10 Things Brides and Grooms Regret Not Doing
at Their Wedding Reception
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But even with meticulous planning, some couples look back and wish they had done a few things differently, especially when it comes to the reception. Being a top rated Sarasota fine art wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless celebrations, and I’ve noticed some common regrets couples have. Here are a ten things you might want to consider so you don’t look back with "I wish we had. . . " moments.
1: Hiring a Professional Photographer to Capture the Important Moments
While some couples think they need their wedding photographer to stay until the very end, that’s not always necessary. What matters most is allowing enough time in your timeline to capture the meaningful moments, like the first dance, cake cutting, toasts, and group photos with family and friends. Having a professional Sarasota wedding photographer on hand for these key moments ensures you’ll have beautiful, timeless images to cherish. After that, you can decide whether or not you want coverage of the late night dance floor fun.
2. Seeing the Reception Untouched
One regret many couples share is not taking a few minutes to see their reception space before guests arrive. After all the time, effort, and money spent on decor, floral arrangements, and table settings, you’ll want to take it all in before it’s filled with people. Walking into the space and seeing everything perfectly arranged gives you a chance to appreciate the vision you worked so hard to create, and makes for beautiful, emotional photos.
3. Taking Time for Sunset or Golden Hour Photos
Between mingling with guests and cutting the cake, it’s easy to miss the opportunity for sunset photos. However, sneaking away for just 15–20 minutes during golden hour (right before sunset) creates some of the most breathtaking, romantic images. In Sarasota, the golden hues over the Gulf of Mexico, golf course, or a sunlit field create an unforgettable backdrop. You’ll treasure those intimate, dreamy shots forever. Those are the ones that people hang on their walls and print in fine art albums. These are "must have" photos you will regret not taking!
4. Sharing a Private First Dance Before Guests Enter
One of the most romantic and overlooked moments is having a private first dance in your reception space before guests arrive. This allows you to share an intimate, emotional moment together while surrounded by the untouched beauty of your venue. It also gives your wedding photographer the chance to capture dreamy, uninterrupted shots of you two in the perfectly styled space. It’s a magical way to start the celebration before the party begins.
5. Actually Eating the Cake (and the Food!)
It’s surprisingly common for couples to miss out on their own reception food. Between mingling and dancing, it’s easy to get caught up and forget to enjoy the meal you so carefully selected. Many couples wish they had set aside a few moments to sit down and savor it or even arranged for a to-go box to enjoy later.
6. Capturing Group Photos of Guests
While formal wedding party and family portraits are standard, many couples regret not taking more group photos with their guests. Whether it’s college friends, coworkers, or extended family, these group shots capture the people who came to celebrate with you. Planning a few intentional group photos during your wedding reception ensures you’ll have meaningful keepsakes with the people who made your day extra special.
7. Keeping the Toasts Short and Meaningful
While heartfelt speeches are a beautiful part of any reception, long or multiple toasts can drag on and disrupt the flow of the evening. Many couples wish they had limited the speeches to just the maid of honor and best man, keeping them short and meaningful. This allows for genuine, touching moments without taking away from precious time on the dance floor or with your guests.
8: Writing Private Letters to Each Other
Some couples regret not taking a few minutes alone to exchange gifts or letters. While you’ll share your public vows during the ceremony, writing a personal letter to read after your first look, after the ceremony, before the reception or during a quiet moment together makes for a touching keepsake and creates a deeply emotional photo opportunity.
9. Bringing a Change of More Comfortable Shoes for Dancing
While your elegant heels or dress shoes may look stunning, they can quickly become uncomfortable after hours of standing, walking, and dancing. Many couples wish they had brought a pair of comfy flats, sandals, or sneakers to slip into once the party starts. Not only will your feet thank you, but you’ll be able to dance the night away without discomfort.
10. Doing a Fake Exit for a Photo Opportunity
If you want those dreamy sparkler or confetti exit photos but don’t want to extend your wedding photographer’s coverage until the end of the night, consider staging a fake exit. This allows you to capture those magical, picture perfect send off shots earlier in the evening while the majority of your guests are still present. Plus, you can continue the party without worrying about your timeline or missing out on those must have wedding photos.
Make Your Wedding Memories Last
Your wedding reception will fly by in the blink of an eye, but your photos will last forever. As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I’m passionate about capturing the moments you’ll want to relive, the ones you won’t want to regret missing. From spontaneous laughter to tearful toasts, my goal as your wedding photographer s to preserve the authentic joy of your day. Getting married in Sarasota, St. Pete, Tampa or the surrounding area? Let’s chat about how I can help you capture every unforgettable moment.
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With 15 years of experience as a wedding photographer, Nina Bashaw is top rated and highly sought after fine art luxury wedding and elopement photographer based out of Sarasota, Florida.. Nina. specializes in classic, romantic, and timeless natural light photography with natural posing and genuine smiles. Nina travels throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg,, Sarasota, and surrounding areas for weddings and luxury elopements giving her clients a personalized and luxrious experience. Contact me for pricing and inquire about availability for 2025 and 2026. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and reading 10 Things Brides and Grooms Regret Not Doing at Their Wedding Reception
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