Wedding Regrets We Hear from Couples (and How to Avoid Them!)

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after over two decades in the wedding world, after months (sometimes years) of planning, hundreds of checklists, and countless ceremonies, it’s that even the most thoughtful couples can walk away with a few “I wish we had…” moments. And while regrets are completely normal in any big life event, the good news is that most wedding day regrets are completely preventable with the right mindset, planning strategies, and a little insider knowledge.

Today, I’m sharing the most common wedding regrets we’ve heard from couples after the big day and how you can avoid them so your celebration feels intentional, joyful, and truly unforgettable.

#01: “I Wish We Had Hired a Professional Photographer/Videographer.”

We understand if you have a family friend or your cousin is an aspiring photographer. Or maybe you’re banking on some cute candids from your guests throughout the day. Or maybe you didn’t leave enough room in the budget for a professional. 

Photos and videos are the way you’ll relive your day years from now. Yet, this is one of the top areas couples try to cut costs, only to regret it later.

Couples often tell us: 

  • “The photos didn’t capture the emotion.”

  • “We barely have any images of our families.”

  • “I regret not getting a video, we missed so much!”

Our advice is if your budget is tight, scale back somewhere else, but invest in the best photographer and/or videographer you can afford. Look at full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. Make sure you vibe with their personality because they’ll be with you all day. If a full videography package feels too big, ask about a highlight reel. Even a short film is worth its weight in gold.

#02: “We Wish We Had Eaten More!” 

A big majority of your budget goes towards food on your wedding day. You’d be shocked how many couples realize at 11 p.m. that they barely touched their dinner. Between greeting guests, posing for photos, and keeping the timeline on track, the meal disappears in a blur. Our advice is to plan a time to eat and eat intentionally. Sweet heart tables are the perfect place for you and your spouse to get a moment to breathe and eat. You can even consider a private dinner, or cocktail hour directly after your ceremony. Your caterer should be able to prepare some plates and appetizers for you, as long as you communicate! For the end of the evening, ask your caterer in advance to pack to-go boxes for later. 

You deserve to enjoy the food you carefully selected and paid for!

#03: “I Wish We Had Stuck to Our Guest List Boundaries!”

Many couples feel pressured to invite extra coworkers, extended relatives, or plus ones for people they barely know. Later, they often regret spending thousands more to accommodate guests they don’t feel truly connected to.

Your guest list should reflect:

  • The people who support you.

  • The people you actually want there.

  • The people who will bring joy not stress to your day.

Set boundaries early and stick to them. You’ll protect your budget, your time, and your peace of mind.

#04: “We Should Have Hired a Wedding Planner or Day of Coordinator”

We’ve been guests at weddings where we’ve heard this. We’ve known the most meticulous brides, who may even enjoy planning the details of their wedding day, but do not often realize how chaotic the wedding day logistics can be. We’ve heard everything from: 

  • “ We didn’t know who was supposed to cue the DJ”

  • “ My mom ended up setting up decor and tables instead of enjoying the day” 

  • “ Vendors kept asking me questions during my wedding day” 

We know you’re capable. But, hiring even a day of coordinator is one of the best investments you can make. A day of coordinator handles everything from vendor arrivals, set up and take down, timeline management, problem solving and you don’t have to hear about it. We are there to support any last minute emergencies and most importantly gives you the space (and your family) to actually be present instead of working your own wedding day. 

#05: “I Wish We Had Spent More Alone Time Together During the Day” 

A wedding day can feel like you’re both hosting separate parties. Afterward, many couples are surprised when they realize they spent most of their day apart. We highly recommend you plan intentional time together. You can… 

  • Do a first look so you can have private moments before the ceremony 

  • Ride together to and front the venue 

  • Stay connected during cocktail hour 

  • Enjoy dinner, at you sweethearts table 

  • Build in couple portrait time to have some alone time 

  • Spend private time together post ceremony to have some bubbly and appetizers

Your wedding should be an experience you share together, not two separate schedules happening at once.

