The Biggest Real Money Wedding Regrets

Weddings are full of decisions that seem like absolute must-haves at the time but often lead to post-celebration regrets.

Whether it’s the allure of designer shoes or the temptation of picture-perfect florals, many couples find themselves looking back and wondering, “Did we really need that?” If you’re in the planning stages of your wedding, it might help to hear from real couples who shared their top wedding spending regrets. Spoiler alert: it’s not always the big, obvious stuff!

1. Separate Florals for the Ceremony and Reception

Flowers are a huge part of any wedding—no one’s questioning that. But what about having separate floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception? Many couples admit this is where things got a little out of hand. “We had stunning florals at the ceremony, and instead of reusing them at the reception, we ordered a whole new set. Looking back, it would have been so easy to just transport them during the break. We could have saved a few thousand dollars, and no one would have known the difference!”

Lesson learned: Don’t be afraid to repurpose your ceremony florals. Most guests won’t even notice, and your budget will thank you.

2. Designer Wedding Shoes

The allure of slipping on a pair of designer heels for your wedding is undeniable. After all, it’s your big day, and it feels like the perfect excuse to treat yourself, right? Well, several brides shared that while their shoes were gorgeous, they weren’t exactly practical. “I spent a small fortune on a pair of Louboutins, but after an hour or so, my feet were in agony. I ended up switching to flats for the rest of the day, and the worst part? No one even saw the shoes!”

While designer shoes might feel like a luxury you deserve, comfort is key on a day when you’ll be on your feet for hours. Many brides regret that pricey purchase when their feet give out long before the reception ends.

3. The “Second” Designer Dress

Another regret we hear time and time again? The second dress. We get it—after spending hours in your ceremony gown, the idea of slipping into something lighter and more fun for the reception can be incredibly appealing. But does it need to be a designer second dress? “I splurged on a designer reception dress thinking it would be a showstopper, but honestly, by that point in the night, I was more focused on dancing and celebrating. No one really cared about the outfit change, and it was an extra cost I could have done without.”

If you’re thinking about a second dress, consider going for something more affordable—after all, the real star of the show is your first gown.

4. Wedding Favours with the Wedding Date

Wedding favours are a sweet way to thank your guests for celebrating with you. But couples often regret personalizing them in a way that feels, well, too personal. “We put our wedding date on all of the favors, thinking it would be a cute touch, but looking back, we wish we had just used our guests’ names. It would’ve felt more thoughtful, and they’d actually be able to use them instead of leaving them behind or tossing them later.”

Pro tip: Skip the date and make the favors about your guests. That way, they’ll serve as a keepsake and not something that feels tied to a specific event they attended once.

5. Welcome Packs for the Bridal Party

It’s no secret that many brides want to spoil their bridal party for being there through all the planning stress, the showers, and the big day itself. But one couple mentioned regretting going overboard with customized welcome packs for each bridesmaid. “I thought it would be fun to give them personalized welcome packs with robes, slippers, and candles, but it added up fast, and honestly, it wasn’t necessary. They appreciated the thought, but they would have been just as happy with a heartfelt thank you.”

Sometimes, a simple gesture goes a long way, and your bridal party will appreciate your gratitude just as much as the swag.

6. Traditional Wedding Cake

Who doesn’t love cake? Well, apparently, some couples don’t! Yet they still found themselves locked into tradition when choosing a wedding cake they never really wanted. “We’re not even cake people, but we went with the classic tiered cake because that’s just what you do, right? In the end, we wished we had gone with what we actually loved—cannolis or even a cheese tower. That would’ve felt more like us.”

The takeaway here? Follow your gut, even if it means breaking tradition. If the cake isn’t your thing, choose a dessert (or savoury treat) that reflects your personal tastes. Your wedding day should feel like you, not what tradition dictates.

Weddings are one of the most special days of your life, but they don’t have to be perfect in every way to be memorable. When it comes to spending, prioritize the things that matter most to you as a couple—whether it’s food, photography, or even the vibe of the venue. Ultimately, the best wedding is the one where you stay true to yourselves, and that’s something no amount of money can buy.

So as you plan, keep in mind what real couples have learned: sometimes the simplest choices are the best ones, and a little less can lead to a whole lot more joy!