8 Things We Wish Our Brides Knew: From Professionals Who’ve Seen It All
Written by: Gracie Gillis
Planning a wedding is a wild ride—exciting, emotional, and at times overwhelming. We’ve walked beside hundreds of brides through bridal trials, tears, wedding day jitters, and morning off dance parties. And if we could sit down with every future bride for one honest, mimosa-fueled chat, here’s what we’d say:
1. You Don’t Have to Please Everyone (and You Won’t)
Your wedding is you and your partner’s day. Of course, you’ll want to take into consideration opinions from parents and friends, but trying to make everyone happy is a losing game and, brides, you’re the one losing in that scenario. Making choices that align with your vision and your partner’s input will make the planning process so much easier and eliminate at least some of the stressors.
2. Get Everything in Writing
This is a must! Vendors aren’t trying to mislead you, but they do have selective memory. Take note of everything that was promised during your first meeting - this can mysteriously change later on. After every call or meeting, send a follow-up email with bullet points: pricing, hours, services included, expectations, and ask them to confirm in writing. This may seem like overkill now, but it will save you headaches - and possibly money - later.
3. Your Comfort Matters Even More Than You Think
From shoes and shapewear to the dress, accessories, and glam - comfort is key for you to survive that 12 hour day. You’ll be posing, sweating, standing, walking, dancing, and hugging for hours. You MUST prioritize how you feel in your outfit, not just how it looks, so that you can enjoy your special day to the fullest.
4. Hot Take: Pinterest Is a Lie
Not actually, but… That 400-person wedding on a cliffside in Italy with Ellie Goulding on violin and A-list celebs at the reception? That’s a styled shoot with a six-figure budget and a full production team. Don’t fall into the trap of measuring your day against the inspo pics pinned to your board. Your wedding is about your marriage, not $50,000 in florals based on Demi Lovato’s wedding.
5. Your Bridesmaids Are Begging You To Skip the Useless Gifts
Everyone loves a thoughtful gesture, but no one needs (wants) another “Bride Squad” tumbler or tank top, candle, or heart shaped glasses that will never be worn again. Matching bachelorette shirts? Cute in theory, but consider going with something more timeless and practical like color-coordinated outfits or even hats. Stick with sentimental or useful gifts: pay for their hair and makeup on wedding day, gift them earrings for the ceremony, a framed favorite picture with a heartfelt note, or a goodie bag of their favorite things. Think classic over clutter.
6. Always Book a Hair & Makeup Trial (Trust Us)
Yes, it’s an extra cost, but it’s potentially one of the most important add-ons to consider. You need to see how your hair and makeup actually hold up through real life: tears, hugs, sweat, dancing, and 12+ hours of celebrating. It’s also your chance to vibe-check the artist. Are they rushing you, ignoring your feedback, or stressing you out during the trial? It will only be worse on your wedding day. Test the look and the energy before you make your choice.
7. Pinterest Inspiration Is Just Inspiration
Speaking of hair and makeup. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to your Pinterest inspo pics is that hair and makeup results vary based on skin tone, skin type, face shape, whether or not you’re using extensions or false lashes, etc. Filters, lighting, and editing also play a huge role in what you see online. Bring your inspo photos, but remember to accept your artist’s suggestions on how to adapt the look to highlight your features. Our goal isn’t to copy and paste someone else’s glam on you - it’s to create a look that makes you feel gorgeous, beautiful, and confident while highlighting your best features and making sure you still feel like yourself.
8. Build Buffer Time Into Everything
Running late on your wedding day isn’t glamorous, it’s stressful. Hair and makeup almost always takes longer than planned depending on the complexity of the girls' looks, schedule changes, tweaks, etc. Not to mention transportation can get caught in traffic, getting into your dress can be more complicated than expected, photographers might have to find the perfect locations and pivot. Give yourself a little breathing room by adding 10-15 minutes to every major part of the day. What’s the worst that can happen? You’re ahead of schedule and get a moment to breathe, touch up, or just soak it all in. Calm > Stress on your wedding day is priceless.
We know you’ve been dreaming of your wedding day, but it’s just the beginning. When the music fades and your guests are in the rearview mirror, it’s the life you build together that really counts. Don’t lose sight of that in the chaos of planning your “perfect” day.
Photos from @pattyrodriguezphoto