Wedding planning is filled with many do’s and don’ts, but there are things that lots of brides clearly regret not doing for their wedding. We reviewed over 10,000 comments from real brides to learn the top things they would have changed if they were to plan their wedding again. We have included a list of the 12 most common answers – things that you may want to think twice about before crossing them off of your wedding planning list.
1. Paying Extra For Non-Watermarked Photos
The idea of watermarked photos isn’t necessarily a bad one. It can certainly save you some money. However, here are a few things to consider:
- some packages offer high-resolution options with unmarked photos for print and marked photos for social media, as a compromise
- if you plan to submit your photos to wedding blogs to be published or to post on social media, keep in mind that most blogs prefer unwatermarked wedding photos
- some photographer’s logos can be very distracting on the photos. Look for photographers who have tastefully integrated their watermark or logo so that it does not compromise the images
In the end, you are doing this only once and there are no re-takes, so choose carefully, or agree to purchase non-watermarked photos at a later time.
What brides said:
– Randi M: “I don’t regret not having a videographer at all! They’re so much money and nobody ever actually cares enough to watch it besides you! My pictures were perfect and that’s all we needed.” (Up Votes: 10)
– Tracy H: “The only regret is my photographer didn’t get any pics of just me in my dress. We were trying to do pics so quickly we moved over it and I’m so sad we missed it.” (Up Votes: 5)
2. Hotel For the Wedding Night
Newlyweds are usually so exhausted, that they need to just be able to relax. So don’t hesitate to book a hotel room in a 4 or 5-star hotel for the wedding night.
When booking, mention that it will be your first night as a married couple to get some compliments from the hotel administration. In addition, you can order some extra services such as:
- fresh fruits in the room;
- a bottle of good champagne on ice;
- desserts like cake, strawberries or chocolate;
- have breakfast included.
3. Wedding-themed Subscription Box
With 71% of couples saying that wedding planning is more nerve-wracking than finding a new job, it’s no surprise brides-to-be need something to bring them back to enjoy their engagement journey. A wedding-themed subscription box is at the top of the list of what brides said is a must-do as soon as they’re getting engaged.
When Is The Best Time To Subscribe?
Right after the engagement is the best time, because subscription boxes usually contain a lot of fun bridal merch and wedding planning help. Miss To Mrs® Box allows you to subscribe even if you don’t know your wedding date and they tailor which themes you receive depending on where you are in your planning journey.
What Is Included In The Subscription?
Typically, boxes come with full-size bridal merch – apparel, decor elements, bachelorette party & honeymoon essentials, and lots more exciting products to help you enjoy the engagement journey.
Some companies go beyond merchandise. For example, your membership with Miss To Mrs® Box Subscription also includes a Wedding Planning Guide in each box, as well as other FREE premium perks to help with wedding planning and save $$$ for your big day.
What Makes Miss To Mrs Box Our Favorite?
Miss To Mrs® Box is the most award-winning bridal box on the market, as well Best Overall Bridal Box as reviewed by our editors.
- Themed bridal boxes to celebrate & pamper from Engagement to Honeymoon
- Monthly (or every 2 or 3 months) delivery, even if not date is set yet
- FREE access to premium tools & services to help with wedding planning
- Rated 4.7 based on 10,000+ reviews on Trustpilot
What brides said:
– Tessa M: “Not only has it truly made me feel like I have help on my journey to our special day but it also gives me a break to step away from all the stress that planning can come with!”
– Lauren D: “I have been considering getting one of these since I first got engaged. I just wish I had done it sooner. Nice little pick me up in the craziness of wedding planning.”
4. Not Giving The Photographer A Photo Checklist
When you got your beautiful photos, it’s sometimes surprising to see just how few family pics you actually have, or that you don’t have a photo of you in your wedding dress. During the rush and nervousness, it can be hard to keep everything in mind.
PRO TIP:
Discuss this with your photographer in advance:
- How many family pictures you would like to have, pictures with bridesmaids, etc;
- Discuss camera angles, poses, locations;
- Tell them what moments you’d like captured (the reception, father-daughter dance, etc);
- Anything you think is important to have in the wedding photos, as well as things to exclude.
What brides said:
– Zo Dee: “We had a “reveal” photo session, so we actually had all of our photos with us and the bridal party took place prior to the wedding. It was set up beautifully so that I walked up to my husband and his reaction was all captured, it was private and beautiful. That way as soon as the ceremony was finished we got to spend all afternoon/evening with our family and friends instead of missing out on quality time with all those beautiful people that traveled so far to see us. I absolutely would not do it any other way.” (Up Votes: 231)
5. A Personalized Keepsake
Personalized bridal keepsakes make the celebration last a lifetime. From personalized drinkware to apparel, there are so many options to leave a memory of your special day. Just some ideas: personalized getting ready robe, wedding day flutes, dress hanger, tote, bridal Keds, jacket, and lots more.
PRO TIP:
- Something embroidered will last you longer than iron-on.
- A jacket personalized with your last name can be used on the wedding day to wear over your wedding dress for some amazing photos, and it’s still practical after the wedding.
