*Updated February 2026*
Planning a wedding? You’re about to receive advice from every direction — your mum, your best mate’s cousin, that random person in the Facebook group who got married in 2003. Here’s the thing: I’ve photographed over 200 weddings. I’ve seen what couples wish they’d done differently, and what they’re genuinely thrilled about six months later when the dust settles. So without further ado and in no particular order, here are the 11 biggest wedding planning regrets, and how to avoid them:
1. Not wearing comfy shoes
Yes, your feet may look a dream in those towering, bejewelled heels, but what happens when the beat drops and it’s time to party? Pack a pair of flats = job done. Even better, pack a shed load of them and your guests will thank you later!
2. Not setting a budget (and sticking to it)
Budgeting will help to avoid overspending, simple as. Although you’re most likely going to overspend anyway, budgeting will help you eliminate all those unnecessary wedding accessories you definitely don’t need. Who needs a 6-tier wedding cake with edible gold roses anyways?
The trick is to prioritise the things that matter to you. If you’re food obsessed, spend there. If you’ll look at your photos every day for the next 40 years, invest in your photographer. If floral installations make your heart sing, go for it. Just don’t blow the budget on things you think you should have.
3. Not taking time out
I’m a big advocate of couples taking 10 minutes alone together. As a documentary wedding photographer who doesn’t pose couples, creating some alone time with your new spouse allows me to capture the two of you together, freshly married and away from guests. Take a step back to take it all in before the rest of the day flies by in a flash.
This isn’t just for photos, it’s for you. The day goes so fast. Ten minutes to look each other in the eye, breathe, and go “bloody hell, we just got married” is genuinely one of the best decisions you can make.
4. Missing out on a kick-ass photographer
In my opinion, this is the most important regret you need to avoid. Months and years after the fact, there’s nothing more special than flicking through shots where you look blissfully happy and pretty gorgeous too.
Your photos will only ever be as good as the person behind the camera. My overwhelming advice is to find a photographer that you don’t just like (like isn’t good enough for your day!) but that you have FALLEN in LOVE with. Invest in your wedding photography wisely as it’s the only thing that will keep the memories alive.
Take the time to research photographers and choose the very best you can afford. Couples that book me place photography as one of, if not THE most important wedding day investment. [Here are the questions you should be asking]
5. Not making a speech
If you really have the urge to get up and address the masses, don’t hold back, it’s your day! Why be old-fashioned and let the men do all the talking anyways?
I’ve photographed bride speeches that brought the house down. Father-of-the-groom speeches. Best woman speeches. Maid of honour speeches that were funnier than the best man’s. If you want to say something, say it. You’ll regret staying silent more than you’ll regret a slightly wobbly delivery.
And here’s a secret from behind the camera: the speeches where someone’s a bit nervous and genuinely emotional? Those are the ones that make everyone cry in the best possible way.
6. Not trusting your photographer
This one is paramount to getting the very best wedding photos. You’re super excited about your wedding photos and perhaps you’ve accumulated hours eyeballing styled shoots on the web and have a collection of beautifully curated Pinterest boards. Getting inspired this way does have its uses but can be totally detrimental to getting the best images from your wedding day. Your wedding is unique to YOU, and your photographer’s job is to capture that uniqueness, not to recreate images you’ve seen online. Trust your photographer to get the best images for you. Allow them free reign to do their job and to be creative and in return you’ll be rewarded.
7. Not being ruthless with the guest list
We all know that the guest list can cause murders, but at the end of the day, it’s your wedding. Invite the people that will make you genuinely smile when you see them in the crowd.
If you’re agonising over whether to invite someone, that’s probably your answer. Your wedding isn’t a favour you’re doing for other people, it’s a day you’re creating for yourself. Be ruthless. You’ll thank yourself when you look around the room and see nothing but people you genuinely adore.
8. Worrying about the weather
We’re in the UK. This means that it could snow in July. If it’s blowing a gale and you’re in a marquee in the middle of a field with no heating, this could put a dampener on your spirits yes, but we’re British damn it.
