They've been there and won't do that. Learn from their tips!
Photo: Adam and Becca Photo & Video
1. Focus on trends. "As a planner, I would practice exactly what I preach to my clients — do not fall prey to trends! Create a wedding day that authentically reflects you and your betrothed (and your family and friends!) through every detail. You're guaranteed to create a day that looks and feels timeless if you use this as your foundation." —Mandy Connor, Owner, Hummingbird Events & Design
2. Ask guests to bring food. "I would never ask my guests to cook or bring a dish to my wedding. In my eyes, the wedding day and celebration is an opportunity to thank those who have supported your relationship with your SO thus far — not an invite for them to work. In the same vein, you're hosting your guests fully. We'd never ask someone to bring their own or purchase their own beverage when we invite them over for dinner, why would your wedding be any different?" —Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Katie Slater via Infinite Events
3. Skip hiring a professional planner. "As someone who has had a wedding — and who plans weddings for a living — I would never have a wedding without a professional planner. I may be biased, however, I believe that given the wide array of details, logistics, production, and potential challenges that are presented during wedding events require a dedicated person to coordinate and manage the day. Weddings — large or small — are often a significant investment, and no one wants to see their investment contribute to anything less than perfection. While you could certainly opt to oversee these tasks yourself, you'll actually be able to enjoy yourself and revel in the memory-making by hiring a professional to handle it for you. Plan ahead, budget for a planner, and know that you're in excellent hands for a dreamy wedding day!" —Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning
Photo: Morgan Wynne Photography via Eventlightenment Planning
4. Have a huge guest list. "For my own big day, I would consider staying away from a large guest list. I love the feel of an intimate day, surrounded by my nearest and dearest who are a part of a well-curated guest list. The idea of making each guest feel like an absolute VIP is more appealing to me than hosting an enormous bash or feeling like I didn't get to spend enough time with everyone." —Connor
5. Have a bouquet and/or garter toss. "The last thing single people want is to be called out at a wedding. Now that couples are getting married later in life than in years prior, their single friends are also older. Many of them choose to be single or are in a committed relationship with no plan to seal the deal with a wedding. It is a dated tradition that makes more people feel uncomfortable than special. With the priority of most couples today wanting to make their guests feel loved and considered, a bouquet/garter toss goes against that." —Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss + Co-Founder Rock Paper Coin
Photo: Catherine Marie Taylor via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin
6. Micromanage everything. "While attention to detail is essential, wedding pros understand the importance of delegating tasks to trusted vendors. Avoid the stress of controlling every aspect by placing trust in your team." —Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
7. Only focus on you and your partner. "I would stay away from making the day feel like it was just a celebration of my significant other and myself. A truly remarkable wedding day should be a celebration not just of the wedding couple but of everyone who has been a joyful part of their lives. I would focus on celebrating and honoring our friends and family over celebrating only ourselves." —Connor
Photo: Rebecca Yale via Emily Coyne Events
8. Neglect personal moments. "Wedding pros know the importance of personal moments amid the hustle and bustle. Take time to enjoy private moments with your spouse throughout the day. As you prepare for your wedding day, remember the valuable lessons from wedding professionals. By following their advice, you can navigate the planning process with confidence and create lasting memories of a beautiful celebration." —Shevchenko
Photo: Shannon Grant Photography via Hummingbird Events & Design
9. Use place cards at the dinner tables. "It's much simpler to place guest names on the dinner menus, and it keeps your tablescape looking clean, polished, and refined." —Emily Coyne, Emily Coyne Events
Photo: Sheff Production Photography & Videography
10. Delay the planning process. "Don't wait until the last minute to plan. Professionals start early, creating timelines and checklists to keep everything on track. Give yourself ample time to organize every detail." —Shevchenko
