Wedding planning is a lot… You’re constantly facing new decisions, and these decisions have so many factors (cost, timing, your happiness, happiness of your guests, etc.).
I have dug into various wedding-related social networking groups and rallied up 5 of the most common things that brides regret not doing at their wedding.
So, if you’re in the midst of your wedding planning, keep reading and make sure you give these 5 things a little extra thought before tossing them to the side.
#1… Not giving the photographer a must-have photo checklist
Your wedding photos are so important. Plus, you most likely end up spending a fortune on a wonderful photographer.
Not getting the fun photo of you and your partner walking down the aisle after the ceremony, or the sentimental photo of yourself with your grandparents, is a big deal.
Before the big day, send over a checklist to your photographer of any photos you absolutely can’t miss out on.
Consider the following:
- Front and back pictures of you (just you) in your wedding dress
- Group pictures if your bridal party, and 1 on 1 pictures of you with each one of them
- Locations at your venue that you want a picture near
- Special moments you want captured (dances, speeches, etc.)
- Anything else that you must-have photographed, or not photographed at your wedding
#2… Not wearing comfortable Wedding Shoes
Of course, you want the dreamy bridal heels you’ve been eyeing up for months now.
Just keep in mind that you will be in these shoes all day, and night long.
Can you do it? You don’t want to sacrifice dancing the night away because the blisters on your feet are killing your vibe.
Consider getting a second pair of shoes to switch into after the ceremony. There are loads of beautiful bridal flats that are both comfortable and stylish.
#3… Not making a bridal emergency kit
It’s important to look your best and feel your best on your wedding day. I’m sure you also want your bridal party and close family to feel this way too.
Bring an emergency kit (or ask you MOH to help put one together) that is filled with everything you just might need on your wedding day.
Here’s some great examples of what to stock in your kit:
- Bobby pins, hair ties, hairspray, curling iron
- Chapstick and lipstick
- Concealer and powder
- Blotting paper – we don’t want oily foreheads in pictures
- Tide-to-go
- Gum or mints
- Floss
- Advil, tums, eye drops
- Kleenex (lots of it)
- Phone charger
- Tampons
- Bottles of water
#4… Not hiring a videographer
I contemplated this one for a while, and I’m soooo glad that I hired a videographer.
Think of all the amazing moments that you can capture on video…
The happy tears you and your best friend share while getting ready. The tears your mom sheds while helping you into your dress. Your first look, or you walking down the aisle and the look on your partners face when they see you. All of the speeches. Your first dance and all of the other special dances.
Many couples watch their wedding video together on their anniversaries as a tradition.
(Tip: Ask your videographer if they supply both an edited highlight video of the entire day and also the raw footage with speeches etc.)
#5… Not spending some alone time with your partner
Unless you and your partner do a first look, you most likely won’t get much alone time, if any.
Many brides recommend putting aside 10-20 minutes after the ceremony, before dinner, or after your first dance to run away with your partner.
You will be so busy all day, having some time to sit and soak it all in with your newly wedded is important.
There are so many guests to talk to, so many things to do and keep on schedule throughout the day… You might realize the end of the night is near and you’ve barely been able to speak with your new husband or wife.
Go hide in a closet somewhere and get some quality 1 on 1 time that you’ll remember forever.
This one is a bonus…
My biggest regret from my wedding isn’t on this list, so I figured I’d quickly share mine – just in case it helps any of you!
Squishing too much into too little time.
From the time that speeches and dinner started until I finished my first dance, I felt like I was constantly being pulled in different directions.
We had many speeches (each groomsman decided to surprise us with lengthy and very un-prepared speeches, when we were only planning on hearing a speech from the best man).
During dinner, my photographer pulled me to do sunset photos outside. This isn’t on her! I understand that sunset photos need to be done at a certain time to get them just right. I just didn’t plan for it being in the middle of dinner.
Once I got back from sunset photos, my DJ was pulling me saying we’re behind schedule and dances need to start…
Basically, I crammed too many things into too little time. I barely got to eat any of my dinner.
The worst part… we purchased cupcakes for all of our guests, and spent a good chunk on a beautiful cake that was meant for the head table and all of our closest family.
Guess what? With all the craziness going on, not a single person, not even myself or my husband had a piece of this cake… not one single piece all night long. It was completely forgotten about.
Thanks for listening to my little vent sesh (lol).
Just remember to plan a schedule with the times that each “event” at your wedding with start and end – but add LOTS of wiggle room in between. Things will run behind schedule.