For many Brides your wedding is something you don’t really have any insight on, your parents got married maybe 20+ years ago or your the first in your friend group or family who is getting married. I was you at one point about 5 years ago now, things were different from when my parents and Fiancé’s parents got married. I was one of the first people in my friend group to get married, my friend and I were engaged at the same time so we definitely would chat a lot but when it came to some things I didn’t know what questions to ask what I should avoid, and I (like what you are doing now is ) read many, many blogs. I of course had my regrets, my would do agains, and my advice, what I did decide to do was ask past brides a few questions about their wedding day. My goal with this blog is to give you, the bride, something to help you along your journey to the big day.

*NOTE* Some questions may have more answers than others due to this being voluntary.

Updated: 10/16/2024 with commentary from Me!

Questions For Past Brides

What Is Something You Regret Not Doing?

• “Spending more on a venue”
• “Getting married &reception at the same place”
• “Not having you as our photographer” This made me tear up 🙁
• “Renting a cool car to be in our photos rather than a party bus”
• “I regret not taking more family photos wherever we were during the day!”
• “Eloping”
• “Fireworks for my wedding”
• “Making a shot list”
• “Having more family shots at home! We waited to do it at the restaurant and we were rushed”
• “Vows”
• “Not Hiring a content Creator!”
  • This one is something we will definitely see more of going into the 2025 wedding season
• “Getting a professional Videographer”
  • I am 100% for hiring a videographer for your wedding! My husband and I still talk about our video to this day. Not only that I can not wait to show our kids and grandkids our video, our videographer did such an amazing job and I even work with him every now and then as well.
• “Being more present in the moment.”
  • This!! Your wedding day may not go as planned and that is ok. What matters the most is you and your spouse, enjoy the day because it goes by FAST.

What is Something you regret doing?

• “Going with the photographer we did”
• “Not getting a cheap wedding cake”
• “Getting Married where was expected and not where we wanted.”
  • This is YOUR day get married where you and your fiancé want and not somewhere everyone expects. If you want that garden wedding have it. if you want that beach wedding go for it. If you wanna elope in the Rocky mountains get your hiking shoes ready.
• “Drinking to much EEEKS”
  • I mean I don’t drink so i don’t really have any input but don’t forget to have fun!

What is something you wish you knew before?

• “That you were a photographer” This comment melted my heart 🙁
• “Locations for photos!!!!”
• “That the day goes by soooo fast!!!”
• “People not paying for your wedding should not get an opinion”
  • 100%. If aunt Ruth doesn’t like your dress then she can just move along because she’s not paying for it. Uncle bob is complaining about the guest list? Is he paying for the guest plates? No? Didn’t think so? But even if someone IS paying for something they also should not hold it over your head.
• “Have some pack you a plate to eat later!! You’re so excited and busy during dinner Don’t eat anything!!”
  • This I agree with, though I always tell my brides to eat and drink plenty of water throughout the day sometimes it gets so hectic you forget! During cocktail hour have someone (bridesmaid or relative or coordinator) bring you food. I usually send my seconds to bring apps to the couple or I will bring them myself. its been a long day and we want to make sure they have something in their stomachs because people might come up to them during dinner and want to talk or want photos.

Do you have any advice for future Brides?

• “Do those zoom meetings with photographers to make sure you vibe!”
• “REALLY Take in the day! It truly goes by like a blur and is done before you know it!”
• “Get things done ahead of time as much as you can & keep track of what you’ve done & not”
• “Focus on your marriage and not on your wedding”
• “Make list for people to have, don’t just tell them cuz they can forget!”
• “It’s just one day of your lives together. Don’t sweat it if something isn’t perfect.”
  • 100% agree! Not only are you marrying your best friend but you’re celebrating it with everyone. Enjoy it to the fullest!
• “Your wedding day is just a day, your marriage is forever. Be in the moment and be in Love!”

If you did not have a planner how did you stay organized?

• “Friends/Family”
• “Google Docs and sheets were most helpful in regards to check list, Payment list.”
• “Weekly checklist. Following up with people, research necessary wedding Itinerary.”
• “My mother and Sister in law!”
  • Lol utilize your family, I love it!
• “Lots of friends!”
  • What are friends for right?

Questions From Future Brides

Something you wish you splurged on vs saved on?

• “Splurging on a decorator would have been nice!”
• “I think we paid to much for our photographer, I would have expected more for the price. May have splurged on something else.”
• “Spend even more on pictures!!!”
• “Spending all of your money on flowers :(“

I hope This helped in some way, shape, or form as you prepare for your special day. As a wedding vendor myself one piece of advice I can give you is, make sure you vibe well with your vendors. Are they as excited for your wedding day as well? Is what they are offering something that you truly want on your wedding day? Your wedding day of course is one of the most important days of your lives and you want to make sure everything is perfect, just remember to enjoy the time with you and your fiance. And if you need a photographer, you know who to call 😉

Till Next Time,

Diana Morhan

P.S. If you want to give your input on any of these questions or are a future bride that has a question, you can go to my instagram @dianamorhanphotography and go to my “Brides to Be” highlights.