You’ve spent months (maybe years) planning your dream wedding. Every detail carefully curated. But as magical as the day can be, many brides still walk away with a few lingering “I wish I had...” thoughts.

If you’re planning a UK wedding in 2025 or beyond, let this be your guide. Here are the most common regrets UK brides share—and the simple things you can do to avoid them.

1. Not Booking a Live Wedding Painter

This is one of the biggest regrets I hear from couples who almost booked… but didn’t.

They saw the idea of live guest portraits or a painted ceremony scene and loved it, but left it too late or didn’t prioritise it in the budget.

Later, they tell me:

“We ended up spending more on things no one noticed, but the art would’ve meant something forever.”

💡 Takeaway: If you love the idea of live art, don’t let it be an afterthought. It’s not just entertainment—it’s an experience, a gift, and a legacy piece in one.

The perfect addition to your special day.

2. Skipping a Videographer or Artistic Documentation

Many couples choose to forgo a videographer to save money. While budget matters, this is a regret that comes up a lot—especially after seeing someone else's wedding film.

Even if you skip a traditional video, consider alternative forms of storytelling, like:

A live wedding painting
A documentary-style highlight reel
Guest video messages stitched together

💡 Takeaway: Find some way to feel your day again—beyond just photos.

3. Not Hiring Unique, Personal Entertainment

Let’s face it—DJ and dancing isn’t everyone’s vibe the entire evening.

UK brides often say they wish they’d booked interactive entertainment that:

Kept guests engaged during the quiet moments
Created conversation
Felt personal and luxurious

Examples that guests love:

Live painting or sketching
Acoustic musicians during the meal
Cocktail tastings or interactive favours

💡 Takeaway: Give your guests moments, not just music.

4. Not Spending on Things That Last

It’s easy to get swept up in the visual buzz—flower arches, extravagant tablescapes, custom signage. But once the night is over? Most of it disappears.

The things couples say they wish they’d invested more in:

A keepsake painting
A statement piece of jewellery
Handwritten vows or calligraphy heirlooms
High-quality photography and artistic mementos

💡 Takeaway: Prioritise what remains when the day ends.

5. Trying to DIY Everything to Save Costs

UK brides are famously resourceful—but some say they pushed too hard trying to do it all themselves.

From hand-tying bouquets to designing invites, the stress sometimes outweighed the savings.

💡 Takeaway: Choose a few meaningful DIY touches, and leave the rest to the experts—especially things like entertainment, florals, or anything time-sensitive.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Plan—Curate

The best weddings aren’t just planned… they’re curated.
They’re built with heart, intention, and experiences that make you feel something.

So before you click “checkout” on another table sign or monogrammed favour—ask yourself:
👉 Will I still care about this in 10 years?
👉 Will my guests remember it?

If the answer is no, save the budget for something that matters.

Ready to Book a Wedding Experience You Won’t Regret?

I’m Kerri Anne—a UK-based live wedding artist offering:

Live guest watercolour portraits
Ceremony or couple scene paintings
Timeless keepsakes created in real time

🎨 Now booking 2025–2026 UK and destination weddings.
Enquire about your date here
See recent weddings on Instagram

Because the only thing better than a beautiful wedding… is one you can relive again and again.

Planning a Wedding in the UK? Here’s What Brides Regret Not Booking