Weddings are full of mixed emotions like happiness, joy, and love. The last thing you’ll want to experience on your wedding day is regret. Even when meticulous planning is done, mistakes can still occur.
Many people wish they could change something about their wedding. Junebug asked Junebug readers about their biggest wedding regrets as well as the lessons that they learned. The Junebug readers also shared what they would do differently if given the chance.
Junebug readers share their wedding regrets.
“I wish I hadn’t stressed as hard about the preparation, but it might not have been as perfect if I hadn’t. I don’t look back at my wedding and wonder if things could have been done differently. All the details will go out of fashion, but I’ll never forget the feeling I had on my wedding day and the joy of being surrounded by all my loved ones (including Nama, my dog) and marrying my best friend.
If you’re thinking about eloping, do it because if you don’t, you will regret it. – Jasmine & Patrick
I did the planning all by myself. From calculating drink quantities to designing invitations. It was a lot of work to do with a full-time position. It didn’t seem like work because I enjoyed every moment. One thing I’d do differently would be to have a coordinator to ensure everything runs according to schedule. Unfortunately, I had to deal with this on the wedding day. I advise planning, but have an event manager who’s well-informed and dedicated on the wedding day.” – Lauren & Neil.
“My advice to couples planning their weddings: Hire a coordinator for your wedding day! It’s my only regret. I was so busy setting everything up and making sure the day was perfect that I missed precious moments I will never be able to take back. No amount of cash is worth it!” – Noelle & Darryl.
It was something that people told me, but I didn’t understand it until I experienced it. Enjoy every moment! Stress is not worth it. It is the main thing I would do differently. I would start small and increase as I get closer to the wedding date. My mistake was that I was too excited to plan all the big things, and I insisted on sticking with them. We ended up spending way more than our budget.
I wanted to feel comfortable and accessible on my wedding day. I also wanted a look that looked boho and glamorous. My favorite part of my wedding look was the cathedral-length pink veil with a four-foot blusher. It was only worn for two seconds. One of my regrets is that I don’t wear it anymore.
We both feel proud that our wedding was exactly what we wanted, that we did not compromise on anything for anyone else, and that it was a beautiful event. I only regret our wedding because we didn’t invite Drag Beyonce. “That was a missed chance.” Courtney and Cherae
We screened orchestral/string-quartet versions of songs together as a fun activity for wedding planning. We regretted not hiring a live flugelhorn when we drank and danced along to Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good.”- Mandy & Costanza.
I have (slightly ) regrets about not being more composed in the wedding pictures. I was a hot and crying mess! “But in the end, I’m happy our true emotions were captured.” – Janice & Kevin.
“I wish I had organized the timetable more effectively and tried to adhere to it. The sun sets in Nicaragua by 6 pm. Kevin and I did not have a first glance, but our photographer insisted that the ceremony be held at 4 pm for the best lighting. This left us with only one and a half hours for photos. We didn’t even manage to get a picture of both families together. My advice is to ensure that the timeline allows you to do all of these things.” Pamela and Kevin
Hire a videographer. No service meant that few people were using their phones. “I regret not having captured our special day on film.” Marian and Will
If you’re unsure whether or not to video on that particular day, do it. It’s my only regret. – Ashley & Dustin
“Get a videographer.” “It’s our greatest regret!” – Martha & Liam
You will regret not hiring a professional videographer. They’ll capture all the critical moments of the wedding day because it happens so quickly. You won’t be able to see everything.
“I would have used my bridesmaids a lot more. To make sure everything looks the way it should. I would have assigned someone to double-check the bars, tables, foods, etc. Many things needed to be included or set up how I envisioned. I would have liked someone to know what was expected and ensure it was right.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t get involved in idle chatter, which is unlike me. But I wanted to have fun and do what I liked. You can’t dance at your wedding, so when can you do it? Ryan was a good, attentive husband. I appreciate that he made the rounds, but regretfully, he did not dance even once.
Take your time with your day. Allow time to spend with your guests. “That’s a huge regret for me.” Aravinda & Mason
Everyone has regrets about their wedding. Even if you plan meticulously, mistakes will always be made. These mistakes should be distinct from the importance of the event. Focus on the positives and what your wedding day represents.
You can still handle the day well, even if things don’t work out as planned. Refer to this guide. If you are still deciding on something during the planning phase but want it, go for it.