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We all learn from our mistakes, but you probably don't want to test that theory on your wedding day. After all, you want your wedding day to go off without a hitch. So, to ensure everything goes just as you envisioned it, we asked real brides to reveal their biggest wedding planning regret. From not speaking up to skimping on their cake budget, take a tip or two (or seven!) from these fellow ladies who have already walked down the aisle and said "I do."
Not specifying who's invited on the RSVP card
"Although it was written on the envelope, we had numerous people add on significant others we didn't even know existed and children that we've never met before. My parents wouldn't let us un-invite them because they thought this was rude." —Bridget, 29
Doing without a wedding planner
"My biggest regret is not listening to my instincts to hire a wedding planner. Don't get me wrong, my wedding was beautiful, but being a perfectionist, there were minor details that were missing. For example, the music I walked down the aisle to wasn't cued on time. I would encourage brides to a least get a day-of planner who can make sure last minute things are handled properly." —Whitney, 32
Letting the wedding planner do it all
"I hired a wedding planner, who was wonderful, but I just let her do most of it and didn't keep track and it ended up that certain things weren't the way I wanted them. I think it's crucial to hire a planner if you have time constraints. However, if the event side of your wedding matters to you, you also have to make sure that the lines of communication are open and that your hands are in that pie. If you don't get involved and check in on things that are important to you, you could end up disappointed." —Laura, 26
Trying to please everyone else
"I was so worried about doing things the way our parents wanted them done that I didn't speak up and really explain the things that were important to me. I ended up with a beautiful wedding that didn't feel authentic to me. Looking back, I wish our wedding reflected mine and my husband's personalities and not our parents'." —Kim, 33
Not hiring a videographer
"We splurged on a top-notch photographer and opted not to hire a videographer for budget concerns. After the once in a lifetime night was over though, I was so sad to know that I wouldn't have the opportunity to relive any of those special moments again. I now recommend to everyone I know to make sure they somehow capture some of the event via video." —Nicole, 32
Picking a less-than-stellar DJ
"I got married in 1992, and I still regret that I didn't spend more time picking out the music for my wedding. We hired a DJ at the last minute. He lied and said he had all the songs that we wanted played, and we never verified it. I walked down the aisle to a song that I wasn't particular about. He basically played whatever he wanted to play. I still cringe a little when I watch our wedding video." —Tangela, 43
Trying to save money on the cake
"We hired an inexperienced baker and wound up with a cake that was entirely too small for my 300+ guests. It was not only too small; it was awful! Dry, bland, and gritty. Word to the wise, don't skimp on the cake budget. Go with a baker who knows what they are doing. It's worth every penny!" —Heidi, 38