What Couples Wish They’d Done (or Not Done) on Their Wedding Day

Insights from 16 + years in the wedding industry 

I recently was listening to one of my favorite wedding industry podcasts and they were talking about couples biggest wedding regrets. It had my surprised and also curious about what else couples regret after their wedding day. After photographing countless weddings, I’ve heard many couples reflect back with “If only we had…” or “We wish we hadn’t…” Here are some of the biggest wedding regrets couples have shared, and how you can plan around them.

1. Feeling Rushed & Not Having Enough Time

One of the top regrets: couples feeling like their day was a blur. According to a USA Today/OnePoll survey, 19% of couples said their biggest regret was the timeline or schedule — they felt rushed, didn’t get to do everything they wanted. This is a big reason why I created my own foolproof timeline that has built in buffer time. I have been using this timeline for many years and it’s been such a helpful timeline for almost every wedding I have photographed. You can find it here on my wedding planning guide.

What you can do:

• Build buffer time in your schedule (add extra 15–30 minutes between major events).

• Prioritize what matters most to you (instead of cramming in everything).

• Work with your photographer or planner to map the “must‑have” moments (e.g., golden hour portraits, quiet time together) so they aren’t squeezed out.

2. Guest List Regrets — Either Too Big or Wrong Mix

Many couples regret their guest list either being too large, including people out of obligation, or not inviting someone they wished they had. I recently wrote a blog post about how to choose your wedding guest list. You can read that here on the blog.

What you can do:

• Start with a “must invite” list (people you absolutely want there) and a “maybe” list.

• Think about guest experience: will you have time to talk to and enjoy your guests if there are 300 people?

• Be honest with family about your vision and your budget — sometimes clarity upfront helps avoid later regrets.

3. Skimping On Key Vendors (Especially Photography & Videography)

Regret around vendor quality is another consistent theme. For example, one review noted that nearly 24% of brides regretted not spending enough on a high‑quality photographer.

What you can do:

• Identify your top 2–3 priorities (for some couples it’s photographer, for others venue or food).

• Meet your vendor, look at full galleries (not just highlights), ask about their backup plan. I created a guide to help you choose the right photographer for you.

• Remember: you can replace décor, but you can’t redo your photos.

4. Not Having a Backup Plan (Weather, Venue, etc.)

Outdoor weddings carry their own risks. One of the regrets cited by bridal editors was “not having a rain plan” for an outdoor ceremony. Another biggest wedding regret.

What you can do:

• If any part of your day is outdoors, confirm a backup location or tent option.

• Understand the venue’s lighting at different times of day — especially if you care about how your photos will look.

• Pack a little kit: light jacket, umbrella, lens cloth — your photographer (and you) will thank you.

5. Focusing on Trends Instead of What’s Meaningful to You

According to some couples, one regret is doing things “for others” rather than choosing what they truly wanted.

What you can do:

• Ask yourselves: “If nobody knew we were having a wedding, what would we want to do?”

• Write down 2–3 things that matter most to you (connection, fun, food, time with friends). Let those guide decisions.

• It’s okay to skip something just because someone says you must have it.

6. Budget & Financial Regrets

While many couples say they don’t regret spending money, surveys show some regret certain allocations or wish they had allocated differently. For example: younger couples (Millennials, Gen Z) were more likely to feel financial regret about their wedding. This seems to be one of the biggest wedding regrets, too.

What you can do:

• Create a realistic budget and stick to categories you care most about.

• Consider what you’ll remember in 10 years: the décor or the time spent with people you love?

• Don’t sacrifice joy or connection chasing perfection in every detail.

Your wedding day will be beautiful no matter what. But a little planning can make it better — especially when you focus on avoiding avoidable regrets.
As someone who has spent thousands of hours photographing love stories in Utah and Seattle, I’ve seen the same patterns time and again. The couples who breathe, take a moment together, and enjoy the day with intention tend to have the images, memories, and reflections they treasure.

If you want a photographer who helps you stay grounded, prioritize meaningful moments, and get beautiful photographs you’ll love — I’m here for you. Let’s plan a wedding day you’ll remember for reasons you’ll celebrate, not regret.