"Lessons from Experienced Brides: What to Avoid Skimping on at Your Wedding?"

2018.03.25 published

What Things Do Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings?

While many brides share their tips on "how to save and feel good about it,"

there are also those who later think, "I wish I hadn’t saved on this."

Preparing for a wedding can be very costly, and it's easy to cut corners even on small things.

However, once the wedding day arrives, some realize, "Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, maybe I shouldn't have saved on this."

This time, we gathered insights from experienced brides on what they wish they had spent more on.

Let’s use their experiences to ensure we have no regrets on our wedding day!

What Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings① Outfit Changes

Some brides decided to save money by choosing not to have an outfit change.

An outfit change incurs not only the cost of the dress but also fitting fees and sometimes hair and makeup costs.

They thought that it would save them tens of thousands of yen, so they boldly decided to skip the outfit change. However…

Guests naturally expected an outfit change, and during the reception, voices were heard asking, "What color is her second dress?"

They had thought that an outfit change was merely for personal satisfaction, but upon realizing that guests were looking forward to it, they regretted not having one, even if it meant spending more money.

It’s perfectly fine if the intention is to "want to stay in the wedding dress longer" or "wish to spend more time with guests,"

but if the goal is to save money, not having an outfit change might lead to regrets.

What Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings② Upgrading Outfits

The next topic relates to outfits as well.

One bride had her gown included in the wedding venue's plan. Though her preferred dress was available for an additional fee, she chose one that fit within the plan to avoid extra costs.

Although she had a fun-filled day, every time she looks at her dress photos, she remembers "the dress she loved that came with an extra fee."

She now regrets not paying for the upgrade.

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. There's even a saying about getting lost in choosing a dress; finding "the one" can be difficult.

If you encounter your perfect dress, it would be best not to hesitate and choose the one you love to avoid future regrets.

What Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings③ Hair and Makeup Trials

One bride thought, "I don't have that many preferences for my hair and makeup, so I don't need a trial," and skipped the hair and makeup rehearsal.

While she considered some styles and showed the hairstylist pictures on the big day,

the hairstylist lacked the skills to execute her desired style, leading to a different look altogether.

Additionally, the makeup was much heavier for photo purposes than her usual style.

With limited time on the actual day, she couldn’t request adjustments, and the ceremony and reception began as is.

Her mother commented during the reception, “Your makeup is quite heavy!” which left her in shock.

Looking back at the photos, she felt sad about the hairstyle and makeup that she did not like.

She initially thought she didn’t have strong opinions, but now she wishes she had done a trial.

Many brides have regrets related to hair and makeup. Even if you trust your hairstylist, it’s advisable to have at least one rehearsal.

What Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings④ Footage

One bride thought she wouldn’t have much opportunity to watch the video, so she didn’t order one.

On her big day, her boss gave a wonderful speech, and her friends performed an impressive dance.

At the end of the day, her husband surprised her with a heartfelt proposal during his speech, making it a truly happy occasion. However…

She had only requested photography, so all the beautiful moments—her boss's speech, friends’ performances, and her husband's surprise proposal—were captured only in pictures.

Even if you fully listen at the moment, memories can fade over time.

She sincerely regretted not having a video, thinking, “It was such a beautiful wedding; why didn’t I request footage?”

A wedding unites loved ones in one special moment; it may not be something you watch repeatedly, but not having it can lead to regrets.

What Couples Regret Not Spending More on at Their Weddings⑤ Bringing In Vendors

The final topic concerns bringing in vendors. A bride had a dress she loved and had long wished to hire a certain photographer and hairstylist but gave up due to high vendor fees at the venue.

The outfit she wore and the photos taken by the photographer were excellent, as was the hairstylist's work, but

there was still a lingering thought of, “I really wanted to hire those people."

She finds herself pondering whether, if she had confirmed in advance about vendor fees, she could have chosen a venue that allowed bringing in her preferred vendors.

If you have items you wish to bring or specific people in mind, it might be worth pursuing your desires to avoid regrets.

Let’s Have a Wedding Without Regrets!

We’ve covered what experienced brides regret not spending more on.

It’s common to cancel things you want because you're aiming to save, only to regret it later.

The items mentioned are often high in cost, making them good candidates for saving, but that saving can lead to significant regret.

While it's important to save money, remember that a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can earn money in the future, but the moments of your wedding day won't come back.

It’s crucial to discern what you need and what choices will leave you without regrets to create a wonderful wedding!