#06: “We Regret Stressing Over Things That Did Not Matter” 

Every couple has at least one moment where they look back and think: Why was I so worked up over that? Whether it’s the exact shade of napkins or the weather forecast three weeks out, hindsight is always clearer. Here’s what actually matters:

  • The people.

  • The memories.

  • The love you’re celebrating.

  • You and your partner. 

Here’s what doesn’t matter: 

  • The tiny imperfections no one else will notice.

  • The things you can’t control (like weather).

  • Minor timeline hiccups.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, zoom out and ask: “Will this matter in five years?” If the answer is no, release it. Most of the time, no one else realizes all the little things but you. So, sit back, and let the minor stresses go. It’s not worth it. At the end of the day, if you and your partner are married – you’ve done it all.

#07: “We Wish We Had Reviewed our Timeline More” 

Smooth wedding days don’t happen by accident. Couples often regret not thinking through:

  • How long hair and makeup actually takes

  • Travel time between locations

  • Time needed for family photos

  • How long dinner service realistically takes

If you don’t have a wedding planner and you’re stressed about a timeline, this is a huge reason why we recommend our services. A big portion of our job is ensuring every detail of your wedding day is added to the timeline. We ensure that your timeline is efficient and will not feel rushed. Having a carefully curated timeline means that there is less stress. 

We recommend you create your timeline with your wedding planner and coordinate with your vendors. Your vendors are the best advice to know how long something actually takes. Then, make plenty of copies for vendors, wedding parties, and immediate family so everyone is on the same page. 

A well planned timeline equals a calm, joyful wedding day.

#08: “We Regret Not Taking More Family Photos” 

Most couples tend to prioritize candid photos, which we love, but often our couples realize that they are missing portraits with their loved ones. We recommend sitting down with your partner and determining what portraits you’d like to have with your grandparents, siblings, or extended families. Then, sit down with your photographer or send a list over, that includes the following information: 

  • Names 

  • Relationships

  • Groupings that you want and in what order 

  • Any mobility issues or timing preferences (ex. Golden hour)

Your planner can definitely help you gather all your loved ones, but we suggest designating a friend or family member that knows all the individuals and can help gather them quickly. You can even have your DJ make announcements of the parties needed for pictures. It makes family portraits efficient, stress free, and meaningful.

#09: “We Wish We Had Spent More on the Things that Mattered to Us.” 

Sometimes couples realize too late that they cut costs in the wrong areas simply because they were trying to be “reasonable.” Some things that we’ve heard: 

  • “I wish we had spent more money on food we liked” 

  • “I wish we had rented the nicer linens” 

  • “I should of listened to my gut and gotten the dress that I wanted” 

Sit down and identify your top three priorities as a couple. Spend your money and time intentionally on those. Save on the items that matter less to you – not your family, not pinterest and definitely not trends.
Weddings feel most beautiful when they reflect your values, not someone else’s expectations.

#10: “We Wish We Soaked it in More” 

Your wedding day goes by incredibly fast. We can’t tell you how many couples tell us, “it went by so fast, I wish I had slowed down and really taken everything in.” Your wedding is a day filled with a whirlwind of emotions, people, and movement. It’s so easy to get swept away. Build intentional moments and stillness into your day to just breathe. 

  • Take a moment alone after the ceremony 

  • Add private moments into your timeline 

  • Step back from the reception to look at the room and your loved ones together

  • Pause to breathe

Those small intentional pauses often become the most cherished moments of the entire day.

Every couple experiences a few wedding day “lessons,” but with thoughtful planning and the right support system, you can minimize regrets and create a celebration that feels deeply authentic and joyful. Your wedding doesn’t need to be perfect, it simply needs to feel like YOU.

As your planner, our goal is to help you build a day where every decision serves your happiness, captures your love story, and creates memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Wedding Trends We’re Loving—and How to Make Them Feel Timeless

Trends come and go, but your wedding photos, and the memories you create, will last forever. In the ever evolving world of weddings, it’s easy to fall in love with what's trending right now. But how do you incorporate modern ideas without your wedding looking dated just a few years from now? The secret is balance. Blending current styles with classic elements to create something that feels personal, fresh, and enduring.

