After the whirlwind of planning and celebrating comes to an end, you may find yourself looking back and nitpicking certain things about the big day that didn’t shake out the way you planned. Don't look back at your wedding day and think about how you could have done something differently—you’re supposed to remember how amazing it all was.
Here are a few things you shouldn’t lose sleep over after you exchange vows.
Your guest list
You likely created your guest list with good intentions—inviting those you were close with at that time. When you see a photo of a guest you’re not super close with anymore as you’re flipping through your wedding album, don’t beat yourself up over it. Alternatively, if you form new friendships after your wedding day it’s totally fine if they didn’t make the cut. Take comfort in the fact that you can't predict the future, and you did the best you could at the time.
How you looked
When you’re looking back on your wedding ensemble, and you find yourself regretting that tousled updo flower crown look or the color suit you wore, remember how it felt to wear it at the time. Clearly something about your navy tux or boho beauty look felt right in the moment. If your dance floor photos make you cringe because of your dance moves or the makeup sweating off you, think back to how much fun you had breaking it down with all of your loved ones and those worries will drift away.
Wedding day snafus
Did the flower girl throw a fit as she walked down the aisle or did you stutter through your vows? While they may feel like major mishaps, moments like those make for great memories when looking back on the wedding day. If your outdoor ceremony was rudely interrupted by Mother Nature, maybe the photographer got a great picture out of it! Bottom line is, when things don’t go as planned, you may get something great out of it that you never expected. Still need convincing? Read this story about a couple who got married during a hurricane—and ended up loving it!
Harmless guest behavior
Did Uncle Bob have one too many beers at the reception? Or did your stubborn next door neighbor end up in a heated political debate with your friend from college? Unless things got way out of hand and you’re still patching up the mess, you should just let it slide. It’s impossible to control your guests’ behavior at the wedding, especially when alcohol is involved. Chances are people only remember how happy they were for you and your S.O. and not what crazy things some of your guests may have done.
Wedding gifts
As you’re opening colorful mixing bowls and brand new china, you might realize that one registry item you both really wanted wasn’t purchased. Instead of feeling disappointed, be thankful for all of the awesome registry items your guests did buy you. They were obviously on your list for a reason, so try not to think about what you didn’t get. You can always buy it for yourselves as a future birthday or anniversary gift!
What you could have done differently
As you continue to attend weddings long after yours is over, you may find certain things that you wish you had done at yours. Whether you loved that they served bite-size desserts in lieu of cutting a cake or you liked their venue better, try not to play the comparison game. Appreciate each future wedding for what it is and don’t let yourself get too caught up in what could have been. There’s one thing you got to do at your wedding that you won’t at the other ones—marry the love of your life!
When celebrating 17 years of marriage, a truly special gift is in order. We're rounding up the best traditional, modern, and unique present ideas to celebrate your love.
Looking for a 16th wedding anniversary gift? You're in luck. We've rounded up a great assortment of gift ideas, from traditional to modern and everything in between.
