A San Diego wedding photographer’s honest guide to protecting your day, your memories, and your sanity.

Every year, newlyweds say the same thing:
“The day went by so fast… I wish we had focused on what actually mattered.”

After photographing luxury weddings across San Diego, Southern California, and destination locations, one pattern is consistent: regrets don’t come from not doing enough, they come from focusing on the wrong things.

Below are the 10 biggest wedding regrets real couples shared after their 2024–2025 weddings, plus exactly how to avoid them so you can look back on your day with zero “what ifs.”

1. Overthinking (or Overspending on) Party Favors

The regret:
Couples often spend weeks stressing, and thousands of dollars, over party favors that guests forget, leave behind, or never use. Many admit afterward they would have rather invested that time and money into the experience itself.

How to avoid it:
If the favor doesn’t feel like you, skip it. Luxury isn’t about quantity — it’s about intention.
Guests remember:

• How the day felt
• The energy of the room
• The moments you shared

Not a personalized trinket at their seat.

If you do want a favor, choose something experiential or edible, or let the wedding itself be the gift.

2. DIY Overload

The regret:
Hand-making decor, signage, favors, and florals sounds romantic, until you’re hot-gluing at midnight the week of your wedding.

How to avoid it:
Choose one meaningful DIY element. Everything else? Hire professionals. Your time is worth more than the money you think you’re saving.

3. Letting Outside Opinions Override Your Vision

The regret:
Couples who let family pressure dictate choices often say, “It didn’t feel like us.”

How to avoid it:
Take advice. But make decisions together. Your wedding should reflect your relationship — not a committee vote.

4. Skipping a Planner or Day-Of Coordinator

The regret:
Without a coordinator, couples end up managing timelines, vendors, and problems instead of being present.

How to avoid it:
Even if you plan everything yourself, hire at least a day-of coordinator. It’s one of the highest ROI decisions you can make.

5. Hiring a Photographer Friend Instead of a Professional

The regret:
Friends mean well — but lack backup gear, timeline experience, and pressure-tested skills.

How to avoid it:
Your photos are the only thing that lasts. A professional wedding photographer understands lighting, timelines, family dynamics, and how to deliver under pressure.

This is not where you cut corners.

6. Not Hiring a Videographer

The regret:
Photos capture moments. Video captures emotion.
Couples consistently say they regret not hearing their vows, toasts, and voices again.

How to avoid it:
Even a highlight film can preserve sound, movement, and energy that photos simply cannot.

7. Skipping Hair, Makeup, or Engagement Trials

The regret:
Uncertainty creates stress. Many couples wished they had tested looks or worked with their photographer beforehand.

How to avoid it:
Do a hair and makeup trial. Book an engagement session. It builds trust, confidence, and comfort in front of the camera — which leads to better wedding-day images.

8. Rushing the Timeline

The regret:
No time to breathe. No time for sunset photos. No buffer for delays.

How to avoid it:
Build margin into your timeline — especially for getting ready, portraits, and golden hour. The best photos happen when you’re not rushed.

9. Not Scheduling Private “Us” Time

The regret:
Some couples say they barely remember the ceremony because it felt overwhelming.

How to avoid it:
Plan a private moment — even 5 minutes — to breathe, hug, cry, and be present together.

These moments often become the most emotional images of the day.

10. Not Having an Unplugged Ceremony

The regret:
Guests holding phones block moments, distract the couple, and appear in key photos.

How to avoid it:
Ask your officiant to announce an unplugged ceremony. Your guests will still enjoy the moment, and your photos will be cleaner, more emotional, and timeless

BONUS REGRET: Forgetting to Eat or Drink

The regret:
Couples feel exhausted, lightheaded, or sick by the reception.

How to avoid it:
Schedule time to eat. Drink water. Pace alcohol. A clear mind equals better memories.

Your wedding day will move faster than you can imagine. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence.

The right planning, the right team, and the right photography ensure you don’t just have a wedding…
You remember how it felt.

If you’re planning a wedding and want a photo and video team who understands timing, emotion, and how to protect the experience, not interrupt it, we’d love to connect.

Inquire here to see if your date is available.