Tread cautiously with outdoor weddings and always have a plan B. That’s all you can do, really. Worrying won’t help. Allow your wedding day to simply be what it is, even if that means crappy weather. Whatever the weather I can guarantee you amazing images. Some of my favourite photos have been taken in torrential rain, there’s something brilliantly British about dancing in a downpour.
9. Not eating enough on the day
Let’s expand this beyond breakfast. Yes, have breakfast, nobody wants to spoil their vows with a rumbling tummy. For the love of all things holy, at least have a slice of toast.
But here’s what couples don’t realise: you’ll barely touch your wedding meal. You’ll be pulled in every direction, hugging relatives, taking photos, chatting to guests. Suddenly it’s 9pm and you’ve had three canapés and a forkful of fish.
My advice? Stash snacks in the bridal suite. Ask your venue to save you a plate of food. Eat the canapés. Have breakfast, lunch if you can manage it, and make your other half promise to physically put food in your hand during the reception.
10. Not having an unplugged ceremony
Picture this: you’re walking down the aisle, you’re nervous and emotional and trying to take it all in, and all you can see is a sea of phones and iPads blocking your view of the people you actually invited.
Consider asking your celebrant to request that guests put devices away during the ceremony. A simple “Please be fully present, put your phones away and let our photographer capture this moment” does wonders.
You’ve hired a professional for a reason. Let them do their job. Your guests will be more present, your photos will be better (no arms and phones blocking the shot), and Auntie Carol can still get her photos from your online gallery afterwards.
Trust me on this one. I’ve seen the difference and it’s significant.
11. Not reigning in the mother in law (or well meaning relatives)
You don’t have to invite people you’ve never met, invest in thousands of pounds worth of floral displays, or dress your bridal party in lavender if you don’t want to. Together we will stand firm!
Here’s the diplomatic approach: listen to the suggestion, thank them for their input, then do exactly what you want. “That’s a lovely idea, we’ll think about it” is your friend. You don’t need to justify your choices or get into debates about whether champagne saucers are classier than flutes.
Your wedding, your rules. If someone’s contributing financially and that comes with strings attached, have an honest conversation early about what decisions you’re comfortable sharing and which ones are non-negotiable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the most common wedding regret?
Hands down, it’s not investing enough in photography. I’ve never met a couple who regretted spending on their photographer, but I’ve met plenty who wish they’d prioritised it more. Your photos are the only thing that lasts beyond the day itself.
Should I worry about rain on my wedding day?
Not really, no. Have a plan B if you’re doing an outdoor ceremony, but beyond that? Let it go. I’ve shot stunning weddings in torrential rain. The British spirit of “sod it, we’re having fun anyway” makes for brilliant photos. Plus, umbrellas and wellies make for cracking shots.
How do I choose the right wedding photographer?
Find someone whose work you absolutely love, not just like. Look for a style that matches your vibe, if you hate posed photos, don’t book a formal photographer. Meet them (video call counts), make sure you gel, and trust your gut. Chemistry matters. You’re spending 10+ hours with this person on one of the biggest days of your life. [Here’s a full list of questions to ask your photographer]
What should I eat on my wedding day?
Breakfast: something substantial. Lunch: if you can manage it. During the reception: everything. Seriously, ask your venue to save you a plate because you won’t eat during the meal service. Stash snacks. Eat the canapés. Don’t be the couple who faints during speeches because you’ve had nothing but champagne since 10am.
Should I have an unplugged ceremony?
Yes. Let your guests be present. You’ve hired a professional photographer, trust them to capture the moment. Your guests can get photos from your gallery afterwards, but they can’t recreate the experience of actually watching you get married instead of watching it through a screen.
Is it worth being ruthless with the guest list?
Absolutely. This is your day and your budget. Invite people who make you happy, not people you feel obligated to include. If you’re on the fence about someone, that’s probably your answer.
Finally… If you’re getting married, please don’t emerge the other side with wedding day regrets! REMEMBER: ABOVE ALL ELSE, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT.
Looking for a documentary wedding photographer? Love the images you see here? Head to the contact page to check my availability.
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