6. Don’t forget the grooms-to-be!
Make your fiancé also feel special with some fun wedding-planning gifts, matching sweatshirts or other products that will get him excited about the wedding planning process too.
What brides said:
– Renda O: “I bought the Groom Box for my future hubby and he loved it. It was nice to have something that made him feel special. Our big day is about us both♥️. Highly recommend… love it!!!”
– Nathalee F: “Being newly engaged I got a Miss To Mrs Box subscription right away. Not to be selfish, I immediately ordered a Groom Box for my fiancé as well which arrived sooo soon and he was so impressed by the quality.”
7. The Open Bar Dilemma
Many guests expect that the reception will have an “Open Bar” if alcohol is being served. This causes lots of stress for many couples as they fret over the costs.
Offering only wine, beer and a signature drink will help you save considerably, so you can have an open bar and still keep the costs under control.
PRO TIP:
No matter what kind of alcohol you choose, it’s crucial to not go over the top. When planning the number of spirits and drinks for the wedding, just follow these practical rules:
- One serving per person per hour of a reception. So if you have a 5hr reception and 100 guests, plan for 500 servings.
What brides said:
– Sarah Relkey: “On what planet should I feel obligated to provide an open bar? The event is about the union of two people, not making it easy for people to get wasted.” (Up Votes: 79)
– Kerry Huband: “Well, we made people pay for their drinks after the meal. We couldn’t afford a 3000 bar bill!! It should be about the day and not spending money on everyone else.” (Up Votes: 59)
– Jess Blankush: “It is not tacky to have a cash bar. Some people think the day is more about actually getting to be married to the person you love and not so much about worrying what is and is not tacky.” (Up Votes: 58)
8. Comfortable Wedding Shoes
Your wedding heels will be beautiful, no doubt, but you will feel so much better slipping into something more forgiving for the reception & dancing. Most brides agreed that slipping into something more comfortable for the evening is a must. Elegant lace ballet flats or Mary Janes are just perfect after the ceremony is over. Best of all, with these gorgeous shoes from BellaBelleShoes you don’t have to sacrifice on style.
9. The Dress Switch
Brides-to-be are very mixed on this topic. Some wish they wore their dress longer, others wish they had something more comfortable to dance in. We think a lot depends on the style of the dress you chose and that perhaps you need to be extra careful if you are renting your dress.
Consider having two dresses – one for the ceremony and one for the reception, especially if you have a ballroom gown or a mermaid style dress. Also, there is an alternative option – a transformer wedding dress with a removable skirt or train. It can be easily transformed from a poofy to a cozy and simple outfit.
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What brides said:
– Cindy King Walker: “I wore my dress until after the first dance and father-daughter dance then was planning on changing into jeans and a very pretty white shirt for the rest of the reception but my sister had lost my shirt and I only had a dark brown halter top. I should have just worn my dress for the rest of the night. Except I am grateful I didn’t because we dropped the cake on us and it would have ruined my dress. All in all, great day.” (Up Votes: 26)
– Savannah Scott: “The only thing I regretted was not wearing my dress longer. I had a very small wedding and the reception was at a restaurant so I decided to change into a different dress for the reception. Looking back, my wedding dress cost so much money and was so gorgeous, and I’ll never really have an opportunity to wear it again… I wish I wore it longer for sure.” (Up Votes: 29)
10. 1st Dance Song
A surprising point on the list of things brides regret is the 1st dance song. Your first dance is much more than just a music track. Listen to the lyrics and your heart, but try not to overthink it. It is very romantic to pick a song that can be yours – and bring back sweet memories.
PRO TIP:
- Take a few choreography lessons. Usually, 5-6 lessons are enough even for a couple who has never danced before.
- Start your dance practice at least 1 – 1.5 months before the wedding.
11. Wedding Day Essentials Kit
It’s insanely important to look your best and have perfect makeup during the wedding, so make sure you have the following items in your wedding beauty bag:
- Thermal water. It will help you keep it together and refresh your face after spending time in rooms with literally no air, on long trips by car and during long receptions and late dance parties.
- Powder and concealer. The wedding isn’t a one-hour event, so be ready to check your makeup often.
- Lipstick. Don’t bother with the idea of changing the color of your lips after the reception. It has to be the same lipstick throughout the whole event.
- Blotting paper. You need to shine, but your nose doesn’t need to have that oily look in your pics.
- Perfume or scented water. The bride needs to smell good!
12. A Quality Moment
Last, but not least, take a break for the two of you, go somewhere quiet and just savor the moment you two have been waiting for.
What brides said:
– James Nadia: “Never regret anything as long as you marry the man of your dreams. It’s not about your wedding – your marriage is what counts.” (Up Votes: 267)
Take a break for the two of you, go somewhere quiet, and just savor the moment you two have been waiting for.
In Summary
If you made it this far, we hope you found some good advice. Don’t take all the advice literally, take what you think is right for you.
Never regret anything. It’s your wedding day. Best wishes!
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