal moments that ground you.
• Spend on Experience: Invest in what matters most: food, music, and creating lasting memories with your guests.
• Add Personal Touches: Incorporate elements of your love story, culture, or hobbies into the day.

Planning a wedding without regrets starts with the right guidance. Download my Wedding Planning Starter Kit to get clear on what matters most and avoid common mistakes.