So, are you planning your wedding, honey? First off, congratulations, and secondly, it's super exciting, isn’t it? 

Chances are, you’re deeply buried in prepping for the wedding to-dos, from choosing floral arrangements to juggling guest lists to venue and vendor tours. 

Sounds familiar and even stressful?

Well, you don’t need to switch on that panic button! What if you could get advice from women who’ve already tied the knot and have walked this path before? 

That is why we have this blog covered with fantastic tips not available in any glossy bridal magazine. These are heartfelt, practical, and hilariously honest bits of wisdom that come from “I wish I had known” moments. 

From prepping for the big day to actually enjoying it, here’s what real brides want you to know!

Ready for some life-saving advice? Let’s begin! 

Wisdom from Brides Who’ve Been There!

No wonder, when it’s your wedding, you will get a ton of advice from your family and friends. But hearing the same from the brides who have walked down the aisle hits differently, right?  

They have lived and learned from it and are now passing down these insider secrets. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together some honest, tried-and-true advice from brides who know what it’s like.

1. Make a Wedding Planning Diary

It might sound like a small step, but it is a total lifesaver! Firstly, grab a pen and a diary and start making a checklist of “things to do before the wedding.” Believe it or not, old-school note-making on paper is way better than tapping on your iPad.

It is like having your entire wedding brain in one place. Note down everything, be it an idea, a vendor list, to-do things, a budget decided upon, money spent, guests, decided dates, or even what you’re feeling! 

Don’t Rush Your Wedding Dress Shopping; Take Time!

Your dress will be the ultimate highlight of the entire wedding, right? So, you don’t need to hurry as it deserves all the time and attention in the world. 

Don’t be pressured to decide immediately or fall for the first dress you try on. Instead of rushing, take your time, try different styles, cuts, and fabrics, and find a wedding dress that feels like it was made for you! 

Because “what you think you want” and “what you fall in love with” might be two very different things. 

“I went on looking for something fitted and ended up with a big, fancy ballgown. Don’t be afraid to try it all on”- Sarah, married 2022. 

2. Preserve Your Gown (Yes, really)

Think you’ll wear your wedding dress just once? How about donning the same on your vow renewal ceremony? Or, what if your daughter demands to wear it on her D-Day? After all, this trend has recently gained popularity, no?  

Your wedding gown is a treasure, isn’t it? But it can also become a time-sensitive treasure when it doesn’t receive the care and pampering it deserves. 

One of the most common regrets shared by brides was not opting to preserve their bridal beauty. If not cleaned and preserved professionally, your wedding gown might lose its charisma–think yellowing, fading, or even picking up mold or unpleasant smell.  

So, if you want your gown to be in the same condition as when you first saw it, trust our experts at Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation. Recognized for being the best dry cleaners for wedding dresses, we take pride in handling your dress with utmost precision, using gentle techniques that safeguard the structure, fabric, and detailing. 

The best part? Our wedding dress cleaning and preservation kits are pretty affordable! So, you not only save yourself from unwanted stress but also a few bucks!   

3. Don’t Try to Do it All (Delegate, Please)

You are undoubtedly a superwoman, but sometimes, superwomen also need a bit of help. You might feel like taking control of every task, but believe it or not, managing everything on your own can prove chaotic and exhausting. 

So, find people whom you can trust and let them help. You’ll have less stress and more fun! 

“At first, I tried to handle everything, and I was so stressed. Letting go and sharing tasks literally saved my sanity.” Emma, married 2023

4. Are Wedding Favors Necessary?

If you want to skip favors, do it, and don’t feel any guilt at all! Many couples choose to skip wedding favors or offer something small and meaningful. Your guests came to celebrate and witness the most precious day of your life and not to collect some goodies! 

5. A Hair and Makeup Trial is a Must

Booking a hair and makeup trial is one of those “must-do” items that could save you from some serious wedding day stress. Imagine getting all glammed up with a look that didn’t make you glow on such an epic day! How would you feel? Totally terrible, right?

So, the only way to know what works best for you is to experiment with different looks with your stylist! 

