These Are The Top 10 Wedding Regrets Experienced By Couples, According To A Wedding Expert
Wedding expert reveals the most common post-wedding regrets and shares advice on how to avoid them
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and even with careful preparation, many couples find themselves looking back with certain regrets.
Chris Bajda, wedding expert at Groomsday, has revealed the top 10 most common wedding regrets and shares essential advice for soon-to-be-married couples.
“My hope is that by sharing these insights, couples can focus on what really matters during their wedding planning journey,” explains Bajda.
#1 Following Trends Instead of Personal Preferences
What’s trending on Pinterest or Instagram might look stunning now, but wedding trends change rapidly. “I’ve seen countless couples look back at their photos and cringe at their choice of mason jars or rose gold everything – trends that felt impossible to ignore at the time,” warns Bajda.
Instead of following the current fashion, focus on elements that genuinely reflect your personality and relationship.
#2 Overspending on Less Important Details
“Your carefully planned aesthetic, from the elaborate table settings to those custom-made wedding favours, will inevitably become dated,” Bajda points out. “Many couples regret spending thousands on decorative elements that guests barely noticed or remembered.”
These expenses often mean compromising on aspects that create lasting memories, like photography or entertainment. Think about what truly matters – in five years, you won’t remember the expensive charger plates, but you will treasure the photos of your grandparents dancing.
#3 Not Hiring a Professional Photographer
“The rise of smartphone cameras has led many couples to think they can skip professional photography, but this decision often leads to deep regret,” Bajda explains.
Amateur photos frequently miss crucial moments, lack proper lighting, and can’t capture the more subtle emotions of the day. Plus, when family members are busy taking photos, they’ll be less fully present in the moment.
#4 Rushing Through the Day
A wedding day passes incredibly quickly, and poor scheduling can make it feel like a blur. Too often, couples try to pack every tradition and event into a tight timeline, leaving no room for spontaneous moments or genuine connections.
“I’ve seen newlyweds who barely had time to eat their meal or have a proper conversation with their closest friends,” shares Bajda. “Build in buffer time throughout your day – those unplanned moments often become the most cherished memories.”
#5 Poor Gift Registry Management
“Gift management might seem trivial compared to other wedding elements, but it’s a common source of post-wedding stress,” notes Bajda. “A lot of couples end up with multiple slow cookers or dozens of picture frames because they didn’t create a detailed registry. Others face the awkward situation of receiving expensive items they’ll never use.”
Be specific with your registry, perhaps including group gifting options for bigger items, and don’t forget to add a range of price points. Most importantly, make sure your registry reflects your actual lifestyle, not an idealised version of it.
#6 Missing Quality Time with Guests
“This regret hits particularly hard when looking back at the day,” Bajda stresses. “Many couples spend mere minutes with guests who travelled hours or even days to be there. Some realise too late that they never even spoke to certain family members.”
Consider extending your celebration beyond just the reception – welcome dinners or next-day brunches can provide valuable additional time with loved ones. During the reception itself, think about table hopping between courses rather than trying to greet everyone during a rushed dinner.
#7 Skipping the Videographer
“Photos capture moments, but video captures movement and sound – the elements that make memories come alive,” Bajda points out. “Couples who skip videography often regret not having footage of their vows, their first dance, or their parent’s emotional speeches.”
These moments happen once, and while photos are wonderful, there’s something magical about being able to hear your grandmother’s laugh or see how your partner’s eyes welled up during the ceremony. Years later, video becomes a time capsule of voices, mannerisms, and emotions that photos alone can’t capture.
#8 Not Delegating Tasks
“The desire to control every aspect of your wedding is understandable, but it often leads to exhaustion and stress,” warns Bajda. “Too many couples spend their wedding morning running around solving last-minute problems instead of enjoying the anticipation of their big moment. This isn’t just about the wedding day either – the weeks leading up to it can become overwhelmingly stressful without proper delegation.”
Trust your vendors, assign tasks to capable family members or friends, and seriously consider a day-of coordinator. Your wedding day should be about being present, not being a project manager.
#9 Overlooking Personal Comfort
“The pressure to look perfect often leads to choices that cause physical discomfort throughout the day,” Bajda shares. “It’s not just about uncomfortable shoes though. Brides often choose dresses they can barely sit in, grooms wear suits that are too tight, and wedding parties suffer through outfits that look great in photos but feel terrible to wear for hours.”
Remember, your wedding is a long day filled with moving, eating, dancing, and hugging. When you’re uncomfortable, it shows in your expressions and body language, affecting both your experience and your photos.
#10 Neglecting to Create a Digital Memory Vault
“In our digital age, not creating a digital memory vault is becoming an increasingly common regret,” reveals Bajda. “Couples often assume they’ll easily gather photos and videos from guests after the wedding, but without a proper system in place, these precious moments tend to get lost in people’s phones or social media accounts.”
Set up a shared digital album or wedding hashtag beforehand, and make sure guests know how to use it. Consider having signs at the reception with clear instructions, or include the information in your wedding program.
These candid moments from guests’ perspectives often capture the joy and energy of your day in a way that complements, but doesn’t replace, professional photography.
Chris Bajda comments: “Your wedding day is one of life’s most significant moments, but it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of what truly matters.
“The biggest regret I consistently see is couples forgetting that a wedding is about celebrating love and connection, not just creating a perfect Instagram moment.
“My advice? Take a step back during planning and ask yourself: ‘Will this matter in five years?’ Focus your energy and budget on the elements that create lasting memories and meaningful moments with your loved ones.
“After all, the most beautiful weddings are usually the ones where the couple was truly present to enjoy every moment.”
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