I’m a wedding planner—and here’s what I’d do differently at my own wedding
Yep, I plan weddings for a living. I’ve seen it all. The calm, the chaos, the clever tricks, and the classic mistakes. And yet… when it came to my own wedding, I still made a few missteps. Because planning your own wedding is a totally different beast.
So, here’s my honest, no-filter roundup of the things I’d do differently. Think of this as wedding wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches—twice.
1. I’d take more time to choose a photographer
We picked a team whose work we loved—but we didn’t really click with them as people. And that matters. A lot.
Your photographer is with you all day. They’re there during emotional moments, the calm before the ceremony, the party later on. You need to vibe with them. You need to trust them.
If I could do it again, I’d take the time to meet a few in person (or at a wedding fayre), chat, ask questions, and go with someone who really got us.
2. I wouldn’t try to do so much ourselves
Because we run a decor business, we figured we could manage our own wedding styling. And we did… kind of. But wow, it was a lot.
The run-up to your wedding is already busy, emotional, and full-on. Adding DIY decor and styling to your own to-do list? It’s too much. If I could do it again, I’d hand more of it over. Trust the team. Save the stress.
3. I wouldn’t spend so much on pre-wedding pampering
Microdermabrasion facials, lime and ginger scrubs, glow-up treatments galore... and not one guest noticed.
Of course, take care of yourself. But don’t feel pressure to do everything. The stress of cramming in treatments (and the cost!) just wasn’t worth it in the end.
Spoil yourself in ways that make you feel good—not because Pinterest told you to.
4. I’d hire a separate hair stylist and makeup artist
This one stings. Less than 24 hours before our wedding, our HMUA cancelled. She sent a replacement who was fantastic at makeup… but not at hair.
I didn’t feel like myself on the day, and I hated my hair. It wasn’t what I asked for, and it really affected how confident I felt.
Now I always recommend hiring a specialist for each. Hair and makeup are both such personal, specific skills—don’t assume one person will nail both.
5. I’d do trials before paying the final balance
Hair and makeup are such a personal service. I’d definitely insist on having the trial before paying the full amount.
If the trial doesn’t feel right, you’re not locked in. You’ve got options. And that peace of mind? Priceless.
6. I’d let go of the Pinterest extras
We had:
A custom logo on all our stationery
A wedding website
A digital guest photo album
A tray of toiletries in the ladies' loo
You know what? No one used the photo album. No one commented on the stationery. No one cared about the toiletries.
What did they love? The food. The music. The glitter. The fun.
People remember how your wedding felt, not how your napkins were folded. Focus on creating a great guest experience and ditch the fluff.
7. I’d bring a change of clothes
This one’s simple. If you’re wearing a big dress or outfit that’s hot/tight/fancy, bring an evening change.
By 9pm, I was so uncomfortable. I wanted to go home. A sparkly jumpsuit or second outfit would’ve saved the day.
And one thing I wouldn’t change...
The love. The laughter. The wild, wonderful moments we didn’t plan. And the people who made it all feel like magic.
Weddings are imperfect by nature. And that’s what makes them real.
If you’re planning yours and feel overwhelmed, I see you. And I’ve got you.
Want a planner who’s lived it, learned from it, and knows how to make your day amazing? Come chat with us.