"I didn’t do a trial, and I ended up hating my hair on the day of the wedding. If I could go back, I’d definitely make time for a trial." Mia, married 2019

6. Don’t Choose Perfection Over Comfort

Remember, comfort is the key! Don’t sacrifice it just for the sake of looking perfect. 

What would you choose if given a choice between the trendiest high-heel stiletto and classic and comfy wedges? Most of the brides rooted for wedges as they knew the struggle of being on their feet for hours! Thus, picking something practical becomes mandatory.

The same goes for your outfit. Choose something that makes you feel amazing, even if it means opting for comfort over trend. Your dress should allow you to move, groove, and be the star, not just please the crowd!

7. Assign Someone to Handle Your Phone

One of the best pieces of advice we received from the brides is to hand over your phone to a trusted family member or friend. On the wedding day, you don’t want to reply to a million texts or answer dozens of calls regarding logistics, conveyance, accommodations, or anything else. 

So, let someone take care of your phone, and you just immerse yourself in the celebrations!

"I was so glad I gave my phone to my maid of honor. I didn’t have to worry about anything except enjoying my day!" – Rebecca, married 2022

8. You Don’t Want to Miss the Golden Hour

If you’re planning on having wedding photos outdoors, make sure you capture some photos before sunset, when the lighting is soft and magical.  Photographers often call this “golden hour” for a reason! These shots will give you those timeless, magical images you’ll treasure forever.

“Our golden hour photos were breathtaking; I’m so glad we took the time to plan it." – Ashley, married 2021

9. Schedule Dress Fittings Around Your “Final” Size

Bodies change, and that’s perfectly fine; maybe you have been trying to shed a few kilos before your wedding day! Due to this, the size of your wedding dress may fluctuate in the months leading up to the big day. 

Just make sure to schedule your final fitting close to the wedding day so the dress fits exactly as it should. Dealing with last-minute alternations can be a real mess! 

10. Prioritize Yourself Above All

Planning a wedding can get overwhelming really fast, so remember to take care of yourself first! Schedule some “me-time” to unwind, either by treating yourself to a full-body massage, a hair spa, a Zumba session, brunching with your girl gang, window shopping, or even binge-watching a series on Netflix. 

You’ll want to feel your best without any stress, right? So, prioritize your own well-being before anything else because you are the bride-to-be, gorgeous!

11. Consider Marriage Counseling as a Positive Investment

Marriage counseling is not just for troubled couples—it’s a great way to start your married life on the right foot. Discussing your goals, expectations, and challenges with a professional before the wedding can help strengthen your relationship and set a solid foundation for the future.

Think of it as a gift to your relationship; it can make the transition to married life even smoother.

12. Leave Overthinking and Stress Out!

Everyone loves the idea of a perfect wedding, right? But some things might not go as planned, and that’s completely okay. Overthinking every detail- be it the font of the invitation, conveyance, accommodations, or decor can drain the joy of the most incredible day of your life.

So, try to focus on the bigger picture and leave the little stressors behind. Enjoy the day for what it is.

"I spent weeks obsessing over every single detail, and on the wedding day, none of it even mattered. My favorite memories weren’t about the decor—they were the smiles, the hugs, and the love we felt." – Emily, married 2024

Wrapping Up Your Wedding Wisdom

There you have it– 13 pieces of advice straight from the brides who have been there, done that, and rocked the white dress beautifully! And now they have shared what they wish they’d known when they were in your shoes. 

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not about the prettiest decor, a beautiful cake, or amazing photographs—it’s about the love you’re celebrating.

So, let go of the stress and focus on what truly matters! It’s time to slay your D-Day!

FAQs

Brides often stress about managing timelines, ensuring everything goes smoothly, and trying to please everyone. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—cherishing the moments is! Delegating tasks and focusing on what matters can help ease the stress.

It depends! If the dress is stored for a while or has visible marks, let our experts at Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation handle it. We take pride in our cleaning techniques, which never affect the fabric or embellishments, ensuring your gown looks flawlessly spotless.

The most important thing is to focus on enjoying the day with your partner and loved ones. Let go of minor hiccups—they’re part of the charm—and soak in the love, laughter, and joy surrounding you.

What truly matters is the celebration of love and commitment between you and your partner. The details, while beautiful, are secondary to the memories you’ll create with your loved ones on this special day.