Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but that doesn’t mean that everything always goes smoothly and as planned. There are a number of common regrets that couples share on their wedding day, so we’re here to make sure you don’t make the same big mistakes on the day…

Choosing the wrong wedding outfits, wasting money on a rubbish tape and worrying too much beforehand are among Brits’ biggest wedding regrets, as is poor budgeting, not spending enough money on a decent photographer and opting for a free bar. Explore the list below and learn how not to make the same mistakes.

Top 40 Wedding Regrets From Real Couples

Research from Shawbrook Bank – which asked 2,000 brides and grooms about their top wedding regrets – shows that rising costs and cutbacks were among the top answers.

While almost four in 10 felt overwhelmed by the cost of their wedding, a fifth have had to make cuts due to rising costs. Honeymoons were the most common element in which couples saved money, with just under a third cutting back on a romantic getaway. Other cuts include reducing the number of wedding guests (26%), venue (24%) and decorations (23%).

Sally Conway, Head of Consumer Communications at Shawbrook Bank Personal Loans, said: “The wedding day is one of the most beautiful moments in a couple’s life – but also one of the most expensive.

“That’s why it’s important to set aside plenty of time to make it a personal and financial success.

“Planning ahead of time and using budgeting tips to manage the various expenses is one way to help couples get one step closer to their dream day.”

More than a third regret the expenses, with 50% having received financial support from their family. While 33% accepted help from their partner’s family, 25% used savings and 12% took out a personal loan.

Wedding planner Rianna Elizabeth added, “While the early stages of planning can feel overwhelming, the good news is that there are techniques and ways to get your wedding planning moving in the right direction.

“Set a schedule and running order so you stay on track leading up to your big day.

“It’s also important to set priorities together – if there are certain compromises that you have to make in order to save costs, it becomes clearer where you have to save. Wedding planning is a really exciting time so it’s important to remember to enjoy the process!”

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found that a third said they would shrink when they got their big day back. Providing more guests, choice of catering, and wedding party outfits were also among the top things that people would spend less on the second time around.

Despite their regrets, 47 percent still felt they had their “dream day.” And almost half (44%) didn’t have to cut corners – 47% stayed within budget. Check out the full list of regrets below.

Top 40 Wedding Regrets

I didn’t spend enough time with guests
I’ve been worrying too much about little things
I was stressed and not enjoying the day enough
I tried too hard to please the guests – and not myself
I would choose a nicer place
I’ve spent too much money
I would choose a different wedding outfit
I would opt for a smaller ceremony
I would choose a different hairstyle
I should have spent more on the photographer
I should have invited fewer people
I would choose another location for the venue (city, village or country)
I invited too many distant relatives
I didn’t plan enough beforehand
I should have invited more people
I wish I had spent more money to make it special
Not budgeting properly
I should have gotten a videographer
I would choose different bridesmaid outfits
I would choose other flowers
I would choose different bridesmaids
I would choose another groomsman/maid of honor
I would choose a cheaper venue
I should have spent more on the food
I didn’t like my evening entertainment
I would choose another maid of honour
I would spend less on alcohol
I would choose a different color theme
I would opt for a larger ceremony
I should have invited children
I wouldn’t have a free bar
I should have spent more money on a better band
I would choose different groomsmen
I shouldn’t have eaten so much
I would not marry in the winter
I wouldn’t get married in the summer
I shouldn’t have bothered with a videographer
I shouldn’t have given my bridal party/groomsmen gifts
I would choose different best man outfits
I would choose to have a wedding in a church

Sally Conway added: “Preparing a budget in the early stages can help you set your priorities and keep overspending at bay.

“It’s important to establish your total wedding fund early on — whether it consists of current savings, future savings, family contributions, or potential borrowing options — then you can estimate the cost of each element based on your priorities as a couple.”

Shawbrook Bank Personal Loans have set up a dedicated information center to help couples budget for their big day, find out more at: shawbrook.co.uk.

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