Your wedding day is one of the most significant events of your life, and while no day is perfect, there are certain services and items that brides consistently wish they had invested in. Based on extensive research from wedding photographers, planners, and hundreds of real brides, this guide reveals the most common regrets—and how to avoid them on your special day.
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and it’s easy to overlook details or try to save money in areas you’ll later wish you hadn’t. Phone recordings just don’t cut it, as those in the videos won’t be wearing microphones. One couple regretted never hearing their parents’ toasts again because they only had muffled, echoey phone audio. These insights come from real couples who’ve been there, and their wisdom can help ensure you don’t walk away from your wedding with the same regrets.
1) Professional Videography
The number one regret couples express after their wedding is not hiring a professional videographer. While photos capture still moments, video captures the atmosphere, speeches, laughter, and the actual life of your celebration.
“Not having a videographer is something I regret. I didn’t think I cared about video and wasn’t even dithering about getting one, but now I wish I did. We have some video from guests, but the plan to have the ceremony recorded fell through so a lot just didn’t get recorded.”
Why Brides Regret This: Phone recordings from guests are muffled, shaky, and lack the quality and coverage of professional videography. You’ll never hear your vows, toasts, or ceremony readings clearly again without professional audio equipment.
The Solution: Budget for at least basic videography coverage. Even a simple package that captures your ceremony and key moments is better than nothing. Consider it an investment in reliving your day for years to come.
2) Day-Of Wedding Coordinator
Many couples try to save money by skipping a day-of coordinator, relying on friends or family instead. This consistently becomes a major source of regret and stress.
“There is nothing wrong with trying to save a few extra dollars, but having a friend video your wedding, having your Maid of Honor do your flowers, or having your Mom be your coordinator… may not be the best idea… This is an area where I’ve seen relationships ruined over.”
Why Brides Regret This: Your loved ones should enjoy your wedding, not work it. When something goes wrong or timing gets off track, you’ll wish you had a professional managing the details while you enjoy your day.
The Solution: Even if you’ve planned everything yourself, invest in at least a day-of coordinator to execute your vision and handle any issues that arise.
3) Adequate Audio Recording Equipment
Beyond videography, having proper audio equipment for your ceremony and toasts is crucial for preserving memories.
“Phone recordings just don’t cut it, as those in the videos won’t be wearing microphones. One couple regretted never hearing their parents’ toasts again because they only had muffled, echoey phone audio.”
Why Brides Regret This: Parent speeches, vows, and ceremony readings become impossible to hear clearly without professional microphones. These words are often the most meaningful parts of your day.
The Solution: Ensure your videographer or DJ has microphones for all speakers, including officiant, couple, and toast-givers.
4) Professional Hair and Makeup for Mother of the Bride
Many brides book professional glam for themselves and their bridal party but skip it for their mothers, leading to regret when looking at photos later.
“I assumed I could rely on my sisters to help her get ready without professional makeup service… In the end, my mom looked very plain and natural, as if she didn’t wear any makeup… I truly regretted not booking hair and makeup services for her. After all, when would she ever have another reason to get pampered?”
Why Brides Regret This: Your mother deserves to feel beautiful and pampered on your wedding day too. She’ll be in countless photos, and it’s likely her last major family celebration.
The Solution: Include your mother (and mother-in-law) in professional hair and makeup services. It’s a thoughtful gesture that ensures everyone looks their best.
5) Detailed Photography Shot List
Brides who didn’t provide their photographers with specific shot lists often regret missing important photos with certain family members or desired poses.
“I wished I directed them more in the type of shots I wanted. I love silly, funny poses, and wished I did more of them. Instead, I followed their directions, which generated standard (and somewhat boring) poses.”
Why Brides Regret This: Photographers can’t read your mind. Without direction, they’ll default to standard poses and might miss the specific photos or style you envisioned.
The Solution: Create a detailed shot list including must-have family combinations, specific poses you want, and any creative ideas. Share this with your photographer well before the wedding.
6) Late-Night Food Service
Couples who ordered late-night snacks but didn’t properly announce them consistently regret the missed opportunity to keep energy up for dancing.
“A late-night snack can be a hit and worth the expense, but it needs to be announced… It’s dark by this point, and people aren’t looking for a snack. Unless you have someone get on the mic and tell everyone, guests might miss out on enjoying that late-night treat.”
Why Brides Regret This: You paid for the food, but guests never knew it was there. The investment becomes wasted when no one announces it clearly.
The Solution: Coordinate with your DJ or emcee to announce late-night food with enthusiasm, and consider having servers circulate with portions.
7) Backup Emergency Kit
An emergency kit with fashion tape, stain remover, safety pins, breath mints, and a mini sewing kit seems minor but becomes invaluable when needed.
“Think fashion tape, stain remover, safety pins, breath mints, and a mini sewing kit. You may not need it — but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.”
