87 Best Wedding Planning Tips No One Tells You

No one told you, so we will. You’re welcome. 💍 :)

Here are the wedding planning tips no one tells you.

Top Wedding Tips for the Bride

👰 THE BRIDE LIFE

1. Get this wedding planning binder + this checklist. This wedding planning book will give you inspo (with realistic expectations vs Pinterest expectations).
2. There’s no such thing as “too early” to start planning. Book vendors ASAP.
3. You will care deeply about chairs and napkin colors. You just will.
4. Plan ahead to have your bouquet preserved right after the wedding. You’ll be glad you did.
5. Everyone will have opinions. You don’t have to take them.
6. It’s YOUR day (and your soon-to-be spouse’s). Don’t forget it.
7. It’s OK to rent your flowers. Really. It is.
8. Schedule alone time with your partner on the day. At minimum 10 minutes.
9. Embrace your bride era: wear the little white dresses, rock the Mrs sweatshirt, use the tumbler. This time goes by fast. Enjoy it!
10. Take breaks while wedding planning to just hang out together. Planning burnout is a thing. Don’t let it happen.

11. You might cry happy tears when your dress arrives. Let it happen.

💄 BEAUTY + STYLE

12. Do a hair and makeup trial. This will give you confidence ahead of the big day.
13. Bring ONLY these things with you when dress shopping. Thank me later.
14. Pack these things in your wedding bag.
15. Break in your shoes. I repeat: BREAK. IN. YOUR. SHOES. And use these.
16. Wear the most comfortable wedding heels (and bring a backup pair just in case).
17. Don’t skip the spray tan trial: orange elbows are not cute.
18. Choose a robe or pajama set that buttons in front.
19. If you’re wearing heels, practice walking in them.
20. Bring a bubble umbrella if it might rain; it’ll look chic in photos.
21. Two words: fashion tape.

🥂 BRIDESMAIDS + BESTIES

22. Say thank you with the best bridesmaid gifts they’ll actually use.
23. You don’t need equal numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen. I promise.
24. Pay for hair and makeup for bridesmaids, if you’re able to.
25. Someone will flake. Have grace and a backup plan.
26. A bridesmaid proposal doesn’t need to be expensive.
27. Assign a “people wrangler” for photos and speeches.
28. Shop for bridesmaid dresses at these top-rated places. They’ll look cute AND save money.
29. Buy the getting ready outfits bridesmaids ACTUALLY want to wear. They’ll appreciate it.
30. Don’t go overboard on wedding group chats. They don’t need live feed updates.
31. Give your girls a timeline so they don’t text you all day.
32. Say thank you. Often. And mean it.

🧠 PLANNING & VIBES

33. Google Sheets is your best friend. Canva is your buddy. And you probably need a Type A friend or a planner.
34. Make a wedding registry with gifts you’ll actually use (plus some fun splurges).
35. Vendor meals are not optional. Tips are not optional.
36. Save money on decor by buying in bulk here.
37. Engagement photos will give you a chance to work with your photographer pre-wedding. It’s a good idea.
38. Plan a solid skin care routine early.
39. You absolutely need a seating chart.
40. Don’t DIY everything. Delegate tasks as needed.
41. Write thank-you notes as you go.
42. Don’t compare your wedding to anyone else’s.

🧠 DECOR & MORE

43. You do NOT need a sign for ALL the things. (Here are the wedding signs you do need.)
44. Guests are more comfortable seated 8 per table instead of 10, if possible.
45. You do not need to use flowers in centerpieces if your budget doesn’t allow. Try these instead.
46. Re-use some of your ceremony flowers in your reception (i.e. flowers in bud vases at the entrance table, your welcome sign, bouquets on head table, etc.)
47. Some couples use a fake cake and buy sheet cake for plating in the back kitchen. (It’s true.)
48. Plan to order a reception dress if you want one. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If you don’t use it, you can still wear it for pre-wedding celebrations and on your honeymoon.
49. If your venue prohibits real flame candles, these are the next best thing.
50. Instead of tossing fake petals, use biodegradable confetti instead. It’s less messy and better for the environment.
51. If you don’t have a seating chart, guests will fight over chairs. Trust.
52. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

💌 GUEST LIST & RSVP INSANITY

53. Someone will not RSVP at all and show up. Someone will RSVP late, then ghost you. Let it go.
54. Send cheap save the dates so you don’t blow your stationery budget early.
55. Mail your invites 8–10 weeks out. (Here’s a calendar and why it matters.)
56. People will ignore the website. Yes, even your BFF.
57. Include a song request with your RSVP. It will encourage guests to mail it back (and quickly).
58. Guests will ask obvious questions. Be nice anyway.
59. Have someone monitor your guestbook during the night.
60. QR code RSVPs = so much easier.
61. Use this guest list flow chart when you’re having trouble trimming the list.
62. It’s OK to have a kid-free wedding. It’s also OK to have a kid-filled wedding. Do what works best for you!

📷 PHOTO & VIDEO

63. Give your photographer a must-have shot list.
64. Consider a gift for the groom or the bride the morning of the wedding. Make sure your photographer captures opening of the gifts.
65. Sunset = best light. Plan for golden hour pics if possible.
66. Have lipstick for retouches all evening. And a pocket mirror to check for food stuck in between your teeth.
67. Whiten your teeth before the wedding.

🎉 CEREMONY & RECEPTION

68. Outdoor ceremony? Plan for veil wind drama and use these.
69. Fan programs are a win for summer ceremonies. Blankets for guests are a win for fall/winter cerermonies.
70. Use a microphone for vows. Test it out pre-ceremony.
71. Write your vows in vow books. Not on your phone. Not on a crumpled up piece of paper.
72. Have a backup plan for rain.
73. Have your DJ announce the events or guests will miss them.
74. Plan to have a rehearsal the night or two nights before (so it won’t look like this).

💵 MONEY + BUDGETING

75. Use a wedding budget breakdown to see EXACTLY what to expect to spend.
76. Tip your vendors.
77. Only purchase wedding favors your guests will actually want to take home.
78. Rent what you can. You don’t need 87 candle holders and 42 linen tablecloths.
79. Ask your wedding venue these questions including hidden fees like corkage, cake cutting, overtime.

🧳 HONEYMOON & AFTER

80. Pack comfy + cute honeymoon clothing for lounging. You’ve earned some rest and relaxation!
81. Pack your honeymoon bag ahead of time.
82. Assign a trusted person to be in charge of your gifts/cards at the reception. And make sure your card box has a lock.
83. Leave a thank-you note for vendors and, if deserving, a positive review online. They’ll appreciate it.
84. Book a hotel room and transportation after the wedding. You deserve it.

🥰 FINAL FIVE TRUTHS

85. If you can afford one, a day-of coordinator is priceless to have.
86. Most couples forget these things right before the wedding.

And most importantly:

87. The ultimate goal on your wedding day is to marry your best friend. Everything else is the icing on top of that very delicious, three-tiered wedding cake.

And there you have it: the list of the best wedding planning tips no one tells you (but they totally should). Planning a wedding can be tricky, but I’m here to help: subscribe to the FREE newsletter where I send tips and tricks to make it easier! :)

What would YOU add to the list? Tell me in the comments!

xoxo

Emma