Wedding Planning Advice: 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Married

When I look back on my wedding day, I feel so much joy, love, and gratitude. But as anyone who’s planned a wedding knows, wedding planning advice often comes after you’ve already made a few tough decisions. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, expectations, and sometimes unexpected challenges. Now, with some time and perspective (and through the lens of my work at Rosemary’s Garden Florals), I want to share the lessons I learned the hard way, in hopes they’ll help you plan a celebration that feels meaningful, joyful, and truly you.

In case we haven’t met before, hello! I’m Rosemary, the CEO and floral designer behind Rosemary’s Garden Florals. When I’m not crafting real-touch floral arrangements for weddings and events, I’m reflecting on the sentimental details that make those celebrations unforgettable. Before I began this business, I was a bride! The days leading up to my wedding to my amazing husband were full of dreams, inspiration boards, and unfortunately, quite a bit of overwhelm. 

Now, don’t get me wrong: I still absolutely love the memories I have of my wedding day. But with a little more guidance and a little less pressure, I could have been more present and less overwhelmed. That’s why I’m sharing these lessons: so you can walk into your day feeling calm, confident, and joyful!

I Wish I’d Hired a Wedding Planner

I thought I could do it all, I had a vision, a checklist, and the drive to make it happen. But by the time the day arrived, I was exhausted. From finalizing the timeline to coordinating vendors, it was all on my shoulders and it took me away from being fully present. Now that I’ve been a wedding professional for years, I know that a good wedding planner isn’t just a luxury; they’re a lifeline. If I could do it again, I would absolutely invest in someone to help carry the weight so I could focus on the joy.

I Wish I’d Scheduled a Reception Walkthrough

We spent hours designing the most charming brunch buffet with beautiful charcuterie and adorable dessert bites. But because we didn’t plan for a walkthrough during cocktail hour and instead had my husband’s brother bring food out to us, I never got to see the full setup at all. I regret not taking five minutes to soak in that space we worked so hard to create.

I Wish I’d Chosen a Photographer That Matched My Vision

Our photographer was extremely professional and talented, but their style leaned heavily into a warm, moody look. I was envisioning something light, airy, and romantic to match our springtime setting, but didn’t understand that I needed to hire a photographer with a portfolio that matched that vision. I wish I had spent more time studying portfolios and having an honest conversation about visual style before booking. Wedding photos are forever, and it matters that they reflect the atmosphere you imagined.

I Wish I Hadn’t Chased Trends

While browsing Pinterest one day, I saw a photo of a cinnamon roll tower and decided that was the thing to do for our brunch wedding. While it was cute, it was a snap decision that I made based on a trend. I missed the experience of cake tastings, designing something that felt elegant, and having that sweet moment of cutting the cake together. Trends are fun, but they come and go. Choose the elements that feel timeless to you.

I Wish We’d Done a First Look

The morning of my wedding, I had an extremely ill-timed panic attack. Yes, I was a crying, trembling, hyperventilating mess just hours before our ceremony was set to begin: fun times! Thankfully I had calmed down and was feeling cool as a cucumber once it was time to walk down the aisle, but no one had told my poor soon-to-be husband. He spent the entire ceremony unnecessarily worrying about how I was feeling. A first look before the ceremony wouldn’t have just given us beautiful photos, it would have given us a moment to reconnect, reset, and reassure one another before everything began.

I Wish I Hadn’t DIYed So Much

Yes, DIY can be fun and meaningful (hey, DIYing my own wedding flowers eventually led to the creation of Rosemary’s Garden Florals!) but it can also be overwhelming. From handmade signage to customized favors, I gave myself way too many projects. The week of the wedding was a blur of to-do lists, packing bins, and last-minute assembly. If you love crafting, I recommend choosing one or two projects you genuinely enjoy, then let professionals handle the rest.

I Wish I Hadn’t Forgotten the Veil, Jewelry… and Rings!

Yes, the rings. I left them all at home! Thankfully we only lived half an hour away from the venue, so my sweet dad made multiple trips back and forth to retrieve everything, but my husband spent the morning feeling frazzled trying to coordinate the pickups. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Instead, make a detailed checklist and pack all wedding-day essentials beforehand, delegating the transport to someone calm and organized.

I Wish I Had Tried on Dresses in Person

While planning my wedding, I was certain I wanted a custom-made ballgown. But when it arrived, I realized I hadn’t given myself the chance to explore other silhouettes, textures, or even the experience of saying “yes” to a dress in a boutique. Of course everyone is unique, but that moment would have mattered to me. Even if you’re confident in your choice, I recommend giving yourself the opportunity to try different styles. You might be surprised at which one is your favorite!

Final Thoughts

Weddings are beautiful, emotional, once-in-a-lifetime events, but they can also be full of unexpected lessons. As someone who now works with brides every day through Rosemary’s Garden Florals, I often hear echoes of these same regrets. 

The takeaway? Give yourself grace, choose what feels authentic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your wedding should be a reflection of you and the love you’re celebrating, not just a checklist of trends or expectations.

And if you’re ever unsure about where to begin with your florals, you know who to call!

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