10 Things No One Tells You About Planning a Wedding
- thalliiak
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
You’ve pinned the inspiration, chosen a date, and perhaps even found the dress—but no one really tells you what’s actually ahead. Planning a wedding is a magical journey, but it also comes with a few unexpected surprises (and lessons) along the way. Whether you're getting married barefoot on a beach or dancing the night away under chandeliers, here’s the wedding planning advice couples wish they’d known sooner.
1. You'll Second-Guess Almost Everything
From your choice of venue to the style of your napkins, expect to have a few spirals of doubt. It’s completely normal. Breathe, trust your gut, and remember why you loved those choices in the first place.
2. Pinterest Is a Blessing and a Curse
It’s a great starting point, but don’t get trapped in a comparison vortex. Not every aesthetic works in every location, and many of those dreamy images are styled shoots—not real weddings.
3. Everyone Has Opinions (Even When You Don’t Ask)
Once your engagement is public, unsolicited advice comes flooding in—from family, friends, and sometimes even strangers. Smile, nod, and politely remember: this is your wedding, not theirs.
4. The Guest List Is Surprisingly Political
You’ll quickly realise how much the guest list affects everything—budget, venue, even your seating chart drama. Be ruthless. Prioritise people who truly matter to you as a couple.
5. Your Budget Will Stretch (and Then Stretch Again)
Even with spreadsheets and strict goals, hidden costs appear like magic. Leave room for flexibility—and always include a 10% contingency for those “oops, we forgot about that” moments.
6. It's Totally Fine to Ditch Traditions
Don’t want a first dance? Ditch it. Not feeling a wedding cake? Have gelato. The most unforgettable weddings are the ones that reflect the couple authentically—not the rulebook.
7. You Might Not Enjoy the Planning Process (And That’s Okay)
Not everyone dreams of coordinating seating plans and floral palettes. If you’re overwhelmed, bring in a planner or delegate to someone who thrives on details.
8. You'll Feel Closer to Your Partner—and Also Maybe Argue Over Chair Covers
Wedding planning brings up everything—financial habits, family expectations, stress responses. It’s a crash course in teamwork, compromise, and occasionally Googling how much one can really care about linen shades.
9. The Week Before Is a Blur
No matter how organised you are, the days leading up to the wedding fly by in a surreal mix of excitement and last-minute to-dos. Schedule downtime for yourselves—you’ll thank us later.
10. It Will Be Perfect, But Not Because Everything Went to Plan
Something will go sideways. A flower might wilt. A guest might be late. But here’s the truth: you won’t care. Because you'll be too busy having the best day of your lives with the person you love.
Planning a wedding is wild, wonderful, and sometimes downright weird—but it’s all part of the story you’ll remember forever. So take the advice, hold it lightly, and know that whatever happens, your day will be yours—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
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