Whether you're a trend forward couple or just looking for a few modern touches, here are the wedding trends we’re loving right now, and how to make them feel truly timeless.

#01: Micro Weddings with Big Style

Smaller guest counts, bigger impact. Micro weddings (typically 10–50 guests) became popular during the pandemic, but they’ve stuck around for good reason. Couples are opting for intimate celebrations with curated details, elevated experiences, and less stress. Focus on what truly matters - meaningful moments, intentional design, and real connection. Skip the over the top decor for thoughtful touches like hand written place cards, a beautiful tablescape, or a private farm to table dinner. Keep the photography classic and lean into natural lighting and minimal editing to preserve that enduring elegance. And remember, small doesn’t mean casual, elevate the experience with quality over quantity.

#02: Editorial Style Photography

Wedding photography is shifting toward a more editorial, documentary inspired look. Think candid moments, blurred motion, flash photography, and film like tones. Work with a photographer whose editing style you truly love and not just what’s hot right now. Avoid overly filtered or trendy presets. True timelessness lies in storytelling, clean composition, and authentic emotion. Be sure to ask your photographer for a mix of candid and posed shots. While artistic motion blur is fun, you’ll also want some crisp, classic portraits to frame.

#03: Statement Aisles and Ceremony Backdrops

Many couples are transforming their ceremony spaces into works of art. From asymmetrical floral installations to mirrored aisles and sculptural backdrops, the ceremony setup is having a serious moment. Choose materials and shapes that complement your overall aesthetic. Stick with a cohesive color palette that reflects your style rather than what’s “in.” Organic shapes, natural textures, and soft florals tend to age better than bold colors or overly thematic pieces. Let the backdrop enhance, not distract from, the most important thing: the moment you say "I do."

#04:  Non-Traditional Bridal Fashion

Brides are ditching tradition and opting for second looks, short dresses, jumpsuits, colorful gowns, and unique accessories. Grooms are experimenting with bold suits, mixed textures, and custom tailoring. Choose fashion forward looks that still feel true to your personal style. If you love a short or colorful dress, consider changing into it for your reception. For ceremony looks, lean into clean lines, high quality fabrics, and flattering silhouettes. Think about how your outfit will look in photos decades from now. Your future self will thank you for choosing style over gimmick.

#05: Sustainable Celebrations

More couples are planning eco-conscious weddings, think thrifted decor, locally sourced florals, plant-based menus, and digital invitations. Sustainability is always in style. The key is to make thoughtful choices that don’t sacrifice beauty or experience. Use potted plants instead of cut flowers, rent tableware instead of buying disposables, and gift guests something meaningful and reusable. Partner with vendors who value sustainability as much as you do. Their experience can help you create a celebration that’s both beautiful and responsible.

#06: Color-Forward Palettes

Neutrals are making room for color, bold palettes, monochromatic tablescapes, and unexpected combinations are taking over Pinterest boards and real weddings alike. Choose colors that have a personal connection, your favorite shades, meaningful hues from your culture, or tones that reflect the season and venue. Use color intentionally! We love a bold bouquet or a vibrant tablescape that can make a big impact without overwhelming the whole design. Balance bold hues with neutral anchors like ivory, taupe, or soft metallics to keep things grounded.

#07: Interactive Guest Experiences

Couples are moving beyond traditional entertainment and including unique guest experiences like build-your-own cocktail bars, live painters, audio guest books, mobile tattoo stations, and personalized favors. Choose interactive elements that add meaning, not just novelty. A live painter capturing your ceremony or a guest book filled with voice messages can become a cherished heirloom. Just make sure any experience reflects your personality, not just the latest social media trend. Be sure to avoid cluttering the event with too many “activities.” Choose one or two experiences that elevate your guest’s enjoyment without pulling focus from your love story.

#08: Minimalist Invitations with a Modern Twist

Imagine this - clean lines, textured paper, modern typography, and neutral tones are dominating stationery suites. Some couples are even going fully digital. Even minimalist invitations can stand the test of time when they’re well-designed and printed on high-quality paper. If you go digital, consider creating a keepsake print version to hold onto. And if you want, include a personal touch. We love seeing custom monograms, a watercolor of your venue, or a heartfelt message, so your invite feels like a true reflection of your relationship.