Why Brides Regret This: Wardrobe malfunctions, spills, and small emergencies happen. Without the right supplies on hand, minor issues become major stressors.
The Solution: Designate a bridesmaid or coordinator to keep a fully stocked emergency kit accessible throughout your wedding day.
8) Comfortable Second Pair of Shoes
Walking, standing, and dancing in one pair of heels all day is painful. Brides consistently regret not bringing backup footwear.
“Painful feet can ruin your ability to enjoy your day. Brides often say they wish they’d chosen style and comfort — or at least brought a second pair for dancing.”
Why Brides Regret This: By hour three, your feet are screaming. Missing out on dancing or being in pain in photos affects your entire experience.
The Solution: Break in your main shoes beforehand, and bring stylish flats, sneakers, or comfortable heels specifically for the reception dancing.
9) Multiple Photographers for Full Coverage
Hiring only one photographer often means missing candid moments, guest interactions, and different perspectives of key events.
“The price also put me off but I wish I’d paid £500 more and had 2 photographers because we only ended up with two photos of my grandad from the whole day.”
Why Brides Regret This: One photographer can’t be in two places at once. You’ll miss photos of guests arriving, groom getting ready, or candid moments during your portraits.
The Solution: If budget allows, invest in a second photographer for at least part of the day. The different angles and additional coverage are invaluable.
10) Content Creator or Phoneographer
A newer trend, having someone capture phone content for social media in real-time provides immediate shareable content while waiting for professional photos.
“Wish had more to remember from the day – didn’t hire videographer or content creator. have zero video footage… I also just heard about ‘phoneographers’ after my wedding and wish I had that!”
Why Brides Regret This: In today’s social media age, waiting weeks for professional photos means missing the excitement window for sharing. Phone content fills this gap.
The Solution: Hire a content creator or designate a tech-savvy friend to capture behind-the-scenes phone content for immediate posting.
11) Makeup and Hair Touch-Up Services
Keeping your hair and makeup artist through the reception for touch-ups ensures you look fresh in all photos throughout the night.
“Not assigning someone to touch up my makeup later in the evening – it looks horrible in my wedding photos… Not keeping makeup artist and hair stylist there to touch up – hated how makeup and hair looked later in the night”
Why Brides Regret This: Dancing, crying, hugging, and sweating take their toll. Without touch-ups, you may not love how you look in later photos.
The Solution: Book your glam team for touch-ups before key evening moments like cake cutting or send-off. Even just an hour of touch-up service helps.
12) Proper Meal Schedule and Eating Time
Brides who don’t prioritize eating during their wedding day often feel faint, irritable, or miss enjoying the meal they carefully selected.
“It’s shockingly common for brides to forget to eat. Between nerves, makeup, and tight schedules, meals get skipped — leaving them feeling faint or irritable. Plan snack breaks!”
Why Brides Regret This: Between getting ready, photos, and greeting guests, eating becomes secondary. Low blood sugar affects your mood and energy.
The Solution: Build eating time into your timeline. Have your coordinator bring you food during cocktail hour, and actually sit to enjoy your meal.
13) Steaming Service for Wedding Attire
Wrinkled dresses, linens, and suits in photos become a lasting regret for detail-oriented brides who notice imperfections.
“Not steaming our bridesmaid dresses the night before – all the steam was causing our hair to fall and make up to run!… Not making sure the linens were steamed at reception – the table linens were wrinkled at the reception and it really bothered me”
Why Brides Regret This: Wrinkles are prominent in photos and distract from otherwise beautiful details. Steaming the day of can ruin hair and makeup.
The Solution: Steam all garments and linens the night before, or hire your venue to ensure everything is pressed and crisp before guests arrive.
14) Spray Tan Appointment
Many brides skip spray tans to save money or time, then wish they had that extra glow in photos, especially in white or ivory gowns.
“Not getting spray tan before wedding!”
Why Brides Regret This: A subtle tan adds warmth and dimension to photos, especially under bright lighting. White dresses can wash out pale skin tones.
The Solution: Schedule a spray tan 2-3 days before your wedding for a natural glow that won’t transfer to your dress.
15) Rental Options for Expensive Items You’ll Never Wear Again
Brides who purchased expensive dresses, jewelry, or cultural attire they’ll never wear again often wish they had rented instead.
“I regret spending so much money on heavy Indian dresses I’ll never wear again! Same goes with jewellery. I wish I’d rented it instead or went down a vintage route of wearing my mom’s or aunts’ pieces.”
Why Brides Regret This: Thousands of dollars sit in closets for items worn once. The money could have been better spent on experiences or services.
The Solution: Research rental options for cultural attire, reception dresses, or expensive jewelry. Consider borrowing meaningful pieces from family for sentimental value.
