Things I Wish I Knew Before Planning My Wedding Ceremony

There are so many things to do in order to plan your wedding ceremony. From figuring out what you want to wear to who you’re going to invite and knowing when to send out the invitations, there is a seemingly endless to-do list for you to tackle ahead of your big day.

Unfortunately, just because you mark everything off your to-do list doesn’t mean your wedding ceremony will go off without a hitch.

There are plenty of things that don’t always come up during the planning process that brides and grooms wish they knew ahead of time, instead of after the ceremony is over.

Bride and Groom Talking to a Wedding Coordinator: Veil Events

Hire a Day-of Coordinator

Even if you don’t hire a wedding planner, it’s well-worth the money to hire a day-of coordinator. It’s their job to think about the tiny details that are easy to overlook. That way, you don’t realize there’s no one to tell you when it’s time to walk down the aisle, or where to stand at the altar for the best pictures.

Don’t have the budget to pay for a day-of coordinator? Make a list of tasks and ask one or more responsible family members or friends to help you out.

Groom Kissing the Bride: Alyssa Marie Photography

Stop Stressing Over Changing Your Physical Appearance

So many brides make a diet and exercise plan ahead of their wedding in an effort to lose weight. The truth is, no one but you cares how skinny you are. That includes your partner. They love you just the way you are, so don’t stress so much about how flat your stomach is or whether or not your arms will jiggle when you hit the dance floor.

While you’re at it, don’t worry so much about things like facials and hair removal either. No one is looking close enough at your face or your armpits to see what work you’ve had done.

Take More Time Off Before Your Wedding

Chances are, you’ve taken some time off after your wedding, especially if you’re planning a honeymoon. What most brides and grooms don’t realize is that it’s just as important to take time off before your wedding.

Whether you take off the Friday before or you’re able to take off the entire week before, taking off any amount of time ahead of your wedding is helpful. Not only because it gives you extra time to wrap up those final tasks on your checklist, but let’s be honest. You probably won’t get a lot of work done the week before your wedding anyway, so you might as well take the time off.

Bride and Groom Holding Hands on Either Side of a Door Before the Ceremony: Junebug Weddings

Get Real About What Will Help You Feel Calm

Many brides have a vision of what they want for their wedding day, but that vision doesn’t always take into account what will make them feel calm and centered.

You may initially want to walk down the aisle by yourself, but will you wish you had your brother, mother, or another family member to lean on as you begin your procession down the aisle? Maybe you want your first look to take place at the ceremony, but you know having a first look—just the two of you—will calm your nerves?

Think about what might cause anxiety, and what could alleviate it, so you can feel as Zen as possible on your wedding day.

Picture of Wedding Guests Getting Emotional At the Ceremony: Del Sol Photography

Talk to Your Photographer About Getting Pictures of Your Guests

If you choose the right photographer, you will undoubtedly love the pictures of you and your new spouse, but some of the best wedding pictures are those that are taken of guests. That’s because they capture emotions that the bride and groom can easily miss as they focus on each other.

Ask your photographer to take pictures of guests during the ceremony and immediately after. If you have room in your budget, consider requesting a second photographer. They can help capture genuine guest reactions to your nuptials while your primary photographer focuses on the ceremony itself.

Ceremony Arch With Hanging Flowers and Candles: Boho Weddings

DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper

Want to save money? Many brides and grooms turn to DIY projects, but the dirty truth is that DIY projects aren’t always cheaper.

Vendors have the ability to purchase things in bulk, and they can work with other vendors on discounts, which means you may actually be able to save money in some cases on things like flowers and décor.

Not to mention, DIY projects are time consuming. Hiring someone else to take care of wedding-related details can free up your time and alleviate stress so you can focus on enjoying the wedding planning process.

At Least One Thing is Going to Go Wrong

No matter how much you plan or who you hire, something is going to go wrong. When you abandon the idea of the perfect day, you’re more likely to enjoy yourself. Things like bad weather, forgetting extra bobby pins, and a hairdresser showing up late are minor annoyances instead of reasons for your day to be ruined.

Bride Drinking Champagne With Her Mom Before Getting Dressed For the Wedding: Feathered Arrow Events

Plan Downtime Into Your Schedule So You Can Take It All In

Your wedding day is likely to be the busiest day of your life, but that doesn’t mean every minute of your day has to be accounted for.

Plan downtime into your schedule. Not only can it help you make up for lost time if you’re falling behind, but it also gives you a chance to take it all in. Whether it’s an extra 10 minutes to drink a cup of coffee in the morning with your maid of honor or 20 minutes after your first look with your parents to work through your feelings, you’ll be glad you took a little extra time to breathe and ponder the enormity of the day.

Looking for more tips? Discover all of the things you should know before planning your:

• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Wedding Reception
• Wedding After Party