What Every Bride Wishes She Did Differently
- thalliiak
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
No matter how dreamy the day, most brides look back on their wedding with at least one “I wish I’d…” moment. Whether it’s something they forgot, something they overthought, or something they didn’t prioritise, hindsight really is 20/20 when it comes to planning a wedding.
So if you’re in the middle of making decisions, big or small, here’s a round-up of the most common pieces of bride advice we hear again and again. Consider this your collection of real wedding tips — thoughtful insights from brides who’ve already walked the aisle.
I Wish I Hadn’t Tried to Please Everyone
When you're planning a wedding, it can feel like you're trying to keep everyone happy — your family, your in-laws, your friends. But this day is about you and your partner. Many brides reflect that they compromised too much or overthought other people’s preferences. The takeaway? Be respectful, yes, but stay true to what feels right for you both. You’ll thank yourself later.
I Wish I’d Hired a Wedding Planner
Whether it’s full-service support or a month-of coordinator, many brides say they underestimated the stress of planning alone. A good planner doesn’t just sort logistics — they create space for you to actually enjoy your engagement and your big day. From vendor wrangling to timeline management, it’s the kind of support you don’t know you need until it’s too late.
Looking for more guidance? Check out our post on What a Wedding Planner Actually Does
I Wish I’d Taken a Moment to Breathe
It’s so easy to rush from one thing to the next — getting ready, taking photos, greeting guests, dancing. Several brides say they never paused to take it all in. Schedule time for a quiet moment with your partner. Look around. Take a breath. This is your day, and it deserves to be felt — not just remembered through photos.
I Wish I Hadn’t Worried So Much About the Weather (or the Seating Plan, or the Cake)
Every bride has that one thing they obsessed over. Spoiler alert: it rarely matters in the end. The weather will do what it does. The seating plan won’t ruin the vibe. And if the cake’s slightly wonky, no one will notice. Let go of perfection and focus on joy — your guests will feel the difference.
I Wish I’d Worn Something More Comfortable
Yes, that second outfit or those backup sandals might feel unnecessary — until you're four hours into dancing and your feet are on fire. Comfort is elegance. Many brides now opt for a second look for the reception or make sure their dress and shoes feel as good as they look. You deserve to feel like your best self, all day long.
I Wish I’d Let Go of the Timeline a Bit
The most beautiful moments tend to be unplanned — a teary-eyed speech, a spontaneous dance, a long hug with your mum. Don’t get so caught up in keeping the day ‘on time’ that you miss the magic. Your timeline should guide the day, not control it.
I Wish I’d Eaten More
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many brides admit they barely ate on their wedding day. Whether it’s nerves or constant distractions, food gets forgotten — and trust us, you’ll feel it later. Ask your planner or bridal party to bring you a plate. And yes, that includes cake.
I Wish I’d Trusted Myself More
From dress choices to décor decisions, many brides say they second-guessed themselves too much. If you love something, trust it. Your gut instinct knows what feels right — and your wedding should reflect you. Not Pinterest. Not tradition. You.
Final Thoughts
Weddings are beautiful, emotional, sometimes chaotic — and always deeply personal. You can’t control everything, but you can learn from those who’ve gone before you.
So if you're feeling the pressure, pause. Breathe. Focus on what matters. These real wedding tips are just that — reminders from one bride to another, that it's okay to do things your own way.
Because the best kind of wedding? One that feels like you.
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