It is not uncommon for brides, after celebrating their exquisite weddings, to share their reflections in forums dedicated to bridal discussions, revealing what they might have done differently on their special day. In this insightful post, I will share some of the most common and intriguing observations from brides, highlighting mistakes that could have been easily avoided had they known beforehand during their wedding preparations. This collection of valuable insights aims to guide future couples in planning their dream weddings with grace and finesse.

By thoughtfully considering these common pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable wedding experience, allowing you to fully embrace the joy of your special day.


  • Lack of a specific plan: the absence of a well-defined plan led to unnecessary confusion and stress on the wedding day.
  • Excessive distances between venues: having the ceremony, photo shoot, and reception in locations more than 100 kilometers apart caused significant exhaustion and logistical stress, impacting the overall experience.
  • Coordination services on the day: many brides expressed a desire for professional coordination services, as organizing everything themselves made it difficult to relax and fully enjoy the celebration. Friends and relatives they had hoped would assist were overwhelmed with additional tasks, leaving the couple feeling uneasy. They never anticipated that seemingly minor details, such as picking up the bouquet from the florist or directing guests to the reception area, could throw them off balance. As a photographer who has witnessed numerous weddings, I wholeheartedly agree that hiring coordination services for the wedding day is an excellent choice for couples.
  • Hiring a wedding planner or consultation: many brides regretted not securing a wedding planner or at least a consultation to help manage the myriad of details involved in planning a wedding.
  • Trial makeup and hair: failing to have a trial run for their makeup and hairstyle resulted in them facing unexpected surprises on their wedding day, rather than achieving the polished look they desired.
  • Pre-wedding photoshoot: scheduling a pre-wedding photoshoot in conjunction with the trial hair and makeup offered an invaluable opportunity to see how they would look in photos.
  • Decoration services: The time spent decorating the venue took longer than anticipated and proved to be exhausting, leaving the couple wanting to relax the night before the wedding. Moreover, DIY decorations often resulted in higher costs and outcomes that differed from their initial Pinterest inspirations.
  • Choosing comfortable footwear: selecting shoes that were too tight or had high heels led to discomfort, so opting for stylish yet comfortable footwear—and bringing a backup pair—proved to be a wise choice.
A couple dressed elegantly in black tie and a white gown stand near a sunny window in an ornate room.
A lively group of wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on a sunny outdoor occasion.
  • Staying hydrated and well-fed: enjoying hearty lunches and staying hydrated with water on hand was crucial, as hunger and thirst detracted from their ability to relish the festivities.
  • Be sure to keep handy some medication for headaches, just in case. Consider choosing a more comfortable dress; many brides have noted that their gowns were often too long, which hindered their ability to move freely, photograph well, and dance with ease. Those with long trains reported that they not only got soiled but also damaged, leading to deductions from their deposits by rental shops.
  • Take the time to choose your photographers carefully. Delve deeper into their portfolios, communication styles, and delivery timelines, and consider the feedback you receive. Moreover, be sure to highlight any must-have shots, such as those with family members or special friends, ensuring that you capture not just the “photogenic guests” but everyone important to you. Interestingly, many brides mentioned they wished they’d taken more selfies with all their guests and captured spontaneous moments with their phones.
  • Another point of significance is that several brides felt the absence of professionally captured moments from the evening festivities, leading them to consider hiring a photographer for a longer duration. They expressed the desire to balance time spent on couple photos and ensuring they could celebrate and engage with their guests fully.
Beautiful maroon and orange flower petals in a dark bowl with wooden cocktail sticks arranged on a black surface.
Close-up view of feet on grass with discarded white shoes, contrasting black and white formal attire visible.
  • Most brides felt a lack of video footage in retrospect, prompting them to hire not only a photographer but also a videographer to ensure that essential moments—such as the vows, the first dance, and touching speeches from parents and grandparents—were all beautifully documented.
  • Be discerning about your guest list, and don’t feel pressured by external advice.
  • Lastly, try not to stress about a little rain; embrace the joy of your wedding day, surrounded by loved ones and united in marriage. After all, stunning photos can come from a rainy day! A number of brides expressed disappointment with their cake’s taste and appearance, highlighting the importance of tasting before making a selection.


Happy planning!

Warm regards, Kristina Chéri