There is so much joy wrapped into your special day. It’s something that you plan for… dream of… wait for.. And then all at once it’s over and you have all these beautiful memories. One thing, as a wedding photographer, that I don’t want you to have: wedding day regrets.
There are lots of small choices that can quietly shape how this day feels and how it is remembered.
Over the years, we have seen a pattern in what couples wish they had done differently. The good news is that most of it is preventable, and I’m spilling the tea here. So grab your coffee, and snuggle up on the couch to read over these tips and tricks. Hopefully they’ll make your planning process easier, and truly have a positive impact on your big day.
If you are planning ahead, you are already on the right track.
Here is how to avoid wedding day regrets before they even have a chance to show up.
Build Space Into Your Timeline
One of the most common things I see, is not leaving room to breathe. The times can align on paper. But there are always little things that pop up on the day. It can be something small, but then it throws a wrench in events that are hours away.
When the timeline is tight, stress creeps in fast.
Add buffer time between moments. Give yourself space to be present. A relaxed timeline leads to better photos and a better experience overall.
Work with your photographer & other vendors to find the key points throughout the day (usually dependent on lighting or fixed variables like catering arrivals), and build around those.
Top Wedding Day Regrets I Hear About:
Some things feel optional in the planning phase, but they often become meaningful later.
Here are the top moments I hear about from couples:
- Don’t skip sunset photos! (these are usually the ones you hang on your wall!)
- Videography captures movement and story; you’ll want this later
- Skipping dinner, and just snacking. You don’t want to end your day feeling lightheaded or hangry.
- Do a hair & makeup trial! You don’t want to leave things guessing when you’re in a time crunch.
- Make sure you clean the getting ready room, because the clutter shows up in photos more than people realize
- Not properly vetting their photographer: making sure you have a photographer who aligns with your values & personality is so important! And someone who can show you a large portfolio of consistent work.
And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard couples say they wished they’d gotten video, or felt queasy from not eating during the reception. Or wished they had really taken the time to vet their vendors more.
Trust Your Instincts
It is easy to feel pulled in many directions. Family opinions can be strong and expectations can feel heavy. Believe me, we’ve seen it all.
But this day is yours.
That’s what will linger after the celebrations are gone, and everything is over. These moments were meant for you.
When decisions feel overwhelming, come back to what feels right to you. That clarity will guide you better than outside noise ever could.
How to plan a day you’ll treasure for the years to come, really comes down to preparation and being aligned with your values.
Preparation plays a bigger role than most people expect. The small details matter more than you think.
Do a hair and makeup trial so you feel confident walking into your day. Keep your getting ready space clean and simple. Hiring the videographer. Ditching traditions for what feels right to you.
At the heart of it all, your wedding day should feel like you. That’s how you walk away with no wedding day regrets.
Even if (when) things go “wrong”. It won’t matter.
Because you’ve designed this day for you.
That is truly how to avoid wedding day regrets and create a day you will always feel good looking back on.
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