15 Biggest Regrets Brides Have About Their Wedding Day - And How To Avoid Them
15 Biggest Regrets Brides Have About Their Wedding Day
(And How You Can Avoid Them)
By Bridal Alchemy
Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life — a celebration of love, commitment, and new beginnings. But with so much pressure to make everything perfect, it's easy to overlook small details that may later become big regrets.
At Bridal Alchemy, we've worked with hundreds of brides and heard their stories. Here are the top 15 most common wedding day regrets — and how you can sidestep them for a day that’s truly magical and stress-free.
1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer
Many brides regret trying to save money by hiring an amateur or relying on a friend. Your wedding photos are your forever memories — investing in a skilled photographer is worth every cent.
2. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
Painful feet can ruin your ability to enjoy your day. Brides often say they wish they'd chosen style and comfort — or at least brought a second pair for dancing.
3. Neglecting to Eat or Stay Hydrated
It’s shockingly common for brides to forget to eat. Between nerves, makeup, and tight schedules, meals get skipped — leaving them feeling faint or irritable. Plan snack breaks!
4. Not Taking a Moment to Soak It All In
The day flies by in a blur. Many brides say they wish they'd paused, breathed deeply, and taken mental snapshots to remember the moment.
5. Letting Others Control Their Vision
From pushy relatives to overbearing planners, many brides regret not standing firm on their own ideas. It’s your wedding. Your vision matters most.
6. Skipping a Hair and Makeup Trial
Some brides say they didn’t feel like themselves, or worse — hated their look. Always do a trial to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready.
7. Not Budgeting for Alterations
Many brides underestimate the importance of proper dress alterations. A gown should fit you perfectly. Set aside time and budget to tailor it with care.
(At Bridal Alchemy, we offer expert alterations in-house — because no two brides are the same.)
8. Overplanning the Timeline
A jam-packed schedule can leave no room for spontaneity or mishaps. Build in buffer time to breathe and be present.
9. Letting Stress Take Over
Looking back, many brides say they regret letting small things ruin their mood. Delegate tasks, hire a coordinator, and focus on the joy, not the logistics.
10. Not Capturing Video
Photos are timeless, but nothing captures vows, toasts, and laughter like a video. Brides often wish they'd hired a videographer — even a simple one.
11. Missing Moments with Guests
It's easy to get caught up in formalities and miss quality time with guests. Schedule time for mingling — especially with those who traveled far.
12. Not Practicing Walking in the Dress
Walking in heels, on grass, in a long train — it’s harder than it looks. Practice walking, sitting, and dancing in your dress before the big day.
13. Overdoing DIY Projects
Pinterest is inspiring, but DIY can be exhausting and stressful. Brides often regret overcommitting to handmade details they didn't have time to finish.
14. Forgetting to Pack an Emergency Kit
Think fashion tape, stain remover, safety pins, breath mints, and a mini sewing kit. You may not need it — but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
15. Worrying About Pleasing Everyone
Trying to make every guest happy can lead to disappointment. Brides who focused on their love story walked away with no regrets.
Final Thoughts
No wedding is “perfect” — but it can be beautiful, personal, and deeply memorable when you plan with intention. At Bridal Alchemy, we’re here to help you make confident decisions that feel aligned with who you are.
Let us take the stress out of one of the biggest decisions you’ll make — your wedding dress. Visit our studio in Johannesburg North, and let’s create something that leaves no room for regrets.