9 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Wedding Planning

Every bride-to-be dreams of a perfect wedding and spends months or even years planning that special day. From choosing the right dress and the right venue to making a playlist and ordering a cake, there are so many things to sort out and it can be overwhelming, especially if you are a perfectionist like me. Looking back on it, I wish I did a few things differently, stressed out less and allowed myself some time to relax and take it all in. Here are my 10 key wedding planning tips for future brides!

1. Have Someone to Help You Plan the Event

If you are anything like me, you will probably think you can have control over every single detail and do it all by yourself, but trust me, there will be times when you simply can’t be present at two locations at the same time. You should get a point person (it can be your maid of honour, mother, sister or a close friend) who will help you handle everything from shopping to making phone calls and maybe even making decisions. Additionally, hiring a venue with their own coordinator will help you keep everything running smoothly on the day.

2. Your Bridal Party Doesn’t Have to Be Huge

Many couples feel obligated to involve all of their close friends and family members in the wedding and end up having a huge wedding party. It may be much more convenient to have a small bridal party, but this shouldn’t be a problem because you can always find a way to make it up to your friends and relatives. To make it super simple, ask your siblings to be your bridesmaids and groomsmen but do prepare special gifts and mementoes for others that are near and dear to you.

3. Venue Matters

At the end of the day, only a few things really matter and your reception venue is definitely one of them. A lot of brides stress out about the decorations but the truth is that the location is even more important. From picture-perfect surroundings to elegant interiors, fabulous layouts and inspirational views, a pretty venue will give you that romantic ambience you want and provide a myriad of amazing photo opportunities. Consider multiple options before you make your final decision and take everything into consideration including food, drink, entertainment and comfort of you and your guests.

4. Make a Photography Checklist

Prior to your wedding day, nobody will tell you that booking a good photographer isn’t quite enough. If you want a perfect album with all the key snaps included in it, it is very important to make a list of images you want to be taken. From capturing your wedding gown, shoes, bouquet and perfume through to romantic send-off images, make sure to write down every single scene you are picturing in your head and had your note to the photographer prior to your big day. This will ensure that none of the key moments is going to be forgotten.

5. Hire a Videographer

With so many details to think about, it is easy to forget something that seems marginal such as wedding videography. While you are swamped in planning, this may not be your top priority, but once it is all over, you will be left with mementoes and a video that recaps that special day will probably be the most important one! And don’t just book anyone! Find a professional who specialises in a type of video you really like, be it a movie-like clip, a documentary or cinematographic wedding video.

6. Something Will Go Wrong and It Is OK

Most brides expect their wedding day to be flawless, but in reality, something often goes wrong. From small accidents and minor mistakes to a natural disaster, be prepared for any eventuality. Make sure to have a plan B whenever possible, have a mini emergency kit with you and appoint one person to be the head of your wedding crisis management. And don’t be disappointed if something slips out of control or if something just isn’t the way you expected it to be. Focus on positive things and have fun because you won’t get a chance to repeat that day.

7. Food and Drinks Are Important

And remember that there is nothing that delicious food and drinks can’t fix. Even if nothing else is as you had hoped to be, the day will still be a success thanks to your fabulous wedding menu. This is why it is really worth choosing a venue that excels at wedding food or a top-notch catering service that’s second to none.  

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Do Things Differently

Weddings are usually about traditions and family heritage and you probably think everyone expects you to stick to the old rules? From the colour of your dress to the choice of food, music and your wedding cake or the order of your ceremony, every element of your big day can be as unique and as unexpected as you wish. Don’t be guided by other people’s expectations and do your big day your way.

9. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Whole Planning Process

Even though organising a big event such as a wedding may seem like a daunting task, it can actually be a lot of fun. From choosing colours and flowers to tasting wedding food and champagne, there are many exciting things to do. Don’t turn into a bridezilla and try to enjoy the best bits. And allow yourself to stop, take a breath and have some “me time”. Why not organise some pre-wedding pampering with your bridesmaids or attend dancing lessons with your future groom!

Author’s Bio

Kym Wallis, the founding director of Higher Ranking has over 15 years of advertising sales, digital strategy, and business development experience. He is currently working as Digital Adviser for Bioscor.