Top 10 Regrets of Couples at Their Wedding (And How to Avoid Them)
Weddings are magical — filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. But ask any married couple, and chances are, they’ll tell you the same thing: “We wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe a few things.”
Whether it’s skipping video, letting others influence decisions, or simply rushing through the day, these are the top 10 regrets couples have at their wedding. The good news? You can learn from them and make sure your day feels as meaningful as it looks.
As experienced wedding videographers, we’ve heard nearly every wedding day “if only…” story. So we’re sharing the most common regrets — and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Not Hiring a Professional Wedding Videographer
🎥 The #1 regret couples share with us? “We wish we had a video.”
This isn’t just a plug — it’s the truth. So many couples prioritise photography and skip videography, only to later realise the emotion, movement, and sound of the day can’t be captured in stills alone. Think of your vows. Your dad’s speech. The laughter during your first dance. These are fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments. And once they’re gone — they’re gone.
A cinematic wedding film allows you to relive the day, not just remember it. It’s a chance to see the moments you missed, hear the words again, and feel every emotion all over.
Don’t let this be your biggest wedding regret - Explore our wedding films →
2. Not Hiring a Professional DJ or MC
A Spotify playlist can’t hype a crowd or create a seamless experience. A good DJ or MC does more than play songs — they set the tone, keep the energy up, and make transitions feel effortless. Couples often regret going the budget route here. An awkward or quiet reception kills the mood. And a mic that keeps cutting out during speeches? Cringe-worthy.
Your entertainment is the heartbeat of the celebration. Invest in someone who knows how to read a room and keep the dance floor alive.
3. Skipping or Rushing the First Dance
Some couples feel awkward about dancing in front of everyone and decide to skip this tradition. Others regret not practicing or choosing a song that didn’t feel personal.
Here’s what many couples realise later: The first dance is one of the few slow, intimate moments you’ll share on the day. You don’t need to be a dancer. You just need to be present with each other. And trust us — this moment looks absolutely magical in motion.
4. Following Traditions That Didn’t Feel Right
From bouquet tosses to cake cuttings and receiving lines, many couples feel pressured to do what’s “expected.” But afterwards? One of the biggest bride’s wedding regrets is doing things that didn’t reflect them.
Your wedding should be about you two — your story, your style, your priorities. Feel like skipping the cake? Do it. Want to walk down the aisle together? Go for it.
The only rule is this: It’s your day. Do what feels right.
5. Spending Too Much Time on Formalities
From endless photo groupings to tightly packed timelines, it’s easy to get caught up in the schedule and miss the experience of your own wedding.
We hear it all the time: “We hardly had time to breathe or enjoy the moment.”
The best memories often come from the unscripted, in-between times — a quiet minute after the ceremony, a stolen kiss before the reception. Build breathing room into your timeline so you can actually be there.
6. Not Investing in a Photographer and Videographer Team
You’ll have hundreds of moments throughout the day — but only a handful that will be remembered clearly. The rest? They’ll fade.
This is where visual storytelling matters. A photo can freeze a moment. A video lets you relive the emotion — the quiver in your voice during vows, the nervous laughter, the cheers, the tears.
Hiring professionals who work well together ensures every angle is covered without stepping on toes — and that the final result feels cohesive, authentic, and beautiful.
7. Letting Other People Influence Their Choices
Well-meaning parents. Friends with strong opinions. Strangers on Pinterest. It’s easy to feel pressured into choices that aren’t truly yours.
Later, many couples say: “We wish we had stood our ground.”
Remember: This is your love story. If a decision doesn’t feel like a “yes” in your gut — it’s a no. Stay true to what matters most to you two.
8. Forgetting to Eat (or Hydrate!)
Sounds simple, but it’s a top 10 wedding day regret. Between the nerves, excitement, and a busy timeline, many couples forget to eat or drink water — leading to headaches, fatigue, or worse.
Pro tip: Have a designated “food angel” (friend or coordinator) who makes sure you eat during cocktail hour and keeps a bottle of water nearby all day.
9. Not Doing a First Look (or Taking a Moment Alone)
Some couples skip the first look to keep things traditional — only to regret missing a quiet moment together before the chaos begins.
Others wish they had taken 10 minutes post-ceremony to just be alone — no camera, no guests, just soaking in the reality of what just happened.
These are powerful, intimate moments that ground you. And yes, they can make for stunning footage too — but even more, they’re good for your heart.
10. Not Slowing Down to Be Present
Ask any married couple: the day flies by. Like, blink-and-it’s-over fast.
The biggest mistake people say they made at their wedding? Letting it rush past them without taking it in.
Pause. Look around. Hold hands. Take a breath. Whether it’s during vows or at sunset, find moments to be still, together. Your mind will thank you — and so will your memory.
💡 How to Avoid the Most Common Wedding Regrets
Prioritise experience over expectations.
Choose vendors who align with your values and vibe.
Build buffer time into your schedule.
Hire professionals you trust — especially for photos and video.
Make time for each other.
Let go of perfection.
Be present.
🎬 Capture It All — So You Can Relive It Forever
You’re planning one of the most emotional, beautiful, joy-filled days of your life. Don’t let it become a blur.
At XIV Creative, we specialise in cinematic wedding films that tell your story with heart. From the quietest moments to the loudest celebrations, we preserve the emotions you’ll want to feel again and again.
📍 Available Australia wide - based in Brisbane.