#09: Unplugged Ceremonies

More couples are asking guests to put phones away during the ceremony, creating a more present and connected atmosphere. In our opinion, this trend will never go out of style. A phone free ceremony encourages mindfulness and ensures your photographer gets clean, unobstructed shots. It also creates a sense of intimacy. Communicate your unplugged request kindly with signage or a note in the program. Ensure you lead by example, make sure your officiant and wedding party are also present and device free during key moments.

#10: Post-Wedding After Parties

The celebration doesn’t stop after the reception. More couples are planning late-night after parties with outfit changes, casual food (hello, fries and pizza), and a more relaxed vibe. If you’re opting for this route, keep the after party intimate and personal. Choose a setting that reflects your style, whether it’s a candlelit lounge, a hotel rooftop, or even a backyard. Swap the formalwear for something fun but elegant, and curate a playlist that feels like you and your partner. Always make it an optional event so guests can choose to rest or rally, no pressure, just pure fun.

Wedding trends are a great source of inspiration, but the most memorable celebrations are the ones that feel personal and true to who you are as a couple. By blending modern ideas with intentional design, quality materials, and authentic emotion, you can create a wedding that feels fresh today, and just as beautiful 30 years from now. 

So embrace the trends you love, skip the ones that don’t speak to you, and always come back to the heart of it…  two people in love, celebrating something timeless. 

Planning a Wedding in a Non-Traditional Venue? Read This First!

More and more couples are ditching the ballroom and thinking outside the box when it comes to wedding venues. From rustic barns and art galleries to greenhouses, industrial warehouses, mountaintops, and backyards; non-traditional wedding venues offer one major perk - personality!

But planning a wedding in a unique space comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike traditional venues that are designed specifically for weddings, alternative locations often lack built in amenities, require more logistical planning, and may surprise you with hidden costs. If you’re planning to tie the knot somewhere unexpected, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make it stunning, seamless, and stress free.

#01: Ask the Right Questions Upfront

Before you fall in love with a unique space, ask a few key questions that will help you understand what you're working with:

  • Is the venue licensed for events or weddings?

  • Are there any permits required for hosting a private event?

  • What’s the maximum guest capacity?

  • Is there parking or access for transportation services?

  • Does the venue have restrooms—or will you need to rent them?

  • Is there electricity and running water?

  • Can you bring in your own vendors?

While a dreamy open field might make a beautiful ceremony spot, but without power, lighting, or shelter, it may require a much bigger investment than you think. Get the full picture and all the information before you sign anything.

#02: Understand What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Traditional venues often include things like tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and an on-site coordinator. Non-traditional spaces usually don’t. You’ll need to make a list of what’s provided and what you’ll need to rent or supply yourself. This might include:

  • Tables and chairs

  • Restroom trailers

  • Lighting (especially if your event goes into the evening)

  • Power generators

  • Heating or cooling elements (fans, tents, heaters, etc.)

  • Tent rental (for weather backup)

  • Trash and recycling services

  • Insurance and security

Once you tally up these rentals, that "budget friendly" space may start to stretch your original plan. But with the right preparation, it can still be well worth it.

#03: Check for Permits and Legal Requirements

If you’re getting married in a public park, private home, or open space, you may need special permits, especially for amplified music, alcohol service, or large gatherings. You’ll need to check with the city’s event department, the property owner or management for their requirements, and your vendors. Especially catering and beverages. These vendors may require special permissions or liability coverage. 

You’ll also want to secure event insurance, most rental companies and property owners require it, and it protects you in case of unexpected issues like weather damage, injuries, or vendor mishaps.

#04: Plan for Logistics Like a Pro

The less traditional your venue, the more planning you’ll need to make it functional. Think through the full guest experience, from arrival to last dance, and then plan accordingly. We recommend you consider a few things: 

  • Transportation: Is the venue easy to find? Will guests need a shuttle or car service?

