Hi all! I saw a recent post about tips from a 2024 bride that I loved, so I wanted to share mine. I’m incredibly proud of the wedding I planned because it was the biggest (and best) party I’ve ever thrown — and probably ever will. This is coming from someone with **zero** wedding/event experience, no planner, and an 80+ hr/week job.

**1. The venue is the most important decision you’ll make (including the people who run it).**

The venue sets the entire vibe *and* determines who you’ll work with most. We chose ours largely because of reviews about how kind, organized, and invested the owners/staff were — people said they treated every wedding like it was their own. They truly did.

\* They brought us apps and our favorite drinks during cocktail hour so we didn’t miss out while taking photos.

\* They bustled my dress.

\* They handled vendor meals and seating (we just gave a list).

\* At the end of the night, they packed everything into designated cars and nothing was lost.

When your venue’s goals align with yours, planning becomes so much easier and more fun.

**2. Book big vendors ASAP.**

Venues, photographers, and videographers go FAST. I hesitated on a videographer because of pricing and lost my first choice — and ultimately paid more for someone with a similar style who had to travel in from out of state. If you love someone and they’re within budget, book them.

**3. Guests care about 4 things. That’s it.**

**They care about:**

\\\* \\\*\\\*Food\\\*\\\* (we chose our venue partly because of raving food reviews and let guests pre-select meals)

\\\* \\\*\\\*Drinks\\\*\\\* (top-shelf open bar + upgraded wine service at dinner)

\\\* \\\*\\\*Music\\\*\\\* (great DJ + we handpicked every single song played; two live musicians for ceremony/cocktail/dinner)

\\\* \\\*\\\*Comfort\\\*\\\* (ceremony: provided cold water, sunscreen, and parasols. Reception: provided flip flops + shawls)

They do \*not\* care about 90% of the small design details you’re spiraling over.

**4. Be intentional about photos.**

At the end of the day, photos/video are what remain. I had a beautifully decorated floral swing and a fountain with floating flowers that I was so proud of designing — and I wish we had taken some photos in front of them. If there’s something you love, explicitly tell your photographer.

**5. Something will go wrong. Decide now you won’t care.**

I almost lost my veil (videographer moved it for detail shots and didn’t tell me where). We were late arriving because everything takes longer than you think. My maid of honor forgot to hand me my bouquet after the ceremony so I walked out without it. The list goes on.

None of it mattered.

Wedding planning is magical and stressful and emotional and chaotic all at once. But at the end of the day, you’re marrying your person. That part is the easiest.

Hope this helps someone 🤍

P.S. The photo is from my actual wedding. If there’s interest, I’m happy to share a photo log + budget breakdown.

FYI from a 2024 bride: thing I wish I knew (part ✌🏻)