While every individual's experience is unique, there are some common themes when it comes to wedding day regrets. No one wants to look back and wish their big day had gone differently. Consider these common regrets and address them BEFORE your wedding day.

1. Stress and Anxiety:

   • Some individuals regret allowing stress and anxiety to overshadow the joy of the day. The pressure of perfection and the desire to please everyone can contribute to a less enjoyable experience. Choose to NOT focus on the stress. Delegate a point person to intercept any issues, and keep your mind on all the positives of the day.

2. Not Hiring a Wedding Planner:

   • Couples often regret not hiring a wedding planner, especially if they faced challenges in managing the logistics and coordination on the day of the wedding. Planners specialize in addressing wedding day emergencies and making the day run smoothly. Don’t overlook this investment in your own peace of mind.

3. Budgeting Choices:

   • Overspending or making impulsive budget decisions can lead to regret. Couples might wish they had been more strategic in allocating their budget to prioritize what truly matters to them. This is another area planners excel at. But, if you don’t want to hire a planner, consider using our interactive budget worksheet to keep your budget on track.

4. Guest List Issues:

   • Regrets related to the guest list include either inviting too many people and feeling overwhelmed or not inviting certain individuals and later wishing they had been included. Talk your guest list over with your partner, parents, and friends, and establish clear boundaries on who will/ will not make the guest list.

5. Lack of Presence:

   • Some couples regret not being fully present and enjoying the moment. With the day passing by quickly, it's common for couples to feel that they didn't take enough time to savor and appreciate the celebration. Put the phone down. Don’t get tangled in drama. Keep your focus on your once-in-a-lifetime day. Nothing will ruin your day without your permission.

6. Photography Concerns:

   • Issues with wedding photography, such as not hiring a skilled photographer or not getting certain important shots, can lead to lasting regrets. Your wedding day is the culmination of a year of planning. It goes by so quickly, and your pictures/ video will be the only ways to re-live the magic. Don’t skimp on the memories.

7. Choice of Attire:

   • Decisions about wedding attire, including the wedding dress and groom's attire, can be a source of regret if the couple feels they didn't choose outfits that truly reflected their style or if they were uncomfortable. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t LOVE.

8. Weather-Related Concerns:

   • Weather-related regrets can occur if an outdoor wedding is affected by unexpected weather conditions. Couples may regret not having a backup plan or not considering the season when planning.

9. Overloading the Schedule:

   • Trying to fit too many activities into the day can lead to regrets about not having enough time to enjoy each moment. Overloading the schedule can also contribute to stress and fatigue. Rely on your wedding professionals to advise you on this.

10. Ignoring Personal Preferences:

    • Regret may stem from making decisions based on others' expectations rather than staying true to the couple's personal preferences and vision.

To minimize these potential regrets, it's important for couples to communicate openly, prioritize what matters most to them, and consider seeking professional assistance, such as hiring a wedding planner, to manage the details and logistics. Over-plan beforehand so you can focus on enjoying your day. And, remembering you’ll be married at the end of the day can help put minor kerfuffles in perspective.