  • Accessibility: Can elderly guests or those with mobility needs easily reach the site?

  • Weather: Do you have a plan for rain, wind, or extreme heat/cold?

  • Noise Ordinances: Some areas have strict sound restrictions, especially outdoors.

  • Lighting: Will you need additional lighting for paths, parking, or outdoor areas after dark?

Thinking these through, will avoid any chaos in the future. 

#05: Work with Vendors Experienced in Non-Traditional Weddings

Planning a wedding in an unconventional space requires a team that’s flexible, creative, and experienced. Not all vendors are comfortable working outside the standard venue format, so it’s important to hire pros who know how to adapt. When interviewing vendors it’s okay to ask if they’ve worked in a similar type of venue before. Or, what they need to do their job successfully in a space like you’ve booked. We recommend you ask your vendors to visit the venue in advance to allow them to visualize the space and determine what they need to succeed. 

From caterers to florists to rental companies, vendors with experience in raw spaces will anticipate challenges and come prepared.

#06: Build Extra Time into Your Setup and Breakdown

Unlike traditional venues where setup and teardown times are often tightly scheduled, non-traditional venues can vary widely in how much time you’ll have on site. In some cases, you may need to bring in all rentals and vendors early in the morning, or even the day before. In others, you may have to clear everything out the same night. You’ll definitely need to plan for longer unloading and clearing out times. Also, you’ll need to consider and coordinate between multiple vendors arriving at different times. Ensure you have extra hands to help with setup and clean up or, hire a wedding professional to do it. 

A day of coordinator or wedding planning team is especially valuable for these types of venues. They can manage vendor logistics, keep everything on schedule, and troubleshoot unexpected issues so you don’t have to. And if you’re on the fence – we’ve got a blog for that! 

#07: Don’t Skip the Comfort Details

One of the challenges of a non-traditional venue is making it feel warm, welcoming, and guest friendly. The key is to think of comfort as part of the decor. Keeping your guests comfortable is key at any event. But non-traditional venues may have different challenges. You may need additional signage to help your guests find the ceremony and reception location. Create a thoughtful restroom set up, including mirrors and necessities. Consider a hydration station, especially if the venue is outside. And provide blankets for chilly evenings or fans for warm guests to keep their temp regulated. 

These small touches will elevate the experience and make guests feel taken care of, even in a raw space.

#08: Design with the Space in Mind

One of the biggest perks of a non-traditional venue is the opportunity to design a space that feels unique to you. Embrace what makes the venue special! Whether it’s a mountain view, exposed brick, vintage furniture, or a dramatic tree canopy, and let your style enhance it rather than cover it up. Some design tips:

  • Use lighting to create atmosphere without overwhelming the natural charm

  • Let the venue’s architecture or landscape guide your color palette

  • Keep decor intentional and minimal where the space speaks for itself

  • Layer textures and natural elements for warmth and dimension

Non-traditional venues are blank canvases, but that doesn’t mean you have to overfill them. Always remember that sometimes less is more.

#09: Budget for the Unexpected

With unique venues come unique surprises, both good and bad. Be sure to build a buffer into your budget for unexpected costs like permit fees, extra rentals, weather related equipment, last minute transportation solutions, and clean up crews with trash disposal. 

Having a contingency fund or creating room in the budget will allow you to handle any curveballs with confidence instead of stress.

#10: Stay True to You

The best part of choosing a non-traditional venue is that it gives you full creative freedom to design a day that feels like you. Absolutely no cookie cutter packages. No one size fits all rules.

Whether you’re getting married on a rooftop, in an artist’s loft, or in your own backyard, the most important thing is that your celebration feels like your story. Don’t worry about what’s expected. Focus on what feels personal, meaningful, and memorable, for you and your guests.

Planning a wedding in a non-traditional venue takes more effort than booking a traditional ballroom, but the payoff is a one of a kind experience your guests will never forget. With the right team, thoughtful planning, and a little flexibility, you can turn any space into the perfect setting for your love story. So dream big, get creative, and remember – there’s no “right” way to celebrate your wedding. Choose the way that feels right to you and your partner.