Weddings are a whirlwind of joy, chaos, and Pinterest boards. But after the confetti settles and the cake is long gone, what do couples really wish they had done differently? If you are planning your big day, take a moment to pause. Learning from the regrets of those who’ve gone before you might just save your sanity — and your budget.
1. Trying to Please Everyone
This one tops nearly every regret list. Couples often stretch themselves thin trying to meet everyone’s expectations — parents, friends, distant relatives, or that one aunt who insists on a gluten-free vegan lasagne option.
How to dodge it: Remember whose wedding it is. Yours. Prioritise your and your partner’s happiness first. If a tradition, seating arrangement, or dress code doesn’t feel like you, don’t force it. The people who love you will be happy if you are happy.
2. Skipping the Videographer
Photos are essential, but many couples regret not capturing the day in motion. The crack in your voice during your vows. The way your grandma hit the dance floor. The subtle moments that no photo can catch.
How to dodge it: Budget for a videographer even if it means cutting favours or trimming the floral budget. Years from now, you’ll want to hear the speeches and feel the vibe again.
3. Not Eating the Food
It’s ironic — after tasting 14 variations of beetroot tartlets and spending hours designing a menu, many couples admit they barely tasted a thing on the day.
How to dodge it: Ask your planner or caterer to set aside a plate for you and your partner to enjoy privately before the reception. You have earned that slow bite.
4. Underestimating the Power of Music
One of the biggest “I wish we had” comments? A better DJ or music setup. A good playlist sets the tone. A great DJ shifts the entire atmosphere. Take DJ Maddox’s Morgan’s Hotel Swansea wedding reception, for example. Guests weren’t just dancing—they were raving. The energy in that room didn’t fade until the last song, and the couple still gets messages about how unforgettable the night was.
How to dodge it: Choose a DJ who reads the room, blends your taste with crowd-pleasers, and can seamlessly manage transitions. Don’t assume a Bluetooth speaker and a Spotify list will cut it.
5. Over-Planning Every Second
Some couples cram their schedule so tightly that there’s no time to breathe. It becomes a performance, not a celebration.
How to dodge it: Build in buffer time. Leave space to laugh, cry, hug, sneak off for a sunset photo, or just be. Some of the best memories happen in the unplanned moments.
6. Forgetting to Be Present
This sounds simple, but it’s not. The day flashes by in a blur of hairspray, flash photography, and polite small talk.
How to dodge it: Put your phone away. Trust your team. Take five-minute pauses throughout the day to step back, take a breath, and soak it in. You will thank yourself later.
Final Thought
Your wedding won’t be perfect — but it will be yours. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. The best days aren’t flawless — they are full of life. Learn from others’ regrets and shape your own story with intention, joy, and a solid beat drop.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.